Reviews

“The 402 Acting Academy is a warm welcoming environment. I’ve been able to come out if my shell knowing that I am in a safe place, free to try new things without fear. I am making new friends here. … The 402 Acting Academy is an oasis of creativity where like-minded artists can meet to collaborate and hone their craft.”

— Aleah Lua - Student

“You can tell Steve really loves what he does and cares about the development of each student, no matter where they are on their journey. There is so much to learn from him. … Thankful to be part of such a fun and accepting group of talented people. Glad to start my journey with 402 and look forward to all it’ll help me achieve as an aspiring actor.”

— Bridgette Chizek - Student

“My first introduction to improv was through Steve volunteering at my school and teaching a course over it. From that first day, I instantly fell in love with improv. As I graduated high school and made plans for college, I decided that I wanted to continue growing in my theatre skills. I started classes outside of school with Steve for acting and improv. Every week, whether it had been good or bad so far, I knew that going to my lesson would make my day instantly better.  Through the Acting Academy, I was able to learn more and more about my passion for theatre and the arts. Because of improv and Steve’s instruction, I grew in confidence in who I am, and have learned how to be a better listener and encourager. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Steve and the Acting Academy.”

— Elaina Woods - Student

“Nicole Callahan is the REAL DEAL!! From our first session together, I instantly recognized that Nicole would be paramount to my career as an actress. Nicole uses a culmination of techniques coupled with her 10+ years of experience working as a Screen Actors Guild actor and acting coach in the Los Angeles/Hollywood market. From theater to film and tv, Nicole equips you with an actor’s tool belt for success. Whether it’s establishing your casting type, headshot coaching, scene study, script analysis, auditioning, commercial coaching, narrative film coaching, theater coaching or prepping for your next big gig - Nicole’s the coach!

With Nicole’s coaching and support, I went from not booking anything to becoming a professional, award-winning actor and filmmaker - booking 29 film and tv roles in just a two-year time span. Nicole also encouraged me to start writing, directing and producing my own films, which led me to win a BEST ACTRESS award from the LA Indies for my work as the lead in a short film I created, as well as several awards from Toronto, LA, and Santa Monica film festivals. I put in the WORK and Nicole has matched my intensity and dedication. If you are ready to run and give it your all, Nicole will run with you! Thanks, Coach!!”

— Kate Robertson Pryor - Actor, Producer, Director, Writer

“Steve is a wonderful teacher. He is thoughtful and creative. He thinks about the whole person and recognizes that each of us brings our own experiences with us. He sees the value in the art and the artist and is interested in seeing each person better themselves. He has years of experience, enabling him to meet students wherever they are at, from beginners to experienced, young to old.”

— Timothy Schoenfeld - Actor

“It is my honor to recommend Steve Hydeen as a teaching artist, mentor, and performer.

Steve and I have worked together in numerous capacities since 2012, but most closely when Steve came out to my school and worked with my students for nine-week stints intended to foster their skills in Improvisation. While collaborating in my classroom, Steve demonstrated his excellence at building quick relationships with my students, providing examples, giving short performances, and even asking existential questions to really get my kids thinking critically about how theatrical skills are used every day in any aspect of life. He has been so successful in my classes, that my students and I have even performed improv with him at a professional gig. (It was exhilarating!)

Steve is a talented performer and earns so much respect and adoration from all the students he works with. His mission includes developing empathy and communication skills for not only “Broadway Bound” students, but for anyone who would benefit from more confidence, quality relationships, and fun.  I would HIGHLY recommend anyone take advantage of the chance to learn and collaborate with Steve Hydeen.”

— Brooke Phillips - Teacher/Director of Theatre MWHS, Co Chapter Director-Nebraska Thespians