“Be here now” — sounds simple, right? But what does it actually mean to be present? And how do you get there—not just in theory, but in practice?
In this grounding, energising workshop, we explore presence as a full-body experience—not something you think your way into, but something you embody. Through guided movement, sensory awareness and playful investigation, you’ll explore practical tools for accessing your body as a reliable route into presence—on stage and in life.
Presence isn’t about overriding your thoughts or pushing down your feelings—it’s about becoming attentive to what’s already here, and learning to welcome and work with it. As actors, our capacity to be truthful, alive and connected on stage depends on how attuned we are to the moment. This workshop offers simple, practical techniques to help you tune in, drop down, and become more available to the scene, your fellow actors—and yourself. Workshop Two of this series also available (but this is also suitable as a standalone experience)
What will I get out of it?
• A felt understanding of presence—how to access it in your body
• Tools to ground, centre and orient in space, both in performance and in life
• Greater emotional availability and focus in rehearsal
• A stronger connection to your scene partner, environment and inner state
• Practical, nervous system-informed techniques for staying calm and open under pressure
• More truth and responsiveness on stage
• A deepened sense of safety, embodiment and awareness in your craft
Who is this workshop for?
Suitable for all levels of experience. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of performance behind you, this workshop offers something fresh and valuable.
You might be:
• Curious about how bodily awareness can deepen your acting
• Looking to reconnect with your creativity and confidence
• Feeling stuck in your head and wanting more physical freedom
• Craving more honesty, spontaneity and connection in your work
No previous movement or acting experience is required—just a willingness to explore. If you have any access needs, injuries or movement restrictions you’d like the teacher to be aware of, feel free to get in touch in advance so we can best support you.
Who teaches this course?
Nathalie Joel-Smith is a movement practitioner, coach and theatre-maker with over 20 years’ experience spanning performance, actor training and embodied practice. She has taught at ArtsEd, London College of Music, The BRIT School, and currently leads the Body in Performance module for the student company at Questors Theatre.
Nathalie is a certified Integral Development Coach, Somatic Coach and Movement Teacher, with further experience in trauma-sensitive yoga, Feldenkrais, Fitzmaurice Voicework and more.
With a background as a musical theatre performer, actor, voice-over artist and cabaret performer, she has also worked as a movement director and physical theatre maker, including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
