20 Black Acting Coaches to HIRE
Finding the right acting coach can be a transformative step in elevating your craft, especially in cities with thriving entertainment industries like New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. These three hubs are home to some of the most talented Black acting coaches who bring a unique perspective, expertise, and cultural awareness to their teaching. Whether you’re refining your technique, preparing for auditions, or looking to deepen your connection to the roles you play, this list highlights exceptional Black acting coaches who can help you achieve your goals.
Curated by Antoinette Wade & Reggie Williams.
Tracey Moore
New York City
Tracey Moore | Website | Instagram
Tracey Moore is a seasoned acting coach with a wealth of experience working with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Her coaching portfolio includes private sessions and on-set guidance for artists such as Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Eve, Nelly, Faith Evans, and Darius Rucker. Tracey has taught audition technique classes through her program The Spirited Actor and lectured at prestigious institutions like Howard University, Georgia State University, and Loyola Marymount University. Her expertise extends to coaching high-profile talent on major film projects, including Shaft, Finding Forrester, N.A.R.C., and Snipes. Whether mentoring actors for the big screen or shaping musical artists into on-screen performers, Tracey’s commitment to empowering talent is evident in every aspect of her career.
Rosalyn Coleman Williams | Website | Instagram
Rosalyn was specifically chosen by Margie Haber, whose celebrity clients include Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, and Heather Locklear, among others, to be the East Coast representative of her world-famous acting studio and to teach her Cold Reading Technique. Rosalyn has had the pleasure of teaching students at institutions such as NYU Tisch, SUNY Purchase, The Actors Center, ACT (MFA program), Actor's Connection, Howard University, and Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She has also conducted acting workshops at film festivals across the country. One of the highlights of her career was serving as the on-set acting coach during the second season of HBO’s In Treatment.
Rosalyn's training and passion for drama eventually led her to direct short films. She later co-founded a production company with her husband to help others use digital media to tell their stories.
Susan Batson | Website | Instagram
Actor, writer, director, producer, teacher, and coach Susan Batson has been called an "alchemist" by the New Yorker. In private consultation on film sets all over the world and in her New York acting studio, Susan Batson has enjoyed the privilege of working with Nicole Kidman, Juliette Binoche, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Tom Cruise, Kerry Washington, Zac Efron, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Sean Combs, Liv Tyler, Jennifer Connelly, Kirsten Dunst, Laverne Cox, Common, Janet Jackson, Rihanna and countless other actors searching for truthful connections between themselves and the characters they play.
Wendy Mckenzie | Website | Instagram
Wendy Mckenzie through her company Dreambox Acting Studios offers classes and events designed to empower actors at every stage of their journey, from beginners to seasoned professionals. With a focus on preparation, technique, and confidence-building, Dreambox provides tools for success in the competitive world of acting. Their meticulously designed classes cover all aspects of the audition process, from preparation to scene study, while offering constructive critique to help students refine their craft.
Edward O’Blenis | Website
Edward is a professional actor with over twenty-five years of experience in teaching acting techniques, theatrical arts, and social-emotional skills to all age groups, with a passionate concern for their individualism, personal growth, and artistic expression and expansion.
Edward is a member of the National Alliance of Acting Teachers (NAAT) and holds certificates from the Society of American Fight Directors (certified and recommended), the New York State Department of Education, the CITI Program (Basic/Refresher Social & Behavioral Research), and Information Privacy Security (IPS).
Erin Cherry | Website | Instagram
Erin Cherry, originally from Las Vegas Nevada, currently resides in New York City. She received her BA in Theater from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her M.F.A. in acting from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts. She is an Emmy Award winner for the role of Brenda (Best Supporting Actress) on the hit Emmy Award winning show After Forever (Amazon Prime). Cherry has appeared in theaters across the country, NYC, and the world. As a Producer Cherry has created her own show called a Sunday’s With A Cherry on Top, which is a health and lifestyle show on Black Culture (You Tube), of which she serves as the host. Cherry is also a private acting coach & acting teacher at Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City.
