THE TEACHERS
Matt Newton
Matt Newton is one of the most sought-after TV and film acting coaches in New York City. For over a decade, he has helped actors book guest-stars, recurring roles, series regulars, major films, Broadway shows, and national commercials. His clients include Oscar, Emmy, and Tony winners, along with rising talent working across every major network and streaming platform.
A former working actor with over 20 years of on-camera experience (Blue Bloods, Ugly Betty, Criminal Minds, Judging Amy, Gilmore Girls, Royal Pains, Men Who Stare at Goats, Van Wilder, Dahmer, and more), Matt brings a practical, no-B.S. approach rooted in real set experience. He knows exactly what actors face in the audition room, on self-tapes, and on set—because he’s been there.
Matt is the founder of MN Acting Studio, the author of the books The No B.S. Guide to the Acting Biz and 10 Steps to Breaking into Acting, and the creator of multiple successful online programs and e-courses. He has worked as an on-set coach for network TV shows, directed award-winning films, taught at universities including Vassar College and the National Theatre Institute, and has been featured as an industry expert on NPR, Forbes, WTF with Marc Maron, Backstage, and more.
Known for his sharp eye, clear direction, and humor, Matt helps actors build confidence, strengthen their craft, master self-tapes, navigate the business, and develop a career strategy that actually works. His coaching blends technique, mindset, and practical career tools to empower actors to show up at their highest level—every time.
Kim Fischer
Kim is an NYC-based actor and on-camera acting coach, most recently seen on Broadway in Punch at Manhattan Theatre Club. His television work includes roles on The Blacklist (NBC), WeCrashed (Apple TV+), Mrs. Fletcher (HBO), The Good Fight (CBS), Jessica Jones (Netflix), and Royal Pains (USA).
Kim has coached actors for many years and is passionate about helping performers bring grounded, specific, and emotionally truthful work to the camera. His teaching is rooted in extensive on-set experience and years of training, giving students practical tools they can immediately apply to auditions, self-tapes, and set work.
His New York theatre credits include Make Believe (Second Stage), Life and Trust (Emursive), Then She Fell (Third Rail Projects), and Fuerza Bruta (De La Guarda). Regionally, he has appeared at Berkeley Rep, Arena Stage, Dallas Theater Center, Denver Center, and others.
Kim is a proud graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and has studied with Matt for many years.
Tom Degnan
Tom Degnan is an accomplished actor and coach with nearly two decades of experience in film, television, and theatre. He received his MFA in Acting from the prestigious Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Playhouse program in 2008, and has been a long-time collaborator at MN Acting Studio, working closely with Matt Newton since 2015.
Most recently seen in the final season of Blue Bloods, Tom’s extensive screen credits include roles on The Blacklist, The Good Wife, The Following, Person of Interest, White Collar, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, and numerous independent films. His diverse body of work and deep understanding of the on-camera craft make him a standout coach for actors ready to level up.
As a teacher, Tom emphasizes the essential relationship between given circumstances, character intentions, and specificity in both audition material and scene work. His classes focus on helping actors make strong, grounded choices while developing a repeatable, professional process.
Known for his clarity, precision, and supportive approach, Tom empowers actors to bring truth, nuance, and confidence to every performance.