Teaching & Private Coaching
You could be standing here
Baily Hopkins brings over two decades of on-camera experience in the Bay Area and Los Angeles to her work as an acting instructor and private coach. She teaches a wide variety of classes, specializing in On-Camera Techniques, Intro to Acting, and Dungeons & Dragons & Improv (among many others) and provides private coaching on faculty at American Conservatory Theater (Studio A.C.T. and Young Conservatory) and Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Her approach combines practical tools, creative exploration, and tailored feedback to help actors expand their craft. Drawing on her extensive acting career—including collaborations with industry luminaries like Joe Robert Cole, Barry Jenkins, and Paul Thomas Anderson—and her work as a Casting Associate with seven different casting directors in LA and SF, Baily offers unique insights into what casting directors and directors are looking for and what makes your selftapes more bookable (she’s seen thousands of them and helped book talent on dozens of national campaigns)! Her teaching is grounded in authenticity, confidence-building, and positive feedback, creating a supportive and engaging space for performers of all levels and ages to grow and thrive in class settings or one-on-one.
What students are saying
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"Amazing class, Baily is truly so knowledgeable about the industry and willing to answer questions about all aspects of filmmaking."
On Camera 2 student, Studio A.C.T.
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"Baily is easily my favorite acting instructor I’ve worked with."
On Camera 2 student. Studio A.C.T.
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"Baily is so connected to the industry that it was tremendously helpful for someone starting out to learn about what to do or not to do. For someone who hated watching myself on screen, she helped me feel seen and not crazy but also helped me realize it can be a useful tool to grow. She was just an incredibly kind instructor who encouraged us all to do our best. I am a psychologist in private practice and she really nailed how we encourage our clients to talk about themselves (with care and self-compassion), and also how she spoke to each person validating their truth AND offering a different perspective when needed."
On Camera 2 student, Studio A.C.T.
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"Top notch! I really appreciate that Baily is actively in the industry. Her feedback is current with the times and makes the act of acting fun."
On Camera 2 student, Studio A.C.T.
The Art of the Self-Tape: I can teach you how to create compelling self-tapes that showcase your strengths and stand out to casting directors.
Setting Up Your At-Home Studio: I can offer guidance on creating a DIY or professional-grade setup for self-tapes and auditions, tailored to your space and budget.
Broadening Your Range: I’ll introduce you to new techniques to explore characters, genres, and styles, expanding your versatility as a performer and making you more bookable!
Nailing Adjustments: Let’s work together to help you master the ability to quickly adapt to direction and make bold, confident choices in auditions and on set.
Self-Tapes for College Auditions: I offer personalized coaching to prepare polished and memorable auditions for college and higher education theatre and film programs.
Selecting Audition Materials: Let’s work together to find monologues, sides, and scenes that highlight your unique talents and showcase your categories.
Setting Up Your Casting Profiles: I can offer guidance to optimize your profiles on casting platforms like Casting Networks, Actors Access, and Backstage to attract the right roles.
Preparing to Pitch to Agencies: Getting ready to level up? Let’s develop a professional pitch strategy, including materials and headshot prep, to approach talent agents with confidence.
Media Training: I can partner with you to hone your communication skills for interviews, press appearances, and promotional events, ensuring you represent yourself authentically and professionally.
Building Confidence in Group Settings: Let’s work together to build tools to help you speak with clarity and presence in front of any audience, whether for performances, presentations, or everyday interactions.
