Fran Bennett

brownbennett12@gmail.com  
Los Angeles, CA
(661) 291-3009

After completing an M.S. Degree and work toward a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, I was trained by Kristin Linklater in her initial Voice Teacher Training Program under a Rockefeller Foundation Grant.  I also received a Ford Foundation Grant and another Rockefeller Foundation Grant to study movement with the late Litz Pisk at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, England.  Upon completion of Linklater training, I was hired by the late Peter Zeisler as Voice and Movement Coach (later Director) for the Guthrie Theatre (then called the Minnesota Theatre Co.) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  I held that position, as well as actress with the company, for twelve years.  Leaving the Guthrie for California Institute of the Arts, I was Head of Acting/Director of Performance for seven years.  I continue on the faculty teaching Voice Production and coaching shows.  I teach private sessions to Countless professional actors and others at all levels in my studio in Los Angeles.  I have taught voice production classes and workshops in many places including: LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts); Fisk University; University of Minnesota and the Showboat Theatre; Academy of Dramatic Arts at Oakland University in Michigan; University of Wisconsin at Madison; The Children’s Theatre of Minneapolis; Carnegie Mellon; the University of California at San Diego; and The Working Theatre in New York with Kristin Linklater.  I also have been a Master Teacher with Shakespeare and Co; a member of Company of Women; and currently a founding Member of Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Co.

I am a working actor in TV, film and theatre.