Stage Actors Training Lab: Facilitators Share Their Reflections
The NTN’s Stage Actors Training Lab (SATL) continues to create a space where performers can sharpen their craft, challenge themselves creatively, and reconnect with the foundations of storytelling. We asked the facilitators to reflect on what they have observed during the sessions so far from the fears actors bring into the room to the breakthroughs that keep them returning.
Here’s what they had to say:
Hazel Hinda
For Hazel Hinda, the lab helps actors reconnect with the foundations of stage performance, particularly performers transitioning from film into theatre work.
“These sessions bring forth a wonderful learning experience and expansion of techniques and skills for performance.”
She says participants often leave with a deeper appreciation for the discipline and complexity behind acting.
One of her most memorable experiences was facilitating a session with women aged 40 and older, including a participant in her sixties.
“People can’t always follow their passion because it is not financially viable. But this group finally decided to explore it, even on a part-time basis.”
Hazel believes the sessions encourage actors to stop imitating others and instead trust their own instincts and abilities.
Haymich Olivier
Haymich Olivier approaches the lab through movement, body awareness, and ensemble connection.
According to him, participants often arrive feeling self-conscious and unsure, but gradually become more expressive and confident through movement exercises.
“Trusting the feeling or physical sensation of movement more than what it looks like.”
He says one of the most rewarding transformations is seeing participants develop a sense of belonging.
“They come in self-conscious and shy, but when they leave, they feel part of something.”
Lize Ehlers
For Lize Ehlers, the sessions create space for participants to reconnect with presence, vulnerability, and emotional truth.
She observes noticeable shifts in participants as they begin letting go of perfectionism and fear.
“Once they stop performing for approval and start performing for truth, you can see real artistry emerge.”
One moment that stayed with her involved a beginner delivering a line with such honesty that the room fell silent.
“That reminded me that theatre is not only about performance, but about healing, self-expression, and connection.”
Lize says many participants leave with confidence that extends beyond the stage and into their everyday lives.
Tanya Terblanche
Tanya Terblanche believes the lab reminds actors that development is continuous and must involve the body, voice, and mind equally.
She has especially enjoyed watching older participants embrace the process fully.
“A subtle change in self-confidence, understanding of teamwork and commitment to moving out of a comfort zone is evident.”
For Tanya, one of the biggest lessons participants must learn is letting go of rigid thinking.
“There is not only one right way of doing things.”
She says the most touching moments happen when participants forget their insecurities and fully engage with the group.
Nelago Shilongoh
Nelago Shilongoh sees the lab as an important platform for strengthening the quality of stage acting in Namibia through both practical and theoretical training.
She notes that many participants gain a stronger understanding of voice, speech, and performance theory through the sessions.
“The lab asks you to come in bare-minded and physically vulnerable.”
For Nelago, some of the most powerful moments happen when participants witness honesty and emotional truth in each other’s performances.
She encourages actors to continue training consistently, reminding them that performance skills must constantly be exercised and refined.
Although each facilitator brings a different approach to training, their reflections share common themes: vulnerability, discipline, confidence, and connection.
The SATL continues to offer performers a space not only to strengthen their craft, but also to rediscover themselves through storytelling, collaboration, and creative exploration.
SATL takes place every Saturday from 09h00–13h00 in the NTN’s Dance Rehearsal Room.
Tickets are available via Webtickets Namibia.