All classes in this Academy are intense learning environments. The Academy CLOSELY resembles how the actor exists in the actual film and TV production world and among industry leaders and departments. 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. Prepare to be resilient until resilience and hard work become normal.
Clear Performance Acting Academy combines Intense Shadow Work with 35 years of real "life in the industry". Actors are pushed and challenged well beyond memorization and outdated "script analysis" techniques.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.
Before & After — Students in Action
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.
Katrianna — Intro to Clearing: Before & After
Ambrosia — Before & After 1st Clearing
Acting Classes
*All levels are required to take the Accelerated Orientation regardless of experience.
Accelerated Orientation
Business of Acting
This orientation's sole purpose is to focus on you as an entrepreneur and prepares students for what they will be studying moving forward in the Academy. They will have a decisive approach to the industry and their own business model. Mandatory prior to taking the regular course.
For actors with less than 2 Regional commercials / 2 supporting film roles / 1 Co Star.
$250.00 (non-students) | $100.00 (enrolled students)
Ages 18–100 · 4-week session
New Students to the Academy
New Students to the Academy
Designed for students just getting started with this New form of training and can have 0–5 years but also includes seasoned veterans new to this process. Market-specific scenes and scripts are sent in advance to each student. Character development. Introduction to camera mechanics, set etiquette, theory and improv exercises where applicable.
For actors with less than 2 Regional commercials / 2 supporting in a major film / 1 Co-Star.
$200.00
Ages 18–100 · 4 classes
Intermediate / Advanced
Advanced Acting
Actors go through the actual process from top to finish. Learn how to work on a "set", different shot set-ups and requirements, continuity, clean lines, working with props — while getting into emotions. Less mentoring and more directing for the actors.
For actors with 3+ commercials, 2 supporting in a major film, 2 Co-Star, 1 Guest Star.
$200.00
Ages 18–100 · 4 classes
Topics Covered
- Market — Identify your specific market and where you fit
- Marketing Review — Headshots, accuracy, and timing
- Demo Reels — Do you need one? What should be on it?
- Unions & Affiliations — SAG, fees, pros and cons
- Taxes & Expenses — The business side of acting
- When to say NO — Protecting your brand
- When to hire an Agent — Timing and strategy
- Props, Light Stunt Work, Eating, Dialects, Intimacy, Comedy (Film vs TV)
Class Schedule
Classes require a minimum of 5–8 students to run.
Coming to a Town Near You
The Academy offers a 2.5–3 day seminar across the country, bringing the Clear Performance process directly to actors in their own markets. Rates are determined by the city and market rates for rent, travel, and lodging. One local actor to assist with marketing, organization, location procurement, and logistics — will attend the seminar at no cost. The two full days of the seminar will have a 45 minute lunch break.
- —No less than six confirmed and paid actors/students
- —Must correspond with all emails and comply with any instructions leading up to the seminar
- —Headshots must be forwarded at least 3 days in advance of the seminar to briansactingclass@gmail.com
- —All documents sent as attachments via email must be printed and brought to class
- —Bring water and non-odorous snacks if needed
- —One local actor to assist with marketing, organization, location procurement, and logistics — will attend the seminar at no cost
Day One
Personal vs Business Foundation
- —Personal vs Business Foundation design
- —Establish current competency, level & experience of each student
- —Brief discussion of how the Academy's processes enhance each student's current techniques
- —Homework & scenes for the next day distributed
Day Two
Shadow Work & Character
- —Deep dive into Shadow Work and its application to seamless character development
- —Compare & contrast of outdated steps to cement organic presence within scenes
- —Homework & scenes for the next day distributed
Day Three
Application & Integration
- —Scenes guided by the mentor while performed by actors and their scene partners
- —Lecture and Q&A to enhance all information and processes discussed
- —Further explanation and application of all Academy methods
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