CLASSES AND COACHING

THE ACTOR’S TOOLBOX

| EMPOWERING PERFORMANCE | ELEVATING CRAFT | BUILDING COMMUNITY |

ENOUGH WORKSHOPS, IT’S TIME FOR CLASS.

EXPERIENCE AN ENTIRE SEMESTER OF ACTING FUNDAMENTALS.

LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS USING IMPROV, CLOWN, AND CONNECTION.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ACTORS.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

INTERESTED? APPLY BELOW.

SEND YOUR RESUME, HEADSHOT, AND REEL (IF AVAILABLE) TO:

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING:

ON-CAMERA CONNECTION

NIKKI’S ACCLAIMED ACTING INTENSIVE, ON-CAMERA CONNECTION.

AS ARTISTS AND INDIVIDUALS WE CRAVE CONNECTION ON-CAMERA OR OFF AND THAT’S PRECISELY WHAT OUR AUDIENCE CRAVES WHEN THEY WATCH OUT PERFORMANCES. OUR AUDIENCE IS LOOKING TO SHARE AN EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE OF THEIR DAILY ROUTINES. OUR JOB AS PERFORMERS IS PROVIDE THAT EXPERIENCE.

USING IMPROVISATION AND CLOWN WORK, WE’LL DIVE INTO ON-CAMERA EXERCISES THAT WILL OPEN YOU TO FAST, SMART, SAFE CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR SCENE PARTNERS AND YOURSELF.

THIS COURSE WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND INTO THE SCENE SO THAT THE SPARKS CAN FLY FOR YOU, YOUR SCENE PARTNER, AND THOSE WATCHING FROM HOME.

INTENSIVE DATES:

COMING SOON

SUMMER 2024

"This On Camera Connection Course with Nikki Hallow combines play, intimacy and intensive exercises to cajole us out from behind our comfortable defenses and into the raw, beautiful truth of making meaningful contact with our scene partners. Nikki challenges us to lean in, tune in and joyfully expose ourselves, as we actually are, to the unflinching eye of the camera lens. As a highly intellectually-driven and preparation-centric performer I made tremendous strides in personal acceptance of my self-amplified perceived "flaws", plus we were gifted a glorious philosophy of radical acceptance of what is actually happening in the room - rather than being stifled by the scenario we have devised in our own minds. My biggest takeaway was the awesome power in the simplicity of genuine, immediate human expression. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to deepen their practice, further understand themselves and mindfully remove barriers between collaborators and audiences."

• Cody Porter (Netflix’s Painkillers, Actor)

IMPROVISATION

IMPROV ISN’T JUST ABOUT JOKES.

IT’S A FANTASTIC SOURCE TO HONE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE, BUILD A STRONGER BOND BETWEEN YOUR COMPANY AND IT’S TEAM MEMBERS, AND ENCOURAGE A SUPPORTIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT.

LOOKING FOR A CREATIVE WAY TO ENGAGE YOUR EMPLOYEES OR TEAM MEMBERS?

NO PROBLEM!

LET ME TAILOR A WORKSHOP JUST FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS.

THROUGH DYNAMIC ACTIVITIES AND FOCUSED GROUP GAMES, WE WILL GET YOUR TEAM WORKING, AND PLAYING, TOGETHER FOR YEARS TO COME.

WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS, CREATIVES, SERVICE INDUSTRY TEAM MEMBERS, CLIENT CARE, AND ONE-ON-ONE CARE PROFESSIONALS.

ALL CLASSES AVAILABLE IN WORKSHOP OR COURSE FORMATTING RANGING FROM 60 MINUTES IN-LENGTH AND UP.

SKETCH COMEDY

WRITING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SERIOUS BUSINESS.

INTERESTED IN BOOKING MARV N’ BERRY FOR YOUR COMPANY PARTY?

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SKETCH COMEDY?

LOOK NO FURTHER.

