Jenson Smith Acting Coach / Open Studio Acting
Open Studio Acting - A safe haven for actors where you can take your career to the next level.
It's not easy being an actor in New York City. There are a ton of talented people out there chasing their dreams, pouring every ounce of passion they have into their craft. Like you, they are out and about every day, doing audition upon audition, hoping against hope that their "big break" is just a casting director's email or phone call away, saying " You've got the job ! ". Hey, soon maybe it WILL be time to say goodbye to that soul-draining part-time clerical, reception, or server job that barely pays the rent. That's the perfect scenario for the Big Apple's aspiring actors. Unfortunately, though, the hard reality is that far too many auditions don't end in callbacks or a director asking you to report on set on such and such a day. For most actors the audition process can become a dead-end; a frustrating hamster wheel of rejection.
Look, you KNOW that you've got some talent going for you. The feedback that you get from other actors and casting directors is usually quite positive. And yet, the dream of performing on Broadway or landing a lead role on a popular Netflix or Hulu show seems to be receding further and further into the distance. It doesn't have to be this way. It's high time that you actually TAKE CHARGE of your career and do something about it! Lamenting over missed opportunities with your friends during brunch or at happy hour just isn't going to cut it. You realize something's missing in your gameplan, but you just can't put your finger on how to change the outcome when you fail to get that coveted role...yet again
Why not turn to someone who has "been there and done that "; a savvy, caring person who can not only elevate your acting chops but also shepherd you through the business side of Show Biz? Could a PROFESSIONAL ACTING COACH be in your future? We fervently hope so!
But, having said that, finding the RIGHT coach is essential to making the career moves that you've been seeking. Sure, those big-name acting schools that you see advertised in BACKSTAGE might, at first glance, seem attractive. But, their assembly-line, one-size-fits-all approach isn't for you. What's needed is an acting coach who will give you the one-on-one attention that YOU deserve. And, the good news is that you'll find exactly what you're looking for at OPEN STUDIO ACTING.
Located in the heart of Astoria, Queens, Open Studio Acting is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of actors JENSON SMITH and LUCAS VAN ENGEN. Having years of experience working on both sides of production as actors and filmmakers, Jenson and Lucas have a clear vision for what casting agents are looking for as well as an intimate understanding of what being on set is REALLY like. Open Studio Acting opened its doors in 2017. Their mission is to empower actors to bring their unique voice to the script, use the frame to tell a story and, BOOK WORK! When one thinks about it; there's a ton of pride going on when you can finally tell friends and family that you are a WORKING actor. Jenson and Lucas know how to make that happen while bringing out the very best in you, as both a human being and a professional.
When we met over coffee at Astoria's iconic NYC Bagel & Coffee House, Jenson further elaborated on her brand's mission; "We take great pride in being a safe place for artists. The words judgment-free zone are bandied about nowadays, but in our studio, you can totally feel comfortable being WHO you are. Lucas and I are absolutely committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Helen Keller put it best when she said, 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.' "
Lucas and Jenson first met at Naked Angels, NYC's longest-running cold reading series where members present excerpts of new plays and scripts in progress to an audience of fellow artists and supporters. The two connected and eleven months later Lucas proposed. In January 2020, the newly married couple moved into their apartment in Astoria and in October 2022, their bundle of joy OLI was born. Now two years of age Oli " competes " for attention from mom and dad with two adorable cats. Jenson and her husband are proud to be a vital part of Astoria's small business community which has so many family-run enterprises.
Earlier in this article we briefly touched on the years of experience as working actors that Jenson and Lucas bring to the table. Let's elaborate on this theme right now. When you first meet the team behind Open Studio Acting, don't be surprised if their faces look very familiar, indeed. Jenson Smith's credits include Orange Is The New Black, Louie, The Affair, FBI: Most Wanted and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, just to name a few. Early in 2025, Astoria's premier acting coach will be filming Love Lost Long Island with Michael McGlone ( She's the One ). Lucas Van Engen's resume includes the role of Leo Wise in HBO's We Own This City, Chicago Fire, The Black List, City On A Hill and Law and Order: SVU.
