How I Became an Acting Coach (From the Other Side of the Casting Table)
- Christy Faison
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 12
From Watching to Wanting: Where It All Began
I didn’t move to LA because I wanted to be an actor. I always knew I belonged behind the camera—I just didn’t know exactly where. That clicked after watching Kevin Bacon play two wildly different characters in two completely different films—and I believed him in both. It wasn’t just impressive acting—it was smart casting. That’s when I realized someone had the job of making those choices. I wanted to be that someone.
Breaking In: Bob Huber, Lists, and Learning to See
My first real industry job in LA was as an assistant to Bob Huber, the VP of Casting at FOX. I didn’t know it at the time, but I hit the mentorship jackpot.
Bob loved actors. Genuinely. He encouraged me to get to know them—to see as much live work as I could, make lists, and build my internal catalogue of who was out there. Plays, festivals, showcases—I went to all of them. I’d jot down things like “scratched arm, cool moment, like his face.” Not exactly Shakespeare, but I knew exactly what it meant. That process of observation and instinct has never left me.
Lessons in the Room: Jeanie Bacharach and the Art of Self-Tape
Jeanie Bacharach gave me my first opportunity in online casting. I didn’t have the experience, but she gave me a shot anyway—something I’ll always be grateful for.
There’s one night with her I’ll never forget. We were reviewing self-tapes, and she called me over: “Pull up a chair.” We watched them role by role, comparing notes. Sometimes we picked the same actor, sometimes not. But what mattered was why. She’d ask what I saw in one that I didn’t see in the other. It wasn’t just about taste—it was about learning how to articulate instinct. That night felt like a masterclass in both collaboration and clarity.
Loving the Work: Why Casting Still Lights Me Up
I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible writers and directors. From them, I didn’t just learn what they’re looking for in a casting room—I learned how they work with actors, how they communicate vision, how they give direction that lands.
A big part of what I do as a coach is helping actors figure out what works and what doesn’t—what reads, what doesn’t translate, and how to adjust quickly and cleanly.
From Casting to Coaching: How Risa Helped Me Make the Leap
Teaching wasn’t on my radar until Risa Bramon Garcia suggested it. She had started an acting studio and thought I’d be a good fit to lead an audition class. She told me she’d seen how I worked with actors in the room and thought I gave honest, clear, useful redirects.
I had… doubts. A lot of them. Impostor syndrome, self-questioning, the usual internal nonsense. But I said yes anyway. And the minute I walked into that first class, it clicked. I felt completely at home.
Working with actors in a teaching space became one of the great joys of my life.
Finding My Voice as a Coach: Direct, Instinctive, Actor-First
My coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. I don’t hand out formulas. Every actor is different, and I adjust based on what they need in the moment. It’s a mix of instinct, honesty, and the same observational muscle I’ve built in casting rooms over the years.
If I had to boil it down:
I give honest, specific feedback—tailored to land without sugarcoating.
I push actors to take risks and work outside their comfort zones.
I blend technical adjustment with emotional depth, depending on the scene and the actor.
And I always aim to help them stop chasing what they think the industry wants, and instead focus on who they are as artists.
It’s not always easy. But it’s always worth it.
Why It Matters: The Joy (and Responsibility) of Helping Actors Grow
I tell my students: Do it like you’ve already booked the role. Not because confidence magically books jobs, but because when you show up like you belong, you give yourself a real chance to work.
My job is to prepare actors not just for the audition—but for the set, the rewrites, and the moments when direction is unclear or nonexistent. I want them to stay grounded and confident, able to keep working through whatever the day throws at them.
That’s where the work lives. And watching them find that power? Nothing beats it.
FAQs About Coaching with a Casting Director
Do you still work in casting?
Yes. Coaching and casting aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they inform each other in really valuable ways.
Do you coach actors who are auditioning for your projects?
No. I draw a clear boundary to avoid any conflicts of interest. Integrity matters.
How would you describe your coaching style?
Direct, intuitive, personalized. It’s about giving actors tools, not templates.
What kind of actors do you work with?
All kinds. New, seasoned, working actors, returning actors. If they’re ready to put in the work, I’m in.
What’s your biggest piece of advice for actors?
Don’t wait for permission. Bring yourself to the work. That’s what gets remembered.
What I’ve Learned From Sitting on Both Sides of the Table
Casting gave me the eye. Coaching gave me the heart.
Both let me be part of the process of helping actors step into their fullest potential. I get to support directors by helping actors show up ready, grounded, and open. I get to support actors by helping them take ownership of their craft and their space.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And I’m lucky enough to help actors find it—whether I’m sitting behind the table or beside them.
Interested in coaching or classes? I’d love to hear from you.
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