About Me
Allow me to share a glimpse into my artistic journey, a path shaped by passion, struggles, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of the authentic performance and evolution of the WHY Method.
Artistic Evolution
For thirty years, the realm of acting has been far more than just a profession to me – it has become a deep, profound passion. Despite being trained in various traditional methods, I found that while there were merits in each, none fully resonated with me. This realisation prompted me to question conventional norms and embark on a quest for a deeper connection between psychology and performance, viewing it through the lens of a neurodivergent mindset.
Navigating Challenges
Living with ADHD and dyslexia presented unique challenges. Reading scripts became a puzzle, learning dialog proved extremely difficult as I relied heavily on the rehearsal process. Yet, this adversity ignited a passion to find unconventional yet powerful methods that resonate with the intricacies of the subconscious mind.
Continuous Exploration
My dedication to acting goes far beyond the realm of just acting techniques including Sanford Meisner, Konstantin Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Ivanna Chubbuck, Jeremiah Comey, Stella Adler, Utah Hagen and more. Delving into the insights of renowned psychologists such as Carl Jung, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, RD Lang, John de Martini, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Paul Ekman, Gabor Maté and Dr Paul Conti as well as immersing myself in the works of influential figures like Simon Sinek, Vanessa van Edwards and Robert Greene, has become an indispensable part of my journey. This exploration of the intersection between psychology and the arts has evolved into a pivotal focal point, profoundly shaping not only my approach to coaching but also influencing my personal artistic endeavours.
Mark Travis and Beyond
Mark W. Travis
My journey took an unforeseen and transformative turn when I was introduced to Mark W. Travis and his ground-breaking Travis Technique. In 2019, I was presented with a momentous opportunity to participate in Mark Travis' Directing Intensive Masterclass as a volunteer actor, arranged through DEGNZ.
Mark W. Travis, the founder and director of the Travis International Film Institute (TIFI), has pioneered the revolutionary Travis Technique. This method profoundly influences actors to produce instantaneous and genuine performances that extraordinarily resonate on the screen. With over 30 directorial awards to his credit, Mark Travis has imparted his innovative directing approach at more than 50 film schools, Directors Guilds, and major film studios globally. His clientele comprises esteemed Academy Award winners and nominees.
Mark's unparalleled insights and distinctive approach to the art of directing deeply resonated with me, propelling me to delve further into this technique. I have pursued additional training in the Travis Technique and have had the privilege of attending multiple workshops conducted by Mark. It is with great pride that I am now a member of the esteemed TIFI team, collaborating with an exceptionally talented team of internationally acclaimed award winning directors, writers, and producers.
Feter Peeney
Peter Feeney and the Actors Lab
It almost seems serendipitous that Peter Feeney, the founder and director of the Actors Lab, invited me to attend one of his classes and share some of the techniques I had developed with neurodivergent members of his class.
Drawing from a curated blend of advanced acting techniques infused with the psychological and neurological principles of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), Body Language, I endeavoured to guide each student in discovering layers beyond the script. This involved a harmonious interplay of listening, translation, interpretation, and expression, facilitating a deep connection with their authentic selves.
The impact of these neurodiverse methods extended beyond the neurodivergent students, benefitting the entire class. Subsequently, Peter and his team graciously extended an invitation for me to join them as a regular teacher at the Actors Lab.
Wrestling with Impostor Syndrome
Many are familiar with the quote often attributed to George Bernard Shaw in his 1905 stage play, *Man and Superman*. The quote questions the credibility of those who prefer to teach rather than to practice.
“Those who can, do; Those who can’t, teach.”
This 120-year-old sentiment, unintentionally turned into a common quote that undermines the significance of teachers, has persistently occupied my thoughts. Although I cherish every moment I spend coaching, I frequently pondered on this quote questioning whether I, equipped with a wide range of acting techniques, am not utilising them to further my own acting career.
This internal struggle persisted until I stumbled upon a profound revelation encapsulated in Aristotle's words from two millennia ago.
“Those who know, do. Those who understand, teach.”
The dawning of this alternative perspective has stirred a profound impact within me, evoking a sense of frustration for not encountering it sooner. In that single moment, I grasped the innate truth that mere 'knowing' of a skill inclines us to simply employ it, whereas a deep 'understanding' sparks a compelling urge to impart that knowledge to others. Storytelling runs deep in our essence, woven intricately into our very being.
This newfound insight has sparked a significant transformation within me. While my love for acting remains unwavering, it now plays second fiddle to the sheer delight and fulfilment I derive from nurturing and guiding aspiring actors. The satisfaction that teaching acting kindles within me have eclipsed my initial enthusiasm for the craft itself, illuminating a new trajectory and purpose in my professional journey—helping others grappling with similar challenges navigate the intricate landscapes of emotions, embrace authenticity, and find their flow.
Discovering the ‘WHY’ Method
In the depths of my journey with a neurodivergent mind, I found an unconventional path to script analysis — one that revolved around understanding the profound essence of a character before anything else. It wasn't until I encountered Simon Sinek's book, "Starting with Why," that I unearthed the realisation that my innate approach aligned with his concept. In that moment, the seed of what would later become the "WHY" Method was planted.
This method imparts more than just acting techniques; it serves as a guiding philosophy, encouraging students to explore character and story analysis by surrendering to their subconscious and the given circumstances, allowing the character to blossom organically. By embracing this approach, students enter a flow state, accessing raw authenticity within their subconscious, transcending mere portrayal to embody a profound, intuitive truth, and allowing for spontaneity without pre-shaping their performances.
“When we know WHY we do what we do, everything falls into place.
When we don’t, we have to push things into place.”
Embracing a New Purpose: From Acting to Teaching
This realisation has steered me towards a path where I see myself not only as an actor and director but as a mentor, dedicating myself to aiding others in unraveling the beautiful complexities of the performing arts. It is a calling that resonates deeply, steering me towards a fulfilling vocation where I can empower others to explore the depths of their creativity and perform with heartfelt authenticity. I am now embracing this evolution as an artist and an educator, eager to spread the joy of understanding and the art of storytelling to new generations of performers.
“I developed a theory of optimal experience based on the concept of flow — the state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.”