Coaching Philosophy
Happy has become an indispensable "go-to" audition coach with his specialized audition technique that delivers immediate results. As an actor, he has worked with many notable actors and directors including Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Steven Soderbergh, David Fincher, David Simon, David Ayer, Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, Timothy Olyphant, Tom Hardy, Austin Butler, Claire Danes, Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Mandy Patinkin, Drew Barrymore, Jonathan Groff, Daniel Sullivan, Adrian Noble, Michael Attenborough, Greg Yaitanes, and many more.
Happy deeply believes in personalizing all audition material as profoundly as possible in a 3-minute scene. His series of exercises and techniques allows each actor to be their absolute best and most intriguing versions of themselves into the audition room. He is also available to coach and choose monologues for clients.
One-on-One Sessions
One-on-one coaching sessions provide that extra care and training actors need to be prepared for any audition or performance. Coaching sessions are appropriate for all actors, from college acting students preparing for professional auditions to seasoned actors looking to sharpen their skills.
Hourly rate is $150 plus the cost of the rehearsal space (it will be the client's responsibility to book the space). 2-4 60-minute sessions are recommended. Day/night hours are flexible. In-person or Zoom. To schedule a coaching session, please email him: [email protected]
Happy is based in Los Angeles.
Testimonials
"About once a month we offer workshops to our clients about how to do a self-tape audition well. We ALWAYS use Happy's tapes as the template. His are an absolute CLINIC on putting a great audition on tape."
-Spencer Willis, Agent, Stewart Talent, LA
"Happy Anderson is an incredible coach and teacher (and human). I found class with Happy both deepened my work and challenged me, while always feeling incredibly supported and safe. He has a wonderful way of working that created layers in my work, and a base in which I can always go back to. Happy is a badass and a joy to work with. I look forward to the next chance I get to learn from him!"
- Alice Kremelberg, The Sinner (season 4)
"Looking for an on-camera auditioning workshop? Take Happy Anderson's! Safe, fun, deep, chill -- a beautiful learning environment. I would recommend it to anyone.
- Jenson Smith, The Comedian
"Happy is a master craftsman. If it's not obvious from his extensive resume and warm nature, then take his class! I've been training and acting my entire life and his on-camera class was the best I've taken. His scenes were tailored to each student perfectly, in roles they'd actually be given, and elevated each person's work. I know I left feeling more confidant and capable, ready to take on two weeks in LA. Thank you, Happy, for being a reliable and trustworthy teacher."
- Kelley Gates
"Connecting with Happy has been one of the best things to happen to me since moving to New York City. I love being coached by Happy. He teaches me new techniques and exercises to help me further my craft as an actor and build my audition repertoire. Happy has become not only a mentor to me, but a friend. His generosity and support help me keep my chin up in this crazy industry. I cannot recommend his coaching enough!"
-Hannah Richter, casting associate, Judy Henderson Casting
"I had an appointment for an audition for a Broadway show that made me so anxious I was having a hard time working on it. I had a session with Happy and got a callback. Worked with him again on the calllback and I got the job. He was invaluable. He has a great calm demeanor, a treasure trove of acting exercises that help you find yourself in the material, and he fills you with genuine confidence because he helps you do great work. Working with Happy was the best investment I made in my career. I am looking forward to working with him again."
-Charlotte Maier, Charlotte's IMDB Page
“Before I started working with Happy Anderson, I was struggling in auditions. I was getting caught in my head, and judging what I was doing in the audition room instead of preparing in a way that would give me confidence in my choices. I needed an acting coach who knew what casting directors are looking for, and how to analyze an audition piece based on that. Happy is that acting coach! He is the only coach I’ve ever gone to who has actually helped me gain the skills I needed to be able to prepare for an audition on my own, not to mention feel proud of the work I had done in that preparation. I would recommend Happy to anyone who wants to get better at acting, and thus at auditioning.”
-Sara Dobbs, Anybodys in West Side Story on Broadway
“Happy has the incredible ability to bring out the best in me every time we work together.”
