BREEN'S ACTING APPROACH
"Acting is stubborn work, necessitating constant attention and a rigorous schedule." - Stella Adler
Breen wants to inspire a new bravery in the art of performance. To train actors to embrace their impulses boldly and without hesitation, despite the difficulties they face, creating unique, forceful performances on stage and in front of the camera.
With an emphasis on Imagination, Courage, Discipline and Improvisation, students will develop a deep-rooted connection to their bodies, a powerful bond with their partners and a vivid emotional life.
- Bringing 100% of Yourself to the Moment
- Vivid and Focused Imagination
- Full Commitment to Action
- Reacting Before You Think
- Improvisation
- Training the Body through Viewpoints
- Extensive Script Exploration
- Pushing Beyond Your Fears
Teachers and practices that have inspired Breen’s approach to acting include: Stanislavski, Mamet, Chekov, Oida, Suzuki, Meindl, Viewpoints and Improvisation (Close, Napier, Poehler, Johnstone) .
TESTIMONIALS
A rarity among directors and teachers, John is one of us: unpretentious, supportive and up to his eyeballs in knowledge and experience. And he never made me cry (unless the scene called for it).
- Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, W, The Daily Show)
Having studied with Breen in Portland, New York and Los Angeles, I can honestly say John has inspired me as a performer and as a writer in a way no one else has. He teaches with that rare combination of being both kind and wicked funny at the same time and the result of his process usually lands you somewhere near the truth, which is the highest compliment I can give. He is so obviously talented, it is easy to trust him and because of that he was able to drive and push me and guide me into places I never thought I'd be able to go. The fact that he chooses to live and teach in Portland is a crazy lucky gift.
- Scot Armstrong (writer - The Hangover 2, Starsky and Hutch, Old School)
John Breen's class has been an extremely rewarding and challenging experience. Right when I think I know exactly what I'm doing he turns everything upside down and pushes me further. He drives you to know yourself and the material you're working on better. He teaches you to utilize everything in you and around you. Breen has challenged me to not settle for being a good actor but to push myself to be a great actor. - Haley Talbot (Cell Count, The Weather Outside, The Kill Hole)
John Breen's classes demand commitment. It is expected that you will listen and be natural during scenes, but what is next? How do you audition? How much work are you doing in each scene before you audition or perform? What are your weaknesses? What are you afraid of? All these questions and more are addressed in his classes. John wants each actor to fearlessly commit mind, body and soul to each moment in order to make choices that are going to be trademarks for the actor, interesting for the viewer and ultimately leave no question as to who to cast.
- Paul Glazier (Bucksville, Everyman's War)
A John Breen class is like boot camp led by James Brown: challenging, electric, sweaty - and fun as all hell. Breen deftly combines a militaristic work-ethic with madcap enthusiasm to bring out the best in his students. Creating an atmosphere both focused and relaxed, Breen will push you to venture outside your personal realm of comfort, forcing you to face your fears head-on, with infinite reward. I've personally seen an artistic growth and maturation that may have gone unseen without Breen's guidance. Trust me - this man has a genuine desire to see his students perform at 110%.
- Tynan DeLong (Mortified)
I would recommend that both experienced theater and on-camera actors take this class. It is a testament to the fact that performance, regardless of the medium, is all about connections. Plus, you would be hard-pressed to find a more experienced performer in Portland willing to share his knowledge with other actors in such a friendly and humble way.
- Lara Kobrin (American Disciples)