Ridgewood, NY Method 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.

***
30 minute singing lessons - Typically do 10 to 12 minutes of warmup and the rest of the time is devoted to practical application of technique to your songs, as well as, performance aspects. I also offer hour lessons.

30 minute acting lessons - Typically work on monologues or scenes that I or they provide. We can also work on sides provides for auditions for TV, film, & stage.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I use my Macbook Pro to record lessons and distribute them to students via a free Dropbox account.

*** Specialties ***
Types of Tecniques Offered
Mix/Blend
Belt (Hard Mix)
Legit (Classical)
Meisner
Method

Types of Style
Musical Theater
Classical
Pop
Rock
R&B
Jazz
Country
Heavy Metal
Film
TV
Stage/Theater

Types of Instruction Available
Individual Private Study
Group Study

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.

The following summer, I was a member of the cast in a full mounted production in their 2008 Shakespeare in the Park season. Shortly after the production transferred to Broadway, the cast performed at the 2009 Tony Awards and took home the Tony for Best Revival.

During the run of Hair, I was entered into the Broadway Beauty Pageant, where male cast members from different Broadway shows compete to win the title of "Mr. Broadway". After competing in Talent and Interview; I was crowned Mr. Broadway 2009.

In 2010, I journeyed across the Atlantic with the production to perform HAIR in London’s West End. It was such a joy to have the influence of UK culture and experience the best of their Music and Theater in my time living in London.

Since moving back to America, I began teaching full time and have been a first hand witness to all of my students growing and flourishing throughout their process. It makes me so proud of them!!

I believe music has the power to be the most fun thing in the world, while at the same time, the most challenging thing. No matter what age, it's never to early or late to open your heart and mind to its fullest potential.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have an Upright Piano in my living room with plenty of seating for parents/guardians. I also have a spare room and patio in case one would like some privacy to work or read.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my student to have a Piano or a full electronic keyboard for proper Piano or Voice lessons, and a Trumpet or French Horn for those lessons respectively.

*** Specialties ***
I am a very earnest, physical, character actor with a great sense of comedic timing. I live for anything theatrical and I hope that I can share all the joys it brings me with you.

I have a vast singing range from bass’ low D, high A belt, to a B6 in my falsetto. I have shaped my voice through almost a dozen voice teachers since the time my voice changed from boy to young man and now I feel confident to sing in styles from Traditional and Contemporary Broadway, to Pop and Rock. I hope that I can help you gain the confidence and strength to conquer multiple styles.

I have been playing the Trumpet, French Horn and Piano since grade school. From Honors bands to Marching bands, the excitement from a band is tap-your-foot contagious!

e an indoor season during the winter months as well.

"Mr. Martin-Smith has been my director, coach and
mentor in productions and the classroom. His patience,
insight and his passion excites students, and makes
them feel safe and supported enough to take risks."

*Joseph H.
Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey
Pearl Theater Company
York Theater Company
Hudson Warehouse

*** Teaching Methods ***
I foster a safe, relaxed and engaging environment to explore truthful human behavior on stage.

The objective is 'the truth' to which end there is no one technique. Actors are encouraged to find their own tools and to draw from elements of different practices to discover a technique that works best for them as individuals.

I studied the methods of Constantin Stanislavski for acting with Sergei Pomerov of the Moscow Circus Theater. I am classically trained as well.

I work primarily as a guide to help navigate the way and to interpret ‘the signs.' I teach the lesson in the moment and address the challenges of both the beginner and the experienced actor.

***Classical Work***
My basic approach to classical work focuses primarily on the connection of the breath with the feeling on the word.

This is the foundation on which you can then build. From the ‘words’ to the ‘thoughts’ to entire ‘passages’ of text, as you work and explore, the richness of the playwright’s words comes to life. Your own unique emotional life is allowed to come through the text and you are able to fully embody the role.

*** Teaching Levels and Focuses ***
*Beginning Actors
-Work With Classical Text.
-Vocal Work.
-"Moment to Moment" Work.
-"Sense Memory" Work.

*Experienced Actors
-In depth Classical Text Analysis.
-Connecting to the Text.
-Audition Technique
-Monologue Coaching

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 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

l as providing workshops in English for children ages 5 and up in Europe, Asia and NYC. I have worked on several Musical Theatre productions with children in effort to introduce a Theatre department in those schools.
When working with children my main focus is unlocking creativity through play and imagination.
When working with adults I tend to watch for tensions, bad habits and ways to free up the body and mind in order to let creativity flow through in work and ultimately in private life as well.