Sunday, March 9, 2008

Remembering Joan

This blog has been set up to compile remembrances and thoughts about Joan Potter, a brilliant acting teacher and person who impacted so many lives in her over thirty years of teaching and directing.

8 comments:

Bijou said...

Joan you taught me that when it comes to the work " You have to be a Master Detective" those words have taken me a long way! You will live in my heart for eternity. I thank God that our paths met! I Love You Strong!
ROBERT LEE HARDY (RAH RAH) (BALTIMORE)


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March 21, 2008
Joan was an inspiration. She was someone that instilled discipline and dedication in her students -- and they respected and revered her teaching.
Frank Trezza (Highland)


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March 20, 2008
Joan, you believed in me when no one else did. You gave me challenges, and opportunities, and you taught me what hard work is. Every time I feel like things are too difficult, or a task seems insurmountable, or that I won't get the part; I fall back on the work ethic you taught me. The deep reserves of strength and confidence that you helped me find when I was just a teenager and so vulnerable. I have been known to say "Joan Potter teaches Purchase actors how to act"... You were the heart and the soul of the Acting Department. I will always remember when I was doing the Arkadina/Treplev scene for the first time. I had done pretty well in scene work before that. I began the scene and after about 45 seconds you screamed "DOOOOOOOOO SOMETHING!!" In that moment I was so terrified! "What does she want?" you asked "To feel young and pretty like Nina" I said and frooze."Then DO THAT" you snapped. I kinda stumbled over to my bag, got my makeup, reentered the scene and began carefully applying it. I am rambling but that was the very moment I finally understood motivation. All the talk of "actions" and I finally understood. You made it so simple and clear. After class you gave me a gentle pat on the back, smiled, and told me I was on my way. Joan I am all grown up now. I have a beautiful, bright son, and a strong, loving fiance'. I have a career in the work we love so much. You will never know how your belief in me shaped the woman I am today. Or maybe you do now. You see all of us; your kids who you soldiered on for. I love you, and I hope you look down on me and feel proud. I am so sorry I will miss the celebrations and memorials in your honor. But I will pray with my family and tell them about you, and always remember you. Your voice and your fierce love.
Erica Chamblee C. (Washington, DC)

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March 20, 2008
I used to say there were three important women in my life, my Mom, my Grandmother and Joan Potter. In my life as an artist Joan may simply be the most important person I ever encountered. I was 19 a bit confused, bitter with a chip on my shoulder the size Jupiter, Joan embraced me with care but stressed discipline and self worth. If you gave 100% of yourself as an artist under her tutelage she would give 150%. She was no pushover, never have I felt the intensity of artistic navigation at that level since I left her class room. I walked in there a boy, left a man and even today 6 years since I have left Purchase and 3 years after I have left acting to pursue a life in music, everything I learned under her instruction I still apply every time I pick up the mic, the pen or the drum machine, that is how universal her teaching was. It was not just to be applied to Chekhov, Williams and Ibsen, she was a life builder, I am a better human from having met her and am eternally grateful. Thank you for showing me that loving the process is as important as loving the performance. Thank you for encouraging all my little rebellions, but questioning every move I made so I could stay constant and honest. Thank you for breaking the stereotypes I had of people. Thank you for encouraging me to believe in myself and trust in my potential and abilities, with out that I would have not had the strength to make some of the tough decisions I have had to make as an artist and man. Thank you for the special relationship we had and I am sorry I did not keep in contact with you like I wanted to and should have. Look forward to seeing you again on the next, having some tea and discussing...whatever...

i hope one day all can have someone like a Joan Potter in there life.
Mtume Gant (Brooklyn, NY)


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March 20, 2008
My Dearest Joan,
The administration building; that magnificent tree that cradled us, sheltered us. That's where it all began, the change.

And you there to guide us on an extraordinary journey of discovery, with Edith Skinner and Timothy Monich bringing up the rear.

The energetic, fervent band leader:
"Do the doing"
"Face the dragon"
Laughter, but later words to live by.

Wow, I can do the work and the dragon's fiery flames can be extinguished and reveal a life well lived.

Thank you, my darling Joan.

