I specialise in movement for actors and I use these skills as a movement teacher, coach, director and dramaturg. Philosophically my movement heritage is predominantly through the lineage of Laban, Bartenieff and Body Mind Centring. I am a Somatic Movement Educator which means that I see the body and mind as one and that I approach working with the bodymind from a subjective point of view as opposed to an objective one. I hold the following professional qualifications:
Certified Movement Analyst (Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, NYC)
Dynamic Embodiment – Somatic Movement Practitioner (Centre for Kinaesthestic Education, NYC)
I spent five years researching how these approaches to movement could be interwoven into the process of directing theatre. This work resulted in a prize winning PhD, available to view here:
https://espace.curtin.edu.au/handle/20.500.11937/136
Other influences include Lecoq, Action Theater and Viewpoints. In 2015 I trained with Anne Bogart’s SITI Company in Suzuki, Viewpoints and Composition and I have found combining Viewpoints and Composition with my Laban/Bartenieff work a fruitful pursuit. In 2017 further study in Viewpoints with Mary Overlie has further developed this cross pedagogical approach to movement training and coaching.
Testimonials
"Teresa creates a safe space to help explore ideas with the body as the medium for discovering more. Her work is gentle and deep. Also a great way of waking up the mind and one's creativity through the moving body." (Leila Lloyd Evelyn, Playwright)
"Teresa Izzard is a very skilled Movement specialist, in particular is her ability to use the techniques of Laban as a tool to help actors access emotional and physical areas required for complex characterisation. Many students have commented on how her methods facilitated the development of their characterisation skills. As a fellow collaborator on several projects Teresa has a dynamism that promotes creative thinking. Her sharp observation skills and ability to make innovative offers results in robust and imaginative work." (Gabrielle Metcalf, Theatre Director and Educator)
An overview of my training / influences
Theatre / Movement: Directing, Physical Theatre and Mask with Lorna Marshall in London, Physical Theatre with Wendy Houston and with Cristina Castillo in Melbourne, Lecoq technique and devising with Simon Edwards and Marian Masoliver at The Actor’s Space in Barcelona, Action Theatre at Chisenhale Dance Space London with Sten Runstrom and Michael Chekhov with Janice Orlandi at The Actor’s Movement Centre in New York. Mask with Aole.T.Miller, solo performance and dramaturgy with Margaret Cameron and Dawn Albinger, movement and writing with Nikki Heywood and interdisciplinary performance with Sarah Thom of Gob Squad in Perth. Directing classes with Anne Bogart (as observer) at Columbia University, New York. Recently I reengaged with Lorna Marshall participating in movement workshops and attending a seminar she gave on movement education in drama schools at WAAPA. I have also recently attended a dramaturgy forum run by StagesWA as well as attending a directing workshop run by Francesca Smith at The Blue Room Theatre. In 2015 I attended the SITI Summer Theater Intensive in Saratoga Springs New York where I trained in Suzuki Actor Training, Viewpoints, Composition, Dramaturgy, Speaking and Movement with members of the SITI Company and Wendall Beavers. I am a proud member of the inaugural Directors Lab, Melbourne where I ran a working group. In January this year I attended a masterclass on devising processes with Jos Baker of Peeping Tom at the International Centre of Movement in London, was selected for Playwriting Australia’s inaugural WA Dramaturgy Training. In 2016/17 I attended a series of directing masterclasses at Rose Bruford College with Simon Usher and Colin Elwood. In 2017 I completed intensive directorial coaching with Elen Davies and Di Trevis and participated in the SITI Company Transformation through Training Symposium. I also trained in Viewpoints with Mary Overlie as part of the Rose Bruford Summer Masterclass series.
Somatic Movement: Laban Movement Analysis/Bartenieff Fundamentals with Sandra Kay Laufenneberger and Peggy Hackney, Body Mind Centring and dance with Alice Cummins, Body Mind Centring and Yoga with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Amy Matthews, Dynamic Embodiment with Martha Eddy, Linda Tumberello and Trisha Baumen, Anatomy with Amy Matthews and Irene Dowd, Anatomy and Biochemistry with Irene Dowd and Rebecca Dietzel and Feldenkrais with Annie Stainer. I continually professionally develop in this area through workshops, trainings and online seminars. Most recently I have attended workshops on Muscles, Heart, Gut and Head Brains and Cellular Consciousness with Alice Cummins as well as having regular private sessions. I participate in weekly online sessions with Amy Matthews called Embodied Movement Explorations. In 2015 I finalised my intermediate studies in Dynamic Embodiment with Martha Eddy and engaged in professional development with Jeremy Williams. In 2015 I took part in an advanced training group in Laban / Bartenieff Studies at Agape Institute in Belgium with master teachers Karen Bradley and Karen Studd. In 2017 I assisted Dr Martha Eddy CMA teaching Embodied Anatomy and Bartenieff Fundamentals at Montclair State University, New Jersey. I also presented on my work combining Viewpoints and LMA as part of the Labanarium launch at the University of Surrey and at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York. I have a regular personal movement practice in pilates and yoga.