Performing Arts Academy of MarinNow a global independent talent/model scout working closely with various agencies in the Bay Area and Los Angeles markets, Melinda has joined the faculty of the prestigious school, Performing Arts Academy of Marin. Starting 2021, she will be teaching 2 day, on camera intensive acting classes for tweens and teens. Located conveniently off 101 in Mill Valley, PAAM has 6 beautiful studios with a black box theater.
Melinda scouted me when I was 9 years old and has been an absolute angel to me ever since. I have trained with Melinda privately and attended many of her group classes and witnessed first hand that her care and love for her students is unlike any other. She knows exactly what she's doing, from multi cam comedy, drama, commercials and dance, her insight is amazing. Besides giving me the necessary tools for performing at my highest potential, Melinda has given me the best advice throughout the years both in my professional career, and on a personal level. Your creativity, talent, wisdom and support have been invaluable for my journey as a young actor. Thank you, Melinda! Looking forward to many more years to come!
Love,
Emma Berman
(Star of the Disney/Pixar feature film LUCA, Disney's SuperKitties and Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures on Disney+ and Disney Junior)
Summer 2024 On-Camera Filmmaker Classes
Self-Tape Boot Camp Summer 2023
Summer Film Series 2023
Previous Workshops
Testimonials
My daughter has taken several acting classes from Melinda and they have proven an exceptional investment in preparing her for casting calls. She comes away from each class with restored confidence and new knowledge that she didn't have before. She was fortunate to have been in one of the first series of classes that was being piloted as a "boot camp" (intensive) class which was one afternoon a week (on a weekend) for 3 weeks. If you have an opportunity to sign your child up for that--DO IT! It really prepares them for the next step. And even if they've taken classes in the past, this course (and these classes) serve as a fun refresher.
Highly recommend!
Lisa C.******
I choose SFAA because the reviews were so positive. I enrolled my shy son into the teen class with Melinda and what a great experience! My son loved the class and even showed interest in the acting world. Melinda even suggested I get both my children seen by the STARS Modeling and Talent agency. She helped navigate the meeting and now both my son and daughter have signed with STARS! I see a spark in my son I haven't seen in a long time. I couldn't be more excited and grateful for Melinda for the acting academy. Melinda Darlington Bach,thank you so much for your positive energy and genuine enthusiasm and we look forward to taking more classes.
Lisa K
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My daughter has attended several acting classes specifically geared towards teenagers taught by Melinda. They were really professional and my daughter got a great deal out of them. They also moved into really great office as well. They are top notch and I would recommend them to anyone whose children are really interested in acting as a career.
Alison K.
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My middle schooler had been participating in school plays and done a few classes at other programs in the Bay Area but was really interested in learning more about acting as an industry/potential career. SFAA was the first place that addressed this. Specifically their teen classes have been just the thing! She describes being supported yet challenged in classes with Melinda Darlington Bach who is FANTASTIC. And she liked them so much she has taken 4 so far. The classes in addition to helping her hone her acting skills (without having to do hours and hours of warm up exercises before getting to "the good stuff") also prepared her to audition and Melinda helped her get signed with an agent. Who knows how far this will go but my daughter is thrilled and taking her to auditions beats attending the usual rotation of kid sport tournaments any day.
Marshall P.