My Alexander Technique history
I first had Alexander Technique lessons when I was working as an actor in a street theatre company. This work was very demanding, both physically and vocally. After Alexander lessons I found everything became easier, I felt lighter and my voice carried further and with no strain. I have found over the years that I respond well to stressful situations and am generally very happy.
I have been teaching the Alexander Technique since 1996, in a private practice and at music and acting schools across Melbourne . I now live and run a practice in Hobart, Tasmania.
I’ve taught at Australian National Academy of Music, National Theatre Drama School, VCA, Howard Fine Acting Studio, 16th Street Acting Studio, Film & TV Studio and Brave Studios. I was also a regular guest teacher at The School for F. M. Alexander Studies.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked with actors across theatre, film and television. This includes Hugh Jackman, Sigrid Thornton, Samuel Johnson (Molly), Margot Knight, Lachlan Woods, Ally Fowler and Cody Fern.
I have studied with international master teachers including Jean-Louis Rodrigue, Caren Bayer, Pamela Blanc on the Art of Breathing and Voice Teacher Patsy Rodenburg.
In 2017, I was approved by AUSTAT as a Head of Training and began training future teachers of the Alexander Technique in my own school, and currently run a training course in Hobart, Lutruwita/Tasmania.
I am available for group classes and professional development sessions.
I can also visit your rehearsal to work with your cast or musicians, or come to you for a special group class.
“I have worked with Penny for years and have found her to be one of the most intuitive, generous, and life changing practitioners in the field. Her experience is enormous and her gifts undeniable. I am thrilled that all at 16th Street Actors Studio will experience the benefits of Penny teaching as much as I have over the past decade and a half.”
— Hugh Jackman
Training
Alexander Technique Teacher Training Course (1993 – 1996)
Healing Dance Practitioner (Graduated 2011, commenced training 2008)
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40110 (2017)
Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training BSZ40198 (2005)
Diploma of Teaching, Tasmanian College of Advanced Education (1980)
Intensive Acting Course – Q Theatre, Penrith NSW (1982 – 1983)
Level 2 First Aid
Working with Vulnerable People Check
Professional Associations
Member AUSTAT – professional society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
Member ASPAH – Australian Society of Performing Arts Healthcare