Acting Technique

Acting Technique class starts with Meisner Technique Approach, basic repetition exercises to get your attention off of yourself (self-conscious) and on to the object you are addressing. Point of View is added to strengthen the meaning of your responses. Activity exercises are then added to take the performer into deeper and more concentrated territory. Here is where the work takes on an important meaning to the actor/singer.

Once a solid foundation is established for the actor, simple texts are used to bring the performer into the realm of character and interpretation. Poetry is then added as a bridge that will lead to final scene and song work. Relaxation and alignment are always touched on. We want you centred and expressive.

This class is recommended for actors and singers who want to create performances that will make the song and text alive, clear, meaningful, and fully understood by the audience.

This is a group class suggested for performers aged 15 or older.

For further information, please contact the Academy
Tel.: +1 604 485 9633; e-mail: info@powellriveracademy.org

Neil Giroday is a graduate of the Professional Workshop at the Circle in the Square in New York where, after graduation, he played Charlie/Ophelia in Dogg’s Hamlet, Cahoot’s Macbeth. He studied the Meisner Technique with William Alderson (Associate Director of the Neighbourhood Playhouse for 20 years), and Fred Kareman at Carnegie Hall Studios. A professional actor, singer and dancer, Neil performed for five years with the Vienna, Zurich, Basel and First International Tour of the original production of Cats. Roles included the dance lead Mr Mistoffelees, Skimbleshanks the railway Cat and Alonzo. Other musicals include: A Chorus Line (3 years), The Pajama Game (Fosse Choreography), and The Wizard of Oz (The Lion.)

Neil has performed in theatres across Europe and North America. Favourite plays include Orphans (Phillip), All My Sons (Chris), Enemies (Ryabtsov), Home of the Brave (Coney), and The Three Sisters (Andrei). Directors he has worked with include Nikos Psacharopoulous, Trevor Nunn, and John Strassberg.

Neil played lead or co-lead roles in 11 indie and short films, including the loving but confused father to Margaret in Margaret and the Dollhouse which won Honourable Mention at the Montreal World Film Festival.

Neil was the Junior Men’s Figure Skating Champion of Canada, the Silver Medalist at the Canada Winter Games and was named to Canada’s International Figure Skating Team. He was given a special award for Most Artistic Skater in British Columbia.

Neil teaches Lyrical Jazz Dance, Acting Technique, Movement for Actors and Singers, and Acting your Song, Monologue or Speech.