We’d love to introduce you to one of our incredible TBG teaching artists, Andres Petersen! Read our interview with him below…
—
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
AP: One of the things I love about teaching is demystifying acting, when I can enlarge someone’s idea of acting. Teaching that acting is a craft helps sensitize their instrument; it changes everything they see: from movies, to theater, to any performing art.
I enjoy helping create a safe space to be vulnerable and play. People really enjoy taking acting classes and learning new information. I feel their hunger. I enjoy seeing people be vulnerable, and tell stories, and feel a sense of accomplishment. I love when the look of “Oh, I get it” comes over their face. It’s clear when something goes well, and the audience feels it.
I also love the camaraderie in class, people supporting each other, making friends, and the excitement that happens in a common endeavor.
What is a TBG tool you love to use in your own acting journey?
AP: I love script analysis, and I’m always alert to combine it with how to use the script practically, to find things I can actually do. I think we are detectives, and the goal is to really understand the script and what it is telling us and how to use that information as an actor in a physical way to tell a compelling story.
I love the techniques that focus the actor’s attention away from themselves: understanding what they are doing (and really doing it,) real life models, looking for the earliest reason to speak, just the basics. These tools always go a long way.
What is a project that you’ve been a part of that you are proud of?
AP: Right now I’m really excited about Theatrical Clown. I’m excited about getting together with other clowns to create pieces and explore clowning. I’m excited about what Theatrical Clown can teach us about acting and about being human.
—
To take a class with Andres, keep an eye on upcoming classes.
Check out TBG’s full schedule of classes!