West End stars are among the leading industry professionals contributing to a new digital platform offering personal one-to-one masterclasses.
With all profits going to Acting for Others, SLOCOACH ARTS provides access to world-class vocal coaches, leading dancers from international dance companies and tuition from experts in a range of disciplines including ‘Fosse’, accents and improvisation.
Star coaches include actors Rosalie Craig, Rob McClure, Hadley Fraser and Cassidy Janson, and dancers Shelby Williams and Savion Glover.
Commenting on her involvement in the venture, Company’s Craig said: “I’m thrilled to be part of SLOCOACH ARTS. This new and innovative way to coach appealed to me immediately. The video feedback technology means there are no time or geographical limits – anyone around the world has legends in their field at their fingertips.
“The technology allows us as coaches the chance to respond in the kind of detail that up until now has only been available to sports teams and coaches. Everything from technical specifics to artistic intangibles can be scrutinised and addressed. I can only imagine the giant leaps performers and artists might take with this at their disposal.”
The co-founder of SLOCOACH ARTS, Derek Hardy said: “I’ve been in the tech industry for almost 30 years and what always fascinates me is the combination of technology and creativity. We’ve come up with the idea of SLOCOACH ARTS to help people be their best and support the important – and currently struggling – arts industry.
“We are proud to have been joined by some of the most shining West End stars and we admire the work Acting for Others does – it’s a pleasure to be able to support them and help theatre workers in need.
“As well as creating a new channel for performers to pass on their world-class skills, we aim to raise as much money as possible to support people in one of the country’s biggest industries that has been particularly hard hit by Covid-19.”
With students unable to attend physical classes due to the Covid-crisis, SLOCAOCH ARTS aims to fill the gap and also offer access to a wide range of professional training from Broadway and West End professionals.
Students choose their coaches, submit video footage of their performance and receive a feedback session. Coaches will analyse performances in real time and will provide tools and advice to help students develop their skills.
Until the end of this year all profits will go to Acting for Others, the umbrella group for 14 industry charities providing financial and emotional support for theatre workers.
On behalf of Acting for Others, co-chairman Stephen Waley-Cohen said: “We are very grateful to SLOCOACH ARTS and their brilliant mentors for supporting Acting for Others. It is increasingly important that we keep our creativity alive. This is a wonderful initiative which enables performers to keep honing their craft with an array of industry talent, online. From beneficial programmes like these we are able to continue supporting our industry through the crisis.”
Angela Thomas
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