Passing the Torch
After 25 years in “Show Biz” – Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional work – I took a break to focus on a couple of other things. First, my delightfully chaotic young family, and second, a long neglected college degree. In 1997, I (finally) earned a B.A. in Drama Studies from SUNY Purchase. Returning to school as an established “grown-up” was thrilling. The study of “everything theatre” awakened some new thoughts - thoughts of teaching. I wanted to share theatre, to share music theatre. But there is a technique to teaching. I needed to learn how to teach. So on to Manhattanville College for a Master of Arts in Teaching and NYS Teacher Certification. After a couple of years in 7-12, I was hired by New York University / Steinhardt as full-time professor of acting and musical theatre studies in the Vocal Performance Program. I find it is inextricably exciting to work.
The Program prepares singers for careers in musical theatre, classical and contemporary voice. My contribution was primarily the acting classes. Singing actors face some unique challenges. Not all acting methodologies work well in the world of musical storytelling. As a working actor I studied several acting methods, searching for techniques that one could hold on to while singing! I found it in the psychophysical approach of Michael Chekhov. The work is imaginative and liberating. Plus a huge confidence builder for the young singer. (Michael Chekhov Association, MICHA). I began incorporating tools like Psychological Gesture, Atmosphere, and Archetype into my curriculum and stage direction. I still use these today, onstage and in the rehearsal room.
Highlights as an Educator
The Theatre World Awards
The Theatre World Award is annual industry honor given to promising actors who make their Broadway/Off Broadway debut as a principal player. At the 2013 ceremony, I presented an Award to my former student, Ruthie Ann Miles, for her critically acclaimed performance as Imelda Marcos in Here Lies Love at the Public Theater. She hasn’t stopped since!
In 1981 I received the Theatre World for Marian Paroo in a Broadway revival of The Music Man (opposite Dick Van Dyke). Handing Ms. Miles her award was, for me, an honor compounded.
Passing the Torch!
Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance
As a founding member, I continue to contribute to this outstanding organization of international musical theatre programs, a global community with a shared interest in pedagogy. MTEA’s mission is to create “a bridge from education to the profession—raising the standards on musical theatre training and forever changing the art form.”
Now retired from NYU, Meg moves to another, yet related, arena - Teaching Artistry!! Bringing arts into intergenerational settings for creative engagement. She holds a New York State Teachers Certificate in English 7-12, as well as a certificate in English as a Second Language. Teaching Artistry today is a vibrant field. Watch this space…
Sing & Speak & Play
Workshops - Purpose: To activate your imagination and explore the story in a song, a scene or intrumental piece. Goal: To tell the story while performing it. Build confidence & skills thru active play and application.
See examples under “Workshops” .
Teaching Artist - intergenerational short programs for different settings: Senior Centers, Retirement communities, schools, churches, local arts organizations, community theaters.
Recent:
The Pulitzer and the American Musical: A mini course - Kendal on Hudson Retirement Community & Westchester Community College - Collegium.
Read Aloud : the spoken word. An Oral Interpretation Seminar. Become an engaging Reader of elevated or casual speech. (poems, scripture, drama, literary exerts) - South Presbyterian Church in Dobbs Ferry, NY.
Coming up: Song and Character Development Workshop - Learning Lab - arts exploration for high schoolers to create and hang out RiverTownsLab.org
Guest speaker & presenter at a number of institutions & organizations in the U.S. & Away: MTEA, NYSTA, Disney Studios, MICHA, universities & colleges including Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia. Topics include: “Musical Theatre History,” “Your Favorite Musical: the Backstory,” “My Story: 50 Years in Actors Equity”
Coming Up - Songs & Stories from Broadway & Beyond: with Meg & Michael. (Meg & Michael Lavine)
Psychological Gesture Workshop with actors at the Tuacahn Centre for the Arts, 2019
Exploring Psychological Gesture with actors at the Tuacahn Centre for the Arts, 2019
Workshops
Psychological Gesture – PG
Explore a psycho-physical exercise from Micheal Chekhov technique that helps the actor experience a tangible glimpse inside the character.
Archetype and Atmosphere
What characters do can often reveal more of their essence than what they say. Excellent tools for approaching characters far away from you.
Story thru song
In Musical Theatre spoken language, musical language and body language interact. Discover how the singing actor can incorporate all three into one as the character lives the story.
Shakespeare & The Song: Acting elevated language
Discover surprising connections between Shakespeare’s soliloquies and musical songs in this fun and physical workshop.
The above Workshops typically run 3 - 6 hours, depending on size of group & material. Appropriate for all levels: professional, college, high school, community theatre.
Private Coaching
Industry Professionals
Tell the story you want to tell.
International
Preparing application materials for Musical Theatre programs in the U.S. & U.K.
High school students
Build technique & confidence. Prepare for auditions, performances, or just plain fun.
What they’re saying…
Press materials