Shawn Judge
Shawn Judge (Minneapolis, MN)


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March 19, 2008
Joan of the worsted suits... the helmet hair... the pointed fingernails on graceful hands... the citrine ring, I think a gift from Auntie Dearie... Joan my muse and matriarch... the giant who lives in my heart... you gave me the gift of loving and celebrating the authentic artist in me after making me search and search and search some more until I really found her... Joan, because you loved us fiercely, you gave us the experienc early on of what authenticity means... and you leave us both empty and full, older and wiser, and full of love for acting, for art and, my dearheart, for you.
Cecile Callan (Los Angeles, CA)


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March 19, 2008
Dearest Joan, I feel so lucky to have had you in my life...as teacher, director, and although it may have taken me almost a semester to realize, you were a friend as well. You will be deeply missed.
Oh, how I cherish those meetings in your office when we just talked, or the occasional walk n' talks. Talked about anything and I heard about some of your stories and experiences. Not nearly enough though, we probably talked mostly about me. Some of the best acting I've seen was in that sophomore year acting studio along with my fellow mates. You knew how to bring out the best in people, and I will always remember the satisfaction of really getting a scene breakthrough on something that had been brought in more than a few times. I can definitely say those were some of my finest moments. “What do you have to say to them?...” --- Hearing that classic, wonderful line from Joan – I mean, does it get any better than that?

Working with you in our The Laramie Project as our company’s first production at Purchase was an amazing blessing. A huge learning experience and beautiful. When you got us to “make it our own” and “make it personal” it was a thrilling feeling, it was many things all at once. Last week on Thursday night, March 13 around midnight I dusted off my copy of Laramie Project and looked through it for the first time in almost three years. I had neglected it and I somehow knew I had to give it’s pages some attention right then and there. I was remembering vividly many of the various “moments” in the play. This of course led me to think of you, a lot. And then I could still hear you guiding me to get right to the truth of “Jedadiah Schultz” and I went through all of the Jedadiah scenes and monologues. And I swear I could feel your tremendous heart…for the play, for the characters, for your actors, for me. Thank you. And I wonder if you felt all the love of your many friends, students, colleagues and admirers in return those last few days? Well I believe that you must have. That picture of all of us Laramie cast grouped together on stage in the purplish, blue light with you front and center, all looking slightly up, and the wooden buck type fence behind us has been embedded in my mind. You can bet it won’t be another 3 years that I pick up and work on that play some more.
I love you so much. Your life will continue to inspire me and so many others throughout our lifetimes. “Thy eternal summer shall not fade”…
Matt Luceno (NY)


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March 18, 2008
It’s hard for me to write this. Words seem so small an expression of gratitude I have for Joan Potter. She was the first teacher I had that demanded such a high level of excellence and commitment to my own process. I learned how to approach my work with rich choices, to forget everything and just listen to my partner. Joan is in every piece of work I’ve done and will do. What she taught me has become the backbone of my process as an artist. She pushed me to risk more, find my own truth and lend pieces of my heart to the characters journey. She made me brave, and I love her for that.
Zoey Martinson (Brooklyn, NY)


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March 18, 2008
Saul Stein and I were talking about Joan on Friday and I said to him, Saul - we need to go up and make our pilgrimage to Joan before she dies. Little did we know she was dying on that very day. While I can't say I didn't have conflict with Joan at times, she taught me two extraordinarily important things about truthful acting - "the inner monologue" is "your thoughts, not made up thoughts", and a lesson in the form of a question: "why is the first chapter in Boleslavski's book on acting titled 'Concentration?' I will always remember the fragrance of the eucalyptus, and the small lamp with the red-fabric lamp shade in her office. Saul and I were planning on visiting her this week.
Katie Bull (New York City, NY)

Bijou said...

March 18, 2008
It’s hard for me to write this. Words seem so small an expression of gratitude I have for Joan Potter. She was the first teacher I had that demanded such a high level of excellence and commitment to my own process. I learned how to approach my work with rich choices, to forget everything and just listen to my partner. Joan is in every piece of work I’ve done and will do. What she taught me has become the backbone of my process as an artist. She pushed me to risk more, find my own truth and lend pieces of my heart to the characters journey. She made me brave, and I love her for that.
Zoey Martinson (NY)


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March 18, 2008
Joan, you are the greatest teacher I have ever known and have taught me everything I value about acting. You have meant so much to me and I'm sure to hundreds of other students whose minds and souls you have opened. Your whole life was spent doing what you most loved to do, and I am honored and blessed to have been a part of it. Your words and love will always travel with me. Thank you Joan.
Allison Johnson (New York, NY)


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March 18, 2008
Joan. She and the rest of our Purchase company changed my life. Those were my real formative years. It was what shaped and gave focus to everything I've done since. I still use her basic approach, but I often forget it. I tried another approach for a few years, and it just got me "in the head." I'll remember her words. "Bill, you've still got the knotted eyebrows." "You're getting into your snit again." "Just your own expressivity, sitting there, is enough!" "Ibsen is a river of emotion." "You need to try to go deeper." I came to Purchase a really screwed up kid. She gave me a pattern to live by. Her passion for "the work" was unlike that of any other acting teacher I have ever met, and I've met alot of them. It's true, still much of the best work I've ever seen was in her class. And her own performance in the Roundabout Theatre's production of THE MASTER BUILDER remains perhaps the greatest by any actress I have ever seen. Absolutely astonishing, to see her fully embody all the precepts she herself urged so unequivocally. I hope she didn't have too much pain. I hope it was easy. I hope I get to meet with her again. I'm glad she left such indellible memories with so many. bye. thanks.
Bill Youmans (NY, NY)


