SKYE HALLAM: MEISNER PRACTITIONER & DIRECTOR
Earl Wan Photography
Since graduating from RADA in 2016, Skye has been training actors across the UK in the techniques of Meisner and Laban
“Skye is a hugely positive and dynamic acting teacher and has brought a whole new dimension to Meisner at The Reel Scene.”
Steve North, The Reel Scene
RECENT TEACHING/DIRECTING PROJECTS:
LAMDA - Skye is part of the current acting faculty at LAMDA and teaches Meisner on the Semester in Classical Acting and Foundation diploma course. Skye also sits on the audition panel across all acting courses.
In 2023 Skye directed the first year BA Actors on their contemporary duologues and directed Hamlet on the 4 week Shakespeare summer school in August 2023.
RADA - Skye is an associate acting tutor at RADA and taught on the Telling Tales course and Young Actors course in Stage Presence in Spring 2023.
ARTS ED - Skye teaches Meisner on the Foundation Course at Arts Ed and tutors 2nd year BA Acting students in Laban. Skye also delivers evening classes on the Foundations of acting on the Arts Ed Part Time Foundation Course. Skye has recently directed the Foundation students in their contemporary duologue showcase.
THE ACTOR’S COMMUNITY - Skye continues to teach various Meisner and Laban technique courses for The Actor’s Community.
IAMPRO - Skye teaches various different classes at IAMPRO including Meisner and Laban technique and contemporary and classical scene study.
MEISNER WITH SKYE - Skye runs monthly drop in Meisner technique classes at the Old Diorama and teaches regular weekend two day intensives - her next drop in classes and weekend intensive course are booking now!
UNDEREXPOSED ARTS - Skye has taught classes in screen acting with Underexposed Arts, taking workshops into London based secondary schools.
JOY OF DRAMA - Skye works with Indian based theatre organisation ‘Joy of Drama’ in a number of capacities including as a Meisner practitioner and Stanislavski tutor.
SPOTLIGHT - Skye teaches Meisner as part of Spotlight’s Open House workshops and Spotlight Boost Workshops.
THE GLOBE THEATRE/RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - Skye has been working with students of the Mason Gross School of Acting during their time studying at London’s Globe Theatre, lecturing in Classical Text and Audition Technique.
Here is a preview of Skye’s ‘Introduction to Meisner’ course with Spotlight UK - the course is available to rent now!
1-2-1 ACTING COACHING
Skye coaches actors on a 1-2-1 basis in person and online via Zoom.
Actors that have worked with Skye have been offered places at top UK drama schools including RADA, LAMDA, Oxford School of Drama, Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford and Arts Ed.
Skye also helps actors prep and film auditions and coaches actors in professional work who want support breaking down a script and preparing for a role.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Skye’s 1-2-1 coaching, please see below for her contact details
INDEPENDENT CLASSES #MEISNERWITHSKYE
Earl Wan Photography
“It is one of the best, most dynamic, and safe and supported Meisner rooms I have ever been in. Skye runs thing with such warmth and generosity. Its wonderful to see and be a part of.” Actor Hannah Bristow
Skye runs her own independent, drop in Meisner workshops at the Old Diorama and has many different events coming up…
Follow the links below for more info and booking!
April - Drop in Meisner Technique Workshop
April - SOLD OUT ‘Spotlight Boost’ Intro to Meisner Class
April - SOLD OUT ‘Spotlight Boost’ Meisner & Text Class
May - Drop in Meisner Technique Workshop
May - Meisner Technique Weekend Intensive
June - Drop in Meisner Technique Workshop
TRAINING:
Skye was trained in the Meisner technique by John Bechizza, the former head of Acting at RADA. John is one of the most experienced and accomplished practitioners of Meisner’s work in the industry. John followed in the footsteps of the legendary tutor Doreen Cannon and has been coaching actors for over 30 years.
Despite having 8 years experience in the technique herself, Skye regularly returns to his classes herself at the JBAT studio. This goes to show that Meisner’s repetition really is the ‘gym’ for actors and that you are never ‘finished’.
Skye was also trained by Katya Benjamin who has a wealth of experience teaching LABAN. Katya has worked at many of the major drama schools and music colleges in London since 1986. She is the main tutor for Alexander Technique and LABAN at RADA and her work has inspired Skye to create her own teaching methods and approach to training actors in LABAN’s efforts.
EXPERIENCE AND PEDAGOGY:
Skye has now built up a great deal of experience teaching and directing at various drama schools in the UK and running her own classes. At the start of 2022 LAMDA former Lead Acting Practitioner Philippe Bosher asked Skye to join the LAMDA staff to teach Meisner technique and she is now teaching across 3 different courses, including the world renowned 3 year BA Acting program. Skye also sits on the audition panel for the BA and MFA recall auditions.
