Stef Tovar
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On-camera acting coach Stef Tovar is a great alternative to expensive on-camera acting classes in the Chicago area. If you are looking for a simple, results-oriented coaching with an on-camera technique that is easy to execute, schedule a session today. Stef does coachings virtually over Zoom, FaceTime or Skype and tapes actors in his home studio in Lincoln Square, Chicago.  

Some on-camera acting classes can be expensive and require weeks of commitment, but Stef's on-camera technique can be taught over one or two sessions. 

"THE MAP": AN ACTORS' GUIDE TO ON-CAMERA ACTING, Stef's book on on-camera acting, will be published by Applause Books and available in the Fall of 2021!
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Stef is a professional on-camera acting coach with over 20 years experience in the industry. Stef has been on both sides of the camera in Los Angeles and Chicago and has worked extensively in commercials, television, film and theatre. His coaching clients have been seen on television on Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, The Chi, NeXt, APB, The Bold Type and Orange is the New Black. Stef also coached Che “Rhymefest” Smith in first film role: the Emilio Estevez directed film The Public. 

A book of his technique, The Map: An Actor’s Guide to On-Camera Acting, will be published by Applause Books and available in Fall of 2021.  
As actors, we have many things we carry with us into the audition room. While Meisner, Viewpoints and other acting techniques can help you become a more well-rounded actor in the rehearsal room, they don’t serve you in the audition room for television and film. Stef's on-camera technique, THE MAP, is a simple, step-by-step technique that is designed to give you a "Map" in the audition room or for your self-tape. It puts you in control of the material and gives you the best possible audition through the camera lens.

You can be an amazing actor—but if you don’t understand the language of on-camera, your audition won’t translate. Stef can teach you this on-camera language and help you book jobs.

Services Offered

  • On-camera technique with a simple, technical approach to make the most out of your on-camera audition​
  • Self-Taping in my in-home studio
  • Immediate feedback on your self-tape takes
  • "What to expect on set" once you've booked the job
  • Monologue coaching-build a monologue repertoire​
  • Role creation-how to create a character
  • College/school acting program prep
  • Cold reading technique
  • Career consulting and goal-setting
  • Headshot and resumé consultation 
  • Executive presentation or public speaking 
Please see the "Rates/Contact Info" page to inquire about rates and availability. Coachings can be done via Zoom, FaceTime or Skype. In-person Self-Taping also available.

TESTIMONIALS

“You’re my secret weapon. Now everyone is asking who I coach with.”
 –Brian Nelson after booking “APB”

​“Stef’s coaching technique is spot on. I prefer him over all other coaches. And because he’s an actor, he really gets it.” -Alex Henderson, bookings include new Rocky movie, CREED as Young Adonis and a series regular on CHIRAQ, CHICAGO MED and APB. ​

Stef coached Che "Rhymefest" Smith (Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning artist) on his first film role: "Big George" in THE PUBLIC-written, directed and starring Emilio Estevez with Christian Slater, Alec Baldwin, Jeffrey Wright, Jenna Malone and Gabrielle Union. 

"I BOOKED IT!! I channeled everything we go over in our coaching sessions and felt so present and prepared that I was able to just have fun in the room. Incredible. Thank you for pushing me to be my best, for helping me grow, and for your unconditional support! Thank you!!" 
-Rochelle Therrien after booking a role at The Goodman Theatre
 

“Dawn (Gray) just called. Booked it! Thanks again. I really enjoy working with you and your masterful approach to the on-camera audition.” –Chris Routhe after booking CHICAGO FIRE
 
“Stef! Man the audition couldn’t have gone smoother. I feel super solid about it. Thanks so much for all your work!” –Bernell Lassai
 
"My success rate in getting callbacks and bookings after coaching with Stef is at its highest. I always leave feeling prepared, with a strong sense for the material, and with the confidence and belief I can succeed."
–Jeremy Sonkin


"Stef should be the first call for anyone interested in raising their public speaking game. His superb recommendations on content and delivery helped me walk into my conference with confidence and give one of the best presentations of my career. Thanks a million, Stef!" -Jennifer Lewin, Director, Knowledge Management & Governance ABA Division for Bar Services