Movement Classes (Character Embodiment)

Taught by Jonelle Gunderson

Early-bird fee for a 3-week Class Series [not offered every Session]$275 inc. hst
Regular Registration fee $300 inc. hst
Early-bird fee for a 2-hour Workshop [not offered every Session]$75 inc. hst
Regular Registration fee $85 inc. hst
Early-bird fee for Sandbox Intensive [not offered every Session]$500 inc. hst
Regular Registration fee $525 inc. hst

Do you have questions about how movement and physicality can be beneficial to your acting work, or wonder what it means to build a ‘physical’ character?

Are you looking for something new to shake up your practice, and give you a fresh perspective?

Jonelle Gunderson teaches workshops focusing on the foundations of how to use your body to drop into character, when acting on stage or screen.
 The workshops are either 2-hour individual or part of a 3-week class series. Jonelle also co-teaches the Sandbox Intensive.

We will be looking at a series of simple movement exercises using breath, that can be used to warm up and focus prior to any gig, audition, or class.

We will then explore three points in the body (the feet, the pelvis, and the sternum) that can be used as activation points when building character.

Click here to learn more about Jonelle’s training.

Jonelle Gunderson’s

3-week On-Camera Character Embodiment Class

Ready to bring your characters to life in a way that captivates, connects, and communicates without words? Jonelle Gunderson’s 3-Class On-Camera Acting Series is designed to help you dive deep into the art of physical character creation.

In this dynamic series, you’ll explore how to use body language, movement, and physicality to transform into memorable, multi-dimensional characters. Whether you’re playing a confident dramatic lead, a highly charged guest star, or a villain with a twist, these classes will teach you how to:

Master Character Movement: Learn how to embody your character’s essence through posture, gestures, and physicality.

Create Impactful Performances On Camera: Discover how to make your physical choices read clearly and powerfully on screen.

Work with Your Body: Develop an intuitive connection between your physical choices and your emotional arc, bringing depth and authenticity to your performances.

Each class is packed with hands-on exercises and guided coaching. During class 2, we will be recording scenes ‘self-tape’ style from both a wide AND close-up perspective to investigate the nuances and subtleties of physicality on camera. You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to connect with your character both physically and emotionally.

Maximum number of students: 6 [Sign-up will be first come, first serve.]


Click here for Class Times (not offered every Session).

Type of Class: OPEN

Jonelle Gunderson’s

2-hour Movement (Character Embodiment) Workshop: Physically Inhabiting your Character on Stage + Screen


This workshop is ideal for students interested in physical character building – it’s a way to get more foundational knowledge about how to approach this work.

This workshop can be taken as a pre-cursor to the 3-week Class Series.

More questions? Please email jonelle@dirtunderneath.com

Maximum number of students: 6 [Sign-up will be first come, first serve.]


Click here for Class Times (not offered every Session).

Type of Class: OPEN

Jonelle Gunderson + Shaun Gunderson’s

The Sandbox Intensive (Acting + Character Embodiment)

The Sandbox Intensive provides the curious actor of all levels with a training ground for scene study and character embodiment. Co-taught by Shaun McComb and Jonelle Gunderson, this ensemble class offers a playful yet purposeful approach to the technique of acting with an emphasis on transformation.

Click here for more info

Click here for Class Times (typically held on Thursday evenings)

Type of Class: OPEN


I can’t wait for Jonelle to do more classes with the Dirt – I really feel her practice will enhance anyone’s on-camera or other acting work.
It was refreshing to go to a Movement class where there was an invitation to be in dialogue with the practice and work with your own unique body, to notice the tensions that arise and be able to work with them.
Jonelle provides such a supportive and informative environment and uses practical examples to demonstrate how this work can not only enhance your work but help sustain it in a healthy and positive way.

Zara Jestadt