During our conversation, this writer was curious as to the story behind the name of their brand. Jenson was only too happy to share. " Lucas and I chose Open Studio Acting because we wanted it to be a safe space for EVERYONE. Our door is always open. We take pride in cultivating a culture of love and respect. After all, art comes from the heart." And, of course, as an actor, one has to be somewhat emotionally vulnerable; to be able to open themselves up to whatever the role calls for. That's not easy by a long shot.
Open Studio Acting has a diverse array of services on offer including COACHING ( prepping for tape, a shoot and live on set ), SELF-TAPE COACHING / VIDEO ( offered both in person at their studio or via Zoom and The BUSINESS of ACTING. The self-tape option totally intrigued this writer, so we asked Jenson to go into a little more detail as to what that entails.
"Virtually all auditions are done via self-tape nowadays " explained the brand's co-founder.
" When you come to our studio to tape, you get to just be an actor. Lucas and I do the lights, sound, editing and directing of the scene for you. One of our favorite things to work on with actors is using the " frame " to tell a story. For instance, eye lines are vital in self-tapes. By visualizing and using the frame, you can create movement, tension and, well, story! Self-tapes are inherently vulnerable. " continued Jenson. " We encourage our clients to look at each tape as another positive step in the audition process. Appreciate the journey, so to speak, not just the result. Look at the self-tape as a chance to share your unique story within the context of the scene....and HAVE FUN with it! Auditioning is its own art form. If you can view it from that angle then the experience can be incredibly empowering. Lucas and I want to instill in our students that exuding confidence and self-respect WILL attract opportunities and good vibes. "
Open Studios has a stellar track record as far as having their clients go on to book jobs in a variety of platforms from independent movies and TV to Broadway, Off-Broadway and National touring companies. Many of Lucas and Jenson's clients have appeared in shows such as The FBI, Fleishman Is In Trouble, White Rabbit ( a new series starring Jason Bateman ), New Amsterdam and Gossip Girl.
In addition to adults, Open Studios is accepting children and teens as clients. A loving Mom, Jenson enjoys working with kids and bringing out their potential. Several of her clients have auditioned for and been accepted at the celebrated Laguardia High School in Manhattan and Astoria's Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, which was founded by none other than the famed crooner Tony Bennett. Acting in commercials is a fantastic way to get noticed and elevate your income as an actor. If becoming a spokesperson or doing ADs on TV is your thing, then Jenson and Lucas have got you covered.
Originally and proudly hailing from Wisconsin, Jenson came to the Big Apple to fulfill HER acting dreams as well as finding ways to make a positive impact on the lives of those who she comes in contact with. Jenson studied acting at NYU's prestigious TISCH SCHOOL of the ARTS. Having lived in different neighborhoods throughout the city, Jenson fell in love with Astoria. She feels that " Astoria is truly one of the remaining authentic working-class neighborhoods in the city. It feels like a small town but has access to everything. I adore the fact that parts of Astoria still have pre-internet vibes. For instance, when I want to make an appointment with my doctor, I usually simply pop in and do it in person. Face-to-face interactions feel so precious in this fast-paced era of social media and computer screens. " Oh, by the way, her son Oli LOVES riding the N and W train. And going with Mom and Dad to local spots like Seva ( the BEST INDIAN FOOD ), The Quays, Mighty Oak Roasters and, of course, NYC Bagel & Coffee House.
If you're interested in obtaining more information and have any questions about Open Studio Acting's services, get in touch with Jenson and Lucas. They are very kind, compassionate people and so communicative. The word PROFESSIONAL has got to be mentioned, as well. Leave your comfort zone in the rearview mirror and embrace what the future has to offer you as a performing artist. Open Studios Acting can and WILL make it happen.
Contact Info
Jenson Smith:
www.jensonsmith.com
Email:
Phone: (917) 362-8100
Lucas Van Engen:
www.lucasvanengen.com
Email:
Phone (917) 805-2875
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