Founder

William Coarson James

Engrossed in the world of sports as a child and young-adult, I grew to understand what it took to achieve a level of play in which I could feel ownership, and (occasionally) experience what athletes call “being in the zone.” Although I never became a professional athlete, it was in those rare, and yet exhilarating, magical moments, whether they be on the golf course or the basketball court, that I sensed what years of repetition, exploration, and calibration could yield. There was great joy in competing and collaborating with a well-trained instrument.

Conversely, my early acting experience was a much greater challenge. Feeling more like an exercise in futility and survival, I felt entirely stumped by the craft, stultified by the way it was being taught, and frustrated by my lack of results. Compared to the steep trajectory I experienced as an evolving athlete, this craft felt very different. For many years, I was all-in committed to being an excellent actor, and still I was experiencing no real calibration, no real ownership, and no real progress.

Raised in a family of high-level educators, I grew up surrounded by teaching theory and curriculum. As kids, if we weren’t learning how to do something better, we were figuring out a way to learn how to do something better. After some much-needed reflection, I concluded that there must be a more evolved way to teach the craft of acting and to train actors in a way that was similar to what I experienced as an athlete.

I became invested in discovering and creating the "acting version" of my early athletic experience: a way to create the innate awareness, ownership, and freedom that well-trained athletes feel. The acting system we teach, developed over a period of 25 years, is a natural by-product of this exploration.

—————————————————————————————

William Coarson James holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Political Science from Hobart College. A two-sport athlete in college, William later owned, managed, and directed multiple businesses before finding his calling in the entertainment industry.

Our Coaching Team

Jennifer Cozza James

My formal acting training was in many ways all-encompassing. While my education inspired a great deal of knowledge, there still remained a large number of unanswered questions in my work. As my career evolved, I realized that I had a lot to learn in order to act and deliver my artistic inspirations at the level to which I aspired. Although I possessed knowledge, I did not have full ownership my art. I became very inspired to solve this unique challenge and train my instrument in a way that led to an innate trusting.

Over the last twenty years, and in my association with William Coarson James and the Innate Acting Institute, I have passionately developed both my art and my coaching; learning not only how to take ownership of my craft and my instrument, but also to assist and contribute in the development of the acting system that allows actors to understand their instrument and their craft.

I am inspired to help actors evolve to a place where they can enter the professional workplace prepared and ready ready to collaborate on any set environment.

————————————————————

Jennifer Cozza James holds an M.F.A. from The University of Washington in Seattle, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Commencing her career with large number of stage credits, Jennifer has over 20 years experience in the entertainment industry, working in several films, theater, commercials, and voice-over.

Show Less

MIa COle

Jennifer Cozza James

Growing up in the regimented environment that was competitive cheerleading, it was incredibly jarring when I moved out to LA to learn acting and found there wasn't a step-by-step process that helped me get better... until I found the Institute. It has helped me reclaim my art and build a new trust in myself I never thought was possible, a

————————————————————

Mia Cole has been in the business for 10 years, starring in several movies, recurring and guest-starring on multiple TV shows, and hosting many commercial segments for major brands. She also studied child development and psychology at University of Missouri.

Show Less

Jason Dolley

Jennifer Cozza James

Jason Dolley

I've always been inspired by the question, "How do I get better?" I played a variety of sports as a kid, and I was always eager to hear the coach's insights. This applied to acting as well; I was always ready to soak up tangible ways I could improve. I worked extensively as a child and young adult, and as I got older, I wanted to continue to hone my craft. With sports, there were clear ways to practice and improve, but I wasn't finding that to be the case with acting. I heard lots of ideals, that I should "make it personal," or "fully commit," but no one really taught me HOW to do those things. That is, until I came to the Institute.

Not only does this system make you better, it gives you a means of calibration so you can see for yourself how you have improved and where you can go next. I can't wait to share this thing that has changed my life with other artists who seek the same answers I once did.

————————————————————

Jason Dolley holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from California Lutheran University. He has multiple series regular credits to his name, as well as several lead roles in films, totaling over 20 years experience as a professional actor.

Show Less