Friends Lead the Way

This past weekend, a dear friend won a Golden Globe Award for her work in the television show TRANSPARENT.  Her name is Alexandra Billings (see photo right), and she is an amazing person for so many reasons including her deep love of living.  And yet... what I can't stop thinking is "if Alex can do it, so can I."

Sometimes I can't help but compare myself to others.  I cannot be Alex.  I cannot be you.  I can only be me - but because I know Alex, I know the world is not so small or full of impossibilities.  If Alex can do it, so can I.

Plus, Alex is an amazing teacher.  I had the luck and delight of taking her Steppenwolf West Viewpoints class in which I reveled as an artist!  Alex inspires, motivates, and holds a space that is safe and invigorating.  She's not defined by ONE talent, she has many.  If Alex can do it, so can I.

I know the work I do with students is deeply meaningful- and feeds my soul.  I love to act and dream of working on Downton Abby or any BBC endeavor.  (I'm smiling big at the thought!)  Alex is helping change the world through groundbreaking television.  I know I'll never be cast as a Transgender badass (like Alex) because  that's not me.  But I do know who I am and celebrate me.  So... if Alex can do it, so can I.

Copyright 2015 Dr. Heather Corwin

Classes Keep You Fresh

After earning an M.F.A. and a B.F.A. in theatre, I felt burnt out. Training or taking another class, even though I love classes, just seemed like a burden.

And then I met Alexandra Billings of Steppenwolf West who teaches Viewpoints. At FSU/Asolo Conservatory, while earning my M.F.A. I apprenticed movement expert Margaret Eginton because I find movement to be a delightful way to stay out of my head and dive into a role viscerally. Alex takes that diving to a whole new level.

I was introduced to Viewpoints in grad school, but the Viewpoints never made sense - because I don't think they made sense to my teacher. I read Anne Bogart and Tina Landau's books on Viewpoints and it still seemed murky. Alex cleared the murk and added shimmer!

Not only is Alex incredible at conveying the purpose of the Viewpoints to her students, she also puts the onus of learning on the student without judgment. That makes her one of the best teachers I've had, and I've been a professional student for 30+ (cough) years.

If you're feeling stuck or heady as an actor, or you are just looking for inspiration, do yourself a favor and take Alex's class. It's affordable -- and inspirational. DO IT. DO IT NOW!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin