Happy 10 Years to TAS Coach Rick Goins

Happy 10 Years to TAS Coach Rick Goins

We want to wish a very Happy 10 Year Anniversary to Coach Rick!
 
 
All of our acting coaches are highly qualified working actors who participate in the Film/TV industry in a variety of ways, in addition to coaching acting classes. But we want to give you a more in-depth look at who they are as people. 
 
This month we are sharing some insights that will help answer the question, 
“Who Is Rick Goins?” and below you will find out why Rick is such a beloved coach! 

How did you first get into acting?

I have two older sisters who were into acting, so I started getting involved vicariously through them. When I was in middle school I got picked on and bullied a lot, so theatre became sort of therapeutic for me. You get the chance to play pretend, escape for a little while and walk in the shoes of someone else.

When I auditioned for AMDA I did it on a whim. It was a surprise to me, and my family, that I even got accepted. After New York I moved to Los Angeles on another whim. It was a true leap of faith. I knew no one when I moved there and didn’t even know where I was going to stay when I got there. As I was driving through Texas, on my way to California, a friend of mine from New York called and said he had a friend in Burbank, CA and I could stay with him when I got there.

Ultimately, I am glad I made that move because my wife is from California. I would have never met her had I not trusted God and just moved out there.

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Booking! I have been pursuing acting for 20 years and, like most actors, my goal has been to be able to make a living off of acting. There has been moments where that was achieved, but I can’t say I have ever been consistent.

Aside from having talent, networking is a very important attribute to be successful. I’m an introvert and am still challenged, as an adult, with being shy- going to networking events are often my own personal nightmare. But my advice for the introverts is to be friendly, meet people and get to know them for who they are not what they might be able to do for you one day. Also be genuine. Recognize that we are all peers, wanting to do great work together.

How have you learned to maintain a healthy outlook when it comes to the slow seasons?

There are a lot of variables involved in booking a job, other than just your talent. Many of them you can’t control. Work on the ones you can control (talent, professionalism, networking) and don’t waste your life on the things you can’t control. Fame or money can not be your motivation. You do it because you love it. Also, work on your own content! If people won’t hire you, you hire yourself.

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests from behind the camera?

I got the chance to produce a talk show, a couple of Christmas specials, and full length feature. Producing is a lot of hard work and is under-appreciated by most people. As an actor you have a lot, mentally, on your plate but ultimately you are concerned about your job.

As a producer my job was to be concerned about the cameramen, the sound, script, actors, all the cogs of the machine. If someone doesn’t/can’t do the job correctly, the producer has to go in and correct it, however deemed fit. If the show does great people applaud the actors but if the show falls flat, only then, does the producer get any attention. But my favorite part about being a producer was giving someone that first opportunity. I wanted to be that person who gave someone their first break. That was a cool feeling.

A few years later I was commissioned to adapt a book into a screen play, which was later sold to Sony. The project got stuck in development, but it was exciting that executives were putting money on something I wrote!

Why did you get into coaching?

Acting was a way for me to shine, get out of my shell of insecurities. Making it a profession was icing on the cake. I hope that I can turn and give the same inspiration to the next generations.

What is one important bit of advice you always give the students in your class?

My favorite piece of advice I ever got and that I like to pass on to my students is: “You’re a banana, but they want apples. You’re not going to get the job because of that but you have to keep at it. One day they’re going to want a banana and you need to be there.”

Also, I often remind students to remember their externals in performances. Externals can be defined as surroundings or any other “external” factors that contribute to our movement. Examples of these could be what one wears, the people surrounding us, the weather, etc. So often we forget all of the little habits we build as humans due to our externals. It is important for our characters to have these as well to make them more relatable to the viewers!

What is your proudest coaching moment?

I love watching everyone at the TAS Showcase. Most of them, from kids to adults, have their nerves getting the best of them- but they push through it. Some of them, their goal isn’t to get signed with an agent but just to be able to perform (under pressure)- and they do it. I love seeing the ones that have that “Ah ha” moment where doing a great performance was the reward. If someone gets interested in them professionally… that is just icing on the cake.

Coach Rick with his family

What do you hope that your legacy will be as an acting coach?

My goal is not for students to have fun, although I hope they do. I can’t even say that I want them to be working actors. What I want is for all of them to grow. I want them to be more self-aware, to be more confident. I hope they get excited about the mundane. These make you a better actor, but they also make you a better human being.

Lastly, tell us what makes you feel confident?

To be confident I have to make sure I’m in the moment… and that doesn’t just speak to scene work. It’s great to have goals, but if you are so focused on your goals that you are not enjoying the moment you’re in- you’re doing it wrong. The times I’ve wanted to give up I have to remember to have a purpose bigger than myself; give a ‘Why’ to my wants.

Rick Goins Bio:

I was born in Marietta, GA. After attending college at Truett McConnell in Cleveland, GA I got accepted into the American Musical Camp: Dramatic Academy in New York City. While in Manhattan I performed in various Off (and way off) Broadway shows, including a 3 season national tour of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” as the Tin Woodsman, for the Theatre for Young Audiences. Shortly after I found myself in Los Angeles and getting the chance to appear in various TV shows and movies. I co-founded, managed, and toured with a short-form improvisational troupe, Fishes and Loaves. Got married and moved back to Georgia where I produced a live talk show for a local TV station for 4 years and produced a full-length theatrical released film. I now am a Stay-At-Home-Dad with three kids. As of April I have been coaching at The Actors Scene for ten years!

