About
Colleen Basis
Acting Coach
Colleen Basis is a Los Angeles based acting coach. Coaching for over 15 years, she has worked with some of the most recognizable faces on Film & TV, like Emmy Award winner Kerry Washington, Kristin Kreuk, EJ Johnson, Reggie Austin, Ericka Kreutz, Tara Abboud, Rebekka Johnson, Rachel Drummond, Kenneth Mosley, Austin Basis, and many more.
Colleen has been an actor since the age of 8, and began teaching acting as a high school student. She began her career as a professional actor immediately upon graduating from The George Washington University with a BA in Political Science and Theater. Performing for The Olney Theatre’s National Players, she travelled to over 25 states performing classical works and conducting acting workshops for high school and college students.
After moving to New York, she continued to act, study, and teach. At the Michael Howard Studios, she took the opportunity to create her own conservatory program working with influential teachers Larry Singer (founder of Larry Singer Studios), Michael Howard, Patsy Rodenburg, Olympia Dukakis, and Ali Farahnakian. Her acting career then took her to Los Angeles, and there she shifted her focus to private coaching and casting.
Her casting experience includes feature films and pilots, working with and learning from veteran Casting Directors Paul Weber (“Spartacus” and “Stargate” Series), Jeff Meshel (former NBC VP of Casting), and Tracy Lilienfield (“Will & Grace”, “Ground Floor”). You can find a list of her casting and producing credits on IMDb.com.
Her wide variety of industry experience helps guide actors as they navigate the complexities of being a Professional Actor throughout their career. An actor’s creative process and career trajectory isn’t “One Size Fits All." Colleen provides a personalized & functional approach that helps actors bridge their training, creativity, and the real-world demands so they can capitalize on the opportunities of being a working actor.
"She is a phenomenal acting coach...working with her could change your life!"
- Kerry Washington
Why An Acting Coach?
Hollywood’s not-so-well-kept secret is that no one does it alone. For every star that shines in the spotlight, there are people behind the scenes supporting them to help them be their best. No one lands that role, walks that red carpet, or gives that acceptance speech without people helping them look and work their best. Actors don’t make it to the top (or just into the credits) without people who help them get there, and an acting coach is a critical part of that. You wouldn’t walk the red carpet without getting help from a stylist. Why would you show up to an audition without working with someone to help tailor the most important part of it all: your acting?