Vocal Traditions: Seven Pillars Acting Technique

ABSTRACT

Vocal Traditions is a series in the Voice and Speech Review that highlights both historically important and contemporary voice teachers and schools of thought in the world of vocal pedagogy. This essay explores Seven Pillars Acting, a modern acting technique developed by Sonya Cooke, designed to equip actors with a comprehensive and practical system of crafting character. Inspired by and drawn from the defining techniques of the twentieth century, the Pillars aim to bring acting training into the present by fitting to the current demands of the industry and needs of acting students today. It breaks down an actor’s creative and physical instrument into seven major components. By dissecting these aspects of the craft, the technique enables the actor to utilize each one to its full potential. Upon integrating all seven pillars into one’s process, an actor is equipped to craft their character with authenticity, depth, specificity, and ease. This essay explores the background technique, the central features of system, and the scope of the organization.

Contact Information/Resources/How to Get Involved

Visit the website, www.sevenpillarsacting.com, to learn more about the training and to find ways to join a class or an upcoming certification program.

Sonya Cooke is available at [email protected], and all are welcome to interact with the team through social media. Find us at @sevenpillarsacting.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sonya Cooke

Sonya Cooke is an Assistant Professor of Acting and Head of Undergraduate Performance at Louisiana State University’s School of Theatre. Founder and author of Seven Pillars Acting, Sonya opened and ran two acting studios, namely Seven Pillars Acting Studio: Los Angeles and Actor’s Studio of Orange County. Her book, Seven Pillars Acting, is the textbook for students of the technique, as well as at a growing number of universities and institutions across the country. A member of SAG-AFTRA, Sonya is a working actor in television, film, theatre, commercial, and voice-over mediums.

Tiffany Gilly-Forrer

Tiffany Gilly-Forrer (she/her) is from Portland, Oregon and completed her MFA in acting at Louisiana State University where she earned her certification to teach Seven Pillars Acting. She currently teaches for two studios in North Carolina: Acting Out Studio and In-Studio. Recent work includes a self-produced cabaret at Don’t Tell Mama in NYC, dialect coaching for UNC-Greensboro, and starring in local commercials. www.tiffanygillyforrer.com.

Cynthia Bassham

Cynthia Bassham has been teaching for over 30 years and has been a Professor of Teaching at University of California, Irvine since 2005. She has taught and coached at several other institutions including South Coast Repertory, Stanford University, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Cynthia received her MFA from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and her BA from University of Washington in Seattle. She is a Lead Trainer for the Fitzmaurice Institute and has been the Director of Certification since 2015. She is a proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and VASTA.

Victoria Myssik

Victoria Myssik (she/her/hers) is a writer and a professional international actor from Almaty, Kazakhstan, who is currently based in Los Angeles. She earned her MFA in acting at Louisiana State University and was certified as an instructor for Seven Pillars Acting technique. To date, Victoria serves as one of the leading teachers at the Actor’s Studio of Orange County. Her research interests include the difference in translation of Chekhov’s plays from Russian to English, the evolution of pronouns with gender diversity, and feminist revolution.

Adam Thatcher

Adam Thatcher is an Assistant Professor of Voice for the Actor at Ball State University. He is a professional actor based in Chicago. Recently, he has been seen at The Goodman Theatre’s production of An Enemy of the People directed by Robert Falls. Adam earned his certification in The Seven Pillars Acting Program in August 2020.

Thomas Varga

Thomas Varga is an actor, writer, and acting teacher based in Los Angeles. His acting credits have included work with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and New Swan Shakespeare Festival; television airing on Freeform and Lifetime Movie Network; and upcoming appearances on original series for Apple TV+ and Hulu. Thomas also serves as Game Writer for Ember Lab, an award-winning narrative-focused video game development studio. He earned his MFA in acting from the University of California, Irvine, and has been teaching the Seven Pillars Acting technique as a certified instructor since 2017.