A six week beginners course offering performance workshops designed to banish fear of stepping onto the stage has kicked off in Brighton this week (7 January 2019).
The course is also open to those who may not have stage performing as an end goal and offers transferable skills to allow students to present themselves to any audience, whether it is at work, a job interview or public speaking. Topics covered include dealing with time constraints, forming and progressing a narrative and editing material.
Participants will learn how to connect with audiences and hold their attention with each session offering the chance to have fun while building confidence and self-esteem as part of a supportive group, according to its founder.
Writer, stand-up comic, spoken word artist and course facilitator, Annabel Pribelszki, explains the ethos behind the workshop: “As an experienced performer, I can remember what it was like to go on stage for the first time. The blinding lights, the fear of taking the mic of the stand, the literal ‘rabbit in the headlights’ feeling of pure angst at sharing my words with an unknown audience.”
“I wanted to share the performance skills and knowledge which I have built up across fifteen years of performing spoken word, stand-up, in addition to the audience engagement skills I use as an MC and event host.”
Annabel previously hosted a course in November last year, specifically for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to encourage not just confidence in performing but developing unique material and self-expression.
Annabel, who toured her solo show ‘Professional Breakup Artist’ internationally during 2017 and 2018, adds: “As a lesbian, I feel that is essential that members of our LGBTQIA+ community are given the opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts and dreams, with a wider audience, through the medium of performance. The self-esteem and mental health benefits of building the confidence to speak in front of any audience are empowering; they can be applied to many life situations. The opportunity to learn and play with others bonds the workshop group and new friendships are formed, which go beyond the six weeks of the course.”
Previous workshop participant Aiden Bex summarised the six week course as a great success: “It’s a really friendly, supportive, and safe space. As a result of the activities, it isn’t long before the group has bonded and people are no longer feeling very self-conscious. It also helps that Annabel is more than ready to throw herself into the activities and lead by example.”
Annabel also runs one-to-one performance skills coaching, whether for a work or university presentation, job interview, poetry slam or for applying the final polish to your comedy set.
The current workshops are held on Mondays at the Caroline of Brunswick Pub, Ditchling Road, Brighton, starting on Monday 7th January until 11th February from 7-9pm. For more information, contact [email protected].
