Welcome to The ACTCADEMY
With James Villemaire | The Zen of Acting
Whether you're just starting out or ready to take your career to the next level, The ACTCADEMY is your one-stop home for powerful, transformative acting training—online or in-person.
Founded by renowned actor and coach James Villemaire, this is more than just a class—it’s a philosophy. Built on the foundation of The Zen of Acting, James' method invites actors to become present, connected, and emotionally available—to stop “performing” and start being.
From aspiring artists to seasoned professionals, The ACTCADEMY provides practical tools, soulful guidance, and expert mentorship to help you thrive.
James Villemaire / actor & coach
The Actcademy (Online Course)
Weekly Zoom Classes
Private 1-on-1 Coaching
In-person Classes (NYC)
Helped me sharpen my acting and strengthen my confidence
James’s classes are fun, challenging, and have boosted my confidence more than any coach I’ve worked with.
Helped me land new projects
For the past two years, James’ classes have been both fun and full of learning. They’ve helped me prepare for auditions, improve my on-camera work, and even led to new projects with people I met in class.
Comforting Experience
Being able to work through the content in my own time was a game changer. It made balancing work and learning so much easier.
Improved both my acting and short film
The Zoom classes are packed with value. James is also coaching me on my short film—he really brings out your best.
Loved everything about it
I loved being able to go through the process at my own pace. I learned so much, whilst still balancing my full-time job.
He is an amazing teacher and actor
The entire journey was an amazing experience. James is an incredible actor and teacher.
Loved to go through it at my own pace
Being able to work through the content in my own time was a game changer. It made balancing work and learning so much easier.
I learned so much from this!
This was amazing. The course is packed with informataion, techniques and pro tips. Totally worth the time.
You can feel his passion through the screen
You can feel James passion through every video in The Actcademy. I enjoyed every part of it!
I got my first role!
I got my first role shortly after finishing this course. I am very excited about this journey!
I love his in-person classes in NY
I've been attending several of James classes in NY. They are amazing every time!
Amazing course - worth every penny
This was amazing. I love the fact that you can always rewatch everything.
Meet Your Teacher: James Villemaire
James Villemaire brings over 40 years of acting experience and 25 years of teaching to his work with students. As a seasoned actor in film, television, and theater, James has worked with major studios and on critically acclaimed projects. As a coach, he’s helped countless students book roles, sign with agents, and grow into working professionals.
But what makes James truly unique is his Zen-inspired approach to acting—encouraging presence, truth, connection, and deep listening. He teaches actors to get out of their heads, use their scene partners, and serve the story honestly.
1. The Actcademy (Online Course)
Your Full Acting Career Toolkit — Self-Paced and On-Demand
This is the flagship offering: an immersive, self-paced online course that teaches everything you need to build, launch, or grow your acting career.
Designed for beginners and professionals alike, The ACTCADEMY blends acting fundamentals with real-world career advice. You’ll learn not only how to act, but how to audition, self-tape, market yourself, and navigate the industry with confidence.
What You'll Learn:
Master Cold Reading & Scene Work
Audition Techniques That Work
Self-Taping That Stands Out
How to Find an Agent or Manager
Building a Reel, Resume & Online Presence
Emotional Truth, Listening, and Living in the Moment
Career Mindset & Industry Survival Tools
2. Weekly Zoom Classes
Live Training. Real Feedback. Ongoing Growth.
Join James and a community of dedicated actors each week for live Zoom sessions focused on cold reads, scene study, audition prep, and performance presence.
Small group sizes allow for individual coaching and a deeply personal experience.
🕒 Class Schedule (Eastern Time)
Mondays & Thursdays – 12:00 PM
Tuesdays – 7:00 PM
Online Acting Classes with people from all around the world.
$120/month for 4 classes
3. Private 1-on-1 Coaching
Tailored Support for Serious Actors
When you need focused attention, James offers personalized coaching sessions that dive deep into your specific goals—whether it's preparing for an audition, breaking down a scene, or planning your next career move.
Sessions are available via Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp, so you can train from anywhere in the world.
Audition & Self-Tape Coaching
Deep Scene Work & Character Development
Career Mentoring & Industry Guidance
4. In-person Classes (NYC)
Hands-On Training for Adults & Youth in Queens, NY
Join James in his intimate NYC studio for live, in-person acting classes designed to challenge, nurture, and elevate.
👧 Kids & Youth Classes (Ages 6–11 & 12–16)
Our youth program invites students into a world of creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Through games, improvisation, and rehearsal, kids learn the building blocks of performance—while having a great time.
Encourages authenticity, not overacting
Builds confidence and teamwork
Ends with a live performance
Uses real tools used by professional actors
Safe, fun, and deeply empowering
👩🎓 Adult Acting Classes
Limited to 10 students per class
Grounded in cold reading, listening, and scene study
All levels welcome: beginner to professional
A progressive curriculum that deepens over time
“We don’t just teach acting—we guide artists in learning how to truly be in the moment. That’s where the magic is.”
Why Train with James?
Authentic, Grounded Technique
Decades of Industry Experience
Affordable & Flexible Options
Supportive, No-Judgment Environment
Results That Speak for Themselves
Start Your Journey Today
Whether you're training for your first audition, returning to your craft, or prepping for your next role—The ACTCADEMY is here to support your growth every step of the way.
Train with a others - online & in person. Discover your trueself as an actor.