Occasionally in life you run across people who, in their respected trades or fields, transcend beyond what's simply required, and with sheer joy dedicate themselves to climbing the mount's height, until at length their vision begins to stretch across the infinite, where they then gather insights and unfolding thoughts - some half-discovered, some fully-realized - before finally waking at the foot of the mountain once more, but this time with golden pen in hand, ready to share pieces of their journey with the generations that follow. When it comes to acting and teaching acting, Ted Rooney is this person. He has taken this acting student (i.e., me) with essentially nothing but a weightlifting background, and in a period of months has taught, shaped and molded him until he got to the point of being able to faintly do some semblance of camera-ready work, and has helped provide him with an acting toolbox with tools that can continually be sharpened for the decades to come. It is true that in addition to being a brilliant man, Ted is funny, goofy, and likes to play pranks on people he knows, but beneath these layers is a man whose art is his craft, whose trade is also one of his callings - who comes into his element when the camera rolls, the play starts, or his students are before him. I have been fortunate enough in my life to have it so that every time I have learned a new subject, I have somehow had the very best teachers and mentors. I now have that with acting. If you choose to learn acting from Ted and are willing to put in the hard work, you will leave his classes having gotten more than you could have ever bargained for. He would not let you have it any other way. When the narrator in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales said the following of the clerk in the general prologue, he would have certainly said the same of Ted Rooney: "And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly teche." read more

If Ted Rooney has an opening in one of his film classes, sign up now! As a Portland area theatre actor and vocalist, I'd been curious about learning/training in acting for the camera. Because I wasn't new to acting, I was searching for an instructor who would take me through the baby steps of film acting while respecting my previous experience (I needed to start at the beginning in film but I'm not a beginning actor and didn't want to be treated like a baby). I'd heard great things about Ted from a past acting professor, so I gave it a shot and it was one of the best moves I made. Stage and on-camera acting are similar yet so different, and I was amazed at how Ted could help me understand this new world by connecting it to the theatre world I already knew. He is patient, kind, well-spoken, educated and has TONS of professional experience. He's always encouraging, but expects you to work hard and give it your best, which I highly respect. His stories are entertaining and his sense of humor makes class fly by. Yet with all his clout he's humble, you never hear him brag or boast, and he never acted pompous. Anyone, experienced professional actor, beginning actor, or just someone interested in the film world should take a Ted class. Seriously, you won't regret it. read more

Ted's classes are awesome! He is very good at spotting what each person needs to work on most and helping every individual in the room get better each week. I come from an extensive theatre background, and have very limited on-camera experience. Ted comes from a background of stage training and has his MFA in Acting, so he does a fantastic job of articulating the differences between the camera and the stage to help those of us with theatre training work at scaling things down. His aim is to make the students of his classes CASTABLE in short period of time, and he successfully does this. You can make individual appointments to meet with Ted and assess where you're at in your acting career and what might be some good steps to propel you forward in the direction you want to go. I would definitely recommend this service as well! read more

I enrolled into Ted's 'On-Camera I' acting class as an aspiring actor with little-to-no experience, and an overwhelming fear of where to begin. I had consulted with some of my actor friends beforehand, and they unanimously recommended Ted. They were right. Ted's class was the perfect choice for a new actor like myself. Why? Because he keeps it simple. In the 7-week course Ted teaches you how to bring your own personality to a role, and to act naturally. It's a simple lesson that he drives home and in doing so gives you the confidence to seek out those first gigs that best suit your usual self (it's not acting if you're just being you - that's my takeaway from the course). Honestly, 10/10 would recommend. I can't wait to continue with his On-Camera courses and see what's next. read more

Ted Rooney is an excellent on camera acting teacher. I came to Ted after having spent decades performing and teaching acting for the stage. I wanted to be able to make the transition into film work and knew that I needed more skills to make that leap. Now, after just a few weeks working with Ted I feel as though I have a very specific skill set that I would NEVER have gotten from reading a book or talking to my other actor friends who have been able to book film. HE'S the REAL deal. Straightforward, clear as a bell, and very focused about what your next step is. I feel, after decades of working, that I finally have something new and, frankly, superior to work on...a better more honest direction to go in! Seriously, he's got the map. read more

Ted is an incredible actor and coach. The worst that will ever happen is you'll get a high-five. I can say with certainty you will become a better actor working with him. But at best- over time- you may also become a better version of you. One that is somehow more comfortable in your skin, more present; who feels less pressure to adjust yourself and fill space. I would encourage you, and anyone at all interested in on camera acting, to take class with this instructor; the classes and the caliber of human you'll be learning from are amazing. read more

