Proposing the Universal Art of Acting: A Journey into Truth, Humanity, and Scientific Inquiry

Frequently Asked Questions

Actor training encompasses a holistic journey of self-discovery and artistic growth, integrating Movement Arts and Somatic Education into a comprehensive approach. Through this multidimensional training, actors gain invaluable skills and insights that extend beyond the stage, fostering physical, emotional, and intellectual development.

From martial arts to dance, voice training to mime, and beyond, each element contributes to the actor's toolkit, enhancing their presence, expression, and communication abilities. Physical fitness and athleticism bolster stamina and agility, while text analysis and somatic education deepen intellectual and emotional understanding, enabling nuanced and authentic performances.

This holistic approach not only shapes skilled actors but also nurtures individuals with a profound understanding of themselves and the world around them. It cultivates a harmonious balance between physical prowess, artistic expression, and mental clarity, empowering actors to embody their roles with authenticity, depth, and impact.

  • “Studying under Ben's pedagogy was truly a step forward to the understanding of human bodies' capabilities. It is challenging and demands full focus. Ben will adapt himself to the student’s needs and will push them to reach their best creativity level. I got out of every class feeling fulfilled on a physical aspect and, most importantly, I found myself creating work.”

    — Tom Koch

  • “I felt extremely fulfilled going home - I’ve been telling all my friends and family about class and they are so intrigued by it all. ”

    -Millie Gibbons 

  • “This practice is beneficial to all, especially to all performers. Learning to understand, listen to and trust your body is essential to all truthful performance. This works allows you to explore yourself and teaches you techniques in releasing unwanted and unnecessary tension. “

    — Girshel Topuria

  • “ I have been using the techniques the past few days and they're really effective! I look forward to more!”

    — Danny Musengo

  • “Never before have I encountered a martial art that puts me so completely in my body.  After only a couple classes I found my awareness of my body increased exponentially, and I already had several years of martial arts and dance under my belt.  People chuckle when I tell them that we spend a solid half of class rolling on the floor, but my body now does things I had no idea it could do (like stand up from lying down without using my hands)!  Plus, who doesn't want to practice knife fighting blindfolded?!”

    — Robin Stillwater

  • “If you want to be in truthful dialogue with your body, to reconnect with its natural intelligence, and to work with someone who will gently but masterfully guide you to towards that, then work with Ben! I completely trust his knowledge of how the body works, and his holistic, connected approach. ”

    — Sabrina Hayeem-Ladani

  • “My first session was a revelation.  I can only describe it as a combination of being taught how to adjust my own spine, to rethink how to move my body to correct the bad habits, and to stretch more deeply than any yoga class.  To my surprise I was tearful at the end of the session, partly due to the deep release and partly because for the first time ever I could see that there was light at the end of the pain tunnel. Ben’s gifted and intuitive teaching reminds me of seeing a master in that he can sense the issue before I try and explain it in words.  It is quite remarkable. “

    -Natalie Clark

  • “Ben is a skillful and articulate teacher. He led the students through a physical warm-up with essential instruction, clarifying or demonstrating when needed, and letting students figure it out on their own through exploration and play. The parameters for ensemble work grew out of the individual work giving the students confidence and freedom.”

    — Erin O’Leary

🌊 Immerse Yourself in Dynamic Expression: Water - Actor Training & Creative Embodiment

“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water,” Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash … be water my friend” -

- Bruce Lee

“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans; in one aspect of You are found all the aspects of existence.”
Kahlil Gibran Jr.

“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.”

— Jacques Yves Cousteau

🌊 Immerse Yourself in Dynamic Expression: Water - Actor Training & Creative Embodiment

As you dive into creative exploration and play, you'll venture into new dimensions, elevating your emotional intelligence, expression, and artistry through the transformative mediums of dance, theatre, and martial arts as well as exploring the medium of film and media.

