Shoot Me Now - New Episode
We’re back! Welcome to another episode of Shoot Me Now. This month, I sat down with the incredible duo behind The Prep Performance Studio — Jesse Clayton and Theresa Pittius — who’ve built something really special for actors, singers, and performers from the ground up. What started in a couple of closet-sized rooms in Monmouth County is now a multi-city training powerhouse.
What I think you’ll take away from this one — especially if you’re already an actor or thinking about jumping into the biz — is how crucial real training and mentorship are.
We got some great behind-the-scenes insights, and I snapped a few shots during our chat, too. Huge thanks to Jesse and Theresa for making the time.
From humble beginnings to a full studio
We all have to start somewhere — and hearing where they started and where they are now was something else.
Jesse told me: “We started out as just a vocal studio … two tiny rooms, teaching voice lessons, renting space from a dance studio.”
Not glamorous, but real.
Now they run a 6,000‑square‑foot space in New Jersey, a studio in NYC’s Flatiron, and just opened a self‑tape / class studio in Burbank, LA.
Theresa added, “We just opened Burbank this April. It is two really beautiful state-of-the-art self‑tape studios and group classrooms. We love Burbank so much. It’s so nice to be able to look out the window and see the mountains and the tops of the studios.”
Their mission hasn’t changed: give artists a place to train, grow, and prepare for real work.
From humble beginnings to a full studio
We all have to start somewhere — and hearing where they started and where they are now was something else.
Jesse told me: “We started out as just a vocal studio … two tiny rooms, teaching voice lessons, renting space from a dance studio.”
Not glamorous, but real.
Now they run a 6,000‑square‑foot space in New Jersey, a studio in NYC’s Flatiron, and just opened a self‑tape / class studio in Burbank, LA.
Theresa added, “We just opened Burbank this April. It is two really beautiful state-of-the-art self‑tape studios and group classrooms. We love Burbank so much. It’s so nice to be able to look out the window and see the mountains and the tops of the studios.”
Their mission hasn’t changed: give artists a place to train, grow, and prepare for real work.
Mentorship over volume
The Prep isn’t a factory. It’s not about cranking out as many names as possible.
As Jesse said: “We really pride ourselves in that special connection between the students and really developing a bond and a relationship. And not just with the students, but the families too. The industry… can be such a messy, tricky business… so we love being able to help families navigate that.”
As a photographer working with actors, I know a headshot only matters if it represents real talent and preparation.
I look at every young person I shoot as someone with potential and, honestly, I love being part of their first steps into acting.
Building real acting careers — not hoping for a miracle
They recently launched a nine‑month conservatory‑style program. According to Jesse, students won’t just “look ready,” they’ll be ready.
No quick fixes — the focus is on craft, growth, and building a career with actual grounding.
On top of training and classes, they’re producing fully‑directed original scenes and acting reels for their students — material that gives real value when submitting to agents or casting.
I got to see a few of those reels. Honestly? I thought I was watching a real show.
Why this matters (especially for headshots)
When I asked about headshots and photographers and what they look for, Jesse said, “I’ve seen someone’s whole career change because of one great photo.”
I’ve seen it too, but I’m biased, so it’s great to hear from someone else that the photo can be a door‑opener, a business card if you will, that gives an actor the opportunity to really showcase themselves and hopefully land a part.
And... Final Thoughts.
What I came away with from this conversation is that successful acting careers aren’t about shortcuts. They’re about craft, guidance, patience—and good support.
If you’re serious about acting—or want to support someone who is—remember this: headshots alone don’t make a career. However, if you are in New Jersey, New York, or LA (or even beyond, internationally), take a look at the work from The Prep.
