HOMECLASSES/COACHING
Teaching & Directing

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


Audition Mastery
“…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

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. Take the fear out of auditioning and develop a personal confidence and technique.
TOPICS INCLUDE:

      • 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

Carla Johnston

“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

Adam-Cantor

“I wouldn’t be a working actor if it wasn’t for Madeline.” THE PURGE: Election Year, THE KILL POINT and BOUNCERS

— Adam Cantor

Mark Doherty

“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

Shari Hellman

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

K-12 Classes

a midsummers night dream posterCurriculum 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. A residency at Benfield Elementary culminated in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Cast members (2)

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 newfound 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 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


CLASSES: Acting 1, Acting 2, Acting 3, Acting Shakespeare, Applied Theater, and Audition Mastery
Register now for Classes at Anne Arundel Community College — For more information or to register, go to www.aacc.edu/register/.

 

SECURING YOUR FUTURE WITH CAREFUL PREPARATION

Communication and Presentation Skills for College and Beyond

Competition for schools, internships, and jobs is fierce, and interviews are an effective tool to narrow the field of candidates. The outcome of an interview is not determined by chance. Too often we are unprepared. Take control. Transform the way you present yourself. Participants will learn what they intentionally and unintentionally communicate through body language and vocal intonation and to more easily deliver a prepared, yet unstudied response to the challenging inquiry, “tell us a little about yourself.” Learn to effectively respond to questions in professional settings such as a college interview, speaking to one’s boss, a job interview, or a networking possibility. Our one-on-one coaching will remodel your message into one that is clear, focused, and memorable.


Executive Coaching & Media Skills

Communication. It’s not just about your content or text, but also your nonverbal communication – what you intentionally or unintentionally communicate through body language and vocal intonation. You have 15 seconds to make an impression. Make sure it succinct and memorable.

We offer individual or group sessions in Executive Coaching and Media Skills. Specialties include coaching in: message development, speech creation and delivery. Our objective is to reduce the fear of public speaking and create a personal confidence and technique that includes a solid method to respond to questions. Transform the way you present yourself, and remodel your message into one that is clear and focused with an easy set of tools.