About Penny McDonald
Penny McDonald began working in theatre 50 years ago, and 29 years ago she graduated as an Alexander Technique teacher to work in the performing arts. She has taught at the Australian National Academy of Music, National Theatre Drama School, VCA, Howard Fine Acting Studio, 16th Street Acting Studio, Film & TV Studio and Brave Studios, and Cooper Screen Academy.
She was also a regular guest teacher at The School for F. M. Alexander Studies, and runs her own private practice and teacher training course in nipaluna/Hobart. Since 2022 she has explored working on plays where the principles of the Alexander Technique inform the rehearsals and performance. Most recently she performed in Kafka's Monkey by Colin Teevan, and prior to that she directed True West by Sam Shepard and This is our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan. She cultivates play within her usual 5 month rehearsal period, while working with great scripts, and exploring the craft of acting. The results are consistently producing great theatre.
Penny McDonald, a highly experienced theatre professional who has also carved out a niche for herself as an Alexander Technique teacher specifically catered for the performing arts. With an impressive career spanning nearly fifty years within the theatre industry and more than twenty years as a devoted instructor of the Alexander Technique, Penny has shared her profound knowledge and expertise with numerous esteemed institutions. These include the likes of the Australian National Academy of Music, the National Theatre Drama School, and the VCA, among various others.
Penny's deep-seated passion for the performing arts doesn't stop at teaching. It further encompasses the realm of directing, where she meticulously integrates the principles of the Alexander Technique into every aspect of rehearsals and performances. Some of her most noteworthy directorial works include Sam Shepard's gripping play "True West" and Kenneth Lonergan's thought-provoking "This is our Youth."
Penny first encountered the Alexander Technique while exploring her own skills as an actor. She found it to be a transformative tool that significantly enhanced both her physical and vocal work. Since embarking on her teaching journey back in 1996, she's been tirelessly aiding actors across theatre, film, and television to unlock their potential and elevate their performances. Her impressive roster of students includes names that need no introduction - Hugh Jackman, Sigrid Thornton, and Samuel Johnson, to name a few.
In the year 2017, Penny took her commitment to sharing the Alexander Technique to a new level by launching her own training course in the scenic city of nipaluna/Hobart, lutruwita/Tasmania. It is here that she currently resides, running her private practice, where she offers a range of services. These include group classes, professional development sessions, and even personal visits to rehearsals where she provides valuable assistance to the cast and musicians.
Penny holds a multitude of certifications that testify to her competence and dedication. These include a Diploma of Teaching, AUSTAT certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Level II First Aid, and a Certificate in Healing Dance Practice. She is a recognised member of AUSTAT, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of her profession.
