Pioneers Abroad: Acting Majors Travel to Japan to Study with Suzuki Company of Toga Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Acting majors Clark Eileen Atkinson and Elijah Corbin represented Point Park University at the prestigious Suzuki Company of Toga (SCOT) camp under the direction of Suzuki Tadashi. SCOT — held in Japan — teaches the Suzuki Method of actor training, which Suzuki Tadashi and SCOT conceived.
Below, Atkinson and Corbin highlight their experiences abroad and at Point Park.
In Their Own Words: More About the Suzuki Training
Meet Clark Eileen Atkinson
Degree earned: B.F.A. Acting '24
High school: Waterbury Arts Magnet School, Waterbury, Conn.
Hobbies/interests: Cross-country running, poetry, painting, dog training, music
What led you to pursue the Suzuki training?
I had the opportunity to learn Suzuki at Point Park with Chris Staley, a part-time instructor with a direct connection to the Suzuki Company of Toga. When Chris told me he trained with SCOT in Japan, I was fascinated by the idea but never thought it was an option because of the distance.
A year later, I participated in an intensive in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and had the honor of reviewing my Suzuki training under the direction of Ellen Lauren. Lauren is a long-time member of the SCOT and Chris' teacher. She mentioned the Suzuki training company to our class and I decided to apply.
What did you learn during this experience?
Suzuki is beneficial for work as an individual actor and as part of an ensemble. I explored my kinesthetic awareness, learned how to work with a target/an image and increased my physical stamina. I also explored the ongoing pursuit of the impossible and strengthened my mental focus. Immersing yourself in another culture broadens your horizons and can make you a better artist.
What are some of your favorite college memories?
Topping my list are learning how to do etudes in Milia Ayache's studio class and playing games at Point State Park in Samuel Munoz's movement class. Overall, the times I got to bond with the Class of 2024 acting cohort are all treasured memories.
Tell us about participating in the Senior Showcase and how it prepares students for the industry.
We prepared for the Senior Showcase a year in advance, so I felt well-educated on what to be aware of after I graduated. We had lectures and master classes focused on self-taping, headshots, researching how to choose where to live, resume writing, creating personal websites, finding representation, casting directors and so much more.
What advice do you have for someone auditioning and applying to Point Park?
It’s important to ask yourself who you are as an artist and what you want to put into the world. When applying to programs, it’s easy to get starstruck by a school’s title or alumni, but knowing who you are as an artist will help you to be familiar with what type of curriculum and classes will benefit your path the most.
@pointparku Follow along as Clark Eileen Atkinson '24 takes you on a journey to Japan where they trained with students from 26 countries this past summer in the legendary Suzuki Company of Toga and learned from Suzuki Tadashi himself! Full story at pointpark.edu 🎭 🌏 #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #PointParkTheatre ♬ Jump - Soundlad & Slip.stream
Meet Elijah Corbin
Degree pursuing: B.F.A. Acting '25
Minor: Musical theatre
High school: Leominster High School, Leominster, Mass.
Hobbies/interests: Rock climbing
What steps did you take to participate in the prestigious Suzuki training?
I emailed the Suzuki company and received an application from Shigemasa-san and Sato-Johnson-san. The application consisted of questions about your experience with the Suzuki method and why you wanted to participate in the summer program. You are also asked to send two photos of yourself in a show or a class and submit a resume and letter of recommendation.
How did you grow as an artist?
This experience provided the space to be engrossed in one thing for two weeks straight. During that time, I had no other worries such as school, work, shows, etc. I focused on training and interacting with people from 26 countries working towards the same goal.
How have you shared this experience and training with your classmates?
Milia Ayache allowed me to offer common hours to our freshman, sophomore and junior acting majors each week. I am creating a community on campus for students to learn more and explore this technique.
Tell us about your favorite experiences thus far as an acting major.
I love how the program caters to the interests and passions of the teachers while delving into unique acting techniques. Love for something produces passion.
Getting to learn etudes from Milia, Michael Chekhov from Phil Winters, Fitzmaurice from John Gresh, Meisner from Chris Clavelli, Demidov from Brett Mack, Shakespeare from Sharon McCune, and, of course, Suzuki, Viewpoints and Yoga from Chris Staley has been a dream. The list goes on and on. Their intelligence, rigor, and dedication to the topic inspires students to explore and play in new ways. Milia has introduced us to countless professionals and teachers who will train us inside and outside of the classroom.
What are your career goals?
I'm interested in what Elizabeth LeCompte and her company, The Wooster Group, are doing in New York. Working for or with them would be a dream. I would also like to continue to work as a performer in the theater, whether that be as part of a company, finding new works or creating my own company. I would love to do some touring while I'm young so I can see the country and the world. Finally, I hope to return to Toga and train with SCOT.