At Academy of Acting, Linda prides herself on connecting students with experienced professionals who can guide them toward success. Linda brings a wealth of expertise and a practical, real-world approach to her teaching that makes her an indispensable resource for any serious acting student. Through Academy of Acting, Linda offers students seminars with guest speakers including Warner Bros. Vice President & Senior Motion Picture Production Counsel Marshall Silverman, actor Stanley Livingston, best known for the role of Chip on My Three Sons and SAG-AFTRA franchised L.A. and Atlanta agent Kathleen Schultz to speak and mentor students with practical advice for success. Cory Riback SAG-AFTRA actor and a SAG-AFTRA signatory director offers years of experience in filmmaking for Academy of Acting students. Linda showcases students’ talents at Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta, and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Charlotte’s Off Broadway in Charlotte. Many of Linda’s students have garnered representation at these industry events. Linda’s dedication to the craft and the measure of her students' success attending Academy of Acting classes serves as a beacon of inspiration, underscoring her invaluable role as a mentor and guide in the world of acting and performance arts
now available on amazon
now available on amazon
At Academy of Acting, Linda prides herself on connecting students with experienced professionals who can guide them toward success. Linda brings a wealth of expertise and a practical, real-world approach to her teaching that makes her an indispensable resource for any serious acting student. Through Academy of Acting, Linda offers students seminars with guest speakers including Warner Bros. Vice President & Senior Motion Picture Production Counsel Marshall Silverman, actor Stanley Livingston, best known for the role of Chip on My Three Sons and SAG-AFTRA franchised L.A. and Atlanta agent Kathleen Schultz to speak and mentor students with practical advice for success. Cory Riback SAG-AFTRA actor and a SAG-AFTRA signatory director offers years of experience in filmmaking for Academy of Acting students. Linda showcases students’ talents at Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta, and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Charlotte’s Off Broadway in Charlotte. Many of Linda’s students have garnered representation at these industry events. Linda’s dedication to the craft and the measure of her students' success attending Academy of Acting classes serves as a beacon of inspiration, underscoring her invaluable role as a mentor and guide in the world of acting and performance arts
Instructors
Linda's Biography
Linda Ann Watt is a member of SAG-AFTRA, past member of AEA, and a SAG-AFTRA signatory producer. She holds an MFA in Theatre Performance Pedagogy and has appeared in film, television, theatre and national commercials. She directs television, film and commercials. She directed legendary greats including Betty White, Dom DeLuise, and Sid Caesar for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television. Linda is a 2015 Tony Award nominee for Excellence in Theatre Education, and a recipient of the Angel Award bestowed for her untiring work chairing the Academy Awards Viewing Gala and for her service as past board member of Women in Film (WIF) in Hollywood. She mentored students in film production through her company Corlin Productions at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles, and recently, she was an acting instructor at GSU in the School of Film, Media and Theatre in Atlanta and a guest instructor at the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory in Atlanta. Linda, through Corlin Productions produced the educational DVD “The Method based on Stanislavski and Strasberg” with Cloris Leachman, Martin Landau and Shelley Winters (from the book “Strasberg’s Method,” the only teaching tool approved by legendary acting instructor, Lee Strasberg).
Linda relocated to the east coast to work on a project with PBS member station WTVI and she was invited to teach acting by the educational department at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Through her not-for-profit organization, Learn with Laughter, Linda was the recipient of a Grass Roots Arts Project (GAP) Grant from 2010-2014, awarded through the Union County Community Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council to teach her acting & filmmaking syllabus as an enrichment arts program for youth. Linda received a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council to finish her book “The Actor’s Manifesto: Create a Successful Acting Career,” available on Amazon Books and IngramSpark.
Training
At the age of fifteen, Linda attended The New York Academy of Theatrical Arts under scholarship. Her instructors trained with Stanislavski and/or Strasberg. She attended the Stella Adler Conservatory, American Theatre of Actors (ATA) with James Jennings and she studied voice at Herbert Bergdorf (HB) Studios along with speech pathologist Gertrude Orion Ph.D. Upon high school graduation, Linda attended the State University of New York (SUNY) Nassau Community College, majoring in theatre while appearing in national commercials, daytime television and film. It was during this time that Linda associate produced her first documentary “Unicycle” for national PBS television. Linda later graduated magna cum laude from UNC Charlotte, majoring in Theatre and she received an MFA in Theatre Performance Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). While in a university setting studying the disciplines of Stanislavski, Strasberg, Adler, and Meisner, Linda also, studied physical techniques of Bogart, Landau and Lecoq.
