Tamra Meskimen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Tamra, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
At The Acting Center, we do things a differently. Most acting classes out there follow the same formula — you perform a scene, the teacher gives you notes, and you try to apply them next time. A lot of actors think that’s what they need: an expert to tell them how to be great. But we don’t believe in that “acting guru” approach. Instead, we help you discover your own potential. Our curriculum is all about building confidence and independence, so you’re not depending on anyone else’s opinion to know you’re doing great work. You’ll learn to trust yourself, quiet that inner critic, and take full ownership of your craft.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been an actress for many years. I started in New York City, where I trained in improv. I performed as a member of acclaimed improv companies, did radio and television commercials, and worked in soap operas, audiobooks and theater.
Moving to Los Angeles, I appeared in plays, on network television and in motion pictures, established an improv company devoted to improvising one-acts (The Really Spontaneous Theatre Co.), and co-founded an acting school, The Acting Center, along with Eric Matheny and Christopher Smith, where I teach and perform.
My time is currently taken up with voiceovers, audiobook narration, live shows, web series and film and TV performances, as well as working and teaching at The Acting Center.
At The Acting Center we’re shaking up the way acting is taught, bringing it into the 21st century.
Old-school acting techniques had their day, but they just don’t cut it in today’s fast-moving world of film and TV. Actors now need to be quick on their feet—able to switch up characters, dialogue, blocking, accents, and more, often with little-to-no notice. You’ve got to be confident, flexible, and ready to create on the spot.
That’s what we’re all about at The Acting Center. It’s acting training that’s focused on YOU—helping YOU become the kind of performer who can handle anything that comes your way with skill and confidence. Having confidence in my abilities has helped me tremendously at auditions and on set.
I have been on TV shows where the dialogue and blocking changes with every take. And other shows like soaps that move along at a very rapid pace and one really has to be ready to deliver in one or two takes.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was a kid, I saw Lily Tomlin perform a monologue on TV, and I was completely mesmerized. She was incredible! I remember thinking, I want to be able to do that—to make people laugh like that. I memorized her piece and performed it for my parents, and they really laughed! In that moment, I realized how powerful it is to have a positive impact on people through performance.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I think as a younger person we are always looking for approval. Did I do it right? Was it good enough? Will they like me? etc.
So I would tell myself “Trust and have confidence in your self! Who cares what others think?”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I deeply believe that artists play a crucial role in shaping our culture. They don’t just entertain—they help move society forward. Artists are storytellers who reflect on the past to help us learn from it, and they imagine futures that inspire change. They hold up a mirror to humanity, showing us both its beauty and its flaws. As a teacher and acting school founder for over 15 years, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting artists—helping them build their confidence to express their vision and help tell stories that matter. There are so many powerful stories still waiting to be told. Artists are the ones who bring them to life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
This is what we try to teach our actors: focus on doing your best work, and don’t get caught up in seeking praise. There are countless reasons one might not be chosen for a role—many of which are completely out of one’s control. You might be too tall, too short, have the “wrong” hair color, not fit the look of the show, or even resemble someone from the casting director’s past! None of that has anything to do with your talent. The only thing you can control is your performance. If you gave it your best, that’s enough.
Otherwise, you risk carrying around every rejection, letting it chip away at your confidence until you begin to doubt yourself—or even give up entirely. I try to live by this mindset myself. It’s not always easy, but when I do, I feel more grounded, more confident, and better equipped to keep going.
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