Interested in learning an acting technique that is portable and applicable to both stage and screen? Looking for a solid foundation for your acting technique that has been used by Oscar, Emmy and Tony-winning actors across the world in theatre, film and television? Or just want to brush up on your understanding of the foundations of Uta Hagen's work and revive your actor's toolkit? Acclaimed teachers and actors, Sarah Hallam, Sass Pinci and Phoebe Anne Taylor have created the new course Hagen Technique Intensive as part of the Incognita@Montsalvat program and bookings are now open.

Come join Sarah, Sass and Phoebe in a fun, supportive and transformational space and learn the safe and empowering techniques that have formed the bedrock of the work of actors such as Sigourney Weaver, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Liza Minelli, F. Murray Abraham, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman, Matthew Broderick, Whoopi Goldberg and Gene Wilder, among others (all students of Uta Hagen). Sarah, Sass and Phoebe are part of a direct lineage of teaching Hagen's system, learning extensively from Howard Fine, whom Uta Hagan personally mentored in teaching her technique. Howard Fine continues to use Hagen's work and philosophy as the foundation of his own actor training, working with actors such as Brad Pitt, Austin Butler, Gal Gadot, Carla Gugino, Michael Chiklis, Jennifer Connelly, Will Smith, Bradley Cooper and Chris Pine among many others.

"In terms of theories, I’ve found one book that I can read and not be hurt by and that’s Respect for Acting." – Alan Rickman talking about Uta Hagen's first book

CLASS INFORMATION:

Students will work intensively learning the basics of Hagen technique with highly respected teachers Sarah Hallam (handpicked by Howard Fine to become his first Australian teacher of his technique, teacher at the Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia), Sass Pinci (Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia Full Time Graduate, on faculty at Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia and directly taught by Howard Fine) and Phoebe Taylor (Graduate of the Howard Fine Acting Studio Full Time Program, directly taught by Howard Fine).

Beginners welcome, as the work will be tailored to each individual student and where they are at with acting technique in general. Older teenagers (17+) are also welcome to participate.

OUTCOME: The chance to achieve a deeper understanding of Hagen Technique at a professional level, learning from a direct lineage from Uta Hagen herself, adding portable tools to your acting toolbox that will be useful in performance on stage and screen, learning through experience.

Participants will get:

A deeper understanding of the Hagen acting technique;
Advice and guidance from Performing Arts practitioners & teachers with a vast knowledge of the Hagen acting technique;
An understanding of an authentic acting process when performing that is based in real technique and practical application; and
The chance to activate and explore their creativity and self-expression.

Participants should bring:

A notebook and pen/pencil to take any notes; and
Snacks and bottle of water

Auditors should bring:

A notebook and pen/pencil to take any notes; and
Snacks and bottle of water

Additional notes about the class:

Participants are requested to wear loose clothing that allows them to move.
All our teachers have current Working With Children permits

ABOUT YOUR TEACHERS:

SARAH HALLAM

Sarah Hallam is an established actor in Melbourne but holds Canadian, British and New Zealand citizenship; she believes this makes perfect marriage material! She graduated from the Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia full-time course in 2012 and was handpicked by Howard Fine to become his first Australian teacher of his technique.

Sarah has worked consistently in film/television for over twenty years; highlights include “Ann Jenner” in the Warnie telemovie, “Hutch” in Wentworth Season 5, 6 & 7, “Pia Nash” in Neighbours, Rush, City Homicide, Blue Heelers, Canal Road and Stingers. Sarah recently filmed the lead role in The Funeral which won all the awards at the One Shot International Film Festival in Florida.

On stage, Sarah has toured with Arena Theatre Company and recently performed in A Jubilee, Killer Joe, The Centenarian and The Truth is Longer Than a Lie.

Sarah also worked for many years as a professional Casting Director, with credits in numerous Australian film and TV projects.

Sarah’s trained extensively with world renowned acting coaches Howard Fine, Kim Farrant, Ivana Chubbuck, Kim Krejus; trained in Alexander Technique with Penny McDonald & Jean-Louis Rodrigue, Voice with Stephen Costan and Singing and Speech for Actors with LA Vocal Expert David Coury.

PHOEBE ANNE TAYLOR

Phoebe Anne Taylor is an independent theatre maker, actor, writer and photographer. She was a member of the inaugural Howard Fine Acting Studio Full Time Ensemble, the 2009 Monash Academy of Performing Arts Graduate Ensemble and holds two Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degrees. She is a proud member of the award winning Shakespeare Republic ensemble, Incognita Enterprises producing team, and in 2019 joined the distinguished company of the Arteles Creative Centre’s alumni having completed the Silence, Awareness, Existence programme in Finland.

