Transformational Acting Retreat with Helena Walsh

HEY, YOU -- WANT TO JOIN ACTORS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD FOR A TRULY TRANSFORMATIVE RETREAT EXPERIENCE?

Slow down, do less, be more

The Craft of Acting Retreat
with Helena Walsh

For actors who wish to bring their acting to the next level in a co-creative trusting environment so that you expand into your greater potential.

Yes, I need this retreat!

Imagine...

How would your acting evolve if you knew how to go deeper?
How would your practice evolve if you knew how to integrate the here and now into your creative process?
How would your relationship with the other actor evolve if you became more receptive?
How would your relationships in your life and art transform if you felt empowered?
How would your ability to trust evolve if you became curious about integrating your discomfort?

What if you could navigate any circumstance creatively and with deeply empowered presence?

INTRODUCING...

This is a 6-day in person retreat experience led by acting, voice and empowerment coach, Helena Walsh, who has over 30 years experience teaching in the film and theatre industries

Your acting adventure awaits
December 14-21st 2024
Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland

YES, I NEED THIS

Here's what to expect:

This unique opportunity brings actors together
to grow, evolve, challenge and transform
in the stunning scenery of Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland!

Clonakilty is an idyllic setting to gather, explore, reflect & deepen your acting process. We will be surrounded by natural beauty and Helena's acting workshops will focus on moving through the spiral of intensity to complexity to simplicity.
We will also deepen our relationship with ourselves through connection to each other and the environment around us. Hiking, optional sea swimming together, singing songs around a fire at one of Ireland's friendliest and cosiest pubs, "Shanleys Bar" at night will offer magical encounters with the natural world which will give us an experience of how life integrates art and art integrates life.
The Art of Acting
We will work with your life as art and your art as integrating living. Each day, we will explore where the creative mind and the creative body meet through the creative process of empowerment and resiliency in your life and your acting process. This will involve nervous system regulation work, both individual and collective as well as a deeply transformative creative writing proces that will lead you more deeply into the complexity of your own life and the world of the story from which your character emerges. This is a week devoted to your difference and originality as an artist that can affect change in an ever-changing world. You are the light I wish to support to be a beacon of light in the unknown ever-evolving world we live in.
The Art of Slow Down, Do Less, Be More
The work is inspired by Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Organic Intelligence® and Neurosystemics™ and works from the principles of stability, support, pleasure and play. It is a journey into alignment of imagination body and breath, working with the fight / flight / freeze mechanisms that ignite in the actor’s nervous system when working with creative impulse. We will explore the subtle nuances in our rich vulnerability so that the experience of story is more embodied and alive.
The Art of Story and Scene
We will invite the creative mind and body to build belief in the world of the story through expanding our awareness of the different corridors of perception that our characters experience the world through. We will explore building a relationship with the world of the story, the other characters in the story and how they change how your characters sees, hears the other character in the scene. The scene work is about being in and experiencing the story, building a belief in story through specific tools to give you a more complex understanding of your process and craft as an actor. Encouraging an enjoyable risky leap into the unknown, excited by the danger of trusting something bigger than you to move through you. Stepping into your own potency and in so doing a vibrant empowering expression of the moment.

This retreat is powerful, you're together in a room, it's for a concentrated time. It's an enjoyable, playful, transformative, powerful few days. If this sounds like something that you would really enjoy, then come join us.
Places limited! Don't miss out on your chance to work with one of the most internationally sought after acting, voice and empowerment coaches Helena Walsh

HERE'S WHAT'S INSIDE:

You're going to

love

these

Sunrise & Sunset Walks

We begin and end day with a walk together along one of Ireland's most beautiful and serene beaches, Inchydoney Beach.

Daily Acting Workshops

Inspired by Fitzmaurice Voicework®,
Organic Intelligence®, Neurosystemics™ and Helena’s Non-Dominant Approach to Acting.

LIVE MUSIC
PUB SESSION

Each night we'll gather together in Helena's favourite Irish Pub, Shanleys Bar for some quality live music, sing songs and dancing together.

The Accommodation

We will be staying together in self-catering houses at Clonakilty Park Hotel, Clonakilty Village with access to gym, swimming pool and sauna.

