"I pride myself on having a strong work ethic."
LAWRENCE DWYER
Actor/Artist
LAWRENCE DWYER
Co-creator of and formerly head acting teacher at The Paul Sorvino Meisner Intensive Acting Studio, Lawrence Dwyer now provides instruction as The Actors' Coach.
In his youth Mr. Dwyer, a California native, began studying improvisation, acting, and theater arts at the highly respected South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa as part of their youth conservatory program for 5 years.
Soon after, Lawrence would pick up his BA degree with an emphasis on “Acting” from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Where he would write and produce an AIDS awareness play to raise donations for The Golden Rainbow, a local charity that helps those suffering from AIDS with everyday human needs.
The press from the event attracted donations from personalities such as Bill Gates, Matt Damon, Anne Rice, Samuel Jackson, Angelica Huston, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Kimmel, Vanna White, John Travolta, Jackie Chan, and Fabio, to name just a few.
In 2001, Lawrence would decide to continue his studies in acting under the mentoring of world famous Meisner Technique master teacher William Esper and legendary Broadway director Lloyd Richards while earning his MFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Jersey.
For the next couple of years, while at Rutgers, Mr. Dwyer would begin to teach acting and theater appreciations classes to undergraduate students as well as heading up the Young Actors Workshop for children, after school hours.
Since his return from the east coast, Lawrence has found his home in the Los Angeles entertainment industry by filling various jobs and roles in front and behind the camera, while continuing to fine tune his craft of acting under the tutelage of acting coach Joe Palese and the guidance of actor/director Paul Sorvino.
Mr. Dwyer also works as visual artist and painter. He is the founder of Lemondawg Entertainment, which produces “Hot Off Tha Block” (a web-based variety show) and he acts as the Executive Administrator for the 501c3 Non-profit charity, The Sorvino Asthma Foundation (founded by Mr. Sorvino).
"Lawrence is a very creative & giving actor/reader. His scene partners always have plenty to work off of in order to turn in an authentic and interesting performance.“
-Henry Boger
Producer, Free-Fall Films
FILM
Guns, Girls, and Gambling
Hot Off Tha Block
The Collector
Shattered
Tangled Up In Blue
Poison Inc.
End of Mourning
The Greatest Rivalry
This is Encino
Baby Geniuses
TELEVISION/WEBISODES
Hotel Secrets and Legends
Look Who's Stalking
Passion
Billboard Music Awards
ESPY Awards
Tiger Rules (webisode)
Svengali (webisode)
REGIONAL THEATER
All About Jack
True West
The Purge: Survive The Night
Star Trek: The Experience
RUTGERS THEATER COMPANY
Fortinbras
The Elephant Man
The Runner Stumbles
The Laramie Project
A Question of Mercy
Supporting
Lead
Supporting
Lead
Supporting
Lead
Supporting
Lead
Lead
Featured
Lead
Lead
Guest Star
Featured
Featured
Lead
Co-Star
Jack Nicholson
Lee
Lead
Lead
Hamlet
Dr. Frederick Treves
Father Brian Rivard
Company Member
Eddie Reggerio
Free-Fall Films
Cassie Brooksbank
Cassie Brooksbank
Face2Face Productions
Josh Schauder
Cassie Brooksbank
Bryan Heiden
DCG Productions
Seven Days Entertainment
Robert Clark
The Travel Channel
E! Entertainment
NBC
MGM Grand
MGM Grand
Kai Wu
John Roecher
Patrick O'Sullivan
Rebel Theater Co.
Blumhouse Productions
Las Vegas Hilton
David Bridal
Israel Hicks
Hal Scott
TRAINING
MFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University
BFA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
ACTING
William Esper
Lloyd Richards
Paul Sorvino
Israel Hicks
Deborah Hedwall
Joe Palese
Amy Saltz
COMBAT/MOVEMENT
J. Allen Suddeth - Combat
Jan Leys/Loyd Williamson
Lenard Petit - Michael Chekhov
ON-CAMERA
Beth Wicke/John Mabry
VOICE/SPEECH
Nancy Mayans
Patricia Norcia
Patricia Fletcher
Scott Miller
Phil Hubbard
SPECIAL SKILLS
Teacher of Acting (Meisner Technique, Scene Study, Impediments & Character) with actor Paul Sorvino
Specialized Impediments: Blindness, Pain, Substance Impairment, Imitation, Autism, Lisp, Stroke.
