THE ACTOR GYM
Where the pros come to play
Welcome to the home for elite actor training in Nashville.
Stephanie DiMaggio and Andrew Byrne have over 40 years of combined experience, coaching performers at the highest level of Broadway, TV and film.
They are joining forces for the first time to offer a one-of-a-kind course for actors looking to take their instrument and imagination to the next level.
NOTE: JANUARY’S COURSE IS SOLD OUT–APPLY BELOW FOR THE WAITLIST OR TO AUDIT.
WHAT IS THE ACTOR GYM?
We’re a non-traditional scene study course that combines physical embodiment, voice, and rigorous script-and-character exploration.
You will leave the course with new and specific brain-based tools to unlock the flow state that you need to achieve your best work as an actor.
WATCH THE TRAILER
WHO IS THE ACTOR GYM FOR?
The Actor Gym is a course designed for performers with an intermediate to advanced level of experience.
If you are new to acting, please check back for our beginner courses coming soon!
You must be 18 or over to enroll.
Watch Course Participant Candace Kirkpatrick Discuss Her Experience
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN
The Actor Gym focuses on how to unlock the full potential of your instrument while stretching your capacity for impulse-driven choices and radical presence as a performer.
As a class member, you will receive:
- Physical and vocal warm-ups, plus actor-specific drills to take you to the next level of flow in voice and body.
- Script analysis to help you ask smart questions about the text and have a full range of choices at your fingertips.
- Practical techniques to help you stay alive and connected while working.
- A path to reconnect to your spirit of play, wonder, and joy.
COURSE DETAILS
Each course is limited to eight participants.
You will be on your feet and actively working in every session.
You’ll be assigned one scene from a theatrical play to develop over the four classes.
Each scene is 4–5 pages long.
You must be off book by Class 2 — no exceptions.
Material is selected to excite and challenge you.
Real growth happens outside your comfort zone!
NEXT SESSION:
Location: NuMynd Studios
915 Twin Elms Ct studio x, Nashville, TN 37210 (Map It)
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Four Classes:
Tuesday, January 13th • 6:30-9:30PM
Thursday, January 15th • 6:30-9:30PM
Tuesday, January 20th • 6:30-9:30PM
Thursday, January 22nd • 6:30-9:30PM
NOTE: THE JANUARY SESSION IS SOLD OUT FOR PERFORMER SLOTS. APPLY BELOW TO BE AN ALTERNATE AND/OR AN AUDITOR.
RESERVE A SLOT:
Performer Slot:
- Work in each of the four sessions with a scene partner on a scene that is assigned to you.
- Performer slots are limited to eight participants total.
- Introductory Tuition Rate: $350
Auditor Slot (All Sessions):
- Get an insider’s look at the Actor Gym process as it develops over the four sessions.
- Participate in group warmups.
- Introductory Tuition Rate: $150
Auditor Slot (Drop In):
- Get a taste of the Actor Gym process by watching one or more individual class sessions
- Participate in group warmups.
- Introductory Tuition Rate: $50 per class
FAQs
What makes The Actor Gym different from other scene study courses?
The Actor Gym is a one-of-a-kind chance to apply the world of athletic training and neuroscience to your craft.
Andrew Byrne is an international expert in applying brain-based principles to the performing arts.
And Stephanie DiMaggio has trained actors at the highest level with her innate understanding of how physicality, action, and script analysis intersect.
With this combination of expertise, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Is this only for professional/elite actors?
The course is designed for intermediate to advanced actors. If you’re not sure if you qualify or not, we encourage you to apply. We will be offering content for all levels of experience soon, and we would love to know of your interest.
What qualities are you looking for in course participants?
We are looking for actors who are curious, coachable, and excited to explore new avenues in their craft — in a way that is visceral, challenging, and exciting.
We’re especially drawn to performers who:
Are open-minded and willing to try new approaches
Enjoy learning more about the voice, body, and breathing
Come prepared and with thoughtful questions
Value process just as much as results
Are willing to experiment and embrace new experiences
How many actors are in each course?
The course is limited to eight actors in each cohort.
Do I choose my scene or is it chosen for me?
Your scene will be chosen for you by the Actor Gym team. It will be 4-5 pages long and designed to challenge you in an interesting way.
Why is the schedule not weekly?
