About Dylan
I trained at the Drama Centre London. It was there I learned about the innovators who were to influence and inform who I would be creatively. Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Konstantin Stansilavski, Michael Chekhov were all there with there beautiful work to embolden and inform me. The great American innovators were introduced to me by Mr Reuven Adiv. This magnificent coach allowed my group to express themselves through the senses and transform using animals. Mr. Lee Strasberg, one of the founding members of the Group theatre and a major influencer on contemporary western acting, taught and mentored Reuven. So as far as 6 degrees of separation is concerned there is a degree between the Godfather of American Acting and me!
How cool is that?
Back in the day, the actor was called the player. We were individuals who captivated the public but also made them uneasy because of our sense of freedom, spontaneity and ease. The actor or player inherited these potent qualities from their Kid within. The actor is the kid. The actor is the child of art. I believe it is essential the essence of the Kid and their playfulness and impulse is present, burns brightly and radiates fully when rehearsing and performing. When working with actors I expect them to be brave, imaginative and open to the process but the space that we work in has to be inquisitive. I will endeavour to create that space for you to both explore and indulge in. You will be given free rein to experiment with characterisation. Tell your character’s wonderful stories, and bring them to life through both innovative, contemporary exercise as well as classic techniques.
I have worked in theatre, film and tv as an actor. The most fulfilling, profound experiences of my career have been when deeply connected to playfulness, allowing me to be free and easeful. There were times playing Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, when I felt self-criticism and fear ebb away. I became very present, alert and connected to the tree sprite’s landscape! I felt like a living mythical being in a magical world. I was also blue and had a great wig. The Kid loves to dress up! Even now almost 20 years later, I wake up to Puck whispering mischief from my dreams. That part of me that brought the Puck to life still lives and will all ways be with me. I think you all deserve sacred connection to those you have brought to life. Like great works of art, the actor should be allowed to pause and look at past characterisations again. You deserve this even though there is a little madness to it.
I think as actors we all deserve to experience freedom and play in front of the audience. This can be achieved when we trust the Kid in play. When we reflect on those moments earlier in life when the art of acting embraced and inspired us. There is no business of acting without the art of it and its source. Success comes in trusting and developing your artistry. I orchestrate and create spaces for actors to do that.
