I define movement direction as a specific view into a play through approaching the movement of the inner life of the characters on stage.  Sparking the movement from the inside of the actor affects the external picture.  In addition to my work as a Movement Director, I also work quite often as a Choreographer.  I find that my choreography skills strengthen my work.  Both of these roles focus on adding shape and dimension to the specific visual and physical life of a production.

The most important part of movement direction is the sensitive relationship developed between myself and a director.  I serve the director’s vision, and will always try to be as communicative as possible in understanding exactly what a director is setting out to accomplish before joining a new project.  Throughout a rehearsal process nurturing this relationship with open lines of communication is vital to transforming a concept into a reality.  Movement must be shaped and combined by the director in the same way that every other element must be.  It is an element of design and creation that enriches the product by intrinsically focusing on the actors’ process and development.

Some examples of jobs I would be approached to do for stage and film include:

·          Developing psychophysical connection through work with the eyes of screen actors
·          Development and coaching of different animal studies for actors
·          Teaching actor workshops on conditions such as inebriation, age, illness, and cross gender work
·          Adapting and choreographing large group scenes and chorus work.
·          Working in masque, various period movement, and historical dance
·          Creating actor awareness to performance spaces, especially work in outdoor amphitheaters
·          Creating safe work environments, especially when orchestrating stage fights, lifts, and falls
·          Developing character for actors playing multiple roles

In addition I have worked with Character Animators to develop a system of character development through movement.  This intuitive system based on breath development and embodying Laban’s motion factors of weight, space, and time has served as a useful tool when working one-on-one as a movement director on a number of animation films.  I have found that a participatory approach awakens the creativity inside the animator and I have even worked on creating choreography for animation.

I am very adaptable to each project's individual needs be it stage, screen, or animation.  Please contact me for further information or to discuss a specific project.

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