DSAC

ABOUT

Empowering Performers and Creators of All Ages with Confidence, Authenticity, and Industry Expertise

Denise Simon laughing standing in front of a camera on a tripod with three students and a teacher around her, working on self tapes for acting classes in New York
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For over 30 years, Denise Simon Acting & Coaching (DSAC) has helped actors and creators find their unique voice, hone their craft, and build careers that feel as authentic as their performances. Whether you’re just beginning or leveling up, DSAC is where talent meets purpose.

About Denise Simon Acting & Coaching

  • At DSAC, we believe great acting starts with authenticity. That’s why our coaching goes beyond memorizing lines. We help performers uncover their truth in every role. By blending proven techniques like Meisner and Laban Movement with tailored coaching, DSAC creates a foundation where each actor’s unique strengths can flourish.

  • Acting is only part of the journey. Our holistic approach nurtures both the performer and the person, emphasizing confidence, resilience, and self-discovery. From private lessons to group classes, DSAC is committed to building futures that shine on stage and in life.

  • Industry Recognition: Recommended by New York’s top agents, managers, and casting directors.

    Proven Results: DSAC students book Broadway shows, TV roles, and feature films.

    Tailored Coaching: Programs for kids, teens, and adults designed to meet your unique goals.

    Career Development: Comprehensive guidance for auditions, college prep, and beyond.

    Holistic Growth: We don’t just teach acting; we nurture confidence, creativity, and personal excellence.

  • At DSAC, our signature coaching style prioritizes natural, grounded performances. Through a mix of interactive exercises, personalized feedback, and proven techniques, we teach students how to direct themselves and trust their instincts.

    Every session is designed to foster confidence, ignite creativity, and instill a love for the craft. Our students leave with skills that go beyond acting. They gain the ability to navigate challenges, express themselves authentically, and shine wherever their journey takes them.

  • DSAC offers a collaborative, nurturing space where students build connections with peers, teachers, and industry professionals. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while workshops and intensives bring exciting opportunities to learn from the best.

    Here, every actor finds a home to grow, dream big, and take bold steps toward their goals.

  • At DSAC, we empower performers and creators to shine—on stage, on screen, and in life. Whether you’re preparing for a Broadway audition, exploring your first acting class, or media training, we’ll help you develop the tools, confidence, and mindset to succeed.

    Ready to take the first step? Let’s begin.

Acting Coach, Life Coach, and Mentor to Emerging Stars

With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Denise Simon has worn many hats: actress, director, casting director, personal talent manager, and trusted coach. She has guided young actors to careers on Broadway, television, and film, with students appearing in shows like Stranger Things and films alongside Academy Award-winning talent.

Denise’s unique coaching style blends Meisner-inspired truth-seeking exercises, life coaching techniques, and career guidance to help people achieve their fullest potential, on and off stage. Known for her ability to coach young actors without making them look “coached,” Denise empowers her students to find their natural, authentic voice in every performance.

A Legacy of Excellence
Denise began her career managing talent for Fox Albert Management, where she guided the early careers of stars like Scarlett Johansson, Mira Sorvino, and Lacey Chabert. Today, her mission extends beyond acting: she helps students and their families navigate the challenges of show business while fostering personal growth.

Beyond Coaching
Denise is the author of Parenting in the Spotlight, a comprehensive guide for families of young performers, and a contributing columnist for Backstage.com. She serves on the SAG-AFTRA Young Performers Committee and The Actors Fund Looking Ahead Committee, advocating for young talent at every stage of their journey.

Whether coaching one-on-one, consulting with families, empowering podcasters, or working with corporate clients, Denise’s passion lies in creating confident, well-rounded individuals who excel both in their craft and their lives.

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A smiling blonde woman, Denise Simon, top acting coach and career coach in NYC. She provides guidance in life and your career for actors, creators, and businesses throughout the United States and in NYC.

Denise Simon
Founder

MEET THE DSAC TEAM

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A Young man with brown eyes and brown hair with a slight smile. He is an acting coach for Denise Simon Acting & Coaching in New York.

Zudhi Boueri
Associate Teacher

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Anthony DeMarte
Guest Dance Teacher

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Actress and Teacher Jazelle Foster with a bright smile and curly black hair. She is an associate teacher for top acting coach in NYC, Denise Simon.

Jazelle Foster
Associate Teacher

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Flannery Bogost
Administrative Assistant

Mark J. Parker
Guest Casting Director

Ned Lott
Associate Teacher

Julia Marie Peterson
Associate Teacher

A young man with light brown hair and light blue eyes wearing a denim colored button down shirt, slightly smiling. He is a student at DSAC, a top acting school in new york city and acting coach Denise Simon.
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Denise has been a part of almost every successful event in my acting career, from helping me meet my manager to helping me get callbacks for theatre and film, including my Broadway debut in Bonnie and Clyde. Without Denise, I would not be where I am today.

Jack Tartaglia
Bonnie & Clyde on Broadway

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Denise has been a constant source of encouragement with her gentle style and hands-on approach. She has equipped Kristi with the acting skills necessary to successfully audition and land an amazing role on TV. Kristi is on Nickelodeon because of Denise.

Kim, Mother of Kristi Beckett
I am Frankie on Nickelodeon

DSAC COLLABORATORS YOU TRUST

  • Logo for Stage Door Designs reads "Stage Door Designs" in black text and "Shining a light on you" under in gold text. A Collaborator for Denise Simon Acting and Coaching, a top acting coach in New York for adults and children.
  • T Schreiber Studio 50th anniversary logo - a collaborator of Denise Simon Acting Coaching.
  • Shine Theatre Arts Project Logo - A black Background with white text and a yellow star in place of the dot for the 'I' in Shine. A Collaborator of DSAC acting school in NYC.
  • Bob Marks Logo - Black Script text that reads 'Bob Marks' a collaborator of DSAC an Acting Studio in New York City.
  • Reel Arc Logo - Black Text reading 'REELARC' inside brackets. A company that creates professional acting reels with Denise Simon Acting Coaching
  • Logo for Monica Robinson Voice Teacher, her name is written in blue script. She is a voice teacher that works with Denise Simon, an acting coach for kids in new york city.
  • bold black text reads 'True Acting Institute' a company that works with Denise Simon Acting Coach to teach kids how to become an actor
  • Bold Black text reads 'Dance Molinari' - A collaborator for Denise Simon Acting Coaching Theatre Programs.
  • Logo for Badiene Magaziner Vocal Studio, collaborator of Denise Simon Acting Coaching, A vocal coach in Florida for young kids and adults.
  • A dark blue rectangle with white text that reads 'Boston Casting Inc' - a casting company that works with Denise Simon Acting and Coaching to help students succeed in auditions and acting classes for kids in boston
  • Logo for Barclay Performing Arts - Barclay is in black text with white dots throughout the text. A collaborator of Denise Simon Acting to teach actors how to nail auditions and how to create a good self tape plus more acting techniques!
  • Creatives Meet Marketing Logo, a 4 piece puzzle behind the letters C + M in the bottom right corner, website and social media manager for acting coaches and schools that works with Denise Simon Acting Coaching