Andrew and Stephanie work in many markets throughout the US and internationally, so it’s rare that they are both in Nashville for a four-week span. This two-week intensive format will give you a chance to immerse yourself in this training in a more concentrated way.
Do I have to be off-book?
You must be off-book by the second class.
Should I meet with my scene partner outside of class?
Yes! This is a great chance to connect with your partner, get a feel for the scene in the moment, and start to create a shape that feels exciting to you both.
Why is the cost higher than other Nashville acting classes?
Two reasons:
1. You will be up and working every session. You won’t be sitting anything out, and you will be fully engaged in each class.
2. You are getting the wisdom and training of two different teachers with different but complementary perspectives.
What should I know about the venue (parking, etc.)
NuMynd Studios is a beautiful studio that will provide you a comfortable home for the course. There are ample facilities and a dedicated parking lot. Learn more here.
How do payments work?
You will receive a payment link upon acceptance to the course. If you need to make other payment arrangements, you can let us know via email.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that schedules can shift, and we want to be fair to everyone in the class. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
If you cancel more than 7 days before the first class:
You’ll receive a full refund.If you cancel within 7 days of the first class:
You’ll receive a 50% refund.If you cancel within 48 hours of the first class, or after the course has begun:
No refund will be issued.
This policy ensures we can honor the commitment to our scene partners, manage the waitlist effectively, and keep the class running smoothly.
What if I have to miss a class?
Because this is a scene study course, your partner cannot work without you. Therefore, it is imperative that you commit to all four sessions.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
ABOUT ANDREW AND STEPHANIE
Andrew Byrne
Andrew Byrne is the creator of The Singing Athlete, a bestselling book and system that unites neuroscience, athletic training, and vocal performance.
He maintains studios in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles, and also teaches singers worldwide online. His students have appeared in more than 90 Broadway productions, and he leads an international Singing AthleteTM certification program, with over 150 teachers trained in his method.
In 2025, Andrew was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now, created in collaboration with Tony nominee Laura Bell Bundy, Tony nominee Kerry Butler, and Tony winner Marissa Jaret Winokur, where he served as co-creator, arranger/lyricist, and conductor.
Twice named New York City’s Favorite Vocal Coach in the Backstage Readers’ Choice Awards, Andrew brings his brain-based approach to singers around the world. In 2016, the U.S. State Department appointed him as the first Arts Envoy to Belarus, where he directed the inaugural Russian-language production of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Next to Normal.
His international teaching has spanned Singapore, Switzerland, Denmark, France, China, and five tours of Australia. In North America, he has held residencies in Canada (including The Banff Centre) and served as guest faculty for the University of Michigan’s renowned musical theatre department.
Andrew works regularly as a clinician for organizations such as Cornell University, Tanglewood Institute, The Voice Study Group, The Institute for Vocal Advancement, and many others.
As a songwriter, Andrew has garnered millions of views through online platforms and feature films. Whether on stage, online, or in the studio, Andrew’s mission is to help singers unlock their fullest potential.
Stephanie DiMaggio
Stephanie DiMaggio: Whether auditioning for the school play or telling a tall tale to get out of gym class, I could flat out deliver a story. So I ditched running track to run the drama club and won a trip at age 16 to perform Shakespeare at the storied Lincoln Center in New York City.
It was love at first sight.
Ten years later, shortly after earning my MFA from New York University’s prestigious Graduate Acting Program, I made my Broadway debut as an actor and optioned my first screenplay as a writer. My artistic credits span more than a decade of work in America’s top theaters, television, film and digital content.
Among the highlights is starring opposite Nick Offerman in the world premiere stage adaption of A Confederacy of Dunces produced by Stephen Soderbergh and my role in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Jesus Hopped The A Train (NYT Top 10 Productions of the Year). You can currently catch me reoccurring on Season 2 of the FW series Strangers and TVLand’s Younger.
I proudly served on the acting faculty of my alma mater, Fordham University at Lincoln Center, for nine years and most recently in the film department of Belmont University in Nashville, TN. I am also the founding Program Director of the Big Sky Theater Workshop in Big Sky, Montana.
I am also a featured contributor in two books: Acting Teachers of America: A Vital Tradition and Performance of the Century: 100 Years of Actors Equity Association.
In all my pursuits, I am fueled by that passion for storytelling and a belief that collaboration is the most rewarding art form.
CONTACT FORM
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