Personal Training

StoryTheater with Doug Stevenson                                                       July 2002    

Transforming the basic spoken stories in one's keynote into more engaging, theatrical pieces

National Speakers Association - San Diego                                       December 2001 - present    

Eight to ten workshops a year on improving one's stage presence and professional abilities in the business of professional speaking.

Bay Area TheatreSportsÔ Summer School in San Francisco       September 1998

One week intensive training by an ensemble of coaches from one of the most progressive improvisation schools in the world.

Day Classes with Brian Lohmann, artistic director of L.A.T.S.            Numerous classes '97 - '01

Los Angeles TheatreSports coach emphasizes the believability and vulnerability of characters. Focus on moments when it may be best not to go for the laugh so as to make a touching point.

TheatreSportsÔ international headquarters (Calgary, Canada)  June 1995

Two-week intensive with Keith Johnstone, founder of TheatreSports and Calgary head coach Dennis Cahill. Included 22 participants from six countries.

Day Classes with Gary Alexander                                                        Four occasions in '94 & '95

Co-founder of The Groundlings runs workshops emphasizing plot advancement and character development.

Los Angeles TheatreSportsÔ (taught in San Diego)                     April 1993

Four-day intensive training under artistic director Dan O’Connor. Used as basis from which to continue the new San Diego chapter.

Body Movement for Actors with Halli Lorentz                                 Sept 91- Apr 93

Associating of body positioning and walks with moods and characters. Increases options when selecting character traits.

Improvisational Comedy with Jacquie Lowell                                 Aug 90 - July 91

Techniques for improvising games and scenes.

Stand-Up Comedy with Wally Griffin                                                  Sept - Oct 90

Teaches fundamentals of writing and performing "stand-up".    

Playback Theater with Michael Clemente                                        Several weekends in 1987

Transforming stories from audience's lives into interactive theatrical pieces for both entertainment and perspective.

Toastmasters (Clubs 1508 & 545) and Laughmasters                 Oct 89 - Dec 93

Strategies for improving public speaking and performing skills. Two-year winner of club's Humorous Speech Contest.   Most frequent winner in club of the "Best Evaluation" award and "Table Topics" award.