The art and SCIENCE
of Screen Acting

The art and science
of Screen Acting

Two sides of the same coin - Both equally important.
You need BOTH sides of the coin if you wanna make any money.

These ain’t no Meisner classes.

Meisner's great... Really... But too many actors focus all or most of their training on Meisner, Method, or a similar approach. We love Meisner. We love ALL those methods we refer to as “inside/out” approaches, where connecting to the inner truth is front and center.

That work is extremely valuable, but it alone does not address the specific needs of On-Camera Storytelling.

We dive deep into the mechanics of an on screen performance and show you how to build the habits of making choices that WORK for the screen.

When your work is connected on the inside AND WORKS ON THE OUTSIDE…

that’s when you start booking the roles you want.

This isn’t Screen Acting 101.

A “general knowledge” of the on-camera audition can have you landing on the cutting room floor of the casting office far too often.

This is not just about hitting a mark, understanding framing, or learning to navigate a tv, film, or commercial audition. It’s about broadening your on-camera range, connecting far deeper with your audience, and looking into every corner of the on-camera story telling language to make your screen performances shine with purpose.

There's no magic formula to make people cast you. But you can make your work communicate far more effectively. And that gets noticed.

It’s about MAKING directors pay attention.

This isn't easy.

We’re not gonna take a beginner and turn them into a success overnight.

You’re not gonna coast through because you’ve been a working stage professional for 25 years.

We’re gonna make you work. Hard.

Our students include professional actors from all across the country with decades of Broadway and major regional stage experience, performers with Masters and Doctorate degrees from prestigious theatre programs, working screen actors with agents, managers, and an enviable list of credits.

And we hear over and over how our approach makes them WORK HARDER. But last we heard…hard work pays off.

We can do this a few ways...

Currently all of our adult classes are online. And honestly, we FIRMLY believe you'll get a better education here than a traditional in-person classroom. Our unique online structure forces the actor to engage the work on a far deeper and more consistent basis, giving you a much greater mastery of the frame.

You WILL get a true audition-like experience.

You WILL engage deeply in performances and find true connections with your scene partners and teachers.

You WILL be blown away by the concepts and skills you incorporate in your work.

And you can do it one of these ways...

On-Camera Training Program
Levels 1-3

You're serious about taking your career to the next level and are ready to put in the time and effort.

THIS IS THE PLACE.

Explore the OCTP

Advanced Electives

We occasionally offer advanced classes outside of our regular curriculum.

Most of our advanced classes require an application for admittance.

Explore Advanced Electives

The Practice
$49/month

If you don't have the time or resources to jump into one of our course offerings, still keep ACTING.

We can help with that - at a price that won't break the bank.

Explore The Practice

The On-Camera Training Program

We took our ground breaking On-Camera Training Program, moved it online, loaded it up with tons more engagement, and made it more effective than ever before.
If you want to change the way you look at acting, and develop a fierce strategy for booking on camera roles; If you want interaction with your teachers in a format that blows traditional in-studio classes out of the water,
THIS IS THE PLACE.

The Levels

Our 8-week screen acting classes take the experienced actor and teach them to use their skills in ways that are strategically effective in today's on camera market.

In each level you'll work on commercials as well as television & film scripts. We mix the disciplines intentionally. There's a load of fundamental and structural concepts that translate between the styles. Looking at them together creates a crucial understanding of the bigger picture of how the frame can be manipulated. And it massively boosts your money making potential on all cylinders.

The Fundamentals

When we say fundamentals... we are not talking "Beginner".

We don't mean "how to hit a mark" or "knowing what your framing is" (though we'll make sure you do!).

We are talking a deeper understanding of relationship to audience, of how movement affects the ability for your character to achieve their action, how to be yourself, but at the same time be far more interesting than you have ever been. And we break it all down in an extremely clear, scientific way that you can actually understand and apply.

The Who

Due to the cumulative and unique nature of the program's approach, all actors begin in Level One regardless of whether they are SAG, AFTRA, have had previous On-Camera training, or hold an MFA in acting.

The How

Our online platform will engage you in your art more than a typical once a week "in-studio" class. Please be prepared for the commitment. A smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer is all that's needed. No further special equipment required.

