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2014 – Alisha Kosaka

 

Alisha Kosaka is an Acting Coach based in Los Angeles. The children she has worked with have been seen in numerous projects including television shows, films, national commercials and more. Alisha recently spoke with us about what she looks for in the children she works with, the classes she runs, and the projects her clients have been working on. Make sure to visit her website for more information and to like her page on Facebook!

1. How did you become an acting coach?

I first started out as a Model at a very young age, now I am a Actress. I have been Acting since I was a child. Always taking all types of Acting classes. I studied at The Lee Strasberg Television and Film Institute in NYC, The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade and with many acting teachers in NYC, Miami and Los Angeles. While in NYC, doing a bunch of Indie films I got into behind the camera. I have worked as a Prop Master, Boom Operator, Production Assistant, Makeup Artist, Casting Director, Casting session director, Casting assistant, Casting Associate, Producer, Assistant Director, Production Coordinator, Director, Writer, Editor and Acting Coach. I am also a Filmmaker, two of my films which I wrote, directed, acted and edited have played in Film Festivals. While acting in so many films I was so lucky to have the opportunity to work in so many different avenues in the Entertainment Industry which led me to Coaching. I used everything that I have learned and all my passion and put that into all of my classes and coaching sessions. When a child takes a class with me they are not just taking a class from a Acting Coach. I started coaching my Husband and then it opened up to me working at a Theater teaching acting and doing private coaching for kids and teens. I have been coaching and teaching for years now and I truly love it! I decided to focus on kids and teens because since I have been in the Entertainment Industry I have seen a lot! I want to support children’s dreams and to teach them to believe in themselves. I am very lucky that many of my students get awesome results with getting callbacks and book awesome jobs in Los Angeles.

2. What age groups do you work with?

I teach 4-18

3. Where are you located and do you have a way to take out of state clients?

I live in Los Angeles, CA and yes I have many private clients that I coach via Skype and FaceTime all over the US and they are getting awesome results as well getting callbacks and booking jobs.

4. What do you look for in young talents when working with them?

Passion. It is so important to be passionate about acting. If a child does not love it, it will be very hard on them once they book a job having to be on set for many hours. Some kids just love acting so much and love being on set and there are children that do not like it at all. The ones who do love it, usually work much harder and get better results. It is so important for a child to be able to listen, focus and take direction. Those are learned skills. If a child goes into a audition and does not know what to do or cannot listen and take simple direction than they will most likely not get the job. Cute can only go so far. Cute does not make talent!

5. What are the main aspects children learn in your classes?

Wow there are so many!!! Confidence is so important and I love to see when a child gains confidence from working with me. How to audition, how to break down a character, how to breakdown a scene. How to improv naturally, how to be real and subtle, and so much more!

6. How long do your classes last and what types of classes do you offer?

My classes are in Hollywood, I rent space in a Casting Studio. Every class I have my students will have mock auditions in the casting studio ( I make them as real as possible for them and it takes away so much pressure and they learn to have fun with confidence in their real auditions. I film my students in MOCK AUDITIONS which are sent to the parents after each class. It depends on the age as how long the class is.

7. At what age do you recommend children begin seeing an acting coach?

As soon as possible. It can be very intimidating going into a casting session with big lights shining in you face, having a camera pointed in your face too! In my class they learn how to handle their auditions like a pro. A child needs to learn how to take direction and deliver it naturally.

8. What are the biggest rewards when coaching young actors?

The biggest rewards are so many!!! I love this story. I had a student who has taken many classes with me. When he first came to me, he was extremely shy. He kept on telling me that he could not act and that he could not read. After working with him I saw him open up so much and allow his confidence to shine. He began to have callback after callback and began to book jobs. I had a student who was so shy that she could not look you in the face. (which is very normal, I used to be like that!!!) She loved acting so much and she really worked very hard and challenged herself. She began to get auditions and booked a role on a Network TV show.

9. What are some of the projects your clients have gone on to work on?

Many!!! Modern Family, Tosh O, The Neighbors, Sam & Cat, Levis, True Blood, Baby Genius, Mattel, Taco Bell etc…

10. Do you have any advice you could give to children and their families looking to get into the theatrical side of the biz?

When your child has a audition, hire someone to help them, being the parent you may not see the technical things that your child is doing that could prevent them from having a great audition. Make sure they memorize their lines, support them and be patient.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am available for private coaching sessions and I can be reached at alishakosaka.com, actingwithalisha@gmail.com, and 310-663-0725

 

We’d like to thank Alisha for participating in our Industry Professionals Q&A series!