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.
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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.
NO GUTS, NO GLORY: Emotional Connection
PLEASE NOTE:
This class is not currently in session.
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.
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Class is comprised of the following:
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​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.
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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.
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Exercises / Improvisation
Class includes group exercises focused on relaxation, body awareness, interpersonal connection, status work, period style, vocal warmups, articulation etc.
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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 or Thursdays, 9:00am - 11:00am PST via Zoom
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NOTE: It is recommended to sign up early
to reserve your spot for upcoming sessions.
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FALL 2023: Full - in session
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WINTER 2024:
Mondays, January 8 - March 11
OR
Thursdays, February 1 - April 4
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.
