Meet George Elliott, Acting Class Teacher New to Portland

Meet our new Acting: Act II teacher.

We’re thrilled to welcome George Elliott to our Studio Program teaching faculty this term. George is an actor and producer who has performed at the Manhattan Theatre Club, Off-Broadway and in regional theatres the Charles Playhouse, Boston Conservatory, Boston Repertory Company, Pasadena Playhouse, The Pilot Theatre, and many others. George has appeared on television and in film, and has co-founded and run his own production company based in Los Angeles. He studied acting with Stella Adler of the Stella Adler Institute of Los Angeles and New York, as well as with Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and California. George has degrees in Philosophy and Theatre from the University of New York at Stony Brook.

We caught up with George via email and put these questions to him.

Conservatory Confessions: You’ve had a long, successful acting career which has taken you all over the country. Tell us a little more about that path.

George: I have lived in Los Angeles on and off most of my adult life, but I was born and raised in New York City, where I often visit. I’ve also lived in Boston, Sacramento, and San Francisco. In each city I've relocated to, it’s been to work as an actor, acting teacher and restaurateur.

Monty Clift

Conservatory Confessions: What brought you to Portland?

George: In my heart, I wanted to settle down and give myself a break from having to "make it" in order to live an authentic, artistic life. I met my wife in California and she hails from Portland. We both decided to move here and make this our home.

Conservatory Confessions: What’s your favorite thing about teaching acting?

George: Watching the light that goes on when an aspiring actor "gets it"!



Conservatory Confessions: What’s the difference between Acting I and Acting II, and how do I know when I’m ready for the next level?

George: Acting I is figuring out if this work is something you really want to do. Can you stay interested while doing basic acting exercises, with the understanding that these things must be mastered before moving on? Acting II is for those who know they want to pursue the work a little further, weather that’s through scenework in class or maybe getting cast in a show.

You know you’re ready for Acting II when you are truly excited about classwork, ready to roll your sleeves up, give everything you got and not fear falling on your face in your quest to learn more about a great artform!

Conservatory Confessions: What’s a fun trivia tidbit about you?



George: My favorite actor is Monty Clift and my favorite writer is Thomas Mann.