Reviews
Yes, I'm revealing my bias--but I didn't think this level of acting instruction was available outside of NYC or LA. Wendy is an almost stereotypical acting coach--experienced, serious, passionate and uncompromising. If you are serious about the craft, want professional level instruction and are willing to do the work, there really is no where else to go.
My daughter (teenager) has been studying the Meisner technique with Wendy for 2 years now. She has come to understand (on a deep level) that true acting is about portraying an authentic, lived (but psychologically bounded) experience. It is not (as I used to think) really good pretending. My daughter is acquiring a skill set that allows her to evoke authentic emotion at will. Perhaps more importantly, she has learned how to turn off that authentic emotion as soon as the scene is over.
Wendy is clearly an exceptionally gifted teacher. She seems to have an uncanny ability to know exactly what the student needs to work on next. Although my daughter's classmates were mostly much older than her, Wendy found a way to include her completely--she modified scenes and chose monologues that were complex enough for the whole class to work off of, but totally age appropriate. Wendy somehow created an atmosphere where students of very different ages, backgrounds and experiences work together to engage each other/react to each other fully and intently, as (I've come to understand) is an essential part of acting.
Of note, Wendy has high standards for her herself and for her students; she expects a level of commitment that is not for the dabbler; she expects (and coaches her students to) a level of emotional maturity that is not for the arrogant. If you are a serious student of acting and respect the craft, I don't see how you can get any better training anywhere--here or in NYC or in LA.
If you are still not sure--check out one of her professional plays (put on by the Ward Theater Company). They are an intimate "theatre in the round" experience. The acting will knock your socks off. No kidding.
5
8 years ago (09-10-2017)
I loathe to posit myself a professional, but coming from NYC and being a lifetime theater enthusiast, I feel compelled to declare that I have sat in many, many theater seats. I left both performances in this space not thinking "This was an amazing experience 'For Durham'" but rather, "this was an amazing experience, that I will remember for the rest of my life". I rank what happens in this tiny space as one of the most reliable, top tier theatrical experiences... anywhere. Just GO! You can thank me later.
5
9 years ago (25-07-2016)
I just saw 'I wish you a boat'. It was very well done. I have no doubt that the reviewers will be gushing over this one. You need to see for yourself. I will definitely be at the next play.
5
9 years ago (29-08-2016)
