use BODY intelligence
Sharpen INSTINCTS
FIND FREEDOM
BOOK JOBS
DO BRAVE WORK.
Experience
The IMpulse Lab
A Monthly 2-Day workshop of somatic acting training and direct application of training to your current or dream work.
SOMATIC Acting Training
Somatic Acting Training unlocks magnetic, fully embodied performances.
It removes the false separation between an actor’s mind and body.
It unifies the study of acting, voice, and movement into one cohesive process because a character’s thoughts, words and actions are intertwined.
It invites actors into their instincts, builds confidence, and unleashes artistry so that actors book jobs and excel.
Students work on Broadway and stages across the country, in tv shows and movies, and get into the nation’s top BFA and MFA programs.
As a working director, Ellie closes the gap between class and real world application.
Ellie has directed countless incredible actors including:
Glenn Close, John Cameron Mitchell, Paul Dano, Linda Emond, Nikki James, Laura Linney, Vella Lovell, Patti Lupone, S. Epatha Merkerson, Larry Owens, Andrew Rannells, Tim Robbins, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Lois Smith, Brian Tyree Henry, Brandon Uranowitz, and more.
In 2024,
it’s common knowledge that your mind & Body are intimately connected.
most acting training hasn’t caught up.
tell me more
As a teacher, coach, and director, I’m obsessed with those performances that wake you up! The moments when you’re watching an actor and you CAN NOT look away. It’s spellbinding. They’re mind and body are one.
Most acting training prioritizes intellectual (or “head first”) approaches that can make actors feel stuck in their heads, self-critical, and without the tools to drop into their instincts.
I created this studio so that actors could train in a way that supports how the mind and body actually work… and ultimately expedites the journey to doing spellbinding work. It’s shocking how quickly actors come alive when they quiet their critical inner voices and tap into the body's intelligence. Read more about the body-based tools.
This is a space for working actors to grow, restore, and discover a process that really works for them.
— Ellie Heyman
Founder & Artistic Director
Impulse Lab
A Monthly 2-Day workshop of somatic acting training and direct application of training to your current or dream work.
For experienced actors TO:
GET OUT OF THEIR HEADS
TRUST THEIR INSTINCTS
EXPAND RANGE
RESTORE CONFIDENCE
FIND A PROCESS THAT WORKS FOR YOU
BOOK MORE WORK
TRAINING DAYS
Training Days are about growth.
Actors learn body-based techniques to release inhibitions, expand emotional and imaginative range, and metabolize text using body intelligence.
The techniques include Michael Chekhov, Meisner, aspects of Fitzmaurice Voice Work, and a range of other somatic practices.
Ellie crafts each day to serve the needs of who is in the room. Those who are new to the work learn the basics. Actors in on-going somatic training learn new tools and refine their craft.
Similarly to how athletes train, each actor works at their personal edge.
working DAYS
Working Days feel like a hybrid between a private coaching session and a somatic acting class.*
Actors directly apply body-based techniques to real world circumstances such as:
A real side for an upcoming audition
A dream scene you’d love to do (on-going students are can bring in scenes with partners)
A role in a film you’re about to shoot*
Working on camera or making a self-tape*
A specific challenge you want to overcome
*Camera is in the room for on-camera work.
FALL 2024 Days:
October: Sun 27 & Mon 28
November: Sat 16 & Sun 17
December: Sat 7 & Sun 8
11AM-4PM
DETAILS
Why ongoing, 2-day workshops?
The format of monthly workshops is designed to work with the crazy schedules of working actors. Some actors attend intermittently for support with a specific role, others attend monthly as an on-going acting class.
Each Lab has 1 TRAINING DAY and 1 WORKING DAY; the process of training and direct application gives you the tools you need to live up to your creative ambition.
How big are classes?
Small! It’s important actors receive individual attention. If you’re interested in participating sign up quickly because workshops often sell out.
What are the rates?
1 Lab: $155 (Early Bird Discount), $205 Regular Rate
3 Labs: $405 (Early Bird Discount), $445 Regular Rate
Labs are priced to be affordable to artists. For the cost of what many audition coaches and voice teachers charge for one hour of time, actors are experience deep training and work on material over 2 days.
Some Work Study and Payment Plans are available. Reach out if needed.
Questions? Reach out!
What people are saying
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“An artistic defibrillation, shocking my energetic body and physical instrument back into a creative artist in flow. I left with tangible skills… but more importantly a confidence. I highly recommend.”
