Bell
Professional Acting Classes & Scene Study in Dallas, TX
TBell Actors Studio is a professional acting school in Dallas, Texas, specializing in truth-based scene study and audition technique. Led by Master Coach Theresa Bell, the studio utilizes the elite techniques of Roy London and Ivana Chubbuck to train working actors for film and television.
For over twenty years, this studio has been the definitive training ground for the most prolific working actors in the region. Theresa Bell brings a 39 year industry legacy to every session, including her foundational work with icons like Oliver Stone on films like Talk Radio. By combining her insights as an award winning screenwriter with her deep coaching experience, she helps students identify their unique spark and refine it into the professional standard required for a career in film and television.
“We don’t just share information; we identify the unique spark that sets you apart, refining your flaws into the “gold” required for a professional career in film and television.” – Theresa Bell
BEGINNER
Who is this for?
New actors or those returning to the craft after time away.
What we work on:
- Script fundamentals
- Truthful listening
- Emotional access
- On-camera awareness
- Basic blocking
What is expected:
- Openness to feedback
- Willingness to take risks
- Respect for the studio
- Consistent attendance
- Professional punctuality
Note: Beginner actors may be coached by Advanced students. Advancement is based on readiness, not time spent. This is your foundation for a professional career.
INTERMEDIATE
Who is this for?
Actors with a foundation ready to deepen their work.
What we work on:
- Complex scene analysis
- Specificity and stakes
- Relationship dynamics
- Behavioral truth
- Character objectives
What is expected:
- Independent preparation
- Strong listening skills
- Emotional availability
- High accountability
- Consistent attendance
Note: Beginner actors may be coached by Advanced students. Advancement is based on readiness, not time spent. This is your foundation for a professional career.
ADVANCED
Who is this for?
Professional level actors seeking long-term growth.
What we work on:
- Psychological complexity
- Vulnerability and risk
- Industry-level depth
- Refined artistic brand
- Subtextual precision
What is expected:
- Mastery of preparation
- Emotional transparency
- Studio leadership
- Elite professionalism
- Consistent attendance
Note: Placement is by audition only. Growth is measured by your readiness in the room. Total dedication to the craft and ensemble is mandatory for all professional level actors.
Theresa Bell
Theresa Bell | Master Acting Coach
Theresa Bell has been a professional in the film industry since 1987. She earned her SAG card from Oliver Stone on the set of Talk Radio and collaborated with him on two subsequent films. Since 2001, she has served as a Master Acting Coach, training the most consistent working actors in Dallas for over two decades.
Screenwriting and Filmmaking
An award-winning screenwriter and director, Theresa’s feature-length screenplay Lullaby was a top-30 finalist in the inaugural Project Greenlight Contest (out of 7,000 entries). Her recognized work includes:
- Lullaby: A short film previously featured on HBO. Watch it HERE.
- Sweetwater: Based on her feature script, accepted into the Dallas Film Festival and the USA Film Festival.
- Spark!: Director of this 48 Hour Film Contest winner for Best Cinematography.
The Master Coach Philosophy
Theresa specializes in identifying the unique spark of every actor. She focuses on refining individual talent, transforming perceived flaws into the “gold” required for a professional career in film and television.
Archetypal Acting Method
Her method integrates the elite techniques of Hollywood mentors Roy London and Ivana Chubbuck with her structural expertise as a screenwriter. This approach emphasizes believable, evocative, and truthful performances rooted in the exploration of human archetypes. Check out Theresa’s IMDB profile HERE.
Suzanne Racz
Suzanne Racz | Actor & Filmmaker
Dallas-based actor and filmmaker Suzanne Racz brings a vital dual perspective to TBell Actors Studio, with a decade of experience both in front of and behind the camera. Her work focuses on behavioral truth and the shared human experience.
- Film & Television Credits: Jericho, In Search of the Haunting, In Plain Sight, and Doc Holliday 2.
- Accolades: Recipient of the Kodak Golden Reel Award for her film Willow and nominee for Best US Comedy Short (Baked Potato Night).
- Watch: Check out the trailer for Willow HERE.
Mary Blackburn
Mary Blackburn | Professional Actor & Coach
Mary Blackburn has been a vital member of the TBell community for over nine years. She transitioned from a successful career in architecture and interior design to become a prolific working actor in the Texas film industry.
- Notable Credits: Robert Rodriguez’s Hypnotic, Queen of the South, and Walker.
- Commercials: National campaigns for brands including Nintendo, American Express, Walmart, and Marriott.
- Specialization: Mary leads the Beginning Acting and Audition Tech classes, helping actors build professional foundations and master technical audition skills.
Observe a Class
Audition for Placement
Make a Payment
Studio Class
Audition for Class Placement
Class Videos
Miscellaneous
Working Actors Course (Non-Studio)
Working Actors Course (Studio Bundle)
Observe a Class
Does the studio coach beginners?
Yes. There is a Thursday night class from 6:30 to 9:30 and a Saturday morning class from 10:00 to 1:00, taught by one of the Advanced Class actors. There is also an Audition Technique Class on Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 which is also open to beginners.
How long are classes?
All classes at the Dallas studio meet once a week for 3 hours and go from month to month.
When do classes meet?
Classes meet Monday to Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 1:00 PM, and Saturday afternoons from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.
Are kids able to attend classes?
No. To maintain a professional and advanced training environment, the studio coaches adults 17 and older only.
Where is the studio located?
We are located at 1409 Botham Jean Blvd. #242, Dallas, TX 75215, United States. We are a central hub for the Dallas and Fort Worth acting community.
Where do I park?
Parking is free in the lot directly in front of the building and on Austin Street on the south side of the building. Street parking is free after 6:00. Do not park in the Gilly’s lot behind the Canvas Hotel.
How much do classes cost?
The cost is $275 per month, not including the PayPal fee. You can avoid these fees by paying with cash or a physical check at the studio.
Does the studio help find actors jobs?
On occasion, a casting director or filmmaker will contact the studio to ask us to post information about auditions. We try to limit these to paying jobs and people that we know personally in the industry.
Does the studio help actors find agents?
Once an actor has been at the studio for a year or more and they have demonstrated that they are prepared to start booking jobs, we send referral letters to talent agents on request.
Does the studio help with headshots, resumes, reels?
Advice and recommendations are abundant via emails and during class time. In addition, the studio offers an Audition Technique Class that is ongoing and is required by anyone wanting an agent referral.
What does the studio teach?
We teach classical scene study and character analysis with an emphasis on archetypal acting. The studio also offers an Audition Technique Class which includes The Business of Acting.
What if I have to miss a class?
Because all scenes are done with a partner, attendance is vital. Therefore, there are no make-up classes offered.
What does the audition for class placement consist of?
The audition requires you to submit the Audition Form on this site. You will prepare a short monologue of your choice and perform it for Theresa Bell only. All auditions are currently held online via Zoom.
How do I get started?
All potential students must first observe a class. Seating is limited and there is a $40 fee. After observing, if you decide you want to be part of the studio, you must complete the Audition Form to schedule a placement audition.