Union City, NJ Acting Lessons

ts will learn Basic Components of Singing:
Pitch, Rhythm, Breath Control and Diction

Students will learn vital techniques to create a connected voice blending head, chest, and diaphragm. Students will learn warm-up exercises that strengthen vocal cords and loosen the muscles needed to produce a professional sound and the importance of singing exercises to achieve this objective.

Students will learn how to avoid the most common singing mistakes that prevent singers from producing a clean and professional vocal tone.
For the purpose of voice projection, students will learn to use the diaphragm, the muscles beneath the ribcage;
how to use emotions, enunciation, and clarity.
Students will learn to sing a favorite song with the focus on elements of singing.
Each lesson to begin with a brief review of previous.
*** Studio Equipment ***
CD Burner/SURE Microphone/Charts in various keys/Speaker System/Pitch Pipe/Recorder/keyboard/Metronome/Video Camera

rformers blending classical singing health with storytelling and style to fully master any genre of music.

*
If you are a singer, it would be helpful to have a piano or keyboard at your location.

*** Specialties ***
Broadway style acting and singing.

Festival as well as toured to the International Theater Festival in Porsgrunn, Norway and recently in Sydney, Australia at The Horse’s Mouth solo theater festival in 2013. Monica earned her BFA in Drama from the Experimental Theatre Wing and MA in Educational Theatre at NYU and has taught in Thailand, Greece, India, Australia, trained in Amsterdam, at the Grotowski Center in Poland and finished her Masters at Trinity College in Dublin. Monica  H. teaches Physical Storytelling and performs in NY and across the world with her own shows. She has performed with LesFreresCorbusier, International WOW, Scott Lyons and Co. and The Living Theatre. Monica is also a dedicated activist working with Time’s-Up!, Occupy The Pipeline, Rev. Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping, Occupy Wall Street and bicycle dance troupe- NYBikeDance. Monica’s creative direct action techniques within the OWS movement have been featured in the documentary film, “Everyday Rebellion” by the Riahi Brothers. Take a class with her! Lessons are very physical explorations where actors have the chance to break out of old habits and try new things, to work in a free and safe environment.

*** Lesson Details ***
Get in your body! Free yourself up to become a more flexible, aware and impulsive actor.

The class will utilize various physical theater techniques including Viewpoints, Grotowski’s plastiques and corporals, improvisation, clowning, Linklater vocal techniques, dance and my own brand of developing solo material to explore the world of the participants' stories, monologues and other materials. We will approach each piece physically, finding the specifics, emotion, story, characters and action within our bodies and rely on the genius of impulse to set free new discoveries. Participants will examine how playing with physical forms, experimenting with time and space and exhausting your usual acting safety’s can reveal the truth and inner life of the story that celebrate your individuality and unique choices. How you tell this story/ monologue is different than how anyone else can tell it. We will create a safe environment in which to take risks and break out of old patterns, clichés and stereotypes.

Testimonials from Students:
"Monica is a wonderful teacher. She creates an open and trusting environment. In the one day workshop I attended, I thought the day was structured very well with a perfect balance of exercises that were achievable and challenging and an afternoon of opportunities to expore the craft of storytelling."
- Claudia Barrie
(participant in Horse's Mouth Theater Festival Workshop in Sydney, Australia)

"I saw and experienced first hand that the body & imagery work that Monica does so well truly does work and is very effective. She created a safe environment where I was able to physically manifest all of my wildest dreams. No matter how badly my day is going, her class lifts me up. Monica has fire, passion, an extraordinary sense of play, a wonderful sense of humor, and beautiful insight to teach and inspire all of us."
-Ben Curtis

"I had a really amazing time. It was important for me as an out of work actor to remind myself how important it is to always keep moving. Keeping yourself fit is very important in our line of work but also keeping up physical exploration. I benefited mostly from realizing how much information and material is stored in our physical body and how it can lay dormant unless your discipline yourself to let it out to play. play with yourself more often and art will flow. Thank You Monica."
- Jessika D. Williams

"Monica's Physical Storytelling workshop is a blast! She'll make you sweat and feel and explore and ponder. If you give yourself to the work, you'll discover varieties of personal subjectivity, that will astonish and help create compelling theater."
-Peter Haywood

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yoga mat
Hard wood floors
CD and computer for playing music

*** Travel Equipment ***
It would be helpful if you could provide a mat or towel, a clear open space to work in a focused environment and something to write with.

*** Specialties ***
.Physical theater methods- Grotowski, Viewpoints, Linklater, clowning, mask work, yoga, dance, physical approach to vocal work, building characters

. Working on developing new material

. Getting the body in shape to be a more adaptive and flexible performer

. I have many years experience teaching teenagers and middle school age kids too as a teaching artist in New York City

Fiorello LaGuardia High School. I've served as a member of the Theater faculty for Harlem School of the Arts, Henry Street Settlement, and The Kentucky Center for the Arts. And I am currently a Guest Artist for Manhattan Theater Club's Education Dept.

