My Story
Like actors, coaches are unique. Here's my one-of-a-kind journey
so far...
Colleen Basis is a Los Angeles, CA based Acting Coach, and the creator of the popular social media graphic "The Actor's Iceberg".​
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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.​
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Her casting experience includes feature film 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.
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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 Fit’s 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.
Her long list of clients include Emmy Award Winner Kerry Washington, People’s Choice Winner Austin Basis, Reggie Austin (“Agent Carter”, ABC), Aria Song (“Yellowstone”, Paramount Network), Rebekka Johnson (“GLOW”, Netflix), Rachel Drummond (“911”, FOX) and many more recognizable Film & TV actors.
"She is a phenomenal acting coach...working with her could change your life!"- Kerry Washington