In our program, meticulously designed to cultivate a fluid, emotionally intelligent, and expressive body through an interdisciplinary study of movement arts, we place a special emphasis on the art of acting. Acting becomes a potent means for embodying characters, exploring emotions, and conveying narratives and reconnecting with the creativity, plasticity and play.

Through dynamic exercises in movement analysis, choreography, mime, games, improv, and storytelling, we delve deep into the intricacies of acting. By approaching acting with creativity and collaboration, we provide a space for exploring personal narratives within a broader cultural context. You'll learn to flow with the currents of your breath and body, expressing yourself authentically and fearlessly! Water embodies the fluidity and adaptability of creativity, inviting you to explore the depths of your imagination and bring your artistic vision to life.

Each element of our program complements and enriches the others, offering a holistic approach to well-being. Join me on this transformative journey and experience the profound impact of the water element in refining your acting skills and nurturing your mind and body.

Actor Training Services

  • Offer personalized training programs that incorporate elements of both physical fitness and actor training techniques.

    Tailor workouts to enhance physical strength, flexibility, and endurance while also focusing on skills such as body awareness, movement dynamics, and expression.

    Provide guidance on integrating acting techniques into physical training sessions to enhance performance quality and authenticity.

  • Develop somatic coaching sessions specifically tailored for actors and performers, focusing on techniques to improve body awareness, movement efficiency, and emotional expression.

    Offer somatic exercises and mindfulness practices to help actors connect with their bodies, emotions, and characters on a deeper level.

    Provide guidance on using somatic principles to overcome physical limitations, stage fright, and performance anxiety.

  • Stanislavski Method: Delve into the foundational principles of Konstantin Stanislavski's system, focusing on techniques such as emotional memory, sense memory, and the "Magic If" to cultivate authenticity and depth in performances.

    Method Acting: Explore the teachings of Lee Strasberg and the Actors Studio, emphasizing emotional truth, personalization, and psychological immersion to connect deeply with characters and situations.

    Physical Approaches (e.g., Michael Chekhov, Jacques Lecoq): Study physical-based techniques that emphasize movement, gesture, and expressiveness to enhance characterization and storytelling.

    Voice and Speech Training (e.g., Linklater, Fitzmaurice): Investigate vocal training methods that focus on breath, resonance, and articulation to develop a versatile and expressive voice for stage and screen.

    Scene Work and Character Study: Apply principles from various training styles to scene work and character development exercises, allowing actors to experiment with different approaches and find methods that resonate with their individual processes.

    Hybrid Approaches: Encourage actors to integrate insights from 20th-century training styles with contemporary approaches, fostering a flexible and adaptive toolkit for approaching diverse roles and performance contexts.

    Individualized Coaching: Provide personalized coaching and guidance to help actors tailor their training experiences to suit their unique artistic goals, preferences, and areas of focus.

    Reflective Discussions and Analysis: Facilitate discussions and analysis sessions where actors can reflect on their experiences with different training styles, identify strengths and challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of their artistic preferences and growth areas.

  • Host specialized workshops or intensives focusing on physical actor training techniques, such as Laban Movement Analysis, Viewpoints, or Suzuki Method.

    Offer immersive training experiences that combine physical conditioning with theatrical exercises, improvisation, and scene work.

    Provide opportunities for actors to develop their physicality, stage presence, and character embodiment through hands-on training and feedback.

  • Offer performance coaching sessions to help actors refine their physical skills, character work, and audition techniques.

    Provide personalized coaching and feedback on movement choices, gestures, and physical storytelling to enhance performance effectiveness.

    Offer audition preparation services to help actors develop confidence, presence, and readiness for auditions, callbacks, and performances.

  • Introduction to Vocal Techniques: Understand the fundamentals of breath control, projection, resonance, and vocal variety to enhance performance capabilities.

    Vocal Warm-up Routines: Customized exercises designed to warm up the voice efficiently and prepare for auditions, rehearsals, or performances.