I coach because I care about the work. Dedication to my students comes from a deep love for what I do, and the possibility that I can help inspire them through the work as well. 

*** Studio Equipment ***
Bring a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and bottled water.

*** Specialties ***
Shakespeare Training
IPA Knowlege and Instruction
Movement Training (Suzuki, ViewPoints)
Improv Training
Alexander Training

onal tours, released albums, are in bands, have been accepted into performing arts schools (high schools and colleges), have been cast in regional/Off-Off-Broadway/Off-Broadway Theatre, movies (Noah, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Finally Famous), music videos, and on TV (Royal Pains, Smash, 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Law and Order: SVU, & NBC's The Voice competition).

Owner/Teacher: Rachel M.
SAG-AFTRA, VASTA, NATS (certified), NARAS, NAMTA, BMI, MAC, NJMEA, NAfME. NJ Theatre Alliance, & Certified Artist Developer with Conquer Entertainment,
16+ years of teaching to children - teens - adults (Ages 6+ group classes, 8+ private lessons)

RACHEL M.'S BIO:

Rachel is a member of SAG-AFTRA, The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS certified), VASTA (Voice And Speech Trainers Association), NARAS (The Grammy Awards), NAMTA, NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educators Association), NAfME (National Association of Music Education), NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association,) MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs), The NJ Theatre Alliance, NSA (Nashville Songwriting Association International), and BMI (Broadcast Music Inc). She has been teaching Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer and Stella Adler-Stanislavsky-Chekhov-Meisner acting technique for all mediums for 16+ years to children, teens, and adults.

Rachel has trained at The Hages Music Studio under a master teacher for 22+ years in the Bel Canto singing technique for all genres, studied at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC as well as recorded and released her first album called "Just Meant To Be". Other credits include commercials, films, TV shows (One Tree Hill, AMC, Food Network), music videos (including Rachel's singles "Don't Even Try", "You Will Love On"), & numerous stage credits (Off-Broadway/NYC Theatre). Rachel most recently was seen in the reading of a new play "Vanishing Son" by Peter Gil-Sheridan performed in NYC. She is also a songwriter (16+ years), scriptwriter (10+ years), director (14+ years), and an international recording artist (10+ years).

Rachel has been performing for 20+ years, has performed in front of sold out crowds, and has been honored with many standing ovations. Other honors include magazine covers, featured articles, singing to thousands of people, studio recordings/albums, originated the role of "Antigone" in "Oedipus: The Musical", 2002 Helen Hayes Nomination for" Outstanding Vocal Performance in a Musical" ("Miss Adelaide" in "Guys And Dolls"), & 2008 finalist for NYC Singing Idol Competition. Rachel has also been fortunate to have worked & performed with many people in the business including Grammy-Tony-Emmy Award Winners/Nominees.

LESSON DETAILS

Whether you are a parent looking for instruction for your child, or for yourself, Rachel can customize the right program that best suits your needs. Her students come from all walks of life and have different goals, but they all have one thing in common. They love performing and have the desire to be the best at their chosen craft (singing/acting).

Some students want to sing/act for themselves, others want to sing/act for a hobby, and others want to be professional performers. That's where Rachel comes in. No matter what your goals are, she can help. Rachel teaches her students how to become true artists without tearing them down and without taking away the part of them that makes them unique. She teaches healthy technique that is based off of the human anatomy; the science of how the body/mind works and how the body/mind can work as efficiently as possible while singing or acting.

Learning how to sing/act is a process and doesn't happen overnight. Rachel's ultimate goal as a teacher is to not only make her students the best performers and singers they can be, but also give them all of the proper tools they need to have a more productive mind frame and become self-sufficient. Of course this can take years to master. It takes time and dedication.

OTHER LESSON INFORMATION

SINGING: Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer is taught in private and group classes. No one sounds like old opera singers, even if the student wants to sing opera. Students are allowed to choose most of the material they learn in the lesson. There will be times when Rachel will suggest a song to a student but if the student doesn't enjoy the song, they will work as a team to find a song that does work for the student. Gain a better tone quality, complete control of your voice, bigger range, more flexibility, and confidence. Learn healthy voice technique, how to fully take care of your own voice so you can sing for the rest of your life (even after lessons), and become a self sufficient performer for life.

ACTING: Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, and Meisner Acting Technique for Theatre/Camera is taught in private and group classes. All students are exposed to each technique and Rachel sees which technique each student responds to the most. Once the student and Rachel are able to identify the technique, Rachel continues to use the terminology of that technique for the remainder of the time the student is in lessons. Students eventually are able to play roles truthfully and realistically, even if the roles are opposite of the student's own personality.

