Student Highlight: Sam Dubin

Student Highlight: Sam Dubin

Get to know TAS Alumni,  Sam Dubin

Periodically The Actor’s Scene likes to reach out to students and chronicle their success in the industry. Case and point: Sam Dubin. Here’s what Sam has to say…

Hey Sam! We are so excited to speak with you! Let's start at the beginning, tell us what made you want to become an actor?

I knew I wanted to become an actor after one of my very first acting classes. I think it was actually a class at The Actor’s Scene way back when! I tried a lot of different hobbies and sports as a kid and it was my mom who first suggested I tried acting. I was pretty nervous, but from the very first exercise, I was hooked. There was this indescribable feeling I got from inhabiting another character. And for the first time as a kid, I felt like I really belonged. They were pretty simple theatre games that we were playing, but I think my mind was a little blown and there was no turning back. To this day, no matter what kind of acting I do — on set, on stage, in class, or on my own — I still get that weird and amazing feeling. 

What do you really love about acting?

The fact that it’s constantly teaching me so much about the human experience. It’s such a privilege to play for a living. And it’s not as important as we make it out to be sometimes. We are playing, but it’s also such a privilege to dissect human behavior and try to recreate it to move people. 

What drives you to stick with it?

I’m constantly asking myself why I’m doing this; most of the reason is just because I love it so much! And even though having a plan B is a good idea, I can’t really see myself doing anything else. 

The fact that we, as actors and artists, have the ability to sit around in a room and talk and play and then capture something on camera or stage that can affect people is what keeps me coming back to it every day.

What is something that surprised you about working on a set?

Honestly, how unglamorous it can be at times. It definitely can be pretty glamorous sometimes – but most of the time it isn’t. I’ll never forget my first ever scene on a professional SAG TV gig. We were golf carted to set. I stepped on set, briefly met the director, he showed me my mark, where I was going to step and say my line, we got three takes and then we moved on. I think that’s where the preparation really kicks in. Once you’re on set, especially if it’s TV, there’s not much time for discussion so you’ve got to be prepared to work. Everyone wants to create something beautiful, but they also want to make the day and they want to do it is as efficiently as possible. Time is money! 

What are some of your favorite acting moments?

 I recently worked on a show where my character was dying and after the take I could sort of feel the energy in the room shift. One of the producers came up to me and asked me if I was okay and I was like, “Yeah I’m great, let’s do it again!” It was a complicated moment with a lot of moving pieces and I know that if I moved the crew then it was going to translate to screen. It was a proud moment!

I studied at the Atlantic Theatre Company in NYC during the summer of 2018! I did a scene from a play called Bent, and on my second round of performing I reached a real breakthrough moment from breathing and really working to be present with my partner. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since!

Booking my very first professional acting TV gig!

I wrote, directed and acted in a short film about my relationship with my father and recently premiered the film to a sold out crowd in Atlanta and NYC. In both audiences, having people come up to me and tell me that the film made them think about their family or life in some way was extremely fulfilling as a writer, director and artist!

In what ways do you feel that acting has made you a better human being?

Acting has given me the opportunity to invest myself in stories and worlds and points of view that I I don’t think I would have the chance to see if I was pursuing some other profession. 

Acting has taught me the importance of a team and also how to be a leader. 

It’s taught me how to truly listen and be present with myself and others. It’s constantly humbling. It’s given me perseverance and grit. 

When I took my very first acting class at the Actors Scene I knew right away that I had fallen in love with a profession that would allow me to be open and vulnerable and not be afraid to be weird and wacky in my own way. 

 

The audition is the work. Go into the audition to do the job not get the job... When you try to “get the job” you become powerless. You’re not going into the audition to get anything. You’re going in to give them the gift of your work.

-Brian Cranston's advice to Sam Dubin

What is some of the best acting advice you've been given?

Don’t ask me how… but somehow I ended up on a zoom call with Bryan Cranston back in 2020. It was me and a bunch of other actors and filmmakers. We all had to submit questions beforehand and right towards the end of the call our teacher asked me to finish the call with my question to Bryan which was basically how you stay motivated in a business with so much rejection. How do you keep going when you’re constantly getting no’s? 

He was so passionate about this question he ended up talking way past the time he said he originally would. He kept just saying to let it go and give it away. The audition is the work. Go into the audition to do the job not get the job. What you have in your talent is a gift. Put you arms around that gift and value that. When you try to “get the job” you become powerless. You’re not going into the audition to get anything. You’re going in to give them the gift of your work. Be kind, generous, let it go and give it away. Golden advice from Bryan Cranston!

Tell us Sam, what makes you feel confident?

For me it’s just preparation. I can definitely over prepare and I can overthink at times, but knowing I’ve done the work at the bare minimum makes me feel confident. I’ve always been a fan of the idea that preparation sets you free. So whether it’s acting or writing or my survival job I feel comfortable when I know have a certain degree of understanding and prep backing me up! 

What would be your dream project?