    Character Voice Development: Explore techniques for creating distinct and authentic voices for characters, spanning accents, dialects, and vocal qualities.

    Vocal Health and Maintenance: Guidance on maintaining vocal health through proper hydration, vocal rest, and exercises to prevent strain or injury.

  • Script Breakdown Sessions: Learn techniques for dissecting scripts, identifying character objectives, obstacles, and subtext to develop nuanced performances.

    Character Development Workshops: Dive deep into character motivations, relationships, and arcs through analytical discussions and improvisational exercises.

    Monologue Coaching: Receive personalized coaching on monologues for auditions, focusing on interpretation, emotional depth, and engaging delivery.

  • Foundational Combat Training: Gain proficiency in basic stage combat techniques, including unarmed combat, swordplay, and choreographed fight sequences.

    Safety and Coordination: Emphasize safety protocols, partner communication, and precise choreography execution to ensure realistic yet secure fight scenes.

    Emotional Intensity in Combat: Learn how to infuse fight choreography with emotional authenticity, enhancing the dramatic impact of combat scenes.

    On-camera Combat Techniques: Adapt stage combat skills for the screen, considering camera angles, pacing, and continuity for effective storytelling.

  • Acting for the Stage: Master the techniques specific to live theatrical performances, including stage presence, blocking, projection, and connecting with a live audience.

    Scene Study Workshops: Dive deep into scene analysis, exploring character relationships, objectives, and beats within the context of stage productions.

    Live Performance Coaching: Receive personalized coaching on live performances, focusing on maintaining energy, adapting to unexpected circumstances, and building rapport with fellow actors.

  • Acting for the Camera: Understand the nuances of on-camera acting, including framing, eye lines, continuity, and adjusting performance for different shot sizes.

    Self-Tape Audition Techniques: Learn how to create compelling self-tape auditions, including framing, lighting, sound quality, and delivering authentic performances tailored to the camera.

    On-Set Etiquette and Protocol: Familiarize yourself with the on-set environment, including working with directors, crew members, and fellow actors, and adhering to industry standards and expectations.

  • Cross-Platform Performance Integration: Explore techniques for seamlessly transitioning between on-stage and on-camera performances, leveraging the strengths of each medium to enhance overall versatility.

    Character Adaptation Workshops: Practice adapting characterizations for different performance platforms, considering how nuances may vary between stage and screen interpretations.

    Mock Performance Scenarios: Simulate live stage performances and on-camera scenes to provide hands-on experience in navigating the unique demands of each medium.

  • Exploration of Physicality: Engage in exercises and improvisations that focus on the body as the primary means of expression, encouraging actors to explore movement, gesture, and non-verbal communication.

    Devising Workshops: Facilitate collaborative workshops where actors collectively generate original material through experimentation, exploration, and improvisation, drawing on physical movement, imagery, and symbolism.

    Character Physicalization: Explore techniques for embodying characters through physicality, incorporating elements such as posture, gesture, and movement quality to convey personality, emotion, and intention.

    Composition and Choreography: Guide actors in the creation of structured compositions and choreographed sequences, integrating physical elements with narrative themes and motifs to create dynamic, visually compelling performances.

  • Collaborative Rehearsal Process: Cultivate an ensemble-based approach to rehearsals, emphasizing collaboration, mutual respect, and collective ownership of the creative process.

    Trust-Building Exercises: Facilitate exercises and activities designed to foster trust, communication, and rapport among ensemble members, creating a supportive and cohesive working environment.

    Shared Artistic Vision: Encourage ensemble members to collaboratively define and refine the artistic vision for productions, ensuring that everyone feels invested in and aligned with the creative goals and objectives.

    Group Dynamics and Conflict Resolution: Provide tools and strategies for navigating group dynamics and addressing conflicts that may arise within the ensemble, promoting open communication, empathy, and constructive problem-solving.

  • Ensemble Performance Projects: Offer opportunities for ensemble members to participate in performance projects that showcase their collective creativity and ensemble synergy, such as devised theatre productions, ensemble-based physical performances, or collaborative multimedia projects.

