MEET YOUR TEAM
Our coaches and contributing staff are all accomplished industry professionals with proven, verifiable track records of success—on camera, behind the mic, and behind the scenes. From actors and voice actors to producers, casting directors, and photographers, these experts represent the very people who keep our industry’s films, television shows, and creative projects thriving. We believe in surrounding our students with working professionals, not only to deliver best-in-class training, but also to provide a practical, insider’s education on the business of entertainment—equipping them with the tools, strategies, and mindset to build a career that lasts.
Cindy Hogan
Cindy Hogan is an American Actress, best known for The Great Lillian Hall as Jane Stone, American Underdog (2022), Last Seen Alive, Queen Bee's, and 5000 Blankets. Her television credits include recurring roles as Andie Stein on The Ms. Pat Show, Games People Play, The Have and Have Nots, and Army Wives. Guest Starring roles including the hit show, Found on NBC. She’s also the voice of Jade in the feature film, “The Inventors,” and the voice host of the International travel show, “Getting Away Together.”
Over the past 25 years, Cindy has worked as an actor, director, and producer. For the last 15 of those years, she’s dedicated herself to coaching, using her own professional journey to teach both the craft and the business of acting.
With extensive experience in the world of film and television, Cindy Hogan brings invaluable industry insight to her students. She encourages actors to let go of self-judgment and to fully inhabit the moment. Her teaching approach is tailored to each individual, drawing on a director’s perspective and rooted in the belief that authentic acting transcends medium—it all comes from the same source.
The A.C.T.I.N.G. Coach was born out of a desire to provide students with a supportive yet disciplined environment where they could grow as artists. After years of studying and teaching at various schools and workshops in Hollywood and Orange County, Cindy recognized that creativity and genuine growth were often secondary priorities in many programs. In response, she created The A.C.T.I.N.G. Coach—an affordable, safe space where students could hone their craft with purpose and integrity.
Robert Gunton is a seasoned host, spokesperson, and voice actor with over two decades of professional experience spanning the entertainment, advertising, and theatrical industries. Known for his dynamic range, vocal precision, and compelling storytelling, Robert has voiced hundreds of national and regional commercials and brought to life a wide array of characters in animated series and popular video games.
His voice has been trusted by major brands such as Norms, Dell, Quest, BMW, The LA Clippers, Skilsaw, Hustler Turf, and Sony Computer Entertainment, where he consistently delivers performances that are not only technically sharp, but emotionally resonant.
Though Robert found his professional footing in voice over, his artistic journey began on stage. A passionate musical theater performer, he’s portrayed iconic roles including Harold Hill in The Music Man, Tateh, the Latvian immigrant in Ragtime the Musical, and multiple celebrated characters in the works of Stephen Sondheim—from the title role in Sweeney Todd to the mysterious Observer in the revue Putting It Together. His love for storytelling in all its forms also led him to on-camera appearances, including a role in the hit FOX series Veronica Mars. Robert studied at South Coast Repertory under Matthew Arkin, at Berg Studios under Gregory Berger-Sobeck and Tess Auberjonois and Del Mar Media Arts under Bud and Bunny Barth.
In addition to his work behind the mic and on stage, Robert is a dedicated educator, mentor and Telly Award Winning Producer—with a warm, no-nonsense approach, he shares his real-world industry experience to help aspiring actors sharpen their skills, understand the business, and develop the confidence needed to thrive in today’s competitive entertainment landscape.
Robert Gunton
Contributing Staff & Guest Instructors
Kimberly Graham, C.S.A
Kimberly Graham is an award-winning casting director, best known for her work on Homeland, Avatar, and Before Midnight.
Before founding Graham Casting, she served as Associate Casting Director with Judy Henderson Casting from 2003 to 2019, collaborating on projects for film, television, commercials, and theater. During her tenure, she helped cast for major Off-Broadway productions in New York City and was part of the pioneering team that brought casting to the world of video games—most notably the Grand Theft Auto series.
Her casting work on Showtime’s Homeland earned multiple accolades, including Artios Awards and Emmy Awards for Outstanding Casting in a Drama. Kimberly has also contributed to acclaimed films such as Avatar, Paranormal Activity 2, and Richard Linklater’s Before Midnight, among many others.
When she’s not casting, Kimberly can be found performing stand-up in New York City comedy clubs or leading her popular casting workshops. She has taught actors across the globe, with stops in cities including Boston, Washington D.C., Savannah, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Miami, Paris, Berlin, Croatia, Tel Aviv, Rome, Barcelona, and London.
Jessica Antes
Jessica Antes is an actor, writer, and teacher from Chicago, with a B.A. in Film from Columbia College Chicago. A graduate of The Second City Training Center’s Conservatory, Comedy Writing Program, and Music Conservatory—as well as iO Chicago—she brings a wealth of performance and comedy experience to her work.
Jessica currently teaches Improv, On-Camera Acting, Comedy Writing, and Musical Improv to both children and adults at The Second City Training Center. She is also the co-creator of S.H.E. Camp (Sisterhood Humor & Empowerment), a comedy training program for female-identifying performers that champions empowerment and encourages young women to develop their unique artistic voices.
As a performer, Jessica can be seen with her iO Harold team Daffodil and sketch groups Just the Tip, The Comic Thread, and American Girlz.
Ray Bengston
Ray Bengston is far more than a professional headshot and still photographer. With clients including SAG-AFTRA, Equity, top talent agents, and managers in Los Angeles and now Atlanta, Ray is trusted to deliver headshots that get actors auditions. From 1983 to 2017, he directed hundreds of casting sessions across the U.S., gaining first-hand insight into what casting directors look for.
His career spans three feature films, countless industrials and commercials, and work both behind and in front of the camera. Ray has taught acting and improv at major Hollywood studios such as Warner Brothers, Disney, Dream Quest Images, the SAG Conservatory, and AFI.
He brings this wealth of experience to every headshot session, offering actors practical guidance to ensure their photos capture both professionalism and personality. Known as an “actor’s director,” Ray pairs expert photography with acting insight, so clients walk away not just with striking headshots, but with valuable tips to advance their careers.
Ivana Barnes
Ivana Barnes is a passionate actor, model, and mentor whose heart for service drives everything she does. As the founder of the Mirror and Mantle Mentoring Program, she empowers young girls and women from under served communities through immersive training in acting, modeling, public speaking, image development, professional etiquette, and leadership skills—paired with lifelong mentorship.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Ivana discovered her love for performing at age 12, landing local commercials with the help of her father’s networking skills. In high school, she earned a scholarship to a respected acting school, and later studied theater and social work at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
In addition to acting, she has produced a short film, authored cookbooks, and, through Mirror and Mantle, continues to equip young women with the skills and confidence to succeed both on and off the stage. For Ivana, the spotlight is not just for herself—it’s a way to light the path for others.