New Workshop on Character Development with Gemma May Maddock
- Richard Delaney
- Oct 6, 2024
- 5 min read
The Actors' Edge: Building Characters and Relationships
The craft of acting is a continual journey of discovery and refinement. As Stanislavski once said, "Create your own method. Don't depend slavishly on mine. Make up something that will work for you! But keep breaking traditions, I beg you". It's in this spirit of innovation and personal artistic growth that I'm pleased to announce the return of The Actors' Edge, a collaborative effort between myself and voice coach Gemma May Maddock.
Scheduled for 9th and 10th November, this intensive two-day workshop builds on the success of our previous collaborations, offering a deep dive into advanced character development and relationship dynamics. This also means you'll be getting expert guidance from two industry professionals throughout the full two days of your workshop, giving you significantly more bang for your buck.
Workshop Focus and Methodologies
The workshop is designed to challenge and expand the capabilities of acting professionals and performers, drawing from a rich tapestry of acting methodologies. Over the course of two days, we will explore:
1. Character Voice: Gemma will lead sessions on advanced vocal techniques, pushing the boundaries of vocal characterization and emotional expression. Her approach is grounded in the Linklater Voice method, which aims to liberate the natural voice. As Kristin Linklater herself stated, "The natural voice is transparent, revealing, not describing, inner impulses of emotion and thought, directly and spontaneously", and we will be seeking ways that we can, through following impulse, create characters and characterisations that are dynamic and engaging.
2. Physical Embodiment: I will guide participants through nuanced approaches to physical characterisation, focusing on subtle yet impactful choices that can transform a performance. This work will draw heavily from Michael Chekhov's techniques, and play with some of the central ideas behind my practice, The Method of Directional Transformation. Chekhov believed that "Every movement you make on the stage, every word you speak, is the result of the right inner attitude", and this workshop will enable you to allow that inner attitude, the inner life, to find outer expression.
3. Relationship Dynamics: Together, we'll examine the intricacies of creating authentic, compelling connections with scene partners, enhancing the overall narrative clarity and emotional impact of a piece. This work will be informed by Stanislavski's thinking as well as Chekhov Technique and Viewpoints, challenging you, the actor, to enhance and develop your craft.
4. Contemporary Scene Study: Participants will apply these advanced techniques to modern material, emphasising bold, dynamic choices that resonate in today's performance landscapes. We'll incorporate elements of Viewpoints, bringing in elements of time and space to bring further depth and nuance to the imagination.
The Competitive Edge: Advanced Character Development in Auditions and Performances
In today's highly competitive acting industry, the ability to quickly and deeply develop characters can set you apart from the crowd. Advanced character development techniques offer several advantages:
Audition Readiness: With a robust toolkit for character creation, you can walk into any audition prepared to make bold, interesting choices that catch the casting director's eye.
Versatility: Advanced techniques allow you to portray a wider range of characters convincingly, expanding your castability.
Depth in Performance: These skills enable you to bring nuanced, multi-dimensional characters to life, elevating the overall quality of the production.
Quick Adaptation: In fast-paced environments like television or last-minute replacements in theatre, the ability to develop a character quickly is invaluable.
Memorable Impressions: Casting directors and audiences alike remember performances that showcase depth and originality in character portrayal.
Continuous Growth: Why Established Actors Need Workshops
It's a common misconception that once an actor reaches a certain level of success, further training becomes unnecessary. However, some of the most respected actors in the industry continue to attend workshops and classes throughout their careers.
Here's why:
Preventing Stagnation: Workshops expose you to new methods and perspectives, helping you avoid falling into comfortable but limiting patterns.
Refining Techniques: Even established actors can benefit from refining and expanding their existing skills. Workshops provide a focused environment for this refinement.
Staying Current: The entertainment industry is ever-evolving. Workshops help actors stay abreast of new trends and expectations in performance styles.
Renewed Inspiration: Engaging with other professionals in a learning environment can reignite passion for the craft and inspire new approaches to your work.
Networking: Workshops provide opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, potentially leading to new collaborations or job opportunities.
Safe Space for Experimentation: Unlike on set or in rehearsals for a production, workshops offer a risk-free environment to try new techniques without the pressure of a final product.
As the legendary Meryl Streep once said, "I need to go to class, I need to learn, I need to be around people who are firing on all cylinders in a similar way". This sentiment encapsulates why even the most established actors continue to seek out learning opportunities.
Evolution and Relevance of Character Development
Each iteration of this workshop evolves, incorporating new insights from our ongoing work in the industry and the valuable perspectives shared by past participants. The entertainment industry continually evolves, demanding ever more nuanced and authentic performances. This workshop is designed to address these demands head-on, providing tools and techniques that can be immediately applied to your professional work.
As Stella Adler advocated, "The actor has to develop [their] body. The actor has to work on [their] voice. But the most important thing the actor has to work on is [their] mind". Our workshop aims to engage all these facets of the actor's craft, pushing boundaries and opening new avenues of exploration in a truly creative, enriching and hollistic fashion.
Practical Information
Dates: November 9-10, 2024
Time: 9 AM - 5 PM both days
Location: Central London studio (Zone 1-2)
Investment: £100
We are offering an Early Bird Discount of 25% for a limited time. Given the workshop's focused nature, spaces are limited to ensure individualised attention.
A Commitment to Craft
The feedback following our previous collaborative endeavours has been glowing, with participants constantly referencing how the sessions have made them consider things anew. It's this kind of ongoing discovery and refinement that Gemma and I aim to facilitate, regardless of where you are in your career. As Anne Bogart wisely put it, "The act of doing something fully, the experience of being completely present, is a reminder of one's potential".
This workshop is an invitation to be fully present, to dive deep into your craft, and to rediscover your potential as an artist.
Book Your Place
If you're prepared to engage in rigorous, focused work on your craft, we invite you to join us.
For any queries about the workshop and its suitability for your current professional focus, please contact me at richard@RichardDDelaney.com.
Gemma and I look forward to another intensive, productive session of work with you all.
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