COACHING
Have you ever noticed how much more you’re able to discover in a scene when you’re NOT the one auditioning?
The truth is that when we’re auditioning, when the prospect of a job is right there in front of us, we start to succumb to acting tunnel vision. We immediately leap to our IDEA of the scene and leave behind all of the delicious things that are actually happening in the scene. More importantly (and tragically), we shut out all of the amazing, bizarre, dark, and joyful parts of ourselves that make us unique.
I get how difficult auditions can be; I’ve been auditioning and working as a professional actor for more than ten years. And with self-taping now being the norm, acting has never felt more devoid of artistry. You’re in your apartment. You’ve got a bright ring light in your face. Maybe your cat won’t leave you alone. But above all else, perhaps the most difficult part of auditioning is simply letting yourself be seen.
BUT WHAT DOES THAT ACTUALLY MEAN?
What it means is playing for what you want. What it means is being so fixated on getting the thing you want that the unique parts of yourself can’t help but be seen.
My approach to auditions stems from my experience as a working actor and all I’ve learned from some of the most esteemed acting teachers in the country. Many of the techniques I use are simply to free the actor in their body, to release enough of themselves in a scene that they stop acting and start living. So they are able to move away from the general (the “idea” of the scene) and begin to inhabit the personal (what does all of this mean to me?). At the same time, I understand that auditioning is a technical skill. Which is why much of my teaching also revolves around honoring the structure of the writing, using your choices to effectively illuminate the beats of the scene, and utilizing your body to effectively tell the story in front of a camera.
Look. I won’t pretend to have some magic approach or innovative methodology for your acting. What I do have is a keen understanding of when an actor is hiding themselves and the capacity to help an actor get out of their own way. What I have is the ability to speak candidly with actors about how to bring a scene to life.
I feel confident in my approach. Which is why I offer all new students a complimentary first hour working with me. If you like the way I work, then we can discuss my rate, which is far below average asking prices. And if you don’t like it, well, no hard feelings, and I wish you well!
But at the end of the day, what do you have to lose?
TESTIMONIALS
MADELINE WISE (CRASHING, SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM)
“I love prepping and taping auditions with Jonathan, which is saying something because so often I find auditions anxiety-inducing. Jon helps bring joy to the process; he's patient; he helps pull out specific, human behavior when I start to feel stuck; he helps me remember that it should always be fun. And of course he's a great actor, so having him as a reader elevates the whole audition – you're reacting to someone who's making great choices, so you can make great choices too.”
JOSH CARAS (GOOD BOYS, THE GLASS CASTLE, THE HIGHWAYMEN)
“I’ve been working with Jon for several years and have always found him to have an idea that never occurred to me or a technical adjustment that opens up a scene to me in a new way. When I’ve taped with Jon, I always feel that he’s pulled something unexpected out of me. He is a passionate collaborator who actually cares about the work you’re doing and will do it until it’s gotten to where it should be. I have consistently found him to be one of the most helpful coaches I know in approaching scene work.”
SADIE KUWANO (MARK, MARY, AND SOME OTHER PEOPLE, CRIMINAL MINDS, IN THE VAULT)
“Jonathan has a remarkable ability to see what a scene calls for and quickly elevate my performances. He asks questions and gives suggestions that bring me into the reality of the circumstances of a scene while helping me get out of my head and let go of my idea of the moment. Working together is a collaboration where we're always searching for how to bring more of me to the material. I've worked with a lot of coaches, but what sets him apart the most is his passion for the work. He is invested in the fun of the process and generously celebrates the takes that feel good. Coaching with Jonathan has not only taken my tapes to a new level (and gotten me great feedback), it has changed the way I approach all of my work.”
Keshav Moodliar (Extrapolations (apple tV+), the ulysses project, sink sank sunk, Juilliard group 48)
“Jon is the perfect example of a coach who brings light to both the technique and inner life of on-camera work and auditions. He creates a safe space for you to investigate the work and allows you to be your fullest self. It’s always a joy and honor to be in a physical, or zoom room with him!”