Every great performer's story starts somewhere. Yours starts with one audition.
Coaching since 1977 · Live on Zoom · Ages 6–35 · Showcase for agents and casting directors
You've always wanted to perform. Find out how far you can go.
Train live on Zoom with actors from Yellowstone, Resident Alien, and Scary Movie. Then perform for talent agents and casting directors. Ages 6–35.
From your audition to performing for agents, in four steps
Perform a short script read and answer a few special skills questions. Our coaches look at your presence and your potential to grow, and you get a feel for us. If we're the right fit for each other, you'll be invited to join.
Audition.
1
Every Acting 101 class opens with a masterclass from Diana Horner, NPA's co-founder and the creator of the training program you'll learn.
Learn from the program's creator.
2
Weekly small-group classes with individual direction from professional coaches. Learn to break down a script, nail a self-tape, slate, handle a callback, and work on set, all from anywhere.
Train live on Zoom.
3
Finish Acting 101 by performing on Zoom for a select group of talent agents and casting directors. Standout students may be invited to our main showcase.
Perform at the Preliminary Showcase.
4
Even the most famous voice in Hollywood was coached.
Morgan Freeman's famous voice was shaped by a voice coach. Hugh Jackman says he started drama school as "the dunce of the class." Viola Davis found her calling in a teen acting class. Talent is where it starts. Coaching is where it grows.
Coaches that work in the industry, not just around it.
Diana Horner
Co-Founder · Creator of the NPA Program Diana was once a shy, unsure kid, and training is what gave her the confidence to perform. She went on to model, act, and spend 30 years as the talent agent casting directors called first. Now, after nearly five decades of coaching, she opens every Acting 101 class and coaches the advanced levels.
Savannah Lee Nassif · Scary Movie
Every coach is actively working in acting, casting, or production. They're working in the very industry you're training to join.
Andrea Geones · Resident Alien
Cat Hammons · Yellowstone
At the showcase level, students train with working casting directors whose credits include Disney, Selma, and A Wrinkle in Time.
Britt George · True Blood
Don’t just take our word for it…
Listen to NPA graduate Dallas Dupree Young, star of Cobra Kai and Cousins for Life, talk about getting his start in acting with National Performers Academy.
Our Programs
Three classes. Three levels. A real path to success.
Hone your skills.
Acting 101
12 weeks to find your footing.
Character breakdown, script analysis, on-camera basics, and audition mechanics — the fundamentals every working performer needs, taught live in small Zoom groups.
12 weeks
90 min / week, live on Zoom
Live Zoom audition required to enroll — no experience needed
Includes a bonus masterclass with Diana Horner
Grads: mini Zoom showcase for an agent, manager, or casting director
Advanced Acting
By coach invitation, based on 101 performance. Continued weekly coaching. Most working actors train 2–3 times a week, and Level II builds that habit early.
16 weeks
Coach recommended
90 min / week,
live on Zoom
Advanced scene study — sitcom, drama & film
LA Performance Showcase
Master your craft.
By coach invitation only, based on Level II performance. A live masterclass and coaching intensive that culminates in performing for LA agents, managers, and casting directors.
16 weeks
Invitation only
Live on Zoom
no travel required
Performs for 30+ LA industry professionals
Zoom Based
Today we run three levels of live, Zoom-based classes for performers ages 6-35, from a first-timer's foundations class all the way to an invitation-only showcase in front of LA agents, managers, and casting directors. No level skips ahead of the last one. No student is promised representation, but we do give you the skills and opportunity to earn it. What every student gets is real coaching, real feedback, and an honest read on where they stand.
Intentional Training
We built it this way on purpose. This industry has a well-earned reputation for showcases that charge students and families a lot of money for a room full of "industry professionals" who never call back. We'd rather be the program that tells you the truth about the industry. Our program sets you up for success, not failure.
Ready to audition?
We're selective by design. Acting 101 starts with a live audition, not a signup form. We only accept applicants that are the right fit. We want to make sure it’s a match for both of us.
Learn more about how our audition works below →