James Spencer, MFA

Bio

I began my acting career doing improv in Chicago. From there, I dove into classical work, touring the US with Shenandoah Shakespeare. Shortly thereafter, I earned my MFA in acting from the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard/Moscow Art Theatre School. There I trained in voice with Nancy Houfek, and was first exposed to the work of Catherine Fitzmaurice, one of the most influential voice trainers of the last 40 years. After performing and teaching in the Boston area for 10 years, I relocated to Switzerland with my family. Currently, I am a candidate for certification in Fitzmaurice Voicework®, having completed the first portion of the certification process under the direction of Catherine Fitzmaurice and Saul Kotzubei. I earned a BA in Politics, Economics, Rhetoric & Law, at the University of Chicago.

REPRESENTATIVE TEACHING/COACHING EXPERIENCE

CURRENT

Guest artist, Program on adolescent obesity, Hopital d’ Enfance, Lausanne

2008-09

Private Voice & Speech Coaching,

Boston, MA

2007-08

Emerson College, Boston, MA
Voice, Dialects, Production voice coaching.

2006-07/Summers

Citi Performing Arts Center,  Boston, MA

Teaching Artist

Led middle school students in devising self-scripted performance and mentored high school interns in conjunction with annual Commonwealth Shakespeare production.

2005-06

Bristol Community College, Adjunct Instructor - Fall River, MA
Voice Production, Public Speaking.

2005-06

Emmanuel College, Music & Performing Arts Dept., Adjunct Instructor -

Boston, MA
Public Speaking.

2004-05

College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
Basic Acting.

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE  AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Finding My Own Voice

My first vocal performance was a high school competition, where I recited, "The War Prayer" by Mark Twain. Not being an ancient man with a flowing white beard, like the main character, I wasn't entirely convinced I could pull it off. The script quivered in my hand and one of my knees quaked. Even so, I stood there for the longest 7 minutes of my life and found a voice. Over 30 years of performing, 15 of them professionally, I've found my own voice as a performer, as an instructor and as a coach, and discovered great pleasure and freedom in the act of public speaking. I'd be just as pleased to help you speak out in your own true voice.