1st lesson free
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James
- Rate $50
- Response 1h
$50/h
Contact
1st lesson free
- Acting
- Improvisational theater
Award-winning independent film director with experience working with top actors and acclaimed films showcased at major festivals. Now offering coaching to help actors refine their craft and book roles
- Acting
- Improvisational theater
Lesson location
- online
-
at your home or a public place : will travel up to 20 mi. from New York
About James
Why Train with Me? I bring decades of real-world experience directing actors at every level, from first-time performers to award-winning talent. I’ve worked on films that have played at major festivals like Sundance, Cannes, and Venice, and I’ve spent years on the other side of the casting table, making decisions about who gets the role and why. I know what works, what doesn’t, and how to help actors break through their own limitations. But beyond experience, I take my role as a coach seriously. I create a space where actors feel safe to take risks, experiment, and push themselves without fear of judgment. My coaching isn’t about forcing a method on you—it’s about unlocking your natural instincts, helping you find your truth in every performance, and giving you the confidence to walk into any audition or set knowing you’re fully prepared. If you’re ready to take your craft seriously, I’m here to help you get there.
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About the lesson
- All Levels
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
Actor Coaching with James Merendino
With over 30 years of experience in filmmaking, directing actors, and sitting on the other side of the casting table, I offer a personalized, no-bullshit approach to help actors break through barriers, deliver authentic performances, and land roles.
What I Offer:
1. Finding Authenticity in Performance
• Help actors tap into real emotions by identifying personal connections to the material.
• Teach techniques to strip away self-consciousness and access honest, natural reactions.
• Work on physical and vocal choices that bring depth to a character without feeling forced.
2. Overcoming Nerves & Using Energy Effectively
• Reframe nervousness as creative energy and channel it into compelling, unpredictable performances.
• Exercises to stay present in the moment rather than overthinking lines or blocking.
• Techniques to break out of self-doubt and trust instincts.
3. Audition Preparation & Strategy
• Insider perspective on what casting directors, producers, and directors actually look for.
• How to interpret sides quickly and make choices that stand out.
• Adjusting performances on the fly—how to take direction in the room and use it to your advantage.
• Managing expectations and mindset before and after the audition.
Why Work With Me?
I don’t teach a rigid method—I work with actors to find what unlocks their best performances. I know what works because I’ve been on both sides of the camera. My goal is simple: to help actors break through their limitations, trust themselves, and deliver performances that feel raw, real, and unforgettable.
Let’s get to work.
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Rates
Rate
- $50
Pack rates
- 5h: $250
- 10h: $500
online
- $50/h
Travel
- + $$25
free lessons
This first lesson offered with James will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.
- 1hr
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