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Communication, emotional intelligence, and confidence aren't extras. They're the foundation of everything we do.
Acting Up is a creative studio in Coos County, Oregon helping kids, teens, and adults build confidence, communication skills, and real-world presence through acting, improv, and storytelling.
We offer after school programs, group classes, team workshops, and private coaching.
This is more than acting.
This is learning how to show up.
What makes Acting Up different
Most people don’t struggle because they don’t know what to say.
They struggle because they don’t say it.
That’s what we work on.
Through acting, improv, and real-life scenarios, we teach people how to think on their feet, speak up, and stop overthinking every interaction.
This isn’t just about performing.
It’s about showing up in your life without shrinking.
Real Change, Real Impact
At Acting Up, families see more than stage practice.
They see transformation.
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One parent shared that their child, who struggles with complex diagnoses, found their first real place of connection here:
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"My child has been showing so much progress since joining class.
They are expressing emotions other than rage and making connections with other children they wouldn't have otherwise.
Even their therapist has been impressed with their growth."
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For this family, Acting Up became the space where their child could simply be a kid - laughing, creating, and learning tools they now use everyday.
Meet the Owner
I’ve spent my adult life working with people in classrooms, workshops, media, and community spaces.
I taught drama at Lighthouse School, led youth programs across Coos County, and worked with hundreds of kids who needed a place to express themselves and grow.
I’ve also worked with adults, creatives, and business owners helping them build confidence, communication skills, and real presence in both life and work.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
When people are given space to use their voice in a supportive environment, they become more confident, grounded, and capable.
That’s the work.
I don’t follow a standard model. I build programs that didn’t exist but needed to.
Recognized & Contracted
Acting Up was contracted with Coos Health & Wellness to teach healthy communication skills and conflict resolution tools to local youth. Our program was highlighted at Oregon Health Authority meetings as a model for prevention and resilience.
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As one partner put it:
“This program is a much-needed service and a creative, effective approach to supporting youth.
The data showed mental health benefits and its potential to prevent costly challenges to the community overall.”
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