1. What is the difference between career coaching and traditional acting classes?

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My classes can work along side and with all acting methods.  The focus here, however, is to master the complicated auditions and to effortlessly perform under difficult and unnatural conditions and settings, specifically within the camera's range.

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Traditional acting classes usually do not have the time to spend on individual technical and career advice.  I focus on learning to quickly break down a scene, creating strong choices and transitions for the on-camera audition.

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I often advise my students to continue their study with an acting teacher.

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My methods of on-camera immersion provide immediate results!  You will learn very quickly how to improve your performance.  You will become very comfortable in front of the lens.  Distractions will not knock you off your game.  While many acting classes may tape your performance, we review the scenes, rework it and redo it, if I don't send you home to review your work.  You have to come to me for coaching and I will coach you through not only the preparation of the scene, but also the completed scene itself.  We work to find the hidden jewels within the dialogue and create magic!

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Because of the small classes and the nature of the coaching relationship, I am able to help you in many areas an acting teacher cannot.

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2. How do I get started?

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This is the most often asked question and the one that confuses people the most!

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To get started in acting or modeling, you need a few core tools.

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You can take classes just for fun, to build confidence or practice school or business presentations.

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To take it to a working professional level, you will need professional headshots and a resume.  You will also need to study acting and audition techniques.

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3. What is the order I should take?

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There is no set-in-stone order of creating this career.  You must have the correct tools to be competitive.  You are your own "store" and the product you sell is you!  In effect, you are your own producer and fan club!

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You need headshots, resumes and classes.  You don't have to do it all at once!  You will need to find an agent also.  I go into this area in great detail in class and in my book.

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4. What are the tools?

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Headshots, resumes and a professional email address to start marketing are important tools.  The standard email is yourname@yourname.com if at all possible.  Do not use silly personal email addresses.  Casting directors won't laugh and they don't have the time to look you up!  If your name isn't in the mail title, you will be hard to reach quickly.

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5. How do I get a headshot?

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I have photographers I can recommend in several different areas of the country.  If you are brand new to the business, I have on-set coaching where I will design your wardrobe several days in advance and coach you through your shoot with the photographer.  I also help ou edit the many photos to get the perfect 3 or 4 shots to use.  Each agent and city has its own "style" that they prefer.  You won't have a wasted shoot if I design it!

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6. How do I find an agent?

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You can perform at showcases that agents attend and may catch the eye of one.  Please do not spend large amounts of money on showcases - if you have questions, just call your coach!

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You will send your headshot and resume with a short cover letter to the agents and you may be what they need.  Almost every agent now requires a demo reel prior to meeting you in person.  We produce very nice reels for actors that don't have any actual footage to use. 

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7. I have braces.  Do I need to wait?

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No, not at all.  We have Photoshop and the braces may take you out of some auditions, but I haven't seen them really hold anyone back.  Get in class!  Braces will eventually come off.

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8. I don't have a lot of money.  What can I do?

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Classes run between $50 a lesson to $250 a month.  Privates are $75.  I recommend a private lesson before any audition.  I did that my entire career with Margie Haber Studios in Los Angeles and it's one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

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You can take seminars that last one day - they usually run from $75 to $200.

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You can wait to get your headshots until you have saved some money.

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9. I have seen actor and model searches.  Are these things real or scams?

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Both.  Some are very good and some are nothing more than scams.

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If you are pressured to enroll for a seminar "because all the important people will be there" or asked to pay large sums of money, think twice.  If they have to "accept" you and you are asked to pay to take classes and photos before attending, beware.

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10. Can you really teach someone to act?

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I can teach anyone to look good on camera, speak well and with passion.  Some talent is natural and we tweak the technical areas.  Most actors spend years in classes learning how to look like they're not acting!  When it looks easy, you need to know many years of training probably went into that actor's career!

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I feel that if you really want to be an actor or model, you will find a way.  My first agent turned me down 8 times!

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You must have nerves of steel and be very confident.  I can help you learn to achieve these goals.  No one can promise you they can make you an actor or model or star.  To model, you need to learn to walk and shoot well and understand the industry as it is different than acting.  You usually will choose to have an agent.  I traveled all over Japan and Europe modeling.

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11. How do I do pageants?

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I love coaching pageantry.  My daughter, Piper, was Miss Texas Jr. Teen!  We had so much fun!

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Honestly, some pageants are a nightmare!  The prizes are ridiculous and the cost is insane.

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There are several pageants I prefer, that are referred to as "natural" pageants.

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I absolutely love the National American Miss system.  They treat everyone very well and they run a great pageant system!

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Pageant training is very different than acting.  There are different skills to learn and you must follow the pageant rules exactly!  If you choose to do a pageant, my contestants place or win!  Having been there both as the mother of a contestant and a coach, my insight is very unique.  I have also judged many pageants.

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If you have any other questions, please contact me!

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