We’d love to introduce you to one of our incredible TBG teaching artists, Martin Van Treuren! Read our interview with him below…
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What do you enjoy most about teaching?
MVT: I find such pleasure in continuing to be inspired and energized by the work done by the students. Watching the transformation as they gain confidence using the Barrow Group tools and find that connection to the material and themselves. Observing that spark of recognition that leads to freedom, spontaneity, ease, and sense of play is always exciting for me. That is when we witness the magic happen.
What is a TBG tool you love to use in your own acting journey?
MVT: Acting is doing. Yes? So, I go to the Activity exercises. “Do Stuff,” “Keep The Activity Going,” and “Really Do It.” I think activities can help an actor relax and focus on the task and be less self-conscious. I also like using the “Real Life Model” tool. It gets you really talking, and connecting to the circumstances in a personal way, and it breaks patterns.
As an instructor, in the Musical Theatre class, I use many TBG tools and also bring tools from my many years of experience working in musical theatre. I remind the students that all the music, including the intro, the accompaniment, the melody, and the lyrics, is textural material to be examined. All the music and lyrics are coming from you the actor, as the character.
What is a project that you’ve been a part of that you are proud of?
MVT: I came to The Barrow Group over 20 years ago, and it has enriched my life as a theatre artist. Being part of this wonderful ensemble of actors and friends in TBG’s productions as well as the master class has been incredible. Most notably, a few years ago, I appeared in “A Walk in the Woods,” sharing the stage with K. Lorrel Manning under the direction of Donna Jean Fogel.
I am proud to call TBG my artistic home.
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To take a class with Martin, try Professional Musical Theatre I: Acting for Singers starting 4/1 or Beginner Acting Class II: Getting Specific starting 4/6.
Check out TBG’s full schedule of classes!