Each Level works on a format of:

Weekly Zoom meetings where you perform and work LIVE.
Weekly videos to watch during the week to dig deeper into the concepts we are exploring.
Weekly self-tape assignments so your can deliver your classwork in a "real world" audition format.
Weekly self-tape peer reviews before our LIVE class meets, so you can develop your eye. If you can see the concepts in your classmate's work, you can more easily apply it to your own.
Weekly second-round self tapes, so you can apply direction.
Weekly ADDITIONAL "Just For You" assignments that you can apply to your practice for years to come.

The Why

Simple.

You want to be a better artist.

You don't want to stay where you are at.

Click on a class below for more details

If a class is full, jump on the WAITLIST.
We really do see movement on the waitlists, and we can sometimes add a new class!

Which level is right for me?

There is no advanced placement into levels 2 or 3.

This program (including level 1) is designed for:

The actor who's out there and active in the on-camera industry and who wants to increase their bookings in tv/film and commercials.
The theater or improv actor - with a strong stage performance foundation who wants to transition to screen acting.
If you are a beginner without acting experience, or a model moving into speaking roles, this class MIGHT be right for you. See the "Note to the LESS EXPERIENCED actor" below.

A note to the EXPERIENCED actor...

One of the most common questions we get is "What level should I start in? I already have on-camera experience."

We get it. You don't want to be in a class full of a bunch of newbies. (Even though you could stand to learn a ton from them!) Egos admittedly get in the way for the best of us. We don't judge. We've been there too.

So rest assured...

These classes were designed based on our experiences directing professional actors in real life national on-camera commercial, film, and TV auditions. This curriculum is designed for actors who have talent agents, who are called in time and time again, who give decent, believable performances, have seen the inside of a callback session, and actually get some work.

But there are fundamental principles that the vast majority of professional actors simply fail to bring to their work on a regular basis that keeps them from working nearly as much as they could. That's what we tackle.

Of course, there's a chance you might be the "best" actor in class on day one. (Whatever that metric is based on). Our goal is to make you a BETTER actor on day 56.

(7 days in a week. 8 week class. Actors do math too!)

Level 1 is in every way an in-depth and challenging study. We promise.

A note to the LESS EXPERIENCED actor...

We do allow students into the program who have limited experience in their acting careers BASED ON AN INITIAL EVALUATION.

Click HERE to apply for a free evaluation

If you are applying for an evaluation, do know that the ability to be present and real in a performance before starting this class is a NECESSITY. But we've seen many a success in the fresh, honest approach of students who come to the table without the baggage of an indelibly ingrained acting process.

Don’t let your inexperience frighten you away. If on-camera acting is your passion... building acting fundamentals in an on-camera setting may be a better choice than starting out in stage-focused acting classes.

But if you feel like you might want basic acting classes first, feel free to drop us an email and we can chat with you about some other acting studios that do a really great job with more general acting fundamentals.

This class entails a high level of commitment and will often NOT be the easy ride that the beginner might expect in an acting class.

That said, we've had LOADS of people new to the acting world prove to be very successful by starting out their journey in our On-Camera program.

Again, contact us for an evaluation if you'd like to be considered. It's not an "audition". We just want to prevent students from mistakenly investing money on a program that might move too quickly for them at this point in their journey.

Guest Teacher Policy for Casting Directors / Associates / Assistants, etc.

All of our classes with guest casting professionals are a learning experience, not an audition or employment opportunity. When the workshop/class is over, the casting professional will not be taking home nor be given access to your headshot, resume or any other of your promotional materials.

Guest teachers scheduled for a particular week(s) in our multi-week classes are based on their availability which may change at the last minute, are not guaranteed, and may be subbed out for another teacher. (Many of our teachers at The Green Room have extensive experience as current or former Casting professionals at major Chicago or LA casting offices. Those without casting experience have developed successful careers as professional actors.)

Cancellation / Refunds / Makeups Information

THIS IS FOR GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY - SEE THE TERMS FOR YOUR PURCHASE ON THE CHECKOUT PAGE!

We tend to have rather strict cancellation, refund, and makeup policies because we keep our class sizes very small. Since we only have a very small amount of seats to sell, it is very costly when someone reserves a seat, and then backs out when we don't have enough time to resell that seat. We hope you understand!

