Theresa Fowler Pittius is an East Coast-based vocal & acting coach and mentor who specializes in audition/callback prep, self-tapes, college audition prep, career counseling, and artist development in branding/marketing. Her students have been seen on Broadway/tours, film and television series on HBO, NBC, Netflix, FOX, Hulu, and more. She works with performers of all ages from coast to coast on a daily basis, both virtually and in person.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I started out as a performer myself. Three days after I graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, I booked the national Broadway tour of Oliver!, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. I had an incredible experience touring, doing 300 performances of that show, then came back to New York and decided I wanted to get into film. I starred opposite Academy Award Winning actor Martin Landau in a short film, and learned so much in the weeks we filmed together, I decided I wanted to get into producing. I then created and executive produced a national nightlife touring production called the Bar-Top Bandits which ran for 7 years, including a residency in Rockefeller Center, NYC. After getting married I left the nightlife scene and started a digital marketing and pr agency with my business partner Cassie Galasetti called Social Sidekick. Soon after, I began private coaching young performers for film, television, and stage productions, finding a true passion in mentoring talent.

What inspired you to start your business?

I had always noticed that a large percentage of industry talent that I was working with in Manhattan actually lived in New Jersey, specifically the Monmouth County area where I was born and raised. I already had a performing arts studio in the works, and then met Jessi Clayton and we decided to create The Prep together, focusing on a professional track, competitive NY-level training here at the local level.

Where is your business based?

We opened a 4,000ft2 facility in Little Silver, New Jersey (1 hour South of Manhattan) about 2 weeks before COVID/lockdown in March 2020.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

My partner Jessi Clayton and I spent hours putting together our business model, which is constantly changing with the challenges we face every day. When the pandemic started, we immediately adjusted to virtual only training, and spent the time we weren't able to be in our new facility - renovating! Our incredible interior design and construction team created a beautiful space, and we are so grateful we had the time during lockdown to be able to do so. On the training side, we listened to what our students and their families needed and took it from there.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

My clients! When my students have a big booking, press interview, or successful performance, they post on social media and tag me and my business with a thank you. The ripple effect follows.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Finding time for myself. This is a constant struggle. I've been making a significant effort this past month to set that time aside for my own personal self care, and it's been going very well! When you're overworked and exhausted, you cannot give your best to your business.

How do you stay focused?

I take it one day at a time and am a major multi-tasker. Every day is a new adventure with new challenges, adventures, and celebrations.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We have managed to remain unique in our business model and do not have any direct competition. We are a complete full-service studio and are constantly growing and evolving, striving to stay ahead in the industry and competitive with what our clients' needs are, making our business truly special.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

We celebrate our students' wins and give aspiring performers a glimpse into what works in industry training. More than half of our new clientele comes directly from Instagram/Facebook, the rest is the word of mouth/industry recommendations. We are fortunate in that we do not need to advertise.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Keep your head down and focus on your own business, your own personal growth, and your own work. Set the bar high and work hard to achieve the goals you set for yourself. When you feel it's time to get an assistant, get the assistant. Let others help you who are excited about your business. You will be surprised at how quickly you grow.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app is definitely Instagram. I have seen so many businesses, including my own, grow tremendously from this app since day one. I've also enjoyed watching small businesses grow through Instagram. No one ever talks about it, but Instagram truly has been a blessing for so many small business owners.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Great question and this is tough because there are so many! I'd say my favorites are Canva for design work for social media posts, Wix for easy website design, Final Cut Pro for video editing and marketing, and Adobe Audition/Logic Pro for Voice Over recording and editing. These are tools I use in my work every week.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I love fellow Jersey Girl Barbara Corcoran's story. I root for the success stories of those who built something out of nothing. I admire hustlers, go-getters, and hard workers with no-nonsense attitudes. I have dear industry colleagues with who I have tremendous relationships because they are like-minded, and our relationships have led to great success for our mutual clients.

·How do you balance work and life?

Any truly successful entrepreneur will tell you that this is nearly impossible. My husband is a saint and not in the same industry. He knows how much I love what I do and fully supports my hectic work schedule. We spend evenings, weekends, and holidays together, and enjoy going on a few vacations a year when we can.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Going out with my husband, family, or friends to a nice dinner, or relaxing on my deck or in the hot tub with a glass of red wine!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Creating unique and competitive hybrid instruction for our students that will help them with the constantly-changing industry. We have set up classes specifically geared toward the working actor's needs: Advanced Pilot Season Prep, Dialect Training, On-Camera Technique, Long Form Improv, Commercial and Animation VO, Home Audio Tech, Songbook Repertoire, Home Self Tape Demonstration, Personal Branding, and Marketing, Actors Access and Casting Networks Profile Info sessions, Agent and Manager Showcases and more.

How can our readers connect with you?

Instagram @ThePrepNJ and @TheresaPittius.