– Philip Stoddard, Camelot at Lincoln Center Theater, Recent Juilliard’s Drama Division Grad
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"With Ellie, acting is a full-body experience. She encouraged me to bring my whole self into my work, while still being truthful and simple in front of the lens."
– Sara Lindsey, Concussion, Promise Land (w/ Matt Damon & Frances McDormand), Jack Reacher (w/ Tom Cruise), Super 8, One Shot (w/ Tom Cruise & Robert Duvall), Won’t Back Down (w/ Maggie Gyllenhaal & Holly Hunter)
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"Ellie made me want to go beyond what I thought was appropriate. It really surprised me. She helped me to trust that when I act impulsively off the other person, I give the audience what they need to see."
– Hampton Fluker, Patriot’s Day, Instant Family,The Blind Side, Shades of Blue, Brother/Sister Plays (Won "Best Supporting Actor" IRNE Award)
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"Ellie has a way of effortlessly opening an actor's heart and mind. She is able to reach in and pull out all the honest impulses that can be so hard to unlock."
– Autumn Chiklis, The Shield, Much Ado About Nothing, Brosa Nostra
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"Ellie gave me the confidence I needed to trust myself in an audition. She's a great mentor and coach who helps you succeed in the business."
– Jenn Proske, Stared in Vampires Suck, Graceland, Rizzoli & Isles
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"Don’t be fooled by Ellie’s warm style. She took me on an exciting and dangerous journey which helped me break out into new territory and expand my range."
– George Keating, beloved Chicago actor for over 30 years and Director of the Theatre Arts Division of NHSI at Northwestern University
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“The body contains so much wisdom, insight, and inspiration, and Ellie's approach to the embodiment worked to clear an internal path to those rich resources. I left feeling empowered and to foster trust in my unique perspective.”
– Kate Eastman, Maestro, Archive 81, Dark Matter, The Good Fight, Juilliard’s Drama Division
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“Ellie is such a transformative teacher, you really believe her encouragement and her genuine excitement at witnessing personal growth. I felt a real spiritual change and more in touch with the root of my voice.”
– Gracie Gardner, Actor and Playwright, Relentless Award, I’m Revolting at The Atlantic Theater
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I walked away feeling more confident that I could try the same material in lots of different ways until something felt like it fit. (I also think this immediately shifted how I think about walking into any room, ever.) I loved it."
– Mitch Lewis, Comedy Central Executive Producer
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"Ellie has a keen eye, a big heart, massive guts and strong instincts. Working with Ellie requires an enormous mental, emotional and physical commitment and a desire to jump down the rabbit hole. I highly recommend it."
– Dana Sorman, Seven Days, Harry’s Law, Grey’s Anatomy, Sav V
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"I am continually impressed with Ellie's deft hand and vibrant, intelligent engagement with artists. She helps playwrights develop and refine their plays by actively engaging with actors and exploring the depths of their authentic voice.”
– Lydia R. Diamond, Playwright of Broadway's Stick Fly
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"Ellie Heyman is one of those brilliant people who sees in you exactly where you need to go and exactly how to get you there. She brought out a fearlessness, a playfulness in me which has been absolutely priceless in my work."
– Tempe Thomas, Huntington Theater, Arena Stage, Chicago Shakes, Lookinglass Theater
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"A wonderful time of feeling like an artist alongside other artists. I picked up some great new (simple! yet! effective!) tools. This work got me excited to work more.”
– Nicole Weis, Signature Theater, Williamstown Theater Festival, Berkeley Rep
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“This is the most comfortable and safe I’ve felt in acting class…ever?!? I left with tangible tools I’m really looking forward to using!”
– Ariella Serur, 1776 Broadway Company
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"Ellie is a true theatre artist who brings out the very deepest in her actors."
– Alejandra Escalante, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Goodman Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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"The individual focus Ellie gives each of her students verges on daunting. She REALLY breathes you in, and when she breathes you out, you are better, bolder and prouder. Ellie helped me develop a comedy piece that I have performed throughout my life. To this day it proves to be the thing about me audiences find most memorable. If you want to push and test your own limits as an actor, find Ellie Heyman now."
– Kate Mulligan, Walk of Shame,The Lincoln Lawyer (w/ Matthew McConaughey and Marissa Tomei), Fame, Gamer (w/ Michael C. Hall), The Ugly Truth (w/ Gerard Butler), Crank: High Voltage
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"Due to some health issues, I’ve put my 'actor mind' and my 'actor body' in two different boxes. This was the first time in years I felt that barrier break down. I was able to access the vulnerability that I’ve been missing.”
– Nicole Cannon, The Magnificent Revengers