An Update for AT Offerings (and a warm “Hello!” to the training-both current students and graduates!)
Photo Credit: Bianca Riveria-Irions
Pictured here is a screenshot of the very first zoom Alexander for the Actor class...and hopefully also some future trainees to the course..
I am a proud graduate of the very first Alexander Technique Teacher Training class (2015), and almost 6 years later, I am still reflecting and deepening the foundation of that incredible learning ( led by the incredible Debi Adams, and with the equally incredible support of Bob Lada and Jamee Culbertson.) It was through my training at BoCo that I had the opportunity to intern and assist with Tommy Thompson (Alexander Technique Center of Cambridge), while he taught at the ART Institute, as well as interned, subbed or assisted in Alexander Technique-based or dedicated AT classes in every single division of The Boston Conservatory and The College except the Theatre Division. Yes-you read that accurately: in 15+ years, the Theatre division did not have its own Alexander offering-until Fall of 2020! I am thrilled to announce that after numerous meetings, and student, faculty and staff support, the Theatre Division is now offering Alexander Technique for the Actor at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Modeled after Debi’s AT class for musicians, Tommy’s workshops and teaching through ART, and richly infused with Betsy Polatin’s The Actors Secret Training, the Alexander Technique for Actors provides a safe and supportive space for actors to learn and explore their instrument--which is the full psycho-social-physical Self--and learn ways to support, regulate, and enrich their artistry without harm through demos and activity work, specifically tailored to each student. Much like the first year of my training course, there was a tremendous amount of learning for both the students and for me. To say the class was successful is an understatement: registrations doubled for this semester’s class, so Paul D’Agostino now joins me in teaching the second section.
There is a special feeling with firsts: it is a special honor to graduate from the very first training course here at Boston Conservatory, and to have the opportunity to directly give back the life-changing work that I learned to the first AT for Actors is more than I can put words to. This was the one goal that I had upon graduating: to create the opportunity to experience this learning, and specifically tailor the work to help navigate and support the unique use of a theatre artist. It is my continued goal to make this work available and accessible to all students who are interested; And so that’s where I will continue to work, both within the division, and my private practice.
Everything I am able to teach my students, both within the Conservatory and my private practice, is a direct reflection of the opportunities made available through the specific and unique curriculum of the The Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s AT Teacher Training program. So thank you Debi, and Bob, and Jamee, and Tommy, and Aline—and my inspiring fellow graduates and trainees-I am grateful to be a part of this legacy, and this community, and I am humbled to complete part of our mission by sharing the work throughout the Theatre division.
I have so much gratitude for the incredible students of AT for the Actor Fall 2020 (Zoom edition!) for their commitment and dedication to me, to the work, and to each other, and for their willingness to make this class the incredible celebration and support of artistry and self that it became.
Once again, a huge thanks from the whole of my heart to all of you for your continued commitment and support to the work and to each other. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with thoughts or questions, or just keep in touch (and I promise to be better about that, too!)
With Love and Support,
-Jessica Webb