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Creating a Character:
Acting through YourSelf
“I often seek a way to expand my humanity through a role in order to heal some part of my psyche.”
Step into an actor’s process and learn about the techniques used to interpret a script, personalize language, and make the audience believe that everything spoken is an original thought, not memorized text. Discover how an actor uses personality, experience, vulnerabilities, and attributes to create deeply complex fully realized, emotionally connected characters, who speak with authenticity, clarity, and passion.
Using Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes, a story of family betrayal, greed, and the toxic effects of the exploitation of people for profit, Naomi will explore Regina Hubbard’s psychological drives and emotional needs that leave destruction in her wake.
“I often seek a way to expand my humanity through a role in order to heal some part of my psyche. I never know what it’s going to be until I’m deep into rehearsals. Sometimes (usually) the most difficult moments to figure out, the thing that confuses me the most about a character is finally the key, the piece that leads to great realizations, and the opportunity for insight,” says Naomi.
Julie Bondanza will introduce this course by reflecting on Acting as Soulwork. Julie will also help us bridge the craft of acting with Jungian thought.
Enroll in this course now!
Who Is It For
People who are interested in the connection between Jungian thought and the craft of acting.
Those interested in examining the deeper motivations for behavior.
Those curious to look inside an actor’s process.
People who want to appreciate theatre art on a deeper level.
Your Instructors
Naomi Jacobson
Naomi Jacobson has acted at most of the DC area theatres for 30 years. An Affiliated Artist at Shakespeare Theatre Company and a company member at Woolly Mammoth, she’s performed at regional theatres all over the country in classical, contemporary, and numerous premieres including Wolf Trap Opera. Her resume includes independent film and network TV credits and voice over work for NPR, PBS, Discovery Channel, the Smithsonian, Harvard University Press and Audible Books.
Naomi currently teaches acting professionally and at UMD. She’s received 3 Helen Hayes Awards, 15 nominations, the Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship, the Anderson-Hopkins Award for Theatre Excellence and a DC Arts Commission Individual Artist grant. She holds an MFA from Temple University and an International Federation of Coaches certification. Her Public Speaking, Presentation clients have included the FDA, On Trial Associates, College of Preachers, and workshops for Leaders Group Washington. During the pandemic with theatres shut down, Naomi focused on creating a variety of new workshops as part of her new business Active Communication.
Julie Bondanza
Julie Bondanza, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and a diplomate Jungian analyst who trained at the C.G. Jung Institute of New York, where she was Director of Training, a job she also held with the Philadelphia Association of Jungian Analysts. She has taught extensively in New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, as well as for various Jung societies across the country. Presently she serves the board of the C.G. Jung Foundation of New York and continues to serve as its program chair, a post she has held for many years. Dr. Bondanza practices in Takoma Park and lives in Washington, D.C.
Naomi Jacobson is one of the most gifted theater teachers working today. Her illuminating approach demystifies the acting process for everyone who studies with her--from novices to pros.
Adam Immerwahr | Artistic Director - Theatre J
Course Curriculum
Week 1 – Identity and Foundation
Week 2 – Language and Emotional Journey
Week 3 – Character and Action
Week 4 – Process and Interpretation
What You Will Learn
The connection between the craft of acting and Jungian thought.
What research needs to be done to approach a character in a play.
The techniques that help an actor embody a character.
How to make text and language come alive.
How working on a role allows for discoveries about yourself.
If you have the chance to work with her, do it! She’s a master actor for a reason!
— Carol McCaffrey
“…helped me to find my voice.”
Naomi has helped me to find my voice and trust my own instincts, and has safely, courageously, and passionately guided me towards recognition of my own artistic spirit.
– Jenna Zhu
“…her wisdom is inspiring.”
Naomi's enthusiasm is infectious and her wisdom is inspiring, I left feeling encouraged and challenged and excited about the work – Emily Morrison, Board President, the Actors’ Center
“…accessible, direct, and a pleasure to work with.”
Naomi is a consummate professional who is always accessible, direct, and a pleasure to work with. –Brent Stansell, Theatre Educator and Training Programs Manager at the Shakespeare Theatre Company