Acting Class Blog Posts

Performance coach Anna Reynolds has a fascination with understanding how people function at the deepest levels. Trained in neuro-linguistic programming, she uses methodologies and coaching practices to support her clients to embrace uncertainty and express complexity. “My skill lies in… Read More

Audiences turn to theater, television, and film when they want to take a break from reality and tune into someone else’s story. A fine performance leaves viewers feeling as though they’re witnessing something real—a genuine interaction full of all the… Read More

Acting is a study of human behavior, and one of the most accessible and powerful ways to learn about people is through keen observation. Acting instructors emphasize the word “observe,” knowing that life provides a steady stream of creative inspiration… Read More

Top acting coach Miranda Harcourt’s specialty is screen naturalism. The New Zealand native bases her approach on years of experience writing and performing verbatim theater, as well as her on-set coaching work with acclaimed actors and directors across the globe…. Read More

An important innovator of 20th century theater, Viola Spolin is often called the “mother of modern improvisation.” She authored the bestselling book “Improvisation for the Theater,” which has been referred to as the Bible of improvisational theater. Spolin created directorial… Read More

Actors are often told to make “strong choices” to elevate their performances. But what exactly does that mean? Award-winning acting coach Kimberly Jentzen, founder of The Jentzen Technique based in Los Angeles and author of the book “Acting with Impact,”… Read More

Hopefully when in the midst of a performance, you’re riding your character’s varying waves of emotions, moment by moment in a deep and genuine manner. If so, when your character is called to chuckle, giggle, yuk, crack up, or be… Read More

That which hinders your task is your task.” — Sanford Meisner Setbacks are part of acting and, indeed, a part of life. Just as there are times for advancement and celebration, there are moments of pause and reflection. Acting instructor… Read More

Award-winning casting director Sarah Finn has cast over a hundred feature films in every genre. She’s most recognized for casting the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting in 2006 with “Iron Man.” In addition to a steady flow of superhero blockbusters… Read More

The highly sought-after acting coach Howard Fine is famous for his keen insights and practical approach to the craft of acting. Over the past three decades, the Los Angeles-based instructor has led a bounty of actors to international acclaim, including… Read More

What are the qualities that make an actor more likely to succeed in the field? With their unique vantage points, experts in the industry have seen over the course of years the personal qualities that impact an actor’s ability to… Read More

People are complicated. At any given moment, they can feel both intense love and hatred toward someone—they can feel easy and confident one minute, and consumed with self-doubt the next; courageous, yet terrified in response to a threat. The complexity… Read More

From a director’s point of view, how important is casting to a project percentage-wise? “Les Miserables” director Tom Hooper and “Zero Dark Thirty” director Kathryn Bigelow agree: “One hundred percent.” “That’s number one. And everything else underneath,” says “There Will… Read More

Sanford Meisner, one of the most respected and influential acting instructors of the 20th century, once described acting as “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” The legendary drama teacher developed a system of exercises called the Meisner Technique that he taught… Read More

Actors put themselves on the line each and every audition. Projecting confidence during this courageous act not only helps the performer feel positively during the experience, but it conveys to the casting executives that the actor is competent and likely… Read More