The Houde School of Acting Summit is a 4-day, in-person, interactive weekend of acting workshops, seminars and networking! Our guest teachers for Houde Summit 2026 will be Anna Singleton, Rod Rowland, John Frank Levey, Kurt Yue, Alex Collins, Tony Robinette, and host Jessica Houde-Morris.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Opportunities to learn from industry pros who know how to navigate the business.
• Small group interactive classes with each of the guest teachers. Each actor will work and receive constructive critiques from the teachers.
• Guest panel discussion with a Q&A. Prepare your best industry questions!
• Networking Picnic with food, games, and friends.
• 4 days of absolute FUN!

AGENDA

• Thursday, August 20, 2026 - ‘Meet & Greet’ - Starts at 7pm
  • Take an opportunity to meet your teachers and fellow actors at the venue. We will have time to tour the venue and run through some warmup exercises, followed by improv games.
• Friday, August 21, 2026 – Day 1 Workshops - 9am-5pm
  • All actors will be placed into small groups and each group will work with a different guest teacher, swapping every two hours.
• Saturday, August 22, 2026 – Day 2 Workshops - 9am-5pm
  • All actors will be placed into small groups and each group will work with a different guest teacher than the day before, swapping every two hours. By the end of the workshops, all actors will have had the opportunity to work with each guest teacher.
• Cont. Saturday, August 22, 2026 - Panel Discussion/Q&A with Industry Professionals - 6-7:30pm
  • Let our industry guests help you in your acting career. Come prepared with industry questions!
• Sunday, August 23, 2026 - Networking Picnic - 12-4pm
  • Join us thoe whole time or part of the time, at one of Cleveland’s beautiful MetroParks for some great food and fun games. (Food, drinks and games provided)

REGISTER HERE

YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Jessica Houde-Morris is the founder of the Houde School of Acting, has been shaping the careers of actors since 2004. Her students have landed roles in major TV shows like Will Trent, Atlanta, The Haunting of Hill House, General Hospital, Criminal Minds, and The Vampire Diaries, as well as in films such as Black Widow, The Holdovers, Bad Moms, The Family Plan, and Richard Jewell. They’ve also been featured in commercials for brands like Nike, Honda, Subway, Intel, and McDonald’s.

WORKSHOP
Meisner Technique: Really Connecting with Jessica Houde-Morris
Stop acting. Start responding.

What does it actually mean to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances?

In this powerful, hands-on workshop, second-generation Meisner teacher Jessica Houde-Morris takes you beyond theory and into the work—where instinct replaces overthinking and real human behavior becomes your foundation.

This isn’t about performing. It’s about responding. Listening. Being affected.

Anna Singleton is the Head Theatrical Agent at Houghton Talent in Atlanta, where she represents Houde School of Acting alums Kurt Yue, Jessica Craig, and Kellen Boyle. With over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Anna has built a reputation for her keen eye for talent, deep understanding of the casting landscape, and practical approach to career development. She works closely with actors at all stages of their careers, helping them navigate the business side of the industry while positioning them for long-term success in an ever-evolving market.

WORKSHOP
Why You’re Not Getting Called In

You submit an audition and never hear back. Why?

In this unique and interactive workshop, you’ll experience the audition process through the eyes of a theatrical agent.

Prior to the Summit, each actor will receive a co-star audition scene and have 48 hours to self-tape and submit their audition. During the workshop, Anna Singleton, Head Theatrical Agent at Houghton Talent in Atlanta, will review submissions and discuss what stood out, what may have taken an actor out of consideration, and what adjustments could make the audition stronger and more competitive.

John Frank Levey is a four-time Emmy Award-winning casting director known for shaping some of television’s most iconic series, including ER, The West Wing, Shameless, Animal Kingdom, and Southland. Renowned for his keen eye for talent and long-standing collaboration with producer John Wells, Levey played a pivotal role in launching the careers of stars such as George Clooney, Noah Wyle, and Jeremy Allen White.

WORKSHOP
Audition: Choices with John Frank Levey
What casting sees—and what makes them remember you.

What makes an audition actually stand out?