ACCESS The Art of Acting
6-Day Retreat Experience

Sign Me Up Now ➡

'Helena Walsh’s retreat was glorious and life changing. I love the community of actors she has curated and her teachings are inspiring and healing, on top of helping actors go to places inside ourselves we may never ever have gone to before.
Truly wonderful. I love and miss everyone that I met there.
I will be doing this more in the future. Hopefully at least once a year. It’s a nice way to live too, in a daily practice of being present which only enhances our work as actors'

Rosanna Arquette
Actress

The work with Helena is great. I can't really discripe how she does it or even what she does:) It's a bit like magic. But for me and all the others in the course I see a difference, that is not only happening in my art, but also in my life. So thank you Helena Walsh!

Michael Fritz-Schumacher
Actor

'A place where I felt free to grow and expand, immersed in an environment filled with human understanding. I'm deeply grateful for the space that these wonderful beings have created'

Sofia Tomasin
Actress

'Helenas work is truly one of a kind. Since working with her I have found a much deeper connection to my craft, a more resonant relationship to my emotions and body and an incredible sense of autonomy and safety in how I work

But Helenas work has not just been incredible for my career and craft but also my life as a whole. I have found a more profound sense of wonder and curiosity in my day to day life as well as a heightened gratitude and respect for the natural world around me.

Working with Helena has truly changed my life and I am eternally grateful and privileged to call her a teacher, mentor and friend.'

Shane O'Regan
Actor

'Do yourself a favor and work with Helena. As an actor, the skills I developed access to are remarkably invaluable, and as a human the peace and ease I found in my Self are transformative and life affirming. From day 1 I felt this overwhelming sense of relief that I’d finally found a practice and community that made me excited about acting and a career as a performer. It’s a community so full of care and support and well earned trust. I left the retreat open hearted and highly sensitized to the beauty of the world around me. And connected with life-long friends. Thank you Helena and everyone involved <3 more in the future for sure!'

Julia Mae Abrams
Actress

And just who will be teaching you The Art of Acting Retreat?

Me! I'm Helena Walsh

Voice & Acting Coach | Human Empowerment & Resiliency Organic Intelligence® Consultant.

Helena Walsh is an experienced international voice and acting coach who has been transforming personal and collective lives in the international arts world for over 30 years. She studied voice at the International Roy Harte Centre in the south of France and trained in Fitzmaurice Voicework® at Central in London. Helena was appointed as the European director of the Fitzmaurice Institute and was the co-director of the Freedom and Focus Fitzmaurice Voicework® Conference in 2016 and 2018 in Dublin and London respectively.

Helena's passion for helping actors reach their full potential led her to co-create "The Actor's Practice" with her colleague Benjamin Mathes of Crash Acting LA. This ten-week advanced acting process is inspired by week-long retreats they host in Clonakilty, Ireland, and Pelion, Greece. Through this compassionate and transformative practice, actors are able to take their craft to new heights and achieve personal growth that positively impacts all aspects of their lives.

In recent years, Helena has been focusing on nervous system regulation, as she recognized that performance and personal anxiety were among the biggest challenges faced by actors. She discovered Organic Intelligence® in 2017 and has since become a certified human empowerment and resiliency consultant. Combining her expertise in Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Roy Hart, and mentorship from Andrea Ainsworth, Helena takes a holistic approach to the actor's process that helps actors find their authentic selves and embody the text with confidence and pleasure.

With her background in Organic Intelligence® and Neurosystemics™, Helena works one-on-one with actors in the room and with groups to facilitate compassionate, collective change and co-creativity. Her approach helps actors move beyond "what's wrong attention" and into a space of complexity and enjoyment, empowering them to tell their story with authenticity and connect with their scene partners. Helena's expertise and commitment to her craft make her an invaluable asset to any actor looking to take their skills and personal growth to the next level.

"Her work is extraordinary"

"Helena assisted me in opening up doors to my character’s history & helped to unlock elements to their story. Her work is extraordinary and drives you to build a world around your character through narrative and imagination. Her help and support is like no other. Highly recommend working with this master craftswoman.."

LAURENCE O' FUARAIN
ACTOR

I just came out of the Art of Acting Retreat with Helena, and I leave with my heart full of love and self discovery, and wishing every human could have the chance to live an experience like this. First of all, at a personal level, Helena´s retreat made me reframe my relationship with acting and completely changed the way I see my career, making me realise it is not a destination but that my artistry is something it IS ALREADY within me and its just a matter of enjoying the journey while staying connected to my inner self & artist, which has been incredibly healing. On the acting side, Helena's techniques have taught me the best acting tool I've ever learnt: my senses and my imagination, which has strengthen my confidence and has created a lot more depth in my acting. Finally, one of the biggest gifts of any of Helena's retreats and programs is the strong sense of community she encourages and creates, the most loving, caring and creative community I know in Ireland. I can't recommend enough to work with her and her team if you get the chance, it will definetly transform you as a person and your career. Thank you all!!!

