THE SMILEY STUDIO
Private Audition Coaching for University & Conservatory Theatre Programs
Get Audition-Ready with Confidence, Clarity, and Craft.
Are you a high school student preparing to apply to competitive Theatre or Musical Theatre programs? The college audition process can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. My private audition coaching is designed to help you stand out with confidence, clarity, and craft.
Through personalized, one-on-one coaching, we’ll work together to prepare you for every aspect of the audition process—from repertoire selection to performance presence to mental readiness. Whether you're applying to top-tier conservatories, BA/BFA programs, or liberal arts schools with strong performance departments, this coaching will set you up for success.
What You’ll Accomplish:
🎭 Understand the Requirements
We'll research the unique audition expectations of each program you're applying to and ensure you're prepared with the right repertoire, resume, and any additional materials.
🎵 Select Pieces That Show Who You Are
We'll choose songs and monologues that align with your strengths, demonstrate your versatility, and meet program-specific guidelines. Your audition will reflect not just your talent—but your unique voice.
📈 Strengthen Your Technique
From acting technique to vocal control to physical awareness, we’ll build the skills necessary to deliver grounded, compelling, and sustainable performances.
🎤 Practice with Mock Auditions
Realistic mock auditions will give you the experience, feedback, and confidence to walk into the room ready. We'll focus on transitions, timing, and presence so you feel in control from start to finish.
✨ Elevate Your Performance Skills
Beyond technique, we’ll develop your storytelling, emotional truth, and connection to the material—helping you create performances that are not just polished, but unforgettable.
🧠 Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
Auditions can be stressful—but you’ll gain tools to manage nerves, build resilience, and walk in with confidence. We'll use mindfulness, visualization, and performance psychology strategies that work.
💬 Receive Personalized Feedback Every Step of the Way
You’ll receive ongoing, individualized feedback tailored to your goals, with practical steps for improvement. This process isn’t just about getting into college—it’s about growing as an artist.
Ready to Begin?
Auditions may feel like a high-stakes challenge—but with the right preparation, they can become an empowering showcase of your passion and potential. Let’s make sure your talent, training, and truth shine through.
📩 Contact me today to schedule a free consultation or book your first coaching session.
Studying Grotowski with Raina Von Waldenburg at Acrobatics of the Heart
Acting Coaching with John Smiley
Refine your instrument. Reignite your passion. Reclaim your presence.
As a working actor, director, and teacher with over 25 years of experience, I understand how vital it is to keep your mind, body, and voice tuned and alive. Whether you’re navigating a rough patch in your career or seeking a creative spark, I offer coaching that’s grounded, compassionate, and tailored to your unique journey as an artist.
I coach from a Stanislavski-based foundation and draw deeply from the techniques of Sanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov. I integrate the vocal work of Patsy Rodenburg and approach physicality and embodiment through the teachings of F.M. Alexander, Jerzy Grotowski, and Tadashi Suzuki.
More than anything, I believe in guiding actors toward their unique voice through the exploration of their creative individuality. For me, joy is not just a byproduct of good work—it’s a launching point. When we begin from a place of joy and curiosity, we create the conditions for vulnerability, presence, and transformation.
Too often, actors enter the room trying to deliver what they think others want, rather than standing confidently in who they are. In our sessions, we’ll dismantle those habits and build a practice rooted in breath, body, and imagination—so your authentic self can come through with clarity, courage, and power.
Whether you’re preparing for auditions, shaping new material, revisiting old work, or simply trying to reignite your artistic fire, I’d love to collaborate with you in a process that celebrates your truth and empowers your voice.
📩 Contact me today to schedule a free consultation or book your first coaching session.
“After one session, I feel I have a whole new arsenal at my disposal. He gave me several ideas to use physicality as a means of accessing emotions. Most importantly, he was super cool, and I had a blast working with him. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed working with John Smiley. ”