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Formal Professional Training for the Actor

Students
-- In their own words --

• JD's training is for the serious student. There is no shortcut or easy way to do things. You will do the work at every level until you know it in your bones, it will be your first nature (almost :)). He will ask more of you than you ever knew, while guiding you into new emotional and responsive depths in your own inner self. Trust him and you will learn that as an actor there is nothing you can't do, no scene too emotional, too raw or too hysterical. Your work will be free and spontaneous. Open your heart to JD and have a tremendously fulfilling acting experience, and please try not to break the furniture
• JD as called by every one, Joseph Coburn is the only True Legacy in America who still carries the responsibility of training people not only for professional acting, but creates Good Human Beings who eventually become agents of positive change in this world. He is Simple, Subtle and to the point. I have never seen JD speaking more than needed. He infact is the only True Master who can train people in all dimensions of Art. His teaching is not verbal, but practical. He guides and navigates each student individually even a bigger group. He knows where each student is from class to class and gets the best out of everyone. His comments always positive and enlightening. He makes class so interesting that every moment becomes "Ahaa moment". He allows one to self discover the true human and allows one to bring the art of acting naturally from the Gut, rather than fake exercises and techniques which cannot create the reality on the screen or on stage. HisActing skills and the students he churned out during his career is a witness for his talent over a few decades. He makes Acting a fun and memorable experience. His focus is on building theacting muscle by regular practise, disciple and learning from the mistakes. His sense of humor and humanity is impeccable. I salute this Master who opened up the flood gates of creative energy in me, not only in becoming an Actor, but a write, director and most importantly a Human being who can become the positive change in this world. I only wish more and more people take his guidance and train under him to see good Art flourish all around the world. Thank you Sir for allowing me to say a fe words about you and your Achool. Long live Seattle Acting School, Los Angeles Acting School and Joseph Coburn. Dr.Suman Kollipara www.peacetree.ca
• I am in the Army reserves where I work as a surgical tech. I however received my degree at Cal State Northridge in TV production. I have been around the industry a little and have some experience. The acting training by far is the best there is in the industry. I joke with people and call it boot camp for actors, because of its intense and serious approach to professional acting. Not to mention the commitment to the art of acting that is required. It is an approach that can shake out the not serious people. Which is really refreshing. This approach can lead to a professional career in acting if you are serious and stick with it. Its the same concept in any profession; such as surgeons for example. Surgeons are very serious and committed and dedicated to there profession. Really thank god for that. Who would want a half committed surgeon working on you? Well this approach to acting is the same. Its treated as a profession and a career endeavor, and the acting school challenges each individual to to be the best actor that person can be. It does not teach you to be like your favorite A-List actor, but trains you to be your own best unique actor. Do not go into this approach star struck; because it is a profession and it is going to be your career. This training will set you up for success and give you the tools as a professional that you need. The rest is up to you on how you develop your career. An actor as many have told me is running your own business, and to run it successfully you need the right training that will prepare you to be marketable in an industry that does have demand for good acting. Not just a pretty face but a rock solid actor with the confidance to bring any scene to life that is put in front of them. When you have this approach down, the competition seems limited. This training is by far the best and most unique I believe in the entertainment industry. I really believe in my opinion that we are lacking or are short of truly rock solid actors today that bring acting to new heights. Well this training will condition and challenge you indvidually to bring acting to new heights that leave people amazed!
• Training in the craft of acting is like any other profession. You must learn what you are studying, past and present. That said, one of the first things that I heard Mr. Coburn say in class was "Acting is a twenty year apprenticeship, if you want to be a movie star and a celebrity, then this is not the class for you, leave now. We only teach acting here!" I have never met a man with as much integrity as JD, I feel very honored and fortunate to have studied the craft under him for 7 years. The strict passion of the craft, the consistent struggle to solve the acting problem and finding the work at unimaginable depths by simply listening. This is what I found most valuable in my studies with JD, it is not only the hardest, most demanding, highly intensified training you will ever encounter. It is by far the most seriously rewarding and humbling event of self-discovery that you will ever witness. This is the only serious training for the professional artist. Bar none. Not only will you discover what you stand for but most importantly, you will discover what you will not stand for. As JD says "Better people make better actors". It truly was a defining moment in my life…… and remember to practice, practice, practice and when in doubt, practice again
• JD Coburn trains actors. Mr. Coburn was (and is) my teacher in Seattle for over three years. He is a master at what he does. I've learned so much from Mr. Coburn that words can't really express my gratitude. He's a passionate artist that creates environments that allow actors to grow and excel at their art. His guidance and commitment to the craft of acting is unique, kind, and demanding. I studied with him mostly because he's a good person who expects a lot from his students. If you're a person who is committed to learning the craft of acting, you will not find a better teacher, mentor, or friend. If you would like to discuss my experience in more detail, please feel free to contact me directly at ryan(dot)cooper(at)gmail(dot)com. I would be happy to share more about his approach,school, fellow actors, or commitment
• He is honest and fervently passionate about guiding actors toward doing the Work. He provides a safe classroom environment that allows you to explore and build a solid foundation. It was Mr. Coburn's commitment and graciousness as a teacher that made me understand the value of bringing my original self to my acting. Since studying with him, I feel prepared to confidently approach each acting opportunity, because I know that I have the tools and ability to consistently do professional, engaging work.