A show on TV right now I would do anything to be a part of is The Bear on Hulu. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry, so I really understand that world. I’ve never seen something on TV and been like, “I need to be in that” more than when I’d seen The Bear. The style of the show, the subject matter, the actors, the writing. I’m manifesting it!

It’s been a while since I’ve done a play because of COVID, so really doing any play with depth would be a dream right now! 

I want to act with Robert de Niro. That’s the ultimate-ultimate dream.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

Recurring Co Star in Average Joe, a new show on BET +

I wrote, directed and acted in my short film, The Stream which should be premiering online by the end of this month. More details on my website, personal insta and my film’s insta @thestreamfilm

I just worked on a short film called What to Say Anymore

I’ll be studying Chekhov with the Atlantic Theatre Company for the month of May in NYC!

Finally, what advice do you have for young actors who are just getting started?

The same advice I give myself every day. Be patient. The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. So much of life as an actor and artist is investing in your future self. The work you’re putting it in today will benefit you in ways you could never see coming days, months, years from now. You don’t know what the future holds so don’t stop believing in yourself and your ability and don’t let go of your dreams. (Basically talking to myself here!)

You can follow Sam!

Check out his:

Website

IMDb

Instagram

You should also keep track of the latest news for Sam’s short film, The Stream, by following the official Instagram page HERE.

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Mentorship Matters

Mentorship Matters

Yes, it really does. Find out some of the reasons and benefits of having an acting mentor.

Mentorship; it’s one of our core values at The Actor’s Scene. When students walk into the studio to get to their class, they are greeted by this awesome quote from John C. Maxwell:

“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”

-John C. Maxwell

So... what is a mentor, really?

 Merriam-Webster defines a mentor as “a trusted counselor or guide, a tutor or coach”. Basically, your mentor is someone that is helping to guide your path, hearing where you currently are and helping you pinpoint the next steps to getting where you want to be. Mentors work alongside you to hone in on your strengths and help you to work on your weaknesses! Mentorship can be beneficial in every industry and at every stage in life. It is by no means a new concept; rather, it’s one that we’ve seen crop up in our stories through the ages. Where would Harry Potter be without Dumbledore? Or Luke Skywalker without Yoda? Or Daniel LaRusso without Mr. Miyagi? I could keep going, but you get the point. To have someone that can listen, guide, caution, and cheer you on your journey is not just a blessing, but an important element to cultivate in your acting journey.

If I’m an actor, what is the benefit of having a mentor?

That’s a great question! Actors, especially those new to the industry, can definitely benefit from hearing about others’ experiences and soaking in advice from those who have been working in the industry! For seasoned actors, mentorship can help figure out what your blind spots are, assess where you are in your craft and what your areas for improvement might be! Mentorship for actors can be in the form of goal-setting, learning a new acting skill, or even leveling up your tangible materials such as your resume, headshots, and reels or clips. Having a mentor as an actor means having a go-to person to come to with all of your questions, concerns, and dreams!

Coach Sanna Erica

Check out this quote from TAS Coach Sanna Erica on mentorship:

“Sometimes mentorship can happen in unconventional ways. For instance, a few years ago I decided to read books by women in filmmaking, business, and comedy who were inspirational to me. I learned so much from these incredible people — without actually meeting them in person. Never doubt the power of how you can learn from those who went before you — even if you may not have the chance to meet them (yet)!”

Mentorship is helpful for your career as an actor, but also for your personal life!

 When I was a child, I was PAINFULLY shy. I mean, I couldn’t order at a restaurant by myself. I barely made eye contact with strangers. And new environments, especially crowded ones, made me super nervous. The first time I sang in front of a group of people, I actually ran out of the room crying! Despite my shyness, I knew from the moment that I was a little tot (probably about 2 or so) that I desperately wanted to be an actor. I just needed some help coming out of my shell, and developing the confidence necessary to work and thrive in the industry! Thankfully, when I was seven years old, I started taking classes at The Actor’s Scene, and I found my first mentor: Coach Aimee Peters.

Coach Aimee worked with me and my mom to help me develop public speaking skills, learn how to think quickly and creatively on my feet, and grow the confidence in myself that I needed to start actually pursuing my dream of becoming an actor. She did this simply by showing up for me in our weekly private lessons! We used our time together to talk about and solidify my goals, and made small steps weekly towards them. We leveled up my tangible industry tools like my online profiles, had question and answer times for the things I was wondering about the industry and the art of acting, and worked on different techniques to improve my performance skills. Lessons with her were the first time that I felt like I could actually accomplish my dreams of performing in front of others and bringing characters to life. I will forever be grateful to her for taking that time to invest in me, both personally and professionally, because without it, I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am (or who I am) today! 