Alessandra Herredia
Actress

Helena Walsh is an absolute magician of a coach and teacher. I have been on a retreat with her in Ireland, as well as doing The Actor's Practice online, and both of those have been life-changing experiences to say the least. I am forever grateful to what she has brought me, not only as an actor, but also as a human being. Couldn't recommend her more!

Catherine Dauphin
Actress

The night before the retreat I was very nervous. I thought I’d be finding myself way out my depth but it is a testament to Helena’s teaching practises and intuition that my fears were allayed and have continued to diminish since the very first day. I still have my reservations about my acting abilities but she has instilled a little more peace, confidence and self love within my clutherfudged mind, body & soul. In a world full of egos, hate & greed I found Helena, Christina & Rachel to be trusty rays of warm sunshine. Can’t wait to see them again in future.

James Lye
Actor

The most brilliantly adaptive acting training imaginable, one of the greats.

Justin Ensor
Actor

I've been working with Helena since we met in acting school a number of years ago. She's like a wizard that can see and bring out things in you that you might never thought possible without her. Helena has genuinely helped me be a better, happier and more balanced actor and human. Couldn't recommend her and the team enough

Jason Daly
Actor

Working with Helena was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has transformed my approach to acting, and since working with her I've seen huge self-growth - both as an actor and on a personal level. I'm excited to continue working with Helena and to see where her work and support takes me next.

Aine Flanagan
Actress

Helena’s teachings and support will guide you through a journey of discovery and exploration of the humanity in not only you as the artist, but also in you as yourself. You’ll feel more empowered and fearless as she brings light into the unknown ahead of your artistry’s journey. I’ve been studying with her for a while and all I can say now is that, reading a script, working on character and telling stories have become so nuanced, so humane and magical. So, I can’t recommend her enough. She’s a badass coach and human being!.

Matheus Tonon
Actor

Let's Talk Clonakilty

The breakdown

The Empowered Self: personal growth & development

Nervous system regulation 1:1's
using Organic Intelligence®

During the workshop, Helena will be working with you using Organic Intelligence (OI) which takes a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Actors can particularly benefit from this approach as they need to be in tune with their emotions and surroundings.

Orientation practice is a crucial aspect of OI that helps individuals become more present and aware of their bodily sensations, especially useful for actors who need to be fully engaged in their surroundings. These sessions help you develop crucial skills, such as adaptability, listening, self-regulation, responsiveness, clarity, social engagement, boundary-setting, well-being, and empowerment.

Empowering
The Collective

Group resiliency circles

Neurosystemics™ Resiliency Circles are a valuable tool for actors as they create a space for collective empowerment. In these circles, individuals are encouraged to support and uplift one another, which strengthens the group as a whole. By building a relational field of acceptance, empathy, trust, and vulnerability, individuals in the circle can find enough trust to share their struggles, hopes, and aspirations. This creates a strong foundation of connection and understanding that can enhance group resiliency.

Giving everyone in the group a voice and the space to speak is a crucial component of Neurosystemics™ Resiliency Circles. This enables individuals to share their perspectives, experiences, and insights, leading to more open communication and a deeper sense of community. By doing so, it can lead to greater diversity, equality, and inclusion in the performing arts culture, as everyone's voices are equally valued and respected.

Creative Flow

Daily voice, acting and embodiment masterclasses

You meet with Helena daily for voice, body, character integration work and nervous system regulation work. The work is inspired by Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Organic Intelligence® and Neurosystemics™ and works from the principles of stability, support, pleasure and play. It is a journey into alignment of imagination body and breath, working with the fight / flight / freeze mechanisms that ignite in the actor’s nervous system when working with creative impulse. We will explore the subtle nuances in our rich vulnerability so that the experience of your character is more embodied and alive.

Outcomes

The actor has worked consistently in practice and process and now recognises their own and another actors' boundaries as an important part of trust, equality and skilled listening.

Trust, acceptance and empathy have been established as the code of ethics within the way the actors communicate with each other.

You will feel a great sense of liberation and freedom of expression and innovation and creativity is flourishing and boundless.

The Art of Acting
6-day Retreat

Move away from result and move into process.

Apply to join

Still Got Questions?

What are the logistics?

How do I get there?

What's the accommodation like?

HOW MUCH IT COSTS?