    Community Engagement Initiatives: Engage with the community through outreach programs, workshops, and performances that highlight the collaborative and inclusive nature of ensemble-based theatre-making, fostering connections and dialogue with diverse audiences.

    Reflective Feedback and Evaluation: Facilitate post-performance discussions and reflective sessions where ensemble members can share feedback, insights, and reflections on their collaborative experiences, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

  • Growing up, I was captivated by the mesmerizing world of movement arts—a fascination that ignited a lifelong passion and set the stage for my journey as a trainer and teacher. From the heart-pounding action of Hollywood blockbusters to the breathtaking martial arts sequences of Hong Kong cinema, I was spellbound by the physical prowess and grace of movie stars who seamlessly blended athleticism with artistry. As a child, I used to watch Charlie Chaplin with my grandmother, where I discovered the genius of physical comedy, mime, and acting. Chaplin's ability to evoke laughter and tears through his expressive movements transcended language barriers, leaving an indelible mark on my artistic sensibilities. His mastery of body language and gesture showed me the power of storytelling without words.

    The world of dance felt inseparable from these experiences, particularly the electrifying performances of Michael Jackson, which left an indelible mark on my soul. His unmatched talent for vocalization and dance, along with his ability to command the stage with dynamic movements and soulful expression, inspired me to explore the harmonious relationship between music, movement, and expression.

    These experiences deeply shaped my future endeavors as an artist, trainer, and teacher with a passion for the human body's capabilities for creativity and expression.

  • Driven by a desire to deepen my understanding of movement arts and holistic training methodologies, I pursued certifications as a martial art instructor after a lifetime of practice, as well as a yoga instructor and through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a certified personal trainer. Building upon this foundation, I delved into the intricate interplay between fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being, earning multiple certifications in fitness nutrition and specialized areas of study. Inspired by the principles of somatic education and neuroscience, I embarked on the journey of becoming a certified Feldenkrais practitioner. Exploring body awareness, movement reeducation, and self-discovery became integral to my approach. This was a pivotal chapter in my journey.

    During my college years in New York City I created my degree with a mentor as part of The CUNY BA program and the Graduate Center, I specialized in somatic education and dance theatre performance obtaining a Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude and Dean’s list, I additionally obtained a scholarship and grant for intensive physical theatre training in the tradition of Jacques Lecoq and immersed myself in film studies across the city further enriched my understanding of the art forms. I studied at various acting schools throughout the city and enrolled in a program with Ecole Libre Du Cinema Français specializing in multimedia editing. During those years I worked at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts as a teacher of acting and movement.

  • Today, as a certified trainer, yoga instructor, Feldenkrais practitioner, and Russian martial art instructor, as well as my professional training in theatre, film, voice, performance, and movement, I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to my work. Through personalized coaching, immersive workshops, and innovative training programs, I am committed to helping individuals unleash their full potential, deepen their connection with their bodies, and embrace the joy of creative movement in all its forms. In my effort to create my work, I regularly host theatre workshops in New York, Lisbon, and online as well as provide ongoing one-on-one coaching. I am working to promote movement arts and acting for younger generations as well, approaching schools and working professionals in corporate environments to provide team-building activities and foster communication skills and creativity.

    Join my program rooted in the tradition of Jacque Lecoq and other influential masters and teaching artists. I incorporate Feldenkrais and Systema training to offer a unique approach that uses combative arts heightened body awareness and self-organization training for our physical instrument, which remains uncommon. My focus is on collective play, deepening relationships, and fostering creativity and productivity through self-discovery.

    Through my program, actors will have the opportunity to explore various elements of dance and theatre training. We encourage creativity, collaboration, and interdisciplinary exploration, with each member of the collective taking on different roles in the creative process. My training program promotes emotional intelligence, collective care, compassion, and critical thinking skills, as well as nonviolent communication and productive feedback.

