I’ve been coaching actors for three decades and have developed a unique approach to character work called CROSSPOINTS. It’s based in somatic (body-centred) training and focuses on your interactive imagination, feelings and senses. It’s a great companion to any text-analysis technique, helping you get out of your head. It enables you to access your incredibly broad range and emotional depth more safely. I can’t wait to share it with you.
HI. I'M PLEASED TO MEET YOU
ABOUT
WHY THE CROSSPOINTS SYSTEM?
Available on Amazon
Concise, practice-oriented and an easy read.
Balance
Doing emotional work doesn’t need to feel like hard labour.
Support
Check out the support material on crosspoints.com.
Individual Growth
This work can be a solitary adventure.
Ensemble Building
The Source Room gives your entire cast a shared experience.
Classes & Coaching
Online or in-person, the Crosspoints are a framework for doing deep character research, writing and devising.
RANDOM WRITINGS &
ARTICLES
I read often on the topics of acting, psychology, philosophy and performance. I also attend workshops and team teach with companies and schools world-wide. Here are a few scribbles and musings.
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TESTIMONIALS
Stephen’s knowledge and passion for his craft is infectious. He is at once a guide and an engaged audience. Every class offered a new opportunity to perform, a new chance to deepen confidence and relationships and a new opportunity to capitalize on artistic urges. This has helped me immeasurably in my career. I always left Stephen’s class recharged, inspired, and a few inches off the ground.
Studying with Stephen I discovered that art is not only for storytelling, but also a tool for advocacy. I found my authentic voice, learned to be comfortable in the uncomfortable, to take space, to make space and to see the movement in stillness. This laid the foundation for my future career. Stephen Atkins is a gift to the world of theatre. He is a breath of wild air with his passionate, bold, raw, attentive and generous way of teaching.
I don’t think I’ve come across an actor-trainer with the same galvanising panache and originality as Stephen Atkins. He has developed an exquisite approach to empower actors old and new. Atkins clearly has a profound grasp of the integral relationships between text, platform and performer. The result is pure inspiration.
The passion Stephen brings to his work has inspired me to continue my own work in the performing arts to this day. I was struck by his unique understanding and perspective on his craft. I would recommend his instruction to anyone serious about a career in the arts.
As a director, Stephen fostered an environment of experimentation, collaboration and open dialogue. His passion was infectious and inspired me to push myself in new directions. While his guidance shaped our choices, we were able to freely create as a team and made a show that was truly our own. Stephen is a true creative, a generous mentor and a wellspring of knowledge.
Atkins’s technique is one of the first cohesive actor-training systems to incorporate the framework of the Viewpoints. I have formed a tight bond with Atkins over several years based on his extensive knowledge of acting methods. He has a unique ability to understand the depth of the Viewpoints and discuss their practices and philosophy, extending my own comprehension of my work.
