Houde School of Acting:
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome! We’ve compiled answers to our most common questions about communication, classes, workshops, the Meisner Technique, international enrollment, our annual Summit, and studio policies.
Whether you’re new to acting or a seasoned professional continuing your training, we’re here to help you build craft, confidence, and emotional intelligence — the qualities that make artists truly human in an ever-evolving creative world.
Communication & Classroom Experience
Q: How can I best communicate with instructors and staff?
A: The best way to connect with instructors is by speaking with them directly in class or reaching out via email. Instructors are happy to provide their contact information.
If you forget to get it during class, you can always email us at Info@HoudeSchoolofActing.com, and we’ll be happy to forward your message.
We never share anyone’s contact information without permission, but we’re always glad to help facilitate communication.
Open, honest communication is at the core of our work — both in class and within our community — and it’s a key part of building the emotional awareness actors need to connect truthfully with others.
Q: What measures are in place to manage sensory input in performance spaces or classrooms (e.g., lighting, sound, crowded environments)?
A: Acting training naturally involves dynamic environments—varying lighting, sound, and emotional expression. While we can’t fully regulate sensory input without compromising the integrity of the work, we encourage open communication about individual needs and will do our best to accommodate reasonable requests whenever possible.
Our approach, rooted in the Meisner Technique, emphasizes self-awareness and emotional grounding — helping actors stay present and responsive even in unpredictable environments.
Q: What support is available for the social aspects of training, like group work, networking, or improvisation?
A: Our classes are designed to foster collaboration, empathy, and community. While the Meisner Technique follows a progressive curriculum, it along with our Improv, On-Camera, and Script Analysis classes all encourage teamwork, connection, and trust.
Many students form lasting friendships and rehearse or meet outside of class (both online and in-person). We encourage all current students to join our private Facebook group or Discord group, where many students set up online and in person rehearsals and gatherings.
Additionally, Jessica likes to invite current online students to join us for in-person sessions when we know they are going to be in town, to deepen those human connections that are so essential to storytelling.
Explore our full list of classes at houdeschoolofacting.com/classes.
Q: How structured and flexible are classes?
A: In the Meisner Technique program, everyone begins at Stage One and advances at their own pace. There’s no rush to move forward—you progress when you’re ready.
If you prefer a slower, foundational start, we recommend our Beginner Meisner class, which allows extra time for exploration and questions.
Once you’re ready to go deeper, our Small Group Meisner class provides more individualized attention and support.
This flexible, student-paced approach reflects Jessica’s philosophy: training actors to live truthfully, respond authentically, and strengthen their emotional intelligence — qualities that make their performances powerfully human and irreplaceable.
Courses, Curriculum & Career Prep
Q: What is the duration of your courses?
A: Our classes run on a monthly, ongoing basis. Students enroll month-to-month (except for multi-month sale packages like Black Friday or Summer Sale options).
We are not a degree-granting institution, so there is no set graduation timeline. Many actors train with us for years, while others study short-term based on their goals and schedules.
This flexible structure supports both long-term development and emotional growth — allowing actors to continue deepening their craft and self-awareness over time.
It is highly recommended to consistently attend classes for a minimum or 2 years to fully understand and properly utilize the Meisner technique, before confidently adding it to your resume.
Q: What areas of acting do you focus on?
A: Our training centers on the Meisner Technique, a human-behavior-based approach that teaches actors to respond truthfully, moment-to-moment. Jessica Houde-Morris — a second-generation Meisner instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience — is widely recognized for her expertise in genuine emotional intelligence and authentic connection.
This foundation translates beautifully across film, television, and stage.
In addition to Meisner, we offer Improv, Script Analysis, and On-Camera Technique, giving students a well-rounded toolkit rooted in empathy, imagination, and humanity — the very qualities that separate great actors from artificial imitation.
Q: How do your classes prepare students for professional acting careers?
A: Across all our classes, Jessica and the HSA instructors emphasize the development of emotional literacy, intuition, and authentic communication — skills that strengthen not only your craft but also your relationships within the industry.
Having a clear, reliable technique like the Meisner Technique is one of the most valuable tools an actor can have in the professional world. It gives you a consistent process you can return to in every audition, rehearsal, or performance — helping you navigate nerves, direction changes, and the fast pace of the industry with confidence and grounded truth.
Our training builds the emotional intelligence and discipline that casting directors, agents, and directors rely on. We occasionally host special workshops with working professionals in the industry that include performance or feedback opportunities, but our ultimate goal is to help you bring truth, preparation, and presence into every audition and on-set experience.
International Students
Q: Do you offer support for international students (visas, housing, or language assistance)?
A: We welcome students from all over the world!
However, as a private acting studio—not an accredited academic institution—we do not provide visa sponsorship, housing placement, or formal language support.
