Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Christiansen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My career has spanned four decades in the Entertainment Industry and continues. I began coaching actors in 1992 and have been directing for 20 years. As a graduate of the Strasberg Institute, I was mentored by Sally Kirkland and Joseph Bernard. My film, TV, and theatrical career as an actress, director, coach, author, and dancer have included performing with: The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, Merv Griffin, Orson Welles, Stacy Keach, Pia Zadora Jon Voight, Ann Margaret, Burt Young, Angelina Jolie, Joan Rivers, Robert Ulrich, Adam West, Corey Feldman, Alan King, Dom DeLoise, Telly Savales, Desi Arnaz Jr, Wayne Newton, Lola Falana, Hal Ashby, Lynn Stalmaster, and Siegfried & Roy.
Recently, I’ve been voted #1 Coach in Hollywood for 6 years running on Children in Film, and 2 years in a row on Backstage West Readers Choice Awards. Guest Director to the CALARTS Theatre Department, actively coaching actors ages 3 to 80. Creative Consulting Director for 3 new commercials with Rise Up Entertainment. 1st Place Recipient of The Mercy Award for Directing an Original Play for a Festival in Santa Monica
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In hindsight, the obstacles and struggles are minor after 26 years of business. At the start, building a following was the most difficult challenge. I had to begin first by establishing myself in the communities in the LA area, and creating a following from there. I worked hard and did a lot of free promos to promote my growing business, and developing long-term relationships with actors, parents, managers, agents, and casting directors.
Please tell us about Diane Christiansen Coaching.
90% of our current student roster is booking repeatedly and consistently!. I’ve worked as On-Set coach for both the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. I’ve trained some of the hottest young talent in Hollywood including: Hailee Steinfeld, David Henrie, Jason Dolly, Danielle Panabacher, Kay Panabacher, Shelbie Bruce, Amy Bruckner, Joey Luthman and Miranda May.
I’m truly committed to making a difference with every actor I coach. I feel that passing on this rich tradition has brought me even more joy than performing.
My students appear as series regulars, recurring, guest stars & costars on numerous TV shows and Features, including…
The Long Road Home, Better Call Saul, This is Us, Pretty Little Liars, Ellen, Z Nation, Bunk’d, The Voice, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, Motown the musical, Guys With Kids, Glee, Entourage, Bones, Weeds, Bucket & Skinner’s Epic Adventure, 90210, Pushing Daises, October Road, Lost, House, Good Luck Charlie, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, iCarly, Wizards of Waverly Place, Without A Trace, One on One, Criminal Minds, Scrubs, My Name Is Earl, Everybody Hates Chris, Law and Order, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Office, Ned’s Declassified, Unfabulous, Phil of the Future, That’s So Raven, Alias, E.R., 24, Zoey 101, Washington St, Cold Case, Mad TV, Arrested Development, CSI, Little House on the Prairie, Bernie Mac Show, Judging Amy, The Bold and the Beautiful, American Family, Malcolm in the Middle, Star Trek, Bruce Almighty, Spanglish, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Scooby Doo, The Cat in the Hat, 13 Going On 30, Transformers, The Heartbreak Kid, True Grit, Starsky and Hutch, Pitch Perfect 2, and Edge of Seventeen, to name a few.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
In 7th grade, when Kurt Baxter gave me his letter sweater to wear all day long.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DianeChristiansen.com
- Phone: 818.523.8283
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
