Since 2015, Michael has served as a private monologue and acting coach, and has been directing since 2008, working on everything from monologue collections and original works to epic poems and classics (his favorite thus far: MERCHANT OF VENICE, featuring a woman as Shylock). Michael has edited and adapted several works of Shakespeare, as well as other older texts like CYRANO, and SHERLOCK HOLMES; been a text and dialect coach for plays like THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST; and collaborated with actors on pieces running the a gamut of playwrights. See below.
Working with Michael, you can expect the phrase "Let's Play" to come up a LOT. Michael's approach to coaching an actor or advising on how to flex the text is to "play." Have an idea? Try it. Instinct says to do something? Do it. Coaching is about using the tools of theatrical trade to create a foundation of understanding, then letting go and finding where it takes you. A monologue session is about having fun while finding the action of the piece. A dissection of a line of text is about having fun while finding the throughline of the piece. When in doubt, play.
Working with Michael, you can expect the phrase "Let's Play" to come up a LOT. Michael's approach to coaching an actor or advising on how to flex the text is to "play." Have an idea? Try it. Instinct says to do something? Do it. Coaching is about using the tools of theatrical trade to create a foundation of understanding, then letting go and finding where it takes you. A monologue session is about having fun while finding the action of the piece. A dissection of a line of text is about having fun while finding the throughline of the piece. When in doubt, play.
EducationMichael studied as an actor, director, and playwright the University of Wisconsin - Parkside, focusing on text analysis as the base of his work. All choices as an actor and director are derived from the text, which, no matter the author, has laid groundwork for how to decipher and engage the text, finding its purpose and action.
Instructors
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Experience Coaching and Directing...
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Work with Michael
If you're looking for an Acting or Text Coach, click here or email mpdalberg@gmail.com to reach out and schedule a session with Michael!
On the fence? See the below responses from some of those who have worked with Michael in the past.
On the fence? See the below responses from some of those who have worked with Michael in the past.
Testimonials
"Michael helped me with my comedic and dramatic monologues. After doing them so many times, I had lost the essence of the character and was just going through the motions. Michael helped me freshen up the pieces and look at them through a new lens. Michael has a great way of getting to the core of the piece and showing you a way in. Ha makes you comfortable and willing to try anything and explore the choices. He doesn’t give you the answers, but rather gets you to realize them on your own by asking you questions. Definitely recommend!" |
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"The monologue workshop [I recently had] with Michael was immensely helpful for a new piece I was trying out. Michael really dove deep into text work in our short session to ensure I was using the text to my best ability. He helped clarify different beats to establish the range of the piece so I was showing as much of my abilities [as possible] in the audition. He provided insight from the casting director's point of view so I knew exactly what I needed to do to stand out in the audition. I highly recommend working with Michael on new and old pieces." |
"I worked with Michael on a production of 'The Merchant of Venice' where he cast me, a young female actor, as Shylock. Michael saw something in me as an actor that I didn’t realize I had. As a director, he was always pushing me past my perceived limits and yet he provided a space where I felt comfortable to take those risks. By the end of my time working on Merchant I felt like a much stronger and more confident actor. I left the process with skills that I still carry today and I know that Michael played a huge role in my progress." |
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"Michael Dalberg is an absolute pleasure to work with. All the projects I've worked on with him, he's been professional, personable and clear with his goals for the piece. Michael is the type of person to take you one-on-one and hash out any sort of disconnect you're having with your role or your life outside the project, he truly cares about his fellow artists. Michael Dalberg is a tour-de-force of artistic talent, empathy and the understanding of human nature."
- Joe Romanak, Actor