After teaching more than 2500 students in several cities over my life, the COVID pandemic hit, and like many others in the industry, I was shut down.
After decades of teaching, I realized that many of the actors and filmmakers had relocated to other parts of the United States for work or family reasons. Many of these actors have not yet returned, and the film industry has faced a series of box-office failures and other significant challenges. Now, I find myself back at square one. I’ve given much thought to simply retiring and taking a cruise worldwide. I could not do it. Teaching acting has always been, and remains, a massive part of my life. So, I have now created “ActingFree.com”. I provide free professional training for film and stage actors, along with many other support services. I am affiliated with several film teams, and they contact me to help them find talented actors. I also produce films for the actors that I am working with.
Where to teach?
After spending thousands of dollars each month on a theater or studio, I realized I needed to adapt to the new environment that actors face today. I have decided to move my classes online so that I can reach actors wherever they are. If you have a cell phone or a computer with a microphone and a camera, you are ready to join one of my performance-based classes. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to rehearse for a chance to be featured in one of my upcoming films.
Flexibility was a must!
I recognize that many actors are balancing “gig” jobs, making it difficult for them to find a specific time each week for training. To accommodate this, I offer over 40 time slots each week, including on weekends, allowing actors to schedule scene study, private study, and acting for the camera at their convenience.
What Type Of Classes Do I Teach?
Throughout my extensive career as an acting coach, I have had the privilege of training with some of the world’s top acting instructors, including Lee Strasberg at the Strasberg Institute, Estelle Harmon, the head of Universal Talent, and David Herman from the London Academy of Dramatic Arts, among others. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that “acting is about doing.” Just as learning to swim from a book can lead to drowning, studying acting without practical experience is ultimately ineffective.
That’s why I teach what I call the Surrender System. My approach is based on scientific principles and how the brain functions. While I occasionally incorporate games and exercises, my primary focus is on practical application. Every class I teach is performance-oriented. I concentrate on developing your product, not just the process. Everything I teach is to ensure that you are ready to enter the casting world and are fully prepared. Classes are basically one-on-one but allow for multiple actors to join a class depending on what you schedule.
What are online classes like?
In-person training is the best option, but in today’s world, it can often be too expensive. Additionally, many actors find it challenging to fit a weekly class into their busy schedules. To accommodate this, I offer over 40 time slots each week for actors to choose from. These one-hour classes are available every day of the week, including weekends. Schedule up to 3 classes a week. Everything I offer is always free to any actor, regardless of experience level, who is at least 18 years old. These classes will be performance-oriented. That means you will perform a monologue or scene with one other actor (if you can arrange to work with them outside of the class before signing in. I even provide the material you will be performing if you request it. The monologues I provide are all original and written for the actors I am working with.
What is an online group class?
I occasionally hold group classes that allow up to 10 actors to sign in at a time. These sessions are designed as question-and-answer formats, providing actors the opportunity to gain insights from one another and enhance their careers. No question is off-limits as long as it helps improve the actors’ skill sets or career objectives.
What is The Orientation?
When an actor expresses interest in the program, they can easily schedule an online orientation. This meeting serves as an opportunity for us to get to know each other. During the orientation, I will learn about your goals and objectives, and I’ll work with you to create a program that meets your needs. Every actor begins with this “Orientation.” You can schedule an online orientation by clicking the link below