ANNE O’KEEFFE
Movement Coach
“Anne provides actors with a space to dissect, discuss and discover; and this investigatory hub is not limited to that of the characterisation. Anne's intuitive and empathetic nature encourages the cast to reflect upon the many aspects of the job and how they affect both our personal and professional development. Anne’s holistic approach to performance reflects her own willingness to investigate personal truths and evolve, and it is with this openness to explore that Anne empowers the cast to take responsibility as artists for not only cultivating their performances, but their workplace culture and ultimate place in the world.”
- Eve Morey, actor, teacher, director, producer
BACKGROUND
Anne O’Keeffe has worked in the performing arts industry as an actor, dancer, choreographer and director for 42 years and is a highly experienced teacher of acting and movement. She has worked in training institutions across Victoria, including 16th St Actors Studio for 12 years, Victorian College of the Arts (Theatre, Music Theatre and Dance), Federation University, National Theatre Drama School, Braves Studios and TAFTA. Anne has performed with independent theatre and dance companies, and is Artistic Director, deviser and a performer in her multi-disciplinary company, Sirensong. Anne is also Artistic Director of her Alchemy Dance workshops since 2001, making movement and dance accessible to participants of all ages and backgrounds.
Anne has been a Movement Coach or Director for multiple theatre productions, and was Movement and Drama Coach for 10 years on Neighbours (Fremantle Media) and How to Stay Married (Princess Pictures) in 2021. Privately, she has coached actors, dancers and singers for 25 years and has trained and/or coached Kat Stewart, Rick Davies, Dan Spielman, Claire Bowdich, Menik Gooneratne, Eve Morey, Sachin Joab, Kala Gare, Sheridan Adams, Ayesha Maddon, Casey Donovan and Delta Goodrem, among others.
Anne is a specialist in Movement psychology and is deeply interested in embodied presence and its relationship to powerful acting and story-telling. Her work is informed by the pedagogies of Michael Chekhov, Rudolf Laban and a lifetime of embodied research, resulting in a Masters Degree in 2009. She has led professional development Master Classes in Presence and Embodiment for a range of institutions including the Victorian Arts Centre, MIECAT and the Contemplative Studies Centre.
PHILOSOPHY
As a Movement specialist, Anne’s focus is embodiment and character transformation. She provides actors with practical techniques to fully inhabit their character’s given circumstances - integrating their inner life with outer behaviour. Anne provides a dynamic, collaborative learning environment, with mutual respect, authenticity and generosity at its heart. She is proud to have taught, coached or mentored generations of artists in the industry she loves.
My intention is to provide a dynamic, collaborative learning environment, with mutual respect and generosity at its heart. In this dynamic space, there is freedom to explore and discover our characters ‘from the ground up’ - developing physical behaviour to reveal their inner life. When we connect fully to our body, we discover the courage to take risks, to be authentic, to trust and be bold. I believe that performing is an act of love; the making of art an act of service - from heart to heart, actors share the gift of what it means to be human. I strive to inspire this whole-hearted passion and commitment to the craft, and am proud to have taught, coached or mentored generations of artists in the industry I love.
