Whaddup. I'm a performer (currently in Fawlty Towers in the West End). AND I run a business. Because art and commerce can exist together. Quite successfully, in fact. If you're an audience-facing professional, and you want the tips, tricks and techniques used by theatre performers all over the world, then this is the place for you. This is where you get confident, you get charisma, and you start owning the room in a whole new way. This is Showing Up 2.0. It's a vibe.
Understudying a British icon
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Last week I was asked to understudy Helen Lederer (pictured centre). So, that thing that's making you nervous... That thing you're dreading... That thing that you think you can't do... You can 100% do it. Here's some truth on crack: All the shows I've auditioned for and NOT been cast in... But, here's the kicker. Mindset is not enough. Belief is not enough. Manifesting...you got it. Not enough. This is not a chapter of The Secret. You are not Deepak Chopra. Instead, you need tools. Techniques. Exercises. Things that you can do every single day, before the fear even has a chance to seep in and take over. It requires commitment. Strength. And a little bit of time. This is what I teach now - and it is one of the most exciting, important things I've ever done with my life. Because look at what it's done: If you have strength, commitment, and some time...you have access to magic. Truly. Have a bloody fantastic weekend, see. Ash. |
Behind the Curtain
Whaddup. I'm a performer (currently in Fawlty Towers in the West End). AND I run a business. Because art and commerce can exist together. Quite successfully, in fact. If you're an audience-facing professional, and you want the tips, tricks and techniques used by theatre performers all over the world, then this is the place for you. This is where you get confident, you get charisma, and you start owning the room in a whole new way. This is Showing Up 2.0. It's a vibe.
One of the most important things I learned when I was studying voice and performance is this: If your knees are locked, your voice is locked. And it's true. When you stand in front of an audience, take notice of what your knees are doing. If they're locked - I can guarantee you that your voice will be locked too. Here's why: Locking your knees shifts your weight and can lead to shallow breathing. When this happens, it can restrict the proper use of your diaphragm for breath support. And if...
GOOD MORNING, Reader! It's been a couple of weeks! But I am back. I can't say I'm raring to go. That would be a lie and I'd never lie to you. I'm more...in tabletop position to go. Like a horse would be if it wasn't raring. I've been in South Africa for two weeks and it's been absolutely wonderful - but also pretty full-on with family and friends and commitments and dinners and mini-breaks to the bush. Now, I'm back in London, the Fawlty Towers tour has kicked off in Bromley, and I'm planning...
You can listen to this email here: We Must Have Art Apartheid.mp3 I don't have a specific piece of art for you today, Reader. I'm sorry. Rather, I have some musings on why it's so important that we HAVE art. So, I'm going to try and share that with you coherently, on a day, and at a time when I don't feel very coherent at all. I feel quite sad and overwhelmed and helpless. Here we go... I grew up during Apartheid in South Africa. It was a very dark time, the '80s. We really were on the brink...