I never thought I’d find myself on an Off-Broadway stage in New York City, pretending to be Phoebe Buffay from Friends—and actually loving every second of it. But thanks to Act & Sip, a 90-minute acting boot camp designed for everyday people (like me), I faced one of my biggest fears: performing in front of others. And believe me, for someone with serious stage fright, that’s no small thing.

Held in the heart of Broadway, Act & Sip isn’t your average acting class. It’s a unique, joyfully unpolished experience where locals, tourists, professionals, and first-time performers all gather for one reason—to step out of their comfort zones and have a blast doing it. With a drink in hand (yes, wine helped!), you're eased into the process and suddenly, the nerves start to feel more like excitement.

The class is led by the incredible Catherine Russell, a professional actor and acting coach from the Russell Acting School, whose warm energy and encouragement made even the most timid of us feel ready for the spotlight. Catherine’s guidance was nothing short of magical. In just minutes, she helped our group transform from hesitant strangers into confident, supportive performers.

Here’s how it worked: after a quick round of introductions, each of us was paired with someone we didn’t know and handed a short, one-page scene. Mine? A hilarious exchange from Friends, where I got to play Phoebe Buffay—quirky, confident, and totally free-spirited. It was the perfect challenge for someone like me, usually more reserved, and it pushed me to tap into a side of myself I rarely get to show.

We had about 15 minutes to rehearse our scenes with Catherine’s coaching before performing them for the group. Then came the part I feared most—performing in front of others. But something surprising happened: everyone in the room cheered each other on. There was no judgment, just laughter, applause, and encouragement. We got to perform our scene a second time with the group’s feedback, and the transformation between takes was amazing—not just for me, but for everyone.

It honestly felt like the artistic version of skydiving. I was nervous at first, almost to the point of backing out. But once I took the leap, I was hooked. And I wasn’t alone—many participants said they’d come back again, and several had already been more than once, often bringing friends or family along.

What makes Act & Sip so special is how it combines fun, community, and just the right amount of vulnerability. Whether you’re a curious beginner, an adrenaline junkie, or just someone looking for a new way to meet people and be creative, this class has something for you. It’s an unforgettable way to try acting—without pressure—and maybe discover a little more confidence along the way.

I walked in with stage fright. I walked out as Phoebe Buffay—with a huge grin and a new story to tell.

If you're interested in a more in-depth experience, they offer a six-week Intro/Intermediate acting class held on Saturday mornings from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, where participants work on monologues and scenes, and a casting director attends the final class to provide industry insights and personalized feedback; the next session with availability begins June 7th, 2025, and since classes often sell out, we recommend booking early at www.russellactingstudio.com or by calling 212-262-4637 to reserve your spot and make a payment—if you'd like to observe a class before committing, just email us and we'd be happy to arrange for you to sit in and see if it's the right fit for you. 

All photos Courtesy of Act & Sip and the Russell Acting Studio.