JOSEPHINE LARSEN
ACTOR - TEACHER - DIRECTOR - AUTHOR
Josephine trained at BRISTOL OLD VIC THEATRE SCHOOL (1971-4) and went on to study dance for 5yrs in Copenhagen. Since then she has enjoyed a 40+yr professional career as actress, dancer, director, teacher and performance writer in Copenhagen, Berlin, Paris and UK, in a wide variety of dramatic manifestations such as Cabaret, Rock Theatre, Fringe, Classical Theatre, T.V., Film, Radio and Surreal Performance. GALLERY
A BIT ABOUT MY TEACHING METHODS?
When I started teaching professional acting techniques years ago in Copenhagen, it became clear to me that my students weren't necessarily interested in becoming professional actors! They sensed that acting skills could give them more confidence, creativity and playfulness in real life i.e. life skills.
In response to this, I started developing games and improvisation challenges that would free them up from any creative inhibitions and bring out the best of each individual, enabling them to live life in a more playful, imaginative and courageous way. After the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, I taught these same skills to people starved for creative autonomy and imaginative play from the East Block, and I witnessed similar amazing transformations.
One of the first questions I ask my 'players' is 'What is acting all about?' Most people answer - 'It's pretending to be someone else.' I say... it's actually about being your SELF, all parts of yourself, the whole of YOU!!! And that's where the fun begins!
I combine IMPRO, METHOD and CLASSICAL acting techniques with a whole range of crazy games, I have developed or invented that anyone, from any cultural background, age (18yrs+) or need, can join in with. My groups are intentionally small (6-9 players), so that I can give each individual the attention they need. If the group or any individual is willing to be even more creative, we can organise experimental PUBLIC PERFORMANCES to challenge the player's openness, creativity and daring.
I do also give 1-2-1 COACHING for personal development and also professional career advice, if someone wants to work within stage or film. I mentor players in audition pieces and interview techniques for top drama schools, and have successfully enabled serious players to get into the STRASBERG School in New York; RADA in London; and BRISTOL OLD VIC THEATRE SCHOOL.
Whatever the level you want to take it too! Acting skills encompass so much of what it is to be human and alive today. I'd be very happy to meet you! Josephine