Tamiyka White DBA White Productions

My typical process for working with a new student by finding out what their goals are. Once I find out their needs, I can begin to put together a plan as to how to navigate my classes, or coaching sessions with that new student.

My education and/or training as how it relates to my work has been helpful in my career in approaching the roles I'm cast in and when it comes to breaking down a character. I attended the University of Houston where I received a Bachelors of Science in Acting degree. I also attended the American Conservatory Theatre's Summer Training Congress and was issued a Certificate of Completion. The hands on training and experience of building a Theatre company from the ground up also relates to my work as it keeps me grounded and humble as I appreciate from whence I come and how much I've grown as an actor and as a person.

I do have a standard pricing system, which is as follows: 

$25.00 for the introduction hour.

$50-$75/hour. Usually students can afford 2 hours, or more.

$100-$150/hour. This is usually for any last minute/short notice preparations for industry related opportunities (i.e. talent showcases, callbacks, producers sessions). 

But prices are negotiable.

I got started teaching back in Houston, Texas, as a substitute teacher in 2002. The principal liked what I was doing with the students and wanted to keep me on as a permanent substitute teacher which the agreement of becoming certified. I did begin that process but didn't complete it as I got cast in a national tour.

I have worked mostly with middle and high school students. I have worked with college students and young adults. I recently worked with students ranging from ages 3-12 at a summer arts program in the West Adams area of Los Angeles, California. Prior to that, I worked with a group of outgoing graduates at Pepperdine University. And, mostly the students I've worked with are from underserved areas. I have worked with students who come from a more affluent background. But no matter what level they're on, or what side of the tracks they're from, I've been able to work with a variety of students and each experience has been rewarding.

My recent event I am fond of are students at the summer arts program in West Adams. I had them for 6 weeks. It was so much fun for each group to absorb all that I was able to throw at their young minds. So by the time, we got to the day of final performance to show their families what they learned in class, they were more than prepared. And for me to sit back and see them shine as they took ownership of their performance, was more than heartfelt for me. I was so proud and happy for them because I know how far they came over a course of 6 weeks and how hard  they worked.

The advice I would give to a student in hiring a teacher in my area is to check out their work. IMDB them. Check out their social media to get an idea of who they are as a part of the pre-screening process. And, if they want to work with that teacher and meet him/her face, ask questions until satisfied, confident and comfortable to start this relationship.

I think the questions students should think through before talking to teachers about their needs are what is it they're looking to accomplish? What is their objective(s)? How serious are they about doing the work? How committed and devoted are they to even seeing the need for an acting teacher and/or coach? What time do they really have to invest in themselves?