Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Monteon.
Hi Julia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised in Ukraine by my wonderfully creative grandmother, who introduced me to great playwrights, music, and dance at a very young age. At fifteen, I performed in my first musical, and by sixteen, I had written one of my own, which received high acclaim. I went on to graduate from the Kyiv National University of Theatre, Film and Television, as well as The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles.
Years of working on stage and in film, and studying the performing arts across different countries, inspired me to create my own school — FACTOR International Acting School. It brings me immense joy to make high-quality acting education accessible to people around the world and to share its therapeutic power not only with actors, but with anyone curious and eager to grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Acting is a challenging profession — so much of it is beyond your control. As unfortunate as it is, hard work alone doesn’t take you as far as luck and the right connections often do. Add to that the struggles of immigration, the constant pressure to survive and pay bills, cultural differences, and the loneliness of life in a big city, and you have all the challenges in a nutshell.
But for me personally, missing home and friends — and finding it hard to connect with people on a deeper level — has been, and still is, the biggest struggle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to perform in a wide range of projects — from classic and contemporary theatre productions to musicals and independent films. Working in different cultures taught me to see acting not just as a craft, but as a universal language that connects people beyond borders.
This belief inspired me to create FACTOR International Acting School, where we bring high-quality, accessible acting education to students around the world. FACTOR isn’t just about training actors — it’s about using acting as a tool for personal growth, communication, and healing.
What I’m most proud of is seeing how our students, many from different corners of the world, transform through the process — discovering their voices, overcoming fears, and finding connection and confidence through the art of acting.
I think what sets me apart is the combination of my international experience and my holistic approach to acting. I draw from various traditions — European theatrical depth, American technique, and my own journey of self-discovery — to create a teaching style that’s both grounded and deeply human.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t measured by fame, awards, or the number of roles one plays — it’s about living with purpose and authenticity. It’s when your work aligns with your values and contributes something meaningful to others.
As an actress and educator, I define success through connection — when a performance moves someone, when a student has a breakthrough, or when I see people discover parts of themselves they didn’t know existed. Those moments, however small, feel like real success to me.
Pricing:
- The Fundamentals of Acting Video Course – $99
- Individual class – $75
- Four classes – $280
- Eight classes – $560
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.factoracting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factoracting
Image Credits
Sean Kara
