Serious Acting Requires Serious Craft.
Private acting coaching built for real-world demands.
I am an acting coach with over three decades of experience training actors in the craft of acting, from beginners to working professionals.
My coaching includes audition preparation, script and scene analysis, character development, on-set preparation, and rehearsal support for film, television, and stage. On-set work for feature films and hit network television series include, We Were Liars, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Legacies, P-Valley, Amazing Stories, The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Dynasty, The Following, and many more.
My approach is grounded in craft before performance, a trusted process, and truth over tricks—so actors can do honest, repeatable work when it matters most.
"Lisina has been such a great coach and constant source of support on set. Her understanding of story and objective has been a huge help to me. And as a seasoned actor herself, she’s able to communicate and play with the material in a way that makes the work organic and explorative. Her instincts are always spot on and she’s made me more confident on camera. Cannot recommend her enough! Just an incredible person to have in your corner. Thanks Lisina! "
~ Ben Levin, Actor - Legacies,
Kung Fu, The Rookie, Grey's Anatomy
"Having Lisina on set with me everyday has allowed me to never
second guess my choices as an actor. Knowing in between takes,
I'm able to collaborate and bounce ideas off someone who I'm comfortable with,on a professional and personal level.
I have seen great improvements in my work under the teachings of Lisina and would highly recommend anyone SERIOUS about their craft to enroll"
~ Michael Trevino, Actor - The Vampire Diaries, Roswell-New Mexico
"Lisina should be identified as a "Professional Potential Finder." Her ability to find and then draw out aspects of her students' imaginary life is absolutely incredible - especially aspects of which the student might not be aware. It's all about the Process with Lisina. She is a pro at meeting you with empathy and helping you to find the empathy in yourself to then inject into your character's life, and then into the life of the story. "
~ Dan Johnson, Actor - P Valley, Switched at Birth, Chicago Fire
"Lisina took me from 0-60 in minutes. She's incredible and very much a part of the Vampire Diaries family. I love talking about scenes with her and working through different emotions.
She's taught me incredible techniques that I in 17 years of acting hadn't used before. She's amazing, and I'm grateful to be working with such a phenomenal teacher and person."
~ Kat Graham, Actor - The Vampire Diaries, Duplicity, If I Run, Michael
"...Her rehearsals are thorough, imaginative and explorative..."
~ Todd Holland, Emmy Award Winning Director
"Lisina is the best. Hands down. One class with her and you’ll know, without a doubt, that being an acting teacher and coach is in her blood."
~ Aja Morgan, Actor The Resident, The Wonder Years
"Lisina knows how to perfectly break down a scene and any character in a way that is
approachable as well as understandable. She’s taught me
to love the craft while appreciating
the process."
~ Courtney Cummings, Actor - Platonic, Psycho Sweet 16, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Goosebumps 2
"I’ve become a much better actress since training with her and have booked some of my most significant projects to date."
~ Kelsey Risher, Actor - Love at Lookout Lake, Whispers of a Secret Life
How I Coach
I coach actors toward work that is grounded, specific, and repeatable. Sessions are shaped by the real demands of acting—auditions, on-set work, and theatre—and tailored to the actor, not a formula.
My coaching is guided by three core principles:
Craft Before Performance
We build the work underneath the scene so choices are supported, playable, and clear.
Process You Can Trust
You develop a repeatable approach to preparation that holds up under pressure.
Truth Over Tricks
Honesty, connection, and presence come before shortcuts or imitation.
Is This Coaching Right For You?
This coaching is for actors who are serious about the craft and preparing for real-world demands.
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Auditioning for film, television, or theatre
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Building a clear, repeatable process
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Preparing for on-set or stage work
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Early in training but serious about the craft
One-on-one coaching focused on doing the work—and trusting it when it counts.
Private Coaching
Sessions are one-on-one and designed around your goals—audition prep, scene work, career transitions, or deepening your craft.
Resources
Do the Thing You Can’t Take Back is a bold and uncompromising guide for actors who want more than tricks and tips — they want truth.
Digital Guide Books and Audio Lessons written and narrated by Lisina Stoneburner with accompanying PDF Guides
