SD Acting Studio

Founded by acclaimed actor and instructor Sean Dillingham, SD Acting Studio has become one of the most respected and award-winning training centers in Arizona. Located in the heart of Scottsdale, the studio has earned top honors including Best of the Valley, Best of Phoenix, and multiple awards for Best Acting Studio, reflecting its commitment to excellence in actor training and community impact.

 

A Studio Built by a Working Actor

Unlike many acting schools led solely by educators, SD Acting Studio is run by Sean Dillingham — a working actor with more than 230+ commercials, 100+ films, and 31+ national television series to his credit. Sean’s professional career spans film, network and cable television, and theatre, giving students direct insight into the realities of today’s entertainment industry.

 

Sean has shared the screen with industry icons such as Kevin Costner, Tony Danza, Jane Seymour, Patrick Duffy, Roger Bart, Stacy Keach, John O’Hurley, Andre Braugher, Andy Samberg, Milo Ventimiglia, Bob Odenkirk, Ashton Kutcher, Sam Elliott, Mickey Rourke, Will Forte, Laurence Fishburne, Kristen Wiig, Alec Baldwin, BJ Novak, and more. He has also worked under the direction of Francis Ford Coppola, JJ Abrams, Taylor Sheridan, BJ Novak, Jordan Peele, and the Coen Brothers.

 

 

Training Philosophy and Approach

At SD Acting Studio, training goes far beyond memorization and performance. Sean emphasizes a holistic approach to acting that equips students with the tools to excel in all mediums: feature films, shorts, commercials, stage productions, voiceover, user-generated content, and more. His instruction is rooted in decades of experience and is guided by the principle that acting is equal parts technique, imagination, and discipline.

 

Sean’s training background includes study with some of the most prestigious institutions and improv troupes in the country, including The Second City, The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, and iO West, as well as continued work with the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre and Stella Adler Theatre. This blend of classical and improvisational training shapes a curriculum that is dynamic, practical, and deeply effective.

 

 

Recognition and Contribution

Sean is not only a performer and teacher but also an award-winning actor, instructor, and producer. His work has been recognized across multiple platforms, and his expertise has guided countless actors into successful careers at every level of the industry.

 

He is also the author of "The Book on Acting", a guide distilling over 30 years of professional experience into clear, actionable advice for actors pursuing the craft at any stage.

 

 

Legacy of Excellence

With its award-winning reputation, industry connections, and real-world training, SD Acting Studio stands apart as Arizona’s premier destination for actors seeking to sharpen their skills, expand their opportunities, and learn directly from an artist who lives the profession daily. Whether preparing for film, television, stage, or voiceover work, students leave SD Acting Studio with not only stronger craft but also the confidence to thrive in an ever-changing industry.

 

Classes are conducted in person at:

SD Acting Studio

4425 N Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale, Az 85251