International students can register for any class directly on our website—no formal application required.
No matter where you’re located, our online Meisner training focuses on universal human emotion — connecting actors across cultures through shared truth and empathy.
We offer classes that fit many different time zones for extra convenience.
Q: Are your programs eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) or post-graduation work authorization?
A: Because we are not a degree-granting institution, our programs are not eligible for OPT or similar post-graduation work programs.
Enrollment is simple—just register online for the classes you’re interested in, as long as spots are available.
Studio Policies
As we look forward to a fresh start in 2026, we want to take a moment to remind you of our studio policies.
Over the years, we’ve done our best to be flexible when life happens—whether that’s an unexpected conflict or for our favorite reason, when you book work. But recently, what was meant to be the exception has become more of a habit for many.
To continue running our classes smoothly and fairly for everyone, we’ll no longer be able to make exceptions outside of what’s outlined below.
These policies are standard among reputable schools and studios, designed to protect both our teachers and students. We ask that you give your time with us the same level of commitment and planning that we strive to provide for you.
Refunds & Credits
Houde School of Acting does not offer refunds for dropped or canceled classes/workshops.
If you drop a class no later than one full week before the first day of class, a credit will be issued and applied toward the following month.
Make-Up Classes
Due to the structure of our training, we do not offer make-up classes. If you miss a class, you’ll simply pick up where you left off the following week.
The only exceptions are:
Booking a speaking role (background work does not apply)
A health issue
A major emergency
Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis, and any approved make-ups must be completed within the same month.
Black Friday & Summer Sale Packages
We understand that planning a year ahead can be tricky, which is why we’ve built in limited flexibility. However, some students have been freezing packages for up to six months or more, which disrupts our class flow.
Moving forward, if you have a:
3-month package: all three months must be used consecutively
6-month package: one freeze month allowed
12-month package: two freeze months allowed
Any additional freeze months will incur a $50 administration fee
Retroactive freezes will no longer be allowed - once links go out you can no longer freeze that month’s class(es).
We encourage you to attend consecutively, but we also understand that some months will be busier than others.
Thank you for understanding and respecting these guidelines. These policies ensure fairness, consistency, and the best possible training environment for everyone.
We’re proud of the growth of all our students—and we’re excited to see all that you’ll accomplish with your dedication.
Class FAQs
Q: I’m new to acting—where should I start?
We recommend starting with Beginner Meisner. This class builds the foundation of truthful behavior, fully working off your partner with emotional awareness, and human connection – which are a few of the skills that define great acting.
Jessica’s teaching centers on understanding and expressing authentic emotion — a skill that not only makes better actors, but better communicators and collaborators.
Q: What should I bring to class?
Bring a notebook, pen, and comfortable clothing you can move in. If you’re in a later stage of the Meisner Technique or an On-Camera class, you may also need to bring props or scripts as assigned.
Q: What should I wear to class?
Wear comfortable, movement-friendly clothing. Avoid loud prints or distracting logos, especially for on-camera work.
Q: What time zone are classes scheduled in?
All classes are scheduled in Eastern Time (ET). Be sure to adjust for your local time zone when attending online.
Q: How many classes are included in a package?
Packages vary by sale or enrollment type.
Special packages like Black Friday or Summer Sale include multiple options of packages for a varied number of months at a large discounted rates. Typically the Black Friday sale happens at the end on November each year and our Summer Sale takes place at the end of June each year.
Follow our social media for more information leading up to each sale:
https://www.facebook.com/houdeschool
https://www.instagram.com/houdeschoolofacting/
https://www.tiktok.com/@houdeschoolofacting
Summit FAQs
Q: What should I bring to the Houde Summit?
Bring a notebook, pen, comfortable clothes, reusable water bottle, and any materials for your sessions (sides, resumes, or headshots if requested for a workshop that year).
You’ll also want to bring an open mind and plenty of energy—it’s an incredible weekend of learning and networking!
Q: Am I responsible for my own travel and lodging?
Yes. Attendees are responsible for their own travel, accommodations, and meals. We often provide nearby lodging recommendations closer to the event but all planning and reservations are up to each individual.
Q: Can I pay for the Summit with a payment plan?
Yes! We offer payment plans for the Summit to make attendance more accessible.
Email info@houdeschoolofacting.com for more information!
A Final Note
Human Artistry in the Age of AI
At Houde School of Acting, we believe the future of storytelling belongs to the deeply human.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, what sets great actors apart is their capacity for emotional intelligence — empathy, truth, vulnerability, and connection.
Under the guidance of Jessica Houde-Morris, a second-generation Meisner instructor with over 20 years of experience, our students learn to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances — developing the kind of authentic presence that no algorithm can replicate.
Because humanity isn’t just our subject — it’s our superpower.