Movement Theater Teacher
Being a natural educator, Julie Oak began teaching mime theater while still in high school and has been teaching movement and physical theater ever since.
After many years of teaching mime and Contact Improvisation, Julie developed RealPlay MovementTheater — focusing primarily on improvisation. Julie's classes create a strong group connection while bringing out the unique strengths of each player.
Julie draws on extensive experience with physical theater, Contact Improvisation, Authentic Movement and Action Theater.
Performing Artist
After her mother booted her off to mime camp in 1972, Julie Oak began performing professionally with Wisconsin Mime Theater. She was then based in San Francisco for many years, where she started her own mime company.
Influenced by Ruth Zaporah's Action Theater, Julie began frequent appearances as a solo movement theater improviser. Moving to Santa Cruz, CA, she continued teaching and performing solo, and appeared in dance and theater productions, working with many esteemed directors.
She co-directed physical theater improvisation groups Plan B and The Somaddics.
Performance Coach
Julie loves coaching people in making original performance pieces and would be happy to help you create — whether solo or in a group.
Private coaching sessions are available by arrangement.
Transformative-Expression Guide
Julie is a guide for body-based healing, offering groups and private sessions. This wing of her work includes self-discovery through movement explorations, moving with emotions and life stories, and embodied inner dialogue.
Julie maintained a private bodywork practice for forty years, practicing listening-oriented hands-on approaches which follow the 'wisdom of the body.' Her knowledge of the body and ability to listen informs all of her work.
She began integrating body-oriented therapeutic approaches after completing a B.A. in Somatics and Psychology from Antioch University.
Julie resides amongst the Oak and Redwood trees of Soquel Hills with her husband of over 30 years. Her professional areas of expertise include: integration of movement and theater, tapping body wisdom, and crossovers of performance and healing.
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