WHAT’S UP
Acting: Basically Speaking, a workshop with actor Russell Roberts
WHO’S RUSSELL ROBERTS?
Roberts, a native of Wales, trained at the renowned Old Vic Theatre School in England and has been a professional actor for almost 40 years. He emigrated to Canada in 1977 and is a longtime resident of New West, performing in hundreds of theatre, TV, film and radio productions across the continent.
He’s also worked as a private acting coach and has been a member of the teaching faculties at the Charlottetown Festival Young Company, Carousel Theatre Acting School and Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria.
WHAT’S THE WORKSHOP ALL ABOUT
It’s a 10-hour intensive “focusing on you, the actor and the connection to your physical instrument,” as a writeup about the course notes.
It’s aimed at both professionals and pre-professional actors with stage experience (ages 18 and up), as well as those contemplating further drama education. It will explore the fundamentals of breath control, relaxation and the dynamics of vocal production. Participants will discover how to take the thinking away from the acting process and rediscover their instincts, and focus on “reacting, not acting” to find truth and honesty as a performer.
GIVE ME THE DETAILS
It’s on Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at The Stage New West, 230-50 Lorne St., downtown New West. It costs $149. Sign up and get information at www.thestagenewwest.ca.
