Olivia Oguma (she/her): is an NYC based actress whose credits include – Broadway: Yellow Face, Mamma Mia!, A Christmas Carol, Les Miserables, Disney’s High School Musical (1st National). Off-Broadway: Letters of Suresh (Second Stage), Addressless (Rattlestick), Hello From… (Playwrights Realm), Luce (LCT3) Emotional Creature (Signature), The Imaginary Cuckold (Moliere in the Park), BFE (Playwrights Horizons), The Dispute (NAATCO). Regional: Vietgone (Cincinnati Playhouse), Brightest Thing in the World (Yale Rep), Miss You Like Hell (LaJolla Playhouse), Emotional Creature (Berkeley Rep), Snow Falling on Cedars (Portland CenterStage), Spelling Bee..(Philadelphia Theater Co & Papermill Playhouse) HAIR (Two River Theater), Miss Saigon (NCTheater). Film & TV: This is Where I Leave You, Strangers with Candy, Like Father, “Instinct”, “FBI” “Odd Mom Out”, “Younger”,“Law & Order”, “The Good Wife” “The Big C,” “Great News”, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”. Olivia is the co creator/writer/host of DisOrientalism, an Asian American variety show which has a residency at Joe’s Pub. Olivia is on faculty at A CLASS ACT studios in NYC and has also been on faculty at Abron Art's Center. She has guest taught at the POLK County High Schools in Florida, Random Farm Kids, Hoboken Dance Academy and Broadway Training Camps of Sonoma, to name a few.
Business of Acting with Olivia Oguma
Begins Sunday, January 11th
Breaking into the professional world of acting can feel overwhelming—but this course gives you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate it all. Focusing on theater, film, and television, you’ll gain a clear, practical understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a career in today’s industry.
Each week will focus on a key element of the business—headshots and résumés, audition materials, securing representation, understanding your type, training pathways, union membership, and more. The class will be tailored to the specific needs and questions of its students, creating a responsive and supportive environment where no topic is off-limits.
By the end of the course, you’ll not only understand the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, but also be prepared to take your next professional steps with confidence, clarity, and strategy.
WHEN and HOW: This collaboration will run for six weeks meeting on Zoom.
DATES: Six Sundays beginning January 11th at 1pm EST/10am PST.
1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15
Classes run Sundays 1-3:30pm EST/10am-12:30pm PST
COST: $300-500 (sliding scale—please read below)
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Suggested Cost:
To create intentional space and support for BIPOC attendees, we ask that you pay in light of your financial privileges and with a JEDI spirit (!)
Here are a few guidelines:
$500 – you have reliable sources of food, shelter, and transportation; are employed or financially secure; have regular access to healthcare and savings; can spend recreationally at your discretion (e.g. enjoy a concert, new clothes, a great meal). Paying the full amount also means you are able to support a BIPOC actor with limited resources who would like to join this course.
$400– you have debt that sometimes compromises stability with food, shelter, and/or transportation; are employed; have some access to healthcare and savings; can spend recreationally.
$300 – you are under- or unemployed and/or for other reasons (e.g. healthcare, shelter expenses), you have very limited resources.
Contact us anya@weareurbanhaiku.com if you cannot afford to pay full price but would like to discuss payment plans, work-exchange/trade opportunities, or other options.