Working with Tom
When I started in this business years ago I had no idea how far I'd go. Tom was there for me from the very beginning and continues to help me with my career. His insight always amazes me! He has a way of explaining ideas and the context of "the big picture" that is very down to earth and inspirational and is never judgmental and always open to suggestions himself. I'm inspired by the level of energy and enthusiasm he conducts into everyone around him. Though I still do stage acting, I have now expanded into movies and TV commercials in the Baltimore/DC/Philly market, and I never would have gotten this far without Tom's support and guidance. He will always be my choice for any coaching I need. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Tom!. Thank you so much! You felt my heartfelt joy for being in a group that was so much more experienced than me and with a teacher who I can tell cared so much for his craft! Thank you so much for giving and giving! This has truly changed the trajectory of my career. |
No your not being too hyper because you’re excited and very positive. You jump right into the action with us and that makes me want to get out there and audition.
The tools you give are excellent and intense that’s part of the game. We the actors are under the gun and emotional more than anybody. I learn so much from your energy Tom so keep it coming. — Jack Irving, actor (San Francisco) 
Signing on for the one-on-one coaching with Tom was one of the best things I could do for myself. Not only did I get some great tips to improve my audition and acting game, but the coaching extended to deeply-rooted, personal obstacles that I needed to tackle. Tom encouraged me to raise my energy level during my monologues, which in turn, raised my energy at work and in social settings.
Tailored to my individual needs as an actress, I was able to see improvement in my delivery and in my approach to the material. It wasn’t just about reading through it and creating a character, it was about imagining the whole moment, what came before and now what I was trying to achieve by saying those words. He pointed out quirks and crutches of which I was previously unaware, and taught me how to tighten up my delivery so it flowed better. I highly recommend [Tom] for anyone who wants to upgrade their performance to the professional level. — Yvette Levi, actor (West Virginia) |
Tom Brooks coaching was a wonderful eye opening experience. The coaching sessions with Tom were something I looked forward to every week, and I always left our sessions eager for the next session with more confidence in my skills. Tom Brooks helped me work through mental blocks, went over monologue techniques and tips, and we took a dive into the study of Shakespeare; well worth [it]. Thank you again for everything Tom.
— R. Dennis, actor (Louisville) Tom Brooks is the type of actor that Artistic Directors gravitate towards immediately. Blessed with an equally sharp intelligence and sense of humor, Tom creates characters that are detailed, human revelations. Moreover, he keeps his work process free of the negativity and cynicism that can destroy ensembles. |
Thank you so much for your help. I'm finally breaking through my trouble spots and discovering things I wasn't discovering before due to your help. Thank you for being so generous with your time and your knowledge. I will definitely keep you informed as I progress. 
I started my career as a science teacher. Then a teacher trainer. Then sales. Never finding fulfillment on any of it. It wasn’t until I retired that I allowed myself to pursue a life long dream to perform on stage. Now I’m living a dream. This is the first time in my life that ai have felt successful in a career. Thanks for dreaming with me.
— JJ, actor (Pennsylvania) |
The Empowered Actor Initiative
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From the Kennedy Center to Coaching Glory
The moment I walked onto the stage at the John F. Kennedy Center in D.C., something clicked. It wasn't just the applause or the bright lights — it was the culmination of a journey that began at 18, tracing through the rigorous training grounds of Wright State University's Professional Actor Training Program and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Landing this role wasn't just a career highlight. It was a pivot point that made my future clear as day. Fast forward to 2005, I found myself giving workshops in Washington, D.C., not just teaching actors, but truly connecting with them. We delved into mastering auditions, nailing cold readings, and building dynamic characters. Yet, while I saw eyes light up and minds expand, I couldn't shake the feeling — I needed to give more. So, I created handy-dandy handouts, guides the workshop participants could take with them with key pointers as reminders. Still not enough. I actually nabbed a toll-free number so actors could get their problems addressed in the moment. (Remember, this was only the first decade of the 21st century.) Soon, The Empowered Actor Initiative emerged. Suddenly, my coaching wasn't confined to a studio. Via email and phone, advice, tweaks, and confidence-boosting strategies flowed directly from my experiences to theirs. And with each success story, I knew it was more than just a business. It was a calling. Here's the lesson, and listen closely. It's not about what you achieve for yourself. Jazzed as I was for my own spotlight at the Kennedy Center, it paled in comparison to helping others find theirs. That's the beauty of passion — it doesn't peak; it morphs, grows, and gives back. Now, I'm offering you the same transformation: the lifeline that turns fear into finesse, the tools to go from overlooked to fully booked. Are you shackled by the dread of cold readings? I've been where you are, and I've shouldered the same fears. With The Empowered Actor Initiative, our one-on-one coaching isn't just about reading lines. It's about rewriting your future, erasing the fears that drown out your talents, and spotlighting the actor you're destined to be. I'm not just a coach — I'm your bridge from 'what if' to 'what is'. So, if you're ready to ditch the anxiety, if you're done being the actor who could have been, let's work together. This isn't just another class or workshop. It's a one-on-one blueprint to the confident, commanding professional you can be, ensuring every audition is an opportunity, not an obstacle. Let's turn those stage lights back on, for you this time. Your coach in the wings, —Tom Brooks Certified by the International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring |
Tom,
What I love about acting is how authentic it is. Actually what I love about acting is learning from you how authentic it is. The value of forgiveness in the story you just told, for example. Giving to your audition partner is another example. Looking forward to learning more from you. Thank you. Oldest new student, — Fitz Brilliant! I look forward to your advice every time. It’s a shot in the arm and keeps the mind active. Thanks,
— Fift Macleod Hey Tom! I really enjoyed your insights on using original material in the most recent email - not that I’m a writer, but it was very interesting. I loved your point about passion.
