JAKE THOMAS
WHY I COACH:
For years, I've had the privilege of working with performers of all ages and experience levels. While every student arrives with different goals, I've found that the most meaningful growth rarely begins with technique alone.
It begins with trust.
Confidence can't come from trying to imitate someone else or searching for the "perfect" performance. It grows when actors learn to trust their instincts, make courageous choices, and respond honestly to the world around them. Technique gives us the tools, but truth is what gives a performance life.
That's why I love coaching. Every rehearsal, lesson, and conversation is an opportunity to help someone discover greater authenticity, not only as a performer, but as a person. When that happens, auditions become more present, performances become more compelling, and the joy of storytelling begins to replace the fear of getting it "right."
I believe every performer already possesses something uniquely valuable.
My role isn't to replace it.
It's to help them discover it.
ON STAGE
My own work as a performer has taken me from the dramatic intensity of Thuy in Miss Saigon and the complexity of King Arthur in Camelot - to the physical comedy of Mortimer in The Fantasticks! and the precision and timing of Carmen Ghia in The Producers.
Working across such different roles has reinforced something I now bring into every coaching session: there is no single way to create an unforgettable performance. The work is learning to make specific choices, commit fully, remain curious, and discover what is truthful for the character and for you as the performer.
CARMEN GHIA - THE PRODUCERS
“Rounding out this colorful collection of comedic characters is Jake Thomas as De Bris’ assistant, Carmen Ghia, who perfectly executes each second he is on stage for the maximum amount of laughter.”
-Brian Passey - The Spectrum
THUY - MISS SAIGON
KING ARTHUR - CAMELOT
MORTIMER - THE FANTASTICKS!
“Striding onstage as only King Arthur can, actor Jake Thomas was immediately convincing in the royal role. Strong, charismatic and with a voice that simultaneously wooed and wowed, it was little wonder Guenevere… was so immediately drawn to him, and him to her. As the story progressed, Thomas’ portrayal of King Arthur deepened and matured… in the moving monologue wherein the king shows restraint and passion in equal measure…”
-Lisa Larson
SOME OTHER PRODUCTION PHOTOS
IN REHEARSAL
I've always believed that rehearsals should be a place where performers feel safe enough to try something new.
Some ideas work immediately.
Others don't.
Both are valuable.
Growth happens when actors are willing to take chances, stay curious, and discover what feels truthful instead of simply trying to get it "right." It is in those moments, when a performer takes a risk and suddenly believes in themselves a little more, are why I love directing.
They're also why I love coaching.
THE IMPACT
“You lovingly built on her strong suits which in turn brought growth and confidence”
-A parent of a former student
“Every role has pushed me to be the best version of myself with the right amount of hard work and fun.”
-Former student
“Today I am a singer, dancer, actress, pianist, performer and much more. Thank you for helping find that person inside of me.”
-Local performer
“You taught me so much about not only theater but leadership and navigating life.”
-Former student
“You are a builder. A builder of souls, a builder of talent.
-A parent of a former student
“With good directing/coaching I was able to perform to the best of my ability.”
-Former cast member
“I didn’t focus on being perfect,
I just focused on being ME!”
-Former student