MENTORING + COACHING for DANCERS, ACTORS + TEACHERS 

I am a passionate teacher, with the belief that high quality creative arts education is the key to a happy, healthy community. With a Bachelor of Education in Drama, Dance and Literature, a Graduate Diploma and a Masters degree, I have worked extensively in the arts industry as an actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, writer and director. I've trained artists in acting, dance, music theatre and movement for 42 years, inspiring students to make deep connections with their inner life to create work that is embodied, present and powerful. I bring to my work a profound commitment to artistic integrity and authenticity and provide a warm, generous space where creativity is nurtured and celebrated. In 2016, I was honoured with a Pegasus Scholarship, acknowledging teachers of excellence in the performing arts. For the past 5 years, I have lead Alchemy Teacher Training programs, training teachers, facilitators and leaders in the arts, arts therapy and well-being sectors. I am currently mentoring alumni as they develop their own teaching or leadership practices.

In my 42-year career, I have taught in most training institutions in Victoria. I was Senior Movement Tutor at the National Theatre Drama School for 14 years, and taught Movement at Federation University for 3 years. I taught Improvisation for 15 years in the Dance Faculty at the Victorian College of the Arts, Movement for Actors for 8 years in Music Theatre, and in the Acting Faculty for 5 years. I have taught at Brave Studios for 6 years, and have been Movement Specialist at 16th Street Actors Studio for 12 years. In 2001, I founded Alchemy Dance - inspiring movers to explore spontaneity, authenticity and creativity. In Alchemy, we explore the deep wisdom of the body through engaging our hearts and trusting our intuition. 

For lovers of MOVEMENT, I offer a generous, non-judgemental space to explore the connections between our inner life and outer expression. Using Alchemy principles and practices, I support students to connect fully to their body, allowing profound truths to be revealed. Can the wisdom of the body guide us in our pursuit of an authentic path in life and art? Join me for an ALCHEMY PRIVATE SESSION where I design movement sessions addressing your unique needs and intentions. 

For ACTORS or MUSIC THEATRE ARTISTS, I bring a performance career that began with Rusden Drama/Dance in 1979; followed by text-based theatre in the '80s, then dance theatre and multi-disciplinary theatre from the 90's, including singing. For 10 years, I was DRAMA AND MOVEMENT COACH on the set of NEIGHBOURS, and more recently, How to Stay Married. I have prepared actors for auditions or roles in Top of the Lake, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Wentworth and films such as The Turning and Disney's Cinderella. I support actors with text analysis, stage presence and alignment, character development, creative blocks, vocal work and audition preparation. I have trained notable artists such as Kat Stewart, Rick Davies, Claire Bowditch, Dan Spielman, Eve Morey, Menik Gooneratne, Kala Gare, Zoe Steiner, Ayesha Madon, Sheridan Adams, Casey Donovan and Delta Goodrem. With a passion for embodied approaches to the craft, my work is inspired by the techniques of Michael Chekhov and Rudolf Laban. 

For DANCERS, I offer 42 years as a contemporary dancer and choreographer, including teaching Choreography at the VCA for 7 years and Improvisation for 15 years. I have also been Artistic Director, producer and a performer in my multi-modal production company Sirensong for 23 years - integrating dance, acting and singing. I support dancers seeking support with alignment, presence and embodiment, improvisation, releasing creative blocks, improvisation, audition preparation and developing choreography for performance. 

As a specialist in Presence and Embodiment, I also lead Professional Development workshops in education and corporate settings. I have led workshops for Melbourne University Contemplative Studies Centre, Victorian Arts Centre, MIECAT and Leadership Victoria.

I am passionate about guiding students to unlock their full potential. I look forward to supporting your specific needs!

Warmest Regards

Anne O’Keeffe

Investment: $150 full / $120 concession per hour. (1.5 hours: $210 / $180)

BLOCKS of 5 or more: $130 full / $100 concession per hour. (1.5 hours: $190/$150)

I coach/mentor from my home in HAMPTON, Victoria or ONLINE via ZOOM.

Call 0411 218 101 or email: aok@alchemydance.com.au to find out more.

TESTIMONIALS

"Anne, such a great session. Your love, openness and gift of sharing is such a joy to be with. My heart is full to overflowing with love and respect for YOU and your work. Warm blessings always, Megan".  Megan Harris

"I cannot speak highly enough of Anne. She is the most amazing teacher and mentor! By focusing on breath and physical exploration, Anne has given me invaluable tools to get out of my head and into my body. This process has been integral in breathing a fresh new life into my character work, taking my performances to the next level. Thanks Anne!!"  Menik Gooneratne

"I first met Anne as a young actor, five years ago on the set of Neighbours. Anne was the bridge for me between child actor and professional adult. She fuelled my interest to delve into learning more about the craft. Anne continues to assist me in discovering my characters through movement, visualisation and vocalisation. What I love about Anne’s process as a coach is that she is able to adapt to the way that works best for you. Anne creates a safe and comfortable environment in which she allows you to explore. I continue to seek Anne’s expertise with my auditions, because I know that after returning from a session I always feel more confident about my work and more developed as an actor. I cannot emphasise more how much I appreciate Anne and would recommend her to any actor seeking coaching for a job, audition or professional advice."  Kiaya Jones

"I had the absolute pleasure of working with Anne O'Keeffe during my time at Neighbours. Once a week I made sure I booked in with her so we could work on anything from scenes coming up that week, to mapping an arc for my character...and sometimes our sessions would even turn into a personal counselling session! I loved working with Anne as she helped me find grounding qualities in my work, she pushed me to enhance my vocal technique and often gave me material from acting books that she knew would support where I was heading both personally and with the character. Anne was a wonderful coach for me and someone I will always keep close."  Tim Phillips

"I've had the pleasure of working with Anne quite extensively over the past few years. Not only has she helped me develop my skills as an artist in a range of different environments, but she has also consistently been there for me as a personal mentor, offering her guidance in times of need. Anne really invests in those that she works with, ensuring that she makes a positive difference to their work. It's comforting being in the hands on someone like Anne, who I can always trust will treat my work as if it's her own."  James Mason

"Hello lovely Anne! It's Peta from 16th Street here! I just wanted to say thank you so much for always being so present, supportive and committed to myself and to the group. I will treasure your wisdom and teachings for the rest of my life. You've unlocked so many doors within myself and in this craft and you inspire me to keep going, keep exploring, and most of all to keep an open heart wherever I go and with whomever I meet - and especially with myself. THANK YOU! For everything."  Peta Korotkov

"Through her private coaching, Anne offers a space free from judgement that allows the student's creativity to come to the fore. Her intimate knowledge of the Michael Chekhov technique allows for key insights to unlock a truthful performance, where the character can be revealed through the actor. Anne's technical expertise, coupled with her open-heartedness and generosity of spirit, allows for a very rewarding and deeply connected learning experience in a one-on-one setting."  Zoë Steiner

"Anne O'Keeffe's Drama and Movement Private Coaching sessions have helped me integrate body, heart and spirit and bring my entire self to my work as an actor and artist. I would highly recommend Anne to anyone looking to refine their sensitivity, plug into the depth of their ability and connect with their artistic path."  Nataša Ristić