As a new actor I had no idea what to expect from a solo performance class or Laura Zam herself, but within the time I spent with her I earned how to effectively tell a story that not only was challenging but also entertaining for an audience. I fully believe that the confidence I have today in performing is directly linked to the honest, intelligent and nurturing environment that laura created for her students. Not only are you treated as a professional, but anyone can succeed in this class whether you be a theatre performer, singer,or just somebody that has a story they want to tell. I highly recommend this class to anyone that has a passion for art or simply a love for public speaking.

                                                                                                                     -Matthew Schuck, actor

more  testimonials: 



“I thoroughly enjoyed this class.  Laura is very organized, uses the time well and pushes her students in believe in their work.  She provides helpful and constructive feedback and is always thoughtful and encouraging.  The reading materials were interesting and helpful, as were the in-class exercises.  I recommend this course to anyone whether new or experienced as the class design supports any level of experience.

-Anne Thomas, Employment Lawyer



Thank you Laura, for such an amazing opportunity!  Your workshop was just what I needed - an opportunity to be inspired, to write, to perform - with your kind direction and thoughtful teaching I took a simple idea and turned it into a truly gratifying presentation.  Your easy going and wry approach to teaching made the process a lot of fun, and the handouts and worksheets you provided continue to be valuable resources.  It's easy to feel your enthusiasm and to see it light up the entire class.  I'm grateful to have met you and eager to continue to learn from you.

-Jennifer Howe, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Wellness Speaker



I just keep signing up again, and again and again. I have taken the solo performance workshop with Laura four times and am destined for more. She is whimsical, creative and inspirational while still providing a structured formal process for creating and working your own artistic piece.  Laura is committed and willing to give a great bit of her time to your success. The class creates a space for sharing and a vehicle for getting your work on the stage.  I'm in for the next one! 

-Molly Kelly, Web Designer



“I came to the Solo Performance Lab having written some plays and having performed in some others, but without any idea how to take those two things and put them together. Working with Laura was exactly the gentle ‘nudge’ I needed to do something I’d wanted to do for a long time.  I just didn’t know how to take those first steps.”                         

-Eric C. Peterson, Writer.


More Teaching Information Here!


And Check Out Granny! The show the Performance Lab produced in the Capital Fringe Festival.

 

Level I


This workshop is for people who want to explore telling stories on the stage and even creating a one-person play. Unlike other storytelling workshops, students receive training in both writing and performance.  Topics include story structure, creating fictional characters or letting real characters come to life, use of breath and body, as well as establishing a relationship with an audience.  The Solo Performance Lab is for writers who want to perform their own material, actors who want to write pieces for themselves, all artists wishing to create work for themselves, and anyone with a story to tell.  In a nurturing, structured environment, students create a five minute piece as well as an outline for a full-length one-person show.  The short piece is presented in a public performance.


NEXT CLASS:

Mondays

March 15 - April 19, 2010

7:00 - 9:30 pm

$285

(please scroll down for what’s included)

Scroll down for venue information

and to register


Public performance is Wednesday,

April 21, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Level II


This workshop focuses exclusively on creating a full-length one-person play or solo performance piece.  Students in this workshop learn how to find an overarching form, which they then break down into cohesive segments, or  “scenes.”  In this way, the process of building a 60 or even 90 minute stage performance is demystified.  Students may work with fictional material, or autobiography. They may collaborate with others, or create solo pieces. Last year’s Level II class wanted to turn their studies into a collective piece that the Performance Lab produced in the Capital Fringe Festival.  See details here.  At the end of this workshop, students should have a working draft of their full-length piece. If they desire, students will then be assisted in applying for a slot in the 2010 Capital Fringe Festival.


NEXT CLASS

spring 2010, Following Level I (see above)

To Register for Level I:


Click Here:


Classes are held at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church

4201 Albemarle Street, NW

Washington, DC 20016


Space is one block from Tenleytown metro-- red line). Ample street parking is available as well as the church parking lot.

















Here’s what you get in six week classes. 


  1. •Six 2.5 hour sessions

  2. •One one-to-one session with instructor

  3. •One public presentation where you can try out your new skills in front of friends and family. This is a free event with refreshments. (Level I only)

  4. •Amazing discount on one-to-one coaching (1/2 price!)

  5. •Class size limited to 12 student to optimize personal attention.

photos by Jeff Schwarz

SOLO PERFORMANCE OPTIONS:



Private Coaching:

I offer in-person and telephone sessions. These can focus on script development/revisions, or the business of solo performance. National clients welcome.


The Five-Pack:

This is a way to save money on private coaching while working on a specific goal. Five-packs are designed to culminate in a revised first-draft of a full-length solo performance or one-person play.


Traveling Workshops:

I frequently tailor this material (artistic and business) to meet the needs of schools, organizations, etc.



Classes in DC:

I offer six weeks classes in DC two times a year, spring and fall.

Laura helps people create one-person plays and short pieces for the stage.  She offers one-on-coaching--in person and over the phone.  If you’re in DC, you can also participate in her six-week classes.  Outside of the area, she suggests the five-pack: five coaching sessions, done over the phone and by video, that result in a draft of a full-length one-person play. Interested but not sure which option is right for you? Email for a FREE phone consultation: info@laurazam.com