Ridgewood, NY Improv Acting Lessons

I have been taught & inspired by many gifted teachers/performers over the years, and I always hope that I can pass along what I have learned to other students. I received my MFA in Acting from the Actors Studio/New School (NYC), and I received my BA in Theatre & Vocal Performance from McKendree University. I also have training from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and the Old Vic Theatre in London.

Because I have been taught a variety of techniques and styles, my teaching style combines all of those techniques. There are many ways to approach the art of performing, whether it be acting, singing, etc. And it is most effective for me as a teacher to provide you with as many techniques as I can.

I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

*** Lesson Details ***
First and foremost, I believe in working with you to create a relaxed environment where you can learn and grow as a student and performer. Performing (acting, singing, etc.) is about taking risks and looking inside yourself to create something bigger than yourself. Because of that, I always begin each lesson with some sort of relaxation or technique to get you focused.

I ask a lot of questions during lessons---some of the questions may not have one definitive answer. But I ask you these questions to get you to consider various things, think, ponder, explore, and hopefully, DISCOVER.

Because all students learn in different ways, and we all have our strengths as learners and performers, my lessons are different for each individual student.

But you can always count on:
-Learning a variety of techniques to help you with your craft.
-Beginning with relaxation and other exercises to get you released, focused, etc.
-Each lesson being a building block: We build upon what we learned in the previous lesson.
-Combining technical exercises (which I promise are always FUN!) with practical performance pieces (songs, monologues, etc.)

Our goal together will be to unlock YOUR OWN, PERSONAL TALENTS. And then, we will work to fine-tune those talents.

It is my hope that you will continue your desire to perform and share your talents with others. Also, I hope that you will develop a desire for life-long learning and that you'll eventually want to pass along your knowledge and training to others.

*** Studio Equipment ***
n/a

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide some materials (in terms of handouts, music, scripts, etc.). I expect you to provide additional music, which will be discussed. Also, if I travel to you and our lesson requires a piano, I would expect you to provide that. Thank you!

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Musical Theatre/Acting. I am a firm believer in Method Acting Techniques, including sense memory---the result of these techniques is to bring more of the performer's persona into the performance itself. Therefore, I use exercises to enhance these techniques. I believe that the final performance should be creative and expressive, yet realistic.

C), Witchhazel (NYC), For I am Nothing If Not Critical (Washington, D.C.), Our Struggle to be Illustrious (Washington, D.C.) Paginas Latinas (Orlando, FL) Orlando the Television Show... on stage! (Orlando, FL)

Most recent directing credits include The Prop Master (NYC), Assassins (Fair Lawn, NJ), Witchhazel (NYC), Dinner With Friends (Arlington, VA), Godspell (NYC), FEARS (NYC), Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them (Annapolis, MD), The Rocky Horror Show (Alexandria VA), Superior Donuts (Annapolis, MD), The Producers (Gaithersburg, MD), Pippin (Baltimore, MD), Little Shop of Horrors, Seussical The Musical, Inherit the Wind, Comedy of Errors, Orlando the Television Show… On Stage, and The Land of Counterpane. (For a more detailed list, please visit the productions page.)

Throughout his career, Kris has dedicated himself to directing shows with a natural and realistic approach, making productions accessible to new and seasoned audiences. In the rehearsal process he allow actors to search for the reality in their characters and relationships, always staying within the shows overall vision. Kris truly loves working with actors and designers, and believes in leading a collaborative effort.

Kristofer has taken great pride in sharing his passion and knowledge through workshops, classes, and private coaching. In 2000 he headed workshops and directed theatre for younger audiences with MicheLee Puppets in Orlando, FL. Since then he has served as the Theatre Director for Camp Echo Lake in NY (2004-2008) and is currently the Performing Arts Director at Maine Arts Camp (Since 2011).

