Free Consultation & Acting Coaching

Offers online services

About

Ever dreamed of acting or wanting to feel more confident in public speaking? Schedule a free thirty-minute consultation where I'll make an assessment of where you are in your process, provide more information on the structure of my lessons, and address any questions you (or your child) may have!

Schedule your free session here: https://calendly.com/deval-giovanni/30min

Giovanni DeVal (gio) is an Actor based in Brooklyn, New York. His professional work includes HBO’s Gossip Girl, NBC’s Law & Order: Organized Crime, and a TV Movie for Lifetime. He’s the lead in a motion capture project for a Japanese Video Game, and Galatea’s “How (Not) To Date Your Neighbor,” in addition to multiple print and commercial campaigns.

Giovanni’s performance practice began with improvisation, and he was on various house teams before studying Theatre at Sarah Lawrence College and obtaining his MFA. Passionate about preserving the art form, Giovanni provides classical training to aspiring actors. His pedagogy emphasizes a person-centered approach to learning the craft and he tailors instruction to his students' needs, based on a quick 20-30-minute consultation.

For parents inquiring about their teenager: Giovanni has over ten years of experience working in youth development for The YMCA and Fresh Air Fund before becoming a professional actor. He ran camps, after-school programs, and various workshops which kindled his passion for teaching in the first place. While he adjusts his delivery of the curriculum for adolescents, the knowledge gained will enable them to walk onto any set and perform with the pros.

His multi-method approach includes: Konstantin Stanislavski, Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Michael Chekhov, Gerald Freedman, form and movement work, various improvisation methods and techniques, stage combat, Alexander technique work of June Ekman, voice and speech work, his favorite: Auditioning for the Camera in the world of self-tapes. And The Business of Acting.

Highlights

2 employees

1 year in business

Serves Brooklyn , NY

Offers online services

Payment methods

Credit Card, Cash, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle

Social media

Specialties

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Acting venue(s)

Theater, Improv theater, Film, TV episode, TV commercial

People in group

1 person, 2-4 people, 5 or more people

Acting focus area(s)

Hone diction and enunciation, Expand vocal range, Strengthen vocal projection, Refine vocal expression, Develop specific accent(s), Develop specific dialect(s)

Students goals

To prepare for an audition, To build confidence, To explore as a hobby, To continue professional development

Acting type(s)

I can make recommendations, Scene study, Cold reading, Method acting, Classical acting, Voice-over, Improv, Physical theater and movement

Student's age

11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos

Reviews

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mark M.

Really was straight forward and to the point with bis direction, made sure i valued the little things as much as he did. Spent alot of time going over what works and less on trying too hard to be different in approach.

January 04, 2025

samantha B.

Working with Giovanni has been an absolute game-changer for my self-tape auditions. Not only does he have an exceptional eye for technical aspects - lighting, framing, blocking, and sound - but his guidance in uncovering authentic layered moments within the material is unparalleled.

Gio creates a collaborative, supportive environment that encourages exploration while remaining laser-focused on the demands and given circumstances of the scene. He challenged me to connect with the character in ways I hadnt considered, while continuously exciting the frame - bringing a new depth to my performances and elevating my tapes.

Ive seen a noticeable improvement in the quality of my tapes and, more importantly, my confidence as a professional actor. Whether youre just starting out or are a seasoned, working actor, Giovanni will help you bring your craft to the next level. I couldnt recommend him enough.

January 03, 2025

Frequently asked questions

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

During the consultation, I get a sense of student's goals and create a curriculum specifically curated for the individual. The work always starts with the given circumstances. New students just looking for audition coaching receive insights on how to use their instrument to best embody the givens of the audition sides while exiting the frame for their audition with blocking. *All Students Seeking Coaching For Self-Tapes MUST Know Their Lines* Students looking to create a process that ensures professional longevity progress through the following: Preparing the instrument (you) to perform, bringing a text to life, text analysis, various methods of listening and responding, character work, building a point of view, and then advanced scene work. New students looking to receive insights on how to market themselves as actors will be asked to send their marketing materials (headshot, resume, demo reel), and we'll tailor a marketing plan that embodies the essence of their personality to pitch to agents, managers, etc.

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

Please review my bio, IMDb, and/or website for more information on my training, experience, and skills.

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

Group Lessons: $45 per hour. Individual Creating a Process: $65 per hour. Individual Audition Prep: $100 per hour ($75 per hour for those enrolled in Creating a Process and Business of Acting). Individual Business of Acting: $125 per hour.

How did you get started teaching?

I started teaching while obtaining my Theatre MFA at Sarah Lawrence College. It was there that I took a course on Teaching Pedagogy for Artists and began teaching college students, older adults, and teenagers through various organizations, classes, and workshops.

What types of students have you worked with?

I've had the experience of working with an array of actors from those performing for the very first time to represented professionals. Whether you're just starting or looking to add a new tool to your arsenal, I've got you covered.

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

My biggest piece of advice is to be clear on your goals and to work towards achieving those goals daily with or without a teacher. Our industry is incredibly exciting, but it also demands growth. Learn how to take play seriously. The second would be to meet with your teacher for a consultation first before taking a class. Make sure you feel comfortable and that you're learning from someone who makes learning safe and fun.

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

Consider your WHY in seeking acting training. Is it just for a role? To deepen your craft? Send an authentic and effective inquiry to managers and agents? To work on the essence of a particular character? To submit a phenomenal audition? I find when students are clearer on their goals, I can give more effective instructions.

Services offered

Acting

Public Speaking

Modeling