From Closet to Coast-to-Coast: The Prep Had Humble Beginnings but Is Now a Powerhouse
We’re back! Welcome to another episode of Shoot Me Now. I recently 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 from, to where they are now, was something else.
Jesse told me they started with “just a vocal studio … two tiny rooms, teaching voice lessons, renting space from a dance studio.”
Certainly a great start, but look at where they are now…
They run a 6,000-square-foot space in New Jersey, a studio in NYC’s Flatiron, and just opened a new self-tape and class studio in Burbank, California.
““We just opened [Burbank] this April,” said Theresa. “It’s 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.””
Through this immense growth, though, I see that they’ve never waivered in their mission… They want to give artists a place to train, grow, and prepare for real work in the business. And that kind of support isn’t always easy to find in this humbling industry.
Mentorship over volume
What I notice with them is that they don’t treat this as a factory—it’s a place to build opportunity. I see in their faces the belief they have in their students. They truly want to see them succeed.
““We really pride ourselves in that special connection between the students and really developing a bond and a relationship,” said Jesse. “Not just with the students, but the families too… We love being able to help families navigate that.” ”
Building real acting careers—not hoping for a miracle
They recently launched a nine‑month conservatory-style program. Jesse explained that students won’t just “look ready”—they’ll actually be ready. The program is available at all locations, and even virtually.
love that. Long-term thinking. Not a quick fix, but a foundation. It's kind of critical, and I love that they are so dedicated to the talent that comes through their programs. They’ve also partnered with a production outfit to produce original scenes and acting reels for their students—the kind of material that actually helps you get noticed or get representation. I saw a few examples and was so impressed with the work.
They’ve also partnered with a production outfit to produce original scenes and acting reels for their students—the kind of material that actually helps you get noticed or get representation. I saw a few examples and was so impressed with the work.
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.
Headshots are certainly a key part just as acting lessons, tapes, and a ton of things that the team at Prep do to support their actors.
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. And if you’re still not convinced — check out this episode of Shoot Me Now. You’ll walk away with a better grasp of what you need to be successful in this business.
🎥 Watch the full interview now.
Enjoy this episode.