Private Coaching

with Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad

© Kristof Konrad

As acting and character movement specialists, Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad work with actors in the crucial preparation phase before they arrive on set. The actor’s body is their instrument and must be “in tune.” The work begins with focusing on body awareness, balance, and ease via the Alexander Technique. This foundational work helps actors stay grounded, embody the character’s emotional and physical tensions (without carrying their own), and navigate the role’s physical demands with greater resilience and precision.

Both Jean-Louis and Kristof thoroughly analyze the script from multiple perspectives to interpret the information into the character’s physicality and behavior. This deep dive allows them to interpret the character’s movement, physicality, emotional and psychological qualities, as well as the piece’s genre, period, rhythms, and themes. This research also informs the animal studies work that is pivotal to all of their preparation with actors. They examine the character’s archetype, socio-political, cultural, religious, and educational background, as well as family dynamics, considering how these factors influence their development both as children and as adults. Special physical requirements, such as disabilities, military training, or genre-specific elements like science fiction and special effects, are also key considerations.

On Set Movement Directors

On stage and on screen.

As movement directors, Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad’s purpose on set is to collaborate with the director to understand the project’s creative needs, fully grasp the director’s vision, and help solve immediate acting challenges connected to performance. This is achieved by preparing the actor(s)/cast to be:

 more calm, available, flexible, and easy-to-direct

 clear about their character interpretations

 ready to adapt to changing directorial requirements

This encompasses work on the role itself and on the actor’s overall development, including eliminating bad habits or mannerisms, awakening a dynamic connection to their bodies, improving movement coordination, and enhancing voice production.

As part of their preparation before arriving on set, both Jean-Louis and Kristof thoroughly analyze the script from multiple perspectives to interpret the information into the character’s physicality and behavior. This deep dive allows them to interpret the character’s movement, physicality, emotional and psychological qualities, as well as the piece’s genre, period, rhythms, and themes. They examine the character’s archetype, socio-political, cultural, religious, and educational background, as well as their family dynamics, considering how these factors influence their development both as children and as adults. Special physical requirements, such as disabilities, military training, or genre-specific elements like science fiction and special effects, are always key considerations.