Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Bell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story begins with my becoming an actress in Dallas in 1987. I received my SAG card from Oliver Stone in “Talk Radio” in 1988 and moved to Los Angeles in 1990. The week I arrived in LA, I worked with Oliver Stone again on “The Doors.” I found an agent and manager within a few months and began studying with the late Roy London. Roy changed my life.
I became disenchanted with acting in the mid-nineties because of the lack of good roles for women, and I began writing. For family reasons, I returned to Dallas in 2000 and began coaching actors in 2001. The studio started with 6 -8 actors on Wednesday night and has grown to close to 100 actors and 5 classes per week.
I have been involved with the making of 4 short films as a writer, director or producer but find the most joy with empowering other people with finding their voices and discovering their talents.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning, the struggle was finding a home. I have taught out of my living room, other actor’s living rooms, conference rooms and any place that would allow us. The art of acting can often be loud, and this is not always appreciated by people who might live next door. Other than that, it has been relatively smooth.
The struggle for me has been that I am extremely right-brained and like it or not; the studio is a small business. I love coaching, but I do not enjoy the minutia of running a business. That being said, it’s unfolded quite seamlessly.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with TBell Actors Studio – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
TBell Actors Studio is an acting school. There are 5 classes a week, and each class meets once a week for 3 hours. I teach scene study and character analysis with a focus on film and TV acting.
I am proud of the fact that most of my actors have agents and are working actors. In addition, I often hear how life-changing and therapeutic the creative process has been for many of them. This makes me very happy.
I think what sets the studio apart is the human element. While I think I can be a highly critical coach, all of my actors know it comes from a place of wanting them to be the best they can be. Thus, I try to be kind with my instruction, and I believe all of my actors consider the studio to be a safe place to learn.
They are also very supportive of one another, and this is great to see. The studio is also quite functional and very beautiful, and I think inspiring.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
There has been an influx of new actors, and I am focused on where to put them. More than likely, I will open another new day or two.
Pricing:
- Classes are $200/month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tbellactorsstudio.com
- Phone: 214-394-5749
- Email: tbell@theresabell.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBell-Actors-Studio-103601177441/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzyfCaFrtx27XdqD7IuB26w
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
