Presence - The Art of Attention & Connection - Actor Tools for Everyday Life

Presence — A Practical Course in Attention & Connection

This is a simple, practical course in being more present — with yourself, and with others.

Upcoming Sessions

May 30–31

June 20-21

Saturday & Sunday, 1:00–4:00 PM

$99 + HST

Audit (observer) option — $79 + HST (online or in person)

Drawn from professional actor training and creative/contemplative practice, this work focuses on attention, awareness, and real human connection.

No performance. No pressure.

Just a space to explore how you show up — moment to moment.

What this is

At the heart of the course is a set of exercises used in actor training to develop focus, responsiveness, and presence.

You’ll work in a calm, structured environment that encourages:

• paying attention

• responding honestly

• letting go of overthinking

It’s practical, experiential, and grounded — something you do, not just think about.

What you’ll gain

Through the work, participants often find they:

• feel more at ease in themselves

• become less self-conscious

• listen and respond more naturally

• feel more present in conversation and daily life

Who it’s for

Open to anyone — no acting experience needed.

This is for:

• people curious about presence or awareness

• those who feel stuck in their head or self-conscious

• actors wanting to reconnect with the fundamentals

• anyone interested in more ease, clarity, and connection

What to expect

• A relaxed, supportive environment

• Simple, guided exercises

• Opportunities to work with others (or observe, if preferred)

• No performance, no memorization

Registration Options

Standard Registration — $99 + HST

Audit (Observer Track) — $79 + HST

Auditors participate in many of the exercises throughout the weekend. During the core acting work, you’ll observe — often one of the most valuable parts of the experience, as you watch the work unfold in real time.

Location

Church of the Holy Saviour

33 Allen St E, Waterloo

(Parking available. Accessible entrance at the back.)

This is not about becoming someone new.

It’s about returning to something simple —

attention, connection, and being present in the moment.

Instructor

Paul Hopkins

Paul Hopkins holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Guelph and has over 35 years of experience as an actor, director, and teacher.

His work explores presence through actor training, creative practice, and contemplative traditions of attention. Alongside his professional career, he has engaged deeply with Christian contemplative practice, Vipassana meditation, the Landmark Forum, and Eckhart Tolle’s Teaching Presence course.

His thinking is influenced by the work of Lynda Barry, Simone Weil, Martha Reeves, and Iain McGilchrist, particularly their writing on attention and perception.

Reserve your spot — spaces are limited.

If it resonates, I’d love to have you there.