Prior to this, she was the Founding co-Artistic Director of North of Eight Theatre Company, and Founder and Director of her own theatre making business: Another Effing Theatre Company (formerly Apples and Shoes).

Recent acting theatre credits include roles in The Hidden Orchard, Women’s Shout, Low Level Panic, Spring Awakening, Never Ending Night, Love Bird and Cocoon. Her recent film credits include roles in The Good Room, Dream of the Songstress, Raylene and Charlie and Slowcooker.

As a director, Phoebe is most passionate about working with writers to develop contemporary Australian texts, working on the premiere productions of The Will to Be, Love Bird and Buried at Sea. In this vein, she has also worked dramaturgically to help focus new writing, most recently on Turn, Turn, Turn. She has also worked with Holmesglen TAFE to help students understand how to stage new works, from script to stage. Phoebe has also recently directed Holding the Man, and in a prior life worked with students at the University of Melbourne to help stage works as director, outside eye and mentor.

In 2020, Phoebe’s fourth full length play the sorry game was selected as runner up in the Alpine Theatre Writing Prize. Her second full length work the art of f***ing was programmed at La Mama theatre having been developed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, returning there after a season of her experimental work no blinding light. Short works have been selected multiple years in The Madwomen Monologues, and experimental works based on textual collage have been included in the Shakespeare Festival at Melbourne University, winning commendations for concept, writing and performance.

Phoebe has worked behind the scenes most notably with Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Melbourne Jazz Festival, Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre Company, Underground Cinema and City of Melbourne’s Christmas Festival. She is currently the Front of House and Risk Administration Manager for the Rising Festival, Melbourne. Phoebe is also proud to be one of the mentors working with disabled artists represented by Loom Arts and Management.

SASS PINCI

Sass Pinci is a Melbourne based Actor, Singer, Voice Over Artist, Musician and Vocal Coach and a graduate of the Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia full time program.

With wide-ranging credits in theatre, film, voice over and live performance, including singing the opening theme for The Disney Channel’s Squeak & Boo, as well as regular voice over work and working in Melbourne radio for the Austero Network, she is a trained and versatile performer and composer.

After studying classical voice with Brian Hansford at The University of Melbourne, Sass spent many years teaching vocal technique and is a passionate advocate for vocal health.

After her work with him as part of her training at HFAS, LA’s leading voice coach, David Coury, took Sass under his mentorship to teach his world class vocal program at Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia, where she is currently on faculty.

To us, Sass is best known for her numerous roles in Incognita projects, both in front of and behind the scenes – playing “Abbey” in the moved reading of Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords) in 2019 and “Mark Antony” in Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles) in 2020, as well as being the Sound Designer for the Walking Shadows series. Sass also played “Elizabeth Grey” in Dark Arcadia, as well as taking on the roles of Producer and Sound Editor, and is also composing and performing the main song for the series.

Sass is also one of the core producing team for Incognita Enterprises.

CLASS DETAILS:

TEACHERS: Phoebe Anne Taylor, Sass Pinci & Sarah Hallam

AGE GROUP FOR PARTICIPANTS:
17+ years old

DATE/S:
Monday, March 18, 2024

HOURS:
7.00pm-11.00pm
(1 day, 4 hours total)

COST:
Participants:
$290+BF in total

Auditors:
$20+BF for One Day Pass

Full Information about the Incognita@Montsalvat program: https://events.incognitaenterprises.com

*The rear of the Barn Gallery at Montsalvat. Photo by Sally McLean*

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

WELCOME TO INCOGNITA@MONTSALVAT

Incognita Enterprises is delighted to be partnering with the prestigious and historically significant Arts venue, Montsalvat, located in breath-taking surrounds in Eltham, Victoria, just 37 mins drive from the Melbourne CBD, where we will be offering a program of workshops, masterclasses and live theatrical events across the year.

Come join us for writing workshops, acting masterclasses, Shakespeare classes and other Performing Arts educational offerings for teenagers and adults. Attend entertainment industry Q&A sessions each month with experienced actors, directors and others to learn more about the film, television and theatre industries. Come along to our monthly play readings, where professional actors will read new plays from emerging and experienced playwrights.

Later in the year, we are excited to be offering two theatrical events that you won’t want to miss. A very special theatrical production, written for Montsalvat’s 90th Anniversary celebrations and a large scale immersive promenade Shakespeare theatre installation – both featuring professional actors and showcasing the Montsalvat Resident Artists’ talents and works. More information to come on both these events, so make sure you subscribe to our mailing list, so you don’t miss out!

We look forward to seeing you at beautiful Montsalvat in person!

MAIN HEADER PHOTO: Sass Pinci playing "Elizabeth" and Sarah Hallam playing "Adriana" on the set of Dark Arcadia written and directed by Sally McLean with 2nd Unit Director, Phoebe Anne Taylor. Photo by Allena Tran.