Presence

An introductory workshop exploring attention, authentic communication, and human connection.

Dates

April 11–12

Saturday & Sunday

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tuition

$99

Location TBC

Through practical exercises inspired by the Meisner Technique, participants learn to listen deeply, focus outward, and respond truthfully in the moment.

Open to both actors and non-actors.

No previous experience required.

Full Description

This workshop introduces the foundational skills of attention, presence, and authentic human connection.

The work sits at the intersection of actor training, contemplative practice, and the philosophy of attention.

Through simple but powerful exercises inspired by the Meisner Technique, participants develop the ability to:

• Focus their attention outward

• Listen deeply to another person

• Respond authentically in the moment

• Experience genuine human connection

In a world shaped by constant distraction, the capacity to be fully present with another person has become both rare and powerful.

For non-actors, the workshop offers a practical exploration of communication, awareness, and presence in everyday life.

For actors, it serves as the entry point into training at The Actor’s Atelier, introducing the core principles that underpin our work.

Instructor

Paul Hopkins

Teaching the art of attention through actor training and contemplative practice.

Paul Hopkins holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Guelph and has over 30 years of experience as an actor, director, and teacher.

His work explores the art of presence through actor training, contemplative practice, and the study of attention. Alongside his professional career, he has spent many years engaged in Christian contemplative practice and meditation, and has also studied Vipassana meditation, the Landmark Forum Curriculum for Living, and Eckhart Tolle’s Teaching Presence course.

His thinking is also informed by the philosophical work of Simone Weil and Iain McGilchrist, particularly their writing on attention and perception.