Cynthia Straus, Patsy Rodenburg Associate Bio Pic

PATSY RODENBURG ASSOCIATE

In June 2015, Cynthia was handpicked by renowned British voice and acting coach-Patsy Rodenburg (OBE) as one of ten in the inaugural class of teachers for The Patsy Rodenburg Master Teacher Certification Program, which subsequently evolved into The Patsy Rodenburg Associate Programme (PRA). In July 2017, Cynthia was certified as a Patsy Rodenburg Associate, joining what would become a prestigious group of global voice professionals. Since then she has taught in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and New Mexico. In 2018 she founded Authentic Voices, LLC, a producing and teaching entity. Carrying on Patsy Rodenburg’s Voice and Presence work is a joyous and life-giving honor for Cynthia. A joy she wishes to pass along to you.

About the work:

What is “The Work”?

The Work, also known as “Embodiment”, is not descriptive it will awaken your full human potential. By releasing excess tensions from the body, opening the breath, freeing the voice, and finally connecting the free, open voice to language we have a chance to meet text and life with full presence.

We work on Shakespearean, as well as Contemporary text unlocking its tone, inherent sounds and meaning to infuse it with breath and nuance. Through a series of exercises we find scaffolding and texture, exploring and deepening into the material. Non-Actors will begin with simple material, usually provided by Cynthia and then move onto whatever will best serve their needs. All resulting in increased vocal effectiveness, enhanced impact, and a heightened relationship to language.

ZEITGEIST:

“The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.”

During this exceptional time when so much is on the line, our authentic voices and entire presence is needed more than ever. In that spirit Cynthia offers a variety of options for interested parties to have access to the work. She also has access to PRA colleagues worldwide for referrals to locations outside of her reach.

Working With Cynthia

Cynthia is available for classes, workshops, private or semi-private lessons. She also works with actors on set, or in rehearsal process via director/producer request. To work with Cynthia, click link below.

  • "The stuff you gave me has been some of the most helpful, formative work I’ve ever done as an actor … I feel incredibly fortunate to have found you. In the short time I have known you you’ve given me tools I will always use in my work … You’re a wonderful teacher, so kind and really provided the space for me to grow."

    Will Brandt

    Actor, ( Lethal Weapon, Jane The Virgin, Animal Kingdom, American Desert )

  • "It’s like taking a Master Class working with Cynthia. We are totally engaged."

    Judith Rane

    Actor, ( Breaking Bad, In Plain Sight, Lemonade Mouth )

  • "Cynthia is a very passionate and present voice teacher. She guides her students beautifully through Patsy’s technique with a deep understanding of her own voice and keen knowledge of her own craft."

    Beth Gudenrath

    Actor & Fitzmaurice Teacher, ( Shameless, The Princess Diaries )

  • “I first encountered Patsy Rodenberg at a S.M.U. graduate student workshop in Taos, NM. Her method irrevocably changed my ideas about voice and movement. Since that time, I have met and worked with Cynthia Straus, a certified Patsy Rodenberg Associate teacher. She has taken Patsy’s method and faithfully adapted it and made it her own. As a working actor, I have benefitted enormously from my work with Cynthia.”

    Steve Rose

    Actor ( The Last Night at Salty’s Baseball Bar, Vacant Lot )

  • “Cynthia Straus is a superb teacher. I personally have benefited greatly from her and seen others also have wonderful results in a number of workshops and classes we've sponsored at Metta Theatre in Taos, NM over the years.”

      Bruce McIntosh

    Artistic Director Metta Theatre

                                       Actor ( Get Shorty, Manhattan, Georgia O’Keefe, Terminator Salvation )

Group of Patsy Rodenburg Alumni with Cynthia Straus.
Photograph of Cynthia Straus and Patsy Rodenburg.