• For anyone in the LA area looking for training that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in your acting, this is the school and the teacher. It is the most serious program I have found and builds the actor brick by brick. From day one there is constant growth and encouragement. One thing JD does that not too many teachers around will is actually cater your instruction and your pace to where you are at and not just teach something generic to the class as a whole. It is an absolute privilege and honor to study there and if you have the desire to put in the work it takes to become great, this is the place to culture that
• Whether you are just starting out or you need to break down all of those bad habits you acquired in college, but only if you are ready to bring true acting into your life. JD teaches with a passion that can't be ignored. His words are simple and forward and the more you hear them the more they ring true. He has shaped me as an actor and a person. His wisdom will find it's way into everything I create for the rest of my life. This is not a workshop or resume fodder. There is no shiny certificate at the end of this training, in fact, there is no end to this training. This is one of the few places left where you can take a journey into the craft of acting for the sole purpose of finding the art. A journey you will continue for the rest of your career. This training, and the network of other actors I have grown with and sacrificed with, is the most priceless foundation I could ever have. The best part is knowing there is always a place for me at the school, where I can continue to work and practice with actors who train seriously and professionally
• JD Coburn, who founded the Seattle Acting School, and now the LA Acting School provides a structured foundation to acting that will accelerate your career as a talented professional. 'Slow and steady wins the race' is a way to describe the process, and with dilagence and a keen eye and ear for your talent, he will take you to the next level of your abilities as an actor. I am not the same person I was since I began training in this method, and have completed numerous creative projects-video, audio, stage and screen since beginning this work. I highly recommend this school to anyone serious about a career in the acting profession. Eileen Dey, MA www.reikitrainingprogram.com
• JD is hands down the best, most passionate acting teacher you will find. Though I only trained with him for 2 years in Seattle, I learned more about acting and about myself in that 2 years than I would have anywhere else. He trains you to be a PROFESSIONAL actor with actual, authentic skills and talent that many so-called actors lack. It would be folly to pass up the opportunity to train with him.
• Tony Forsyth - You're one of the most caring and passionate teachers I've ever had. The enthusiasm and spirit that you bring to every class coupled with a technical insight and knowledge of the craft nourished my growth, not only as an actor, but as a human being. I will be forever grateful for your generosity. You've been integral, not only in my development, but in sustaining and increasing a very high standard. You've left me a richer person.
• Alexandra Rice - I am about to play the lead in an independent film called "Chasing Indigo." I really want to thank you for teaching me. Under your guidance I know I have come a long way. I never would have been able to land all these jobs, in fact I never booked anything before studying with you. You've given me the confidence and most importantly the courage to let my guard down and really live out the experience truthfully. I promise to bring meaning to my acting and to be truthful. I also promise to uphold the reputations established by those who have preceded me by working the way you have taught me. I can't thank you enough for all of your help and encouragement.
• Laura Granick - I know you will say you've only been a guide post but I say thank you for teaching me how to act. Your guidance, encouragement and even those times (about once a year) you've needed to chastise me have been invaluable to my growth as an actor and a person. I swear your caring attention has made me feel that both my talent and me as a person are extra special and that is a gift you give beyond the expected scope of teaching. I know you'll say I did it all myself but I beg to differ. You've changed my life over course of the years in way I never thought possible and I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough.
• Heather Lindbergh - Hello sir ... Well, it's going to be blown up as big as a barn...I did the (Dennis) Hopper film over the summer and just recieved a tape with my scenes. Of course, I picked it apart but I must say it's not bad for the first time out. I was very nervous and excited and worried and sick to my stomach so the short of it is all I could remember to do was to "Listen". It turned out Mr. Hopper was having a "not so smooth" day with a few other actors and had had a fit. He complained that most actors don't do the very first thing they are trained to do (if trained), "LISTEN." Well I want to thank you Mr. Coburn because after the scene with him, which took only one take for the Master shot, he thanked me for doing my job. I guess I gave him something to work off of. Just keeping you posted. Thanks so much for everything!
