The knowledge that every day there is something more to learn, something higher to reach for, something new to make for others, makes each day infinitely precious. And I am grateful.
—Uta Hagen
An Introduction
I began conservatory when I was eighteen years old. I was drawn to theater and Acting in particular because of the intense exploration of human behavior involved in creating a character through the lens of personal narrative. My strength as an acting teacher is an ongoing and courageous pursuit of authentic expression. I inspire genuine connections between the text, the actors, and their performances adopting strategies and practices both time honored and cutting edge.
My writing practice is integral to my work as a theater artist. As a Writing teacher I insist the best way to grow as a writer is to write, fearlessly without internal critique, and then re-write to hone with clarity the themes and message of your work. This is true of both Playwriting and Poetry.
Storytelling is conversation between community and your soul. When you allow your personal narrative to guide you to a deep and authentic truth, you tap a universal truth that speaks to our shared humanity. I consider my role as one of facilitation when working with storytellers and performers.
Let's work together.
Acting
I support actors in crafting a process engaging the authentic self, whether in audition or in production. At the core of my work as a teacher is the belief that every actor willing to let radical honesty and instinct guide their performance, will learn to create at their highest level.
Playwriting and Poetry
Clarity is key when writing; an idea arrives and expresses itself in many layers on it's way to becoming a cohesive work. I encourage writers to release the outcome and seek out what is ringing true in the moment, no matter how strange, illogical or mundane. There is something there that will inspire a writer's next steps. Write all of it out, build your editing muscle as you go and then let the clarity emerge.
Storytelling
Storytelling is arguably the oldest form of theater. It requires no learned craft but instead relies on experience and the storyteller's connection to their audience. From one person's truth comes the universal truth that connects us all. I work with artists to abandon the performative in favor of vulnerability--no script, just story.
info@tanyamwhite.com