Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Stiglitz.
Hi Sam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up performing, and I knew I wanted more than anything to be an actress. I went to a conservatory program to study musical theatre, and after, I studied Shakespeare in the UK. After graduating, most of my classmates went to New York. Instead, I headed to LA to work in film and TV. There, I learned a very important lesson: No matter how talented you are, you have to be visible. You have to promote yourself and showcase your talent. I was not comfortable with that, so I wanted to find another job that was equally creative but had more structure. I discovered casting and fell in love. I worked for the next eight years as a casting assistant, then as an associate, and finally as a casting director, casting some of the most popular shows on TV. Still, something was still missing. I loved actors and wanted to be even more hands on, so I decided I would try my hand at coaching. Five Years later, I am fortunate enough to be one the top acting coaches in the city. My clients range from movie stars to athletes, to influencers, to executives wanting to try their hand at acting. I believe all actors work differently, so my job is to help them find their own way into a scene.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not a smooth road at all. Building a business from the ground up has been trying to say the least. Beyond that, I’ve struggled with finding myself and trusting my voice in this industry. I’ve made mistakes, and I have failed. However, I believe that every step I have taken has led me to where I am today. I love my job and feel very fortunate that actors trust me with their talent.
We’ve been impressed with Audition Pro LA, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am an acting and audition coach. I help prepare my clients for their roles in movies, tv, and theatre. I’m known for my hands-on approach with each individual actor, tailoring sessions to fit their specific needs. I don’t believe that acting is one size fits all. Therefore, change my approach from actor to actor. I learn about each client and use their idiosyncrasies to create a unique process. I’m also known for unlocking actors. Often, as actors work on material, they lock in their choices. This is problematic for auditioning and acting because the expectation is to stay loose and to be free and open to direction. I help clients find that freedom within their work and learn to trust themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest in my work is when I see that lightbulb go off, and an actor finally gives themselves permission to be messy and make choices. I’m happy when the actor stops asking permission to be creative and finally takes control and owns their choices, changing the conversation from “Can I?” to “Here it is.”
Contact Info:
- Email: stiglitzassistant@gmail.com
- Website: www.auditionprola.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/auditionprola
- Other: TikTok – https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeC8yT5c/
