Course
description
Wake up your body, return from text to presence.
In theatre, our focus is often on text, analysis, and meaning. But the body stays behind. Movement for Actors creates space to slow down, listen, and restore physical responsiveness. Through structured movement work - including spinal mobility, level transitions, tempo and amplitude exploration, ensemble responsiveness, creative physical tasks that activate the imagination, and attention to how space influences movement and decision-making - the course builds the physical foundation of acting:
awareness and control
coordination and clarity
physical range
translating intention into clear physical action
During rehearsals, actors rarely have time to work directly with the body.
They rely on familiar physical patterns instead of responding to the demands of the scene.
This course provides that focus, so the body supports the work instead of limiting it.
Movement for Actors returns attention to the body as the actor’s primary instrument.
Student Level
Open to actors of all levels of experience.
No prior movement or dance training required.
Course Language
Bilingual instruction: the course is conducted in Russian with consecutive translation into English. The format is live speech with real-time translation during the session.
Learning Format
This course includes both individual work and direct physical interaction/partnering with other participants.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable clothes and soft shoes. Make sure your clothing allows full movement and work on the floor.
What to Bring
A bottle of water.
Lessons
3 Lessons
Date / Time
March 7, 14, 21
10am - 12:30pm
Location
Hutchinson Hall, University of Washington
4276 E Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
About Instructor
Anna has always been fascinated by how movement and gesture reveal character. How the smallest details - the tilt of the head, the way the body holds itself, a subtle gesture - can tell us more than words and move an audience far more strongly than speech. She is a graduate of the Moscow State Institute of Culture and has choreographed and movemented directed over 40 productions in her native Moscow and abroad. Her teaching approach is to lead each performer to discover their individual physical expressiveness. She doesn't teach "the right way" to move. She shares principles and teaches you how to master your body.
What changes after 3 weeks
If you’re just starting out:
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The practice reminds you that acting begins in the body.
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You get time to slow down and return to physical presence.
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You start to feel and recognize your body’s possibilities.
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Movement becomes something you experience, not control.
If you’re more experienced:
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The practice creates space beyond habitual physical patterns.
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You go deeper into physical responsiveness and choice.
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You explore your body with more awareness and clarity.
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You return to the body as a primary working instrument.