Ted is a gifted, generous, caring teacher with invaluable insights into acting for the camera. He happily shares all he has learned from being in the business and creates such a fun, safe environment, even a bonafide camera-phobe like myself made progress and enjoyed the process. He has crafted exercises that really demonstrate what is required to come across well on film, and help you to get there. If you intend to pursue on-camera work you must do yourself (and the casting agents) a favor and check out his classes! read more

After trying a few different types of acting classes, I found myself in Acting 1 with Ted Rooney and absolutely adored it. The class size is perfect, everyone gets to participate, and the teacher is SO nice and genuine. He truly cares about each and every student and wants us all to succeed. I enrolled in his Acting 2 class and start this week! These are my most favorite classes ever, I really wish he taught more classes because I would take them all. 5/5 Definitely recommend! read more

I've been lucky enough to know Ted for the duration of my acting career and worked with Robert on a short film a few months ago. Both are true professionals that deliver value through their knowledge and experience. Whether you're a total noob (as I was when I took Ted's On Camera I class) or a seasoned vet (which I've become over the last few years), both of these actors have the ability to help you unlock even more potential and take your acting skill set to a deeper level. read more

I've taken Ted's On Camera One and Two classes, scene study, participated in an actor writer workshop and the occasional Actorcise. I appreciate Ted's dedication to teaching. He doesn't seem to care about the frills of the industry and won't tell you how to get famous, bummer I know... But what I've learned and taken away from his classes has been so valuable to me. I leave the studio feeling inspired and truly grateful to be a part of such an awesome acting community! read more

I attended On Camera 1. Ted had a planned curriculum from the first night to the last. He took the time to provide direction to each student as we learned the important aspects of acting on camera. Every one of our efforts were taped then provided to us by email. Weekly reading assignments supplemented that weeks learning. I leaned a great deal in the 21 hours of class supplemented by the text he provided. I have the tools to prepare myself for an audition. read more

Ted is a fun, practical, and down to earth acting teacher. I always come out of his classes feeling positive. His On-Camera classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors-he will meet you wherever you are. His classes have helped me develop and personalize a specific process for approaching any type of script. He does a great job of fostering organic acting, and making sure it's appropriate for whatever material you're working on. Highly recommend! read more

Ted Rooney is a working actor that knows what casting directors need to see to hire you. He has what it takes to get you through the hard stuff and truly develop as an actor. It is EXTREMELY helpful that he films all work in class and shares via Dropbox - then also watch in class and discuss during class. He works well with beginning as well as more experienced actors. If you want an honest coach that will truly help you grow as an actor, Ted is your guy! read more

I have been going to Ted Rooney's classes for 3 years now, and have learned so much!!! through: Doing, Stillness and Truth telling mainly through going to Actorsize which is a $10 two hour cold reading class he holds on Wednesdays and is unheard of. He also doesn't like to hear himself talk which allows for more work time which is sometimes not the case. He is a High quality human & Real industry professional which really prepares you for the world. read more

Ted's classes are amazing. Rather than offer canned methods and approaches, Ted takes the time to tailor the actors process to the individual, recognizing that every actor brings with him/her different strengths and weaknesses. He is extraordinarily insightful and is able to guide you and inspire and transform your work with a single thought or direction. He is also entirely endearing, honest, and real. His classes are well well worth it. read more

I've taken two of Ted's classes and loved them! They were comfortable, fun, and really prepare you for on camera work. I want to try his On Camera 3 or Scene Study next. I always got really helpful feedback from him that's made me more confident in my acting process. He's great at recognizing where a student is at and getting them to the next level. I felt myself improve and saw it happen in other students in his class as well. read more

Ted is an absolutely awesome teacher. I never was able to take a class that actually got to the fundamentals of how to act on camera. His real life experience is so helpful and he gives invaluable insight into the behind the scenes of working on a set and what you can expect when on a job. He has been able to help me develop immensely just in the 7 weeks that I was in his class. I will definitely be coming back for on camera 2! read more

As of this posting, I'm on my fifth year and have taken every class offered at the Blanche - Rooney studio. The classes are interesting, challenging, and fun, and the best part is you get training and advice from real working professional actors, the resumes speak for themselves. Whether you're a beginner or a trained professional, I highly recommend taking a class. If you're lucky enough to work with Ted you'll find out why. read more

I like the way Ted makes it clear, you have to do the work. He cares that his students really get that, and he has the education and professional experience that bring a colorful education of how to get that work done. He's also got extensive experience on stage and on camera and knows the approaches for both, which was something I really needed coming from the theater and going to the camera. read more