  • Theatre training has a therapeutic aspect that is collective and powerful, providing an alternative community-oriented model of witnessing and cathartic play through rituals and practice to traditional one-on-one Western psychosomatic therapy. My program is beneficial not only for performing artists but also in broader educational and corporate settings.

    Dance and theatre were born from a need for collective rituals, expressing memorable times of our individual and collective existence. We believe they also serve to reclaim a sense of freedom and connection with our deepest selves after overcoming trauma and hardship. My program celebrates the joy, play, and safety that come from expressing stories and healing from painful events. Join us in exploring the wonder of music and the universe, reliving, defining, and expressing stories, and learning from our experiences as a community.

  • "Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there."

    — Meryl Streep

  • “Take a deep breath, and tell us your deepest, darkest secret, so we can wipe our brow and know that we’re not alone.”

    -Allan Watts

  • "To me, acting is life; when you travel and adapt to circumstances, that is acting."

    -Ben Hemmer Liu

  • “Some element in the air between us changed, as though a wind that had been blowing gently had come to an abrupt stillness.”

    Tan Twan Eng

  • As actors we have a lot of power on stage, if we hold our breath, so does the audience.

    -Richard Crawford

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3 Easy steps:

  1. Tell me about yourself: Reach out and book a 15-minute free consultation!

  2. Explore the services offered and choose from individual sessions or packages below.

  3. During our consultation, we'll establish your goals and customize a coaching and training program using my approach. If it's a good fit, we'll set up a schedule for online and/or in-person lessons.

    Enjoy the journey, provide feedback, and stay in touch! Referrals are always appreciated!

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One-on-One Sessions:

  • Online or In Person at the Studio

  • Hybrid Option: Combining in-person and online sessions

Introductory Session:

Begin with a 60-minute introductory session priced at $50 for new clients.

Standard Price:

$80/hr for subsequent sessions.

Group Classes:

Drop-in Rate: $15 per class

Class Bundles:

  • 5-class bundle: $60 ($12 per class)

  • 10-class bundle: $100 ($10 per class)

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    Dive in with 10 sessions for $700 ($70 per session)

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    Commit to transformation with 20 sessions for $1,200 ($60 per session)

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    Achieve your goals with 30 sessions for $1,500 ($50 per session)

Personalized sessions are scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or tri-weekly, based on your preference and availability.

Enhanced Wellness Package:

Elevate your wellness journey with my exclusive Additional Services package, designed to provide comprehensive support and guidance for optimal results. Tailored to meet your individual needs, this package offers a range of specialized sessions and resources to enhance your overall well-being.

Price: $200 per client per month

Features:

  • With the enhanced wellness package you have access to all regular on-going classes

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    Personalized somatic coaching sessions

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    Holistic approach addressing physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of well-being.

    Professional guidance from a certified practitioner committed to helping you reach your full potential.

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Join our exclusive workshops to deepen your practice and explore specialized topics with expert instructors. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to delve into specific areas of wellness and personal growth in a supportive environment.

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What is my approach?

Holistic Actor Training for All:

The philosophical essence of my work is the innate artistry and scientific mind of every being. Each individual is inherently an actor and a scientist navigating the intricacies of life's stage. Beyond the traditional confines of acting as a profession, the profound philosophy emerges—that everyone is a professional actor in training or practice. This proposition encapsulates the belief that teaching humanity the essence of being alive is intrinsically linked to the art of embodied storytelling, which forms the heart of education, acting, and community. Our schooling and work environments have created a disembodied society where movement is seen as a special athletic skill rather than what our brains are designed for and the foundation of culture, all forms of expression, and education.

- Embodiment as Central Framework, Movement as Language, Body as Instrument

Embodiment, emotional intelligence, physicality, and creativity is a lifelong learning arc of development that is all too often interrupted by social conditioning, schooling, work environments, and traumatic events. Collectively training the instrument that is our body is the foundation of mental and physical health.

