Stephen Manas
Actor Career Strategy for Those Starting With No Industry Connections
Studied at Université Panthéon-Sorbonne (Paris I)
Worked at Apple
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all packages. I usually recommend 90-minute sessions, because one hour can be short when we need real progress. Some clients need 2 or 3 focused sessions, others need longer support. I prefer to understand your situation first, then suggest the format that makes sense. If we start working together, I will follow your progress properly and won’t leave you halfway.
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Stephen's Offerings
Custom hourly · $69/hr
Get help with Acting Techniques, Audition Preparation, and .
Stephen’s Film & Television Qualifications
Coaches professionally
Experience level: Manager
60+ people coached for Film & Television
French actor based between Paris and Los Angeles, with 15 years of experience across film, television and international markets, including France, the UK (Ted Lasso), the US, India and Japan. I have worked across different cultures, industries and production environments, and I understand how important positioning, image, materials and strategy are for actors trying to move forward professionally. Today, with the internet, you can start from almost anywhere. I know this because I started alone, from a small town in the French mountains, with no industry connections, no family support in the business, and no clear roadmap. Over the years, I have informally helped around 50 young actors and actresses improve their headshots, showreels, casting profiles, agent outreach and overall positioning. Some later signed with agencies or managers, others clarified their direction and made better choices for their own path. I do not promise shortcuts, representation or guaranteed roles. Nobody has a crystal ball in this industry. What I offer is a direct, honest and practical review of where you stand, what may be holding you back, and how to move closer to your real potential.
Stephen can help with:
Acting Techniques
Audition Preparation
Freelancing
Interview Prep
Networking Strategy
Resume Review
Skill Building
About Stephen
Acting and Dating Confidence Coach, and international actor best known for my work on Ted Lasso, with professional and life experience across Europe, the US and Asia. Coaching developed naturally through years of helping people around me. What started as informal conversations over coffee gradually grew into private sessions, group work and now a more professional practice. Today besides acting, I coach in two areas: Acting / Film & TV Career Strategy, and Dating Confidence & Self-Presentation. For actors, I help clarify positioning, improve professional materials and build a practical career strategy. For dating clients, I work on confidence, communication, online dating, self-presentation and real-life situations tips. My approach is honest, practical and results-oriented. I take the time to understand each person, identify what is working, what is blocking progress and what concrete steps should come next.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I genuinely enjoy helping people move forward. Since I was 17 or 18, friends often came to me for advice about confidence, dating, communication, understanding women and presenting themselves better. Later, as my acting career developed, more actors began asking me about headshots, showreels, agents, positioning and the mistakes that can waste years. Coaching also connects closely to my own journey. I grew up in a small mountain village, far from the entertainment industry, and built an international career that eventually led me to Ted Lasso. I was also extremely shy around women when I was younger. I faced rejection, awkward situations and moments when it would have been easier to give up, but I kept challenging myself and moving forward. I learned a great deal through that process, and today I am able to share those lessons in a practical way with people facing similar difficulties. Over time, informal conversations became private sessions, group work and referrals through word of mouth. Today, I share what I learned about confidence, persistence, communication, self-presentation and taking action despite fear. What I love most is seeing someone leave a conversation clearer, more confident and ready to act. I respect people who are willing to question themselves and make a real effort. If you are reading this, you are already in the right mindset.
Work Experience
Dating Confidence & Self-Presentation Coach
Self-Employed
January 2023 - Present
Private, individualized coaching developed through referrals and word of mouth. I help (mostly) men improve their confidence, self-presentation, dating profiles, communication, online dating strategy, date preparation and follow-up. My approach is honest, non-judgmental, practical and results-oriented.
Acting Career Strategy Coach
Self-Employed
January 2021 - Present
I coach beginner, amateur and developing actors on career strategy, positioning and professional presentation. My work is to bring out the best version of your overall acting profile, from headshots, résumés, showreels, self-tapes and casting platforms to positioning, castability, agent outreach and a clear next-step strategy.
Actor
Apple
2018 - 2026
Ted Lasso
Published Book Author
Action Takers Publishing
2015 - 2025
Author of Pathless, a book exploring travel, personal growth, creative risk and the process of building an unconventional path. The book was developed from my experiences living and working internationally, particularly across Asia, Europe and the United States.
Education
Université Panthéon-Sorbonne (Paris I)
Master, Merketing
2012 - 2014
University of Westminster
Master 1, Merketing and Communication
2011 - 2012
Stephen was also personally admitted to
Westminster College