As a coach you learn that everyone who walks through these doors have different back grounds and different goals in mind so they can not all be trained the same way. Everyone is at a different point in their journey and no one’s path looks the same, recognizing that is what helps make a great coach.

Would you like to train with Coach Rick? 

This year he will be coaching a variety of programs, including:

Adult On-Camera Foundations

Improv Expanded

Meisner & Beyond

He also works with private students on working actor techniques and improv.

To book an appointment, call 770-904-6646.

Or you can register HERE

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A Coach In Your Corner

A Coach In Your Corner

You don’t have to go through this journey alone…

“My acting career is overwhelming.”

“I don’t know where to start.”

“This audition is confusing.” 

Have you uttered any of these statements, or any like them? I can’t blame you! These are all things I myself have said at different points in my career.

Acting usually begins with a dream in your heart, but in this fast paced industry many actors are left feeling disoriented in the mountains of information. For new actors, it’s the heap of options to comb through, skills to build, scams to avoid. For working actors, it’s networking, audition fatigue, branding adjustments… have you made the right choices? Is there more you should do? 

These questions, and struggles, can take the JOY out of your acting journey.

But guess what? No matter where you are in your acting career, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Every actor needs a mentor that can lock arms with them and point them in the right direction. Luckily, The Actor’s Scene has got your back! No matter what issues you’re facing, we have a simple solution that can help: Career Coaching or a one-on-one meeting (private lesson). 

“How will these private lesson options help?” I have enlisted a few of our hard working coaches who specialize in private lessons and career coaching to answer that very question.

Let’s start by introducing our coaches:

Coach Molly Pass

Coach Kristi Taylor

Alright coaches, let’s get into it. When should an actor get into continued Private lessons or Career Coaching lessons?

Molly’s answer: An actor can really benefit from ongoing Privates/Career Coaching lessons at any point! I think a good indicator that you’re ready for private coaching is when you need help with a particular skill or want an extra expert opinion on what your next right steps should be.

Kristi’s answer: The moment an actor feels overwhelmed with an audition…maybe they don’t know how to make appropriate decisions for their character for the audition, or if the casting director is requesting something unique, like improv or various takes, a coaching session should be done.  This can help clarify the necessary information and give a new perspective on choices that would be appropriate for the audition.

 Or, on the other hand, if they are not receiving auditions, a general career coaching is conducted and can help identify any issues that may be preventing the actor from progressing.  We can look at updates for the casting portal sites, resumes, reels, and general information that can help further their careers.  Career Coaching to me is a necessity! The best of the best utilize career coaching when the opportunity arises.

What are the benefits of private lessons versus learning in a group environment?

Molly’s answer: In private lessons, students can work at their own pace and skill level. We can go as in-depth as the student wants to go, or spend longer on concepts that may be harder to grasp!

Sanna’s answer: Private lessons can be form-fitted to YOU, the actor. You can choose exactly what you would like to focus on.

How do you go about your initial Career Coaching lesson?

Molly’s answer: I love essentially interviewing/chatting with my new students to assess their level, goals, and create a plan to move towards their next right thing!

Kristi’s answer: Upon meeting someone for the first time in a career coaching, I tend to take a few minutes and get to know each other…what their acting history is made of…their goals short and long term.  And, also identify the specific areas that may be helpful in furthering their careers.

Can you share some good moments or stories from Private or Career Coaching?

Molly’s answer: My favorite part of Career Coaching is getting to see my students improve in their own ways and helping them develop confidence in themselves, their abilities, and their processes. One stand-out memory was seeing one of my vocal students perform in front of others for the first time at her school showcase. I could tell how proud she was of herself after the performance, and she did an amazing job!

Kristi’s answer: I’ve had a few private students that have booked major projects.  I think it’s also important to mention that even if a student doesn’t book a project, but they are auditioning for speaking roles in these productions…that is still great!!  It shows the actors how they are imagined by casting directors for productions.  Just the fact that the casting directors or agents took their time to consider them a possibility is a huge compliment.

Taylor Smitherman is a 9 year old that has been doing private lessons with me for a little over a year.  We have worked on various topics in her lessons ranging from nerves in front of the camera, to dialects, to voiceovers, to singing, to crying, and showing extreme ranges of emotion.  She has only been acting for close to two years.  Since I’ve started lessons with her, she has booked several very large roles on short films, and even booked a voiceover role on the Daily Wire Network for a cartoon character.  Super proud of her!! 

We appreciate our coaches at TAS and their insights!

As we have learned, there are many reasons people choose to do a one-on-one session. We hope that if you are reading this and thinking of your own concerns, that you will reach out and chat with our team. It may be that investing in some quality time with a professional is just the step you need to get your career to the next level. 

Our TAS Front Desk can listen to your concerns, and help you find the best match in one of our coaches. Get your career started, get out of a slump, or just get the extra help you need today.

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

Kirsten Krehbiel is an Atlanta based actress, director, and writer who enjoys bringing people new truths through the art of storytelling. She has a love of acting both on camera and on stage, having been lucky enough to be a part of incredible productions in both worlds. Kirsten joined the TAS team in 2020 as a coach, a job she loves because it lets her watch first hand as students grow and gain self confidence as actors. When she is not creating or coaching, you can find Kirsten hanging out with her grumpy cat on their back porch. 

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