Acting Coach • Career Strategist • Media & On-Camera Training

Matt Newton is a New York–based acting coach, career strategist, and media training expert who helps actors and book work, build sustainable careers, and show up with confidence on camera — in auditions, on set, and in high-stakes professional environments.

With over two decades of experience as both a working actor and coach, Matt brings a rare blend of real-world industry insight, practical strategy, and no-nonsense coaching to every session.

Industry Experience That Matters

Before transitioning full-time into coaching, Matt worked extensively as a professional actor in television and film, with guest-starring and recurring roles on shows including Blue Bloods, Criminal Minds, Gilmore Girls, Judging Amy, The Americans, Royal Pains, Ugly Betty, JAG, and many others. His film credits include projects opposite Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges, and Jeremy Renner.

That on-set experience — understanding how fast decisions are made, what actually reads on camera, and how actors are evaluated in real time — is the foundation of Matt’s coaching philosophy.

Coaching & Training

As the founder and head coach of MN Acting Studio, Matt has spent more than a decade training actors at every level, from beginners building their first reel to seasoned professionals navigating episodic television, film, and recurring roles.

His clients have booked hundreds of roles across network and streaming platforms, including series regulars, recurring roles, and major guest stars. Matt has coached Oscar and Emmy-winning talent and is frequently brought in as a go-to coach on active productions. Matt has been the on set coach for Blue Bloods, Jessica Jones, Orange is the New Black, The Affair, and Ava Duvernay’s award winning Netflix series When They See Us.

Matt’s approach is direct, supportive, and highly specific — focusing on:

Audition and self-tape technique
Script analysis and character specificity
Branding, type, and career positioning
Industry navigation and representation strategy
Confidence and consistency under pressure

Media & On-Camera Training

In addition to actor training, Matt provides media and on-camera training for professionals who need to communicate clearly, confidently, and authentically in high-stakes situations.

This work includes:

On-camera interviews and media appearances
Public speaking and keynote preparation
Executive presence and leadership communication
Pitching, panels, and high-visibility presentations

Drawing from his background in acting, directing, and coaching, Matt helps clients feel grounded, natural, and compelling on camera — without sounding rehearsed or stiff.

Author, Filmmaker & Educator

Matt is the author of No B.S. Guide to the Acting Biz (named a Forbes “Must Read”) and 10 Steps to Breaking into Acting, both widely used by actors and training programs across the country.

He is also an award-winning filmmaker. His pilot Dissocia received the Best Episodic Award at the Lighthouse International Film Festival and is currently being developed for television.

Matt serves as an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, Vassar College, and the National Theatre Institute, and regularly speaks on acting, career development, and performance under pressure.

Coaching Philosophy

Matt believes great acting — and great on-camera presence — comes from clarity, preparation, and trust. His job is not to turn actors into something they’re not, but to help them identify what already works and use it strategically.

There’s no fluff, no false promises, and no “one-size-fits-all” approach — just honest guidance, practical tools, and consistent results.