I cannot say enough good things about Bill Coelius' class: Commercial Acting 101! Seriously!!! Reviews often lavish compliments on a certain subject without giving the details behind such feedback, so let me be specific: after taking Bill's class (Comm Acting 101) I walked away with more tools for the "business" than I had ever acquired in one single place. First, we worked for hours on the art of slating! Yes, that little thing we all do at the beginning of an audition -- but rarely think much about -- was the springboard to an amazingly informative instruction. Bill taught us just how much the audition starts from the moment you walk in the room, through the slating, past the copy read, and follows you out of the room afterwards. Bill teaches you how to bring your true, unfettered self into the audition. He stresses the importance of being invested and "detached" at the same time, after all: this is just an audition; it's not cancer research! All you have to do is prepare with the script, relax your mind, and be yourself. That's all they want to see: your true self (or at least a relaxed version thereof.) Next, Bill teaches you exactly how to prepare with that script. He helps demystify what "they" are looking for and teaches you how to use the script to decided on your choices. Bill also has lots of "jedi mind tricks" to share; little tricks that will help you to calm down and give your best performance. Finally -- and most importantly -- Bill is amazing at imparting his philosophy on the overall business. He helps you to realize that you are already a complete, perfect performer! You don't have to twist yourself into something you are not -- you simply have to give it a solid try...and then leave it at the audition. Your life is not based on whether or not you get the audition: you are there to serve and if "they" take you up on the offer, then that's great. However, if "they" do not...well, then you are still complete and will simply try again next time. Do yourselves a big favor -- TAKE BILL'S COMMERCIAL ACTING CLASS!! read more

Bill's class is fantastic! And HE's fantastic! I took his level one class a couple of months ago... the 101 of Commercial Acting. It is a TON of information, but every little bit is so key to not only booking the room but booking the job. And it pertains to all types of auditioning... I've used his wisdom in both theatrical and commercial auditions and it has been incredibly helpful. Last night, I finished Level 2. That's the class where you get to put all of the information from 101 into practice and really get it in your bones. It is so key. I wish I could take it every week! But the best part is that Bill is incredibly supportive. Don't get me wrong, he'll call you on your stuff... but in a fun way that lets you really look at it and say, "oh yeah... I do that... HA!" instead of making you feel like a horrible person. The class is also super affordable, which is fantastic and will make you want to come back for more! What's even better... he let's new students audit his level 3 class, so if you're on the fence, check it out and decide for yourself. He's also a working actor who puts his lessons into practice in his own auditions every week. That's one of my favorite things. He teaches from experience. This town needs more teachers like Bill! read more

I took the level one workshop and it was amazing! You will definitely learn a hundred and one things that will help you tremendously in your future auditions. Some of these things are tips that will definitely give you an edge and others are life-changing approaches to the process of commercial acting. One of the best things about this workshop is how much knowledge you get from it in such a condensed, timely manner. You'll feel like you took an intensive course! This is definitely stuff that will help you a great deal in your next audition too. As for Bill himself. I can't recommend him enough! He is very insightful and seems to know a ton about every angle of commercial acting, he is super welcoming and will make you feel comfortable and he will cater to your individual level. If you are more experienced than the person next to you, it won't be a problem. This is because the classes are small enough that he can take time with you and your individual issues, and he will do just that. Not everyone has the ability to teach others well, or articulate themselves in a precise and effective manner. Bill does this very, very well. Very cool but also a total pro! Thanks Bill!!! read more

This is an amazing class in so many ways. It will transform the way you approach acting, and the way you treat yourself. Bill demonstrates the act of service every step of the way with presence, kindness, patience and huge amounts of inspiration. He teaches you how to be a better person, and in doing so, a better actor. All of his tips come from his own experiences, and he is only there to make sure you leave feeling better about yourself and more confident in your skills. The sense of calm that radiates from him is infectious, and you will be itching to test out your new skills everywhere. You will not get lost in the shuffle here. The class size is very small, with lots of on-camera practice with copy, and the chance to ask for clarification and work through anything that may be standing in your way. You will be amazed at the difference two nights can make on your overall sense of peace with the process. Don't walk - run to his website and sign up for his next class. I promise you, you won't regret it. read more

