In the week after my trial class, I could only think about getting back in. During work, at the gym, or meeting up with friends to grab a drink, I found my mind continuously wandering about how I felt during that class. When I was finally able to clear out my schedule consistently to have one day a week where I could take a class, I headed straight back to the Green Room Acting Studio's website.

At that moment, the best day for me would be Monday nights. I knew I could not take an advanced class, and the best fit for me would be one that is more general and covers some basics of acting. While browsing their adult classes, I found one that caught my eye. A scene study course taught by Ani Avetyan.

Not only did the description for the course seem like a great fit, but yet again, I was blown away by the experience the instructors have at GRAS. Ani is an active casting director who has supported projects such as Major Crimes, The Closer, Bad Teacher, Hellcats, and Unthinkable, to name a few.

This was perfect. I knew that my young acting career would involve some messy first-time auditions, but if I could train with someone who actively casts in the industry, I would give myself a much better opportunity to succeed.

Similar to the trial class, a few days leading up to Monday night, I was sent an email with instructions and the script the class would be practicing. As soon as it hit my inbox, I began studying the lines and finding what story I could draw from the short scene. I started to surprise myself with the passion and seriousness I began to put towards this class. I wanted to do well for myself, the instructor, and other students so they could get as much value out of the course as possible too. It felt like I had a real purpose back in my life. It felt like I found somewhere I belong.

When Monday rolled around, I could barely focus on anything else. That evening would be my first real class, and I wanted to make the most of it. When I joined the Zoom call, and introductions began, I was surprised to learn how many other people were relatively new to acting. It felt great to know that we were all about to embark on this journey of expression together. Finally, Ani joined the room.

Once is a chance, twice is a coincidence, and a third time is a pattern. With the way that Ani joined the class, I began to see a pattern of immense enthusiasm from the instructors at GRAS. A genuine warmth came across the screen from Ani, and she made it known early on that she is an

instructor that puts the actor first. Above all, she wants everyone in the class to feel comfortable enough to make any decision during a reading.

Ani further inspired the class by continuously putting two key points at the forefront of our performances.

Trust Yourself

Ani was adamant that everyone in the class should start trusting themselves with their choices. We are often more right about our decisions than we give ourselves credit for. If, in the moment of a scene, you feel something pulling you in a direction, don't quiet that voice because you think it might come off wrong or silly. Trust yourself to venture into that unknown.

Typically, people think in this order; heart, brain, gut. Ani presented a shift in this mindset when it comes to acting. As actors, we should be gut, heart, and brain regarding decisions. If it feels right, go for it.

Truth

Think about scenes from your favorite movies, tv shows, and theatrical productions. What made specific performances so engaging? They were truthful. As we ran through our lines and worked with Ani's feedback, she preached to look deep into the scene and these characters to find a truth we connect to. All we have for most scenes are character names, so if one actor views the two as siblings and another views the scene as a dispute between close colleagues, both are correct. Yet, each has a feeling all their own. Whether performing in class, at an audition, or by yourself at home, search for that truth between the lines.

As class one came to a close with Ani, I smiled. At that moment, I knew that no matter what came of this experience, I was in the right place to make a positive change in my life.

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering if these classes translate to actual results, just from the confidence it gave me alone, I already have two auditions for local independent films. But, and this is important, I am reminding myself that it does not matter if I get either of the roles. Simply auditioning for the first time is a victory for any beginning actor.