Acting Lessons & Classes in Briarcliff

I have been involved in several productions, and have extensive acting experience. I am able to help my students study their characters, and realize a wide range of acting choices.

As an actor who has been featured on various international commercials for brands such as Old Spice, Southern Comfort and Anthem Blue Cross, as well as professional theatre and operatic experience I am well versed in various approaches to film and stage acting for your particular project or audition.

I have taught and directed for 30 years in NY and DC. From lesson 1, students engage with a dynamic approach to acting through Meisner-based improv. During the 1st 12 weeks, we go from basic truthful acting to dynamic scene work, followed by 12 weeks of in-depth scene study, then extensive character training and in-depth film and audition technique. My students are successful in film, theater, commercials and TV in DC, NY and LA.

I have been teaching and coaching actors for 20 years. My students work professionally on stage, TV and film. Within the first few lessons, you will understand how to create a character. Soon, you will have the skills to book a role. I specialize in method acting, but draw upon my experience at The Second City (improvisation) in Chicago and other training I have had. I love working with students of all ages and experience levels; I can't wait to meet you!

My name is Lourdes Helena a Professional with seventeen years in the communication business TV & Radio producer, Film Director, teaching, acting and business experience. High-impact communicator capable of effectively conveying information at all levels when dealing with young and adult students. Solid independent judgment, honorable work ethics, able to build outstanding working relationships.

My approach to acting is using a holistic method being connected in mind, body, and spirit. Also using techniques to enhance memorizing scripts, improvisation, and character analysis are part of the coaching experience. I've been trained in classical scene study, method acting, improv, and comedy. All levels are welcome!

For me as an actor, the benefit of a great coach or director has always been that they've helped me reach places in my work I couldn't have achieved on my own. As a coach myself, I'm most thrilled by those small (or monumental!) breakthroughs that my students and I discover together during the coaching process. The cool thing is that I've found the progress my students make in their craft will often inspire me to new heights in my own. (A bonus to already enriching work)!

If you want to develop new material for upcoming auditions, hone and refresh (or completely change) your monologues, or simply work on the craft of acting, I can help. I work to gear your coaching sessions to the goals you need to achieve, offering an experience created around what you need to work on and want to learn.

With a BFA in Acting and Directing, an MFA in Classical Acting, and over 20 years of professional acting experience in the theatre and on-camera, I can offer tools for your tool belt ...

My fellow thespians,

You will be mentored by an Emmy Nominated actor and award winning Playwright. I have studied with legends such as Stella Adler and Larry Moss. My lessons are built on the Meisner technique. I have the solid foundation as a working actor and writer for thirty years.

I'm a highly sought after speaker and have taught my seminars at universities around the country. One of my goals is to transition the college acting student to a working actor. My students have built careers as a result of my coaching and mentoring. My all encompassing approach will cover everything from how to give an amazing audition to fast tracking you to obtaining an agent.

Compare my credentials of all your prospective teachers. I'm confident that my approach to presentation, proper breathing, voice, making a lasting first impression, how to dress, building your career, how to get an agent is unique and helps me stand apart from my competition.

Lastly, I really care. I am invested in

Acting lessons with me are unique because they come from the experience I've had as a successful working actor with 25 years of experience in film, tv, theater and radio in the United States and Latin America.

Not only I can teach you acting techniques but the nuts and bolts of show business. These lessons will deepen your skills in the craft of acting. We'll cover in our sessions Acting Basics, Voice, Various Acting Techniques, Differences in acting for theater vs film, How to improve your audition skills, Self Tapes, Preparation and research for your shoot, Work Ethics and intricacies of the film Industry. Students will approach this through the analysis of films, scene work, interactive debate and reading assignments.

I am an experienced director that wants to help you nail that next audition or performance. I specialize in scene work and monologue coaching. I promise every lesson will be fun and engaging!