Approach
My methods are influenced by the teachings of Uta Hagen and Stanislavski with emphasis on text analysis, inner life, and emotional connection. Actors work on scenes from plays, films, and TV. Attention is placed on voice and body awareness. Sense memory exercises are used. The goal is acting with confidence and freedom.
Every actor is involved to some degree in every class; nobody sits out. I believe that a positive, encouraging environment is vital to artistic development.
TRAINED ACTORS
For advanced students the focus is on identifying and truthfully playing powerful objectives; deepening access to one's unique inner resources via scene and monologue work; and weekly sense memory exercises which lead to increased emotional freedom.
NEWER ACTORS
For those newer to acting, emphasis is placed on developing memorization, speaking, and text analysis skills through exercises and scene study. We awaken voice and body awareness, removing blocks and opening avenues to communication. Actors learn to relax, growing in self-assurance while being introduced to Uta Hagen's Six Steps and sense memory exercises.
Classes
NO LIMITS: Mastering Our Acting Challenges
COMING SOON
Date/time TBD
Do you have patterns or blocks that are getting in the way of full emotional and physical expression? Are you ready to break through your acting barriers?
At times performers may be aware of what is getting in the way of acting fully, freely, with relaxation and confidence. Or they may not know what the block is. Together we will uncover your challenges, work through them, and strengthen your best assets.
Let go, break through limits, gain confidence and achieve mastery!
Tailored to actors' individual needs, class includes one optional 30-minute private coaching every other month.
Through the use of exercises, monologues, and scenes, class will focus on:
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Relaxation / Body Work
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Uta Hagen's Six Steps
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Introduction to Sense Memory Work
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Working with Substitutions
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Vocal Articulation
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Memorization Techniques
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Script Analysis
Payment: $225 monthly
NO GUTS, NO GLORY: Emotional Connection
TUESDAYS 7:00-11:00PM
Located at:
The Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center / Antaeus Theatre Company
110 E. Broadway, Glendale CA 91205
For Advanced Acting Students
Who are the actors you admire? What makes them so real, so believable? Let's dive deep and
take process to another level.
Class is comprised of the following:
Scene Study / Monologues
Actors work with material which has been assigned or self-chosen from plays and
screenplays. We refer to Uta Hagen's Six Steps - Who am I? What are the circumstances?
What are my relationships? What do I want? What is my obstacle? What do I do to get what I
want? We focus on making strong choices through detailed script analysis and the use of transference (substitutions), while achieving a natural delivery via various exercises, starting with relaxation techniques. Improvisations are employed to develop relationship to self, other characters, and environment.
Affective Memory Technique
Based on Stanislavski and Strasberg; actors learn to access emotion with the goal of being able to call upon select emotions on cue.
Exercises / Improvisation
Class includes group exercises focused on relaxation, body awareness, interpersonal connection, status work, period style, vocal warmups, articulation etc.
Class includes one optional 30-minute private coaching every other month.
Payment: $225 monthly
The Measure of Success: Business Goals
Moderated by Gigi Bermingham and Paul Culos
2 GROUPS:
Mondays, 9:00am - 11:00am PST via Zoom
AND
Thursdays, 9:00am - 11:00am PST via Zoom
NEXT SESSIONS START:
MONDAYS: APRIL 3 through JUNE 5, 2023
THURSDAYS: APRIL 13 through JUNE 15, 2023
Did you know you're the CEO of a business? You are.
Gigi Bermingham and Paul Culos are both working actors who have years of experience leading success teams. This career goals group provides participants with guidance to assist in navigating the entertainment industry and to develop individual career paths.
In addition to developing your craft you must also formulate business skills in order to successfully market your product: YOU. In Measure of Success, team members set career goals, create achievable task lists, share industry resources, and offer encouragement, brainstorming, and accountability. Personal experiences and industry information are shared in a safe and confidential environment. We discuss branding and how to maximize your unique attributes and skills for maximum employability.
Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, Measure of Success teams provide a supportive environment to help you figure out what you want to achieve and to set up a practical approach to getting there.
Class Size: 10 maximum
Commitment: 10 weeks
Payment: $325
What Students Say
ELIZA BLAIR
Gigi is so intuitive and attentive, ensuring that each person gets the individualized attention they need to really progress. She creates a safe space for intensive vulnerability while also providing insightful and honest critiques, challenging you to grow further than you thought possible. I can feel how much I’ve grown working with Gigi and I so trust her to help me expand my horizons as a person and an actor.
JESSIE EPSTEIN
Gigi is excellent at mixing hands-on with hands-off teaching - she leads students to discovery if the material isn't coming readily, and she utilizes exercises and techniques that empower students to discover the nuance of characters with confidence. Her teaching has certainly made me more comfortable making bold choices with material right off the bat.
