Yankee Doodle Blue?

Mr Moo - the Studio dog

A few weeks ago an intriguing email landed from Veronica Ellis, Assistant Director at the Melbourne Acting Studio in London.  She had tracked me down through this very blog.  The offer was to attend a complimentary workshop,  ‘Imagine, Explore, Achieve’, they were looking to meet with actors who use social media to promote their work and themselves.

My trusty friend Google was put to work and yes, MAS-L proved to be a respected and well-proven company who opened their London branch just one year ago...

Melbourne Acting Studio – London was established by Bruce Alexander in Australia in 1992. Today, it operates from headquarters in central London, offering group and private classes for beginner and professional actors. Acting showreels shot and produced at MAS-London are setting a new industry standard of excellence. The studio also offers communications training and career mentoring for professional people.

I arrived on a recent Saturday afternoon, slightly apprehensive, I had no previous experience with any drama school, workshop or any ‘luvvie’ organisation ... was this going to be a load of gobbledygook way over my head?  Not at all, I’m happy to say.  Veronica and Bruce’s warm welcome was outclassed by the star of the day, Mr Moo.  As long as you meet his approval, you’re an okay person!

There were four of us for the workshop.  A writer, an improv artist and an actor from California.  I admit to having to try hard to concentrate on Bruce’s introduction to his training technique.  But I persevered and got it!  He is celebrated for training students to learn how their brains work artistically, how to overcome any fear and doubts, and how to find and develop their own unique abilities that will give them the very best opportunities to showcase their talents in auditions and performances.

This was going well, until – the scripts were produced.  Comfort zone flew out of the 3rd floor window.  How embarrassing, not only did we have to read the lines in different styles but Bruce made two of us try to do it in an American accent.  Anyone who knows me knows I do NOT ‘do’ accents.  It was cringe-worthy ... but, we did it.

Two hours later and I’m tripping off down City Road feeling strangely motivated and optimistic.  Who can’t do accents??  Of course I can ... well maybe ... at least now I have the confidence to start practising.  Watch this space, one day I might just have an audio clip suitable to upload.

Thank you Mr Moo, Veronica and Bruce, you succeeded in taking this pensioner out of her cosy world with a challenge that worked.  All the best to you and your studio crew.

http://www.melbourneactingstudio.com/ MAS-L  @mActingStudio  https://www.facebook.com/MelbourneActingStudioLondon?fref=ts

---

Bruce Alexander - Director

Veronica Ellis - Assistant Director