Command an audience with confidence whether on a stage or in an interview. Gain essential life tools as improved articulation, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and confidence. Learn skills that can be applied to college and job interviews, auditioning and other public forums.
“Madeline’s expertise and passion for Shakespeare and theatre are matched by the talent of her teaching. She worked beautifully with both our middle and high school groups, customizing workshops to enrich their Language Arts curriculum and inspiring our entire group from novices to seasoned thespians. Their retention and positive attitudes are a direct result of this dynamic, multi-sensory, active learning experience.”
— Jeni Kocher Zerphy, Certified Teacher
“Madeline has a very dynamic style of coaching which is appealing to young actors. We truly appreciate that she includes the importance of professionalism and confidence building strategies in her coaching. Madeline teaches solid acting technique, but also provides skills that would be helpful in the pursuit of any career.” — Lauren Tharp, Home Scholars’ Academy of Maryland
“…a virtuosic demonstration of how to engage a college class. You were funny, warm, and obviously an expert with extensive real-world experiences.”
–Daniel Burdick, AMusD, Edinboro University, PA
Classes offer training for professional actors or students of acting in Individual and/or Group settings, and Advanced Career Seminars on the business of theater and producing. Classes take the fear out of auditioning and public speaking, and create a personal confidence and technique.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
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- Monologue selection and perfection
- Cold reading and commercial copy technique
- Headshot and resume critique
- Business and networking strategy
- Bringing a show from page to stage
- Who’s Who and What’s What: The Basics of Broadway
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“Madeline not only coached me, but got me the audition. I booked it and got my SAG card. She is an incredible teacher.”
— Carla Johnston
“I wouldn’t be a working actor if it wasn’t for Madeline.” THE PURGE: Election Year, THE KILL POINT and BOUNCERS
— Adam Cantor
“I had the pleasure of working with Madeline on both monologues and scene study. Her patience and understanding are only topped by her incredible command of ‘the craft.’ She gets my top recommendation as an acting coach!”
— Mark Doherty
Due to Madeline’s fantastic coaching I became a member of The Flea Theater’s repertory company, The Bats. Each year over a thousand actors audition. I would never have been able to have this wonderful experience if not for Madeline’s unique and brilliant coaching.”
— Shari Hellman
Curriculum is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of Shakespeare’s language, how to navigate a stage and write a sonnet. The curriculum is performance-based, therefore allowing students to more easily develop a core understanding of Shakespeare, and to utilize skills that can then be transferred to a variety of audiences in multiple formats. Day or week-long sessions can be also designed around a specific play. A residency at Benfield Elementary culminated in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Benfield Elementary School Cast
“Madeline was not only amazing with the students but extremely well organized and professional. To say that she elevated the caliber of student performance would be a gross understatement. Those who participated would agree that the entire process, culminating in the final performances, far exceeded our wildest expectations.”
— Jennifer Yeats, Parent, Benfield Elementary
“After 6 months, my daughter still speaks about her wonderful experience with drama club. Performing in a Shakespeare play was one of the highlights of my daughter’s school year, providing her with more confidence and a new found love of Shakespeare. Director/Teacher Madeline Austin was able to make Shakespeare’s language understandable, relevant and exciting.”
— Gayle Verreault, Parent, Benfield Elementary
“Participating in Drama Club with Madeline Austin was the highlight of Anna’s year. Anna has always been a bit shy and quiet, and there is no question that Drama Club pulled Anna out of her shell and improved her public speaking abilities.”
— Julie Hunsicker, Parent, Benfield Elementary
BROADWAY TO BENFIELD, NY Producer Brings Shakespeare to Severna Park
This April, Benfield Elementary School will be transformed into Fairyland as Madeline Austin and her thespians bring “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to an off-Benfield stage. Austin, former Executive Director of The Shakespeare Society has been preparing her 32 young actors for almost the entire school year. The production also employs four high school interns who serve as stage manager, music director, choral director and set designer. The actors will not wear mics; rather, they have all been trained to project their voices outward. Robin Enders, fifth-grade educator at Benfield, was complimentary of Austin’s impact. “When the parents and students signed up for drama club, they had no idea the wealth of experience that Mrs. Austin brought to Benfield,” Enders said. “Many of the students have discovered new confidence thanks to their participation.”
–SEVERNA PARK VOICE, April 5, 2016
Register now for Winter, Spring, Fall and Summer Classes at Anne Arundel Community College — For more information or to register, go to www.aacc.edu/register/.