What we do and Why we do it
Acting has drastically evolved from the days of Stanislavsky and the Group Theatre, when techniques were geared for the actor who would rehearse for 5 or 6 months, or more. Gradually the business began speeding up as TV and film work increased and theatre rehearsals went from 8 weeks to 6 weeks to the current 4 weeks.
What didn’t evolve was the way the techniques (the craft) were presented and used by the actor. It wasn’t working for actors the way the masters had intended. Acting technique needs to be a living breathing process that grows to meet the ever changing demands placed on actors today. One of the great misconceptions is that the “Craft” is only for theatre, when in fact today, actors go from theatre to film to television, and the craft must go with them.
Today’s actor is under constant pressure to deliver the goods faster and faster. What should be a collaborative effort can feel like a battle just to survive. How does the actor make himself totally vulnerable to access the deepest emotions while being forced to rush to get the shot before they lose the light?
Penny’s entire career as an acting coach and teacher has been about developing a practical approach to the craft of acting that is grounded in the teachings of the great masters. She has been arming her actors with this ever evolving eminently usable approach to the craft for 20 years, preparing them to succeed in this modern fast paced world of acting. Her actors are always ready to act. They face the challenge of any acting situation without fear. In fact, they relish it!