Overcoming Stage Fright - Public Speaking by Brendan Powers

Teaching Artist Brendan Powers

Speaking in front of an audience — whether for a theatre performance, a presentation, or any public engagement — can be one of life’s biggest challenges.
In this encouraging and lighthearted class, professional actor and teacher Brendan Powers uses theatre-based exercises, scenes, and monologues to help you find your voice, steady your nerves, and connect with confidence.

Through play and practice, you’ll discover techniques to express yourself clearly and authentically — on stage, in the classroom, or in everyday life.

Registration Deadline: January 17, 2026
Cost: $150
Capacity: 12

Brendan Powers has worked at regional theatres across the country for over 25 years. A member of the professional actors’ union, Actors’ Equity, he is a longtime member of the acting ensemble at Florida Repertory Theatre, which is hailed as one of America’s top repertory companies by The Wall Street Journal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his wife, actress Rachel Burttram, created tiny_Theatre and performed play readings on Facebook Live from their bedroom closet-turned-theatre for viewers from around the globe. In all, they showcased over 200 current playwrights across more than 300 episodes and were featured in American Theatre magazine. The venture later expanded to include three online interactive murder mysteries written and performed by the couple in their home studio for Airbnb Online Experiences. Those offerings ran for over two years, and tiny_Theatre was named the “Best Live Theatre” experience on the platform. Brendan’s TV credits include Graceland (USA Network) and Bloodline (Netflix), as well as over a dozen TV commercials for Alabama Tourism’s Road Trips campaign. He has taught numerous acting workshops over the years and served as the artistic director of the Theatre Studies department at Niagara University.