Two months ago I took Bill's two day commercial acting work shop. He is nothing short of brilliant. The man has constructed a fool proof formula for succeeding instantaneously at commercial auditioning. The first audition I booked after his work shop was the biggest success I've ever had in the commercial arena. The casting director called and told me that they went with another woman, but it was a tough decision, and asked me to be a back up in case she couldn't do it. Then he told me I was now on his short list for the future because he liked me so much. I have NEVER received a call like that. EVER. And the only reason I shined in that audition, is because of all the technique that Bill imparted to me. I love that Bill's approach is to be of service to others. And I adore his ideology to, 'warm the room with the temperature of your heart.' Because people respond to that human connection. Take this work shop. And learn everything you can from Bill. He has the master's touch. read more

I got so much clarity from taking Bill's classes. The Aha! moments kept coming. This is THE person to go to when it comes to commercial acting. Bill shared the tools needed to go out there and be successful. He covers it all, from auditioning, copy break down, mindset, and more. He walks the walk and talks the talk as a working actor himself. Bill is successful at what he does and wholeheartedly shares it with us. Don't think that you will be taking notes all through class. This is an on camera class, you will see the little things that you probably never noticed before. His feedback is so helpful and constructive! I highly recommend Bill's classes. I had an audition a few days after taking his 101 class and had so much fun! Not coming from a place of fear is HUGE for me. I am so grateful to have taken Bill's classes. All I can say is WOW wow woohoo!! read more

Take Bill's classes! If you are wanting to take charge of your personal growth as an actor, this class is worth it. Bill has a wealth of refreshing advice, technique, and craft that he shares so freely to his students. The kind of acting lessons you learn are not only greatly practical for walking in an audition room, they are also encouraging lessons to take with you in life to be a more rounded human being. In class I felt like we were there to learn and make mistakes and support each other - rather than compete and judge. We work with partners and we also get one-on-one attention to our individual skills and weaknesses. I felt safe to try things and also challenged by examining our work on camera. Bill truly listens with kindness and patience and joy for what he is doing. Go for it! read more

Where do I begin? Let me simply say that Commercial Acting 101 and 102 were two of the most amazing classes I've ever taken. Thank you, Bill! I'm kind of an old bird, but new to this acting thing. Thanks to Bill's class--and his never-wavering support and enthusiasm--I'm so much farther along than I was just a week ago. Don't think twice about whether or not you should take his class...just do it! It will transform your abilities and career in ways you can't imagine. Plus...it's great fun! Working as a career cop (now retired), I learned to "read" people pretty well. Bill is one of those exemplary individuals you rarely have the opportunity to meet and learn from. I'd add a bunch more stars if I could....can't wait for Commercial Acting 103! read more

I had heard about Bill's class over a year ago and honestly...I must be a crazy person for not taking the class then. Bill is incredibly kind, intuitive, insightful, honest and a complete and consummate professional. He is an actor himself who has booked 50 NATIONAL SPOTS! Obviously the guy knows what he's doing, and genuinely wants to help his fellow actors to do the same. I have a very good deal of training under my belt and have been on countless commercial auditions over the years but nothing, absolutely nothing, has given me the framework and tools I gleaned from Bill's class. In one day, you get 101 comprehensive and simple tools to bring your 'A' game with you every time you step into that audition room. Worth every penny and more. read more

Holy FANTASTIC Batman!!! I seriously can not say enough good things about Bill's workshops. The classes are kept small which allows for lots of time and attention to all those participating and you get to watch your work right away. You really do walk away with great direction and wonderful tools you can implement into your auditions right away. Not only does he help alleviate the anxiety that can sometimes come along with the auditioning process, but he actually gets you fired up to kill it the next time you get called in for one! It also doesn't hurt that Bill is so unbelievably kind, humble and just a total rock star of a human being :) I can't wait to take level 3! read more