• Jim Carretta - Thank you for being supportive with me and especially for helping me unravel the mystery of "reasons." I just want to thank you for acting as my signpost for the past 3 years. Whenever I hit a stumbling block with my acting, you always provided me with the missing link that helped clarify things for me. Thanks for your support and your patience and keep your eyes peeled for us in the future. Forge on in the fight against fraudulence.
• Lisa Biggers - Thank you for all the great learning - you're just the best there is and it's been such a joy to be in your class.
• Lana Paleaz - Thank you for your unending support and confidence in me - you've made me an actress! (note: Lana passed away, from cancer, during her studies with us. We always kept her chair open in class. We know she was there. jd)
• Lisa Watson - Your teaching has brought such confidence to my life as an actor. Thank you for always pushing us to allow the truth to come true.
• Matthew Kenna - Thanks for all your support and input. Your school and a dedicated teacher like you are the best gifts I could ever get.
• Zachary Highland - Thanks a lot! What you did for us was amazing. It went above and beyond your call of duty and will not be forgotten. You're a class act.
• Jodi Adler - How can I ever thank you for all you've done for me? I hope you know how much I appreciate all of your help and insight.
• Priscilla Cruz - It has been very difficult to me to just be me. But, I can definitely say that I am more me now than ever, if that makes sense.
• Matt Staci - There are so many things that I want to be able to put into this but I can't express them any more simply than to tell you, "thank you." In a world where people want to mold you in accordance with their own value system you allowed and encouraged me to mold myself as I saw fit. You helped to give birth to my own sense of individuality. I can now look at myself in the mirror and be proud of who I am. You taught me to not conform to anyone's, "ideas." The only rules that need to be followed are my own. Bottom line is that in the last 2˝ years you've taught me how to act in class and out. I've become a better person because of you. I promise you, just as I promise myself, I will keep that spirit alive. May you take a "Rocket ship to the Moon."
• Diane Guthman - I can honestly say you've been my main inspiration and motivation in acting. The one thing I look forward to each week are my classes. I see a man who is extremely dedicated to his students and to teaching acting. He has this wonderful way of inspiring and making us believe in our ability and ourselves. His faith in our ability seems to light a fire inside of us and we rise to a different level; one of confidence, understanding and passion. Every time I feel discouraged about my acting, I hear your unwavering voice inside my brain, "Keep working at it," "You'll get it, it takes time," or, "Acting comes first." There's nothing like a good dose of JD to chase away the actor blues.
• Hilary Bucher - Thank you so much for all that you have given me. You are truly an amazing teacher blessed with a gift. You teach in a way that inspires us and with such wisdom and confidence. What I've learned is something I can't put into words.
• Emilie Blythe McDonald - What I really want to say is: thank you for giving of yourself in your teaching. You've immeasurably changed many people's lives (for the better). Your level of influence extends beyond what you can ever know. I'm grateful that you were my teacher.
• Jennifer Lee "Cookie" - There're so many things I want to say but the word most appropriate, that sums it all is; "Thanks!"
• Hugh Benjamin - Great One! Thanks for all the great advice. You'll see us on TV! (My students and the other teachers frequently referred to me as "The Great One" - I think it was because I knew how to fix the toilet - jd)
• Hannah Lee - I will always remember you for your relentless passion and talent for teaching. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience so generously. You have touched my life deeply.
• Marcelle - You have opened more than my eyes. You opened my heart more and my spirit is very much alive, thank you.
• Steve Rodriguez - A great teacher and one of the few truly great men whom I know.
• Mary Boutte' - What a wonderful pebble you are to have taken the time to ripple my world. From this day forward not a day will pass that you don't feel in your spirit, or someone shares with you, how you've changed their lives. You are a blessing.
• Felicia Khoja - I must take the time to tell you thank you for everything over these past years. Believe it or not, all of your constructive criticism, encouragement, words of wisdom and even a few scoldings have served to not only make me a better actor, but a better person (no smoke blowing, really). I suppose we students often fail to express our gratitude on a regular basis, if at all, so I want you to know you're a fabulous teacher, you inspired us all.
• Brett Williamson - I've never told you this JD, but you inspire me so much. When you talk in class about acting you just move me. You are the most wonderful teacher I have ever had. I feel like I have a special bond with you. You don't have to say anything and I know you care. You care so much about teaching and you're so careful with people's feelings. You're the Great One. Thank you for everything JD, thank you.
• Lou Beach - I'll always be grateful for your insights, humor and humanity.