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Marney Austin has been involved in professional theatre since 1970. Her company, Murder Ink Productions (a division of Arizona Performing Arts Theatre) offers the best in professional interactive theatre available. Marney returned from overseas in 1992 after successfully operating two theatre companies in Australia and Asia for over 12 years. Prior to that she was an award winning actress and director in Houston, Texas. She and her husband, Alan, opened Arizona Performing Arts in 1994 and in 1996 purchased Murder Ink Productions. Alan set up the theatre program for the government in Singapore, has written several successful stage plays including the musical Percival and currently teaches Senior A. P. English at Xavier College Prep. Both Austins are professional actors, and directors. In 1998, Marney taught Drama during summer school at Xavier. She studied at St. Thomas University, Houston, Texas and Maryhill College, St. Edward's University in Austin. She is currently the resident director and President of Murder Ink.Philosophy of Acting Sessions

To provide a safe atmosphere in which a beginner or advanced actor can pursue his/her goals in the realm of acting. Sessions to be one-on-one and tailored to the individual. Topics covered can be individual and varied and can include improvisation, characterization and skills required for auditioning. Outside professionals will be brought in as necessary.

While it is the intent that the sessions offered are private and individual in nature, basic skills are also offered as follows:

Interactive Acting - This session* allows an actor to perceive how to break through the fourth wall while discovering the world of interactive theatre. This session is an opportunity to learn performance techniques through which script, improvisation, and audience participation are blended to create performances in which the audience performs along with the actors.
*Overview in one 1 ½ hour session. 2-3 sessions required for in-depth study.

Characterization - This session(s) is designed to allow the actor to overcome his/her inhibitions and gain confidence through selected exercises. At the same time, it is designed to allow an actor working on a specific character (whether due to a current role or because the actor wishes to analyze a particular character for an upcoming audition). Includes text-role preparation and analysis. Emphasis is on acquiring the psychological and physical attributes necessary to study a role.

Auditioning - Using the 12 steps to auditioning, this session* can be broken into any one or more of the steps concentrating on interpretation techniques. (2-3 sessions are suggested to include all 12 steps as well as rehearsal principles and communication exercises). Can include musical theatre and basics on film.
*Note - one session can be booked to cover auditioning for a particular role to include examination of the character and related dialog.

In addition to the above standard sessions, an actor may wish to book a session to work on one or more goals related to a current part or anticipated audition. For specific one-on-one sessions, the actor will discuss their ideas with the director to determine an outline to be followed.