Glenshaw, PA Theater Acting Lessons

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Ali is also known for playing piano. She received her minor in Piano Performance within a year at Shorter College under Helen Ramsaur. She has been playing since she was five years old and has accompanied many people and musical productions.

Some of Ali's major influences include:

Linda Eder, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Lena Horne, Judy Garland, Whitney Houston, Billie Holliday, and Lara Fabian, Barbra Streisand

*** Lesson Details ***
Ali loves to share her passion of music to the world and especially through her students. She loves to share new ideas and nuances along with the basics and fundamentals of technique. Although practice can be boring for the student, asking a student to pick at least one song to work on can help the student and the teacher have fun and learn at the same time. After a few months, not only will her students have fun, but they will learn how to be a better person and musician.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio: Baby Grand Piano, Living room, Stands, metronome

*** Travel Equipment ***
Just the music I assign and their appropriate instrument

*** Specialties ***
For Acting: Meisner
Piano: Just beginners- intermediate
Voice: Anything you can think of and I'll do it

rsity of Redlands in 2011, and my Associate of Arts degree in 2008 from College of the Desert. I teach online, locally, and at my studio, and cover a variety of subjects such as voice, music, theater, piano, math, english, music theory, just to name a few.

For academic tutoring (i.e. math, theory, vocabulary) I work on helping the student understand their homework and help prepare them for tests. I can also provide worksheets if necessary and am prepared to demonstrate problem areas in different ways if needed, because everyone learns differently. For voice, piano, music, and acting lessons I teach the student based on what their current level is. If you have no experience, that's okay! My lessons are uniquely designed to fit your needs no matter what level you may be.

As a music major I developed a deeper understanding of music theory, piano, voice, and theater. I received my A.A. in Music at College of the Desert and my Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Redlands- which I attended on a music scholarship. I have played leading roles in several operas and musicals in Southern California, including Gianni Schicchi, Die Fledermaus, La Boheme (DTL nominee), The Impresario, The Grand Duke, Patience (DTL award), Cosi fan tutte, Little Women, Seussical, and many more. I have also appeared in several concerts, opera scenes, competitions (winning music scholarships and theater awards), and worked as a singer in churches, restaurants, and in pop bands. I continue to stay active in the performance industry, because performing is a part of who I am and I could never live without it!

With this experience under my belt, I feel a desire to pass on my knowledge to students. I carry a strong passion to help people develop their abilities and make them their own. I truly believe that if someone wants something out of life they will achieve it with dedication, perseverance, confidence, and by having fun doing it!

*Note: My home office has a lot of stairs and two cats. If you are disabled or have a feline allergy, please consider in-home lessons or lessons online.

network television variety program, "The Gene Carroll Show", that was a television institution for over 30 years in the Midwest. I was a featured performer on that program for over 7 years, all the while perfecting the art of "playing to a camera." This experience was invaluable, and the knowledge I gathered is now included in my curriculum. I also began performing a solo act in the nightclub circuit at the age of 15, performing up and down the "north coast" from Cleveland, OH, (my home), to Erie. PA. At a very young age, I learned the difficult art of choosing musical material and pacing a show; also adapting to performing under a myriad of conditions with a vast array of musical accompaniment. After graduating college with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, I assembled my own band, and took to the road. That experience eventually brought the act to Las Vegas in 1982. Over the years my show has been a staple in major casino cabarets in Las Vegas, and all over Nevada. Since my first engagement at The Landmark Hotel in the early 1980's, I have literally been up and down the famed Las Vegas Strip many times over. The Desert Inn, The Dunes, The Stardust, The Maxim, The Tropicana, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, MGM, Bally's, The Flamingo, The Imperial Palace, The Four Queens, The Golden Nugget, The Fremont, The Venetian, The Palazzo, and a three year engagement at The Riviera. My show is truly comprised of musical variety; classics, show tunes, jazz, rock, blues, r&b, country. Even a presentation of "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera, that I perform in full costume. It is this ability to successfully deliver an extensive repertoire that I am enthusiastic about passing along to the next generation of entertainers.

