Jeffrey Bihr Studio

This is a GREAT studio. The floor is well sprung, the space is clean, and the vibe is energized. I really like the Zen aesthetic. I like going to events here and I also rent this space for workshops that I run.

This studio is a hidden gem and an underutilized resource for theater artists and dancers who want to hold small workshops or have rehearsal space. It has a cocooning ambiance that is conducive to creativity and unfolding of the muse. The rates are reasonable and the sound system is awesome. For about a year I rented it every week for an hour just to have space for myself to move, and paid not much more than if I were taking a group class.

I’ve been spending most of my Sundays in Oakland, being quite lazy and reveling in new found freedoms, that of being the coffee-​book-​good company stature.
So, when my inspiration asked me if I was interested in joining him for a Suzuki class, my curiosity piqued.
See, I studied classical piano for 20+ years and my training started with the Suzuki method, a technique which prepared the student to acquire and hone fingering technique and skills to a proper level so that the basics of pedagogy would not be tainted by the time they had reached an intermediate/​advanced level. These were utilized especially when grappling with the complex pieces of Liszt and Ravel. Obviously, my ears perked forward when I heard of this new technique being applied to theater arts.
Wrong was I.
Suzuki method taught by the charismatic Jeffrey Bihr, is a combination of several traditional classical Japanese basics utilized in dance and acting. I took classical Japanese dance, so these new movements were the exact opposite of the usual fluid and graceful movements I was use to. After an hour of warm up which constituted a lot of stretching, forming of outer energies, and channeling the creative concentration, we moved forward to the actual Suzuki training.
This is no exception to the term hard and grueling practice. The movements are abrupt, concise, and centered in order to provide the body with a blunt firm level of energy, yet all the while exploding at the necessary moments to reflect what one must do in order to captivate/​communicate to the audience. The feet, legs, and thighs are the masts of all movement, all the while strengthening the inner core of the body to expound movements through the upper body. Some examples of the exercises, are walking on tip-​toe, but at a much faster pace, with the body leaning forward. I’ve seen this style in traditional Kabuki, where the actors are running smoothly yet determinedly across the stage with their hands poised on the handle of their swords. These movements, are set to pace to traditional Japanese folk music.
Another new series of movements just learned, was shifting statue poses at any given moment prompted by Jeffrey’s commands, all the while slowly lowering oneself to a squat position, holding, and then to standing position again. This was probably the most complex for me because not only did I have to concentrate physically on my bodily reactions as well as set my mental state at a consistent level of collaboration.
Since I am not an actor nor am I experienced with theater, I thought these practices would not be for me: WRONG was I, again! The combination of physical and mental concentrations are grueling as my shirt was soaked after the hour of Suzuki training.
Since the start of my first three classes, I have found it easier to focus, to concentrate, and to block out certain receptors when applying myself at work, painting on canvas, or when writing. I also feel, that this new practice of concentration and channeling of energies, will prove most efficient, when I am at the keyboard again.
Wonderful set of artistic techniques taught by the respectful and artistic Jeffrey Bihr. Classes on Sunday run from 9:00 am — 11:00 am for $ 15. A steal!
In addition to the Suzuki classes, Jeffrey also teaches other classes, that are on his website: Shakespeare Lab, Scene study/​Character Lab, and Private Audition and Acting Coaching, just to name a few.