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Coaching & Acting LessonsWhether preparing for an audition for entry into a performing arts school or desiring to explore the craft of acting, I coach actors of all ages to learn more about themselves and the world around them through the experience of imagination in written text.
Why do you need a coach? ...if you're working on a specific role in a production or for an upcoming audition ...if you are targeting a Performing Arts middle school, high school, or college and need help on the audition process (I coached my own daughter during this stressful process for performing arts high schools and summer theatre camps) ...if you need to find that right monologue that fits YOU ...if you want to become a better actor and need more insight on script analysis and fundamental acting skills ...if you want to explore the sense of play through theatre games and exercises Your natural instincts and sense of play will be the foundation of your process as an actor. I will encourage you to activate your experiences and your points of view, those unique things that make you who you are. When working with text (full script or a monologue) I will teach you how to break down a scene or monologue, find your character's objective(s), then play with actions (those juicy tools that help you achieve those objectives.) We will use improvisation to awaken and explore creative impulses; theatre games and exercises to expand imagination, awareness, concentration, expressivity, and help build skills of communication, cooperation, and collaboration. Through text work designed for the young performer, you will discover a strong, specific, meaningful connection to the language and circumstances, bringing the author’s words to life. It's not always about getting a role. Through acting, young people gain compassionate insight about themselves and about the world around them; gain poise and confidence; and develop problem-solving skills. It is such a joy to work with actors - to see that spark and ownership when they truly connect with a character or an idea through text. |
Diana Henry is an Acting Instructor at the New York Film Academy in NYC and teaches Technique and Scene Study; Monologues; and Voice and Movement for the Acting For Film Department. She is also a Teaching Artist at Riverdale Children's Theatre in Bronx, NY. Learn more about Diana HERE!
TESTIMONIALS:
"Thank you for being such an unbelievable mentor to me and helping me find my missing parts as an actor. You are beyond a coach, you are really one of the best trainers I have ever met. I learned so much about this art form and to enjoy every minute doing what I love." -Kintan S.
"I was reluctant and unsure about engaging an acting coach. I was concerned about my skill level and what I would actually get out of a one one one session over zoom. Well, I cannot say enough about about how glad I was that I engaged Diana. Instantly she allayed my fears and concerns, disarming me and relaxing me to allow my creativity and innate instincts to shine through and bring real ~truth~ to my performance.
My confidence grew and a different perspective on the material we worked with was able to come forth. Diana challenged me yet also listened and adapted to my style of learning. Moreover, her coaching was easy to follow, eye opening and very encouraging. I cannot recommend her class highly enough." -Tracy M.
"Diana is such a good coach! She can read a piece for the first time and instantly be able to give you tips! She rereads, teaches, and understands the acting! She really prepared me for shows and auditions. She has worked with me on monologues, commercials, and plays I am doing. She has helped me with comedic timing and how to connect with the character. She is really supportive and fun to work with. I have learned a lot and I love studying acting with Diana." -Elizabeth, age 11
"You were so approachable right from the start and you gave me the most helpful feedback AND never made me feel judged or self conscious. Thank you so much for taking the time to work with me! You really give people confidence and a chance to feed their souls." -Evelyn W.
"Any writer worth their salt knows that a great director can take a piece of material and performers and create something greater than the sum of its parts. In 2021, I was fortunate enough to have Diana Henry direct a monologue I wrote. It was clear from our very first conversation that Diana had an instinctive understanding of the material and how to bring it to life. She cast an actor perfectly suited to the material. In rehearsals, Diana created a comfortable, creative environment where everyone felt free to do their best work, bringing the best out of both the material and the actor performing it with clean, clear communication that allowed for true collaboration and transformative progress. The fact that she was able to do this through the isolating boxes of a Zoom screen was even more remarkable. The end result was an incredibly satisfying creative process, and a performance of the material better than I could have imagined. I highly recommend working with Diana Henry." -Matt J.
"Diana was one of my very first acting instructors. She always came to class with energy, enthusiasm, and most importantly, professionalism. Her insightful opinions always inspired me to think about myself, the characters I'm portraying, and my relations to the characters. Her thoughtful directions always challenged me to get out of my comfort zone, to take directions as an actor, while keeping it true for who I am." -Justin H.
"Thank you for being such an unbelievable mentor to me and helping me find my missing parts as an actor. You are beyond a coach, you are really one of the best trainers I have ever met. I learned so much about this art form and to enjoy every minute doing what I love." -Kintan S.
"I was reluctant and unsure about engaging an acting coach. I was concerned about my skill level and what I would actually get out of a one one one session over zoom. Well, I cannot say enough about about how glad I was that I engaged Diana. Instantly she allayed my fears and concerns, disarming me and relaxing me to allow my creativity and innate instincts to shine through and bring real ~truth~ to my performance.
My confidence grew and a different perspective on the material we worked with was able to come forth. Diana challenged me yet also listened and adapted to my style of learning. Moreover, her coaching was easy to follow, eye opening and very encouraging. I cannot recommend her class highly enough." -Tracy M.
"Diana is such a good coach! She can read a piece for the first time and instantly be able to give you tips! She rereads, teaches, and understands the acting! She really prepared me for shows and auditions. She has worked with me on monologues, commercials, and plays I am doing. She has helped me with comedic timing and how to connect with the character. She is really supportive and fun to work with. I have learned a lot and I love studying acting with Diana." -Elizabeth, age 11
"You were so approachable right from the start and you gave me the most helpful feedback AND never made me feel judged or self conscious. Thank you so much for taking the time to work with me! You really give people confidence and a chance to feed their souls." -Evelyn W.
"Any writer worth their salt knows that a great director can take a piece of material and performers and create something greater than the sum of its parts. In 2021, I was fortunate enough to have Diana Henry direct a monologue I wrote. It was clear from our very first conversation that Diana had an instinctive understanding of the material and how to bring it to life. She cast an actor perfectly suited to the material. In rehearsals, Diana created a comfortable, creative environment where everyone felt free to do their best work, bringing the best out of both the material and the actor performing it with clean, clear communication that allowed for true collaboration and transformative progress. The fact that she was able to do this through the isolating boxes of a Zoom screen was even more remarkable. The end result was an incredibly satisfying creative process, and a performance of the material better than I could have imagined. I highly recommend working with Diana Henry." -Matt J.
"Diana was one of my very first acting instructors. She always came to class with energy, enthusiasm, and most importantly, professionalism. Her insightful opinions always inspired me to think about myself, the characters I'm portraying, and my relations to the characters. Her thoughtful directions always challenged me to get out of my comfort zone, to take directions as an actor, while keeping it true for who I am." -Justin H.
Contact |
Call me at 917.334.7341 or email to make an appointment
We can work together on Zoom or in-person. I'm located in Bronx, NY (Riverdale neighborhood) |