I have been truly blessed in my career to have experienced so many highlights; too many to document. From winning an understudy roll in the Broadway Musical "Platinum" starring Hollywood actress Alexis Smith, to performing our National Anthem at events ranging from Major League Baseball to ESPN Boxing to receptions for major dignitaries, to recording 7 albums and a full-length video, to being asked to perform for Mr. Frank Sinatra at the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament, I have lived a full life on stage, learning and absorbing every bit of knowledge gathered along the way.
Now it is my desire to escalate my status as an educator to a more "one on one" experience; availing myself the opportunity to pass along that wealth of knowledge to individual students who aspire to enjoy the entertainment profession as I have, providing them with the skills needed to successfully compete. Or, should it be their choice not to pursue entertainment as a vocation, to gain a working understanding of all facets of their instrument so as to gain a better appreciation of music. Whatever the goal of the student, I feel that I am equipped to provide them with the tools needed to achieve that goal.

*** Lesson Details ***
Content of Sessions

Generally, the first 10-15 minutes of each lesson will be focused on vocal warm up and exercise. (For guitar students, we will review the previous
week's assignment). For Vocal Students, it is understood that the voice mechanism is made up of muscles, and as an athlete prepares for a sporting event, a singer must prepare to vocalize. It is at this time in our lesson when the student will develop good habits of voice maintenance, which will serve them well throughout their careers. The proper care and preservation of the vocal unit cannot be stressed enough, especially for pubescent and pre-pubescent students. Vocal chords in a developmental stage are most susceptible to damage, and because they are particularly sensitive, they must be handled with care. Our warm up regimen is designed to strengthen as well as preserve the singing voice.

I am not an advocate of getting too involved and "bogged down" in the technical aspects of singing, especially with the young students, and
especially early in our program. This is not to say that breath control, tonality, pitch, etc. are not vital to good singing, because these workings are ESSENTIAL, and their application will certainly be incorporated into our studies. Some instructors, on occasion, have a tendency to lose sight of the fact that much to do with singing happens "naturally", and too much focus on the "technical" can actually be inhibiting. This can alter a beautiful, natural tone into one that is unnatural and contrived.

I adhere to the philosophy that above all else, SINGERS WANT TO SING SONGS, and musicians-in-training want to play music. That is our focus, and all of our training is conceived with that objective in mind. All the technical knowledge and coaching serves no purpose without practical application. It is my belief that the most significant progress occurs when a vocalist is singing a song.

Nearly every element of instruction can be utilized in the performance of one song. This is why the majority of our session time will be spent "in song". For the very young student, we will concentrate our efforts with the students choices of favorite and familiar songs. The older students will undoubtedly have favorite songs, styles and artists. Special attention will be paid to the genre most enjoyed by the student, but diversity will be emphasized as well, and a variety of genres will be unpacked and explored. I believe that whatever a student's musical goals and aspirations, it is in their best interest to gain knowledge and insight in all facets of music, singing, and performance.

The most vital pre-requisite for any student is their enthusiasm. My ambition will be to harness that enthusiasm and channel it productively through stimulating instruction. Our sessions will be informative and educational, but always predicated upon "having fun with music".

I am proud to feature a curriculum that emphasizes the entertainment aspect of singing as well as the technical; created to benefit all ages and experience levels, from beginner to seasoned professional. After just weeks of my "Triple Threat Training" a student will begin to see astounding results: vocally, musically, and in the art of performance. I am excited to share my knowledge with you. Let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is equipped with a full vocal sound system with microphones that I utilize to teach the valuable art of mic technique. Young students enjoy using the mics and hearing themselves sing and perform. Since our lessons are predicated on enjoying the art of singing, this opportunity has proven invaluable. For the advanced performer, studying all aspects of amplification and what a singer should know about their stage sound is a part of our educational curriculum. My studio is furnished with the equipment that is essential to mastering that knowledge.
Since the practical aspect of my course is based on singing songs, I provide all the latest technology required to allow my students the opportunity to sing the songs of their choosing, with and without the lead vocal tracks. I feel that when students are singing their favorite songs, it offers me the greatest teaching opportunities. I make certain the every musical genre can be represented, and feel I have the knowledge and ability to guide the student is whatever their musical tastes. My studio is also equipped with piano (for vocal exercises), and guitars, which gives me opportunity to accompany my students when the musical moment is appropriate. Be assured that all the technology I need to fulfill the educational needs of my students is but a step away!!