Somatic Education and the Craft of Acting:

As a coach and somatic educator, the intertwining of my work with the craft of acting is inseparable. Whether an individual is training as a professional actor or not, the truth remains—life itself is a stage. From mime and combat to dance, storytelling, ritual, and contemplation, every human engages in these facets of existence. The challenge lies in making these practices a living, breathing part of our identity and in passing down the craft to the younger generation.

A Radical Choice for Authenticity:

Choosing to be an actor is not merely about interpreting scripts for an industry; it is a radical decision to reconnect with our identity as animals and as both story seekers and storytellers. It is the recognition that we are more than what people know of us, that we are more than what we know of ourselves, we are more than our experience, occupation, education, and culture. We want to grow. Rejoicing in the full power of our humanity as expressive, sentient, growing, learning, and incredibly versatile physical beings. This choice, though radical and politically incorrect, transcends age, nationality, socioeconomic background, or gender. It is a call to be true.

Navigating Identity Amidst Societal Constructs:

The journey to understand one's identity is often challenged by societal constructs—schooling, nationality, cultural conditioning, and more. The struggle to fit into predefined molds can be relentless, but the truth is, that the world seeks to shortcut one's identity. Breaking free from these constraints requires courage, and adopting the role of an observer, embodied philosopher, journalist, teacher, and instrument serving humanity’s awareness.

The Continuous Work of Being an Actor:

To embrace the role of an actor is to engage in a lifetime journey of curious exploration. It involves constant investigation into the realms of meaning, culture, and the on-going training of the body. This training encompasses expressiveness, playfulness, truthful authenticity, and harnessing the inherent power within.

The Wisdom of a Troupe and the Travelling Actor:

Historically, actors were part of traveling communities known as troupes—individuals engaged in what they knew best: traveling, moving, witnessing, and sharing. This wisdom carries the essence of choosing one's game amidst the chaos of societal pressures.

The Courage to Walk Away:

In a world entangled with constructed realities, individuals often find themselves forced to play games not of their making. The proposition questions whether one has the choice to walk away from these games before they cost a life. Courage is found in the choice to be an immigrant, to leap into the unknown, to embrace change, and to recognize the privilege and wisdom in such a decision.

Unity Amidst Diversity:

To be one with opposing parts involves understanding the desire to fit into a defined character and then letting it go. It acknowledges the universe within each individual and the privilege and burden of navigating a vessel for both shame and pride.

Embracing the Future:

The future belongs to those who embrace the complexities of an interconnected world. It acknowledges the challenge of being spoonfed into simple stories and the realization that the world is indeed a stage where everyone plays their part.

A Career in Sharing Truth:

Recognizing the profound insights gained from a life dedicated to understanding identity, modern schooling, and the quest for truth, a career unfolds. This career involves auditions, writing, reading, training, playing, teaching, and exploring side hustles connected to the essence of this journey.

Embracing the Role of Actor as Scientist: Unveiling Life's Mysteries Through Art and Science

In the profound exploration of the actor's craft, there exists a symbiotic relationship between the art of performance and the rigor of scientific inquiry. An actor is not merely a performer; rather, they are akin to a scientist embarking on a quest to unravel the mysteries of life. In this unique role, the actor turns towards hard facts, delving into the realm of science to seek answers that enrich their artistic craft. Much like a scientist meticulously investigates the intricacies of the natural world, the actor analyzes the nuances of human emotion, behavior, and the complex interplay of societal dynamics. This fusion of art and science elevates the actor to the status of a researcher, dedicated to unearthing the profound truths that lie beneath the surface of every character and story. It is through this scientific lens that the actor refines their craft, creating performances that are not only compelling but deeply rooted in the profound understanding of the human experience.

Training Studio Location

 

97 Rua Do Conde De Redondo, 1150-103 Lisbon

Phone
(724) 901 - 1217

“All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.”

William Shakespeare

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