Sean Whalen - Acting Coach

$100/hour

starting price

Zip code

Acting venue(s)

Student age

Acting goal(s)

Responds within a day

Introduction: Unlike other acting coaches, I am currently a working actor, producer, director, and writer. I recently had a play I produced, co-wrote, and starred in, that ran a year in Hollywood and I am currently acting in several films so I know what this town wants and needs since I am currently auditioning as well. I studied and performed at the famed Groundlings. I currently am a co founder and teacher of the comedy program at Jerff Goldblum’s Playhouse West, where I studied for years. I have appeared in many TV shows and movies including TWISTER, NEVER BEEN KISSED, BATMAN RETURNS, MEN IN BLACK, ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, CRIMINAL MINDS, SUPERSTORE, FRIENDS, PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, LOST.... complete list at my IMDB page. Link is above. NOTE: Some people didn't believe I am the real Sean Whalen. Go to my webpage "Thatguyseanwhalen" and email me for verification. I am a successful actor, but I like to give back!! I can teach with confidence as I have appeared in all genres including soaps, kid shows, and all categories of movies including indies and blockbusters. Due to my experience in 2018 Maria Menounas and Keven Undergaro’s network, AFTERBUZZ TV, asked me create a podcast entitled ACTING CLASS WEEKLY with SEAN WHALEN, which can be heard wherever podcasts are found. I work with people who have had at least 6 months to a year prior training al the way to advanced and believe a low stress attitude, trust in the process, and positive environment gives the artist the best opportunity for the artist to express themselves at their highest level of performance. I love seeing an actor find their voice and express their art with confidence and fearlessness. I'm excited to be part of your artistic journey! NOTE: My acting reel has some subject matter that is only appropriate for adults. It is below.

Overview

Hired 16 times

Serves Sherman Oaks, CA

Background checked

1 employee

14 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via PayPal, Square cash app, and Venmo.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2020

2019

Featured Projects

18 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

21 reviews

100%

Read reviews that mention:

Elizabeth M.

May 1, 2019

Hired on Thumbtack

I am at the beginning of my acting journey and am supplementing my classes with coaching sessions with Sean. I just had my first session with him and I am so grateful there are knowledgeable actor/actor educators like him who can helps us beginners build the skills to develop our craft, learn to trust our instincts and ourselves, and navigate this unique unpredictable career. Based on my first session with Sean, I can tell my work with him will he extremely valuable to my development and growth as an actor. At the same time, there is no substitution for doing the work! So do your homework assignments, study plays and films, and listen to his podcast too! His podcast provides a wealth of useful information! I’m looking forward to continuing my work with Sean; I can’t wait to see where it takes me!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • Beginner • To continue professional development • Theater • Film • TV episode • Improv theater • TV commercial • What the teacher recommends • No specific focus • 1 person • I travel to the acting instructor

Acting Lessons

Catherine P.

Aug 20, 2018

Hired on Thumbtack

I have really enjoyed the classes. Sean brings a wealth of knowledge, perspective and experience to the table, every class. He is a very genuine and kind person which creates a comfortable learning environment and experience, no matter what skill level you may currently be. Sean’s has a true passion for acting that is contagious and cultivating. I’d highly recommend him to anyone.

Details: 26 - 44 years old • Intermediate • To build confidence • To explore as a hobby • Theater • Film • TV episode • TV commercial • Not applicable; lessons are for personal interest • What the teacher recommends • Scene study • Method acting • Cold reading • Classical acting • No specific focus • 1 person • 60 minutes • I do not have a specific date for an audition or performance • Phone or internet (no in-person meeting) • I travel to the acting instructor

Sean Whalen - Acting Coach's reply

Thanks Catherine. Very Kind. Glad you are enjoying yourself.

Acting Lessons

Sheila M.

Sep 10, 2018

Hired on Thumbtack

Working with Sean has been nothing but fantastic! He's very well educated, experienced, and enthusiastic about the craft. At first I was nervous about how an online acting course might go, especially since it was my first class as an adult, but Sean did a great job at breaking the ice and making it feel as if we've been working in a classroom setting for months! He gives great constructive criticism and isn't afraid to point out when you're doing something incorrectly. It's clear that he isn't teaching to get paid, but teaching to truly train you to be the best actor you can be. He goes the extra mile to make sure you're not just learning about acting, but also the business. He gives great advice and genuinely cares about his students! Other eager actors would be lucky to have Sean as a coach!

Details: 18 - 25 years old • Beginner • To continue professional development • Film • TV episode • TV commercial • What the teacher recommends • Scene study • Method acting • Cold reading • Classical acting • Hone diction and enunciation • Expand vocal range • Strengthen vocal projection • Develop specific accent(s) • Refine vocal expression • Develop specific dialect(s) • 1 person • 45 minutes • I do not have a specific date for an audition or performance • Phone or internet (no in-person meeting)

Acting Lessons

Erin S.

Mar 27, 2018

I can't even put into words how amazing a teacher Sean is. The best way to explain it is to tell about my recent experience in a student film and the results I see from his coaching. It's easy to say you are learning from someone but a completely different thing to be able to put those skills into practice and see the results. So many of the things I accomplished that day on set would not have been possible without the skills Sean taught me. Before “action” on one scene, I caught myself questioning my character's actions and motives and heard Sean's voice in my head reminding me to not judge the character. This bit of remembered wisdom reminded me to focus on empathizing with and being the character rather than judging her. It helped me to become the character rather than just myself portraying the character. There were multiple shots in this film where I had to cry, something I was extremely nervous about and had never been able to do on camera before. But I did as Sean taught me, and the tears came naturally. Without Sean's coaching, my emotions and the tears would not have felt or looked authentic. Sean's acting lessons have helped me immensely, and I am so thankful for everything I have learned from him. I would recommend Sean as a teacher for anyone who is serious about being an actor.

Sean Whalen - Acting Coach's reply

Erin, you made my job easy due to your hard work and dedication

Frederick C.

Nov 2, 2019

Hired on Thumbtack

Sean is a real pro. His knowledge and experience in all facets of entertainment makes him unique. He is a passionate actor who knows what it takes to get a job in this business ... We are excited he took on our daughter as a student!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • Intermediate • To prepare for an audition • To continue professional development • Film • TV episode • TV commercial • Scene study • Method acting • What the teacher recommends • Develop specific accent(s) • Develop specific dialect(s) • Refine vocal expression • Strengthen vocal projection • Expand vocal range • Hone diction and enunciation • 1 person • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Acting Lessons

Credentials

Background Check

Sean Whalen

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I like to keep my prices reasonable as I know it's tough for actors to spend extra money.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
It all depends on the level they are starting with. If you are well trained I will challenge you in areas where you are not as comfortable to expand your repertoire. If you only have about six months to a year we will focus on different aspects of connecting to a character and scene work.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied at UCLA Drama department, The world famous GROUNDLINGS COMEDY SCHOOL, Playhouse West with Robert Carnegie, Janet Alhanti. But most importantly I have been a working SAG member since January 1989.