Vicky ParryFor all budding actors/actresses there are very few opportunities like this one. Audrie Woodhouse has been offering a selection of Workshops over the past few months to great acclaim. Audrie has been described as an “inspiring performer” and “painstakingly honest”.
We met up with Audrie to discuss her City Drama Labs, what lead her into acting and how you can get involved.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I am from a village outside York and trained at a local performing arts school from the age of 4. Performance has stuck with me. I got my first professional job at 16 and thought this is the life for me.
What Tips would you offer people to get into acting?
Actors must be skilled, there is no magical illusion. Even the most talented actors must learn their craft in order to be a success. Be brave and prepared to dig deeper than you ever thought you would have to.
How did you get into physical Theatre?
Whilst working I kept training and at Middlesex University I met John Wright who taught me all about Mask , Clown and Physical theatre. He directed me in a few plays and the genre became my niche. As well as working for various theatre companies and in film and television I became a member of Trestle Theatre Company and have been with them as a performer and teacher for over ten years.
In your field, who are you icons?
I would say John Wright is my Icon, I think because I know his work so well but also because he is a risk taker. Theatre is not always safe or at least it shouldn’t be, it should challenge and effect people. He is the most inspiring teacher I have ever met and as a teacher I know what a gift that is.
How did Woodhouse Theatre Connections come about?
Woodhouse Theatre Connections came about because I have connections with so many different walks of life through my work in the Performing Arts and I still want to make more connections. WTC offers specialised workshops for schools, colleges and Universities, Telltale Tent for children and families as well as coaching for prestigious companies such as The Royal Shakespeare Co. I am proud to have been their Mask Consultant on a number of projects. I am working on connecting a group of theatre professionals for my next production. Very excting
Tell us a bit about your workshops?
The Workshops at CityDramaLab are to teach and nurture the talented actors in and around York. There are so many really good actors but they don’t often get the chance to hone their skills in a lab environment. Test themselves, experiment and evolve as actors without the pressures of having to impress in the rehearsal room or on stage. Actors are able to network and share ideas and leave knowing more than they did when they arrived. This is professional, practical actor training that will support them in future projects.
How do you get people to relax so you can get the most out of them performance wise?
For me acting is about playing and I like to remind actors of this. Just play, stay loose and enjoy! Also, be in the moment , really be there and everyone will be there with you and on your side. Easier said than done but what is the point in being in such a hard profession if you can’t live and enjoy every moment of it.
For more information on the City drama labs press here .
