I Need No Training

Just reading through the latest TALENT Magazine and read an interesting article entitled 'Do I Need Training?" It's opening lines are something like -

"Many times I have heard the words "I am a natural" and I have no doubt that some people are naturally talented ... all the more reason to learn how to use these natural talents."

I have also heard "I need no further training" or "I teach this stuff already" as an excuse to not continue developing skills and accepting new approaches and advice. Personally, I take inspiration from Geoffrey Rush, who after winning an award for his performance in 'Shine' immediatedly enrolled in acting workshops, or so the story goes.

I act and have a balance of both a little training and a lot of hands-on-experience. Some would say that I was natural as I jumping into acting having previously been 'scared-off' it at an early age. I also train others in drama, stage combat, voice and accents. Do I need further training. Hell yes!

Training never ends for the dedicated and professional actor, and one should never develop the attitude that I know all I can know. I compare it getting stage nerves before going on stage. If I DON'T get even a little nervous, then someting is very wrong. Nerves show to me that I care about giving my best performance and that I hold no arrogance about my own abilities.

Further through reading the article, it listed certain training organisations around the country, but none in Perth. This was the motivation for this Blog.

I want to conduct a survey of sorts. I list of training agents in Perth both Academic and Private, and there usefulness to those who have attended.

My training has come from Curtin University which I found incredibly empowering personally and helped me expand my versatility. I would also say that the decade plus experience with various community groups, directors, co-actors and such has also been invaluable.

Surprsingly for some, Ju-jitsu has an unsual bonus. I have never done any form of Dance Training what so ever, but my Martial Arts enabled me to be able to get a basic coreography and at least appear capable. It has also been crucial in stage combat and sword direction.

The voice coaching has been purely self driven by reading books, watching myself in the mirror and attempting every and all accents I have come across. Also a few singing lessons and musical productions have helped established a capable singing voice also.

There is always room for improvement so let's identify some of the better training agencies around Perth, and let's not exclude our eastern state and overseas partners. Let's create a comprehensive list of education around Australia with evaluations from all.

Join me in yet another crusade to better communication and understanding of Theatre, Film, Television and Radio for all!

I'll get back in my box now....

Apologies for spelling errors. I couldn't be bothered checking it over too thoroughly.