Rebecca Wahls is Acting for Young People’s Artistic Associate and holds an MFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon University, where she was a John Wells Fellow. In. 2025, her directing work has been seen in New York, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. Rebecca was Artist in Residence at Duke University for 2024-25 and currently teaches at Christopher Newport University.
55, 45, and 30 minute Zoom sessions are available. Parents and students are welcome to choose the session length that best suits the individual’s learning. If you are unsure which length is right for you, please reach out!
55 minute sessions are recommended for high school students and adults.
45 minute sessions are recommended for middle school and younger high school students.
30 minute sessions are recommended for elementary and younger middle school students
About
Rebecca has worked with Acting for Young People since Fall 2012 teaching for after-school, summer camp, and showcase programs. Rebecca has taught both Acting for Adults (18+) and Improv for Adults (18+) with AFYP. She is an Assistant Professor of Theater at Christopher Newport University. She was Artist in Residence at Duke University (2024-25), has taught corporate improv workshops with Art Propel, and is a professional freelance director. Her work has been nominated for four theatreWashington Helen Hayes Awards.
As an acting coach, Rebecca has worked primarily with teens preparing for college auditions and younger students preparing for industry showcases. Rebecca has successfully coached students ranging in age from 5-50. Her students have been admitted to competitive programs such as NYU’s Tisch School of Drama and the Signature Conservatory. Rebecca is skilled in coaching contemporary and classical monologue styles for stage and screen.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebecca has actively worked with actors remotely. Online coaching sessions are ideal for busy high school students who are running between rehearsal, dance, voice lessons, sports, and more.
Testimonials
“I am a current sophomore pursuing a BA in Theatre at the University of Southern California. I began working with Rebecca the summer before my senior year of high school and I am so grateful that I did. Rebecca’s coaching truly impacted my craft and allowed me to see my potential as an actor. What was amazing about working with Rebecca was that it gave me a system of practice and repetition and I could continuously improve on my work. Every point and critique given deepened my understanding of plays and characters. And most importantly, through coaching from Rebecca, I learned how to translate my intellectual understanding of characters into emotional human beings, freeing myself from getting stuck in my head. Working with Rebecca took my craft to the next level.”
— Madhav, College Sophomore
With students after Robinson upper’s production of peter and the starcatcher
"Working with Rebecca was absolutely amazing, she encouraged me to make strong, specific choices based in the history and written life of the character, and encouraged me to harness my individuality and bring it into the work. The growth that came from working with her not only shone through in the specific audition we were working, but also in my continued work as I audition and work as an actor in New York."
— Zac, High School Student
“Rebecca has always pushed me to think outside my comfort zone and analyze my characters in-depth, going beyond what is written on the page. Her knowledge of character development, dynamics, physicality, and expression is extensive and has allowed me to embody complex characters with confidence. Rebecca also pays attention to who I am as a person and has helped me find audition monologues that balance my own characteristics and personality with the character’s, allowing me to focus on advanced technique rather than having to spend time trying to connect with the character. Rebecca’s patience and willingness to listen to my thoughts and adapt her teaching to my acting style has led me to become a stronger and more well-rounded actor.”
— Sofie, High School Student
"Rebecca is a phenomenal teacher; learning to work as a group, trusting my own instincts, and listening intently in an improv setting surprisingly translated well to my daily life and research meetings."
— Justin, CMU Acting for Non-Majors Student
“Rebecca is truly someone you want to have on your team when it comes to professional, personal, and moldable feedback (with both direction and writing!). She is really able to see your vision and help guide you without being pushy or close minded, and I can't thank her enough for the input she's given me on my projects!”
— Juliette Aaslestad, Playwright & Actor
"As a playwright, having someone you trust to review your work and help bring it to life is priceless. Rebecca has been that person for me countless times throughout my artistic career. She really knows what a script needs and has the tools and talent to give feedback in a very digestible way. Rebecca will always be my go-to artist for advice on new script ideas. She truly has an incredible ability to bring a story to life."
— Skye Lindberg, Playwright & Actor