Tinseltown Trainer
Scott Arthur-Allen's acting school has churned out the likes of Tea Leoni and Heather Locklear—and it's based in 417-land.
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Scott Arthur-Allen instructs actors and public speakers of all ages and from all walks of life. |
What do Charlton Heston, Elvis, Vic Morrow and Heather Locklear all have in common? Other than making it big, they have all worked with revered acting coach and 417-lander Scott Arthur-Allen.
Scott began performing professionally at age 13 with a band at The Planter’s Inn in Shreveport, Louisiana. Some band members heard him play one day and invited him to join their band. He did, but his dad stayed with him because the inn was actually a bar.
“We played all original music, and I really enjoyed that,” says Scott. “That’s when I started writing my own music and later formed my own band.” Scott was actually signed by RCA records and even wrote a song that the Pointer Sisters wanted to record.
He played regularly at the Louisiana Hay-Ride, where he was often on the same bill as rock ’n’ roll legends Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Elvis.
Scott is also a very accomplished actor. As a young man, he starred in an Academy Award–nominated student film, The Captive, made at the University of Southern California. He also had a recurring role in the TV series Emergency! and had roles in several well-known television shows, such as The Bionic Woman, Baretta, The Young and The Restless and CHiPs. He’s been in several movies, including The Battle of Midway, and has done live theater.
So just how did this musician from Shreveport become a Hollywood actor? Well, he did it by way of the Marine Corps. After his discharge, Scott’s dad convinced him to stay in California. For a while he was a salesman living out of his car. But when he met an actress and began attending acting classes with her, he was bitten by the bug.
Scott was on the road to becoming a star when he decided to change careers. “Everyone thought that I had flipped out because I gave up my acting career,” he says. But after temporarily teaching acting classes to help out a friend, I realized that teaching was something that I really wanted to do.”
Scott bought out his friend, began the Creative Actors Workshop and has been professionally training students for more than 30 years. His classes in L.A. were always full and often had a year-long waiting list. Many famous actors and actresses took Scott’s classes, including Téa Leoni, Sela Ward and Heather Locklear.
“Heather was very shy in the beginning,” Scott says. “She studied for a couple of years at the Workshop before breaking in with Dynasty. I told them that I felt that Heather had the qualities to become a major star.”
There was another outstanding woman who took one of his classes: Elizabeth Allen, a 1980 graduate of Parkview High School. “I had taken classes from other acting coaches,” says Elizabeth. “And according to them, I was pretty good!” But when she went to Scott’s class, he told her that she was “acting” and that she wasn’t believable. It made her cry, but once Scott taught her his preparation techniques, she says she felt a dramatic difference and knew that she was in the right place.
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Reader Comments:
I am a former student of Scott-Arthur's. I took classes many years ago out in Los Angeles. I did not go into acting, but have used the techniques in my personal and professional life. As a clinical social worker, the training was invaluable and a heck of a lot of fun!!!
My daughter took classes with Scott-Arthur and learned a lot. He is wonderful with both kids and adults.
My mom forced me to take Scott's class. She actually had to buy me something to get me to start taking his class at age 16. After a few classes I decided it was just amazing. I felt completely comfortable as a student of Scott's, and at the same time, completely out of my comfort zone. I took with Scott for years. Not only does he know what he is teaching but he LOVES what he does. He changed my life for the better no matter what. If an acting career pans out, then awesome, but if not...Scott gave me the upmost confidence to always shoot for the stars. Scott and Elizabeth are truely angels sent from God. I moved out of state and wish he would come and teach me in Tennessee! Miss and Love you both!!!
I have been taking Scott's Class since March and have learned so much valuable information within the acting field and in real life. He knows what he is talking about and presents it in a way that is very easy to pick up. I look forward to going to LA very soon and it is a comforting thought to have his support and teachings with me. If you have ever thought about acting I would encourage you to take his class. It is truely life changing!
When I walked into the CAW, I walked back out scared to death and didn't return for two years. I called Scott one night, and surprisingly he remembered me. The next week I was back in class, still scared to death; this time I stayed.
Words cannot describe how wonderful Scott and Elizabeth are. They are great mentors and they truly care about each and every person that walks into the CAW. They never change. What you see is what you get.
I have learned so many things from taking this class. Not only has Scott improved my acting abilities, but he has given me the strength to believe in myself in every aspect of my life.
