We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracy Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe the number one factor behind my success is having the ability to constantly reinvent myself.

The entertainment industry, specifically the world of film and television acting, is always changing. I like to tell new students to LA that audition technique trends change as quickly as fashion trends. The great thing about this business is you never get bored. The horrible thing about this business is you never get bored LOL! Seriously, what I mean is there are always new styles of acting, new streaming services, new TV shows, new content, new casting directors, producers, and directors to learn about and meet. When I started coaching over twenty years ago, you would get three to five days’ notice before an audition, and then when one of my students would book a job they’d say “see you in six weeks when I get back from set.” These days, you’re getting same day auditions or finding out the night before and I’m coaching my students on Zoom for auditions while they’re on set. Another new trend is self-tapes. I used to spend a lot of time coaching students on how to own the audition room. Now, I coach them on how to submit a competitive self-tape from their home. Being ahead of trends can really help you in this business. I started coaching on Skype and Oovoo (an early video call platform) a decade ago. I was teaching on Zoom before the Zoom craze hit. I realized early on that there was a market around the country for students. Now, I’m an international acting coach with students all over the world.

My little dog’s name is Henry Bean. That was Oct 11, 2020 when the Lakers won the last championship.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a performer since age 6. My heart and soul have always been in acting and singing. I absolutely love being in the entertainment industry. As a young actress I gravitated towards performing in children’s theater. I’ve always loved children’s programming. I’ve performed in and created live action, animated, and musical programming for children. Teaching acting to children seemed like a logical next step. Children are the best audiences ever. Their laughter is so genuine. It took me four years to make any kind of name for myself as an acting coach in LA. I literally made flyers on my computer, drove around in my car, and handed them out at kid’s agencies across town. I did mailings every eight weeks, and to this day, I’m consistent in marketing. I’ve lived through many coaching trends in LA. First, you had to be “real” acting teacher. Then they wanted casting directors. Now they seem to want successful working actors. (I’m one of the few surviving original kid’s coaches in Hollywood). (Meaning my specialty is working with kids, teens, and young adults only). I speak their language. And I’m proud to say through all the changes in the industry, I’m still here and my students are still booking jobs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always take everyone to Hollywood & Highland! Out of towners want to see where the Oscars come from! And the footprints of movie stars are always fun to look at. Usually, there’s a trip to the Santa Monica Pier, and the Farmers Market at the Grove has a great assortment of food. A warm summer night is the perfect way to enjoy a concert at The Hollywood Bowl or Greek Theatre. And if you are my friend, you must go with me to LA Live because I MUST go to a Lakers game at the Staples Center! And if we have time, how about catching a Dodgers game?! Perhaps some Mexican food at Lucy’s El Adobe across from Paramount, margaritas at Casa Vega and sushi at Iroha? And let’s cap off the weekend with Martini’s at Dan Tana’s or Musso & Franks!

The picture of me with a group of kids is from a pilot I wrote, produced and starred called, “Oh, Ms. Tracy” in 2012.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There was a lovely agent for young actors, Arletta Proch of Kelman/Arletta Agency, in L.A. When I started my business -which was then called, Koaching Kids & Teens, I used to send flyers out to all the kids agencies every 8 weeks, without fail. I would put on little showcases for my students at the end of the sessions. One day Arletta came to one of my showcases. She said that I did more with only 5 students, than she saw other teachers do with 20. She also said that she always knew where a young actor studied in town, unless they studied with me. I don’t have a “style,” I keep my students organic to themselves. Arletta started sending me clients. I have to say that her belief in me gave me a much needed push. She was a champion of my work. Sadly, she got sick and passed away but I will forever be grateful to her. So, this is a Shout Out to Arletta!

Website: www.YourHollywoodCoach.com

Instagram: @YourHollywoodCoach

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-martin-47a04aa/

Twitter: @YourHWDCoach

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlANY7A_-7XK6y6to8MvQg

Other: www.TracyMartin.com

Image Credits
Art work for Sunny & Friends by Hana Golden Headshots by Teren Oddo

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