Home of the Harper Method

Acting Student - Wai Purdy

In “Holes,” the 2025 film.

Our kids can ACT.

Beginner Scene Study for Kids & Teens

Learn the basics of the Harper Method:

  • Substitution & Place/Person/Feeling – how to make every scene feel 100 % real by using their own life (no fake acting)

  • Just “do” – drop the performance and live the moment

  • Listen & React – the secret every working actor uses to look natural on camera

  • Action & Beats – how to find the exact moment everything changes in a scene

  • “What do you mean?” – the one question that unlocks truthful emotion every time

    $25/Class

Classes Offered

Intermediate Scene Study for Kids & Teens

You’ve got the foundations. Now we go pro.

In this weekly class, your child learns to take their acting to the next level:

  • Substitution with layered Place/Person/Feeling stacks

  • Creating a powerful Moment Before that fuels every entrance

  • Ruthlessly pursuing the Objective so the other character has no choice but to change

  • Mastering Beats and turning points that make casting directors stop scrolling

  • “What do you mean?” taken to the next level: unlocking subtext and unspoken stakes

  • Just “do” under pressure: cold reads and self-tapes that feel lived-in on the first take

    $25/Class

Private Acting Lessons/Audition Coaching

Private acting lessons focused on the fundamentals of the Harper Method. Perfect for students seeking personalized one-on-one coaching, skill development, or audition preparation.

$50/Hour

Sign up

In-person classes are capped at 6 students, and online classes are capped at 4 students. Students can join any week of the year.

About Sydney Harper

Hi, I'm Sydney Harper! I grew up working as a child actor in the film and television industry, and I've taken the same on-camera techniques I learned and used professionally to create the Harper Method. Over the years, I've had the joy of coaching hundreds of young actors, helping students book opportunities with Disney Channel, Kidz Bop, NBC, CBS, and more!

My approach to acting is simple. I teach six essential tools:

  • Objective

  • Substitution + Place / Person / Feeling

  • Beats & Actions

  • What Do You Mean?

  • Listen

  • "Just Do"

That's it! No forcing tears, no exaggerated expressions, and no trying to look like you're acting. I believe the best performances come from being truthful, natural, and fully present in the moment.

Whether your child is six years old and stepping in front of the camera for the first time or seventeen with professional credits, I teach the same foundational tools from day one. As students gain experience and confidence, we explore those tools on a deeper level.

One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching young actors discover their own creativity and confidence. I want every student to feel comfortable being themselves, take risks, and develop the skills to deliver a compelling performance from the very first take.

I've seen firsthand how the right training can open doors, and I love helping young performers grow from their very first class to booking professional work.

Real tools. Real confidence. Real opportunities. That's the Harper Method!

Ashley, Mother of Lucas (California Student)-

Sydney is so kind and really meets her students where they’re at. Lucas LOVES the Harper Method, and the classes have helped his self esteem.

Ronnell, Mother of Linda (California Student) -

Linda has loved working with Sydney, and she has booked the lead in an indie western film! She thrives in the small class environment and now has the skill set to book roles consistently.