"I didn't even know I had that inside me!" she says tearing up.

Acting classes take adults by surprise.

Every session I get an assortment of adults with a wide variety of goals and dreams. Some are there because they always wanted to take an acting class and they were never brave enough to step through the door. Others want to see the nuts and bolts of a theatrical performance, while others are there because they are ready to finally achieve their goals of being a television star. And then there are the few who want to know how to lie better because they think they're too open. (You think I'm joking.)

No matter the impetus that gets them to walk through that door, my goal is that every student leaves with a new perspective, a better sense of self, and a step towards their goal (even if it is being able to lie better)

Every class ends up taking my breath away.

Adults are jaded. This is not a new idea. We have lived our lives for years in a certain way, with definite ideas, specific habits, and a view of the world around us. This is the result of our brain doing its job--to sort and make sense. Good or bad, we get comfortable in the routine of our lives.

An acting class disrupts that routine.

Not only because instead of going home you are walking onto a stage with strangers, but also because with said strangers you are being asked to act like you are walking in room full of chocolate pudding and greeting people as the King of England.

That's a bit diff-ernt.

The first few classes are filled with giggles and silliness with each new step outside of their comfort zone, their routine.

Then a shift happens.

A group of silly adults turns in a trusted allies encouraging and fostering the leap into the unknown.

A sense of investigation and risk takes hold of each student.

Suddenly, they begin exploring emotions and not only feeling them, but feeling them in FRONT of people.

This is where the surprise happens. This is where the self awareness happens. This is where the perspective is gained.

It is that moment when the student discovers a freedom in being true to herself in a moment.

One student said she could breathe again. Another said, he didn't realize that's what acting was, and he now respected every actor every where. I told him not be too generous with that respect ;)

Acting classes take adults by surprise. Adults take me by surprise. Take a leap outside of your routine for just a little while. What you'll find out there about yourself will change you forever.