Weekly Mentorship with Director & Filmmaker, Dustin James Leighton

Overview

Office Hours are a dedicated time each week for Acting and Cold Brews students to ask questions, explore challenges, and receive guidance from a working filmmaker and actor with over three decades of experience. Led by Dustin James Leighton — an established director, cinematographer, and SAG-AFTRA performer — these sessions provide insight into both the craft and the business of screen acting.

Why Office Hours Exist

The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, and understanding how to navigate auditions, representation, and the broader creative process is essential. Office Hours offer a structured, supportive environment to discuss technique, professional preparation, and artistic strategy. Students can bring questions from class, filmed lessons, or their own projects for personalized feedback.

Format & Access

Office Hours are scheduled to complement in-person classes, taking place the first and last half-hour of Monday nights. Online members can participate remotely through their included monthly Zoom sessions, ensuring access from anywhere. These sessions are designed to be approachable, interactive, and practical — a dedicated space to engage directly with an experienced filmmaker and actor, ask questions, and explore challenges in real time.

Connection to the Program

Office Hours are just one element of the Acting and Cold Brews experience. Students also benefit from professionally filmed lessons, ongoing online content, and the opportunity for long-term growth through our private film ensemble, Leighton Atelier. Together, these elements create a continuous environment for developing craft, perspective, and professional readiness.