Private Coaching

Eric is available for private coaching and self-tapes

Self-taping

Professional quality tape is available upon request at no additional charge

Schedule

Appointments are available Mon-Fri, afternoons and evenings

Location

Sessions take place in New York City or online via Zoom

Eric is also available for on-set coaching. Please contact him for a quote (production requests only).

Philosophy

Trust and Instinct

You should go to Iceland.

That was the first thought that popped into my mind. I was feeling blue that morning, and when I asked myself how I could feel better, that was the answer I got. It was a pretty random one, even for me, and it made me both curious and confused.

Iceland? It's Thursday, I have stuff to do. And I don't have money right now anyway - or time. Maybe I'll go next summer.

Then I remembered something I said to my students the day before, that they should always, always, follow their instincts. And here I was, ignoring mine. Ugh, me and my big mouth...

But Iceland? Why? Was this even an instinct, or just a weird thought? Could I do this, in the middle of my week? And on that particular day, for no reason at all, I decided I could.

Trust and Instinct

So, twelve hours later, I landed in Reykjavik, with no idea where to go or how to get there. But go I did. I stayed for 6 days, and figured things out as I went. Not leading, but trying to follow.

It was a pretty epic trip, and funny enough, I did feel better. You may think I'm crazy, but do we ever really know where we're going, or how we're getting there? I certainly like to think I do, but when I feel like I finally have it all under control, that's usually when life hits me in the face and tells me, no you don't.

So what if we stopped pretending that we have any control over how things turn out? What if we followed our instincts rather than our fears and urge to control? What if you hopped on a plane? And I mean, right now. You know you could, right? Really. Think about it. What happens if you trust, and let go?

That's where I encourage you to work from.

Classes

In-person classes in New York, Los Angeles, London and Berlin & online via Zoom

Eric’s classes are tailored for the seasoned professional looking to sharpen their skill set and the trained actor transitioning into film & television. They're designed to address the paradox that puzzles actors of every level of experience: namely, that being a good actor doesn’t itself lead to being an employed actor, or to landing better roles.

The root of the problem is that most acting training emphasizes the actor’s ability to take the words on the page and transform them into a character with a rich and deep emotional life. All of which is extremely important. But without a clear understanding of how the camera works and the specific requirements of working in front of it, ultimately ineffective.

That’s because a film is a sequence of images that tells a story, and in order to tell that story, the actor must put emphasis on the objectivity of events, not the subjectivity of feelings. To bridge that gap, Eric’s classes focus on decoding scripts for film and television and how to best craft them in front of the camera.

Intensives

Advanced on-camera workshop in a two-day format designed for working professionals.

Ongoing

Weekly classes designed to provide trained actors with a regular, reliable practice.

Line by Line

Advanced script analysis workshop designed to enhance the actor's understanding of story.

I always make it a point to work with Eric. I greatly trust his eye for what works on camera and know that I'll feel better when I've had the chance to get his feedback. I'd highly recommend him to any actor looking to make the most out of their Film/TV auditions.

Matt McGorry

Screen Actors Guild Award winner
Matt McGorry

Eric's deep understanding of storytelling accompanied by his knowledge of how to use the frame has completely shifted the way I look at a scene. After working with him, I can feel confident that I will go in and serve the story while staying true to my own instincts and not compromise spontaneity.

Juan Castano

Drama Desk Award winner
Lucille Lortel Award winner
Drama League Award nomination
Juan Castano

I always feel more confident about my work after coaching with Eric. He has a great eye for what works from the camera’s perspective, helping me fine-tune my choices so I can get the most out of the material. I contribute a huge amount of my success to working with him over the last eight years. I would highly recommend Eric to anyone, but particularly those who are looking to better understand the relationship between material and the camera.

Danielle Rose Russell

Teen Choice Award nomination
Danielle Rose Russell

Working with Eric, is to find clarity. Each time I have coached with him, I realize how much I would have missed without him. Eric has a true gift. He makes the complex simple. He gets me out of my own way, helps me see the material, the character and to trust what I already know.

Anna Holbrook

Emmy Award winner
Anna Holbrook

Working with Eric has brought a renewed sense of fun and discovery with my process. He helps me see things from a camera’s point of view, which I barely focused on before. Eric is probably the best second set of eyes I've had the pleasure of working with when preparing my work.

Valerie Cruz

Screen Actors Guild Award nomination
Valerie Cruz

Eric helps me feel free from myself, to mess up and be OK with it. I come in for a session with ideas about character and he helps me focus on telling the story.

Jackie Cruz

Three-time Screen Actors Guild Award winner
Jackie Cruz

Eric is invaluable. He has a keen eye and his observations are spot on. He helps you ​to ​stay on the story​ and focus on what's important. He also doesn't let you get away with habits that might take you away from what is happening in the moment. If you have a chance, run to Eric. He will definitely help you get that job!

Josie de Guzman

Two-time Tony Award nominee
Josie de Guzman

Eric is incredibly open and loves the process of exploring any scene. His excellent understanding of what works on camera focuses me in that direction which in turn frees me up to explore new possibilities. After working with Eric I always feel fully prepared for my auditions and completely inspired!