BY THE TIME STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM LESSONS:

1. Gain a lifelong, solid, consistent, and healthy technique that they can always count on in practice and performance.

2. Gain specific technical and personal notes in a notebook and/or computer file that is organized and always accessible for review.

3. Gain artistry, performance skills, and a strong voice that will look/sound authentic; Singers will sound appropriate to whatever style of music they are singing. (No fake sound or look.) Actors will just be in the moment and truthful whether they are on stage or in front of the camera.

4. Gain the confidence to always put on a great performance.

5. Gain focus and a more productive mind frame.

6. Become self-sufficient by knowing how to assess a problem and then fix it without creating a new issue.

*** Studio Equipment ***
PRIVATE HOME STUDIO: Keyboard, speakers (smartphone, iPod, iPad), CD player, tape recorder/player, digital recorder, music stand, mirror, laptop, sheet music selections, HD video camera, tripod, video editing software, audio editing software, USB microphone, and high speed WiFi internet. Full PA, two mixers (one mixer with 8 inputs and the other with 4), 8 Lavaliere microphones ("body mics"), multiple hand held microphones, laptop stand, and music stands.

**ASK ABOUT ON LOCATION TRAINING (ON SET, THEATER, PERFORMANCE EVENT, OR RECORDING STUDIO)!

**ONLINE LESSONS ALSO AVAILABLE!

*** Specialties ***
We specialize in Bel Canto voice technique for the modern singer. Each student can sing all genres without sounding too classical, "fake", and without losing their voice while singing for long periods of time.

Other Specialties: Teaching acting technique for theatre-TV-Film (Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, & Meisner), performance skills, songwriting, and creating self-sufficient singers-actors-performers (Artist Development).

STUDIO POLICIES-

CANCELLATION: 48 hour lesson cancellation policy and emergencies (determined by me) are handled on a case by case basis. If the student needs to miss a lesson due to an other activity or vacation, they or their parents/guardian if under 18, must contact Rachel Menconi at least a week from their next scheduled lesson in advance to prevent from forfeiting the lesson.

MAKE UPS: Make up lessons will be scheduled when time allows. No make up lesson or class will be given to ‘no shows’ or late cancellation, and no extra time will be given to students who are late to their lesson or class. If there is ever a time Rachel Menconi is running late, extra time will be given to make the lesson a full 60 minutes. If Rachel Menconi needs to reschedule, a make up lesson will be scheduled as close to the same week as possible. Make up lessons are scheduled at Rachel Menconi’s discretion.

ONLINE LESSONS FOR IN-PERSON LESSON CLIENTS: In the event that the student is sick but still would like their lesson, an online lesson can be scheduled instead. Students can NOT come to their in person lesson sick, coughing, sneezing, with a runny nose, cold, flu, “allergies”, fever, etc. (This is to make sure no germs will be spread).

An online lesson can also be scheduled if there is bad weather, if a student is having car trouble, or any other reason for the student not being able to physically get to Rachel during their normallly scheduled lesson time. Online lessons are conducted through FaceTime, Google, Hangouts, or Skype.

SCHEDULE:
Lessons are weekly, on the same time/day of the week unless we have rescheduled or we have discussed in writing another lesson plan. If the student’s lesson falls on a holiday, we will either reschedule or if no other day is available, resume the following week.

LATENESS:
If a student is going to be late they need to contact Rachel Menconi as soon as possible, to let her know they will be late. Lessons will end on time unless she is able to extend the lesson due to a late student or her schedule allows for it though please understand, Rachel Menconi would be extending a courtesy and would not be obligated to do so. If on the rare occasion Rachel Menconi is running late, she will always make up the time.

SITTING IN:
Parents/Guardians are ONLY permitted to stay for the first lesson and are NOT permitted to sit in for any other lesson/class unless invited. This is to promote good/strong teacher-student relationship quickly and easily. Also, many times students feel more comfortable when their parents/guardians leave.
Of course there will be times when the parent will be invited back in at the end of some of the lesson to showcase progress.

"I try to be as fair as possible to both parties when it comes to cancellations, rescheduling, lateness, and make ups. Have a concern or question? Just talk with me. I'm all about communication!" - Rachel Menconi

ng actor/musician musical, Once! My range of experience helps me cater lessons to you and your specific needs.

While most of my life has been spent performing, I discovered a love for teaching after college. I have been teaching music and theater for 5 years, and two years ago I began teaching ESL to elementary students in Turkey. I fell in love with teaching English, and feel my training in theater and music helps me use different, exciting teaching techniques in our lessons. I am conversational in both Turkish and Spanish as well!

No matter if we're working on music, acting, or English, I'm incredibly committed to my students and want each lesson to be fun and motivational. I'm a patient, supportive teacher, and know that each student is unique and moves at his/her own pace! Please reach out to me, and I will be happy to answer your questions!