Daily Inspiration: Meet Erin Coleman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Coleman.

Erin , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Maryland, and I’ve always been passionate about both the arts and civic engagement. I double-majored in Theater and Government at Sweet Briar College, where I graduated with honors. I moved to Los Angeles to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and, like many, I planned to hit the ground running as an actor. But pretty quickly, I realized I was equally passionate about helping other artists find their footing, too.

Over the years, I’ve worked across film, television, and theater as an actor, producer, and director. I’ve performed live sketch comedy at festivals like SF Sketchfest and the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, been on teams at Westside Comedy Theater and The Pack, and appeared on TV shows for networks like FX, Showtime, Peacock, NBC, and ABC. I also created and starred in a digital series, produced several short films, and worked on a documentary focused on campus fire safety.

But alongside that creative work, I’ve always taught. I started at Actors Comedy Studio, where I later served as their Industry Workshop Coordinator, helping connect young actors with top professionals. I joined the acting faculty at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2015, and I also teach at the New York Film Academy’s Youth Program and Barnsdall Junior Arts Center.

Most recently, I co-founded Future Artists of Los Angeles, a nonprofit committed to empowering emerging artists through access, mentorship, and opportunity. For me, teaching isn’t just a side job; it’s part of my purpose. I love helping young performers develop both their talent and their confidence, and I’m passionate about building programs that bridge the gap between training and a sustainable creative life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road, but a meaningful one. Not coming from money meant I had to support myself every step of the way, often juggling multiple jobs just to keep going. I’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, retail, walked dogs, and briefly worked at a doggie daycare. There were years where I was running from set to rehearsal to class to a closing shift somewhere and then doing it all again the next day.

It’s not easy to build a life in the entertainment industry without financial security or a safety net, and there were moments when I questioned whether I could keep pushing forward. But I’ve been incredibly lucky in other ways. I have a family and circle of friends who have always believed in me, emotionally, creatively, and at times even financially, and that support made it possible to keep pursuing the work I love. I’ve been rich in community, and I don’t take that for granted.

The struggle taught me resourcefulness, grit, the meaning of community, and a real sense of purpose, and those are qualities I now try to instill in my students.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I wear a few hats in this industry — actor, producer, educator — but the role I’m most excited about right now is serving as the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Community of Acting and Entertainment (LACAE). It’s a dream position that brings together all the strands of my career: storytelling, mentorship, and building something that’s bigger than any one person.

LACAE is a new kind of training center that honors the rigor of tradition while actively reimagining what performing arts education can be. We believe in preparing artists for the real industry, both technically and holistically, and helping them grow as creators, leaders, and multi-hyphenates. Our flagship program, ACT III, is a one-year professional training program where students sharpen their craft, build an industry-ready portfolio, and train with active professionals who are out there doing the work. It’s immersive, collaborative, and focused on equipping students to thrive, not just survive.

What sets LACAE apart, and what I’m most proud of, is our commitment to access, representation, and creative empowerment. That means offering scholarships, creating jobs for local artists and educators, and fostering a space where diverse voices and bold stories are essential.

My personal mission has always been about helping others step into their power as storytellers. At LACAE, I get to do that every day all while building a community that reflects the true spirit and potential of Los Angeles.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
For me, it’s a mix of empathy, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep passion for helping others succeed. I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to reach back down the ladder so that I can help to make the path a little clearer and more accessible for those coming up behind me. I know what it’s like to pursue this work without a safety net, so I lead with compassion and a strong sense of purpose.

At the same time, I’m a builder at heart. Whether it’s launching a new program, producing a project, or co-founding a nonprofit, I love turning ideas into action, especially when those ideas create real opportunities for others. I’m not afraid of a blank page or a big vision. I’m energized by the challenge of creating something that doesn’t exist yet.

That combination of empathy and drive has shaped how I show up in the world. I want to make spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead with their own stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.la-cae.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futureartistsla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futureartistsla
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhcoleman/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/erinhcoleman/

Image Credits
Edrian Colina did both of our Logos
Sara Fletcher did my headshot