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PERFORMANCE &
ALGARVE DRAMA & ACTING ACADEMY
Cultivate Your Child's Unique Talents
Unlock your child’s full potential with drama and acting classes that foster growth in every aspect of their lives. Through engaging educational activities, kids build confidence, unleash creativity, and develop essential social skills. These classes nurture well-rounded individuals ready to excel in all areas of their life.
FOSTER GROWTH
Develop Your Child’s Potential with Europe’s Top Meisner Acting Teacher Sebastian Gerold
Give your child the gift of confidence and creativity with our dynamic acting courses designed for Kids, Teens, and Juniors in the Algarve.
Our expertly crafted programs cater to specific age groups: 6-9 years, 10-14 years, and 15-18 years, ensuring that each child receives training suited to their developmental stage.
We prioritize fostering self-esteem, creativity, and essential life skills, guiding your child through a supportive and enriching experience.
Our courses are designed to nurture their growth and prepare them to excel in every aspect of life, offering a unique opportunity for them to shine.
JAMES CHRISTIE WALKER
Discover the career of James Christie Walker, a renowned acting coach and Meisner Technique expert. Learn about his early education, career achievements, and ongoing contributions to the acting community.
Acting Training
In 1989, I began my acting education at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, https://www.neighborhoodplayhouse.org studying under influential mentors Sanford Meisner https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanford_Meisner and his protégé, Richard Pinter. This foundational training in the Meisner Technique profoundly shaped my approach to acting and teaching.
Career in Los Angeles
After completing my studies, I specialized as an on-set photographer in Los Angeles for five years. For a glimpse of my work, visit Shyboy Photography.
Relocation Berlin
In 2008, I relocated to Berlin, where I established a Meisner studio that impacted many German musical theatre, cinema and television actors. This venture opened doors to numerous coaching opportunities within the German cinema and television landscape. This journey eventually led me to the vibrant city of Hamburg.
Acting Studio
In 2012, I founded an acting institution at Vogt Casting Studio http://vogtcasting.com in Schanze, Hamburg, while maintaining creative collaborations in Berlin. During this period, I was appointed as a full-time instructor at Stage Entertainments https://www.stage-entertainment.com Joop van den Ende Academy, renowned for nurturing future musical performers who have achieved success across numerous Austrian, German, and London stages.
Advocacy and Recognition of the Meisner Technique
A notable achievement was my successful advocacy for the official recognition of the Meisner Technique by the Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie https://www.berlin.de/sen/bjf in Germany. This recognition integrated the Meisner Technique into the post-secondary educational framework, enriching the acting education landscape in Germany.
Current Role and Ongoing Contributions
I currently serve as the Master Class Meisner teacher, having recently transitioned from my role as the Year 1 & 2 instructor at Zerboni Schauspielschule https://www.schauspielschule-zerboni.de/schauspielschule-hamburg in Hamburg.
Algarve Drama & Acting Academy
I am now dedicated to bringing creativity to Tavira full-time and continue to offer training sessions and private coaching throughout Germany, fostering the development of aspiring actors of all ages and abilities.
CURRICULUM
3 Level - Three-Month - Acting Programs:
A Journey Through Movement, Improvisation, and Voice
Our three-month acting Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced programs are meticulously designed to introduce young actors to the essential performance elements of:
Movement:
Yoga - Dance - Clowning - Mask Work - Viewpoints - Stage Combat - Alexander Technique - Laban Movement
Improvisation:
Theatre Sports - Commedia dell'arte - Improvisational Dance - Improvised Musical Theatre
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Voice:
Tone - Pitch - Diction - Volume - Resonance - Inflection - Articulation
6-9 Year-Olds
Fun and Engaging:
Masks - Puppetry - Voice Games - Storytelling - Music and Rhythm - Movement and Sound
10-14 Year-Olds
Informative and Insightful:
Role-Playing - Script Reading - Voice Warm-Ups - Introduction to Accents - Intermediate Improvisation - Introduction to Acting Techniques
15-18 Year-Olds
Technical and Detailed:
Text Analysis - Character Development - - Technical Improvisation - Advanced Warm-Ups -Accent and Dialect Training - Voice Projection Techniques - Application to Acting Techniques
As participants progress through the levels, they continue to build on the skills developed in previous levels, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching accumulative experience. More
PLAY - GROW - LEARN
"Engaging in playful activities boosts cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and social interactions. Playful learning enhances creativity and curiosity, making education enjoyable and effective. By incorporating play, children build confidence, develop essential life skills, and foster a lifelong love of learning, supporting their emotional, social, and physical growth."
The benefits of incorporating play, learning, and growing into programs for children include:
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Emotional Development:
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Enhances self-awareness and self-expression.
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Builds resilience and coping skills.
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Encourages empathy and understanding of others' emotions.
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Social Development:
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Improves communication and teamwork skills.
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Fosters relationships and social interactions.
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Teaches conflict resolution and cooperation.
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Cognitive Development:
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Boosts problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
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Encourages creativity and imagination.
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Enhances memory and concentration.
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Physical Development:
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Supports fine and gross motor skills.
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Encourages physical fitness and coordination.
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Promotes healthy habits and physical activity.
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Confidence and Self-Esteem:
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Builds a positive self-image and confidence.
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Provides opportunities for achievement and recognition.
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Encourages risk-taking and stepping out of comfort zones.
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Essential Life Skills:
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Develops adaptability and flexibility.
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Teaches responsibility and independence.
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Fosters goal-setting and perseverance.
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These benefits collectively contribute to a child's overall well-being and prepare them for future challenges and opportunities.
ENROLLMENT
Embrace the Opportunity and Join the Algarve Drama & Acting Academy for a Rewarding Experience for All Age Groups!
Emergency Contact: Provide emergency contact information.
Attire: Comfortable clothing suitable for movement and activity.
Health Clearance: Parents must disclose any relevant health conditions or special needs that may affect participation.
Interest in Participation: Children need to have a genuine interest in acting, storytelling, and performing, along with a willingness to actively participate in group activities and exercises.
Placement Interview: A brief interview or trial class to evaluate the child’s interest and enthusiasm for participation.
Class Size: Enrollment is limited to ensure personalized attention, with a maximum number of students per class.
Parent Orientation: Attend an initial parent orientation session to learn about the program’s goals, schedule, and expectations for your child's participation.
Enrollment Conversation
WhatsApp: (49)01746090302
On-Set Insights from Algarve Drama & Acting Academy: Cultivating Young Actors for Personal Responisbility
At the Algarve Drama & Acting Academy, all participants gain essential skills akin to those honed by young actors I have professionally instructed and collaborated with on productions like "The Lion King," "The Little Matchstick Girl," and "Hansel and Gretel."
Below are valuable insights into the "Hansel and Gretel" project I consulted on for German Television.
While working on Hansel and Gretel, the actors and I collaborated on creative solutions to enhance the storyline. Hansel’s protective role was emphasized by his constant touch with Gretel, who remained behind him as he vigilantly moved into the forest, reinforcing their bond.
The actors further suggested medium grey pebbles for navigation to ensure visibility without detection from the wicked stepmother.
They transformed the costume department's new boots into worn footwear through imaginative scuffs and scrapes.
This creative professionalism earned rapid respect from the crew, director, and producers, transitioning from young actors to confident, collaborative on-set professionals.
Showcase Your Achievements at the Clube Tavira Stage!
Complete each 3-month level and celebrate your success with a special live performance at Clube Tavira! Showcase your skills in collaborative skits, enjoy a professionally filmed presentation, and earn a certificate of completion to recognize your hard work and talent.