-Joe Tapper, You Can't Take It With You, Broadway
"Overwhelmed with a rapidly approaching Conservatory audition, I contacted Happy. I was excited to even be invited in for the audition, but had very limited time to prepare, and was not yet well-versed enough in the theatrical canon to know where to begin selecting material for myself to present. I decided to just trust him, and Happy chose appropriate selections that ended up showcasing me quite well. We met for 2 sessions, during which he helped me find fuel for the monologues accessed from a real emotional place, not a manufactured one. Happy honored my own artistic sensibilities, and encouraged my innate strengths to keep doing what I already do well. Because of my work with Happy, I was able to go into the audition room amazingly prepared and with confidence. I'm glad to report I will be attending the school in the Fall. It was a delightful experience to train with Happy. He truly works with you, the person. And this person hopes we work together again very soon."
-Aston Hollins McClanahan
"I am so lucky to have worked with Happy. I have been struggling with self-doubt about my craft, skill and talent and pushed myself to work harder and harder to overcome the doubt--which caused me to forget the joy of acting. Happy taught me the invaluable lesson: YOU are the master of your art. And with that, he brought me back to the tremendous joy of acting. I was able to bring my truth to the material and started enjoying the experience, instead of trying to be good enough. After this breakthrough, I found myself more open and accessible. I am exited to see myself grow from his teaching. Thank you, Happy!"
-Hana Kim
"Happy Anderson helped me jump start my career in a time of lull. He quickly had a sense of who I was uniquely and the natural talents I bring in the room. That foundation of understanding me helped my confidence grow. Then Happy took me through exercises and technique tricks suited just for my strengths and weaknesses. The results from our work were immediate. In our first session I found myself opening up and performing with such honesty as had never before left my apartment. His exercises help me find a truth in the words that resonates deeply. Now I'm confident I can walk into any audition and access this truth and honesty. I'm confident because I know, from experience, what I bring in the room is unique, honest and honed work. Happy would tell me if it wasn't! Trust and truth are vital components in an actor-coach relationship. I've found these with Happy. And my acting has grown exponentially."
-Belle Caplis, resident artist at The Shelter
“Happy found monologues that could not have been more suitable for me. Working with him has made the material feel connected, personal, and visceral every time I do it. I am actually excited to audition with these pieces. He does an amazing job, and I really appreciate everything he does and continues to do.”
-Paul Eddy, Atlantic Theatre
"I've had the pleasure of acting with Mr. Anderson, directing him, being directed by him and overseeing him as a teacher. Over the past ten years he has proven repeatedly to be one of the most remarkable and versatile theatre artists I know."
-Tom Ridgely, Co-Founder Waterwell
-Spencer Willis, Agent, Stewart Talent, LA
"Happy Anderson is an incredible coach and teacher (and human). I found class with Happy both deepened my work and challenged me, while always feeling incredibly supported and safe. He has a wonderful way of working that created layers in my work, and a base in which I can always go back to. Happy is a badass and a joy to work with. I look forward to the next chance I get to learn from him!"
- Alice Kremelberg, The Sinner (season 4)
"Looking for an on-camera auditioning workshop? Take Happy Anderson's! Safe, fun, deep, chill -- a beautiful learning environment. I would recommend it to anyone.
- Jenson Smith, The Comedian
"Happy is a master craftsman. If it's not obvious from his extensive resume and warm nature, then take his class! I've been training and acting my entire life and his on-camera class was the best I've taken. His scenes were tailored to each student perfectly, in roles they'd actually be given, and elevated each person's work. I know I left feeling more confidant and capable, ready to take on two weeks in LA. Thank you, Happy, for being a reliable and trustworthy teacher."
- Kelley Gates
"Connecting with Happy has been one of the best things to happen to me since moving to New York City. I love being coached by Happy. He teaches me new techniques and exercises to help me further my craft as an actor and build my audition repertoire. Happy has become not only a mentor to me, but a friend. His generosity and support help me keep my chin up in this crazy industry. I cannot recommend his coaching enough!"
