John Henry Richardson: On-Camera Acting For Film

It starts with an interview where I get to know the student and his/her goals as well as their experience and/or aptitude.  Then I will give them an improvisation to see if their acting choices are organic, authentic and honest.  From there we will work on on-camera acting exercises and techniques, starting with monlogue work then moving onto scene study and character breakdown.  I also work with them on their interview and audition technique.  Frequent one-on-one studies and each student gets on camera at least once in every class.  Classes usually run 3 hours or so.  Sometimes I will work with students privately, other times I will involve them in class exercises.   

I graduated the world-renown Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, as well as attending the University of California, Los Angeles.  I also created the curriculum for the New York Film Academy where I taught the Masters, Bachelors and Associate of Arts Degree courses for film acting.  

HERE ARE REVIEWS FROM SOME OF MY STUDENTS WHO HAVE BECOME SUCCESSFUL WORKING ACTORS:

John Henry Richardson Testimonials

“I learned more about on-camera technique in the first 

month of studying with John Henry Richardson than 

I did in the entire first year in New York.  His teaching 

and directing me on camera was a fabulous experience. 

I owe my success to him.”

— Dyana Liu, star of TOWER PREP TV series

“Some teachers have a special gift for bringing the best out

in their students.  John Henry is one of those rare people.  

He taught me some very valuable insights about on-camera 

acting, and best of all, the techniques of organic acting.”

— Monica Mok, Chinese film star

“I really enjoyed this class and loved John Henry’s enthusiasm 

for teaching students.  In my opinion, he is the teacher with 

the most knowledge of on-camera acting technique to share, 

and the best at getting his point across, and making us work 

up to our full potential.  A great class and a wonderful teacher.  

I respect him so much.”

— Amber Reilly, star of the hit TV show GLEE

“I have to thank John Henry for the amazing moments he 

gave us, and the new tools for on-camera acting that I will 

never forget.  Acting for film was a new experience for me,

having been a stage actor, and I loved every moment of it.  

His understanding of how to audition for the camera has given 

me so much vital direction that I now find that I am booking 

more jobs as a result of his incredible teaching.”

— Manuel Rulfo, Co-Star of MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

and MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS.

“In our on-camera audition exercises, John Henry gave us 

great constructive feedback.  He really made sure we 

understood on-camera technique.  I’ve learned more in one 

week than I have in any other acting class.  I hope he returns 

to teach another class and share his insightful observations

about our work.  He taught us about emotional arcs, and how 

to play toward the camera, as well as giving us valuable 

exercises and tools to work on not blinking during closeups, 

and to always use our ‘film voice’.”  

—  Kiran Dubey, star of Bollywood TV shows.

“John Henry Richardson is a veteran instructor of Acting for Film, 

and has contributed immensely to the academic offerings and 

spirit of the school.  His commitment and passion are greatly 

appreciated by the school and fellow instructors.  He remains

a constant inspiration to his students even after they have 

graduated and moved onto successful careers in the film and 

TV industry.”

— Dan Mackler, Managing Director, NewYork Film Academy

“If you have John Henry Richardson as an acting coach, 

you are home free!  He is so talented, committed and present 

that he inspires his students to step up and do their best.  

He is deep, talented and doesn’t miss a thing when it comes 

to on-camera acting technique.  He goes that extra mile for 

his students and is strong without being overbearing and is 

dedicated to a positive result in all he does.  He is a really 

valuable colleague.”

—  Maria Gobetti, Veteran Meisner Acting Instructor

“A very rare and wonderful thing happened last night in

John Henry Richardson’s class.  Ask anyone that was

present and they will tell you that they were privileged

to have been there.  In one class, I got more practical,

tangible on-camera acting and auditioning knowledge and 

personal constructive comments than in any full years 

course that I have taken.  In fact, John is so filled with 

hands-on, earthy tips and techniques that I am herewith

asking you to sign me up immediately for his next class.

Calling John Henry Richardson’s On-Camera Audition

Technique is like calling a class with Albert Einstein 

“Basic Physics”.  It should be renamed “On-Camera

Acting In Depth”.  He holds nothing back and the result

is pure electricity.”

—  Craig Patton, SAG/AFTRA

“I wanted to say how much John Henry Richardson's class 

has impacted me as an actress.  I've been doing my best

work after only four weeks in this class and I've spent

thousands of dollars over the years with LA's best teachers:

Howard Fine;  Margie Haber;  Leslie Kahn to name a few.

I've been steadily booking small roles, but John's approach

to audition technique is the link I’ve been missing in my work.

I feel more ready than ever for that next giant step in my career.

Everyone in the class made massive improvements which was

absolutely inspiring to watch.  It is such a pleasure to have

a teacher who is not only a working actor, but has such 

commitment to his students.  As far as I’m concerned,

every word that comes out of John’s mouth is a golden gift.”

— Anastacia McPherson, SAG/AFTRA

“What a wonderful experience during this week at the 

Paris Film Academy! Thank you John Henry Richardson 

for sharing your talent with us and your experience as 

a coach, actor and film director. Had the chance to meet 

great and passionate actors and actresses, thank you.”

—  Aurelia Khazan, Paris

“Thank you for all your pearls of wisdom and especially 

your encouragement.  There is only a small handful of 

teachers who bring so much that I can say they changed 

my life.  You are one. I really learnt something big this 

last week.  I can feel the change stirring in my bones 

and heart.  It’s going to be a fun and hardworking year.

Thank you for that - it is the most precious thing.  I look 

forward to our next class.  I would LOVE to work with you 

on a film project!   Anytime, Anyplace! It would be an honour.”

—  Paddy Sherlock, Paris

“Well well well…after letting it rest for a couple days I can 

merely say: WHAT A WEEK!  What an incredible week I've 

lived with great director John Henry Richardson and all the 

beautiful and warm-hearted human actresses and actors 

I got the chance to meet at the Paris Film Academy.  Thanks 

to you for this intense workshop on audition technique, a truly 

momentous journey that produced in me a wealth of emotions, 

questions, answers, and it's not only about acting, but about 

life lessons.  I’m so grateful.  Thanks to you and to the Universe.

This is a deeply positive experience for me I'll remember forever.  

Thanks for all the tools and keys. I feel I grew up at your side, 

step by step, and that makes me feel good.”

—  Isabelle Coste, Paris