FAQ

Actually, unlike many acting teachers, I don’t teach an acting technique and actually help actors let go of technique. This allows their talent and instincts to freely explore the never-ending living truth of each moment unencumbered by rules and obligations of how to act. Over the past forty-plus years I’ve seen how acting techniques can get actors stuck in their heads, stressing them out because they feel obligated to follow the “rules” of a particular technique. Many actors join my acting class with a technique — and then realize, with great relief, the benefit of letting it go and working with my approach.

It’s kind of like that moment in Star Wars when Yoda tells Luke Skywalker, “You must unlearn what you have learned.” Only then could Luke begin to trust his own talent, instincts, and gifts to become a Jedi Knight.

I’ve personally studied several acting techniques over a twelve-year period, and in a single “aha” moment, I dropped them all. At the time, I didn’t know how much those techniques were choking my creativity, putting me in my head, and blocking my instincts. I realized that the way you work has to inspire you, free you, and be effortless for you. That single “aha” moment is now one of the foundations of what I teach in my acting classes today.

What makes my acting class different is that it gives you the rare opportunity to let go of your training and technique. It’s an exhilarating way of working as an actor that builds confidence like nothing I’ve ever experienced myself or seen in the actors I work with. I once heard the wonderful singer Lionel Richie from the Commodores say, “Let go of your training wheels and let your talent speak for itself.”

I utilize the finest writers of film scripts, television scripts and the greatest playwrights. Great writing is MOST IMPORTANT because it has the power to uplift you as an actor and as a person. It inspires you, gives you unshakable confidence, a renewed devotion to your craft and brings out the fullness of your talent and instincts.

With my approach I highly recommend you’re not “off book” initially. I’m going to teach you a process that will have you, from the start, connect to the written material instinctively and in a way that will bring you great joy as an actor.

One of the many side benefits is you’ll be off book without any stress or effort on your part. You’ll also stand out in auditions as well as script and stage readings. Actors continually tell me that working this way has been the game changer for their craft and career.

Yes, when actors trust this way of working they consistently tell me it’s better than any acting method or training they’ve ever done. You’ll gain confidence in film, television, and theater that gives you great independence and the ability to work with any actor or director, regardless of their level of talent. It will be impossible for the industry not to take notice of you when you have the courage to work this way.

I always say my Art of Not Acting class is “Where Technique Ends and Truth Shines.” When this happens for an actor, there’s no more potent way for their career to advance when they combine this approach with taking action.

In order to give actors ample time to explore, there are 8–10 actors in class, and yes, classes are ongoing month-to-month.

This depends on your experience, whether you’re coming through a recommendation and who’s recommending you. Often you’ll be asked to send me your resume and reel. I work with talented actors who are deeply dedicated and devoted to their craft and career.

The whole thrust of culture and societal conditioning is designed to strip us of our uniqueness, making us like everyone else and forcing us to follow the rules of right and wrong that society has determined. Sadly, this leads to the domestication of our animal nature — the very source of our instincts, talents, vitality, and aliveness, which are essential resources for us as actors. While this conditioning may act as a social lubricant, it’s often the main block holding actors back from reaching their full potential as artists. The way out is by overcoming this conditioning. In my Art of Not Acting class, you’ll learn an approach that frees you from these limitations, allowing you to express all aspects of your animal and human nature — because that’s what being a great artist is truly about.

Often, when an actor feels “nothing” is happening, they panic and try to make something happen. This creates false behavior, which is instantly noticed by the audience and turns them off. The actor who has the courage to let the “nothing” be, without doing anything, sends a strong message that they are an artist of the highest confidence, acting only from truth.

The greatest moments in acting often come out of a moment when “nothing” is happening. For many people, this “nothing” is a source of great chaos and overwhelm. In many dictionaries, chaos is defined as “the empty space before the creation of the universe.” This “nothing” in acting is often the empty space before the moment of something exceptional and unpredictable happening — something no concept or idea can ever match in its brilliance.

Look for an acting class that energizes, empowers and challenges you to always be “truthful” in your work as an actor. A class which surrounds you with extremely talented people who are devoted to excellence in their craft. A class that ignites your passion and gives you the confidence to pursue a sustainable, enduring and fulfilling career.

From time to time, I’ve worked with actors who have never acted or trained before. A person who is innately talented, coachable, and a good fit for the way I work can actually grow quickly. One of the finest actresses I’ve ever worked with is like this. That said, I have had talented actors go and get foundational training for a year or two and then recommend they come back to me, as each actor is unique with different needs.

No, I don’t. I know you can’t be everything to everybody. There are teachers who specialize in working with kids, and I recommend you seek them out for your children.

Currently, I have an in-person acting class in New York City (July 8, 15, 22, 29) and an ongoing online acting class via Zoom on Thursdays from 1 to 4PM EDT.

There’s plenty of free, all-day parking on the streets in front and adjacent to the studio. Just be sure to check the street signs that say you can park for an extended period of time.

Yes, I offer an ongoing online acting class on Zoom, Thursdays from 1 to 4PM EDT. I work with talented actors from all over the world in my online acting class, including the East Coast, West Coast, and Europe.

Unlike many acting classes in Los Angeles or Zoom, where actors only get 15–20 minutes of work time (and sometimes only twice a month!), the actors I work with get a considerable amount of time in each class. Actors are amazed by how much time they get to work. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or joining via Zoom worldwide, I place a high value on you having plenty of time to explore great roles and material in class.

$350 per month, which includes four sessions.

I expect actors to show the same level of professionalism and commitment that I bring as an acting teacher and as an actor. In my twelve years of studying acting, I never missed a class, and in my eleven years of teaching, I’ve never missed a class. The great acting teacher Stella Adler once said, “Actors don’t get sick.” Another way of putting it is, “The show must go on.”

Only one absence/makeup is allowed every two months (unless there are extenuating circumstances). The absence can be made up within that session, or the next session, but expires at the end of the second month. Classes will not be pro-rated. The fee is $350 per month, no exceptions.