RYAN O’HARRIS
When I arrived in Las Vegas over 23 years ago, I found a city with minimal support for actors. There were only a couple of acting coaches, virtually no film casting opportunities, and no repertory theater. Honestly, there were very few actors as well. I saw this as a great challenge to take on. For most of that time, I focused on training new actors, and it was going well. After teaching more than 1500 students, the COVID pandemic hit, and like many others in the industry, I was shut down.
After decades of teaching, I realized that many of the actors and filmmakers in Las Vegas had relocated to other parts of the United States for work or family reasons. Some of these actors have still not returned, and the film industry in the area has faced a series of failures at the box office, along with other significant challenges. Now, I find myself back at square one. I’ve given much thought to simply retiring and taking a cruise worldwide. I could not do it. Teaching acting is and has always been a massive part of my life. So I have now created “ActingSOS”. I provide free professional training for film and stage actors and many free support services. I also offer training for new filmmakers free of charge.
Where to teach?
After spending thousands of dollars every month on a theatre or studio, I finally decided that I have a large house on the southwest side. If I used the space to teach, I could continue to provide my program for free. So that is what I am doing. It was a consideration since I knew many would feel uncomfortable coming to a private home. Still, I decided to convince them how wonderful the space is or take that proverbial cruise I was discussing. The house won.
Flexibility was a must!
I understand that Las Vegas is a place where many people come to escape or seek new opportunities, which can make it challenging to maintain a consistent approach to teaching. I also recognize that many actors are balancing “gig” jobs, making it difficult for them to find a specific time each week for training. To accommodate this, I offer over 40 time slots each week, allowing actors and filmmakers to schedule their sessions at their convenience. Check our “Class Schedule” for the options.
What Type Of Classes Do I Teach
Throughout my extensive career as an acting coach, I have had the privilege of training with some of the world’s top acting instructors, including Lee Strasberg at the Strasberg Institute, Estelle Harmon, the head of Universal Talent, and David Herman from the London Academy of Dramatic Arts, among others. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that “acting is about doing.” Just as learning to swim from a book can lead to drowning, studying acting without practical experience is ultimately ineffective.
That’s why I teach what I call the Surrender System. My approach is based on scientific principles and how the brain actually functions. While I occasionally incorporate games and exercises, my primary focus is on practical application. My goal is to connect you with our affiliated film teams for actual casting opportunities. We concentrate on developing your product, not just the process. We create audition pieces, demo reels, and ensure that when you are ready to enter the casting world, and make sure you are fully prepared.
Affiliated Production Companies
