Peter Sardi's School Of Acting
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Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. ~ Sanford Meisner
Peter & Sophie Sardi
Peter Sardi’s School of Acting
Peter Sardi is the principal teacher and founder of Peter Sardi's School Of Acting. His teaching journey began in 1980. Having studied acting in the USA, Peter’s initial reason for starting the school was to help him retain the knowledge he’d gained in his studies there. Sophie Sardi, his partner and sole co-worker, assists in all aspects of the school including teaching and administration. Sophie first began studying acting with Peter in the 1990’s and became his full time partner in 2010.
WELCOME TO OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE!
Peter Sardi has been acting and teaching acting for forty years!
The teaching of acting is one in which a practical approach is required and where theory alone fails to meet the needs of the acting student. Acting is a craft that requires more than just intellectual understanding. It demands a deep connection with one's body and with one's imagination. While theory and intellectual discussions have their place in the training of an actor they are not enough. The actor's BODY is Key and is instrumental in bridging the gap between intellectual discussion and the embodiment of a character. The BODY is the instrument through which actors express themselves. It is the vessel that carries emotions, gestures, and movements. By neglecting the body in acting training we limit the actor's ability to fully embody a character, and it's through specific physical acting exercises developed over forty years here at our school that actors are able to connect to their impulses and awaken their body in a way that will make a character come to life.
— Peter Sardi
Peter Talks Acting. . .
LISTEN. . .
The foundation of great acting lies in the ability to listen. Listening goes beyond simply hearing the words that are being spoken; it involves truly understanding and connecting with your scene partner on a deeper level. When actors are fully present and engaged in the moment, they can pick up on subtle cues and emotions that are not always expressed through dialogue.
WHAT IT IS TO ACT. . .
I can't speak for other acting schools but in our school the ability to truly listen is the foundation of our teachings. Of course there are many other elements in the craft of acting that we teach however the foundation that everything is built on is this ability to really listen in a deep way. Also: If you are studying at our school you can expect a very safe environment in the classroom. This is essential due to the nature of the work that we do in our classes. Moreover, you can expect to meet some very interesting people from all walks of life. I have always found this fascinating - how in the same room, you can have such a diverse group of individuals from varying backgrounds and cultures. It is truly enriching to interact with people who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom. — FINALLY; You can expect to learn not only how to act, but. . . WHAT IT IS TO ACT.
— Peter Sardi
"The first thing he [Peter] will do is strip you right back and teach you
WHAT IT IS TO ACT."
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"I feel incredibly privileged to have been taught by such grounded and passionate teachers..."
Dear Peter, I have been meaning to write this letter for a long time now! I would prefer to handwrite it but my writing is illegible! I appreciate how enriched my life has become through acting. I feel very fortunate and grateful that you were my teacher. I absolutely know that if I had gone to any other class or teacher I would not have stayed with acting. l attended one class where the teacher was the break you down type of teacher and I became so inhibited I mumbled my words. Then he focused in on the mumbling as if I had a speech impediment, I completely froze! During all of your classes I could hear this quiet encouraging voice that was truthful and understanding, a presence that I had never experienced that draws tears as I write this now. I also loved the way your intuition would tune into each individuals true potential and you never played favourites. Actors are treated with the utmost respect in your class. My recent role in the sci-fi restoration series helped me realise that something bigger than acting has happened to me. I have come out of invisibility. I feel very emotional about this. It was pretty scary on a set of that magnitude with actors of that calibre but I was able to pull through despite the fear. I focused on your voice in my head telling me to connect to the other actor, stay present and remembering that the lines come out of the body. I always return to Peter's teaching. Thank you for helping my soul blossom and for bringing greater meaning to my life. At this point I cannot imagine my life without acting and creating. I want to express my sincere gratitude to you for changing my life. I know that when I look back on my life some of my greatest memories will be the moments in your class. The laughter, the fear, the struggle, the joy, the grounding, the presence, the feeling of coming home, the breakthroughs, the physicality, the authenticity, the performance, the being exercise, the bullring exercise, the freedom to finally cry in front of others, the obsession, the rehearsals, the connections, the repeat exercise, the improvisation, the theatre scenes, the "third stage", the "fourth stage" and most of all the love. — Love to both of you, Keep writing beautiful words of expression Sophie. ~ Ailis Logan
Peter and Sophie’s ability to tap into the actor’s sensibilities is second to none and an invaluable experience for an actor. I always find myself returning to this very school because of the rich environment they have created. They show no interest in pandering and it is this integrity that makes for a non-judgemental space where actors can stumble and falter as any student should. It is an absolute joy to witness their artistry as they are able to draw out their students’ talents; this is a testament to their intimate understanding of their craft. Over the almost two decades of studying with them I have watched their approach to teaching acting grow, develop and shift as their understanding of the craft continues to evolve. I truly admire this fluidity and feel incredibly privileged to have been taught by such grounded and passionate teachers who are genuinely in the business for the love of the art. What an honour! I would recommend this school to anyone."
~ Gabriella Malignaggi
TESTIMONIALS
