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Amanda Blair MacDonald, MFA, M.AmSAT, R.MPA
Areas of Expertise: Alexander Technique - Laban - Movement Pattern Analysis - Anatomy and Kinesiology - Developmental Movement - Postural Assessment - Brain Compatible Pedagogy - Support for physical character, breath, and voice - Movement Improvisation - Trauma Informed
Current Work: Based in Chicago, Amanda teaches at the School of Music and The Theatre School at DePaul, Roosevelt University CCPA and Fast Track, and University of Illinois in Chicago School of Theatre and Music . She has a private practice in Alexander Technique and Movement Pattern Analysis. She is also a Curriculum Consultant and Professional Development Workshop Leader.
Research: Amanda's current research includes the embodied nature of habits of expression. Her presentation at the 2017 NDEO Conference, "Name It and Claim It," explored using movement to expand beyond habit into the full-spectrum of expression. Her one-woman performance piece "Change the Story" is about teaching young girls how to stand up for themselves. Amanda's TEDx DePaul talk in April 2019 entitled "How We Move is How We Think" can be found on YouTube.
Teaching Experience: Adjunct at The Theatre School at DePaul University since 2016 and at the DePaul School of Music since 2019. Classes at Roosevelt University and University of Illinois, Chicago. 6 years of conservatory teaching experience concurrently at the American Academy of Dramatic Art -NY and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy - NY where she taught movement for actors, multiple styles of dance, audition techniques, and the Hanya Holm Floor Series. Private practice in Alexander Technique since 2006. More than 20 years as a Teaching Artist for Capital Playhouse, The Ailey School, The Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Lights Dance Academy, and other organizations. She incorporates Alexander Technique, Developmental Movement, Laban, Brain-Compatible Lesson Planning, and Anatomy in her teaching methods to the full spectrum of toddlers to adults.
Education & Training: MFA in Dance, emphasis in Somatics (UW- Milwaukee); Registered Movement Pattern Analyst (Warren Lamb Trust); 1600-hour Teacher Certificate in Alexander Technique (Dimon Institute-NY); Professional Certificate in Musical Theatre Performance (AMDA-NY); BA in Theatre Arts and Speech, with an emphasis in Music (Sewanee).