Feedback from a regular Gest-er, Caron Reidy. Check out her website here.
"I started on the beginners course in 2007. I didn’t plan to do acting - I was tired of being shy and wanted to do a job which would have required public speaking so I figured regular exposure to performing would help me lose my nerves. I hadn’t banked on it changing my life!
On day one I had to pluck up courage to enter the room but by week 10 I was fully immersed in an improvisation, doing a mock x-factor audition! Well I decided to do the improvers course, at the end of the course we did a monologue to the rest of the class and I had such great feedback I was hooked.
Claire creates a brilliant atmosphere, its 100% friendly and an environment in which you can experiment, and if it doesn’t work you just try something different. You never feel embarrassed.
Well 3 years later I’ve done extra work for BBC & S4C, acted in local films and recently obtained my Equity card! Not to mention made some great friends.
Its not all about going into acting though. Gest classes give you more confidence in every day life, learning about status, body language, yourself its invaluable. I’m happier, more confident and have a hobby which I love and yes I’ll be back again this year!"
Other student comments
"Everything was discussed and explained in real depth with loads of examples which was really helpful. Getting personal feedback for everything - positive and negative - was also really useful. I was impressed and encouraged by the depth of knowledge and passion with which the course was presented - all the time!"
"The course is excellent for those who want a taste of what acting is all about. I never realised how hard acting is - it has given me a totally new view - particularly when I watch EastEnders next! I also feel I have found another dimension to my personality."
"Gained valuable knowledge and new skills that I previously didn't think needed to be taught."
"Learnt a lot in a short time. Very good at getting all of us feeling relaxed enough to act."
"Learned really helpful commonsense things that I had never thought of or been told before but will be so much help in the future.
"Perfect length to the course, wasn't too difficult to learn the skills in the period of time given. Was also fantastically organised, would recommend this course to anyone"
"What can I say - Spot on! These courses are much needed. Thanks".
"It was so valuable to get so much detailed and informed feedback. I never felt uncomfortable about doing anything in front of the group"
"Course was extremely enjoyable and useful. Great to work with others and instruction was most relevant"
"I really enjoyed the course! It is useful working in a small group of people as you build a connection and start learning from eachother. Many of the exercises I feel I can apply to everyday situations"
"I truly loved this course and I am looking forward to the next 'round'. Because I liked the material so much I think I wanted a bit more challenge towards the end although I'm not sure what that would mean exactly? I really like the style of teaching and it was a good balance between comfortable/supportive and constructive criticism. Thanks so much and keep them coming!"
"More of the same please. It has been interesting to learn that one can learn to act and that it's not just a case of either you've got it or you haven't! I have really enjoyed it - would like to do more workshops with a view to performance in front of an audience. Thanks for a great 10 weeks!"
"I felt terrified before I arrived but Claire quickly made us feel at ease. I was pleasantly surprised to find that other people were as scared as me. I feel it has improved my self-confidence. The teaching was really good with only positive comments and suggestions made so no-one was afraid to have a go"
"Ten weeks seemed to go by in a flash, yet I feel like I've learnt so much. No matter what level of experience you may have, the Gest training proved to bring new ideas and techniques to the table. Personally, it gave me the confidence to take the next step into the scary world of the audition, so watch this space."
”Thank you Claire for making the last 10 weeks full of fun, encouraging me to just go for it and be bold! I chose to do an acting class so that I could do something completely different to my “sensible” working life, for a little escapism and to meet new friends.
What I go was more than what I expected, we had fun but it also made me think of things in a different way. Some of the earlier classes brought out feelings and emotions – quite a few people in the group mentioned this. I think that during the exercises and group work friendships and trust was formed. Thank you once again and I look forward to seeing you in February.”
”I was very impressed with the style of teaching. I felt comfortable to come out of my comfort zone, and to embrace whatever was thrown at us. I think the course length was just right, and it was really important to feel ‘safe’ within the group. It has given me a boost in confidence and something to look forward to at the end of the week!“
“Really enjoyed the course and very glad I did it - looked forward to it every week. I did the course more as a personal development challenge kind of thing and hadn't really entertained the idea of actually being an actor or even of enjoying it that much to be honest. But I did enjoy it and am looking forward to actually doing a performance outside of the class one day, so the course certainly exceeded my expectations. Thanks! Looking forward to the improvers now...”
“I liked the way we students were encouraged to interact with one another during games as well as acting and script work which enhanced our awareness of an audience. The structure of the lessons contained much variety which made every lesson interesting.”
“Hey Claire I want to thank you so much for the opportunity for this experience. I think I have gained a lot more confidence in acting itself and gained more experience. You have been a great teacher and I have enjoyed my self a lot. After this course i think I am gonna try and give this acting a go. I have always wanted to do it since I was young and because of you giving me a chance, I can. I want to thank you once again for my feedback and see you soon in the improvers’ course.”
"Loved the course! So glad I came back, looking forward to doing some more!”
”The interaction in every class was excellent. A nice balance between individual and group work”
”I enjoyed the course so much. It has given me confidence and kept me creative. I am looking forward to the next one”
”The course just keeps evolving and if it continues to do so, I’ll continue to do it!”I have learnt a lot and it has boosted my confidence at all levels of presentation. I wish to see the continuation of the course in the spring. Can’t wait!”
”Every class was great, I had a lot of fun and I know I want to have a career in acting. Can’t wait to do the improvers. Thank you Claire”
”Oh what fun, enjoyed getting up on a Saturday morning to come to class. Met a lovely bunch of people”
”Fabulous once again! You pitch the sessions right for the dynamics of the group. Just wish there were more sessions throughout the year!! Thank you :-)”
”It was brilliant. I have loved all of it, but especially being a zombie and all the fighting!! Thanks so much. One thing to improve? More courses please! Also I really like your style, not at all pretentious or intimidating, very easy to take part”
