Hollis Witherspoon, RDT | LCAT
As an actor, performer, writer, teacher, and therapist, Hollis develops curricula & teaches visual and performing artists using an integrated philosophy of embodiment, improvisation, classical acting techniques, free expression, and therapeutic mindfulness.
Education
BA, Princeton University, 2004, Summa Cum Laude, Anthropology thesis prize, Certificate in Theater and Dance
William Esper Meisner Conservatory Program, 2005-2007
The People’s Improv Theater, 2011-14
MA, New York University, Drama Therapy, 2017
Teaching/Facilitation Experience
Improv for the Artist, 2015-2022
Pratt Institute class, Undergraduate & Graduate Sections
Skowhegan Weekly Improv Class + Monthly Workshop
Columbia University Thesis Weeks
Individual workshops at Pratt, SVA, NYU, Hampshire
Created and taught classes and workshops for a variety of academic and artistic communities that examined improvisational expression and practices within a Fine Arts context. Developed unique, interdisciplinary curricula and performance art in response to pedagogical dialogue. Students were invited to create an original, collaborative piece as a final project in the semester-long classes.
Performance Art, Undergrad at Southern Oregon University (2020)
Created and taught a survey course on performance art for undergraduate students at SOU as an invited visiting lecturer. Introduced students to themes and major artists in contemporary performance art, and invited students to create short, weekly performances and a more comprehensive final project. Students also contributed writing to a video performance created by Hollis, which was then shown at the Schneider Museum of Art in Oregon and at the 5 Miles Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, to support artist Grayson Cox’s solo show.
Acting for Animators, Pratt Institute, 2022-2025
Created and taught course for undergraduate and graduate animation students in the digital arts and animation department at Pratt Institute. The class was focused on introducing students to embodiment, character development, and emotional expression in service of their visual animations. Students were exposed to the philosophies of Viola Spolin, Stanislavsky, Lecoq, Meisner, and the tenets of improvisation. Students had to create an original performance as a final project.
Psychodrama Group Facilitator, Private Practice, 2022-present
Facilitates and directs cycles of psychodrama therapy groups for adults in Brooklyn, NY. Follows psychodramatic teaching and protocol to enable ‘dramas’, or group role-play for therapy insight and change.
Neuroqueering the Drawing Studio, Pratt Institute, 2024
Contributed original workshop to Angela Conant’s project: “an incubator for inclusive art pedagogy and studio practices, presuming that inclusivity is fundamental to mental health, and that drawing acts as a conduit from the brain to the external world.” Incorporated movement, guided meditation, and somatic practices into an experimental drawing workshop with invited student and faculty guests.
Retreat Facilitation / Creative Women Retreats, 2023-present
Co-founder of therapeutic retreat company. Develops, organizes, and facilitates intimate mental health retreats for women in beautiful places around the country with a focus on intentional care, creative arts therapy workshops, gentle movement, thoughtful food preparation, and eco-art interventions.
Therapy Trainings | Creative People Trainings, 2023-present
Co-founder/facilitator of clinical trainings for therapists focused on expressive arts, role method, and drama therapy interventions. Offering Continuing Education Credits for NY state licensed clinicians.
Please reach out to holliscreativetherapy@gmail.com for full academic and performance CVs.