We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fran Montano. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fran below.

Fran, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I started out as an actor who didn’t know anything or how to go about it. I began taking classes. From there, whenever I reached a new level of my training and experience I had to find a new coach, new place, new situation, When it came time to perform on stage I had to go to another school or join a theater company. When I wanted to do something different like write or direct I had to look for another resource. When I was ready for industry people to see my work, I had again to find somewhere different. When I became a working actor and knew what I was doing and was teaching, I decided to start a business where people could get all they need at one place. A place for beginners to train, for advanced actors to also train, a place to perform,, write, direct, showcase their work and network with other creative people and industry people. So I created the Actors Workout Studio where whatever level you are at or whatever place you’re in, there is an opportunity to do it as well as meet professionals doing the same thing,

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have owned and operated one of the longest running acting schools in Los Angeles, which has received more than 20 production and theater awards. I founded the Actors Workout Studio to be an intimate and inspirational creative community, where both aspiring and working actors can explore and discover new tools and resources to expand and accelerate their artistic journeys. My students range from brand new beginning actors to accomplished working actors of all ages in film, television, theater and new media. I coach not only actors, but also writers, directors, and other creative professionals who want to learn acting techniques that will improve and advance their own craft.

I first arrived in Los Angeles over 30 years ago. I was fortunate and booked steady television roles on shows such as ER, Melrose Place, The Nanny, Married With Children, Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, Sunset Beach, Becker, and many more. I was a series regular on the Showtime series Laughs and appeared in numerous films and commercials. I have performed in countless stage productions, and is well established in the Los Angeles independent theater and film communities, having been recognized with Artistic Director Achievement awards from the Los Angeles Valley Theater League, multiple Drama-Logue Awards, two Telly Awards, a Cine Golden Eagle Award, and an Emmy. Hopefully my background in acting, producing, theater and film makes me an ideal resource for actors in Los Angeles to find their own way toward authenticity and success in their craft and careers.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I was fortunate to meet and rent space from Lynda Goodfriend. Lynda was a Television actress who played Lori Beth Cunningham, Richie’s girlfriend then wife on the the TV Sitcom Happy Days. When we met she was a wonderful actress, acting coach and children’s manager. She taught children and I taught adults. We had a wonder artistic connection and she invited me to be her partner where we converted her space into two theaters and created the Actors Workout Studio. She was in charge of the children” program and I managed the adult program. We had classes for all ages and mounted productions for both children and adults. Several years into it Lynda’s management career took off. She became a full time manager for children stars. I took over the Actor’s Workout Studio and focused on adult training.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of clients for me has always been word of mouth.. My reputation is in breaking blocks of actors. I work individually with each actor and focus on their specific needs, I do this by keeping my classes small and intimate so the energy is like working with a private coach. I am know for being quite aggressive in pushing them through their fears, bad habits, and tricks so the can actor work more from their authenticity. Actors who have had great shifts in their work tell others and they contact me. Casting directors, agents, managers, and directors hear about be through the people they work with and send them my way. I also wrote a book “Act Authentically” available on Amazon that does very well in attracting students.

Contact Info:

• Website: actorsworkout.com