The Alchemy of Authentic Relating

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 "For you to ever be authentic, you must embrace who you really are." 

- Sanford Meisner 

Introduction

These workshops are designed for regular people, not actors (though actors are welcome). We offer an adaptation of the foundations of the Meisner Technique, for individuals looking to be more self-expressed and to increase their Authentic Relating skills and confidence.

The method itself evolved from an acting skills technique. Sanford Meisner was a genuine genius, who developed a way to teach actors to connect with their inner worlds, as a path to embodying any role (rather than 'pretending'). The field he pioneered is still extremely popular and respected today in the international acting communities.

With the exception of Gabrielle Roth, it took decades before a few more of us started to realize that his technique is way too valuable and effective to be only for actors, and so gradually it has been adapted for anyone interested in an organic but incredibly effective set of tools to develop the skills of natural self-expression and more authentic relating.

Definitely be aware that if you look up Meisner Technique online, you will mostly - perhaps entirely - find only videos of actors exploring quite 'full-on' interactions. This is NOT what you will find at our events!

What we present is a much more relaxed, supportive, collaborative and accessible approach.

Also note that the foundational 'Repetition' exercises of Meisner are a discipline of their own and they are what we base this event on. (These workshops do NOT explore any more directly acting-related elements of Meisner - such as character or script.)

We break the process down into fun, easy-practice, elements:

* Movement

* Saying What You See

* Voicing Intuitions

* Naming Feelings

* Instinctive Response & Expression

Once these elements have been learned to a basic level, we start to put them together to create spontaneous interactions, which often end up being incredibly beautiful shared human experiences.

A Supportive & Collaborative Environment

Many people are terrified of self-expression; of being seen, of not having enough confidence, of being ridiculed. Rest assured, these workshops are supportive, collaborative, and welcoming of all levels of experience.

Every single aspect is facilitated, and nobody is left floundering with no idea of what to do. That doesn't mean it's super-easy, but part of the genius of the foundations of Meisner is that they are structured practices to explore and extend. (Rather than requiring people to spontaneously start improvising or inventing ways to express.) 

We don't allow 'grandstanders' to take over, and we will support those who are nervous. It may surprise people to learn that a great many past participants in these events are actually people with social anxiety, and we aim to provide a space that is congruently held for all levels of confidence.

What are the Benefits of Studying the AR Approach to Meisner?

Previous participants commonly report (and we ourselves have experienced):

* Greater fluency and confidence in speaking up and socializing in daily life;

* Easier intuitive and empathic interactions in all types of relationships;

* Connecting with like-minded others;

* Increasing emotional intelligence and fluency;

* Growing experiential mastery of Authentic Relating skills;

* Amazing creative interactive experiences with other fascinating human beings.

Is this 'advanced' Authentic Relating?

That really depends on the person, as some people find it easy and natural,  but yes it kind of is. 

As mentioned, we welcome people who are inexperienced in AR, and support everyone, no matter what their level of confidence. Nonetheless, the very nature of the Meisner Technique Foundations is that they are not 'introductory-level' exercises. 

This work is profoundly effective, so we recommend that participants have experienced at least some self-discovery work in the past, and already know that exploring the deeper truths of who they are is something they enjoy.

Our Training

Our lineage is first of all through Gabrielle Roth via her son Jonathan Horan (as part of a week-long expressive dance workshop), then two years of intensive study with Clare Dea of Meisner Melbourne over six years ago, and more recently further training with Scott Williams (who was a pupil of Sanford Meisner). We are also sometimes involved in a weekend event that combines Meisner & Ecstatic Dance.