The Acting Body
Apr 16 - May 21
21ten's Teaching Annex
Sold Out
The Acting Body
Introduction to Psychological Laban
Sold Out
Introduction to Psychological Laban
Thursdays, 6:30–9pm — April 16th through May 21st (6 weeks)
Class size: limited to 10–12 • Cost: $225 (Scholarships may be available so please reach out if cost presents an issue)
21ten’s Teaching Space
301 SE Stephens St
Portland, OR 97214
Ever wonder what actors Tom Hardy, Cate Blanchett, Anthony Hopkins, Emilia Clarke, Michael Fassbender, and Rebecca Ferguson have in common? They all practice Psychological Laban (aka Yat Malmgren Laban), an acting technique that is little known in the US but widely taught in top drama schools in Australia and the UK. How do actors ‘snap’ into a character who is so different from them? How do they stay ‘out of their heads’? What do actors mean when they say ‘the character takes over’? Psychological Laban answers all these questions and more. During the course, students will learn how to use specific movements to transform their inner life, how to analyze text to create strong, distinct characters, and an acting-led method of generating your own writing. Students will leave with a deeper relationship and understanding of their most powerful acting tool- the body- powerfully practical technique that works regardless of your mental state.
This technique is for everyone and can be learned by beginners and experienced actors alike! That being said, students should have an understanding of acting basics. They should also be prepared to do about two hours of work outside of class each week and to come to the first class with a memorized monologue or scene they would like to work on.
Kate Sumpter is a classically trained actor, teacher and writer who has worked on stage and screen for 15 years. Originally from Portland, Oregon she received her BA in Drama from the University of Washington before moving to London to receive her MA in Acting from LAMDA. After graduating she worked in TV, film and theatre in the UK, appearing in projects for Amazon Studios, the BBC, AMC, and 20th Century Studios, among others. She also wrote and performed her award-winning, one-woman show SPIN to sell-out crowds at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and later at the Arcola Theatre London. Kate was taught Psychological Laban by James Kemp (the protege of Yat Malmgren, creator of Psychological Laban) at LAMDA and on a continuing basis for 8 years. She was a senior teacher at Kingdom College of the Arts in London and a guest lecturer at the London Film School from 2018-2025. Since moving back to Portland in fall of 2025, Kate has served as the Head of Studio Operations at Blue Ox Films. Teaching is her great love, however, and she is thrilled to be bringing her practice to her hometown!