Hi everyone!
I’m David Rackoff. I’m an acting, audition, and musical theater coach. I'm also a writer, composer, and director of theater and film (so I know how to get "inside" a scene or a song). I'm located in Manhattan, but I mostly coach online. I specialize in getting actors to a place where they feel good about auditioning. If you have an upcoming audition that you’d like to be prepared for, I am particularly good in getting fast results, so that you can walk into that room feeling confident. Auditions can be fun, trust me!
I’m David Rackoff. I’m an acting, audition, and musical theater coach. I'm also a writer, composer, and director of theater and film (so I know how to get "inside" a scene or a song). I'm located in Manhattan, but I mostly coach online. I specialize in getting actors to a place where they feel good about auditioning. If you have an upcoming audition that you’d like to be prepared for, I am particularly good in getting fast results, so that you can walk into that room feeling confident. Auditions can be fun, trust me!
What is audition coaching?
Imagine you already have your dream role. An audition coaching session is like the best day of rehearsal. Just you and the supportive director. You work the monologue, work the song, work the scene. You make discoveries, build your confidence. It’s work; it’s rewarding, fun, productive work. At the end of the process, you have a great result: You have been supported and encouraged, and now… you are prepared!
Who is it for?
If you are an actor, then this is for you. Whether you’re preparing for a college audition, community theater, high school, or a professional audition or job, coaching is the best way to get better and more confident. If you have a specific audition coming up, this is a great way to quickly get yourself ready. It’s also great to build up your skills in general, so that the next time you have an audition or a performance, you’re a better, happier version of yourself. And if you’re a musical theater performer, it’s a great way to build up your book.
Do you work in person or online?
Usually, I work online. I’m in NYC, but theater performers are all over the place! Wherever you are, and whatever level you’re currently at, we can work together, just like if you were here in NYC! (But if you’re here in NYC, we can rent a rehearsal room and work in person.)
What if I’m not sure?
Book a single session, and we’ll see how it goes. You’ll improve, and we can take it from there. (If you book a single session, and then decide to upgrade to a bigger package, I’ll credit the cost of the first session, so you get the package discount applied to your first session).
Coaching rates are $135 for a single 45 minute session,
Three sessions for $300,
Ten sessions for for $850
FAQ
Are you a voice teacher?
No. I’m an acting coach. I’m great with coaching songs, but I work from the performance side. Whatever your voice is like now is great! We will work material in a way that makes what you sound like— right now— work.
How many sessions will I need?
There’s no right answer. If you have an audition next week, we can make great strides in a single session. If you’re looking to improve your craft and confidence, you may want to schedule weekly sessions. But it all starts with taking that first step!
I’m a little anxious about all this.
I know! It’s really stressful, right? A huge part of what I work on is building confidence. Real, authentic, earned confidence. I make the process fun and approachable.
What age is this for?
I generally work with adults. I also work with high school actors some times. Any younger than that, parents should message me. I have occasionally worked with younger kids, but generally kids younger than high school will benefit more from group settings.
Do I need to bring material?
Yes. You should have a backing track to work with, or a monologue or scene. I might suggest material for you, for the future, but for our first session, bring something to work on (and let me know in advance what it is, so I can be ready).
Can I buy a session or a package for someone else?
How thoughtful! Yes, of course. Coaching is a great gift, and a great way to lessen someone’s anxiety about performing. And it’s so exciting to see someone you care about get better and better!
Is it “fair” for me to get professional coaching if I’m going out for an amateur or high school show?
Yes. It’s like taking voice lessons, or going to theater camp. It will make you better. It will make the shows that you’re in better! And I bet you’ll even be able to share some of your new skills with other people in your community. It’s a win/win.
Do you coach film and tv auditions, too?
Yes. I have worked in both theater and film, and I can help you get better and more comfortable on film (and on self-tape auditions).
I have another question that I don’t see here.
Message me!
Are you a voice teacher?
No. I’m an acting coach. I’m great with coaching songs, but I work from the performance side. Whatever your voice is like now is great! We will work material in a way that makes what you sound like— right now— work.
How many sessions will I need?
There’s no right answer. If you have an audition next week, we can make great strides in a single session. If you’re looking to improve your craft and confidence, you may want to schedule weekly sessions. But it all starts with taking that first step!
I’m a little anxious about all this.
I know! It’s really stressful, right? A huge part of what I work on is building confidence. Real, authentic, earned confidence. I make the process fun and approachable.
What age is this for?
I generally work with adults. I also work with high school actors some times. Any younger than that, parents should message me. I have occasionally worked with younger kids, but generally kids younger than high school will benefit more from group settings.
Do I need to bring material?
Yes. You should have a backing track to work with, or a monologue or scene. I might suggest material for you, for the future, but for our first session, bring something to work on (and let me know in advance what it is, so I can be ready).
Can I buy a session or a package for someone else?
How thoughtful! Yes, of course. Coaching is a great gift, and a great way to lessen someone’s anxiety about performing. And it’s so exciting to see someone you care about get better and better!
Is it “fair” for me to get professional coaching if I’m going out for an amateur or high school show?
Yes. It’s like taking voice lessons, or going to theater camp. It will make you better. It will make the shows that you’re in better! And I bet you’ll even be able to share some of your new skills with other people in your community. It’s a win/win.
Do you coach film and tv auditions, too?
Yes. I have worked in both theater and film, and I can help you get better and more comfortable on film (and on self-tape auditions).
I have another question that I don’t see here.
Message me!