WHAT IS FITZMAURICE VOICEWORK?

What is Fitzmaurice Voicework®?
The purpose of Fitzmaurice Voicework® is to support people in finding and using their unique voices—in healthy, clear, and creative ways—while developing greater freedom and presence.

Fitzmaurice Voicework® combines adaptations of classical voice training techniques with modifications of yoga, shiatsu, bioenergetics, energy work, and many other disciplines (see primary sources for more information). This integration serves to harmonize the voluntary and involuntary aspects of the nervous system, and the voice.

Through deep and practical explorations of the dynamics between body, breath, voice, imagination, and language, the work develops vibrant voices that communicate intention and feeling without excess effort.

Fitzmaurice Voicework focuses on the whole human voice, and can support speaking for performance, public speaking, singing, voice with movement, vocal rehabilitation, and developing greater presence. Since breath and voice lie at the intersection of the material and the non-material, this work can also assist in creative, intellectual, and spiritual growth. Visit Writings to explore further.

Where is it taught?
Fitzmaurice Voicework® is taught at Yale School of Drama, Harvard University/American Repertory Theatre's Institute for Advanced Theatre Training, New York University's Graduate Acting Program (and some NYU undergraduate studios), the University of California-Irvine, and hundreds of other institutions around the world.

Fitzmaurice Voicework® includes:

Destructuring
Destructuring promotes awareness and aliveness in the body, spontaneous and free breathing, and wide-ranging vocal expressivity—using Tremorwork®, a variety of other dynamic exercises, and hands-on work.

Restructuring
Restructuring encourages a healthy economy of effort while speaking or singing—and a deep connection to language and listener—using modified bel canto techniques and the "focus line."

Presence
Presence work develops natural vibrancy and the capacity to be open to the world while still having healthy boundaries. It is rooted in being fluidly aware of internal and external experiences while focusing on what matters in the moment.

Play
Play invites you to bring your whole spirit and curiosity to whatever you're engaging with. Within the context of play, you can explore all applications of Fitzmaurice Voicework.

What is Organic Intelligence®?

What is Neurosystemics?

What is NeuroSystemics

NeuroSystemics is a mindfulness-based and relational method for people's personal and collective development towards greater levels of well-being, resilience, and empowerment in dealing with the challenges of daily life (work, relationships, community, culture). So that we can begin to meet and master life's challenges, which deepens our experience of meaning, aliveness and belonging.

How does NeuroSystemics work

Neuro = nervous system (which organizes the way we process information and experiences)

Systems = the many layers of systems (relational, cultural, societal, ecological) that we live within

NeuroSystemics session = we have a free and unstructured conversation in which we'll talk about whatever is at the foreground of your life's unfolding that day (personally or as a group). As a Neurosystemics practictioner, I will help you explore your here-and-now experience that goes along with the content of our conversation. As we'll begin to explore and expand on -- often unnoticed -- signals that are coming from your body and mind, we find that when these signals are noticed and nurtured by our shared attention, they will begin to bring new insights and resources for meeting and mastering your challenges and goals in life.

What's different about the approach

Working with the whole nervous system (MOSAIC) instead of one channel (like CBT, or emotion-focused, or hypnotherapy with imagery, etc.)
A positive reinforcement and non-pathologizing framework (looking for signs of health and healing instead of disease and disorder)
Going beyond Resiliency (phase 2) towards Prosilience / Coherence (phase 3). Prosilience (and coherence) mean our capacity to grow in many ways. This happens by meeting and mastering life's challenges. We therefore hold the possibility of living a full life, with on-going exploration of our human experience and an ever-increasing curiosity that fuels learning, growth and (spiritual) development.
Leaving behind the excessive reductionism and individualism of traditional therapy. We rather include all systems that we (and our clients) live in and engage with (i.e. Sense, Self, Social, Societal, Soil, Stars, what have you). To do that we offer different practices (self-regulation, 1on1, circles, forums)
We are utilizing the importance of the healing relationship and actively engaging as therapist/facilitator as compared to ‘doing a protocol’.

CANCELATION POLICY

MY LAST PIECE OF ADVICE

In practice, we open space for stories to happen.

Being in a story requires experiencing it, which is very different to analysing it. For stories to emerge imbued with complexity, you need to offer your body the initial conditions of fostering trust and pleasure - so then you can risk and discover and surrender to the unknown. Trusting your embodied imagination reveals the story to you - so you and the audience are constantly surprised. We practice until it happens.