Skye’s teaching approach is a lot more holistic, not only going into the depths of the techniques but also helping students to understand them fully and apply them. Skye believes acting tutors should show how the magic tricks work - not just show the 'magic' effects of them! The most important focus for Skye is that the room always feels safe to work and play.
Over the Summer of 2022 Skye directed ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Jacobean Duologues’ at LAMDA on the Shakespeare Summer Course and also lead the Storytelling classes at the RADA short course 'Telling Tales'. In 2023 Skye directed two contemporary play projects with the LAMDA BA 1st year actors and continues to teach across many of the RADA short courses. In August 2023 Skye directed Hamlet on the LAMDA 4 week Shakespeare summer school.
What people are saying.
"Skye is a fantastic teacher. She taught me at The Unseen drama school and introduced me to techniques and methods I still find useful working professional today.”
- Archie Renaux, Actor, The Unseen
Archie can be seen in Shadow & Bone as a series lead for Netflix
“Skye Hallam is an outstanding teacher for The Unseen. She is competent in various acting techniques such as Laban and Meisner to name a few. Skye is patient, professional and fun in the classroom making you feel comfortable to express yourself freely. She starts a class with some warm up exercises to let go of any current life stressors and be in the moment ready to start the lesson objective(s). I found Skye’s way of teaching like a breath of fresh air and I look forward to having a class with her again.”
“Skye has always been a wonderful teacher and colleague. Her workshops, even in the short space of a few hours will delve deep enough for you to do more than merely scratch the surface, without it ever getting too overwhelming. Skye's workshops always leave you eager to share with whoever is nearby! From Laban to Meisner, Skye is always a generous and friendly teacher - it is a pleasure whenever Skye leads a workshop.”
- Anna Pryce, Actress, The Rose Youth Theatre
— Elisha Applebaum, Actress, The Unseen
Elisha can be seen in Fate: The Winx Saga as a series lead for Netflix
“ I was privileged to be tutored by Skye. She is seriously the most outstanding tutor with a vast knowledge of her art. She is energetic and sensitive to what one wants to achieve. I would highly recommend Skye”
— Megan Wing, Actress 1-2-1 Coaching
“Skye Hallam is an acting tutor I hold in the highest regard. Skye has a fantastic teaching method, using both Meisner and Laban techniques to get to the core of the character in the given circumstances. Skye uses her warm and focussed energy to help me find the truth within each moment and has given me a solid starting point for each character I work on. Skye is incredibly passionate about her craft and generously gives her knowledge and experience in a kind, patient and collective environment. Under Skye’s tutoring I have become impulsively and fearlessly a better actor. “
- Mark Denchfield, Actor, The Unseen
“I have participated in three of Skye workshops so far. Since the moment we first tried the repetition exercise I felt part of the class, as a friend, not a stranger. She has a very positive energy and observant eye for detail. She pinpointed where my fears lie and how to tackle them, boosted my confidence and helped me grow as a person. I am forever grateful.”
- Sarune Urbonaviciene, Actress, The Reel Scene
“Skyes' energy and positivity creates a perfect environment for focused and fun learning. A safe and encouraging space where mutual respect and the sharing of knowledge bring the best out in student and teacher. Brilliant classes, I had the pleasure of being in a few of Skyes' workshops on Meisner Technique and would highly recommend and repeat. A practical and useful approach that blends with general acting lessons as well. On top of that, I had a great time and often found myself in fits of laughter.”
- Rebecca Radcliffe, Actress The Reel Scene
‘Skye’s workshop was engaging and exciting. Attention was given to each individual and I gained confidence in my work. I would highly recommend.”
- Katie Ashman, Actress, The Rose Youth Theatre
“I will never forget Skye’s classes. She makes it so easy for you to be comfortable and vulnerable but at the same time she will push you out of that little cocoon of yours. When the class is over, you’ll still be thinking about the things you’ve learned about yourself and acting later.”
- Viviana Ross, Actress & Model, The Unseen
WORK WITH ME:
Skye is based in London and is currently regularly employed by six different actor training programs. Although this makes for a very busy calender, please don’t hesitate to get in contact as the scheduling is flexible.
If you would like to request Skye to work with your school and lead a workshop, please get in touch via email.
Skye also offers 1-2-1 coaching in Meisner and Laban as well as audition prep for drama schools. Contact Skye to find out more about her availability and rates. Feel free to follow this link to Skye’s Calendly for future availability.