Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Picotte.
Lisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was doing a play at West Coast Ensemble and there was a kid in the show with me. His mom asked me to help him prepare an audition that he had coming up. Well, I did and he booked the job! From that moment on, they started sending me all their friends to coach with me as well. That first crop of kids included Taylor Lautner, Haley Ramm and Rico Rodriguez. So I was able to get a bunch of kids on series and in studio features pretty quickly. From there, it just grew and grew. I started with 11 kids in one class. Now I have around 300 kids in 13 classes weekly.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was trial by fire for me. Nobody gave me an instruction manual and I flew by the seat of my pants in the beginning. I was a member of a well know children’s theatre growing up in Las Vegas for years (Rainbow Company) so I used a lot of what I learned there when I started my own studio. I just treat my students the way I know I wanted to be treated growing up and also how I’d like my own children to be treated as well.,
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Young Actor Workspace – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am an actor. My husband is an actor and both my kids are established in the business as well. I guess you could say it’s our “family business.” We teach scene study and improvisation classes at my studio. Ages 5- Adult. I think what makes us different is that where many other studios in town that work with kids are all about how many studios can they open and how much money they can make (so quantity). We’re about “quality.” We have one kick-ass studio that not only teaches kids how to approach the work but grooms them for a career in the arts. We teach them to be accountable and teach them a strong work ethic. It’s been very successful formula so far and it’s a formula we’ll keep.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
No. Just keep on, keeping on. During the pandemic, we’ve moved online and will continue to do so until it’s safe to open again in person.
Pricing:
- Tweens/Teens $385 for the eight weeks.
- Tots $285 for the eight weeks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lisapicotte.com
- Phone: 323-653-3318
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lisapicotteworkspace
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisapicotteworkspace
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/youngactorws
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/lisa-picotte-young-actor-workplace-los-angeles
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