Our History
Thespian House was founded in 2005 by renowned actress and acting coach, Eleanor Vance. Eleanor, a veteran of stage and screen, envisioned a space where aspiring actors could receive comprehensive training in a supportive and nurturing environment. From humble beginnings in a converted garage in Ojai, California, Thespian House quickly grew into a leading acting school, attracting students from all over the world.
Eleanor's passion for acting and her dedication to her students were the driving forces behind the school's success. She instilled in her students a deep appreciation for the art of acting and a commitment to excellence. Her unique teaching methods, which combined classical techniques with modern approaches, helped countless actors develop their skills and achieve their dreams.
Over the years, Thespian House has expanded its curriculum to include a wide range of courses, from introductory workshops to advanced scene study. The school has also attracted a team of highly qualified instructors, all of whom are working professionals with years of experience in the industry. Despite its growth, Thespian House has remained true to its original mission: to provide aspiring actors with the training, support, and resources they need to succeed.
In 2018, Eleanor Vance retired, passing the torch to her longtime protégé, Julian Devereux. Julian, a former student of Eleanor's, has continued to build on her legacy, expanding the school's online offerings and introducing new programs that cater to the evolving needs of the acting industry. Under Julian's leadership, Thespian House is poised to continue its tradition of excellence in acting education for many years to come.
Our Mission
Thespian House is committed to providing aspiring actors with a comprehensive and transformative acting education. Our mission is to empower our students to develop their artistic potential, hone their skills, and achieve their dreams in the world of performing arts. We believe that acting is more than just a profession; it's a craft, an art form, and a powerful means of communication. We strive to cultivate a supportive and nurturing environment where students can explore their creativity, take risks, and grow both as actors and as individuals.
We are dedicated to offering a diverse and challenging curriculum that covers all aspects of acting, from foundational techniques to advanced performance skills. Our courses are designed to provide students with a solid understanding of acting theory, as well as practical experience in scene work, improvisation, voice and movement, and character development. We also emphasize the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and professionalism in the acting industry.
Our faculty is comprised of experienced and passionate instructors who are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of actors. They are all working professionals with years of experience in theater, film, and television, and they bring a wealth of real-world insights to the classroom. They are dedicated to providing personalized attention and guidance to each student, helping them to identify their strengths, overcome their weaknesses, and develop their own unique artistic voice.
At Thespian House, we believe that acting is a lifelong journey of learning and growth. We are committed to providing our students with the resources and support they need to continue their development long after they leave our doors. We offer alumni networking opportunities, career counseling services, and ongoing workshops and masterclasses to help our graduates stay connected to the industry and continue to refine their skills. Our ultimate goal is to empower our students to become successful, versatile, and passionate actors who make a positive impact on the world of performing arts.
Our Values
At Thespian House, our core values guide everything we do. These values shape our curriculum, our teaching methods, and our relationships with our students and the wider community. We believe that by upholding these values, we can create a truly exceptional acting school that empowers our students to achieve their full potential.
- Excellence: We are committed to providing the highest quality acting education possible. We strive for excellence in everything we do, from our curriculum and instruction to our facilities and student support services.
- Creativity: We believe that creativity is the heart of acting. We encourage our students to explore their imagination, take risks, and develop their own unique artistic voice.
- Collaboration: We recognize that acting is a collaborative art form. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment where students can learn from each other, work together on projects, and build lasting relationships.
- Integrity: We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all of our dealings. We believe in honesty, transparency, and respect for all individuals.
- Community: We value our community of students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
We believe that these values are essential for creating a successful and fulfilling acting career. We are committed to instilling these values in our students so that they can not only become talented actors but also responsible and ethical members of the performing arts community. We believe that by upholding these values, we can help our students make a positive impact on the world through their art.
Meet Our Team
Eleanor Vance
Founder (Retired)
Eleanor Vance is a renowned actress and acting coach with over 40 years of experience in the industry. She founded Thespian House in 2005 with the goal of providing aspiring actors with a comprehensive and transformative acting education.
Julian Devereux
Director
Julian Devereux is a former student of Eleanor Vance and a graduate of Thespian House. He has worked as an actor, director, and producer in theater, film, and television. He took over as Director of Thespian House in 2018.
Aisha Khan
Lead Instructor
Aisha Khan is a highly experienced acting instructor with a background in classical theater and contemporary film. She has taught acting at several prestigious institutions and has worked with numerous successful actors.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our courses and contact us with any questions.
View Courses Contact Us