If there is one thing you could spend your money on, whether you want to move to Hollywood and act or not, CAW is the thing!
Thank you Scott and Liz for everything you have done for me! You are two amazing people, and I know that God will continue to bless you. You both deserve wonderful things!
I met Scott-Arthur 40 years ago before he entered acting. I watched as he began his career by finding the best actor's coach he could find.
He completely dedicated himself to the art, then the application. He went from a high paying position to working in a gas station to pay his acting coach and living expenses.
As an actor, a coach, a talent manager, he's never pursued or achieved less than excellence. His students love him and the entertainment industry totally respects him. Over these 40 years his minimum effort was, and remains, total dedication to his work.
He only knows how to create amazing relationships. He gives far more anyone I've seen. I know people today who worked with him, and now, 25 years later they credit his training to the overall betterment of their lives even those who are prospering far outside of the entertainment industry.
Tom Justin
www.TomJustin.com
I study under the instruction of Scott-Arthur Allen(Coach)
From the time we first met, I recognized his sincerity, dedication and professionalism. This is a man that knows the Art, as well as the Business. I know Scott professionally and personally. This is a man of integrity.
Although, I haven't been able to attend Creative Actors Workshop, in some time, I continue to study under Scotts teachings, remembering, "Stick to the BASIC's and Mastering your craft."
I would highly recommend Creative Actors Workshop, to anyone. Whether it be for acting as a career, public communication or personal interest.
R. Wiseman
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2348334/
I am currently a student in Scott's class (started about 8 months ago), and I can tell you there is no class you can find that compares to his teaching skills. He is confident in what he teaches, and from his confidence he helps you build trust in your ability and trust in yourself. He knows what he's talking about from his own experiences, and when you apply what he teaches to your work the outcome is simply amazing. I think he's truly a person to look up to because he devotes so much time into what he teaches, and he loves what he does. He's been through what we're all going through as Actors, or public speakers- so it's even more awesome to listen to his own stories about the industry. With his stories, he always provides reality so you know that this business is not always going to be dreamy- it's tough, and you better bring that believability to your work! He defiantly gave me the trust to believe in myself, and I think that's how most people perceive the classes he offers. He's a goodhearted man, and I truly am glad I found his class, I'm eager to continue, because just from the first week of the class and applying his technique I noticed a difference. The man and his wife are brilliant! I think they should write a book. They both were defiantly put on this earth to do what they do, there's no doubt about it.What I like most is he lets everyone bring their own uniqueness and personality into every scene.I LOVE the class, and I'm very lucky to be taught these techniques and so thankful for the time he devotes to make us as better actors, so thank you so much Scott for taking so much time to better all of us as actors and for being so patient in our success! You and your wife have the hearts of angels! Godbless!
i first started taking Scott's class back in late 2004. i went to audit the class first to make sure i liked it (he allows you to do so). and when i sat there and saw how he would talk to you and help you, encourage you, how the class itself would encourage you- i knew i had picked the right guy to help me with my craft. scott has a million stories and the class is always fun and great.i did not have very much confidence in what i was able to do but as time went on, i gained that with scott and elizabeth's help. i listen and hear them with my ears wide open. he is also very understanding and will work with you. this man is passionate about this business and you can learn alot about it from him. if you get the chance you should take his class. or just sit in and see what happens....
Scott says, “Uniqueness within is the greatest asset an actor can possess.” And that’s what he teaches to us in every class. He teaches us that not only is it okay to be different, but that being different is what makes us so amazing. If you have a kid in Middle School or High School I would urge you to get them into this workshop. I really wish I would’ve been taught to love myself at a younger age, especially when I was surrounded by so many other insecure peers. If you want your kid to become a confident, secure young adult this workshop is a perfect place to learn the essential habits in order to become just that... and so much more.
He teaches about preparation, confidence, commitment, and concentration when performing; which can all be applied to everyday life. Something else he also talks about is how we all have the ability to do whatever we want; we just need the confidence in our selves’ to be able to utilize that ability. And he teaches us that through perfect practice we can gain that confidence in our ability therefore we are able to accomplish anything. He says, “I feel that reality and dreams are one in the same. Reality is no more than the accomplishment of your dream.”
I cannot thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me! I truly appreciate the love and support they have given me over the past year and I will never forget all the great times I’ve had in their company.
- Kim Beavers