PRIVATE COACHING

PRIVATE COACHING OFFERINGS:

• PERSONALIZED ACTING, VOICEOVER, AND SKETCH COMEDY LESSONS

• ACTING COACHING

• AUDITION/ SELF TAPE COACHING

• REEL & CV FEEDBACK

ONE-ON-ONE PRIVATE COACHING RATES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

COACHING SPOTS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

CREDENTIALS

INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE

ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists)

• INSTRUCTOR (2020-PRESENT)

  • ON-CAMERA CONNECTION

  • IMPROV FOR FILM

    • ONLINE AND IN-PERSON

  • THE ACTOR’S TOOLBOX (FOUR MONTH SEMESTER)

    • BEGINS FEBRUARY 25, 2024

Nuova Vocal Arts (formerly Opera Nuova)

• HEAD OF ACTING (2022-PRESENT)

  • ON-CAMERA CONNECTION

  • IMPROVISATION

  • ACTIONS AND THE ACTOR

  • CLOWN AND CONTACT

  • PRIVATE COACHING

Azimuth Theatre

• AZ-MAP PROGRAM

  • INTRO TO AUDITIONING FOR FILM

  • BASIC IMPROV SKILLS FOR ACTORS

EDMONTON (AND CALGARY) PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS

• GUEST INSTRUCTOR (2017-PRESENT)

  • IMPROV FOR TEACHERS

  • SKETCH COMEDY FOR TEACHERS

  • IMPROV BASICS

    • GRADES 4-8

  • INTERMEDIATE IMPROVISATION

    • GRADES 9-12

GERIACTORS

• INSTRUCTOR (2022-PRESENT)

  • IMPROV BASICS

  • IMPROV FOR ACTORS

  • ACTIONS AND THE ACTOR

    • UPCOMING - JUNE 2024

DIENASTY, THE IMPROVISED SOAP OPERA

• REGULAR INSTRUCTOR

  • IMPROV AND THE SCENE

  • CONNECTION-BASED IMPROV

MARV N’ BERRY SKETCH COMEDY

• CORE INSTRUCTOR

  • INTRO TO SKETCH WRITING

  • ADVANCED SKETCH WRITING

  • SKETCH PERFORMANCE 101: PLAYING THE STAGE

  • SKETCH PERFORMANCE 201: BUILDING THE SHOW

  • CHARACTER MASTERCLASS

  • IMPROV IN SKETCH

OTHER ACTING & IMPROVISATION WORKSHOPS PROVIDED TO:

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA LAW DEPARTMENT (IMPROVISATION), SUNCOR - FORT HILLS SITE (IMPROVISATION AND TEAMBUILDING), SYNCRUDE (IMPROVISATION AND TEAMBUILDING), ASPENVIEW REGIONAL SCHOOL DIVISION NO 19 (IMPROV FOR TEACHERS), RAPID FIRE THEATRE, THE GRINDSTONE COMEDY THEATRE, AND MORE.

TESTIMONIALS

"In all my years of working in clown, audience interaction, improv and physical theater, I have never known someone who cares so deeply about connecting to their audience as Nikki. She has always had a strong sense and awareness of what it takes to make a strong and deep connection with her audience, I have seen it in her work as an actress (film and stage) and in her teachings."

• Michael Kennard (Associate Professor, Drama Department UofA; Associate Artistic director Mump and Smoot)

“ I have worked with Nikki professionally and observed her teaching. She is an inspirational instructor with a wealth of experience who empowers her students to transform their acting. She is a busy actor and her classes reflect a deep understanding of industry demands / practices. She is the real deal and I recommend her without hesitation.”

• Max Rubin (Co-Artistic Director of Theatre YES; Artistic Director of Lodestar Theatre; Director; Instructor at UofA & Grant MacEwan

“Nikki is a gifted instructor. She understands how different people learn and uses a variety of teaching methods, improv games, and clown instincts to trick you into learning her methods while having fun. She teaches you how to bring real feelings to fake scene while leaving your personal trauma in the therapist’s office.”

• Kristen J Welker (ACTRA VP North; Actor; Producer; Actor’s Toolbox)

“Having worked with Nikki it’s clear to see her passion for the craft and experience as a professional. However, what truly equips her to be an effective instructor is the natural writer within. Armed with the talent to perform and the imagination to create, Nikki is an ideal choice to teach others how to access the best of their abilities.”