Sharra Dade | Website | Instagram
Sharra Dade is the Founder of I Coach Stars. Her mission is to help students find their voice, make their mark, and shine brightly in every setting. At I Coach Stars, Sharra does not only train and refine talent of all levels; she also meets with each and every student and carefully assesses where they are in their journey. Sharra works with every actor, and the families of young actors, to create a plan of action, to assist them in reaching their goals. Additionally, she consults with and helps parents understand the intricacies of and navigate the process behind show business.
Marishka S Phillips | Website | Instagram
Marishka is a native New Yorker, Brooklyn born. She started performing at the age of 8. At age 13, she appeared in a European tour of RAISIN and further developed her talents at Alvin Ailey’s School of Dance, Broadway Dance Center (scholarship) and Fordham University. By the age of 19, she landed a featured role and understudy to the star on Broadway, in the musical UPTOWN: IT’S HOT, directed by Maurice Hines. She went on to perform in such musicals as BUBBLIN’ BROWN SUGAR, FAME: THE MUSICAL, THE WIZ and THE ME NOBODY KNOWS. When living in Los Angeles, she did character work and was the stand-in actress on the last two seasons of A DIFFERENT WORLD, the spin-off of THE COSBY SHOW, in which she also appeared.
Los Angeles
Jossie Harris | Website | Instagram
With over 15 years of experience as an accomplished acting coach and a distinguished career spanning 25 years as an award-winning actress, Jossie Harris is a notable figure in the world of acting. Beyond her roles as a coach and actress, she stands as the visionary owner of "Respect for Acting Academy" for adults and "Kids W.A.Y (Who Are You?) Acting Academy." Additionally, she serves as a premier online acting coach, offering her expertise to both emerging and celebrated talent in the industry.
Her impressive body of work includes contributions to films like "Shooting Stars", produced by LeBron James, directed by Chris Robinson, as well as her collaboration with director/writer Christine Swanson on the acclaimed film, "The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel." She has also lent her expertise on prime-time television shows, including Disney's "Saturdays" and Bounce TV's "Act Your Age."
Tanya Linette Smith | Website | Instagram
Tanya has been working in Film, Television, and on stage for the past 24 years. She has appeared on such shows as Party of Five, Grey’s Anatomy, The Thundermans, Beverly Hills 90210, City of Angels, and Four Corners just to name a few. Her film credits include A Hole In The Paper Sky, Girl Crazy, Danika and The Recurring. In 2014 she began to coach actors privately and on set.
Eric B. Anthony | Website | Instagram
A native of Baltimore, MD, Eric began performing professionally at age 14. He made his Broadway debut in The Lion King, and went on to the Broadway casts of Hairspray, and Mary Poppins.
Eric grew up performing in Baltimore City at the Arena Players Inc., the oldest African-American Community Theatre in America. He studied acting, singing, and dancing at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, receiving the Spirit of Carver Award upon graduating.
Eric is an NAACP Theatre Award, and Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Award winner. He received the Eubie Award from the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, for his achievement in the Arts.
Dominique Becton Film & Acting Academy | Website | Instagram
Led by industry veterans Dominique and Judge Becton, DBFAA is a powerhouse of creativity and passion. With years of experience both in front of and behind the camera, we’ve designed a dynamic curriculum that goes beyond theory. We push our students to invest in themselves, embrace challenges, and eliminate excuses on their path to success. Our mission is to empower underserved communities, particularly at risk youth and individuals from diverse backgrounds, in the South Bay Region of Los Angeles County. Through accessible training in acting, filmmaking, screenwriting, and video editing, they believe in the power of the visual arts to build confidence, inspire creativity, and foster unity.
Keir Thirus | Website | Instagram
For nearly a decade, mentored by his late friend and brother, beloved Celebrity Acting Coach, Dustin Felder, Keir served as the long standing Scene Study Acting Teacher at Dustin Felder Actors Studio in Hollywood.
Keir's celebrity clients have included R&B artist, Showtime's The Chi's, Jacob Latimore, hip hop artist, Vince Staples - BET's The Family Business', Arrington Foster - Lifetime's Salt-N-Peppa movie's, G.G. Townson - Grammy nominated and multiplatinum music producer and FOX's Star and Empire's, Kosine. - All American and True To The Game star Erica Peeples, and many other working actors and entertainers in film and TV.
