Meet Amy Lyndon
We recently connected with Amy Lyndon and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My book, “The Lyndon Technique: 15 Guideline Map to Booking Technique,” has been called a ‘secret weapon’ for actors. The Technique has been instrumental in turning out 56+ Series Regulars, an Emmy Award Winner and 1000’s of working actors around the world.
Here’s the backstory: I started acting when I was 10 years old and loved it so much that I would appear in every play that I could get my hands on that didn’t require a ride anywhere. At 16, I was finally allowed to jump on a train to study in NYC at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse Junior School. I then went on to graduate from Syracuse University’s VPA Conservatory Program with a BFA and promptly flew out to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming a working actor. When in LA, I studied with Stella Adler, Harry Mastrogeorge, comedy at The Groundlings, CBS Comedy on the Lot, and the list goes on.
All of my training taught me how to act, but not how to book an acting job! I found that booking feature films came easier to me because the filmmakers were looking for complexity in character and I sure knew how to do that. But what I didn’t know was how to book a television job! I was always picking up the energy in the casting office and I was suffering terribly with debilitating nerves. I couldn’t figure it out.
But by the time 1989 rolled around, I did! I finally figured out how to book television and unbeknownst to me at the time, the “Technique” that has helped 1000’s of actors around the world, was born. In 1993, my friend asked me to coach her daughter for the lead in a studio feature film and she encouraged me to teach her what I had been doing… and she booked it! I thought, “Wow!” It’s working for other actors too!! Cut to 2 years later, I opened my school, “The Lyndon Technique: The 15 Guideline Map to Booking.”
My students had been asking me for years to write a book explaining the Guidelines. In 2009 the original book was launched. Since then, I have been asked to teach here and abroad, created an Audio Book, Online Courses, a Business and Booking Site for Actors, an Actor’s Club, a Podcast and I personally teach over 120 actors a week.
I wouldn’t change one single word. If anything, since 1995, my Technique has become more refined.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have been entertaining the public since the age of 10. Having grown up in New Rochelle, New York, formal training was as easy as jumping on a train. At 16, I studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse (NYC) and went on to England to tackle the prestigious London Academy of Performing Arts. After earning my BFA from Syracuse University, I experienced intense drama training with Stella Adler and Harry Mastrogeorge and extensive comedy training with The Groundlings, CBS Comedy on The Lot, Int’l Blend Comedy Troupe with Rick Overton and The Comedy Store. I have over 111 IMDB Credits.
I have 50+ films, some including: “The UnMiracle” with Stephen Baldwin, “And They’re Off” with Sean Astin, “The Poughkeepsie Tapes” for MGM, “The House That Jack Built” with Joe Mantegna and 4 LionsGate Feature Films: “B.T.K,” “Dracula’s Guest,” “Ed Gein: The Butcher Of Plainfield” and “Chicago Massacre: Richard Speck.” Lyndon also Starred in Chris Pratt’s first film “Cursed Part 3,” written & directed by Rae Dawn Chong. I can be seen as the Lead in 2024 in the Upcoming Feature Films; “Lady Parts,” and “Face Love.”
On Television, I Guest Starred in over 30+ television shows, some including: “NCIS,” “Adopting Terror” for Lifetime, “Law and Order: Los Angeles,” “Eagleheart,” “Ugly Betty,” “Entourage,” “NYPD Blue” and “JAG.” I was also Recurring in “Days of Our Lives,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “General Hospital,” “Young and The Restless” and had a Recurring Guest Lead in “Freddy’s Nightmares.”
Additionally, I’m a Multi-Award Winning director, writer, producer and a Former Personal Manager who owned Gold-Levin Talent for 9 years. I am considered Hollywood’s Premiere Celebrity Booking Coach, Author and Creator of the International and revolutionary, “The Lyndon Technique – The 15 Guideline Map To Booking,” which has helped 1000’s of Actors achieve their dream of success in the Entertainment Industry around the globe for 29 years.
“The Lyndon Technique” dispels the myths of the audition process and provides the Actor with an effective, straightforward approach to nailing their auditions and booking the job. It helps the Actor study smarter, feel empowered in their auditions and always know what they are doing. I was voted one of the “Top Audition Technique Teachers” by Backstage.com for 4 years, her book was nominated by the Reader’s Choice at Backstage.com as a top acting book proudly sitting alongside Stella Adler, Sandford Meisner and Michael Shurtleff’s books. I also ran the column “Ask Amy” for Castittalent.com, was an Expert Writer for Backstage.com and currently I have a great article in Casting Frontier.
“The Lyndon Technique” is part of the curriculum at the University of Kansas and was part of “Aaron Sorkin Week” through Syracuse University. I have had the opportunity to travel all over the United States and parts of Canada conducting intensives and lecturing about how to make it in the acting world teaching my Technique, helping Actors understand the philosophical principals of booking and teaching the importance and application of marketing and business strategies.
“The actor must approach acting like an Olympic athlete. The more you practice the necessary skills, the more you will book. When a high level of discipline and concentration on the work is achieved, you will see incredible results.” – Amy Lyndon
My newest venture is my inspirational apparel and decor’ Trademarked and Registered company I AM ENOUGH COLLECTION. The “I Am Enough Collection” is a daily reminder that you can live the life you deserve because you are strong enough, you are smart enough, you are worthy enough, you are confident enough, you are talented enough, you are beautiful enough… YOU are enough.
Every time you wear anything or use anything from my collection you will be reminded of the power within and that you are enough exactly as you are. Your life’s purpose and your dreams are limitless because YOU are Enough! Believe it. Live it. Wear it. Stand up and be counted! Say it LOUD. Say it PROUD to the world, “I AM ENOUGH EXACTLY AS I AM!” ❤
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
All my life I have struggled with feeling like I wasn’t enough. And my students are no exception. I have worked long and hard to get to a place where I feel like I have a voice. Don’t get me wrong. It’s still a struggle, but now I will not shut up. I refuse to back down on my power and my dreams. It is my honor to help people find their power, fulfill their dreams and become successful. Whether it’s from helping them succeed in their life as an actor or reminding them of their value through my brand I Am Enough Collection.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I tell everyone not to feel afraid to share their lives on social media. You never know who might benefit. I always hope to education and inspire. As long as I can feel like someone out there might learn something, that makes me happy. Figure out what your voice is about. I think it’s great to post your trips and such, but sharing what you’ve learned along the way is most beneficial.