If you aren’t failing to learn,

you are failing to learn. – JWS

Jayson Warner Smith teaches Acting for Camera and Stage from Atlanta, GA.

If you are looking for an acting class, you are on the right page.

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More about Jayson

Jayson’s EPK (Electronic Press Kit)

If you would like to interview for Jayson’s class, please email us at jwsclassinquiry@jaysonsmith.com

Referrals are highly recommended.

Why do I teach?

In 2013 I was prodded, by two people I respect, to start teaching. One was my good friend and soon to be colleague Robert Mello and the other was one of my own teachers the late Sandra Dorsey. Within a twelve-month window both of them had strongly suggested that it was time for me to teach. They felt I had something to offer. I was reluctant. I did not feel qualified. I also have a very strong and vocal repulsion to people who teach that I do not deem qualified and I didn’t want to be a hypocrite. It took me a year and a five-week solo motorcycle journey for me to finally decide to begin in the Fall of 2014.

I looked around and most of what I saw in the Atlanta market of acting classes, at the time, were product oriented as opposed to process oriented. In other words, the classes were mainly focused on quick results (i.e. audition prep, how to book more, taping techniques and tricks); workshops, intensives, clinics and the like. Please do not misunderstand me, I have no beef with these types of training. They have a purpose and folks should invest in them. I could easily teach a class like one of those but, I saw and still see something more important was and continues to be needed. Acting fundamentals training.

Since most of my formal training was rooted in the Strasberg Method, that is what made sense for me to begin teaching. The first year was a learning experience not only for my students but for me as well. In the beginning, very few students were finishing their twelve week stints and those that were were not returning for another one. Some of that was me in that I was still learning how to teach but, the majority of it was most of the students were not interested in learning how to act. They felt they already had that handled and just wanted to be given the secret of being “successful” in film and TV. Unfortunately for them, there is no secret. Well, not the secret they thought it to be. Luckily, over time, my teaching improved and eventually word got out to the students who did want to learn how to act that there was someone teaching just that.

I teach psychological (mind) acting fundamentals; acting 101. I am only interested in the process. The product (i.e. booking acting work) is a nice bonus. I attempt, on a weekly basis, to instill the following into my students: Learn the process and love the process and the product will follow. And to those who continue to insist that I give them the secret to success (and quickly godammit) I guess I actually do have the aforementioned non-existing secret. The secret to success in acting is: Learn how to act and perform and love both while continuing to practice both well. All of this takes time, money, practice, failure, luck and patience.

This is not a workshop. This is an ongoing acting class that teaches the fundamentals of how to act via the Strasberg methods and others. This is not something that you will pick up and master in a few weeks. This is an ongoing commitment for at least a year or more. Yes, we sell it 12 sessions at a time but that is purely for clerical and financial reasons and has nothing at all to do with any curriculum. There is no curriculum.

So, if you have been taking classes that last a period of time and are then over and are looking for that again, THIS IS NOT THE CLASS FOR YOU. If however; you are looking to turn your love of acting into a career, if you feel you have a talent and want help uncovering that talent, you have to act to feel like life is worth living, then this may be the class for you. If you are just wanting to get an agent and book a role as a waiter so you can watch it with your bridge club, THIS IS NOT THE CLASS FOR YOU.

Auditing – we understand the want to audit. We understand many actors are warned not to attend a class that doesn’t allow auditing. We do not allow auditing because the studio is a safe place for actors to try new things. A safe place to fail. Having strangers coming in and out betrays the students’ trust. If this is a “no go” for you then this is not the class for you.

     – Jayson

 

If you would like to interview for Jayson’s class, please email us at JWSClassInquiry@JaysonSmith.com

Referrals are highly recommended.

Testimonials

Mystie Buice (Agency Director, Houghton Talent) – While I haven’t sat in on a class nor do I know Jayson personally, I hear only the best things about him from my own staff, industry peers and other actors in town. I also follow Jayson on social media and find his input and observations very well informed and honest, which is a great measure in that arena.

Madison Hatfield  – I am a recovering people-pleaser with a brain that moves a thousand miles a minute, and I hadn’t realized until taking Jayson’s class how much tension I was bringing into my acting and how often I was neglecting my own human instincts in a performance in order to be the version of a character I thought someone else would want.

