Clear Performance Acting Academy
All classes in this Academy are intense learning environments, and all students must be prepared BEFORE getting to class. If classes are perceived as a hobby, this Academy is not for you. If you feel you are a “Natural” these classes are not for you. Personal inner work and discovery are at the forefront of this work so prepare mentally. Prepare to be resilient until resilience and hard work becomes normal.
I am so glad to share my 30+ years of experience, as an actor and mentor, with today’s new and future stars.
In everyday life, our emotions dictate what and how we communicate. But we are told to learn exactly the opposite. We are NOT in the business of memorizing lines. We are in the business of emotions. I am proud to have an amazing way to harness emotions that make the scenes become an extension of ourselves. Tested to be more effective than most traditional “Studies, Theories, and Techniques”.
Classes kept to a minimum of 6, and maximum of 8 students. I find this maximizes learning and one on one time.
Most classes will focus on scripts pulled specifically for each student and their market.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is treated like a booking. If you miss a class, you are basically fired from that class without pay or makeup. There is a class make-up policy explained in orientation for classes missed due to “bookings”, weather, and other possible outages.
There are reading assignments
There are lectures
Be prepared to stay late…classes never end at 10 but always end when the work is done.
3-Ring Binder with pockets
Must have a printer as everything will be done with Hardcopy
These are “before and after” of just two actresses, new to my Academy, going through the process for the first time. It is powerful and the skill to control takes some time. Results are immediate, for most. Additionally, it GREATLY enhances line retention.
https://youtu.be/jO-a37YK540https://youtu.be/7QBTCcKz8cYhttps://youtu.be/UqHFrv7XJQshttps://youtu.be/wRrIcbzfbWQhttps://youtu.be/b0fsH8gjXDE
Advanced Actors go through the actual process from the top to the finish. They are no longer learning how to “act” but, rather, the process.
Actors are given their work the day before and are required to be “shoot ready” for the “set” the next day. They learn how to work on a “set”, different shot set-ups and requirements, continuity, Clean Lines vs Talking over each other, content accuracy, working with props, while getting into emotions. These scenes are EXERCISES, and the edited finished product is meant to illustrate what mistakes will produce and how they can diminish a scene.
Acting Classes
- Orientation
- Basic
- Intermediate/Advanced
Ages 18-100 yrs. $250.00 (for non-students of Clear Performance Academy) $100.00 for students enrolled in a 4-week session.
This class’s sole purpose is to focus on YOU as an entrepreneur. Students leaving this course will have a decisive approach to the industry and their business model. This is mandatory prior to taking my regular course.
This class is geared toward actors that have only been in acting classes 1-4 years and have minimal bookings, above 48-hour film festivals, low or small budget indies, will be required to take this course as soon as there are 4+ students available.
Things covered include but are not limited to:
Market
Most people do not have an accurate idea of what their market is…or that a market even exists. In this class, we’ll go over your specific market and where you fit into it.
Marketing Review
Is your headshot an accurate portrayal and are you hitting your MARKET?
When is the best time to TAKE/SPEND MONEY on your head shots?
Too many mistakes to mention here.
Demo
Do you need a demo? What should be on it if you do need one? Who looks at demos? What would prevent them from looking at a demo?
Unions and Affiliations
Should I join the Union? Do I need to join the Union? What are the fees and what do I get for joining? How come he/she isn’t in the union but continues to work?
Taxes/Expenses? When to say NO? When to hire Agency? …etc.
Class starts with Q&A and then the fun begins.
Take this class if you have less than 2 Regional commercials/2 supporting film roles/1 Co Star. Ages 18-100 yrs. $200.00 for 4 classes ** Discount details below
This class is designed for students/actors at the onset of their new discovery about their personal business (as THE actor they are supposed to be) in the Accelerated Orientation class, discussed above.
Market specific scenes and scripts are sent, in advanced, to each student. An elephant does not need to learn how to be a gazelle…
Character Development What is taught is incredibly accurate and upends what I have been taught over 30 years in the industry.
When applicable, classes may include Theory, improv. exercises.
ALL Classes Students will receive detailed notes and copy of their work as well as the opportunity for Q&A.
Monday Evenings 7-10 PM (MUST have 5-8 students in order to have a class) FULL as of 3/21/25
Tuesday Evenings 7-10 PM (MUST have 5-8 students in order to have a class) FULL as of 3/21/25
Wednesday Evenings 7-10 PM (MUST have 5-8 students in order to have a class) FULL as of 3/21/25
Thursday Evening 7-10 PM (MUST have 5-8 students in order to have a class) FULL as of 3/21/25
There will be months dedicated to:
Props, LIGHT stunt work, Eating, DIALECTS, Intimacy, Comedy (film vs TV)
Make up days for all classes:
Class credit is given when classes are postponed due to the instructor’s absence for an audition, booking, or screening of work.
Students get one INDUSTRY WORK related absence credit per 4-week cycle. The class will be made up the following week OR a student can request a different class time within the same week. If not, the student forfeits that class and it will not be credited.
**Discount:
You and your referral, each, will get a 10% discount on a 4-week session when you sign up a friend for a 4-week session (limited to one referral per 4-week course).
Take this class if you have equal to, or more than, 3 commercials, 2 supporting in a major film, 2 Co-Star, 1 Guest Star Ages 18-100 yrs. $200.00 for 4 classes
***Discount details below
Having troubles with Meisner? Stanislavski? Strasberg? Method? No Problem. Bring it. This class is designed to breakthrough YOUR individual sticking points.
Interested In Taking a Class? Fill Out the Form Below to Get Started!
Student Testimonials
Before I came to Brian Thornton’s class, I had been to other acting studios in Houston, and out of disappointment, nearly quit acting altogether. Brian renewed my fire and passion for acting and gave me powerful tools and the individualized attention I needed to become a paid working actor. If you really put forth the effort and apply his acting techniques to your auditions and film work, people will notice….in a very positive way.
Ash Tholpady
Student
Brian Thornton is extremely talented and thank goodness his personality is awesome as well. I love the feedback from his class. I have taken one other class in Houston and his class is refreshing in comparison. I love that he cares about each of his students, he provides us with constructive criticism, he spends the time with each of us, and he gives us advice in regard to the industry. Brian Thornton is not selfish with information, and he actually wants us to succeed.
Britni Brobey
Student
There are only three acting coaches in Houston that I could ever recommend in good faith and Brian Thornton is at the top of the list. Brian is also the only one who limits his classes to 7 people or less. After being coached by him for a few months, I auditioned for three roles. I booked 2 on the spot, and I got a call back on the third. Brian’s individualized attention for each student allowed him to help me see my mistakes and improve. Brian teaches in a unique way based on various acting techniques and Jungian psychology. It’s not quite Meisner, it’s not quite Method, it’s Thornton technique and it is effective.
Nima Naserzadeh
Student