Abigail Sugden

Abigail is an acting and voice tutor specialising in actor training. Her specific areas of interest include acting technique, scene study and spoken voice. She brings a holistic approach to performer training, supporting students’ technical development, alongside helping them to develop their creativity, confidence and joy of performing.

Abigail trained at ArtsEd, achieving an MA in Acting, having previously trained at The Actors Centre and Identity School of Acting. More recently, she completed an MA in Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy) with The Voice Study Centre, where her research focused on the impact of mindfulness within performer training. Areas of specific research centred around the benefits of present moment awareness in actor training, Flow Theory and the significance of Flow State for actors, and the exploration of The Meisner Technique and its potential to promote present moment awareness. Her additional training includes The Actor’s Voice for Film and Theatre, Practical Breathing, and Performance Psychology, Anxiety and the Voice, alongside further study in vocal anatomy, self-compassion, and Acceptance and Commitment Coaching.

With over ten years experience, Abigail now specialises in teaching students in pre-professional and professional training, working in further and higher education settings, as well as preparing students for speech and drama examinations. Previous students have gone on to train at specialist drama, dance, and musical theatre schools and universities, as well as perform professionally across stage, screen, and voiceover work. Alongside teaching, Abigail hopes to continue researching and exploring the concept of presence for performers and how this can positively influence approaches to performer training.