Training & Development:
Instructors

Steve Peña

Calliope is proud to announce the return of phenomenal and wildly popular Los Angeles acting instructor, Steve Peña. Steve is a highly regarded and notable acting teacher and private/set coach in both Hollywood and Texas. As an actor, he is a veteran of numerous theatrical projects, industrial videos, and national commercials produced in both markets. Steve is a longtime member of a respected film group headed by a Los Angeles film producer. He has also been a member of the LA Connection Improvisational Troupe, featuring Matthew Perry (Friends) and Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie). Steve guided and performed with Shannon during her stint at LA Connection.

Steve's philosophy is that the craft of acting is not just about the character in the script. Through his coaching techniques and emphasis on character study, Steve safely and humorously guides the actor within the role to make his/her character emerge and be real in the performance. Steve also discusses the subject of "offering yourself to the scene." Steve draws from life and the human condition while teaching. He understands all scriptwriting styles, and knows "what goes on" within the minds of actors. Steve utilizes a library of scripts and sides from working productions in Hollywood. His training sessions consist of extensive scene work.

Steve has been training Calliope actors since the agency's inception in 1993. He also coaches actors signed by Calliope Talent Management in Los Angeles for all of their theatrical auditions. Steve and Calliope CEO Kristy Martin have worked together for nearly two decades, with Kristy repping Steve in Texas and LA, and Steve coaching actors developed by Calliope SA and LA.

Steve has been the private and set coach for Jesse Head (a Calliope alumnus and talent celebrity) for several years. Jesse was a series regular on So Little Time, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's show on Fox, and the Katie Joplin Show (starring Park Overall and Simon Rex). Jesse has also had a recurring role on Summerland, and guest-starred on Grey's Anatomy, ER, Numb3rs,The Pretender, Walker Texas Ranger, Judging Amy, and King of the Hill.