‘I’ve known Michael for many years and his work as an actor and director has been one of simplicity, honesty and intelligence.’ (Philip Seymour Hoffman · Academy Award Winning Actor) ‘I've learned from Michael that the most fulfilling work comes from a relentless pursuit of truth with an openness to being surprised by what you find.’ (Jonathan Abrahams · Emmy Winning Writer & Producer, Mad Men) ‘Michael Connors and I share so much in our feelings about approaches to acting.’ (Seth Barrish · Co-Artistic Director, The Barrow Group NYC) ‘I’ve known Michael for many years and his work as an actor and director has been one of simplicity, honesty and intelligence.’ (Philip Seymour Hoffman · Academy Award Winning Actor) ‘I've learned from Michael that the most fulfilling work comes from a relentless pursuit of truth with an openness to being surprised by what you find.’ (Jonathan Abrahams · Emmy Winning Writer & Producer, Mad Men) ‘Michael Connors and I share so much in our feelings about approaches to acting.’ (Seth Barrish · Co-Artistic Director, The Barrow Group NYC)

Acting classes with Michael Connors

The Conscious Actor

Guiding actors from performative to experiential.

On-camera acting training for film and television that moves beyond performance into presence, truth, and lived experience.

Michael Connors

Guiding actors toward work rooted in truth, authenticity, and emotional honesty.

For over 20 years, Michael has worked extensively with film and television actors in both Los Angeles and New York, guiding them toward work that is play, rooted in truthful behavior and emotional honesty.

Through his classes and private coaching, Michael encourages actors to let go of controlled performance enough for something unexpected, spontaneous, and deeply alive to move through them.

Open sky and figure with open arms

What constitutes good acting to me? The answer is simple. I believe what I’m seeing. I recognize the behavior, the conflicts, and the relationships as lifelike. The actors feel like authentic human beings talking, listening, and responding truthfully within the given circumstances in a believable and effortless way.

I’m swept up into the world I’m witnessing. I’m curious because I don’t know what’s going to happen next. For me, the best acting doesn’t feel performed at all. It catches the audience by surprise, as though they’re eavesdropping on something they shouldn’t be.

They stop trying to make something happen and instead allow the scene to do them.

When that happens, the actor moves from performing to experiencing. It doesn’t happen every time. But when it does, it feels like capturing lightning in a bottle.

From performative to experiential.

Michael on the moment an actor fully lets go, something unexpected appears, and the work becomes alive in a way no one can manufacture.

On-camera acting classes for actors who want the work to feel alive...

Introduction to Acting for the Camera

12 weeks · In-person · Online

$275 / month

A grounded introduction to acting for film and television, focused on truthful behavior, listening, emotional presence, and working simply in front of the camera.

Advanced Scene Study

Ongoing · In-person · Audition or self-tape required for admission

$300 / month

A deeper dive into character, relationship, emotional truth, and the kind of work that stops feeling performed.

Self-Tape & Audition Tech

12 weeks · Online · In-person

$275 / month

A practical on-camera class covering the technical and performance basics of crafting strong self-tapes and auditions.

Student Voices

Contact

Let’s work together.

For class information, booking a coaching, or ongoing privates, please email:

consciousacting@gmail.com

Look forward to hearing from you.