— Mike Shelvin ...these emails resonate with me, my values. What I hear you saying is to be authentic and loving, giving. I hope to live my live according to these values. But it is a timely reminder not to allow my nerves or perceived judgments of others to muck it up. Thanks again, It's funny how you mention the exercise of working something casually with a friend, because truth be told the only time I ever get self conscious or embarrassed is when I'm rehearsing something in front of my spouse and/or son. Why? Who knows! Just one of those things that makes a guy feel a bit silly... but you're right, if I can't shed that self awareness and feel it in my bones with them around, what do I think is going to happen in front of 200 people?
Thanks for the insight and the advice, and just being a real person out there (not just a hollow newsletter). — Kevin Ealaín |
What You Should Know about Tom BrooksMy "syndrome" might be your asset
I’ve got this itch. Scratch that — it’s more like an insatiable excitement for something that many in my craft dread: auditions. I know, it sounds like I've got an illness, perhaps some hyper-involuntary panic-stress tension syndrome — if that’s even a thing. Let me take you back. Growing up, I was dodging bullies and slaying class clowns purely by harnessing the art of performance. To me, acting was not just about drawing laughs, it was my stylish shield and unique strategy for survival. But you see, despite all this, I was remarkably unremarkable at sports. The most I could boast about was my uncanny ability to spell 'badminton'... Well, okay. Truth be told, that was a feat I only achieved in adulthood. Now, about singing. Let's just say I preferred hiding under a table, laid flat across chairs, to attempt it. Feels safer, though it doesn’t enhance the pitch. But when it comes to auditions, believe it or not, I'm in control. Yeah, totally. Even with my turbo-charged hyperactivity that doesn't require any artificial high. Picture this: high school...a dude walks up and asks if I’m on something because I'm bouncing off the walls. Nope, I’m naturally running on a hyperdrive — no drugs needed. You see, some folks want that kick to chill. Me? I've got enough chill to nearly blind an acting classmate with an airborne pen propelled by sheer excitement. Sorry, Brandon, wherever you are. Coaching actors, directing, cracking the acting code...man, that’s where I live, right behind cherishing familial bliss in West Virginia amid an ensemble of four-legged creatures and a resilient turtle. Why am I sharing this? Because here’s where it links back to you and the transformative power of The Empowered Actor Initiative. My so-called "control" over the unpredictable realm of auditions? It’s a skill, a methodology that's been honed, refined, and ready to be deployed in your favor. Struggling with cold readings? I broke through that barrier. And now I craft pathways for others to navigate through these often crippling, career-stalling auditions. I turn cold sweat blind readings into booked gigs. I can help you not only face the teleprompter but own it. The Empowered Actor Initiative is about brushing up your acting chops — if that’s where you're stuck. But for a few of you, it’s about digging deep into the treacherous fears of reading aloud, identifying the root of that block, and then systematically uprooting it. I'm here to ensure you gain complete mastery over those pages that are handed to you sight unseen, and effectively over your future in the audition room. With our one-on-one actor coaching, we don't just aim for "good" — we make sure you walk out great, and with the reinvented confidence to get fully booked... commandeering every cold read that gets tossed your way. It’s your turn to find the exhilaration in what terrifies you. Ready to transform your auditions from feared obstacles to anticipated triumphs? Your leap from nauseated to nominated starts with one simple, brave step. A step towards me, your personal pathfinder. Let’s turn that audition room into a stage where you perform, not just with skill, but with an infectious zest that can only be mirrored from someone who truly loves what they do. Dream big, read bold. Get in touch and lock in the performance of a lifetime — one audition at a time. Center stage awaits, — Tom "your coach in the wings" Brooks |
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Mission
To champion the integrity and empowerment of every actor to achieve audition superiority, rehearsal freedom, acting excellence.