Bill is the real deal! When it comes to knowing ALL about commercials and how to audition for them and book them, there is no better guy to teach it! I took his "Commercial Acting 101 class", and was blown away by his knowledge, experience, and techniques, developed over a long career working in commercials. He got it down to a science, with specific techniques for dealing with every kind of audition, callback and even gigs themselves! In addition, he is the nicest guy, kind, patient, and will go to great lengths to help people succeed! I highly recommend Bill's classes to anyone who wants to learn how to stand out in commercial auditions, and start booking jobs! read more

This man is an amazing teacher as well as human being. He genuinely cares about his student's development. I read on his website that beginners were totally welcome and it's true! I literally gave my first on-camera "performances" in his class! I didn't know what copy and slate were among other things yet he managed to make me feel like I was exactly where I should be and helped me to grow so much! I have been more confident in my acting life as well as in my real life. I have so much practical information and many exercises that I have been practicing over and over...I can't recommend this class enough! read more

Excellent, incredibly valuable and completely worth while workshop! I've taken commercial classes from CD's all over town, and none compare to Bill's. He breaks down the audition process and psychology in a brilliantly easy and wonderfully applicable way. It's really so simple, and he shows you how:) He himself is a lovely human, with clearly the most honorable intentions in teaching. His philosophy on life and acting clearly have much to do with his success and charm. I'm moving onto his level 2 ASAP, I highly recommend his class!! read more

Bill's class is a revelation. Bill is a skilled teacher and a great guy--the kind of guy you want to spend 7 hours with in a small room. He is generous, funny, and SMART--he knows his craft and knows yours too. You'll leave class with practical techniques that will have you smacking your forehead--"why didn't I think of that?!" and an overarching philosophy anchoring that technique. Some people learn how to book work and zealously guard their secrets--Bill wants to share his secrets with you. Run don't walk. It's pretty damn magical. read more

If you have the opportunity to take one of Bill's classes I HIGHLY recommend you do! I took Bill's Commercial Acting 101 Level One class in Portland, OR and I am so glad that I did. Bill creates a safe, inclusive environment that allows actors to be engaged, comfortable and explorative. Before Bill's class I had not yet done any work on camera. Within his class our first exercise was on camera, I felt supported and encouraged by the energy of the entire class. I am very excited and motivated for my next commercial auditions! read more

What an amazing class, and even more amazing dude! I took Bill's 101 class when he was in NYC on 5/31 and it was the best learning experience I've had in a long time. Bill has such a great positive energy about him that created such a safe and supportive place to learn.I feel so much more confident now about cold reads. I can't wait to go on my next commercial audition to use all the tricks Bill taught us!! If you have the chance to take this class, DO IT! I definitely will take it again next time Bill is in town! :-) read more

Bill's Commercial Acting 101 is by far the best class I've had for commercial acting and perhaps the best acting class I've had in L.A! He's concise, caring, makes sure students grasp concepts in a thoughtful and thorough way, and works from a platform of service that is unprecedented. I also appreciated the small, intimate class size and setting. What a fantastic environment in which to learn. I feel more empowered, prepared, and excited about my next auditions and can't recommend his class enough. Thanks Bill! read more

I just finished Bill's Commercial Acting 101 Level One course and I couldn't be more excited to sign up for Level Two! Out of all the commercial acting classes I've taken in NY, Bill was detailed,positive and gave such honest, valuable feedback. Being able to get in front of the camera in class makes a world of a difference. It's an amazing experience to be taught by a successful commercial actor, and not just another "teacher" or "casting director". You learn best from those who've had success before you! read more

Bill's commercial class is amazing. I loved it so much that I signed up for Level 2 the same day Level 1 ended. I would recommend his class to ANY of my actor friends. He's a working actor so he knows his stuff. He teaches you the techniques that he uses for auditions, and you get to get up and try them out and watch yourself back on tape. He is also a very nice man, and in general a pleasure to work with. I have so many good things to say about his class, so yes, take it!! read more