Act With Purpose International ends training showcase with industry panel

Act With Purpose International wrapped its latest 12-week actor training program with a live showcase in Seattle on June 8, 2026, putting performers in front of agents, managers and casting professionals. The event was designed to give emerging talent direct feedback and more practical access to the industry.

Why it matters: - The showcase was built to replace gatekeeping with direct access to decision-makers. - The format gave actors a chance to be seen by multiple industry professionals in one room. - The program focused on readiness for film, television and theatre, where self-tapes and remote collaboration now shape casting. - The event also highlighted access for performers of different ages, experience levels and abilities.

What happened: - Act With Purpose International concluded a live actor showcase after a 12-week performance training program. - The showcase took place in Seattle on June 8, 2026. - Performers presented scene work and audition material before a panel of agents, talent managers, casting professionals and creatives. - John Franklin Stevens founded Act With Purpose International and leads the training program. - The organization continues to accept actors from Canada, the United States and Europe through online and in-person programming.

The details: - The training emphasizes individualized mentorship, emotional authenticity, self-tape preparation and industry readiness. - Stevens is an actor, producer and acting coach, and he is a member of AACE, the Association of Acting Coaches and Educators. - Stevens has worked professionally in theatre, television, choreography, producing and actor coaching across North America. - Stevens said the showcase is meant to challenge actors, support them and prepare them for professional expectations. - Angela Quinn, a casting director known for work on Wild Goat Surf and ScareBNB, said the showcases are well organized and feature prepared actors who are ready for the industry. - Quinn said the format gives actors a strong opportunity to be seen by many professionals at once. - Brandi Leigh England of Kello Inclusive & All Heart Talent called the group promising and said the actors appeared prepared, focused and professionally trained. - England also said the single-setting feedback from multiple professionals adds value for actors. - Diana Feliz said working with Coach John helped her son Emil Feliz, an actor with special needs, play to his strengths. - Feliz said Stevens created a script for Emil that made rehearsals fun and natural. - Feliz said Emil learned discipline, respected feedback and felt inspired each week. - Stevens is also a founding member of the Act On Ability Foundation, a Toronto-based initiative focused on performers with disabilities and representation in entertainment. - Rashmi Mistry said her daughter Mila-Rose Mistry was later signed by Premier Artists’ Management. - Mistry said Stevens was empathetic, listened closely and explained the learning goals clearly. - Mila-Rose Mistry said the training helped her understand character emotions, learn lines and build comfort with the material. - Mara Santino of Luber Roklin Entertainment said the actors are receiving modern training that matches today’s casting landscape. - Santino said Stevens’ clients are moving faster and standing out sooner than many peers. - More information on upcoming showcases, workshops and training opportunities is available at more information.

Between the lines: - The showcase appears designed as both a training milestone and a networking event. - The presence of casting directors, managers and talent reps suggests the program is trying to shorten the gap between classroom work and industry access. - The repeated emphasis on inclusion points to a broader pitch: the program wants to serve actors who are often underrepresented or overlooked. - The family testimonials reinforce the organization’s image as both technique-focused and emotionally supportive.

What’s next: - Act With Purpose International says it will keep offering showcases, workshops and training through its online and in-person programs. - The organization is positioning future events around confidence-building, audition prep and industry exposure for a global pool of actors. - Actors interested in upcoming opportunities can find details at more information.