Let’s Find Your Next Stop…
Realistic Pathways
to your
WILDEST DREAMS
College Auditions can feel like you’ve been dropped in Times Square without a map! Not to worry I’ve got your ticket for
College Audition Express Train
It starts with a 45-minute consultation where we will begin to map out a path to the school that is right for you!
College Audition
Express Train
Knowledge
From audition prep to deposit day, NYCAC guides you through it all. Get answers, personalized assistance, and support tailored to your needs.
Organization
Work SMARTER, not harder. With spreadsheet templates, online scheduling, and my support, nail your auditions while enjoying your senior year.
Confidence
More 1:1 coaching and rehearsal hours than any coaching service. We’ll work until you feel the best you’ve ever felt as an actor.
Perspective
On hard days, look to me to interject some real-world industry-specific information that will help give you and your parents perspective.
A Technique for ‘Stage Presence’
Often misunderstood as something you either have or don’t, performance quality or ‘stage presence’ can make or break any dance. Your pathway to building a technique around stellar stage presence starts with three steps:
Give your work the authenticity of
NYC
It doesn’t matter if you’re preparing to audition for your first show or a final call back for a Broadway show – let’s work together to make sure you are doing your absolute best work.
Steven J. West
I grew up in a Detroit suburb as an athlete and didn’t see my first live production until 10th grade. Early on, I learned to pursue my goals with tenacity and kindness, and I’ve held onto those values. While my goals and location have changed, I still believe in working hard without stepping on others, and I teach my students the same.
I hold a BFA in Acting from Wayne State University and trained at the Moscow Art Theatre School. After graduating, I worked regionally with Great Lakes Theater and other Midwest companies before moving to NYC in 2011. As a performer, I’ve done everything from Shel Silverstein to Shakespeare, both in NYC and nationwide.
As a teaching artist, I’ve brought theatre into diverse classroom settings and served as an Interim Director of Education.
Mia Mirable
Suny New Paltz, BA Theatre 26
New Paltz / New York
Steve was an AMAZING coach. I was recommended to use him from a theater company and he helped me tremendously. Before working with him I was completely lost within the college audition process and truly didn’t even know where I stood or what to perform. Even after only 1 session I felt more prepared, and after all the sessions I was also a better actor from his coaching. And, he always reassured me that everything would work out and I would end up where I needed to be, and of course, it did work out and I was accepted to multiple BFA and BA programs. Thank you for all of your help Steve!
Bridget Trebon
James Madison University, BA Theatre '26
Harrisonburg / VA
Steve was one of the most important investments in my college audition journey. It was infinitely helpful to have someone a text away to answer my random questions as they arose. He made me feel so confident in my material and helped me narrow down what I wanted from my training as an actor.
Jaiden Riley
Nazareth College , BFA Musical Theatre '26
New Paltz / New York
In the 15 years I have been in theater, you are one of the only people I have worked with that inspired me! As I reminisce on the past year, I am reminded of the people who truly want the best for you…and the people who work tirelessly to guide you and push you. You’ve pushed and inspired me. Thank you for trusting me…and I want to thank you for the art you’ve learned that you lay onto me. You're gonna get me all emotional Thank you for guiding me and challenging yourself in this college process as well. I'm so forever grateful for your art and guidance!
Amy McKelvey
Parent
Dearborn / MI
We l loved working with Steven. He was there 24/7 and answered emails, calls and text promptly. He got us the information we needed and answered all questions in a timely manner. Even going above and beyond to meet with us in New York when we were there for Unifieds!! He literally showed up during a major snowstorm to make sure we were prepared!!
Sydney Robinson
LIU Post Alum
New York / NY
Everyone assumed my new found confidence was because I got the lead....While that is partially true, the real cause was steve. He believed in me and helped me overcome my fear. That is really all it comes down to. There is no big gesture or cheerful event I just finally had someone who believed in me and told me that it was ok to have confidence in my talents and feel sad when I failed or the next four years I got to be a student of steve's and he even help me with my car donations during this time I saw him extend worth and positivity to every kid he interacted with he made us feel understood and that we could achieve the dream that we envision for ourselves.
Anna Llewellyn
New York / NY
I was lucky enough to work with Steve as both a student and assistant director- you won't find a more encouraging and dedicated teacher. He's pretty much the only person on the planet who will make audition process genuinely fun as well as successful. I would recommend him to any of my students in a heartbeat. He's the best!
Susannah Scheffler
New York / NY
I had the pleasure of working with Steve as both student and colleague. His passion for theatre, experience with the craft, natural enthusiasm, and empathy he shows all who we works with make him an incredible mentor and teacher. He brings out the best in his students by focusing on their strengths while always encouraging them to take risks. Can't recommend Steve enough!
Rebecca Wassem
Dance Teacher / The Pulse Performing Arts Center
Westchester, NY
Steven is amazing - his excitement and passion for working with the kids and encouraging them to achieve their goals. My son Shane has responded to him and his suggestions so well his entire performance has changed since working with Steven. He is more open to expressing himself on stage and his confidence has seen huge improvements. I highly highly highly recommend Steven to anyone looking for an amazing and positive influence for your child !
Sara “Cha Cha” Tolchinsky
New York / NY
Steve West is one of the most energetic, thoughtful, and encouraging teachers you will ever work with. He will dissect every moment and help you make it better. He will mentor you and show you what an incredible human being you already are. He will jump up and down and let you express all your creative energy in a healthy and productive way. He will help you become a more well-rounded person and performer. Having worked with Steve as his student and as a fellow teacher, I cannot recommend him highly enough!
Anna Waiter
The Hartt School Alum
New York / NY
Steve was my acting teacher and a great mentor to me for my junior and senior years of high school. I can’t say enough about how much I loved his class; he has a gift for unlocking potential in young actors and helping them to stop “performing” and to just be truthful. Steve makes every student feel seen and accepted for who they are. And in regards to college auditions he was always objective and realistic while making sure that I knew, through all the craziness, that I would end up where I was supposed to and everything would be fine. I chose my college conservatory which I love on his advice and insight into the current NY theatre landscape!
Matty Levenberg
BFA Musical Theatre '23
Philadelphia / PA
I took classes with Steve for two years and loved every second of it! At every single class, Steve made us feel comfortable, excited, cared about, and confident enough to try new things! He kept us interested, he fed our passion for theatre, and he taught us so much. Steve is an incredible teacher and I highly recommend taking classes with him!
Emma Chapnick
New York / NY
I had Steve as a theatre teacher when I was in high school, and he is one of the most kind, understanding, and brilliant teachers I've ever had. I also assisted Steve for two summers and learned a lot about how to be a successful teacher. He taught the kids so much, and had a bright, fun energy while doing it. I look up to Steve, both as a person and a teacher, and strongly recommend him!!
Kristen Quesada
Principal
Churchill High School, Livonia Michigan
I was Steve’s high school theater director. Where do I begin?! The energy, charisma, and positive outlook on everything just skims the surface when describing Steve. He has a magical quality that cannot be defined. His ability to connect with ALL students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences is unmatched. Steve’s talent not only lies in his knowledge and expertise of his craft, but in his ability to individualize the material he’s teaching— in an effort to get the most out of his students performances. He is kind, empathetic, and passionate about his work. I cannot recommend him enough. Work with Steve. You will not be disappointed
Podcast Episodes
