Acting workshops taught by working actors, so actors can WORK! About Sally A. I am a member of the professional actors union SAG/AFTRA, AEA.
An actor's responsibility isn’t solely about acting; they must understand the art and especially the craft of storytelling…from the casting director’s office, to stage and film. At the Total Actor we believe that demystifying and deconstructing this process with step by step, basic and practical application frees then empowers the actor, to let go, be authentic, live in the moment and experience t
he joy and of acting. Stewart, Total Actor Founder and Master Acting Coach:
I have been an actor for over 20 years. I've appeared in numerous television commercials as well as radio voice overs. I've been featured on Law and Order , Law and Order SVU, Law and Order Criminal Intent, the Sopranos, New York Undercover, several soap operas and a few independent films. I've also appeared on stage with the legendary Ruby Dee and have been nominated for an Audelco as best actress. I've proudly studied with the late Elaine Aiken, Wynn Handman, Maggie Flannigan, Susan Batson, and William Esper. I love teaching and I love talent age is of no matter. The Total Actor classes gives students confidence and a voice. It's a safe creative place for them to let go, express their truth, create art, put it all into story to serve the writer. Some of my students have appeared in major motion Pictures, independent films and commercials. This industry is forever evolving and shifting. I think it's critical for actors to understand why it's called "Show Business" if they want to be a professional actor, which is why I also teach a class called "The Business of Acting." "TBA" is a class I developed to help inform and ground actors about this business. They take what they've learned, put it into practical action so they can WORK!
02/05/2026
That line you keep forgetting?
It’s rarely a memory issue.
It’s usually an understanding issue
when a line doesn’t stick, it’s often because you haven’t uncovered what it’s doing yet – what it wants, hides, or reveals. Once you understand that, the body remembers
02/02/2026
Sometimes, especially on days like today, we have to remember why we chose to be an actor. I hope this speaks to somebody.
01/29/2026
In working on a character, any character you have to find a way in. Don’t just assume you got this when you may not. That’s a auestion Actors should ask themselves before they even read sides for an audition. I’m looking for a way in …sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s hard, but that’s the beginning of scene work.
01/25/2026
We don’t act to book jobs. We act to move people.
To transport them.
To let an audience feel something they didn’t yet have words for.
Every time I create, I ask one thing:
Am I honoring the heart and soul of this person?
Not: Am I likable?
Not: Am I polished?
Not: Am I pretty?
(Though yes—sometimes I think about that too, hey I’m human.)
Acting isn’t just emotion.
It’s using your body to tell the truth.
What we do matters. You Matter.
01/13/2026
CALLBACK LESSON 3:
Make the choice. Own your choice.
Fight and defend your characters point of view.
That’s next level, that’s the callback.
01/10/2026
Do you want to call back? Make bold choices, make authentic choices and take a risk. Standing out from everybody else is how you get a call back and then book the job!
01/09/2026
Callback Lesson 2
Getting the callback is about you, your work and clear choices!
Prioritize that and callbacks follow.
Follow me for more acting tips!
01/08/2026
Actors often give guts and glory in an audition.
Next time, try restraint.
01/02/2026
Opening day. Here we go.
I’m honored to be part of The Dutchman, inspired by Amiri Baraka’s legendary play — alongside an incredible cast:
Andre Holland
Lauren Banks
Kate Mara
Aldis Hodge
Stephen McKinley Henderson
This story is suspenseful, raw, and deeply human — the kind of work that demands honesty in every beat.
If you had plans… change them.
Support opening weekend. Come experience it.
12/31/2025
Forgot a line?
Don’t stop. Don’t apologize. Don’t panic.
Stay in character. Stay in the relationship.
If casting wants a restart, they’ll ask.
Sometimes going up means you’re super present, so stay present
That’s actor gold.
Save this.