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March 18, 2008
Joan, I thank you for all of your endless patience and lifetime passion. Your devotion to the World of Acting is truly inspirational to me. I "hatched" thanks to your fervor and honesty and i have you to thank for my success. You are in every choice that i make and you will continue to live through the works of the many actors that you have touched. May you look upon us with your wonderful laughter forever.
Rey Valentin (Los Angeles, CA)

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March 18, 2008
There are not very many people left on this planet who are like Joan. She had a heart and soul of immense caring, beauty and integrity. I only got to know her years later, after I had returned to Purchase as a director. Being in the first Theater Arts acting group, I never had her as a teacher, but when I was working there we would have many heart-to-heart talks. She inspired me just by being herself. As a matter of fact, she was so fully herself, that God could clearly be seen by who she was and through what she did. If words can ever be sent up to an angel, I send my love to you, Joan Potter, to add to the chorus of praise from all those who likewise love you.
Elmore James (Glasgow, Scotland)


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March 18, 2008
Joan, you were always so patient with me as I chirped away "like a magpie!" :) asking you endless questions about those fabled days at the Actors Studio. But beyond my moments as the neurotic fanboy, there was my genuine affection for you, and my quiet appreciation for the life-changing gifts you gave me. Since I was baptized by that Joan Potter fire, I have never been the same. You were, and will continue to be a blessing in my life. Love, Michael
Michael Kevin Darnall (Rye Brook, NY)


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March 18, 2008
She was the best teacher I ever had, a woman passionately devoted to the craft of acting, a believer in artistic truth and possessed of a respect for the theatre and all its possibilities. She was an authentic light in an often murky industry. While I have been fortunate enough to work as an actor, it was during the four years under her tutelage I felt most accessible, most courageous and most excited, and all because of her ceaseless encouragement. She challenged her students to take risks, to go beyond expectations, to become fully engaged in the creative experience. In a time of homogeneity and mediocrity Joan strove to bring out the best in her students. How often in life do we encounter that?

Thank you, my teacher.
Steven Weber (Los Angeles, CA)

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March 18, 2008
Joan left a deep impression on me, one that I turn to every time I approach a text. Whenever I try to take the easy route I can hear her say "No, no my darling". I picture her seven layer cake, and do it "once more, with feeling." Thank you Joan.
Benita Robledo (Brooklyn, NY)

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March 18, 2008
Thank you, Joan, for helping me see what matters in Art and in Life. I'll always remember your patience, your impatience, your love of beauty and truth. The world is already a little bit smaller without you in it.
Scott Kenyon (Suffern, NY)


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March 18, 2008
The lessons I learned from Joan were more than simply learning how to act (and that isn't very simple!)- She helped me become an adult and she helped me see that I could go through most any terrifying experience and remain standing. And she never gave up on me or any of her students- She would get what she wanted out of all of us and while it was often painful, it was because she was hell bent on preparing us for a life in the theater. I will miss her passion and her singleminded commitment to her art. And I feel incredibly blessed to have studied with her and known her.
Bijou Clinger (New York, NY)

Bijou said...

March 18, 2008
Somehow the walls of the studios at SUNY purchase will forever
vibrate with Joan Potter’s voice whispering the secret of “Real Talking”.
I Feel so fortunate to have been the Last class Joan taught at purchase.
I will forever remember the afternoon she pulled me into her office and asked me:
Are you happy? I said yes quickly afraid of what she might say otherwise.. Then I broke down in tears. I understood what she was asking.
She taught me the meaning of acting with the heart. The one things that separates my Arkadina or Blanche from yours. The one things that makes words come alive and dance in our mouth like a symphony perfectly orchestrated. I will forever remain grateful for that. She had the ability to
create magic in a studio. Her sole presence in a room, inspired actors to become alive, creating the best work I have yet watched in a acting class. I saw class after class my peers perform in front of my eyes, scenes that will forever be ingrained in my memory as some of the best work I have ever witnessed. She was a Ruthless in the studio, and yet her huge heart genuine care for all of those around her made her the legendary Joan Potter.
Making Joan Laugh was a Treat, her Laughter will stay in the hearts of all of us who were blessed with her Wisdom, her compassion and her dedication towards her students.
With her absence, SUNY Purchase and Actors have lost a amazing piece of the theater.
But to me she will live in each word I say with my heart on a stage.
Lakshmi Picazo (Brooklyn, NY)


