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Sam Kyker Acting Instructor

5.0 (9)

2 hires on Lessons.com

1 employee

9 years in business

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About this pro

Since I was in high school I've been acting. I moved to Chicago about 7 years ago to study at the Second City, of which I'm a proud graduate. If you haven't heard of the Second City, I would suggest that you look them up. They specialize in using realistic acting to portray comedy. My work has always centered around realism and I was very comforted to see this principle being taught at an internationally-renowned comedy Institution. Realism is my strength. Realism will help you with any genre of performing. Realism will help you know yourself, and it will help your audience know them selves. Take my classes and let's get real.

Facebook.com/chudenthusiast

Just like a chef enjoys tasting their food as they cook, I enjoy the surprises that come out of lessons. A vast majority of a lesson can be planned and predicted, but the best things are those that are unpredictable. I find no success in a lesson until I provide my student with the ability to surprise me.

Credentials

Chicago, IL 60660

Email verified

Phone verified

9 Reviews

5.0

Geoff Speiden

As a complete beginner to the process, I was pleased by how approachable Sam was with his lessons. He truly loves the art of acting and brought that to the class. He made me realize how many different aspects can be tapped into for voice over work that I didn’t even consider. I actually feel very secure moving forward. Thanks Sam.

2020-10-26
Alex Boyt

Sam made me feel comfortable instantly and has a passion for voice acting that got me equally excited about it as well! In addition to foundational acting techniques Sam also shared with me a practical, real-world approach to getting into the industry from studio equipment to demo reels and VA platforms. You won't regret booking Sam to help you on your acting journey!

2020-10-12
Tanner Mathes

He has a very friendly, down to earth approach.

2018-02-21
Kevin Kickham

He had an empathetic and introspective approach that was understanding yet challenging to the students he worked with. Sam is a very talented actor with great experience, but even more impressive is his ability to verbalize his acting process.

2018-01-13
Bailey Jones

Sam is awesome! Through the multiple projects we’ve worked on together he has always helped me feel safe and empowered while giving me feedback that allowed me to grow and reach new goals as a performer!

2018-01-12
Maddie Smith

Sam has a great way of achieving his vision without forcing it on anyone. He's smart about using exercises/directional notes to get actors to feel the work, and not just replicate instructions.

2018-01-11
Josh Saboorizadeh

It was a while ago, but I knew that I trusted Sam which made me comfortable taking risks. Sam is serious about the work that he is working on and it translates to when he instructs. Sam’s genuine laughter is so warm, it means a lot when you (as an actor) can get him to laugh like that. He was also an instructor for my acting course in college and worked with people on various levels of performance progress. I believe improvisers make some of the best instructors across all disciplines.

2018-01-11
Sydney Slavin

I took one an acting class as a young new theatre baby right into college. While the class was a few years ago, it was one of my favorites I've ever taken, and Sam was one of the reasons it's stuck with me. Sam was always open with sharing his experiences and what he learned from them, and created a space for us all to learn along with him. He often took part in our assignments, instead of simply "grading" us, which allowed me to see Sam as a peer instead of as a teacher. This is one of Sam's greatest strengths; he can create a space to feel comfortable taking risks and growing as an actor, instead of feeling stifled, while teaching us and giving feedback in a constructive manner.

2018-01-11
Julie Merica

Sam is an excellent director with great comedic timing and insight. He is excellent at organizing a group, keeping things moving, and making smart choices that really demonstrate his expertise. Sam’s professionalism and commitment can make any show look great!

2018-01-11

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FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

Depending on a student's skill level, I will discuss the fundamentals. If it is clear that they understand the fundamentals the most important thing for me is to assess what the student would like to accomplish. I like to attack student goals with fervor and focus. A lot can be gained from Theory, but really each individual student is far more important than Theory. As far as I'm concerned, every student has something new to teach me. They will be given this opportunity.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

In Des Moines Iowa at the 7-Eleven theater competition I received awards for audience Choice twice, judges Choice twice, Best in Show twice, best performer once, best writing twice, and won the overall competition three times. I then moved to Kirksville Missouri where I studied theater at Truman State University. There I also founded the independent performance and art coalition to help students produce their own work. Through it I produced and directed over 10 creative projects. After this I was an apprentice at downstairs Cabaret Theatre in Rochester New York. After this I moved to Chicago to study improv and comedy at the Second City. I was added to the Ensemble for under the gun theater, and did three shows a week there for a full year. I am the original Creator director and producer of MASHterpiece Theater, ImprovOpoly, #GrindMe, Action Jackson, and The Adaptation Game.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

I charge 50 for an hour lesson, 70 for an hour and a half, or 85 for two hours.

How did you get started teaching?

In college I took two courses. One of them was youth directing where I got to work with a high school to direct their one act play for speech contest. The second was a psychology of Theatre class which included a teaching element. I worked with a Kindergarten class to help them perform a classroom version of The Three Little Pigs. My life was definitely influenced by good teachers, and my independent acting instructor was no exception. I like to think I bring that to my students.

What types of students have you worked with?

I've worked with students as young as two to three years old, though I would not recommend that for independent acting classes. I have also coach students as old as 18 and 19. My age range is wide.

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

I have a friend who studies film directing at Columbia, and this year she was kind enough to feature me for a documentary project. She focused on my work, and featured the fact that I was recovering from a medical issue. I'm extremely fond of this omage and respect.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

The only way and acting instructor is worth your time is if they help you find material and monologues to perform, and assess your goals. Without those two things the entire class can feel like a waste of time.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

Why do you want to act? Are you interested in enough in acting to make an investment? If you are willing to make that investment, what do you expect to get out of it?