Accents & Dialects: British RP, Western, Southern, French, Jersey, New York, and various regionalisms
Athletics/Other: Baseball, Tennis, Snow Ski, Playwright, Ametuer Magician, Motorcycle Driver, Sing/Rap
"Lawrence's background and impeccable knowledge allows him to successfully translate the Meisnertechnique effectively. He's the first instructor that I've been able to finally understand and make incredible breakthroughs with my work, my self, and my bookings."
-Amiee Conn, Actress
"Lawrence Dwyer is the kind of acting teacher who gives every student everything he's got. Trained in Meisner technique and highly educated, he would make a fine addition to any teaching staff"
--Paul Sorvino, Actor
CAREER FOCUS
Creative and resourceful acting coach and teacher dedicated to nurturing artists and promoting strong work ethic. Experienced in the Meisner Technique, Script Analysis/Scene Study, Impediments, Character Work and Chekhov’s Psychological Gestures. Strong desired to educate artists of any level. Seeking employment specializing in teaching acting technique and scene study.
EDUCATION
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Master of Fine Arts, Mason Gross School of the Arts (2004)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, NV
Bachelor of Arts (2001)
South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, CA
Young Actors Workshop (1988-1993)
EXPERIENCE
Head Acting Teacher, The Actors' Coach with Lawrence Dwyer, Santa Monica, CA (2014 - Present)
- Instruction to students in class and privately in the areas of Scene Study, Script Analysis, Cold Reads, Psychological Gestures, Improv Games, Career Planning/Goal Setting, the Meisner Technique and how to adopt positivity and passion in your work.
-Coordinated an Audition Intensive Class with Director Joe Palese and Casting Director Paul Ruddy.
Co-creator of, and Head Acting Teacher at The Paul Sorvino Meisner Intensive Acting Studio, Santa Monica, CA (2013-2015)
- Instruction to students in class four times a week in the areas of Meisner Technique Section 1A, Meisner Technique Section 1B, Impediment Class, and Creating Character.
-Worked and taught along side actor Paul Sorvino
- Drafted curriculum in Meisner Technique First year, Meisner Technique Second year, Impediment Work, Creating Character, Scene Study, Script Analysis, Auditions, Cold Reads, Career Planning/Goal Setting, Psychological Gestures, and Adopting Positivity, Passion and A Strong Work Ethic.
-Designed the website, social media accounts and promotional materials.
-Provided financial assistance to low income students.
Teacher at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ (2002-2004)
- Beginning Acting and Scene Study - Held classes in “acting” for majors, minors, and non majors in the areas of the Meisner Technique, Stanislavski’s Method, Script Analysis with Scene Study, Movement, Improvisation, Speech, Voice, and Terms.
-Theatre History and Appreciation Class – Held classes to undergraduate students in the areas of the History of Theater, the various components of theater, Script Analysis and Terms. Organized the observation and appreciation at local theater events for my students.
- After School Study Group – Held an after school study and research group, led discussions on all subjects related to school (including politics), discussed the pros and cons of current classrooms conditions and the ways they could be improved.
Teacher at Young Actors Workshop, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ (2002-2004)
- Acting Class - Held classes in “acting” for young actors ages 8 to 15 years old.
Subjects covered: Relaxation and Connection, Script Analysis, Movement, Improvisation, Voice, Terms, and Scene Study.
-Improv. Class –Held classes in “Improvisational skills” for young actors ages 8 to 15 years old.
Subjects covered: Relaxation and Connection, Movement, Creative Expression, Theater Games, and Creating Character.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Personal Fitness Trainer, Las Vegas, NV, New York, NY (1997-2000)
- Trained clients with special needs (i.e. advanced HIV) in nutrition and physical fitness.
FOH Manager at Fat Fish Restaurant, West Hollywood, CA (2004-2011)
- Supervision of basic operational procedures in the dining room and kitchen.
-Maintain guest and employee relations, food quality, and consistency.
LET'S TALK
EMAIL: lawrence@lawrencedwyer.com
PHONE: (310) 890-3374
Phone: (310) 473-4200
© 2015 Lawrence Dwyer |
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