| Gest Performance Training was formed in June 2004 by myself - Claire Desmond. Click here to check out my credentials! I am a fully qualified freelance drama teacher with extensive experience of teaching drama over an age range of 5 - 70. My aims with Gest are simple - to give everyone, whatever their previous experiences or abilities, the best chance of improving their acting and performance skills. Here's a bit about what people can expect when they enrol on a course: - Everyone who studies on a Gest course, whatever their age, background, present performing ability or previous experience will be offered the same, high quality training. I use the same actor training techniques on absolute beginners as I would with seasoned professionals, working to bring out an individual's qualities and latent talent.
- I tend not to spend a long time on warm up exercises and games unless I feel they have a direct and relevant outcome. I always try and explain the reason for doing everything in the classes, unless an explanation would cause a student to 'second guess' or give a less satisfactory outcome.
- I try to organise at least one public performance opportunity per year so that students have a chance to put their new-found skills into practice. These performances are entirely optional and students are equally encouraged to try their hand at writing, publicity or behind the scenes work, if they prefer.
- Feedback is key, both to and from students. It is difficult to progress if you don't know what's working and what isn't. I give constructive and usable feedback to students throughout a course, and also offer one to one private feedback both at the end of the course and at any time to anyone who requests it. I also ask students to fill in an anonymous feedback sheet at the end of the course so I can find out what they felt about the training. (Here's the feedback from past courses).
- I work to help all students loose their self-consciousness whilst building on their self-awareness. I find that filming student's exercises and work in progress is one way of doing this. Although most students are initially uncomfortable at seeing themselves on film (who isn't?!) it's a very useful way of identifying effective work as well as problem areas. Students are always welcome to take away copies of their own work at the end of the course to use as a learning tool and as a permenant record of their achievment. All filming is undertaken by Darren Purvis, a digital film maker and director who also has extensive professional experience in support work, counselling and mediation
- Wherever relevant (and subject to availability) I like to bring in other qualified professionals to teach on specific subject areas, such as movement and voice. I always try to respond to a student's or group's learning requirements and am happy to cover specific subjects or techniques if requested. I am always on hand to answer (if I can!) questions pertaining to acting and the performance industry.
- Whilst not everyone who enrols on a Gest course wants to take up acting as a career or even as a serious hobby, I hope that everyone will have fun, learn more about themselves and enjoy increased confidence - both when performing and 'in real life'.
If you have any questions about the courses I run, or if you would like some advice about undertaking actor training, whatever your present situation, ability or experience, just e-mail me. Claire Desmond | |