Each class has a detailed explanation of its policies which can be found on the checkout pages, but here is a rough guideline:

Our WEEKLY classes (6, 8, 10 week sessions, etc.):

If you cancel MORE than 10 calendar days before the first class date, the class fee is refundable MINUS a $25 service fee.
If you cancel between 10 days and 48 hours before the first class date, the class fee will be refunded MINUS a $150 service fee.
If you cancel less than 48 hours before class starts there are NO REFUNDS
If you cancel after the class has begun, there are NO REFUNDS

TUITION IS NON-TRANSFERRABLE.

Makeups for missed classes:

For in-studio classes, a student may makeup up to TWO missed classes depending upon availability of a suitable make-up date. Makeups must be completed within a year of the initial class.

For online classes, there are no makeups for missed class dates. You will still be allowed to submit any homework for review, and watch recordings of the missed class(es) if available. Missing homework submissions must be made before the final week of class.

Workshops

If you cancel MORE than 10 calendar days before the class date, the class fee is refundable MINUS a $25 service fee.
If you cancel less than 10 days the first class date, there are NO REFUNDS
If you cancel after the class has begun, there are NO REFUNDS

TUITION IS NON-TRANSFERRABLE.

Makeups for missed classes:

There are no makeups for missed Workshops

The Advanced Classes

We occasionally offer advanced classes outside of our regular curriculum, one of our most popular being the ADV TV/Film class that focuses exclusively on larger roles in television and film.
Our advanced classes are a great opportunities for actors who have completed our 3 Level program to continue to hone their skills and work new material in classes that are designed to be taken repeatedly.

Most of our advanced classes require an application for admittance.
Students are not required to have taken our 3 level program, but it is highly recommended.
Want to increase your bookings? Take the 3-Level On-Camera Training Program.
Happy with your bookings and want to grow your art further? Check out the Advanced options below.

If we are currently offering Advanced Electives they will be listed below. Click on a class to learn more.

Click to learn more

Is an Advanced Elective right for me?

Most of our advanced classes do require an application for admittance.

Students are not required to have taken our 3-level program, but it is highly recommended.

If you have a strong theater background and are looking to gain solid footing in the on-camera market place, we HIGHLY suggest you take Level 1 of the On-Camera Training Program. It is NOT a beginner class.

If you have found success in your on-camera work or have already taken the classes in our OCTP, then Advanced Electives may be right for you.

Click on a class to learn how to apply.
If you are accepted, you will be given a passcode that will allow you to complete the registration & payment.

Guest Teacher Policy for Casting Directors / Associates / Assistants, etc.

Hear what our students have to say about our On-Camera Classes:

Aisling Colon

"Take it! If you put in the work, you will grow your craft, become proficient and confident in self-tapes for auditions, and become a part of a wonderful community of lovely people.

Larry Yando

"I haven’t TAKEN a class, an acting class, in MANY years. I am so happy to have taken this one, and to have broken the trend! I’ve always said that I’ve never stopped trying to learn new things, to understand the incomprehensible, ACTING. It’s always seemed like an ongoing quest.
And I've always found myself hitting a large hurtle when it came to on-camera work.
Fortunately, I have worked, pretty much, consistently in the theatre. Challenges, new ideas, new solutions, MAGIC, happened for me THERE. It allowed me to “go around” that on-camera hurtle, and pretend I didn’t mind that I wasn’t jumping it.
The truth is, however, I desperately wanted to tackle it. As years passed, it just seemed like I had missed that bus, and I knew I would always regret it.
Turns out, it’s never too late. My friend suggested this class, the theatres had been shut down, I had time.
Fortuitous.
I can’t recommend the class, and Sean, enough! Not only was it constantly enlightening, but, it was fun. Hard work and fun. I guess that makes sense. They go together, I think."

Stella R-L

"I couldn't recommend the Green Room enough. The teachers truly care about the students and go above and beyond for them.