In Los Angeles, Linda studied extensively with Milton Katselas (director of “Butterflies are Free” for film and Broadway, he was the protégé of Elia Kazan). While in his class, she also had the privilege of taking classes with Jeffery Tambor, Joe Santos and Richard Larson. She studied voice with renowned voice instructor Bob Corff. Linda enrolled in comedy Improvisation classes at the Skylight Theater with Walter Olkewicz and Standup Comedy classes with Greg Dean, performing standup at the Santa Monica Improv. She later studied “Method” acting with Lorrie Hull, Ph.D. (master teacher for Lee Strasberg).
Cory's Biography
Cory Riback is a member of SAG-AFTRA and a SAG-AFTRA signatory producer. He recently guest starred on “The Inspectors” on CBS television. He has appeared in feature films including Barry Levinson’s “Jimmy Hollywood,” and many television series including “Entourage” and “In Living Color.” He has appeared in national commercials including Jack in the Box, Bud Light, Budweiser Beer, Foster’s Beer and Coors Beer. Cory is also a variety performer, performing over 8,000 live shows nationally with the best variety performers in the world. Cory offers thirty years of expert experience in film and video production. He worked as producer, director, director of photography, camera and editing on features, television and commercials. His 35mm film “Melvin Goes Disco” was distributed by HBO, and “Danger was Her Name, but,… I Called Her Baby” was accepted by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in the live action short category to be considered for an Academy Award nomination. He wrote and produced “Unicycle,” a documentary for national Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). He went on to create the series, “Cory’s Learning Corner” with robotic puppets for 280 PBS member stations nationally.
Cory lectured at the School of Art and Design and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He teaches a filmmaking course for professional filmmakers through his production company Corlin Productions and has trained students at major universities on production, robotic puppet building, editing and animation.
Training
Cory attended School of Art and Design, The Leonard Davis Center of Performing Arts and the School of Visual Arts where he majored in film production and editing. For fluid camera movement, he studied mime with Keith Berger and master teacher Marcel Marceau. For acting Cory attended Beverly Hills Playhouse under the direction of, Milton Katselas (director, Butterflies are Free, for film and Broadway, protégé of Elia Kazan), Lorie Hull (master teacher for Lee Strasberg) and HB Studios.
Practical, Real-World Advice
Linda has an outstanding ability to translate her vast experience into actionable lessons. She understands that theoretical knowledge alone isn't enough to succeed in the competitive world of acting. By incorporating real-life examples and personal anecdotes into her teaching, Linda makes complex concepts more relatable and easier to grasp. Her students benefit from practical tips that they can immediately apply tn auditions, rehearsals, and performances on screen and onstage.
Understanding the Administrative Side
Beyond the artistic skills required, actors must also navigate the administrative landscape of the industry. This includes understanding all in the entertainment industry including understanding contracts, union regulations, and networking strategies. As a SAG-AFTRA and AEA actor, a SAG-AFTRA signatory producer and director, and an executive board member of Women in Film in Los Angeles, Linda is well-versed in these areas and in her “Business of Acting” class she demystifies the administrative requirements for her students. She offers guidance on everything from how to get a reputable theatrical agent, how and when to join the union and contracts, ensuring her students are well-prepared to handle the business side of their careers.
Building a Strong Foundation
Linda excels at instilling a strong foundation in her students. Her comprehensive curriculum covers essential techniques, such as affective sense memory, “what if,” repetition, personalization using substitution, creative hiding, improvisation, and script analysis, while also emphasizing the importance of discipline and continuous self-improvement. By building a strong foundation, Linda prepares her students to tackle the challenges of the industry with resilience and determination.
Instructors
Linda's Biography
Linda Ann Watt is a member of SAG-AFTRA, past member of AEA, and a SAG-AFTRA signatory producer. She holds an MFA in Theatre Performance Pedagogy and has appeared in film, television, theatre and national commercials. She directs television, film and commercials. She directed legendary greats including Betty White, Dom DeLuise, and Sid Caesar for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television. Linda is a 2015 Tony Award nominee for Excellence in Theatre Education, and a recipient of the Angel Award bestowed for her untiring work chairing the Academy Awards Viewing Gala and for her service as past board member of Women in Film (WIF) in Hollywood. She mentored students in film production through her company Corlin Productions at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles, and recently, she was an acting instructor at GSU in the School of Film, Media and Theatre in Atlanta and a guest instructor at the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory in Atlanta. Linda, through Corlin Productions produced the educational DVD “The Method based on Stanislavski and Strasberg” with Cloris Leachman, Martin Landau and Shelley Winters (from the book “Strasberg’s Method,” the only teaching tool approved by legendary acting instructor, Lee Strasberg).
Linda relocated to the east coast to work on a project with PBS member station WTVI and she was invited to teach acting by the educational department at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Through her not-for-profit organization, Learn with Laughter, Linda was the recipient of a Grass Roots Arts Project (GAP) Grant from 2010-2014, awarded through the Union County Community Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council to teach her acting & filmmaking syllabus as an enrichment arts program for youth. Linda received a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council to finish her book “The Actor’s Manifesto: Create a Successful Acting Career,” available on Amazon Books and IngramSpark.