• Marcus Rosner (Actor; Producer, Northern Gateway Films)

“ I am writing to express my admiration for Nikki's exceptional talents and abilities as an acting and improv instructor. Over the course of several years, I have had the privilege of learning from Nikki and have consistently been impressed by her ability to deliver high-quality lessons and engaging workshops. I highly recommend Nikki to anyone, regardless of experience level, looking to improve their acting skills or gain a deeper understanding of the craft. Her skills are highly sought after and anyone would be fortunate to learn from or share the stage with her."

• Jason Hardwick (Artistic Director of DieNasty, The Improvised Soap Opera)

“Nikki is one of the most dynamic artists I have had the pleasure of working with and continue to be inspired by on the daily. Her talent is undeniable, and her passion infectious.

Get in a room with Nikki, trust me you will be the better for it.”

• Murray Utas (Artistic Director of Fringe Theatre Adventures and The Edmonton International Fringe Festival)

“I was fortunate enough, through ACTRA Alberta, to take Nikki’s On-Camera Connection Intensive in May of 2023. The two day weekend workshop was fun and informative as well as a great way to connect with fellow actors in a safe and welcoming environment. Not only is Nikki knowledgeable in all things acting but her kind, positive and vibrant personality offers a level of comfort and a sense that you and your feelings matter, that who you are and what you bring to the class are important to her. If you’re ever presented with the opportunity to take one of Nikki’s courses/ workshops, I highly recommend that you do; you won’t be disappointed and you’ll come away with new tools to help you as an actor - and in every day life too.”

• Stephanie Chabeniuk (ACTRA Alberta Council Member; Actor)

“I was fortunate to work with Nikki. An integral part of her class is guiding you to find the connection to yourself, with your scene partner and through the camera to connect with the audience. Using clear language in her teaching to build community and connection with all students. She encourages you to be yourself and treats you like an equal, getting right in there with her students and coaching you through your work. She gives her students the tools to succeed and grow as actors while building self confidence and pushing you to work hard and be present. She’s a passionate and dedicated teacher and coach. I highly recommend her class.”

• Anna Primiani (Dark Wolf Films; Screenwriter; Actor; Producer)

“As an actor from a theatre background, Nikki’s coaching was extremely helpful in adapting my experience on the stage to the film medium. She offered tools and insights on how to dial my performance to fit a screen. Nikki is skilled at giving precise feedback that will make your work more grounded, and she provides a space where you feel safe to explore feeling vulnerable.”

• Lauren Brady (Emerging Artist; Opera Nuova, 2022; UofA BFA Acting Graduate)

"Nikki created a safe and energizing space for me to explore my range as a neurodivergent artist. The on-camera workshop was the most beautiful experience of vulnerability and self-love that I have experienced in this field. Prepare to take your walls down and get to work. It won’t be easy, but it will be so good.”

• Joanna Loepp Thiessen (Opera NUOVA, 2022)

"Nikki makes the work feel simple, and we could see what an impact that had on students’ performances in real-time. Her energy in the classroom is so infectious and fun. Nikki makes everyone feel freed and at ease, a skill which is invaluable in a vulnerable medium like film."

•  Amy Bazin (Emerging Artist; Opera Nuova, 2022; UofA BFA Acting Graduate)

“I had the pleasure of being taught by Nikki very early in my career. Her workshop instilled in me that YOUR imagination and YOUR instincts are what make you unique actor. Her complete trust in those two things give her performances electricity and vibrance. As an actor she is always connected to the world, the story, or her fellow actor/s whether it’s onstage or on set. Nikki’s background in improv allows her to act from a place of collaboration and intent listening., which’s makes her highly competent as a teacher. I would highly recommend her workshop because of her willingness to safely take you to new heights and depths!”

• Aaron Refugio (Emerging Artist; UofA BFA Acting Graduate)

“Nikki makes acting for film and TV look easy! After learning from her, my confidence in front of the camera and my ability to connect with my scene partner deepened immensely. Her feedback was specific and precise and she genuinely wants to see her students succeed!”

• Aidan Laudersmith (Emerging Artist; UofA BFA Acting Graduate)

“I’ve worked with Nikki in multiple workshops throughout the years and Nikki has ALWAYS brought high energy, an open space and a specific eye for things that you’re working on as an artist. She encourages brave, bold choices and big mistakes in her workshops that then translate to big learning moments.”

• Mackenzie Sutton (Emerging Artist; UofA BFA Acting Graduate)