Aliki Marie Pantas Semones
Producer, Director, Casting, Acting Teacher, Actress
Critic's Corner
She was able to help me feel more present in the scene rather than reciting lines with an emotion attached to them. As soon as our meeting started, you put me at ease and helped me feel comfortable. I didn’t think I would be crying in just a few minutes! That was incredible and it never would have happened without your gentleness. I knew I was safe to play and your questions/ideas/exercises all felt tailored to me.
Amanda Harrison
I did a summer camp with you as well as a few years of the one act play class. Overall, you were just amazing. There was never a dull moment, you were patient, fair, very kind and loving. To this day, some of the warm up exercises and practices we did in class I still use in order to prepare for poetry performances. Every time you smiled, I smiled. I always thoroughly enjoyed myself. ^_^
Emiley A
Poet/ Activist/ Student
[After meeting with Aliki,] I felt clearer about why Lady Nijo [from Top Girls] says what she says and who she is speaking to and why she is saying what she says to that person. I felt like my monologues as Win [from Top Girls] had more nuance and depth. There was a deeper level of knowing behind my lines. I have had acting teachers who had me approach characters from an intellectual standpoint (practical aesthetics, etc) and I have found those helpful but also tedious and dreadful. I enjoyed Aliki’s approach, which put me back in touch with my imagination and emotions. I was getting to know my characters not just with my brain but with my heart and soul. Rehearsals after Aliki had worked with the rest of the cast have been magical as well. Each cast member brought a different energy and different nuances to their characters, which brought even more magic out of me.
Jackie Adonis
I am 17 years old and I was 9 the first time I had class with Aly Pantas. She was so energetic about everything we did and truly pushed us to work hard and be focused even from a young age. I was in several shows she directed and learned many traits of professionalism by following her directions and example. She continues to inspire me as an artist and producer!
-Amelia D
[After working with Aliki], I felt much more grounded within the circumstances Gret [from Top Girls] describes. We went line by line and unearthed layers to unpack within each detail of the scene from hell and discussed the effect each aspect would have on a woman like Gret. As aforementioned identified sense memory features from the scenes Gret describes which was effective as I feel things very viscerally and personally.
Sophie Brotemarkle
I have a better understanding of my character actions and was able to connect more emotionally with the material [after working with Aly]. Aliki is very knowledgeable about character analysis and gives helpful feedback on character choices..
Maddy
You are an inspiration and true professional. Thank you for providing a positive environment for my daughters Macy and Ally from 2009-2011. You helped them express themselves and develop their techniques. You always encouraged their growth and passion for theatre and I saw an improvement in their confidence. After working with you, they were able to relocated to a new school, theatre, and dance with success. For a military child, this is key. Macy is now one of 14 students chosen for the Freshman class at Florida State University's School of Theatre for Acting. Thank you again for the love and support you gave Macy and Ally and all your students. We wish you continued success.
Sincerely,
Karen L
I am writing with very fond memories of the years that you were the director of Hurrah’s Best Christmas Pageant Ever! We were relatively new to Hurrah Players – trying out different kinds of ‘after school’ activities for the girls (then they were what – Gemma 8 and Amelia 11 I think). They both had had only a tiny experience acting. But working with you, dear Ali, they blossomed and they LOVED it. To call their taking direction from you “work” – is ridiculous! You inspired them! You made them understand, for the first time, what acting was really all about and you sparked what I daresay will be a lifelong love of the art of acting and performing. What else can I say – we owe you a debt of gratitude for being one of the earliest inspirations and mentors/trainers of our girls. Amelia’s applying to college programs now in Musical Theater, and Gemma just started as a freshman in the Governor’s School for the Arts. Thank you for everything!!
Love,
The Dobbs Family
To submit your review of your experience with Mrs. Semones,
Email alikimariepantas@gmail.com Put in subject "Critic's Corner"