Online class really pushes you to be consistent, and spend more time on your scenes than you would in person (honestly sometimes for in person class I would just wing it because of work, school etc.) So HAVING to have your scenes submitted really pushed me to be more organized and work more on my personal process for self tapes and breaking down the scenes. Then having to perform your scene LIVE gives you another chance to perfect it and mimics that in person audition feel because you know your classmates are watching you. I liked being able to practice "working under pressure" so to speak.

I feel that new concepts we learned will be SO helpful in real auditions. Like when it's appropriate to improvise, and when it's best to stick to the script.

Overall, I feel way more confident in front of the camera and how I should approach the scene. I also learned to release myself from the outcome- maybe I'll book it, maybe I won't, but instead just be myself, complete the actions, and have fun!"

Brian Garvens

"If you're going to do it, DO IT! It's worth your time, but don't half-ass it.

I was in a class with career, accomplished actors (that I never thought would need to take a class like this), which just goes to show how valuable it is and how we always need to be searching for new insight.

The material is approachable, relatable, personable, and professional. Sean's career experience makes it so easy for him to break it down to the basics, for anyone.

I took this course because it was the training that some of my favorite Chicago actors have taken, and now I understand why they work all of the time.

If you are SERIOUS about your career, don't want to keep spinning tires, are just getting started, or even if you've been doing alright, this program will change your life.

TAKE THIS COURSE (and probably any other from them). I wish I had all of the money and all of the time to just sit down and work with them for a year straight."""""

Chip Payos

"The teachers at The Green Room will take good care of you, will zone in to your problem areas and show you tools to make you truly hone your craft."

Lani S.

"I highly recommend the on camera classes. Its quality practical training you can apply to your work right away. The online class format is really ideal for on camera training because you’re doing on camera work with everything you do! It’ll get you set up for sending out great self tapes and great on camera acting. Plus its really fun!!

Will Kadza

Go for it! Lots of benefits including technique, knowledge, and confidence.

Louie Cordon

"I wholeheartedly recommend taking classes at The Green Room! You get a ton of practice, and concepts for commercials, TV, and Film are broken down in easy to understand ways. I got to take classes digitally, and they have been so helpful in making sure I feel confident for self-tapes and virtual auditions. If you're looking to practice and learn in this digital format and the on-camera world in general, you will get an amazing acting workout here! Do it!"

Anonymous

This is the best on camera acting class I have found in Chicago. You learn strategy, as well as acting techniques and on camera concepts that prepare you to book!

Valerie Butler-Newbern

"This course is beneficial for actors at all stages in their career. It will definitely teach you what’s needed to book an audition. You will finish this class with a renewed level of confidence in your ability. And for newbies like me a whole new set of tools in your acting toolkit. It was truly a class worth taking and I can’t wait to take On Camera 2!"

Keli

"Hey Sean! Just booked my first spokesperson role for a commercial today!!! I can't help but to feel indebted to you and all that you and Ann have taught me in class. The last time I finished your class, I booked my first co-star role on Chicago Med. This time upon leaving, a commercial. After 2020(+), I just knew that taking your class is what I needed to do to jump back into the game and I was right! I know you are putting in lots of extra hours on this and going above and beyond what anyone else in town would do for their students. I tell everyone I meet to take your classes if they want to start seriously working as an actor. Thank you so much."

One-on-One Coaching Options

Online Coaching

Get coaching on your audition before you record it, or record your audition while we are on Zoom. We can be your reader, or you can bring your own.

Don't have an audition but want to work on something specific? Just let us know!

See our COACHING page for rates and for more information.

In-Studio Coaching

Come to The Green Room's professional studio in Chicago, or work with one of our guest artists in their personal studio space.

Get help with an audition or brush up on some skills.

See our COACHING page for rates and for more information.

Monologue Search

Are you specifically looking for help finding and polishing up a monologue?

Instructor Leah Raidt will hand pick monologues aimed to best showcase each individual student, teach them how to approach the work, and guide them to their best performance.

See our COACHING page for rates and for more information.

Self-Tape Audition Reviews

Don't have time for a coaching?
Can't budget in a full hour's coaching fee?

Send us your self-taped audition. We will send you back a video review as we watch through your work and give notes on how you can make your next take shine.

You MUST email us to confirm availability BEFORE sending over your clip(s)!

See our COACHING page for rates and for more information.