Suzuki and Beyond - Physical Actor Training with Simon Woods

Continuing the journey that started in 1993 🇯🇵 - and now returning to this theatre mecca in Toga Village for the fifth time. The learning from these master artists continues! And the bonus: another Aussie Lucy Guerin is on the program too.

In 1998, I was working on a show with the fabulous actor Andrew Jans Brown when he suddenly vagued out for a few seconds.

I said, “Are you okay?”

He said, “Yeah, I just had this weird vision that you’ll be teaching Suzuki training in 30 years.”

I didn’t believe it at the time but turns out he was right! 🦶 🦶 To be honest the deeper I go with this material using Suzuki’s work as a spring board, the more fascinating it is. 📷 Simon Woods 2025

Places are now available for Stomping Ground 2027!

Stomping Ground is a program Lynne Bradley and I started 28 years ago, and we’re incredibly proud to still be offering it.

It’s also the only time each year that I teach an Absolute Beginners Suzuki Actor Training (& Beyond) week-long intensive — an introduction to both the physical practice and the philosophies behind this unique training.

If you’re completely new to physical actor training and want a place to start, this is the course for you.

January 4–15, 2027

Bookings are now available via zenzenzo.com.

Get in early — this course sells out every year.

So pleased to be collaborating with Studio1 for two sessions within our October training block.

As the work continues to evolve, we are taking the training into new spaces, building new creative relationships, and allowing the artistic vision to emerge.

Advanced Physical Actor Training
October 4 / 11 / 18 / 25

Join the waitlist for October or express interest in 2027 training. Dates are on the website.

EXPLORERS WANTED
Currently searching for:

• Creative explorers — curious, courageous humans.

• Performers who love physicality and the pursuit of precision, presence and peak performance.

• Artists who love to challenge themselves, build craft and work as part of an ensemble.

• No conventional acting experience required.

Production Placement Opportunity (or please forward to a friend 🙏🙏🙏)

Interested in gaining hands-on experience in the development of a new theatre work?

We’re looking for a Production Assistant to join the creative development of AGAMEMNON. You’ll observe and support a dynamic devising process, including physical theatre, composition, and the creation of new performance material, culminating in an informal showing of selected scenes.

The role is similar to an Assistant Stage Manager—supporting the acting ensemble, moving a few lights, operating simple sound cues, and helping the creative process run smoothly.

No previous production experience is required. We’re simply looking for someone who is practical, friendly, reliable, and curious about how new theatre is made.

When: Saturday & Sunday (Friday optional)
Dates: Oct 30 – Nov 1

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, send us a DM or get in touch via the website. 🎭 the Acting Ensemble places are currently filled.

Looks like the Greeks are cool again…

Now seeking Expressions of Interest for the creative development of a bold new adaptation of AGAMEMNON directed by Simon Woods.
**2 places remaining.

Creative Development - Brisbane
📅 30 October – 1 November

Physical Actor Training Series “Suzuki & Beyond” Sundays, 4.00–7.00 pm
4, 11, 18 & 25 October
$20 per class

This development is for creative explorers who love physical theatre, powerful storytelling and theatrical experimentation.
If you’re an intrepid artist looking for a challenging and rewarding creative process, I’d love to hear from you

Quick shout out to a friend and fellow actor trainer Jo Loth on a wonderful performance in Sisters.

Jo’s has built her process over decades. Her voice work was exceptional - rich, nuanced and effortlessly expressive - no mics or PA! She is now a designated Linklater specialist operating right here in Brisbane.

And congrats to another former collaborator Sharon Hogan (producer, director, writer) for giving us some intense indie theatre, plus Kerith Atkinson, and a little cameo from Paul Bishop. 🎭 great work gang! ❤️

I’m really excited to collaborate with Lisa and the team 1 - Brisbane’s Dance and Physical Theatre hot spot - to present 2 x Suzuki & Beyond Physical Actor Training classes in October (4 & 11).

Check out their fantastic 2026 program if you haven’t already. Eg Testing Site will profile some
bold new work and artists!
⭐️we need this in Brisbane! ⭐️

Testing Site 2026

24 + 25 July | 7:00pm

Studio1's Testing Site returns with four exciting new works by Buddy Malbasias, Soleil Harvey, Jade Brider and Enzo Nazario. Testing Site offers audiences the opportunity to experience bold new contemporary dance works at an intimate stage of development while supporting the next generation of independent choreographers.

Concept art for the set design of AGAMEMNON.

Expressions of Interest are now open for a 3-day creative development process for AGAMEMNON, a new work directed by Simon Woods.

📍 Cannon Hill, Brisbane. 📅 Friday 30 October – Sunday 1 November

Four Sunday evening Advanced Training sessions throughout October are highly recommended as preparation for the process, though attendance at all sessions is not compulsory.

Participation in the creative development is free; 100% attendance across all three days is required.

Selection will be based on:• Performance experience• Collaborative ability• Previous training experience and level• Suitability to roles within the work

Further information will be added to the webpage soon (see link in bio).

Please get in touch if you are:• Passionate about physically dynamic performance• An artistic explorer• A dedicated practitioner• Curious about creating bold new theatre