Arts & Entertainment Compass

Following a lightning-fast sell-out of the initial date, Robert Russell and Jessica Polsky have announced an encore date for the year’s most intensive acting seminar. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the “Power Duo” of international representation and master coaching returns to Manhattan to equip the next generation of actors with the tools to dominate the global market.

The Encore Event

• Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Doors open at 12:45 PM)
• Location: Studios 353 (353 West 48th St, 2nd Floor, NYC)
• Tickets HERE or direct via email for a 10% discount at: jessicapolskycoachingstudio@gmail.com

STUDENT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

A Global Career Injection

The industry has shifted. In 2026, the self-tape is the universal currency, and casting offices in London, Paris, and LA are looking for a specific caliber of “industry-savvy” talent. This 4.5-hour double seminar provides a rare “behind-the-curtain” look at elite casting and a “tough-love” masterclass in craft.

Phase 1: The Global Rap Session (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

Led by JESSICA POLSKY (Senior Agent, Dryblue Agency) Overseeing North American operations for a premiere international agency, Jessica’s roster currently appears in global hits like Dune, Wednesday, Black Mirror, and Mission Impossible.

• The Mission: Learn what lands a self-tape in the “Yes” pile worldwide.
• The Bonus: Jessica will be collecting materials for consideration for her expanding elite roster.

Phase 2: The Acting Dissertation (3:15 PM – 5:30 PM)

Led by ROBERT RUSSELL (Master Acting Coach & Industry Titan) With 30 years as a Casting Director, Russell trains actors like fighters.

• The Mission: Strip away “acting” to find the “raw truth.”
• The Goal: Condition your performance so creative teams have no choice but to cast you.

Why This Matters Now

“He’s the North Star guiding you through the leviathan that is Hollywood… the man is truly a part of history.” — Albert Reid, Student.

For college-age and Tri-State actors, the message is clear: if you are waiting for a “break,” you’re already behind. This seminar is built on the 3 D’s: Discipline, Drive, and Determination. It is designed to move actors out of their comfort zones and into “fighting shape” for the 2026 casting landscape.

About the Mentors

• Jessica Polsky: A former Broadway artist and European network TV star turned Senior Agent. She handles the daily casting traffic for major worldwide hubs and knows exactly how the intricate mechanics of today’s international casting process work.
• Robert Russell: A veteran industry giant whose lineage includes the founders of the Pussycat Dolls and creators of Burlesque. He believes in “truth serum” acting—logic, authenticity, and hardcore passion.

Registration Details

Due to the popularity of the first session, tickets for the May 17th date are expected to move quickly.

TICKETS HERE

TO SKIP THE LINE AND RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT:

Email your request directly to jessicapolskycoachingstudio@gmail.com.

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Robert Russell

The Industry Titan

Robert Russell doesn’t just coach; he conditions. With 30 years at the highest levels of the industry,

Robert has dominated the rooms that matter—serving as a high-level Casting Director for major TV networks and feature films. Born into an entertainment dynasty (including cousins Robin Antin, creator of The Pussycat Dolls, and Steve Antin, director of Burlesque), show business is his DNA. Robert was a leader in the Reality TV Movement of the 90s. Today, he is sought after worldwide by A-list stars for his legendary “tough-love” training style, preparing actors to step into the audition ring like fighters ready to win.

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Jessica Polsky

The Global Trailblazer

From Broadway stages to European primetime celebrity, Jessica Polsky Alotto has climbed every rung of the industry ladder. After a 20-year career as a major TV star in Italy, she moved behind the scenes as a Producer, Director, and Casting Professional. Now, as the Senior Agent for Dryblue Agency (DBA), she oversees North American operations for a premiere global roster of over 700 actors. With HQ in London and offices worldwide, Jessica is the ultimate bridge between New York talent and the international stage, specializing in turning local actors into global icons.