Let’s Challenge Some Assumptions
Some directors train under other directors. Shadowing them, assisting them, and so on. I’m a little different. I was taught about directing from the other side of the collaboration, by actors. Exceedingly talented, deeply experienced actors.
They were so brave. They worked hard. They were kind. That’s why collaborating with them was so much fun, and why I learned so much from them—because of their generosity of spirit.
My experiences with them shaped my understanding of what great actors bring into the rehearsal room. It’s a powerful, kind of magical combination, but it may not be what you think:
-Preparation.
-Bravery.
-Curiosity.
-Kindness.
I tell you this story because, as you know, there are a lot of stereotypical beliefs about what actors should or shouldn’t be.
Right now, there are so many fascinating drivers, desires, frustrations, and hopes churning in the theatre, under the surface.
Slowly but surely, more of the plays being written and produced today come from the deepening desire for stories that dramatize more of the world, more of our human experiences. There is real hunger for unpindownable characters, who don’t look like everyone else, and don’t fit so easily into boxes.
There are great stories that need telling. If we are to stage them with sincerity and integrity, we need more of everyone. So, please don’t be dissuaded. We need you.
There is also the long history of theatrical traditions. . .
If the classical and canonical plays we’ve inherited aren’t going to disappear into the bowels of museums, we need need actors who can keep them alive today. We need avenues to continue exploring and responding to them.
I do not know what sparked your curiosity, and set you down this path. But whatever it was, I am glad it happened. I’m glad you’re here. I’m honored that you’ve come to my door.
That’s me.
YOU
You’re an actor.
Maybe you’ve been at it for quite a while, or maybe not. Maybe you feel called to this work, but you’re still working up the courage to refer to yourself this way, when people ask questions about what you do, or what you’re interested in.
Maybe you’re beginning again after some sort of pause. (Pauses are common. There’s all sorts of reasons we might need to put our attention elsewhere. Family. Relocation. Illness. Rest. There’s nothing wrong with starting over. When the time feels right for you, I hope you do it.)
Wherever you are on the spectrum of ‘experience’, what matters is:
–You are interested in acting.
–When you are acting, sometimes even when you think about it, you experience joy.
–You want to understand more about the actor that you are.
–You want to do more acting!
–You want to get continually better at doing it.
Acting is a practice. The more you do it, the more you learn about the actor you are. Getting cast and doing work is one way to work those muscles. . . Training—participating in a workshop, getting some coaching—counts too.
“The thing that makes Jeffrey stand out to me is how good he is at bringing out YOUR brilliance. He doesn’t impose anything but instead, like any good teacher, helps you discover your own excellence. His coaching is insightful, deeply useful, expertly tailored to YOU. He responds to your desires and needs (no matter how diverse or wide ranging) and is able to provide coaching that exactly fits what you’re looking for. He’s also kind, essentially ego-less, and absolutely willing to acknowledge the limits of his expertise (eg, he won’t try to sell himself to you if he doesn’t think he has anything to offer). Looking for help with technique? Work with Jeffrey. Looking for text analysis? Work with Jeffrey. Character development? Jeffrey. Stage fright? Jeffrey. Personal confidence or fear? Getting into or back into acting? Jeffrey. Want a dramaturge or editor or provider of thoughtful feedback? Jeffrey.”
(Lyra Butler-Denman, Actor and Multidisciplinary Artist).
1:1 Working Time
When I work with actors 1:1, there is usually some kind of goal or question we are focusing on in our sessions.
For instance:
-Building a repertoire of monologues for auditioning.
-Exploring Shakespeare, hunting for greater ease working with rich, poetic text.
-Sharpening your cold reading skills and instincts.
-Stretching your scene study muscles.
It’s okay if there’s more than one thing that feels important to you right now, let’s talk about all of them, but we’re going to work intentionally, and not try to do everything at once.
Our collaborating together is about empowering yourself with time for you, and the things on your mind.
We’re going to be strategic, and dedicate our sessions to one or two focuses, so that we give your hopes and intentions the respect and attention they deserve.
“I want to endorse Jeffrey as being a thoughtful director. He is supportive and skilled at bringing out the best in actors. I have really enjoyed working with him. If I were preparing an audition, I would find his advice valuable. If you are considering this offer, proceed with confidence.”
(Jen Gosnell, Actor and Voiceover Artist).
WHAT TO DO TO get started
STEP ONE
Peruse the Options for 1:1 Working Time below, and choose what makes sense for you.
STEP TWO
When you click the Book Now button, you’ll be directed to a page where you can schedule your session, or set up your package.
STEP THREE
When you schedule an appointment, you’ll be asked some questions around why you’re booking this session. The more you information you can share, the better.
STEP FOUR
You’ll pay. When you’ve completed the process, you’ll receive an automated message thanking you, confirming that your information has been sent to me.
STEP FIVE
After you’ve scheduled your appointment, you’ll be hearing from me. I’ll be sending you the meeting link we’ll use. (This part isn’t automated. I set it up and send it to you myself. It won’t be instantaneous, so keep an eye on your inbox as we draw near the appointed time.
If I have questions for you, I’ll get in touch for clarity before we work together. If you have questions for me, feel free to do the same.
Options For 1:1 working time
Single Sessions:
$105 / session.
A session is seventy-five minutes. This allows us an hour of working time, with fifteen minutes of wiggle room, so we can pause, or ease in and out of what we’re working on.
more than one session
This is just about thinking ahead. My experience providing 1:1 coaching is that nine times out of ten, people who book one session return and book again.
The Five Session Package below saves you 10% in the long run, compared to scheduling five appointments one at a time.
Special Occasions:
An experiment
FROM 28 SEPTEMBER THROUGH 1 NOVEMBER, 2026: Single Sessions now have a Pay What You Will option.
This is my effort to create an additional avenue to support for actors preparing for the Unified Shakespeare and Classical Auditions coming up November 7, 2026.
You can still book 1:1 time for any of your goals.
The option to pay full price is still there, but for now this Pay What You Will option is live as well.
Please understand, this is coming from my love for the work, and how honored I feel that actors trust me.
As a human, I’m grateful for the plays of William Shakespeare, and many of the classical Greek tragedians. So, I want to help people really invest in their audition experience.
Get excited. Take pride. Be bold as hell. Have fun.
PAY WHAT YOU WILL DETAILS
The charge that is automatically configured to make the gizmo work is one dollar. Then, at check out, you’ll have the option to pay more. That’s when you Pay What You Will.
“The magic of being simultaneously inside one’s comfort zone and outside it: Jeffrey has been able to strike the most graceful and fruitful of balances when it comes to making sure participants are stretched to their potential, without sacrificing the warmth and guidance that stand as testament to a gifted teacher and acting coach.“
(Ani Elizaveta, Los Angeles / New York).
When and where?
For your convenience, appointment arrangements are made through Acuity Scheduling so you can peruse my office hours for a time that works for you.
Our appointments will be conducted online, unless you are in proximity, and specifically request in person collaboration. (Options for in person collaboration are limited.)
For online appointments, please work from wherever you’re comfortable, and feel most empowered to express yourself and explore.
Photographs
ONE
Jeffrey Puukka.
TWO
Jeffrey Puukka in rehearsal with Lindsey Rae Johnson, photographed by Ary Finch.
THREE
Testimonial backdrop photo: Jeffrey Puukka photographed by Natasha Elizabeth Hass-Hauskins.