-Hannah Richter, casting associate, Judy Henderson Casting
"I had an appointment for an audition for a Broadway show that made me so anxious I was having a hard time working on it. I had a session with Happy and got a callback. Worked with him again on the calllback and I got the job. He was invaluable. He has a great calm demeanor, a treasure trove of acting exercises that help you find yourself in the material, and he fills you with genuine confidence because he helps you do great work. Working with Happy was the best investment I made in my career. I am looking forward to working with him again."
-Charlotte Maier, Charlotte's IMDB Page
“Before I started working with Happy Anderson, I was struggling in auditions. I was getting caught in my head, and judging what I was doing in the audition room instead of preparing in a way that would give me confidence in my choices. I needed an acting coach who knew what casting directors are looking for, and how to analyze an audition piece based on that. Happy is that acting coach! He is the only coach I’ve ever gone to who has actually helped me gain the skills I needed to be able to prepare for an audition on my own, not to mention feel proud of the work I had done in that preparation. I would recommend Happy to anyone who wants to get better at acting, and thus at auditioning.”
-Sara Dobbs, Anybodys in West Side Story on Broadway
“Happy has the incredible ability to bring out the best in me every time we work together.”
-Joe Tapper, You Can't Take It With You, Broadway
"Overwhelmed with a rapidly approaching Conservatory audition, I contacted Happy. I was excited to even be invited in for the audition, but had very limited time to prepare, and was not yet well-versed enough in the theatrical canon to know where to begin selecting material for myself to present. I decided to just trust him, and Happy chose appropriate selections that ended up showcasing me quite well. We met for 2 sessions, during which he helped me find fuel for the monologues accessed from a real emotional place, not a manufactured one. Happy honored my own artistic sensibilities, and encouraged my innate strengths to keep doing what I already do well. Because of my work with Happy, I was able to go into the audition room amazingly prepared and with confidence. I'm glad to report I will be attending the school in the Fall. It was a delightful experience to train with Happy. He truly works with you, the person. And this person hopes we work together again very soon."
-Aston Hollins McClanahan
"I am so lucky to have worked with Happy. I have been struggling with self-doubt about my craft, skill and talent and pushed myself to work harder and harder to overcome the doubt--which caused me to forget the joy of acting. Happy taught me the invaluable lesson: YOU are the master of your art. And with that, he brought me back to the tremendous joy of acting. I was able to bring my truth to the material and started enjoying the experience, instead of trying to be good enough. After this breakthrough, I found myself more open and accessible. I am exited to see myself grow from his teaching. Thank you, Happy!"
-Hana Kim
"Happy Anderson helped me jump start my career in a time of lull. He quickly had a sense of who I was uniquely and the natural talents I bring in the room. That foundation of understanding me helped my confidence grow. Then Happy took me through exercises and technique tricks suited just for my strengths and weaknesses. The results from our work were immediate. In our first session I found myself opening up and performing with such honesty as had never before left my apartment. His exercises help me find a truth in the words that resonates deeply. Now I'm confident I can walk into any audition and access this truth and honesty. I'm confident because I know, from experience, what I bring in the room is unique, honest and honed work. Happy would tell me if it wasn't! Trust and truth are vital components in an actor-coach relationship. I've found these with Happy. And my acting has grown exponentially."
-Belle Caplis, resident artist at The Shelter
“Happy found monologues that could not have been more suitable for me. Working with him has made the material feel connected, personal, and visceral every time I do it. I am actually excited to audition with these pieces. He does an amazing job, and I really appreciate everything he does and continues to do.”
-Paul Eddy, Atlantic Theatre
"I've had the pleasure of acting with Mr. Anderson, directing him, being directed by him and overseeing him as a teacher. Over the past ten years he has proven repeatedly to be one of the most remarkable and versatile theatre artists I know."
-Tom Ridgely, Co-Founder Waterwell