Tasha Smith | Website | Instagram
Tasha Smith is a multifaceted actor and director whose work brings style and intensity to the projects she works on, whether in front of or behind the camera. From her most recent roles as “Theresa” in Sony’s blockbuster BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE, “Marley” on Netflix’s SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST, and “Carol” on Fox’s hit drama EMPIRE, to her critically-acclaimed portrayal of the drug-addicted “Ronnie Boyce” in HBO’s Emmy Award-winning mini-series THE CORNER, Tasha embodies her characters and gives them life. Tasha’s memorable portrayal of “Angela” in WHY DID I GET MARRIED? and its sequel WHY DID I GET MARRIED, TOO? sparked the creation of the spin-off series FOR BETTER OR WORSE on OWN, for which she earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.”
Kinnik Sky | Website | Instagram
Kinnik Sky(Ken-NEEK). Sky is a writer, producer, director, actress and acting coach. She is a former finalist on American Idol and a veteran stage performer who has done countless stage plays over the last 20 years. Award-winning directors and producers, Tyler Perry, Robert Townsend and Kenny Leon have each cast Kinnik in their respective projects. In 2010, Kinnik launched her production company, Dazzal Mi (Dazzle Me) Entertainment which is now Kinnik Sky Entertainment. With 4 productions, Kinnik Sky Entertainment has won 7 NAACP Theatre Awards of 11 Nominations. Most notable, Kinnik’s win for Best Female Lead Actress and nomination for Best Playwright.
Atlanta
Deanna Yarbough | Website | Instagram
Deanna Yarbough is a multitalented Canadian actress who has a background in musical theatre. Deanna attended Wexford School of Performing Arts in Toronto Canada and studied theatre at Georgia State University. Following university, Deanna joined the Freddie Hendrick's Youth Ensemble of Atlanta (YEA) where she participated in various performances including The Trumpet Awards and the Alliance Theatre. Deanna then decided to delve into television and film where her credits includes, commercials for HGTV/HOME DEPOT, AT&T, Delta Community Credit Union, and GEICO, along with independent film projects in the local Atlanta area.
Angela Davis | Website | Instagram
Angela Davis is an American actress and acting coach with over 20 years of experience in the business. Angela is known for her variety of roles in TV and Film such as, FOX TVs The Resident, , MARVEL'S Cloak and Dagger, STARZ' P-Valley, Black Mafia Family, and films like The Accountant, The Supremes At Earl’s All You Can Eat, Creed and more!
Jonna Naegele | Website | Instagram
Throughout her 15-year journey as an acting coach, advocate for actors, and certified life coach, Jonna has witnessed the transformative power of empowering individuals.
As an acting coach, Jonna has had the privilege of nurturing raw talent and guiding aspiring artists to unlock their fullest potential. This experience has not only refined her ability to perceive and draw out the unique qualities in individuals but has also deepened her understanding of the human condition. Over the years, she has developed a profound appreciation for the importance of self-discovery, empathy, and personal growth in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
Sekou Laidlow | Website | Instagram
Sekou Laidlow's artistry is a fusion of craft, creativity, and commitment. Known for bringing nuance, depth, and specificity to character portrayals, this son of Baltimore is driven by the power of storytelling to transform. He is particularly drawn to roles that call for a conflicted emotional journey and characters who overcome extraordinary odds.
Laidlow most recently guest starred as Bobby Purcell in The Resident on FOX. His craftsmanship can also be seen in his guest starring role as Leon Payne in the NBC TV Series Ordinary Joe opposite James Wolk and Charlie Barnett. He is a recurring guest star in the ABC mini-series, Women of the Movement as Crosby Smith, the uncle of Emmett Till, opposite Glynn Turman. He plays Harrison Carter in the BET+ episodic Kingdom Business and appeared in Black Adam, starring Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson.
Louis Stancil | Website | Instagram (Atlanta/Los Angeles/New York City)
Award-winning Acting Coach, Louis Stancil, brings an accomplished background to his auspicious career in entertainment. He began his professional trajectory in his native Baltimore, Maryland, where his passion for acting was sparked by his time spent on the set of "The Wire".
He has coached talent including Meek Mill, Kandi Burress, the cast of the Will Smith produced "Charm City Kings,", social media personality and PARAMOUNT star PRETTY VEE and many more.