I signed up for Jayson’s class and stayed for years because of how effectively he helped me relax my mind and body in order to be a real person on stage and on screen. It sounds so simple, but it’s incredibly difficult to be consistently believable while performing, especially for a self-tape or in a high-stress set environment. Jayson’s class gave me the skills and, importantly, the confidence to bring only myself to a performance and know that it was enough.

Adelle Drahos – I love this class! I think it’s important to branch out in your techniques as an actor. Strasberg technique requires patience but is definitely rewarding. Jayson is awesome too! He encourages exploration as an actor which I think is vital and has a lot of on set professional (*current*) industry experience. Highly recommended to those with an open mind who want to take their craft to the next level!

Jerell Evans – Jayson has been great to work with. He puts his heart and soul into his teaching and makes every effort to ensure you take away something new from every class. Great experience.

Adena Brumer – I just had the opportunity to work on a very large feature and if I hadn’t had the experience of Jayson’s class, those three cameras aimed directly at me might have made me nervous. But because of the relaxation techniques I’ve learned and the importance of an object of attention, I was able to focus on my task and get the job done. Plus, he’s just a really good guy and I dig him. THANK YOU!!

Marquissia Robinson – Excellent class great people Jayson is an awesome acting coach working with him has definitely relaxed me as an actress and helped me have major breakthroughs ….. If your looking for an unintimidating place to get your skills together this is the class.

Eddie Craddock – Jayson books all the time. This was important to me when I was looking into finding a good class. The non-judgemental aspect in the classes that Jayson maintains allows me to go where I need to go within the structure of the training. This, in turn, is practiced by the other students, making for a near ideal environment for learning. Jayson is an intuitive instructor and knows the methods on an expert level, and has the knack of saying the right thing at the right time.

Jonathan Pawlowski– Jayson’s class not only provides a safe community of hardworking and talented actors, it has also taught me to relax and connect more strongly to the material I’m working. I now feel more able to dig deeper into myself to perform more emotionally challenging scenes – which is why I wanted to take the class to begin with. Jayson has a great BS detector and stopped me a few times during exercises when I wasn’t being truthful, I like that. He truly wants you to become a better actor.

Alexandria Denise – I’m usually Meisner but was interested in Strasberg and who better to learn it from than Jayson?! Used the technique to book a few gigs. He is awesome!

Randy Havens – Jayson’s class is GOOD!

Danielle Treuberg – I have been taking Acting with Jayson for over a year now since moving from NYC and I highly recommend his class for anyone who is serious about acting. His method is Strasburg based and it’s great for beginners and those who are seasoned and want to sharpen their skills. You will be working in every class and he expects commitment and discipline from you while encouraging you to find and explore your own artistic voice. Jayson is very supportive and sensitive to your needs as an artist. I highly recommend you check his class out.

Kayal Khana – Jayson is a phenomenal teacher who actually cares to get to know each of his students (hence the small class size), and gives students the personal freedom to explore new techniques without any pressure of having to perform. This class is an excellent place for serious actors to hone fundamental skills for their craft. In Jayson’s class you will learn to recognize and release tension in the body, to become more observant of sensory details, and to concentrate hard enough to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances.

Tonya “Charlie” Roney – I compare Jayson’s class to leg day at the gym-it’s tough, no doubt, but those gains though! He pushes you out of your comfort zone enabling you to move past boundaries you never thought possible. After all, the difference between a serious actor/actress and a not so serious one is THE WORK PUT FORTH. So do yourself a favor and take his class. Get those GAINS!

Glenn Allen – Jayson is an expert in his craft and has a passion to continue to learn and grow in his art. I have known Jayson or a few years and was always curious about the Strasburg Technique, but when I started with him he was already diving into other techniques and offering expanded views of performing that I had been exploring on my own to a lesser extent. His zeal for the art of acting and commitment to pass on his knowledge is inspiring. I’m glad to be a student, a colleague and fan.

Abby Jaskowski – Jayson’s class was exactly what I was looking for. A place to grow, feel safe, gain confidence, while also being challenged and honing my skills. I am surrounded by other working actors, being taught by a working actor. The technique you ask? Well, the proof is in the pudding. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this is not it. This is the long game. And it’s worth it.