In this dynamic, hands-on workshop, you’ll experience the audition process through the eyes of one of the industry’s most respected casting directors, John Frank Levey.

Each actor will prepare a 1–2 page script and perform it live during the session, working with a reader just like in a real audition. From there, John will provide direct, personalized feedback, helping you refine your choices, strengthen your instincts, and elevate your work in the moment.

Rod Rowland is a versatile American actor known for intense, emotionally charged performances across film and television. He has had roles in popular shows like The X-Files, Veronica Mars, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, American Horror Story: Asylum, and The Walking Dead.

WORKSHOP

The Art of Slaying the Villain: Making Dynamic Choices with Rod Rowland
Bold choices. Complex characters. Unforgettable performances.

What makes a villain unforgettable?

In this high-impact, hands-on workshop with working actor Rod Rowland, you’ll dive into the technical craft of building characters that don’t just exist in a scene—but take it over.

Known for portraying complex, layered villains across film and television, Rod will guide you through the fine art of making bold, dynamic choices that elevate your work and leave a lasting impression. This isn’t about playing “evil”—it’s about creating behavior, intention, and specificity that make your character compelling, human, and impossible to ignore.

Kurt Yue is an accomplished actor and acting coach born in Beijing, China and currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. He spent his formative years in various states, including Iowa, Arizona, and Ohio. Kurt initially pursued a career in computer science and engineering after graduating from The University of Michigan. His journey into acting began unexpectedly at the age of 26 when he stumbled upon the Houde School of Acting in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then, he has gained recognition for his roles in popular TV series such as Will Trent, Cobra Kai, The Haunting of Hill House, and films like Black Widow and Venom.

WORKSHOP

On Camera: Developing a Scene with Kurt Yue
From preparation to playback—what actually reads on screen.

What actually translates on camera—and what just feels like it should?

In this dynamic, hands-on workshop with working actor Kurt Yue, you’ll take a scene from preparation to performance and discover how to bring it fully to life on camera.

You’ll be paired with a partner and assigned a scene in advance, giving you time to do the real work actors are expected to do: break down the text, uncover the emotional layers, and make clear, personal choices. Then in class, you’ll step in front of the camera and put it all into action—refining your performance in real time with Kurt’s guidance.

Alex Collins is a versatile actor and industry pro with over 21 years in SAG-AFTRA. Best known for his role as Dr. Charles McNider/Dr. MidNite on DC’s Stargirl, his credits span hit shows like Lovecraft Country, Cobra Kai, and True Detective, and films like Richard Jewell. Having worked alongside stars like Tom Cruise and Mahershala Ali and under directors like Clint Eastwood, Alex brings a wealth of on-set experience.

WORKSHOP

The Reel Deal: From Breakdown to Footage with Alex Collins
What's important, what's not, and everything in between. 

What actually happens between the audition… and the final footage you put on your reel?

In this behind-the-curtain workshop with working actor and coach Alex Collins, you’ll follow the full life cycle of a booking—from the initial audition breakdown all the way to the finished product that airs.

Using real materials from booked projects, you’ll watch and analyze the audition script, the original self-tape, and the final edited scene—then break down what changed, why it changed, and what actually matters at each stage of the process.

Tony Robinette is a seasoned actor and you've probably seen him in shows like NCIS, Dahmer, Night Court, Tacoma FD, and This Is Us. You might even recognize him from the Dunkin’ Donuts Super Bowl ad, where he appeared as one of the Dunk Kings alongside Ben Affleck!

WORKSHOP

Think Less. Play More: Improv for the Actor with Tony Robinette
Get out of your head and into the moment.

What if your best work came from not trying to get it “right”?

In this freeing, high-energy workshop with improv expert Tony Robinette, you’ll learn how to quiet the noise, trust your instincts, and fully live in the moment—where real, compelling performances actually happen.

Actors often get stuck in their heads—self-editing, second-guessing, and trying to deliver what they think people want. This class flips that completely. Through improv-based exercises, you’ll break out of overthinking and reconnect to your natural impulses, spontaneity, and creativity.