We got in touch with former TAS Coach, Aimee Peters to hear her take on mentorship. As one of our first coaches, going back to 2003, Aimee had the opportunity to mentor many actors and walk through their journey to success. We asked Aimee to share her thoughts on being an acting coach:

“For years, I had served as an acting coach in any way the doors opened up. Then gradually my students began asking if I would teach them privately. The reason a coach thrives on those private lessons is that we finally get to hone in and really work on an area in ONE actor’s development, that we don’t have time for in a group class. When you see an area for growth in a person, you want to help them get there! I believe that anyone who truly wants to grow, must shake themselves out of the routine of what comes naturally, and SEEK OUT the expertise and greatness that you see in someone you admire. Mentors or coaches don’t have time to go find folks to follow them; they’re already running in their purpose. However, if you see an attribute or a skill that you can learn from, then you gotta go find those who will take the time to populate that into you. The hunger to learn from others never stops.

What I did not expect, is that as I privately coached hundreds of students, their stories became embedded into my heart, and each face became someone I learned from. Their passion to learn, the affection and appreciation of me when I taught, seeing them progress in excellence and determination…it all inspired me to be on my game, and to come with more and more so they would feel they were getting what they needed.

These students & their families became friends. They were there when I walked through infertility for 4 years.  They laughed with me through the nausea of pregnancies.  They all came out to celebrate that first miracle baby and showered us with nursery decor for that little girl we didn’t think would ever come. One of my most prized possessions is that after helping Molly Pass develop Spokesperson script for an AMTC competition in FL, her mother took her costume and converted it into a exquisite “Jack & Jill” baby blanket for our 2nd miracle baby. 

When we open up to one another to connect through acting, sometimes we get SO much more.”

Coach Aimee Peters has been a mentor to so many people at TAS!

My mentoring journey didn’t end after working with Coach Aimee. I continued taking classes at the studio and furthering my craft. Through a TAS Showcase, I signed with my agent and started auditioning! When I got to my teenage years, I realized that soon I would be responsible for my own career instead of leaning so heavily on my parents to help me out, so I restarted private lessons, this time with Coach Sanna! Coach Sanna helped me figure out how to navigate the more administrative tasks that I was confused about, like self-submitting for projects, resume-building, and communicating with my agent. She also taught me acting techniques that I still use to this day, like Alexander, Meisner, and Hagen. I knew that whenever I had a question, I had a designated person and safe space to share my confusion. And of course, Sanna’s expertise and kindness meant that all my questions were answered easily and without judgment, which gave me the clarity and confidence to move forward in my journey! I remember working specifically with her on my audition for the spring musical in my senior year of high school, and how we got to celebrate together when I got to tell her that I got the part! She was even able to make it to the first play I ever directed, Charlie Brown Christmas, that same year!

Since my time with TAS Coaches Aimee Peters and Sanna Erica, I can now order my own food at a restaurant. I often make eye contact with strangers. And new environments, especially crowded ones, are so exciting to me! As far as singing goes, I actually now teach vocal lessons to other shy kiddos and help them find confidence in their voice. Mentorship for actors is about more than learning how to act, it’s about finding and perfecting the tools you need to succeed, in your career as well as in your day to day life! Working privately with a coach is an opportunity to connect with someone who wants to see you thrive. If you’ve been thinking about what the next right thing for you is, or you just know that you could benefit from someone who has more industry experience helping to guide you as you navigate it all, check out our private and career coaching options!

Another TAS Mentor that we want to spotlight, is none other than Nicolle Campbell; TAS Founder, Owner, and Manager of TASM. Nicolle has been a ‘rock’ to many in the industry-both in TAS and beyond. We asked her to share her take on Mentorship.

“I don’t consider myself a “mentor”. I don’t intentionally set out to mentor a person. 

Instead what I’ve realized is that I’m an investor. I invest in people. I see potential in someone. I see their heart to do good, to achieve and to help others. That’s what spurs me to invest. I want to help that person grow. I want to invest in their heart, in their spirituality, in their dream to help others. I want them to grow their good desires and to help them recognize and avoid the pitfalls. I want to pass down the things I’ve learned in life. 
 
So I don’t do anything like set monthly meetings with someone to talk about what steps they should take etc etc. it’s nothing as regimented as that. Instead I talk to them, write notes, give encouragement, ask them questions designed to get them to think and to problem solve. And I love them-by investing time and energy. I do this with those on my staff, my management clients, my friends- and even with my friends daughters!  Listening to them and asking questions is how I invest in that person. And I think that focusing on Investment is a more well rounded way to approach mentorship.”

We are here for you, and would love to be a part of your story. To learn more about our coaches and their specific areas of expertise, click HERE.

For Private Lesson and Career Coaching information/to book your first session, click HERE.

We’ll see you soon, virtually or in-person!

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About The Author

Molly Pass

Molly Pass is an Atlanta-local actress, acting coach, and wedding videographer who loves to help new and seasoned actors alike find their purpose and passion through performance. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University and enjoys discussing movies, shows, and all things new media. Her favorite part of working at The Actor’s Scene is being able to inspire folks to pursue their dreams and helping them to gain confidence in themselves along the way. When she is not acting or working in the digital media realm, she enjoys reading murder mysteries and desperately trying to keep a garden alive. 

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