The cast of Clink in rehearsal.
For inquiries, please email kendra[at]impelartists.com
Studio & Actor Coaching
I've got years of experience teaching studio acting classes from ages 5 through to adult, and working with actors from their very first acting class, to experienced and trained professionals. We focus on developing and understanding the tools of the actor, with a special focus on how to make text work for you, and how to create physical characters unique to your own interpretation of the work. I teach using techniques borrowed from physical theatre and text-based work, incorporating a deep understanding of vocal technique into all practical work with the goal of developing physically strong, thinking actors.
Specific courses have included (but are not limited to): Acting Exploration, Text Analysis, Audition Preparation, Dance for Theatre, Acting Foundations, Voice & Speech
Private audition prep or coaching is also available upon request. Please contact me for rates.
Previous teaching experience at University of Winnipeg Department of Theatre & Film, Prairie Theatre Exchange School, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Ken Peter Dance Express, River East Transcona School Division.
Academic
I spent 2 years as a sessional instructor at the University of Winnipeg Department of Theatre & Film teaching a 2nd year course called Acting: Theory & Practice which focused on a merged practical and academic study of 20th and 21st century acting techniques in the American and European traditions, with specific focus to Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Uta Hagen, Brecht, Meisner, Grotowski, and more contemporary thinkers such as Arian Mnouchkine, Katie Mitchell, David Mamet, and Simon McBurney.
In addition, I have been a teaching assistant for Introduction to Theatre Performance, and Introduction to Dance for Musical Theatre.
Workshops
I have two main workshops, which to date have been shared at various academic, theatre, and professional settings.
Actors "Making Text Work For You" - My 1.5-3 hour workshop session takes actors through the basic building blocks of creating an actor's toolkit, and equips them to approach a new piece of text in a quick time frame, with confidence. It is great for new actors, or for more experienced actors looking for a fresh focus. Very useful for audition prep!
Previous engagements: Winnipeg Studio Theatre & Summerworks Program
Professionals "Using Your Voice": My 1-1.5hr voice and speech workshop is great for professionals who need to speak or present regularly, but may not be trained public speakers. We cover some basic vocal warmup techniques, as well as tactics for managing preparation and minimizing nerves in a high-pressure setting. This interactive workshop can be done on-site at your business, or off-site in a studio.
Previous engagements: The University of Winnipeg Faculty Department, and Ipsos Loyalty Toronto.