McKeesport, PA Theater Acting Lessons

ays on Broadway, writing your own songs, and developing show-biz career strategy, (headshots, meeting agents/managers, etc) I help TIYA members every day achieve their artistic dreams.

MORE INFO:
I have been singing since I was 3, anything and everything from Michael Jackson to Elvis Presley to Luciano Pavarotti. Originally from Colorado, I studied music/theatre, as well as vocal pedagogy at The University of Colorado at Boulder, where I graduated with highest honors. I made my Broadway debut in "The Phantom of the Opera" at age 24. I also performed in "Chess in concert" as a featured rock tenor soloist at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway with Josh Groban. I have understudied and performed lead roles in the first AEA National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Whistle Down the Wind." Regionally, I have played many lead roles all over the United States in productions including "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon," "The Wild Party," and "She Loves Me."

As an ASCAP recording artist, currently I am working in the studio with a full production team on my first pop/rock album. I also often sing on demos for producers and write songs for other artists in many different genres.

As a TV/Film actor, most recently I was on set with Marvel's "Luke Cage" on Netflix, and I played the lead role of (Abraham) Lincoln in the digital series pilot, "These Honored Dead." I also have played lead roles in 4 SAG-AFTRA short films, as well as the comedic lead in a SAG-AFTRA Web-series pilot, "Bodega Nights." I was called back for producers as a Series Regular for "The Knick," an episodic series produced and directed by Steven Soderbergh on Cinemax. Check out: stephenhorst.com.

My audition prep will help you master your sides for any playing space; Broadway plays/musicals and especially on camera.

TIYA clients include (aspiring) Broadway performers, Film and TV actors, singer-songwriters, voice-over artists, news anchors, dancers, comedians, CEO's all over the world, as well as karaoke enthusiasts, and songwriting hobbyists.

My TIYA members have performed on television in Smash, Glee, and venues around NYC ranging from The Underground, Le Poisson Rouge, Drom, Cornelia Street Cafe, Arlene’s Grocery, to the Broadway productions of Ghost, Sister Act, Evita, Wicked, West Side Story, South Pacific, The Phantom of the Opera, and Rent to name a few.

*** Lesson Details ***
We will always work on whatever you want.

For Singing, as a vocal technician/trainer I am like going to the gym for your voice. My exercises are safe, simple, and most importantly, I teach you how to practice correctly.

For ACTing, we can explore both the foundation itself with monologues and scenes, as well as the tricks of the trade mastering the camera frame and how to create memorable auditions for TV/Film.

For Songwriting, we can explore the fundamentals of both lyrics and music, as well as catchy hooks, production, and song structure.

You may use my time however you wish (Voice, Acting, Songwriting, or Artistic/Career guidance).

Most vocal sessions will usually be a combination of strengthening/ conditioning exercises, and then exploring/performing a song.

Most ACTing sessions will be theatre monologues, TV/Film sides and/or On camera auditioning craft.

Career consultations usually include how to get an agent, headshots, branding, and marketing to align your artistic dreams with a strategy for success.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha PSR 950 61-key arranger keyboard
Sony Handycam DCR-SR 100
Fovitec Studio PRO - 5' x 6.5' Gray/Blue screen
MacBook Pro 13-inch: 2.4GHz
with Retina display
Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar
Bose Wave Music System
iPhone 6S plus

*** Specialties ***
SINGING, ACTING, SONGWRITING, CONSULTING

The TIYA vocal training method is uniquely my own as it combines both Bel Canto and Speech Level Singing. Emphasis is on developing a relaxed, released, authentic vocal timbre to sing in any style. Concepts explored include: Coordination, Registration, and Intonation. Chest, Head, Edge, and Pharyngel registration, 2 instruments in 1, posture, breath management, vocal cord adduction, trigger phrases, ring, consistency, and more. 

n Chicago to attend graduate school. In 2013, I earned my M.F.A. in Acting from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Currently, I am the Director of New Works with The Arc Theatre . Additionally, I direct plays for other prominent theatre companies in the city. I am capable of teaching a variety of theatre skills, including classical techniques, performance of literature and speaking voice.

A bit about you:
YOU are a new actor, an experienced actor or "getting-back-into-the-swing-of-it" actor. YOU need help with an upcoming camera or theatre audition, choosing new monologues, developing a script, exploring different techniques, or understanding this fantastic business.

YOU are excited, scared and most importantly READY TO DIVE IN!

