Acting Lessons in Somers. Amazing Teachers.

Public Speaking, Acting, Improv, and Communication Skills

"Speaking publicly was always my greatest fear until I had an opportunity to be coached by James. In just 5 one-hour lessons, my fear of public speaking was eliminated. James was able to convey that my fear of public speaking was irrational, and with several key preparation techniques I would be able to overcome this lifelong challenge. All true! Thanks James!"
--Senior ranking administrator in a private educational institution

The #1 fear of business people is addressing an audience. Effective oral communication, especially speaking in public, is a skill integral to confidence and leadership in the business world. Like any skill, it can be learned. Using breathing, stretching, and relaxation techniques from British theatre training, you will learn how to overcome stage fright and build confidence, so that you can stand in front of a group of people and convey your ideas convincingly, without fear, and become a ...

I've been working with students ages 3-18 for 20 plus years. Acting is a great tool to help us all be comfortable in our own skin. Whether you want to work on a monologue for your next audition or start from the beginning I can tailor my lessons to fit your needs. I have a Masters in Theatre with an emphasis in Directing.

I have 20-plus years of experience as an acting teacher and have helped many students succeed in their auditions. I have experience in both stage and film acting, as well as in musical theatre performance. My focus is on helping students achieve believable and compelling performances that directors will remember. I also know the ins and outs of the business and can help students learn the ropes of the business side of "THE BIZ."

"Shakespeare is Fun!"

This is my goal for you, whether you have an audition, a test or just interested in more Shakespeare- he was writing to be fun and the 21st Century has ruined.

*We'll start with some warm-ups, get the instrument ready for Shakespeare fun.
*Monologue - let's see what we're working on
*Shakespeare games (learnt from the Stratford Festival!)- we'll play games with your text that frees you up inside the language.
*Monologue - Let's see where we are.

<$65/60 mins Introductory Price></$65/60>

I am a professional performer, director, and acting coach with over 35 years of experience, and I love leading you to your best work! I can prepare you for a specific audition ( with monologue, sides, or song), or I can provide material so that we can work on a broad set of acting skills and techniques. I will provide guidance, feedback, training, and industry tools, all to have you feeling great about your newly-refined work on stage. My teaching style is energetic and encouraging, and layered with the insights I have gathered from my work as a producer, director, playwright, and performer in all stage genres ....Drama, Improv Comedy, Musical Theater, Comedies, Farce, Commedia dell'Arte. Let's work!

I coach students on their monologues so they can improve their auditions and self-tapes. I help them with monologue selection if needed, monologue breakdown, character breakdown, performance techniques, exercises, and much more. My students leave with not only an incredible monologue for auditions, but also a more in-depth understanding of acting and character work.

The theater techniques I use to teach acting and coach monologues include: Stanislavski, Meisner, Uta Hagen, and Michael Chekhov. I promote a positive and safe environment for actors to explore their character and creativity.