Teaching
Teaching Statement
In my teaching, I draw heavily on my practical experience as a professional working actress, director, and theatre maker. My professional career spans more than thirty years. For the past twenty years, I have been an instructor in various professional training programs, a private coach, and I have worked as a director and choreographer — all while maintaining my own career and practice as a professional performer.
My foundational training is Stanislavsky based, and much of my early work included Uta Hagen and Meisner technique. I am heavily influenced by the directors, mentors, and coaches from my professional life who worked and trained with such trailblazing innovators as Joseph Chaikin and Michael Chekhov, and passed on what they had learned a generation before me. I am also influenced by Rhonda Blair’s research on acting and cognitive neuroscience which I discovered while doing research for my own work with memorization.
For me, student success means actively engaging students in the learning process so that they achieve their individual goals while successfully meeting the goals set forth in the curriculum. My teaching philosophy is centered on student success – my aim is that a student leaves my class confident in their grasp of the concepts, vocabulary, and tools that will serve them as they go further in their theatre practice.
Quotes from Former Students:
“Marty found ways to give equal and individualized attention to all of her students, helping each one find their light, on or off the stage. Her electric energy inspired our drive and focus. By treating us like professionals, we “leveled up” to meet her standards and were better artists (and people) for it.”
Caley Beretta
Manager, Creative Development
Disney Theatrical Group, Broadway
“Marty’s teaching shaped my childhood. I went from someone who was shy and timid to outspoken and open. She pushed me to be better at my craft, and supported me both in my strengths and weaknesses. Her passion for musical theater always shined through in everything she did, and added to my own passion for acting. Even moving beyond musical theater, I have taken many of her lessons with me.”
Alison Gentry
Political Science Major
The George Washington University
“Marty is not only an amazing instructor in that she helped me bridge the gap between dance, acting, and song - she always cultivated a warm and open rehearsal environment.”
Patrick Agonito
BFA Musical Theatre
Emerson College ‘20
“It was Marty who encouraged me to pursue a degree in Theatre from Northwestern University. Now, as I enter my eighth year working for Disney Theatrical Group, shepherding writers through the creation of new musicals for Broadway and beyond, I know Marty’s mentorship and gift for challenging creative minds helped me build my dream career.”
Caley Beretta
Manager, Creative Development
Disney Theatrical Group, Broadway
“Working with Marty was always an incredible experience. Seeing someone so passionate and dedicated to sharing her art not only helped me grow as a performer, but inspired me to want to do the same thing! I was allowed to work as her assistant on shows when I was younger, and it is a huge reason that I want to teach theatre. I will always remember the exciting times I had with Marty and how much I learned and grew from her knowledge, and I strive to be as positive and caring of a teacher as her!”
Maiya Urquhart
Muhlenberg College
Majoring in Theatre & Music
“Having Marty Bongfeldt as an educator has been an integral part of my development into the person and performer I am today. I am truly so lucky to know her and to have been in her classroom. I have learned infinite amounts from her and she cares for her students on a level that is so rare. RUN don’t walk for a chance to include her as part of your education.”
Rachel Rival
Professional Actress
BFA The Hartt School