Business Details
17 Years
experience
Premier Acting Training in Philadelphia
Aikan Acts has been dedicated to providing high-quality performing arts training to youth and adults since 2009. Founded by Philadelphia native Nakia Dillard, a seasoned actor and educator with over two decades of industry experience, the organization has trained more than 1,000 students in the Philadelphia area. Our programs emphasize professional development, emotional expression, and improvisational skills, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in acting while fostering personal growth. We collaborate with industry professionals, including SAG actors and directors, to offer hands-on learning experiences that bridge artistic training with real-world opportunities.Our alumni have secured roles in film, television, and theater, supported by a family-oriented environment that prioritizes mentorship and community impact. Through workshops, masterclasses, and partnerships with local artists, we remain committed to nurturing talent and advancing arts education as a catalyst for individual and societal transformation.
Services
Acting Classes
Workshops
Masterclasses
Film Production
Demo Reels
Commercials
Donations
Sponsorship
Volunteer Programs
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer hands-on training led by SAG-certified instructors with decades of industry experience.
- Our alumni have secured roles in film, television, and theater within months of enrollment.
- We provide personalized mentorship through small class sizes and one-on-one coaching sessions.
- Our curriculum integrates business acumen with artistic training for career sustainability.
- We maintain a family-oriented environment that prioritizes emotional growth alongside technical skills.
What people say
Hands-on mentorship
Career opportunities
Family-friendly atmosphere
Personalized coaching
Industry connections
Services
Acting Classes
Our acting classes teach students technical skills like emotional expression, improvisation, and script analysis while preparing them for professional auditions. Instructors include working SAG actors and directors with decades of industry experience. Students gain practical knowledge through scene work, monologue practice, and on-set simulations.
Workshops
Specialized workshops focus on specific areas like audition techniques, character development, and on-camera performance. Participants receive direct feedback from guest professionals in film, television, and theater. These sessions emphasize practical application through live exercises and collaborative projects.
Masterclasses
Masterclasses feature industry veterans like Geoffrey Owens (The Cosby Show) who provide intensive instruction on monologue delivery and career strategy. Students engage in Q&A sessions and receive personalized critiques to refine their craft and industry knowledge.
Film Production
Our film division produces short films, feature films, and commercials that showcase student talent. Projects involve students in all production phases from pre-visualization to post-production editing. This hands-on experience builds technical proficiency and creative collaboration skills.
Demo Reels
We help actors create professional demo reels showcasing their range and technical abilities. Students participate in scripted scenes and receive editing assistance to produce polished reels that meet industry standards for agent submissions and auditions.
People
Nakia Dillard
Founder & Artistic Director
Philadelphia native Nakia Dillard is a SAG actor, director, and educator with 20+ years in the entertainment industry. He has worked with Bill Duke and appeared in 'The Wire' and films alongside Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx. His teaching focuses on practical career development and community impact through the arts.
Questions
What types of acting classes do you offer?
We provide foundational and advanced acting classes covering emotional expression, improvisation, script analysis, and on-camera techniques for youth and adults.
How can students gain professional experience?
Students participate in film productions, theater performances, and auditions for industry projects facilitated through our network of entertainment professionals.
Are there opportunities for personalized instruction?
Yes, we offer masterclasses with industry veterans and one-on-one coaching sessions to refine individual skills and career strategies.
What makes your program unique?
Our combination of SAG-certified instructors, hands-on production experience, and career mentorship creates a direct pathway to professional success in the arts.
Do you offer community engagement programs?
We operate a 'Pay It Forward' initiative providing scholarships and a volunteer program that connects students with local arts education opportunities.
Reviews (2)
Dominique Medley
Nov 27, 2019
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In addition to instruction the Aikan team is invested in seeing it's students succeed and reach their performance goals. They do their best to share their knowledge of the entertainment industry and insure they empower students and families with the information not readily available elsewhere. They have become extended family and we absolutely love it here!
Dominique
Dominique
Dawn Hunter
Nov 17, 2019
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I love love Aikan Acts, my kids has learned so much and always ace auditions they really teach you all about the industry, You meet some of good people.Mr Nakia Dillard and Ms Gloria are awesome very informative, Its more than an acting class we are a family at Aikan Acts you wont be disappointed. Thank you warmly
Mayes family
Mayes family
