Today we’d like to introduce you to Allesondra Helwig.
Hi Allesondra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started Authentic You: Coaching for Actors very quietly in 2021. Like many coaches, I began by doing zoom sessions to get started slowly. In January 2022, I decided it was time to go full speed ahead and I found a in-person studio on the west side of Los Angeles.
I initially began coaching because there were so many actors asking me for advice, help, and information; and it felt really great to be able to offer my knowledge and encouragement to those actors just starting out.
I have been a working actress for 8 years now, and I’ve lived and worked in both New York & LA. Now, I am not only a working actor, but also a producer, director, script supervisor, casting director, and coach.
As I continued to coach, I saw that there was more I could offer to actors of all levels.
When I moved to Los Angeles, the #1 thing I was looking for in a class was to be on camera every week and to be in an environment that not only pushed me to become better but also instilled confidence in myself and my work. While there are some great studios out there, not nearly enough of them put their actors on camera consistently AND give their actors those tapes to take home. And unfortunately, there were a good amount of classes that I would leave feeling judged, talentless, and discouraged.
As I continued to coach, I realized even more how many actors leave classes feeling terrible. One of my clients even shared with me how every time she left this one studio, she would cry for the entire drive home because she felt like she wasn’t good enough and like her coach hated her. And other clients have shared similar stories, but all of these clients continued to go back because they had spent so much money to be in that class and couldn’t afford to give that up.
An actor’s job is to be vulnerable. How are we supposed to do that when we feel badly about ourselves?
My goal is to be a studio that demystifies the business for actors, encourages actors to be themselves and to make everyone a stronger artist. I strive to give actors the tools to build a long and sustainable career…
Authentic You is still in its 1st official year. And I am so proud to have worked with so many talented actors so far.
I have clients who went from feeling terrible about their work to feeling confident every time they submit a tape (and their callbacks and bookings have increased because of that).
I have clients who were feeling stuck, so we revamped their materials and within a week, they signed with new representation and saw a jump in opportunities.
I also have clients who were auditioning consistently but weren’t getting callbacks or bookings, and now they are!
I don’t believe in taking credit for an actor’s credits, but I do believe that when an actor is given the tools for success, and they use them, it shows.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business is always a risk and has plenty of bumps in the road.
The biggest hurdle I face is name recognition. While being in LA is the best place to be as both an actor and acting coach/studio; there is a lot of competition. A lot of actors move here and immediately want to train at the studios with the big names.
And, of course, there is so much I want to offer and give to my clients, but I am just 1 person, so I have to pace myself.
Things I currently offer include:
Audition Technique (film/tv)
Career Consultations
Script Analysis
Self-Tape Studio
1 on 1 Coaching tailored to the actor’s goals
Things I want to add:
MORE Group Classes + Guest Teachers
Contracts for Actors
Writer’s Groups
Acting for Commercials
Acting: As a Business
Acting: How to Pursue You Career in a Sustainable Way
As you know, we’re big fans of Authentic You: Coaching for Actors. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Authentic You: Coaching for Actors is an acting and self-tape studio located on the west side of LA.
I specialize in coaching for actors to get them to the next level in their career.
I do this by demystifying the business side of things and giving actors the tools they need to submit strong auditions every time.
I’m different from other studios because I am not only a coach full-time, but I am currently a working actor as well as a producer, director, script supervisor, and casting director. This gives me the insight to understand what other actors are experiencing and I can give well-rounded advice based on what is going on in the industry right now.
I am most proud to promote authenticity and confidence. I believe that building a successful career as an actor takes confidence and consistency. Confidence to be authentic will allow you to be truly vulnerable in front of the camera and help create the foundation for a long and sustainable career.
My services and classes are designed & priced with actors in mind.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Follow Authentic You on IG! @authenticyoucoaching
No matter what you do, find your authenticity and always pursue your passions with professionalism, positivity, and respect.
Pricing:
- 1 on 1 Sessions starting as low as $80
- Group Classes starting as low as $200
- Payment Plans Available
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allesondrahelwig.com/authenticyou
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticyoucoaching
Image Credits
Michael Roud Photography
