WHAT IS THE SUZUKI ACTOR TRAINING METHOD?
“The Suzuki Method of Actor Training was developed by Tadashi Suzuki, Artistic Director of the Suzuki Company of Toga (SCOT). This technique has gained a broad following in professional theatre circles including the Royal Shakespeare Company, among many. The Suzuki Method develops the actor’s inner physical sensibilities, and builds the will, stamina and concentration. The workshop activities include a series of exercises focussing on the use of the feet in relation to one’s centre. These exercises are designed to throw the body off centre while maintaining a consistent level of energy and not swaying the upper body. The training involves precise physical discipline to bring a heightened awareness and emotional and physical commitment to each moment on stage. The Suzuki Method is designed to gain expressive perspective and abilities, and to explore the power of the human body in the theatrical context.” – The Japan Society
WHAT IS SUZUKI-BASED INTEGRATED ACTOR TRAINING?
From 1997 to 2007 Emma trained exclusively in the Suzuki Method of Actor Training with repertory ensemble, Frank Theatre under the direction of Jacqui Carroll and John Nobbs. Inspired by this training in Australia and Japan, and three decades as a stage and screen actor, Emma Louise Pursey’s Suzuki-based Integrated Actor Training is a set repertoire of rigorous, performative physical-based exercises that incorporate speech to focus on the core and feet in relation to the body, mind and voice.
While grounded in Suzuki’s Method, this training has been adapted to support accessibility, safe technique and sustainable practice. Informed by Emma’s experience of living with invisible disability, it is designed to be inclusive, flexible and accessible because this work is for every body!
In October 2016 Emma hosted and co-taught a masterclass here in Melbourne with renowned Japanese performer and former Suzuki company principal actor, Okubo Noriaki. Together they outlined the basic performative principles for this adapted methodology.
‘INTEGRATED ACTOR’ ORIGIN STORY
The term ‘Integrated Actor’ was coined by Dr Jo Loth—Frank Theatre alumna, Designated Linklater Teacher, and former Head of Theatre and Performance at the University of the Sunshine Coast and The National Theatre Drama School in Melbourne. Dr Loth developed the concept as part of her Master’s research project, ‘Developing a Theatre of the Integrated Actor‘. You can read the full thesis here.
Based in Brisbane, Jo Loth Studios has now operates in partnership with The Factory Acting Studio where she teaches The Integrated Actor: Body – Voice – Character.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Suzuki-based Integrated Actor Training method complements all other acting and performance methodologies and is a powerful tool in the creation of powerful actors.
- How to integrate and strengthen the body, mind and voice
- How to be energised, focused and connected
- How to be centred, grounded and alive in-the-moment
- Increased vocal strength and dynamic
- Increased discipline and concentration
- Intensified performance stamina
- Breath control
- Precision and spatial awareness
- The art of stillness
- An expanded stylistic range
- A broadened body-knowledge within a performative context
WHAT YOU GET
- Experienced and dedicated teacher with invaluable knowledge of the methodology who is also a working practitioner within the stage and screen industries
- Select repertoire of rigorous physical-based exercises that incorporate vocal work
- Supportive learning environment
- Exciting group dynamic
- Greater commitment to self-discovery and transformation
- Professional studio space
This training is most suited to professional actors, dancers and performers, though is open to anyone interested in physical-based training.
WHY YOU SHOULD ADD THIS TRAINING TO YOUR ACTOR TOOL BOX
Master acting coaches, Howard Fine, Larry Moss, Lisa Robertson and Anthony Meindl among others, all acknowledge that one of the most important aspects of actor training is bringing the voice and emotional connection into the body through centred breath control, groundedness, stillness, vocal strength and dynamism, and the ability to manage the actor’s instrument within the anxieties and tensions of performance. Suzuki-based training delivers all this, and more.
“The classes are a high focus environment and Emma is a leader.” – Amelia Newman, Actor/Writer/Director
“Suzuki was the challenge and step-up that I was looking for in developing my instrument…It is a privilege to train with Emma.” – Eliza Charley, Actor / Writer
“…physical theatre training is not for the accumulation of skills to be applied as character traits in a play, but rather to foster an overall cognitive framework for fictional aesthetic in a real material world.” – Maiya J Murphy, Assistant Professor, Performance Studies, National University of Singapore
“I feel like I need my body to work to get into the voice, but then once I find the voice, it helps me get further into my body – truly they are connected!” – Narda Shanley, Writer / Performer / Executive Director / Former Co-CEO, St Martins Youth Arts Centre
considers the Suzuki Method one of the seven movement techniques all actors should study. Click here to check out why!
In addition to her independent practice, Emma is core faculty at 16th Street Actors Studio. She has been an industry guest at The National Theatre, Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia, Film & Television Studio International and NICA.
Training Photos by Mark Kenfield