I am here for YOU!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am extremely laid back and open to trying new things. In a lesson, you can expect to bravely explore the world of acting in a safe, nurturing environment. I believe in the "YES" philosophy- anything is possible and everything is valid in developing a creative life. There are no wrong answers! Just millions of GOOD questions. Acting is DOING and through trial error, anyone with the drive and determination can be a successful performer. I will instill the confidence and skills you need to take the next step in your acting career- whatever that may be!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a growing library of books on acting, auditioning and play scripts. I am happy to loan you material and use any of my resources to further your learning.

*** Travel Equipment ***
We can both provide music, books and props as needed.

*** Specialties ***
Shakespeare, Contemporary, Film, Dialects
*Linklater-Trained

, but can assist you in making the right choices to navigate your own way in the business. I offer private coaching to actors in theater and film, and singers in the US and abroad. I would love to share my knowledge and experience with you.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer private coaching to children, teens, adults who have an interest in acting or singing performance, and for those who simply have an interest in performing or speaking in front of others. In addition to coaching those who wish to better their skills in acting, voice and speech, and singing, I also offer coaching for non-actors; i.e., attorneys, business professionals, teachers, politicians, pageant participants, and other creatives, who want to improve their public speaking and communication skills.

*** Studio Equipment ***
High definition, quality camera for video and stills
High quality lighting equipment and MAC monitor
Ideal for video auditions and on-camera classes

*** Travel Equipment ***
High definition, quality camera for video and stills
High quality lighting equipment and MAC monitor
Ideal for video auditions and on-camera classes

*** Specialties ***
Acting for film, TV, theater, and commercials
Audition Etiquette and Technique
Light Career Coaching
Agent Ready Coaching
Voice and Speech
Public Speaking
Neutral American Speech
Singing; including Musical Theater

ile performing arts programs.

*** Lesson Details ***
Private Lessons

Lessons Currently Offered

Voice

Acting

VOICE

The private voice lesson is designed to teach the student to sing with proper vocal technique and to learn appropriate stage presence, one-on-one (instructor and student), and is tailored to fit each student's individual needs.

Students will learn proper vocal placement, pitch control, ear-training , breath support , note reading , musicianship, self-confidence, music instruction and much more. Lessons will include studying a wide variety of vocal styles and/or languages, with various degrees of difficulty, tailored to the needs of the individual learner.

ACTING

The private acting lesson is designed to teach the student the tools they need to succeed as performers. Learn terminology, skills, and build confidence. Older students will focus on Audition, Scene Study, and Improvisation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
Keyboard

*** Specialties ***
Acting Coaching
Voice Lessons
Mommy and Me Classes
Fairy Tale Theater
Home School Classes

Eric Morris “How not to Act” style. Currently recurring on a Detective TV show and shooting films between traveling coast to coast. Having currently just wrapped two Feature films where Chad played antagonist Henry Dunlap in “Testing” on Amazon Prime. He also just wrapped as News Director boss Stephen in “The Crossbreed” with famed Turkish Director Biray Dalkiran in Los Angeles. Chad is very excited having shot the pilot for the TV show “The Rejects: Origins” a Sci-Fi Action adventure for a Major Streaming Network Portraying the role of General Heat. Chad is looking forward to the new series getting picked up and working with the wonderful ensemble cast. This past June Chad had the pleasure of working in the Feature Film “Risers “Directed by Mr. Jeff Martell. Most recently landed another recurring role on a new TV show Atlanta Homicide. Chad has also been cast in a new TV show called Knights End set in England AD 1017 in a recurring role in an ensemble with a wonderful all-star cast airing on a streaming network fall of 2018. Versatility is his specialty. Chad prides himself in being a chameleon. He is always up for the challenges of different characters. I really enjoy teaching and watching the student grow. I teach in a casual laid back approach.

a working professional it is beneficial to have a variety of skills in addition to acting. Therefore, dance lessons are also a service I provide. I have been dancing for 18 years, and teaching it for 5. I specialize in teaching youngsters, ages 3-7, but I am open to students of all ages!

Entertainment is a difficult field, and there is not a single path to success. I have been fortunate enough to have been represented professionally since my college graduation in 2016. I attribute this to the internship I took in 2014,
when I worked with The Chasin Agency in Los Angeles, CA. I used what I learned from that internship to navigate my way through the industry here in Chicago. In the past year I have been able to get three of my students representation here in town through branding techniques via headshot and resume.

If you are ready to grow as an artist, and apply your skills towards a profession, I am ready to teach you!