n Chicago to attend graduate school. In 2013, I earned my M.F.A. in Acting from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Currently, I am the Director of New Works with The Arc Theatre . Additionally, I direct plays for other prominent theatre companies in the city. I am capable of teaching a variety of theatre skills, including classical techniques, performance of literature and speaking voice.

A bit about you:
YOU are a new actor, an experienced actor or "getting-back-into-the-swing-of-it" actor. YOU need help with an upcoming camera or theatre audition, choosing new monologues, developing a script, exploring different techniques, or understanding this fantastic business.

YOU are excited, scared and most importantly READY TO DIVE IN!

I am here for YOU!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am extremely laid back and open to trying new things. In a lesson, you can expect to bravely explore the world of acting in a safe, nurturing environment. I believe in the "YES" philosophy- anything is possible and everything is valid in developing a creative life. There are no wrong answers! Just millions of GOOD questions. Acting is DOING and through trial error, anyone with the drive and determination can be a successful performer. I will instill the confidence and skills you need to take the next step in your acting career- whatever that may be!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a growing library of books on acting, auditioning and play scripts. I am happy to loan you material and use any of my resources to further your learning.

*** Travel Equipment ***
We can both provide music, books and props as needed.

*** Specialties ***
Shakespeare, Contemporary, Film, Dialects
*Linklater-Trained

imal Planet. Her vast theatre credit highlights include “Tango Fever”(TeatroLaTea, NYC), “Buried Child” (Aaron Davis Hall, NYC); ”Objectivity”(FischHouseThtr, SF), ”Scheme of Things”(El Portal Thtr, LosAngeles), ”Light in the Shadow”(The Complex, Los Angeles).
Prior to returning to New York in the Spring of 2012, Teresa dedicated her dance career to a tango dance partnership in Warsaw where she performed, toured, taught, and also stepped in as a dance consultant to the 2011 winners of the Polish edition of "Dancing With The Stars."
After her time abroad,Teresa taught/choreographed/performed full time in NYC until 2015. She is now based in her homestate of Colorado. Frequently she is a guest judge for Dance Competitions across the country.
In addition, Teresa has launched a series of specialized dance programs (“Slippers to Heels: Ballet Technique & Tango Stylization”), Choreographic and Acting intensives, and specialized workshops for professional/pre-professional dancers. She is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association.

started working as a teenager and haven't stopped. My experience has also ranged from big budget movies (The Final Destination) to grittier, independent fare (Sugar Mountain). I have been the lead of every film I've done, save for one, which happened to be directed by my brilliant acting teacher, and I have worked with some of the most respected actors in the industry (Beau Bridges, Aidan Quinn, Jason Momoa, Rainn Wilson to name a few). I have had recurring guest stars on TV shows (Teen Wolf) and one episode arcs on others (The Librarians, Beauty and the Beast, Major Crimes). I also produce, write + direct my own films.

I love acting so much and I love people who are dedicated to becoming the best actors they can be. I have such a reverence for this art form, but recognize the importance of being irreverent while searching for a higher truth in a moment. I truly look forward to working + playing together to help you become a more truthful, confident actor!

Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Baltimore Shakespeare Festival. Off Broadway: Rose Rage, directed by Edward Hall.

Awards: Recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards (Best Supporting Actor), a Jeff Citation (Best Actor), and an OE Award Nomination (Best Supporting Actor). James is a company member of PICT and Featured Artist in 2014. He was also named Performer of the Year 2016 by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.