Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Sedita.
Hi Scott, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After graduating from Boston University, I moved to NYC, where I started my career as a talent agent at one of the top agencies in the city. While there, I helped launch the careers of many top actors, including Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Christopher Meloni, Teri Polo, Dylan Walsh, Jerry O’Connell, and Vincent D’Onofrio, to name a few.
In 1990, I relocated to Los Angeles, where I worked as a sitcom writer for Howie Madel, Bobcat Goldthwait, and many others. In the mid-90, I worked as a casting director for Danny Goldman Casting until launching Scott Sedita Acting Studios in 1998.
After 26 years and counting, I’ve worked with many of today’s top stars, including Holly Taylor, Parker Young, Lana Condor, Michael Weatherly, Brandon Routh, Meagan Tandy, Ross Butler, Joseph David-Jones, Haley Bennett, Charles Melton, Nelly, Josh Duhamel, 50 Cent, Chace Crawford, Paula Abdul, Kevin Alejandro, Sydney Sweeney, JT Neal, Jason Thompson, and many more.
During my time as an acting coach and instructor, I’ve written a few books: “The Eight Characters of Comedy: A Guide to Sitcom Acting & Writing,” which has been translated into different languages, and “Scott Sedita’s Ultimate Guide to Making It in Hollywood… and New York, Atlanta, Vancouver, Chicago, and Any Other Industry City!” I have traveled the world teaching my comedic technique, “The Sedita Method,” and my dramatic script analysis technique, W.O.F.R.A.I.M.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing worth doing is easy, right? There have been many wonderful years as owner and head coach at Scott Sedita Acting Studios, but there have been challenges along the way. Navigating this business is never easy for anyone. We have gone through four different Presidents, made it through the SAG Commercial Strike (2000), The Great Recession (2008), the Writers’ Strike (2007-2008), a game-changing pandemic, and of course, last year’s very difficult Theatrical Actors and Writers’ Strike. In 1998, there were no iPhones, no Google, no social media, no Uber, no Wi-Fi, no DVR, no TikTok, no YouTube, no Netflix, no Actors Access! The entire landscape of the business has changed, and we’ve had to adapt with it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I opened Scott Sedita Acting Studios, most acting classes focused on acting for the stage. I wanted a place where actors could study what they audition for – TV & Film. That is why when I opened my doors in February ’98, I was the first theatrical acting studio that had a state-of-the-art (for its time) studio setup with a professional camera, lights, sound, and various blue backdrops. I taught “On-Camera Audition Technique” (which I still teach) and gave students scripts from (yet to be produced) films like “American Pie,” American Beauty,” “She’s All That,” as well as new TV pilots from shows like “Will & Grace,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “That 70’s Show,” and “Sex and the City.”
I teach one of the longest-running acting technique and foundation classes in the city called Nuts & Bolts, and my Audition Technique class is a must-take for any auditioning actor today, especially if you are creating self-tapes at home.
There are very few studios that specialize in comedic acting training, and we are one of them. Based on my bestselling book “The Eight Characters of Comedy: A Guide to Sitcom Acting & Writing,” I teach comedic acting for multi-cam and single-cam sitcoms.
I have authored and self-published four bestselling books, designed my own acting app, given seminars all over the world, and best of all, I get to work with actors on a continual basis. As of this date, SSAS has more than 65 students and alumni who are currently Series Regulars.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
In my original book, Scott Sedita’s Guide to Making it in Hollywood 2008, I talked about the 4-letter word creative people don’t want to hear but very much experience on their path to success: FEAR. But in my latest book, Scott Sedita’s Ultimate Guide, I talk about my fears as a young actor in an acting program and how I gave into those fears and left acting (for film school). I have no regrets because I love what I do and get to do many different creative things. So, I don’t think folks would think of me being hesitant, uncertain. Fearful. I have dealt with so much fear in my life that I now use it to my advantage. I use it to fuel me to always do my best for my students.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scottseditaacting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seditastudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scott.Sedita/