Nina Lafarga

Drama Desk Award winner
Nina Lafarga

Eric’s weekly class and private coaching have been my secret weapon. His awareness of storytelling and technique for TV/Film is exceptional. Within three months of class I booked my first guest star. In six months I booked my first supporting role in a feature. Within a year I booked my first series regular.

Mark St Cyr

Mark St Cyr

Working with Eric has been a complete game changer for me. He truly listens to you as an individual and caters to your specific acting needs. If you are looking for someone who will refresh your view and knowledge on acting and make you fall in love with it all over again, then Eric is the guy for you.

Kristine Froseth

Kristine Froseth

Eric has brought another level to my work that I've been so grateful to bring to set. His keen observations have become new pillars in my foundation as an actor. I highly recommend any actors, new or experienced, to study with Eric. You will feel the tangible difference in your work. And see the results in your career.

Terry Chen

Terry Chen

Eric pushes you out of your comfort zone in the way that only great acting teachers can. If you’re looking to get yourself out of an acting rut (as I was when I first started working with him) or take your skills to the next level, I couldn’t recommend anyone more highly. My confidence in my acting and my belief in myself have skyrocketed since working with him.

Alex Esola

Alex Esola

After studying with Eric for only a month I booked my first TV spot. He truly cares about each of his students. He has an uncanny way of getting the best out of every actor at any level. If you have the opportunity to work with him, DO IT!! You will not be disappointed.

Jackie Burns

Jackie Burns

The first time I coached with Eric, my reps told me they thought it was the best tape I'd ever done. And no wonder - Eric is an excellent coach. He's intuitive, kind, incredibly intelligent, and he's got a masterful grasp of both story and the way the camera works - I can't recommend him highly enough.

Maya Kazan

Maya Kazan

By focusing on the core demands of a scene and not allowing me to overcomplicate or overthink the rest, Eric makes me a more spontaneous and present actor. It is rare to find a teacher who will keep you in check as much as he does, and I am consistently humbled by and grateful for him.

Annabelle Attanasio

Annabelle Attanasio

After working on a lead role audition with Eric I got a chemistry read for the part. I fully credit his direction for helping me get to that level. He is kind, patient, and brilliant.

Caitlin McHugh

Caitlin McHugh

I love working with Eric! His work is detailed and always grounded in the script. Focused on telling the full story and finding the humor in it, Eric makes my work clearer while leaving room for me to be spontaneous.

Anna Baryshnikov

Anna Baryshnikov

Ever since I started working with Eric, my work (and career) has reached a whole new level. He helps me to be laser specific, grounded, and emotionally available. Not to mention how much I've learned about script analysis--it is rare to find a teacher who can teach you clear and accessible techniques that enable you to break down any scene that comes your way. I recommend Eric's coaching to anyone that is serious about working in the film and television industry.

Kaley Ronayne

Kaley Ronayne

Eric helped me find an ease in my work that didn’t exist before. He’s meticulous and doesn’t miss a beat. I look at scripts differently, my reps are happier with my work, and I feel more confident walking into an audition room or set. Without his guidance and technique I wouldn’t have been able to successfully transition from the stage to screen.

Adam Kaplan

Adam Kaplan

Eric has been immensely important in my growth as an actor. He challenges me to find more specific thoughts to motivate the actions of my character while helping me shape the scenes within the larger concept of the script as a whole. His thorough understanding of the camera and guidance in clearly conveying the story for the screen, has led me to better trust in my prep work so that I can show up on set, let go, and stay grounded in the present. I'm forever grateful for his knowledge and patience. What a legend.

Jessica Stroup

Jessica Stroup

I can’t thank you enough for your coaching, It was genius. The director ended up keeping me there for an hour, mixing and matching me with different actors. He loved my choices, all the notes you gave me were spot on. I played and had fun and just was able to relax because I had a really good grasp of the material. And then, today he sent feedback to my agents that was awesome.

James Brown III

James Brown III

Eric's approach to the material is simplistic yet allows you to dive deeper and discover more complexities about the given relationships and situations. His understanding of people and behavior gets you out of your 'actor brain' and back to thinking and reacting like a human being again.

Andi Matichak

Andi Matichak

Eric Reis is a patient, curious and thoughtful coach. He will push me beyond my comfort zone, and that has allowed me to become comfortable handling and understanding any scene. Bottom Line, if you're looking for a fantastic coach to help you nail the part: Eric will get you there.

Amber Skye Noyes

Amber Skye Noyes

Eric is an absolute game changer. His eye is unmatched in the industry and he can meet any actor where they are, spot what is blocking them, and help them move them through it. He is not only a once in a lifetime teacher, but his classes are full of powerhouse actors that are supportive and kind and create a wonderful environment to learn (and fail!) and then learn some more.

Caitlin Bassett

Caitlin Bassett

Eric has a great eye for what works and what doesn’t. His focus is on telling the story, which at the end of the day, is the most important thing in acting.

Elizabeth Masucci

Elizabeth Masucci

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