Who Are We?
We are the authors of:
Acting Stanislavski – A practical guide to Stanislavski’s approach and legacy
“This is the clearest, most comprehensive, and most ambitious book on Stanislavski in existence, from a writer who clearly has a lifetime’s experience of dedicated exploration as an actor, teacher, and director” – Tom Cooper, Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Voice into Acting – Integrating voice and the Stanislavski approach
“A unique and valuable resource for all those who wish to explore a cohesive and fully integrated method for bringing a character to vivid life onstage, fully engaging the voice, body, and mind “ – Daydrie Hague, Auburn University, USA, Theatre Topics
Marina Caldarone – Director, voice reel producer, and co-author of Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus
“This dynamic duo, John and Christina, are trusted experts in their field. And respected for their kindness, good humour and honesty as well as their world standard expertise. Excellent communicators, they are as intuitive as they are robustly intelligent, imaginative and supportive. Their unique focus on endowing the actor with the ‘tools’ with which to manage their own progress both educates and empowers. An exceptional, and rare, team.”
John Gillett trained in Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov process and has worked as an actor across the industry in theatre, radio, television and film, and as a teacher and director in many acting schools including East 15, RADA, LAMDA, GSA, CSSD, Identity and Rose Bruford College.
John has been described by colleagues as ‘a true master’ and ‘a great communicator’. In his understanding of acting process and ability to resolve actors’ problems and produce credible performances he is recognised as ‘second to none’:
Philip Weaver – Head of BA Acting, East 15 Acting School
“John’s students are enabled by his detailed and specific input to make connection and build their own process in a way that benefits them not only immediately but also in the long term as independent practitioners. I cannot recommend him strongly enough and if he were able to divide himself into several parts I would use him on every single project.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with your incredible dedication, talent and commitment” – Molly Byrne Shore
“Throughout the process you have allowed me to have freedom in my work” – Armani Watt
Adrian Giurgea – Theatre director and professor at Colgate University, New York State.
“I knew John Gillett by reading his books long before I met him and watched him teaching. I saw him for a long time to be the clearest and most accessible translator of Stanislavsky’s ideas into the practical needs of making theater today. And then I listened to him talking to actors. He is an astonishing teacher. His Stanislavsky is in the alembic in which the theater of yore and the theater of now are matching heartbeats. In John Gillett’s presence, we understand that theater is, and not in an improbable way, both an implacable tool for survival and the most incorporeal art form we know.”
“I’ve learned so much, your knowledge of the play’s era and about life is astounding. I felt challenged and stretched as an actor” – Lucy Yates
Professor Maria Shevtsova, international lecturer, author of Rediscovering Stanislavsky, and editor of New Theatre Quarterly.
“John Gillett is a master teacher who coaxes organic responses out of his actors with the utmost integrity and respect for their individual gifts and their work together.”
Thank you so much for your unrelenting kindness and patience – Natasha Biggs
. . . for your wise words, great advice and encouraging feedback – Lauren Anika
. . . for filling me full of knowledge and bringing out the best in me – Farrah Cave
. . . for being such a truly gifted and kind human being – Stephen Kyem
. . . for being such a wonderful, inspiring and fun director – Susanna Jennings
Christina Gutekunst trained in Germany and the UK in the techniques of Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Rudolf Steiner, and has worked in the industry on voice overs as actor and director, as accent and practical voice coach on productions and tuition, and in numerous drama schools as a voice teacher. She has been Head of Voice at East 15 Acting school since 2003.
Jeannette Nelson, former Head of Voice, at the National Theatre:
“Christina is a very talented and industry focused Theatre Voice Coach.
The standard of voice training that Christina and her team achieve at East 15 is an excellent preparation for the future professional lives of her students. The thoroughness of the work means that graduates of East 15 are ready for a wide range of professional engagement, to have a chance of being employed at the National Theatre.”
“You are the most beautiful free-spirited person I could ever had the pleasure to be taught by. You transform every production and character I have ever been a part of “- Katie Rook
Motivational, Empowering and Inspirational Women’s Award at Essex University, 2017
“Christina is one of the hardest working, most positive, encouraging, empowering, motivating and inclusive teachers.”
The Stage
“Notably, the vocal production from this mixed and varied group is commendably stronger than at most other drama school showcases.
You listened to us, to our bodies, our voices, to our fears and hopes, and tended to our individual needs. You didn’t try to teach the same path to all of us, you didn’t try to impose your perception of what’s ideal, but you helped us discover our own voices, our own paths. Thank you! I do believe there is magic in what you bring for us in each class” – Vivian Tsitampani