James DiStefano is a renowned professional actor and acting teacher with an extensive career spanning over three decades in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, James has had the privilege of being directed by some of the most acclaimed and accomplished directors in the business, including Kathryn Bigelow, who made history as the first female to win an Academy Award for Best Director. He has also had the opportunity to work under the guidance of Mark Rydell, Albert Brooks, Thomas Shlamme, and Danny Cannon, all of whom have received numerous accolades for their work.
James has had the honor of acting alongside Oscar-winning director Robert Altman, and he is grateful to have been directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
In addition to his work in film and television, James has also had the privilege of studying with some of the most accomplished actors and directors in the industry. He has had the opportunity to learn from co-artistic director of The Actors Studio Mark Rydell, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for his work on the film "On Golden Pond". James has also had the privilege of studying with Oscar-winning actor Martin Landau, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in the film "Ed Wood". He has also had the opportunity to learn from two-time Academy Award-winning actress Shelley Winters, who won the award for her performances in "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "The Poseidon Adventure". Additionally, James has had the privilege of studying with three-time Emmy-winning actress Barbara Bain, who is best known for her work on the television series "Mission: Impossible".
James has taught acting classes at several prestigious institutions, including the Lee Strasberg Institute, The New York Film Academy, and East L.A. Classic Theatre. He created the first Cold Reading class at the Actor's Studio, which he taught for eight years.
As a lifelong member of The Actors Studio, James is actively involved in the Playwrights Unit and Directors Unit, and he continues to be a respected and sought-after acting teacher and coach in the entertainment industry.
In his private classes, James uses a variety of techniques to help actors tap into their most creative selves, exploring their needs, vulnerabilities, and creative potential. He believes in creating a safe and supportive environment for his students to take risks, experiment, and grow as artists.
James currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to work as an acting teacher, coach, and actor.
