Jeffrey Meek Acting Studio

Hello, For those interested in acting lessons, I’m teaching classes at Jeffrey Meek Studio in North Hollywood, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Jeffrey Meek Studio is a scene-study acting workshop dedicated to creating an environment where committed and passionate actors come together to develop and hone their craft in a focused, supportive environment.

I also offer Jeffrey Meek Studio Online, private one-on-one acting sessions with yours truly. One of my great joys is connecting and working with actors from all over the world via the internet. Feel free to learn more about me by clicking my Biography page, Blog, or by visiting the IMDB website.

I’m the co-artistic director of PlayFest Santa Barbara, a playwriting festival, dedicated to the discovery and development of new plays and musicals. My primary teaching focus is to encourage and guide the actor to embody the character he or she is playing, by creating the most effective ways to overcome the character’s obstacles to reach the character’s objectives and desires. Masterful acting occurs when the artist has created the most effective moment-to-moment reality for the character, and appears to be discovering his character’s life in an authentic way. Uta Hagen once stated, “The actor puts his own psyche to use in finding identification with the role, trusting that a form will result.” Masterful acting requires that the actor never get caught acting.

My teaching method is based, essentially, upon the techniques of our professions’ finest scholars and teachers, i.e., Stanislavski, Chekov, Meisner, Adler, Hagen, Morris, Cohen and Chubbuck, with the inclusion of state of the art advancements in behavioral and neural biology and modern psychology.

Currently, professional actors are faced with many challenges that require him or her to create and develop their characters very quickly. Often actors are required to audition for a particular television show or movie, or if they are a series regular, are forced to create a complete performance within a twenty-four to forty-eight hour time frame. Consequently, the actor must rely on a technique that quickly fleshes out the character in the most powerful and effective way possible. To do this, I use a systematic framework that works beautifully for quick auditions, while also being ideal when I’ve had the luxury of a four-week rehearsal process for a long run in the theatre. This multistep framework has developed over the life of my education and thirty-seven year career, and has been used with hundreds of acting students over the past twenty years.

Jeff is dedicated to helping actors of all levels and skills. You will receive a safe and powerful support system to free up deeper character exploration and development.

Whether you are preparing a television audition, playing Shakespeare or just starting out, Jeff offers coaching from one of Hollywood’s successful professionals who is determined and prepared to lead you toward your highest goals as an actor. “Jeff’s classes are an inspiration on a professional and personal level. He creates a very supportive environment, which encourages the student to dig deep into their emotions to understand the motivation of characters and bring them to life off the page. Jeff has helped me unlock my potential and given me the confidence to perform, particularly in public speaking. In each of his sessions I have learned something new about the art of performance and what I am capable of achieving. It is a magical ride working with Jeff!”

Testimonials

“Joining Jeffrey Meek’s acting class was truly one of the best decisions I could have made in regards to coaching. There are so many acting coaches out there that offer different teaching styles and information regarding how to take on the industry. So it can be really tough to find someone who you fit with. Jeffrey really knows how to help make you feel relaxed while getting you out of your comfort zone. That is already a very tough task to do, especially in front of a class. But, the friendly environment Jeffrey creates for his students makes the daunting task of being vulnerable on stage, a much more pleasant learning experience that makes you feel more empowered to take on any scene/monologue. He has taught me that it is ok to fail in a class setting, for those failures will ultimately lead to great realizations. I have been working with Jeffrey for over a year now, and he ultimately has become much more than just an acting teacher. I have created a great friendship. The personal bond he creates with you really helps in assisting with whatever struggles or difficulties you are having with your craft. We are all different, and we all have our own styles of telling stories. Jeffrey understands that, and will direct you in whichever way necessary in order to lead you to your most authentic self. If you truly feel acting is your passion and really want to push yourself to that next level, I would definitely recommend Mr. Jeffrey Meek. You will not regret your time.” – Manny Unzueta

“If anyone is qualified to teach acting and provide students with a true insider’s view of professional possibilities and challenges, it is Jeffrey Meek. Because Jeffrey is one of the most successful actor graduates of our department, I am certain his talents and very presence will inspire student confidence. Personally, he is a generous collaborator, a warm and outgoing gentleman, with a fine sense of humor. I cannot recommend anyone more highly than I do Jeffrey Meek.” – Dr. Keith Fowler, former head of directing in the Drama Department of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts of the University of California, Irvine

“Jeffrey Meek sets the bar for phenomenal acting coach. His concern for his students and their well being translates into a patient teaching method where truth onstage is discovered like an epiphany. He is known to visit with students who are going through a personal life crisis, or even just an acting crisis, and the fact that his students so eagerly seek his advice on such matters is evidence of the depth of their respect for him. When it comes to authority in the world of cinema, screenwriting writing and theater, Jeff is and has been on the forefront for decades. He has enjoyed leading multiple films, starring in his own hugely successful TV show as well as countless theater productions across the nation, and that’s just getting started. He has connections, experiences and stories that galvanize his students and make them realize that their success in acting isn’t some shadowy future, it’s now. Honestly and to get to the point, Jeff cares for his actors. He’s genuinely attentive to what the actor has to say about their character choices, and astounds us every week with insight into those characters and their motivations. So unique is his style of teaching that, for most of us, I only needed to attend one class before I was hooked.” – Quinton Bowers

“As an acting coach/teacher Jeffrey has a wealth of knowledge from his vast experience and education in film, television, and theater. He generously shares this information with his students helping them improve as actors and become empowered as individuals. He is fully invested in the growth and development of his students. He demonstrates this by acclimating to each student’s specific needs with a sensitivity that allows students to be comfortable to explore their talents. Most impressively, Jeffrey has an ability to connect with all his students, regardless of what level of experience they have, where they come from, or who they are culturally/ethnically, he is able to provide the same valuable guidance to all that follow his teachings.

