MENTORING + PRIVATE COACHING for DANCERS, ACTORS and 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 the past 41 years, inspiring students to make deep connections with their inner life and to create work that is conscious, present and embodied. I bring to my work a profound commitment to artistic integrity and authenticity and provide a warm, generous space where creativity is affirmed and nurtured. In 2016, I was honoured to received the Pegasus Scholarship, acknowledging teachers of excellence in the performing arts. In 2019, 2022 and 2023, I created and ran Teacher Training programs, with the latest planned for October, 2024. I am currently mentoring alumni as they develop their own creative arts teaching practices.

In my 41-year career, I have now 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 3 years. I have taught at TAFTA, Brave Studios for 6 years, and currently teach at 16th Street Actors Studio, where I have taught for 11 years. In the broader arts community, I founded the Alchemy Dance Improvisation classes in 2001, inspiring movers to explore presence and mindfulness in motion. I have been developing and facilitating these classes for 23 years. The wisdom of the BODY is at the centre of my teaching - the home of the heart and the primary source of our intuition. 

For those interested in MOVEMENT (with no formal dance training), 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 deep 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 or intentions. 

For TEACHERS, I offer mentoring to set intentions, release obstacles, and to define or refine your teaching programs. With 41 years teaching experience, I can help you achieve your potential as a faciliator or leader.

For ACTORS or MUSIC THEATRE ARTISTS, I bring a performance career that goes back to Rusden Drama/Dance in 1979; followed by work in text-based theatre in the '80s, then dance theatre and multi-disciplinary theatre from the 90's, including singing and vocal work. For 10 years, I was DRAMA AND MOVEMENT COACH for the cast of NEIGHBOURS (Fremantle Media), working with scores of actors from 7 to 70 years old, and more recently, I worked as a Coach on How to Stay Married (Princess Pictures). In a television context and my private coaching practice, I tailor sessions to the needs of the individual, whilst at the same time remaining sensitive to the vision of writers, directors and producers. With a passion for embodied approaches to the craft, my work is inspired and informed by the techniques of Michael Chekhov and Rudolf Laban. 

In my private coaching/mentoring practice, I have prepared actors for auditions or roles in Top of the Lake, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Wentworth and films such as The Turning and Disney's Cinderella. I support actors seeking help developing a character, text analysis (actions, objectives, super-objectives, beats etc), postural alignment, presence and embodiment, personalisation and connection, identifying and releasing creative blocks, vocal work, audition preparation, building and refining personal creative process, etc. I have also coached TV presenters and have been a director, outside eye, or mentor for many artists developing theatre or film projects for the past 22 years. I have trained or coached Kat Stewart, Rick Davies, Claire Bowditch, Dan Spielman, Tosh Greenslade, Sachin Joab, Eve Morey, Casey Donovan and Delta Goodrem, among many others. 

For DANCERS, I offer 41 years experience as a contemporary dancer and choreographer, both within my own company, and on a freelance basis. I taught Choreography at the Victorian College of the Arts for 7 years and have been Artistic Director of Sirensong for 22 years - a multi-modal production company integrating dance, acting and singing. I support dancers seeking support with postural alignment, presence and embodiment, release work (drawing in particular on Skinner Releasing Technique), identifying and releasing creative blocks, improvisation, audition preparation, clarifying and refining choreographic or creative practise, etc. For 22 years, I have mentored many dance artists developing choreography for performance. 

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

Investment: $140 full / $120 concession per hour. (1.5 hours: $200 / $180)

BLOCKS of 5 sessions or more: $125 full / $100 concession per hour. (1.5 hours: $180 / $150)

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

I look forward to supporting your specific needs and guiding you to find your TRUE PATH in Art and Life.

Warmest Regards,

Anne O'Keeffe

TESTIMONIALS

"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