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March 18, 2008
Joan was a master and by far the most commited teacher I have ever encountered. The greatest theater I have ever witnessed was in her classroom. She hatched each discovery without smothering the individual process and constantly challenged each of us. She is rare and wonderful, a Griot of our community. I can see that loving smirk come across her face that demanded truth in our actions, she would challenge any weak choice with the word "BULLLLLLLONEYYYYYYYYYYYYY"!!!
I will remember her as a master thespian,a fiercely independent woman,passionate, witty, a repository of knowledge, and above all a gifted teaching artist. How blessed I was to encounter you this time around. You are with all of us at every hush before a curtain rises!
Diana Hoyt (NY, NY)

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March 18, 2008
Long walks on SUNY's campus discussing Chekhov and Shakespeare. Her smile when I walked into her office for a short discussion that turned into a long one. I'll miss you, Joan. But I KNOW that where you are now is a place of rest and comfort. Love, Benard
Benard Cummings (NYC, NY)

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March 18, 2008

David Brown (New York, NY)

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March 18, 2008
Joan Potter and I both arrived at Purchase College in the fall of 1975. She was my teacher and I was her student. That relationship endured for more than thirty-two years and will transcend her passing. I feel confident that of the hundreds of students she taught in her long career I am not the only one that shares in that deep and abiding feeling. She was truly a woman of the theater and her dedication to it remains an inspiration to me. Joan always asked for the best and settled for nothing less. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Ron Fassler (Santa Monica, CA)

Joe said...

I was one of Joan's first students at SMU in Dallas. To say she was great teacher, doesn't do her justice. I was one of fortunate few who saw her play Mary Tyrone in "Long Days Journey into Night" at SMU. Brilliant. I was a theatre snob/know-it-all and very critical of everything. But she slugged me and the audience in the gut. Her portrayal forced us to experience the character's agony - both onstage and off. She played the piano "in another room" and you could hear the pain of Mary's arthritic fingers, the torment of her soul and the morphine addiction trying to cover it all. Her last line is the last line in the play -- "I met and fell in love with James Tyrone, and was so happy for a time." The audience was stunned, silent, holding its breath for about 2-3 minutes. They had to bring the lights up before we exhaled, stood, dried our tears and applauded. I never knew anyone could act like that. That's the Joan Potter I remember. I was a student of and a witness to greatness. Thank you, Joan, for leaving so much to remember.

Frankaholic said...

I remember, Joan was the faculty member I had auditioned for to get into Purchase. So I always felt "chosen" by her, a belief I would come to need in the following years when she refused to accept whatever bad habits I was bringing to class. She was also my advisor for my four years there.
Her door was always open, her stories riveting ("Marilyn was like a child...") and her heart, well- sublime.
I will always, always hear her voice in my head: "Real thinking, real feeling!" and my favorite: "Bullshit! If you can laugh, you can cry!!!" when she directed me in "Three Sisters". Everything, still ringing true in my head today, years and years later, as if it were last week.
The training that she gave me is something that evolves over a lifetime. The ability to trust in simplicity and truth may have been lost on me when I was 20, but as an adult that allows an artist to go deeper and deeper. And yet to say I remember Joan as merely a teacher feels so empty. I remember her offering me a chocolate bar, pulling me into her office, allowing me to barge into her office, giving me advice and direction every step of the way during my four years and beyond.
My heart aches that she is no longer here. The trips I should have made, the calls to her. "If only", as she used to quote...
I will forever have a very special place in my heart for Joan Potter, a woman of such greatness.

Frank Liotti, NYC

anon said...
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anon said...
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anon said...

Joan, You demanded a lot from your students and we were all made better people for it. You believed in me when I didn't. I still remember that day when we were walking through the hallway talking about my graduation coming up that year, when you suddenly stopped, turned to me and said, "I've seen what you're capable of and you have what it takes- But you have to believe in yourself. That is the thing you lack." You were right, Joan. I didn't believe in myself. And that's the reason I never visited you after leaving Purchase. I was ashamed to face you. From our talks I knew you had high hopes for me performing Chekov and Ibsen on a professional stage one day, yet I never did. Instead I only did a couple of bit parts before walking away from my manager and leaving the arts world in favor of a more 'socially acceptable' career- as my family put it. Why? Because I didn't believe in myself- just like you said. I felt then and still feel to this day that I let you down by quitting before I had barely begun. By the time I heard of your passing it was 2009 and that's when all the grief and regrets washed over me. I should have visited you despite my insecurities. Perhaps you would've talked some sense into me. Though my prime years are over now, I've recently revisited the craft we both so loved in order to find myself again and in the hopes that maybe in some strange way, I can still make you proud. You inspire me even now and I am forever grateful to have had you as a teacher.