My name is Bret Sexton and I am an aspiring actor.

My first step into the world of acting and freedom of expression was a simple introductory course back in college. I had long admired the craft of acting but never felt confident or comfortable enough to give it a real and honest shot. This course, which served more as an introduction to improv and learning how to be a scene partner, opened my eyes to a place I knew I should have been to sooner. The positivity among a group of people experimenting with letting their guard down and living in the moment was truly something to behold.

Unfortunately, my story does not transition to a beautiful journey of consistent gigs and practice with the craft. As the pandemic turned the world on its head, too many people, myself included, had to take opportunities as they came. While my acting journey was on pause, the joy and freedom it brought for a brief moment never left my mind.

Over the next few years, I struggled with the choice to pursue what I felt could be my purpose or select a path that may appear stable to myself and those close to me. Thankfully, 2023 would prove to be a year of positive action. I left my previous industry in pursuit of my true passions. This led me to search for acting classes to scratch that creative itch once again.

At first, I was overwhelmed by the number of options I was presented with. Is this class right for me? Can I afford this class? Are the lessons and instructors going to give me the tools I require? Is this all truly right for me? These questions flooded my mind as I went from page to page and sifted through class reviews. Finally, I came across a class that appeared reputable and flexible enough to fit my new schedule, as they offered primarily online courses.

So, I took my leap of faith and signed up for The Green Room Acting Studio's (GRAS) trial class. I appreciated that they allowed new students to sit in on a course to decide if this was the right place for them. Along with signing up for the trial, I was informed of the opportunity to schedule a call with GRAS Director of Talent Development Gregory James. This short 15-minute Zoom call was where I would learn why GRAS was the right move for me.

I was nervous and unsure how the call would go. My lack of confidence and insecurity about anything related to acting or performing prompted a question about canceling the meeting. Deep down, I knew these uncomfortable feelings meant only one thing. I need to keep going. To push my boundaries to a new extreme.

Still, my doubts persisted. Would my lack of experience be off-putting, and would my nerves get the best of me? To my anxiety's surprise, the meeting was perfect. Gregory asked about my background, why I chose to sign up for the trial class, and what I could expect from the course. The best part of the call for me was how Gregory explained what his role would be going forward.

From my limited knowledge, I assumed acting classes worked in the following way:

- Attend each lesson for the duration of the course.

- Take notes and practice on your own when possible.

- Audition at your own peril.

I never assumed the class or its instructors would have much stake in the student's careers beyond the classroom. I have never been happier to be so wrong.

Gregory would act as a guidance counselor for my journey with the studio. The call was full of great information on what I could do with the skills I would learn, but Gregory took it one step further (something that would appear to be a recurring element within GRAS's staff).

He provided me with an acting resume template on the spot. I was then informed I would get advice and assistance on a whole host of items actors need to be on top of to succeed, such as:

- How to take a headshot casting directors want

- How to record self-tape auditions.

- How to prepare and perform for in-person auditions.

The Green Room Acting Studio was about more than just training new actors. They wanted to ensure I could work professionally with the skills I developed there. What is the point of all the training if I never allow myself to use it?

With my first class soon approaching, I could feel my nerves begin to resurface. The anxiousness now stemmed from excitement rather than fear. I couldn't wait. 

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