Ann Stocking

I am the first student with a disability to be trained in UCLA’s MFA acting program, and I feel very fortunate to have had Jean-Louis Rodrigue as an instructor. Jean-Louis has been instrumental in helping me reconnect with my body. Many disabled people experience a loss of connection with their bodies due to pain and societal influences to ignore such pain. Excess tension is created from trying to function in a way that limits pain, but actually ends up producing more discomfort and tension. Jean-Louis understands the compensating factors involved, and has completely transformed the way in which I use my body. His expertise in the Alexander Technique allows him to help me release the tense areas. I was in a fairly constant state of pain and discomfort that I was not even aware of before studying the technique. Through his guidance, I was able to become aware of how I was misusing my body, and subsequently change my habitual tension patterns. An actor who gets to work with Jean-Louis is a lucky one indeed.