Get to know TAS Coach Sam Salery

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 Samuel Salary” Read on to find out:

What Makes You Feel Confident?

Just being in front of a camera or on stage makes me feel confident. But what helps me get there is realizing that it’s not just about me. When you’re on set, you are a part of a team and a community of people working together to make an amazing picture. Remembering that takes the pressure off of me. If I’m lucky and skilled enough to be able to showcase that in front of a camera and my peers, then that makes me feel confident.

How did you first get into acting?

I started acting in middle school. I did a play called, ‘Melanie and the Trashcan Troll’. Yep, I was the Trashcan Troll!! Ha! After that, my next step was to find out more about the acting community. So I auditioned for more plays in school and discovered they were my tribe. Being in theatre was where I felt most comfortable being able to express myself freely.

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Learning that it’s OK to be myself. I had to stop trying to give casting what I thought they wanted to see. Now I just try to present my best self. I don’t know if I have completely tackled it completely yet because I wrestle with it still. But, I think it’s more about learning to be OK with the things that you think that are flaws. Most of the time the things that are loud to us, are quiet to others. I keep that in mind which helps me keep chopping away.

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests in the entertainment industry?

Yeah, I love music. I love to sing so hopefully one day I’ll write a couple tunes that people will want to listen to. I really enjoy all kinds of music. My iTunes varies from Michael McDonald to 50 Cent, but I tend to gravitate towards R&B music and Neo soul. I used to go to open mic nights and sing all the time.

Why did you get into coaching?

I think coaching found me. Now that it’s here, I can say that I love to coach since I really do love helping people.

What is one bit of advice that you always love to share?

Write down your goals and find creative ways to put them around you. That way you have a reminder of what you are working towards and you can shape your decisions around said goal.

What do you hope that your legacy will be?

As an actor, I really want to be a great scene partner. Someone that my peers can say “that guy is a joy to work with”.

My coaching legacy: I would hope that my students would mirror the same sentiments

Finally, do you have any acting resources that you love?

Yes, I’m big on audiobooks and podcasts! You can also find some of your favorite actors teaching classes online as well.

Some of my favorites books are: “On Acting” by Stanford Meisner, and “The Audition Bible” by Holly Powell.

My favorite podcast is: “The Real Life Actor with Jeff Seymour”.

Samuel Salary Bio:

Samuel Salary is a Kansas City native who started his acting journey in 2014 in theater. With shows like, “Hands on a Hard Body”, “Jitney”, and “A Christmas Carol”. Samuel moved to Atlanta and started to attend The Actor’ Scene in 2017 and is now represented by Susan Toler Walters at STW Talent Agency. Recent credits include “Imaginary” (Blumhouse And Lionsgate), Tyler Perry’s “She’s the People” (Netflix) and “Stranger Things” (Netflix). Sam is excited about being a coach at The Actor’s Scene and hopes to uplift, encourage, and inspire.

Coach Sam currently teaches our Meisner and Beyond class for advanced actors.

He’s also available for private lessons to help prep for auditions or discuss on-set technique.

Get to know TAS Coach Sam Salery