Jeffrey’s is also incredibly passionate about the art of acting and is able to inspire his students to discover their most authentic selves. Through his teaching he has been able to obtain a loyal and committed group of students that is growing in each location that he teaches in.” – Beth Shepard

“Taking class from Jeff is about equivalent to taking a class from Uta Hagen, Sanford Meisner, Ivana Chubbuck, and Stanislavsky combined. Jeff taught me how to ask the right questions when approaching the work; he teaches not only what to do, but how to do it. Whether you want to act in film, television, theatre (including Shakespeare), or even voice work, Jeff is a fantastic resource. Jeff is a kind and genuine human being who will keep your best interests at heart. He wants to push you to your full potential as an actor. Will you become vulnerable? Yes. Will you become authentic? Definitely. Both elements are required for true, real, believable acting, and Jeff will bring them out in you.” – Caleb Kneip

“Jeff is a great teacher. He works one on one with you to help you break down scenes, analyze your approach, and help you become the best actor you can be. He’s upbeat and brings his passion and enthusiasm for acting to class. He’ll also work with actors outside of class to make sure everyone is getting the help they need. Highly recommended!” – Joe Mcilhargey

“I’m amazed at the changes in my approach to acting and the confidence I have gained thus far. It’s so rewarding working with Jeff. He offers an incredible wealth of insight, experience and an opportunity to improve and redirect my talent in a way that (if I’m allowed to quote Jeff) “changes the molecules in the room”. I’m so lucky to have found a coach, friend and fellow seeker like Jeff. You rock”!!! – Patti Coburn, Skype student

“At the tender age of 59, I finally said to myself....you’re an actor. Signed up for a class with Jeff with no real ideas of what to expect. And oh....I had no idea of the treasure I would find. Yes, my passion has been opened! Yes my soul can never again be contained....for it now soars! I’ve been under Jeff’s tutelage for approx 9 months, meeting once a week. I am continuously amazed by Jeff’s level of knowledge and mastery of his craft. And something totally unexpected..... The sense of camaraderie...all of my fellow acting students so support one another, from day one; we have become a family. Thank you, my friend.” – Scott Puckett

“Jeffrey Meek has been my personal acting coach and friend for just over two years. I have attended various drama schools and had private coaches over the last twenty years and am thankful that I followed up on numerous recommendations regarding Jeff’s training. Jeff is devoted to his vocation, his passion and enthusiasm is inspiring. I have broken through barriers both personally and professionally and have achieved goals I never thought possible thanks to the training structure, guidance and ongoing support from Jeff. Anyone would be fortunate to learn from such a dedicated, experienced teacher who strives to help others achieve their full potential.” – Jodi Haigh, Skype student and Jeffrey Meek’s Online Course: Acting for Film, Television and Theatre

“Jeff’s classes are an inspiration on a professional and personal level. He creates a very supportive environment, which encourages the student to dig deep into their emotions to understand the motivation of characters and bring them to life off the page. Jeff has helped me unlock my potential and given me the confidence to perform, particularly in public speaking. In each of his sessions I have learnt something new about the art of performance and what I am capable of achieving. It is a magical ride working with Jeff!” – Pearl Olson, Skype student

“Jeffrey Meek is able to break down big important concepts and explain them in a way that brought on so many epiphanies for me that never clicked before. I took this online course because I gave up acting while my kids were young. Now that my family has moved, I don’t have access to acting studios like I had in L.A. After taking the online course, I contacted Jeffrey through his website and have started taking lessons via Skype with him. He is fantastic! Completely supportive and a wealth of knowledge and truly the nicest man. Better than any coach I’ve ever worked with. I wish I’d started studying with him sooner. Highly recommended!” -Review from Jeff’s Online Course: Acting for Film, Television and Theatre.

“Jeff Meek has everything I looked for in an acting coach and mentor. He’s incredibly bright; has had decades of professional experience in theater, TV and movies; he’s kind and supportive, yet direct and disciplined; he teaches concrete acting skills, as well as techniques that helped me harness and use my anxiety and stage-fright. He’s helped me in person, by phone and on Skype; he has the technical equipment, know-how and directorial skills to help me create a reel to submit to agents and casting directors, that’s helped me start to get professional jobs. Jeff’s a consummate acting professional, an actor’s actor, who’s warm, funny and supportive. He’s a wonderful teacher with great depth of insight and understanding. I give him my highest recommendation.” – Andrew Thomas, Skype student

“This course is PACKED with fascinating and useful information. I developed terrible stage fright and wanted to find a place to revisit acting and public speaking where I didn’t feel pressured to get up and perform until I was ready. I love how Jeffrey Meek talks about taking the focus off myself as a performer and putting my focus onto actively going after what my character wants from the other characters. Great concepts. I appreciated how he took me through his script to give specific examples of each concept. Learned A LOT I did not know. Would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in great acting.” – From Jeffrey Meek’s Online Course: Acting for Film, Television and Theatre

“Jeffrey Meek is able to break down big important concepts and explain them in a way that brought on so many epiphanies for me that never clicked before. I took this online course because I gave up acting while my kids were young. Now that my family has moved, I don’t have access to acting studios like I had in L.A. After taking the online course, I contacted Jeff through his website and have started taking lessons via Skype with him. He is fantastic! Better than any coach I’ve ever worked with. Completely supportive and a wealth of knowledge and truly the nicest man. I wish I’d started studying with him sooner. Highly recommended!”