We recently connected with Theresa Pittius and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Theresa with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Work ethic is everything. I’m a firm believer in always putting in the hard work, no matter what. Since I was young, I’ve always worked 2 jobs at once. I didn’t have a lot growing up, and the desire to constantly have multiple sources of income so I could afford the things I wanted in life drove my ambition. Still does! I was also fortunate enough to have my grandmother, who taught me so much about life, family, love, values. She took me to my first Broadway show. She will forever be the reason I do what I do.
In my early 20’s, I realized I did not want to continue to make money working for people/bosses who didn’t appreciate it. I started my first business and never looked back. There’s nothing like working for yourself. Your work ethic becomes even more fulfilling when it’s for your own business.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Theresa’s students of all ages can been seen on Broadway, National & International Tours and Regional Theatre, in Feature Films as well as on Television networks & major streaming services like HBO MAX, Apple TV+, Netflix, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, Showtime, AMC+, Amazon Prime, HULU, Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel, Disney+ & more. From Sundance to Tribeca to Cannes, her students’ projects shine across world venues. She has directly coached and prepped her personal roster of students into 70+ Series Regular roles in various television productions. Collectively, Theresa’s students have booked over $50M in projects since 2021.
Theresa’s voiceover clients range in age from 4 to 54, and have starred/are currently starring in numerous animated features and popular animated series across streaming services and major networks, as well as in national commercials, radio, audiobooks, dubbing/looping projects & podcasts. She and business partner Jessi Clayton own one of just two SAG-AFTRA – approved Recording Studios in the state of New Jersey at The Prep, hosting high profile recording sessions for A-list VO talent w/ all of the major networks for animated features and series.
In addition, Theresa’s expertise in social media marketing, self-promotion & branding as Co-Founder of Social Sidekick® Media, Branding & Public Relations has taken her career counseling for her students to the next level on social media, television interviews, national & local press, and established digital media presence alongside her partner, award-winning publicist Cassie Galasetti.
Theresa is an Expert Contributor for Backstage.com, a member of SOVAS™ and a proud graduate of The American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA NYC, 2003). She is certified in Mental Health for Performers & Advanced Vocal Technique under Michael Jacobs Vocal Studio, NYC, as well as British RP under Michael Rodgers Studio in Milan, Italy. Theresa currently trains under Anna Garduno of Voice Forward NYC and acclaimed Director/Teacher Larry Moss.
The Prep is a professional track training studio dedicated to providing performing artists with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed in the entertainment industry. We offer a range of programs and resources to help artists hone their craft and achieve their career goals in areas such as on-camera acting, voiceover, vocal technique, and more. We have several studios across the United States, specifically in Little Silver, NJ, New York City, and most recently, our new Los Angeles studio located in Burbank! If you are an LA local interested in learning about The Prep firsthand, we will be hosting the Grand Opening of our Burbank studio on April 5th from 11am-3pm. Come meet the owners and our Prep Fam, and enjoy new classes, studio tours, faculty meet & greets, refreshments, special offers, and more. RSVP and find CLASS PASSES at ThePrepLA.com (http://ThePrepLA.com).
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience: Whether in the entertainment industry or your personal life, being resilient allows you to view challenges as opportunities for growth. The ability to come back after a setback is so important for your professional and personal development. For example, the film and television industry came to a complete halt in 2020 when the global pandemic hit, just a few weeks after signing the lease on our New Jersey location. Despite the unprecedented times, my students and instructors at The Prep were able to instantly adapt through virtual connection and work with what we had to continue to thrive in the industry. On a more positive note, this new virtual aspect allowed our business to expand even further, connecting us with clients globally. Surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging, and driven people is essential to a successful journey.
Effective Communication: Throughout my journey I’ve had to perfect my communication skills, as I work with many different aspects of the entertainment industry. From managers and agents to youth aged students, you have to be able to connect and foster a real relationship with people. This is true for your personal life as well, the ability to express yourself is one of the most important skills you can have. To do this, you can learn to become a good listener, engage with likeminded people and mentors and never stop learning.
Adaptability: Resilience and adaptability go hand in hand. In this rapidly changing world we’re in, you have to be able to adapt and keep going. Navigating challenges makes you grow and build character. Every obstacle you face forces you to get out of your comfort zone and confront your limits. This is the part in your journey where you’ll really learn about yourself.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I learn by doing. I do not have a college degree. I gain knowledge by taking risks and learning along the way. As a business owner, I grow by pushing the limits of what has been done before me in the industry. I build my business on what I see my clients need, and I grow with them in an ever changing industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theprepnj.com https://www.theprepny.com https://www.theprepla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresapittius/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheresaPittius
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresapittius/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TheresaPittius
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChvCk_D_KMEv8G-aDBXfAtQ
- Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@theprepnj.ny.la
Image Credits
Photos provided by Theresa Pittius
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.