Powell River Academy of Music
 

Movement for Actors and Singers

Class starts with a somatic and alignment based warm up. We learn specific exercises to work within each individual performer's natural range of motion. Repetition will bring about a stronger, more relaxed and confident instrument. We do exercises that challenge the body and stretch your idea of space. We throw you into challenging ideas that will help you immerse yourself in the character’s dilemma. This dilemma can only be fulfilled and expressed through strong, fully realized choices that stretch your boundaries.  The character is not you, but you can build him or her from the ground up. Dance movement is then touched on to get your instrument free and expressive. If you think you can’t move or dance, think again. We’ll get you there.

This is a one hour group class.

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

 

Neil GirodayNeil 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.