

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wren Ross.
Wren, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have always loved the power of the human voice to connect and communicate. I was a professional singer at the age of 14 and I sang a wide variety of music from classical to cabaret and folk. At heart, I am an actor, so I studied Acting at Boston University’s wonderful theatre department and performed many plays after graduation. My acting training has been an invaluable foundation for my voice over work. I found a lot of delight and success in doing voice acting for decades and have voiced many award-winning documentaries, commercials, training programs, and recently I was honored to voice the orientation films at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate in South Boston.
I have brought my experience and passion for vocal expression to my teaching for over thirty years. I offer classes in Acting: Scene and Monologue Study, Voice Acting for Animation, Voice -Over, Shakespeare, The Art of Speaking Poetry and Film Acting, as well as offer private coaching and Voice Over Demo production. My goal is to help each person find and own their authentic voice so that they are dynamic, genuine and engaging. I believe that people do their best work when they are having fun, so there is a lot of laughter and joy in the process!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As an acting and vocal presence coach, I help liberate my client’s voice and expression. It’s an exciting process to help them shed the inhibitions and negative thoughts that hinder their creative freedom. How exhilarating to witness them find their true voice (not imitate what they think they SHOULD do) and metaphorically take their girdles off and run through the sprinklers! In all my classes, I address the idea that the most important thing is to be present and totally absorbed in the process. What gets in the way of that? The idea of “having to be right or good” that we all have had drilled into us.
So, I encourage them to give up trying to be good and instead, be curious. Curiosity is a great antidote for fear. In fact, I don’t call them actors. They are “Behavior Detectives” searching for clues about their characters and the scene. That helps them really get into the parts and play with gusto. The results are rewarding.
I also encourage generosity. When we are open and not defensive as artists, our work is more honest and compelling. I don’t put stock in someone being talented. However, I am always impressed by generosity. People would rather be appreciated than impressed.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I heard a quote that blew me away, but I don’t remember who said it so I will paraphrase: “Art is a vital part of life, without which we would exist, but not truly live.” It’s not always easy being on this planet, is it? I mean we wake up and confront gravity every day…. Art helps us find perspective and expresses the hurt parts. Art helps us connect and not feel alone, enclosed in our skin. Art helps us find our common humanity. Beauty can be soothing. And most important: Art is fueled by Truth. In an age where we are confronted with the ridiculous notion of “alternative facts” or that “truth is not truth,” Art is more important now than ever.
With cuts in funding, it’s more challenging for artists to find support. I find it encouraging when I see big corporations or city government put resources into the community and offer grants for artists to do their work in public places. Artistic Expression doesn’t have to be an elaborate production on a big stage or gallery. I think if the city supports expression and art in unexpected public places, that can be very effective. A lot of theatre began on the streets- like Commedia del Arte. I think we all need to be a little more creative about how we are creative.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You may go to my website wrenross.com or follow me on Facebook at Wren Ross Acting Workshops. My classes are year-round and I’m always offering something new. You may also book private coaching time with me by requesting time: wren@wrenross.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 464 Common St. #363
- Website: wrenross.com
- Phone: 617.924.7464
- Email: wren@wrenross.com
- Facebook: Wren Ross Acting Workshops
- Twitter: WrenRossVO
Image Credit:
Ana Reyes photo ( Judith and Cindy) +( wren and cindi) Daena Giardella ( True West, Osage) . ? others
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