Training
At the age of fifteen, Linda attended The New York Academy of Theatrical Arts under scholarship. Her instructors trained with Stanislavski and/or Strasberg. She attended the Stella Adler Conservatory, American Theatre of Actors (ATA) with James Jennings and she studied voice at Herbert Bergdorf (HB) Studios along with speech pathologist Gertrude Orion Ph.D. Upon high school graduation, Linda attended the State University of New York (SUNY) Nassau Community College, majoring in theatre while appearing in national commercials, daytime television and film. It was during this time that Linda associate produced her first documentary “Unicycle” for national PBS television. Linda later graduated magna cum laude from UNC Charlotte, majoring in Theatre and she received an MFA in Theatre Performance Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). While in a university setting studying the disciplines of Stanislavski, Strasberg, Adler, and Meisner, Linda also, studied physical techniques of Bogart, Landau and Lecoq.
In Los Angeles, Linda studied extensively with Milton Katselas (director of “Butterflies are Free” for film and Broadway, he was the protégé of Elia Kazan). While in his class, she also had the privilege of taking classes with Jeffery Tambor, Joe Santos and Richard Larson. She studied voice with renowned voice instructor Bob Corff. Linda enrolled in comedy Improvisation classes at the Skylight Theater with Walter Olkewicz and Standup Comedy classes with Greg Dean, performing standup at the Santa Monica Improv. She later studied “Method” acting with Lorrie Hull, Ph.D. (master teacher for Lee Strasberg).
Cory's Biography
Cory Riback is a member of SAG-AFTRA and a SAG-AFTRA signatory producer. He recently guest starred on “The Inspectors” on CBS television. He has appeared in feature films including Barry Levinson’s “Jimmy Hollywood,” and many television series including “Entourage” and “In Living Color.” He has appeared in national commercials including Jack in the Box, Bud Light, Budweiser Beer, Foster’s Beer and Coors Beer. Cory is also a variety performer, performing over 8,000 live shows nationally with the best variety performers in the world. Cory offers thirty years of expert experience in film and video production. He worked as producer, director, director of photography, camera and editing on features, television and commercials. His 35mm film “Melvin Goes Disco” was distributed by HBO, and “Danger was Her Name, but,… I Called Her Baby” was accepted by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in the live action short category to be considered for an Academy Award nomination. He wrote and produced “Unicycle,” a documentary for national Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). He went on to create the series, “Cory’s Learning Corner” with robotic puppets for 280 PBS member stations nationally.
Cory lectures at the School of Art and Design and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He teaches a filmmaking course for professional filmmakers through his production company Corlin Productions and has trained students at major universities on production, robotic puppet building, editing and animation.
Training
Cory attended School of Art and Design, The Leonard Davis Center of Performing Arts and the School of Visual Arts where he majored in film production and editing. For fluid camera movement, he studied mime with Keith Berger and master teacher Marcel Marceau. For acting Cory attended Beverly Hills Playhouse under the direction of, Milton Katselas (director, Butterflies are Free, for film and Broadway, protégé of Elia Kazan), Lorie Hull (master teacher for Lee Strasberg) and HB Studios.
Practical, Real-World Advice
Linda has an outstanding ability to translate her vast experience into actionable lessons. She understands that theoretical knowledge alone isn't enough to succeed in the competitive world of acting. By incorporating real-life examples and personal anecdotes into her teaching, Linda makes complex concepts more relatable and easier to grasp. Her students benefit from practical tips that they can immediately apply tn auditions, rehearsals, and performances on screen and onstage.
Understanding the Administrative Side
Beyond the artistic skills required, actors must also navigate the administrative landscape of the industry. This includes understanding all in the entertainment industry including understanding contracts, union regulations, and networking strategies. As a SAG-AFTRA and AEA actor, a SAG-AFTRA signatory producer and director, and an executive board member of Women in Film in Los Angeles, Linda is well-versed in these areas and in her “Business of Acting” class she demystifies the administrative requirements for her students. She offers guidance on everything from how to get a reputable theatrical agent, how and when to join the union and contracts, ensuring her students are well-prepared to handle the business side of their careers.
Building a Strong Foundation
Linda excels at instilling a strong foundation in her students. Her comprehensive curriculum covers essential techniques, such as affective sense memory, “what if,” repetition, personalization using substitution, creative hiding, improvisation, and script analysis, while also emphasizing the importance of discipline and continuous self-improvement. By building a strong foundation, Linda prepares her students to tackle the challenges of the industry with resilience and determination.
What the Industry and Working Actors Say About Linda’s Classes
What the Industry and Working Actors Say About Linda’s Classes
