The Acting Body: Introduction to Laban Technique
Ever wonder what actors Tom Hardy, Cate Blanchett, Anthony Hopkins, Emilia Clarke, Michael Fassbender, and Rebecca Ferguson have in common? They all practice Psychological Laban (aka Yat Malmgren Laban), an acting technique that is little known in the US but widely taught in top drama schools in Australia and the UK.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Tuesdays, 6:30–9:30pm (8 weeks)
Class size: limited to 13 students • Cost: $325 (Scholarships may be available so please reach out if cost presents an issue)
21ten Theatre
2110 SE 10th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
The Psychological Laban method is so cool. I finally started experimenting and putting myself in the headspace with an effort and I truly did feel that emotion that the memory reminded me of. I was not skeptical of the method but I think it is just so cool to see how it truly can put us in that mindset.
It gave me the chance to continue to see Laban in action and to try myself♥️ It's transformative!
Kate - thank you so much for such an inspiring course! I loved it!
MORE ABOUT THE CLASS
Ever wonder what actors Tom Hardy, Cate Blanchett, Anthony Hopkins, Emilia Clarke, Michael Fassbender, and Rebecca Ferguson have in common? They all practice Psychological Laban (aka Yat Malmgren Laban), an acting technique that is little known in the US but widely taught in top drama schools in Australia and the UK. How do actors ‘snap’ into a character who is so different from them? How do they stay ‘out of their heads’? What do actors mean when they say ‘the character takes over’? Psychological Laban answers all these questions and more. During the course, students will learn how to use specific movements to transform their inner life, how to analyze text to create strong, distinct characters, and an acting-led method of generating your own writing. Students will leave with a deeper relationship and understanding of their most powerful acting tool- the body- powerfully practical technique that works regardless of your mental state.
REQUIREMENTS
This technique is for everyone and can be learned by beginners and experienced actors alike! That being said, students should have an understanding of acting basics. They should also be prepared to do about two hours of work outside of class each week and to come to the first class with a memorized monologue or scene they would like to work on.
MORE ABOUT THE TEACHER
Kate Sumpter is a classically trained actor, teacher and writer who has worked on stage and screen for 15 years. Originally from Portland, Oregon she received her BA in Drama from the University of Washington before moving to London to receive her MA in Acting from LAMDA. After graduating she worked in TV, film and theatre in the UK, appearing in projects for Amazon Studios, the BBC, AMC, and 20th Century Studios, among others. She also wrote and performed her award-winning, one-woman show SPIN to sell-out crowds at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and later at the Arcola Theatre London. Kate was taught Psychological Laban by James Kemp (the protege of Yat Malmgren, creator of Psychological Laban) at LAMDA and on a continuing basis for 8 years. She was a senior teacher at Kingdom College of the Arts in London and a guest lecturer at the London Film School from 2018-2025. Since moving back to Portland in fall of 2025, Kate has served as the Head of Studio Operations at Blue Ox Films. Teaching is her great love, however, and she is thrilled to be bringing her practice to her hometown!