Derick Kown – When I met Jayson, the totality of my acting experience was being the only child large enough to hold up the big Christmas tree costume in my 5th grade holiday pageant. His class has given me a dependable, practical, repeatable process that’s allowed me to become an actor. The Strasberg method that Jayson teaches gives me a foundation upon which to build the reality that I try to inhabit during a scene, and tools to safely access the emotional depth needed to live honestly as a character in that reality. If you’re prepared to do the work, his class will help you become a better actor. 

Amor Owens – If you are interested in learning more about the Strasberg Method and incorporating some of Uta Hagen’s exercises, Jayson’s class provides that. He has a good grasp of taking you through the process and critiquing with a keen sense of what he sees as truthful acting.

Nikóa Salas – I love Jayson’s Classes, they are truly unique and different from any acting class I’ve ever taken. They’re also definitely an “acquired taste” as his classes require immense patience with a hard focus towards meditation and relaxation. I admit I often have trouble slowing down myself, as Jayson’s classes often require such a practice. But I’ve loved his classes and I’ve learned a lot on the slow and un-rushed course to improve myself, and in-turn my work.

The location is a wonderful small space, that suits the structure of what he teaches well.

If you have patience and are willing to take a slower road on the ongoing growth of an actor, I absolutely recommend Jayson’s classes.

Brooklyn Brown – Jayson Warner Smith is a professional actor and teacher–a professional ever evolving his approach when he finds a better way.

In his class I have become much more relaxed and comfortable with living on stage or in front of the camera. The exercises and training in his class have been just what I’ve needed to get out of my own way and trust myself enough to let my overthinking go.

John Palmer – When looking for an acting coach, what you want is someone who has a good eye. Jayson, is that teacher in Atlanta. But most importantly, Jayson cares about you. He is always challenging you to become a complete individual, not just an actor.

Katie Hughey – Jayson’s class is perfect for the new student or the seasoned actor. He creates a safe and non judgmental  space to truly allow each actors’ talent emerge. Through a series of exercises, improv, and scene work each actor learns their  instrument in their own individual way. The classes are professional and geared to prepare you for any kind of role. There are also lectures on how to get an agent, auditioning, and actor etiquette on set. His class really covers it all in an exploratory and upbeat way. I highly recommend it.

 

Caroline Avery Granger – ….After a callback last night, I realized again how grateful I am that Jayson drills in us to do our sensory work… I booked the part for the play One for the Road, that is incorporating Butoh. During the audition process and callbacks we did an incredible amount of sensory work and also used our entire bodies. The practice required very rigorous movement that was very physically intense.  If I had not checked relaxation nor used sensory, I seriously doubt it would have gone as beautifully as it did. I’ve never done Butoh nor did I know what it was…and because of “doing the work” Jayson teaches, I had the confidence to fully express and go for it. 

John Kelly Damico – I have studied with Jayson for several years and I highly recommend his class to all students regardless of acting experience, especially those interested in applying the Strasberg method..
My acting skills have greatly improved with his coaching.
He is a talented, personable, and effective teacher with an innate skill in finding the right balance between both needed encouragement and helpful criticism tailored to each individual student.  

Grace Pippas – I could go on and on about the amazing things I’ve learned from Jayson, specifically how learning to relax has completely made me a better actor. The Hagen exercises and the methods on how to tackle a script have gotten me out of my own way, which is usually the biggest hindrance for us actors, right? Great teacher and great environment!

Jacob Stover – It’s evident everything Jayson teaches works and makes you a better actor, and he really takes the time to make sure you fully understand what’s going on. Not only is he a phenomenal actor and teacher, but he’s just a great down to earth guy that really cares about all of his students. Would recommend his class to anyone, you won’t regret taking it.

Alex Parkinson – I thoroughly recommend Jayson’s class as a way to remain in touch with the craft of acting, the entertainment industry, and oneself. I spent a year and half learning and implementing the Strasberg technique and discovered how to get in touch with memories and emotions during scenes that I didn’t know were available to me. His class and clear love for all things acting also taught me a lot about theatrical literature and encouraged me to explore classic and new texts that have made me a more well-rounded and knowledgable actor. I relished the opportunity to showcase my work in front of powerful industry agents and casting directors, and truly believe Jayson helped me establish myself as a working professional. For serious actors who want a career, a community, and a mentor, Jayson’s class is ideal.

