Paul L Martin

"Paul's insight and generosity as a teacher are unmatched. He helped me find the heart of my show and the confidence to deliver it."

— Rebecca Kenyon, Mote of Dust Films

The journey from stage to teaching studio is one that many performers eventually consider, and Paulus approaches it with the same generosity and sharp eye that has defined decades in cabaret and television. Rather than offering generic advice, the consultations are built around each artist's specific material, confidence hurdles, and creative ambitions. Whether someone is shaping a fringe debut, recovering from a disappointing run, or simply wanting to sharpen their crowd work, the sessions provide a rare space for honest, constructive reflection. There is no formula being pushed, only a careful unpacking of what already works and what could be lifted further. The goal is always practical, immediate progress, not abstract theory.

For those drawn to the art of hosting, the Beyond Compère course digs into what separates a competent announcer from a genuinely magnetic master of ceremonies. Paulus has spent years holding audiences in the palm of a sequined glove, and the insights shared draw directly from that real-world experience. Participants explore timing, improvisation, reading a room, and recovering gracefully when a gag lands sideways. The emphasis is on authenticity rather than imitation, helping each host find their own voice rather than copying someone else's schtick. It is practical, hands-on, and rooted in the belief that a great compère is not a filler between acts but the backbone of an entire evening.

Shaping Your Show and PLAY! are two courses that approach performance from complementary angles. The former helps artists structure an entire set, from opening gambit to closing number, with attention to pacing, emotional arc, and the small transitions that often make or break a live experience. The latter is more experimental, encouraging performers to rediscover spontaneity and joy in their work through guided exercises and playful devising. Both courses reflect a philosophy that a show should never feel like a rigid recitation of learned material. Instead, it should breathe, surprise, and connect. Paulus brings the same energy that lights up a cabaret stage into these workshop settings, making learning feel less like instruction and more like collaboration.

Cabaret for Singers addresses a specific gap that many vocalists encounter when moving from concert halls or recording studios into the more intimate, character-driven world of cabaret performance. Singing in this context demands not only vocal control but also storytelling, comic timing, and the ability to hold a room between songs. The course works on repertoire selection, banter, and the subtle art of embodying a song rather than simply delivering it. Participants are encouraged to bring material they love and to explore how a well-chosen lyric can land differently when framed with intention and personality. It is a natural extension of Paulus's own career, where vocal skill and theatrical flair have always been inseparable.

"Working with Paul transformed how I approach the stage. His notes are sharp, kind, and always spot-on."

— Jo-Jo Bellini

"I came away with a clearer sense of who I am as a performer and practical tools I use every time I step on stage."

— Sarah Tullamore