fidence to achieve their goals. I empathize deeply with the challenges students may face when pursuing a life in the creative and performing arts, having worked professionally in those arena's for most of my adult life. I believe, it is the teachers job to respect each students individual process of learning.
My students have gone on to become recording artists, Broadway performers, movie actors, blues and cabaret artists and published writers.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice
I am an empathetic teacher, sensitive to the students individual process of learning. My singing lessons usually start with breathing and relaxation exercises. Vocal exercise come next, then when the student is fully warmed up, we will begin to work on songs. It is important that the student be part of the process of picking material since the more they personally respond to the material the more apt they are to be engaged in their lessons and the more quickly they will learn. After three to six months they will understand the fundamentals of breathing and relaxation and its importance to proper vocal training. They will have begun the process of extending their range and will understand the principles of performance in song.
Acting
As an acting teacher and coach, I tailor my classes to the needs of each student. I utilize improvisatory and sensory techniques to help unleash spontaneity. I also encourage the students to use their personal experiences as a way to access a full range of emotions. I enjoy working with the student on script analysis, so as to discover the underlying motivations of the character the student is working on.
Creative and Lyric Writing
I use prompts as a way to get the student writing. Often, I will ask the student to write for stretches of time without editing themselves. It is important to unleash imagination before beginning the process of editing. Many times it is the unexpected that is the must compelling.

*** Studio Equipment ***
home- 10 minutes away from Manhattan with piano, seating for parents
-practice studio seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a piano, cd/mp3 player and an large library of songbooks to work from. The student should bring sheet music of songs they want to work on and a recording device.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching how to sing rock, pop, musical theater, jazz, and blues without hurting the voice as well as method acting instruction.

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,
15+ 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 15+ 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:
24 hour lesson cancellation

MISSED LESSONS/MAKE UPS:
If the student needs to miss a lesson for sickness, they or their parent/ guardian, if the student is under 18, must let Rachel know at least 24 hours before their missed lesson. If they need to miss due to an other activity or vacation, they must contact Rachel at least a week from their next scheduled lesson in advance to prevent from forfeiting the lesson. All make ups will be scheduled within 4 weeks from the missed lesson. If rescheduled lesson or make up lesson is missed, no new make up will be given unless Rachel is not able to teach for some rare reason.

LATENESS:
If a student is going to be late they need to contact Rachel 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 would be extending a courtesy and would not be obligated to do so. If on the rare occasion Rachel 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.

"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

Grammys.........

I play and teach all styles; Classical, rock, Broadway, jazz,pop, etc.....

I have performed at the world class, A-list level in all the above mentioned styles as well.

I believe it is critical to be humble, down to earth and easy to work with, no matter how accomplished, student, teacher, or parent. :)..................

sation as well as other classes. My students, both at the Institute and from private coaching, have appeared in independent stage and film productions, TV shows, commercials and Hollywood films.

Acting is the art of bringing a character to life. I use the Lee Strasberg Method, my original exercises and a fun and serious demeanor to help actors express themselves as artists and gain the confidence and skills they need in order to book acting jobs.

My book, "The Young Actor's Handbook", is published by Applause Theatre and Cinema Books. "The Young Actor's Handbook" ignites the beginning actor's creative soul with acting exercises, acting theory, writing exercises and insight into what it means to be an actor. This is a pragmatic manual that guides and informs the young actor, beginning actor, novice acting teacher or anyone who wants to understand acting.

"Jeremy Kruse's book, "The Young Actor’s Handbook", leads the young actor on the correct path. Jeremy is an experienced acting teacher who has broken down acting in an academic way while nurturing the soul of the actor. He understands the emotional aspects of good acting. I commend Jeremy and believe he has accomplished quite a feat in writing "The Young Actors Handbook." - Vincent D'Onofrio

some of the most competitive college programs in the nation are just a few of her clients’ many accomplishments.

p general meetings( if needed) with agents, casting directors and create a plan of action for your career customized to your career goals

One on Coaching:
Workout those acting muscles with me! Improv, Scene Study, Audition Prep, Movement & Monologues are all offered. The acting muscles need to be trained, formed and maintained. I offers a brave, safe and affordable environment for you to do just that.

Joyfully,
Natalia
Talent Development with a touch of Friendship
Actress/Casting Asst.