Chris Kontopidis – I’m really fortunate to have found Jayson Warner Smith as an acting teacher. His class builds a solid technical foundation, working industry knowledge, and an ever-growing appreciation for the craft. I’m worlds better as an actor because of him. In his class you’ll likely expand your knowledge of contemporary theater, actor preparation, rehearsal technique, tv/film actor entrepreneurship, and much more. One aspect I love most about the class is the teaching style. You take responsibility for yourself an actor, not your scene partner, teacher, or anyone else. Jayson will give notes and relate his experience, but ultimately you are in charge of your own growth and development. I’m really happy that I’ve been trained to guide my own creative enterprise, because it’s what I need for my life ahead as an artist.

William Barrett – I have taken some different classes in Atlanta. Jayson’s class sticks out to me because of the manner in which he taught the class. Every week when I came into class, I felt like a professional actor. He treated everyone as such and thus it began to make me think in that air and believe in myself as a professional actor. For me, that had an impact because this industry has had a way of making me feel like I’m not good enough, and in his class, I noticed that I made strides forward in my work by believing in myself and in the work that I was doing.

The tools that I learned in class were extremely useful. They allowed me to slow down and be with myself in a scene as opposed to speeding through it. We went into depth about everything and I believe that detail makes a difference. The detail helped me to think about and to see a scene and to see a character in a different light. It helped me to see what was going on not only on the surface but beneath it.

Jayson is very passionate and serious about acting which I loved because from playing sports much of my life, I understand that the people you surround yourself with have a huge impact and influence on you. I take this career very seriously and I want those same type of people, who are also good people, around me. With Jayson, I found that. He is a teacher, an actor and a friend.

Mackenzie Martinez – Jayson is an absolute amazing teacher. The things that I have learned from him will be carried with me through the rest of my career and life. He pushed me into realizing my true potential and helped me to see that it was always there within. 

Stuart Williams – I’ve been in Jaysons class for about a year and a half and its been a terrific experience. The class has allowed me to be vulnerable on stage and alleviate my nerves in life in general. Its also invigorated a love of theater and a passion to be involved in stage productions. Jaysons class is not a quick fix and if you are going to take the class I recommend staying in for at least 6-9 months if you want to see the benefits. I can say that I was able to get an agent and be given the lead role in a local play production as a direct result of my involvement in Jaysons class.

Allison Cain – Taking Jayson’s class has been one of the smartest things I’ve done for myself as an actress. He teaches with such a graceful and understanding intensity for the craft and you know he truly cares about his students. Jayson is a stand up man and teacher who’s classes I would recommend to anyone serious about an acting career.

Dylan Cheek – For quite some time I was constantly searching the internet for a class with some authenticity. The Strasberg Method always intrigued me and I wanted to learn what it really was. Not what the media portrays as “Method Acting”, but the real Method that Strasberg taught. Before I started taking Jayson’s class, when acting, I was just sort of throwing things at a wall and seeing if they stuck. Jayson has helped me add notches to my tool belt as an actor. Learning a technique canbe difficult or challenging, but it has changed the way I am in front of the camera and/or on stage. I am more relaxed. I feel that I am telling the truths of my character. Not pretending or lying or “acting.” Jayson has taught me (all of us in his class) to simply live in my situation and react as truthfully as I would in real life given the certain circumstances. Of course, there is a lot of work that goes into being able to make what we do look so effortless and that is exactly what we all learn in this class.

He really takes the time to work with his students to realize their full potential & succeed. The class itself really makes you think about your work and forces you to take the time to really dive deep into your character. But that’s the great part about it. He makes it a safe space where you can truly feel relaxed as an actor & let loose. 

This class was more than I ever could have imagined and Jayson is a phenomenal teacher. If you are truly invested in your career you won’t want to miss this class!

Gary Clevenger – Best classes I’ve ever taken. Straight forward honest no bullshit….everything geared to empowering you to be an Actor. Two thumbs up!! The most intensive actor training class I’ve ever taken. If you’re serious about your acting career, this is the program to enroll in. Jayson is an excellent instructor and coach, bringing each actor from their current level and equipping them with the tools needed to bring out their best.