Welcome to Houde Summit 2025!
August 21-24, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio
What is Houde Summit 2025?
The Houde School of Acting Summit is a 4-day, in-person, interactive weekend of acting workshops, seminars and networking! Our guest teachers for Houde Summit 2025 will be Erica Arvold, James Ciccone, Wendy Alane Wright, Kurt Yue, Alex Collins, Tony Robinette, and host Jessica Houde-Morris.
See what past attendees have to say
What to expect at Houde Summit 2025
Opportunities to learn from industry pros who know how to navigate the business.
Small group interactive workshops with each of the guest teachers. Each actor will work and receive constructive critiques from the teachers.
(NOTE: Only the first 78 people who register will be able to work with Erica Arvold, everyone else will observe)Guest panel discussion with a Q&A hosted by Great Cleveland Film Commission Production Coordinator, Mike Wendt. Prepare your best industry questions!
Networking cookout with food, games, and friends.
4 days of absolute FUN!
More About Your 2025 Instructors
Jessica Houde-Morris
Jessica is the founder of the Houde School of Acting, has been shaping the careers of actors since 2004. Her students have landed roles in major TV shows like Will Trent, Atlanta, The Haunting of Hill House, General Hospital, Criminal Minds, and The Vampire Diaries, as well as in films such as Black Widow, The Holdovers, Bad Moms, The Family Plan, and Richard Jewell. They’ve also been featured in commercials for brands like Nike, Honda, Subway, Intel, and McDonald’s.
Before founding her school in 2005, Jessica studied at the renowned Playhouse West in Los Angeles, where she later taught alongside Robert Carnegie, a direct protégé of Sanford Meisner. This makes her one of the few second-generation Meisner Technique instructors with over 20 years of teaching experience. Jessica has also collaborated with industry icons like Jeff Goldblum, James, Franco, Shawnee Smith, and Scott Caan, bringing a wealth of real-world expertise to her students.
Erica Arvold
Erica has been an educator, guest instructor and speaker for over 25 years, sharing insights from a career as a casting director and producer that spans major studio films, television shows and multimedia projects. She has had the honor of collaborating with and serving students and faculty at universities, schools and acting studios across the country. Her multiple festival and conference appearances include serving as a panelist, moderator, mentor and host. She has also been the keynote speaker for several organizations outside of the filmmaking industry. Erica is a member of the Casting Society of America, Producers Guild of America, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the British Independent Film Awards. Erica received her BFA from The Theatre School, DePaul University (formerly The Goodman School of Drama) and consistently builds upon her love of learning through continuing education. Erica believes that curiosity is the key to lifelong positive artistic growth.
James Ciccone
James Ciccone is a versatile comedian, and acting teacher known for his three-season role as mob boss Carmine Patriccia in HBO's The Deuce. He has appeared in high-profile films such as The Irishman and Joker, alongside stars like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Joaquin Phoenix. Ciccone's 2017 appearance in Crown Heights, which won the Audience Award at Sundance, marked another highlight, and in 2023, he reunited with director Matt Ruskin for Boston Strangler. His TV credits include Boardwalk Empire, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, America Horror Story and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
He has appeared on SNL and has shared the screen with some of the best comedians in the business, like Awkwafina, Aziz Ansari, Melissa McCarthy, Ray Romano, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Tiffany Haddish. In addition, James also teaches acting in his New York-based community, Show Up To Book The Role.
Kurt Yue
Kurt Yue is an accomplished actor and acting coach born in Beijing, China and currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. He spent his formative years in various states, including Iowa, Arizona, and Ohio. Kurt initially pursued a career in computer science and engineering after graduating from The University of Michigan. His journey into acting began unexpectedly at the age of 26 when he stumbled upon the Houde School of Acting in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then, he has gained recognition for his roles in popular TV series such as Will Trent, Cobra Kai, The Haunting of Hill House, and films like Black Widow and Venom. Kurt has also founded The Acting Career Center YouTube channel, sharing insights from his diverse experiences in the industry. The channel provides resources like audition techniques and industry advice to help actors at all stages of their careers. Through his work both on-screen and online, Kurt aims to inspire and educate others in the performing arts.
Alex Collins
Alex Collins is a versatile actor and industry pro with over 21 years in SAG-AFTRA. Best known for his role as Dr. Charles McNider/Dr. MidNite on DC’s Stargirl, his credits span hit shows like Lovecraft Country, Cobra Kai, and True Detective, and films like Richard Jewell. Having worked alongside stars like Tom Cruise and Mahershala Ali and under directors like Clint Eastwood, Alex brings a wealth of on-set experience.
Beyond acting – he is the founder of The Approach, through which he is an experienced acting teacher, audition coach, and industry consultant. Known for his no-nonsense yet motivating style, Alex combines industry-savvy with practical insight, making him a sought-after coach from newbies to series regulars. With over a decade of teaching, he offers classes and one-on-one coaching both in person and virtually, helping actors navigate today’s entertainment landscape.
Wendy Alane Wright
Wendy Alane Wright is a former Hollywood talent manager, founder of the Hollywood Winners Circle Academy, and a leading expert in helping actors break into show business. With over 20 years of experience, Wendy has coached tens of thousands of actors worldwide, guiding them to book roles on major TV shows like Modern Family, Blackish, and American Horror Story. Through her Facebook group, Talent Managers For Actors, Wendy has built a thriving global community of performers.
Wendy’s career began working her way up as an assistant to top Hollywood managers, agents, and publicists, Her extensive background also includes working at Fox TV, Sony Studios, and APA, as well as being a music producer and recording artist. With this unique 360-degree perspective of the entertainment industry, Wendy now extends her expertise to teaching the business of acting at top institutions across the country, sharing her proven strategies that have turned aspiring actors into series regulars and film stars.
Tony Robinette
Tony is a seasoned actor and you've probably seen him in shows like NCIS, Dahmer, Night Court, Tacoma FD, and This Is Us. You might even recognize him from the Dunkin’ Donuts Super Bowl ad, where he appeared as one of the Dunk Kings alongside Ben Affleck!
Starting his career with improv at Walt Disney World under an Actors' Equity contract, Tony sharpened his comedic chops at SAK Comedy Lab (Orlando), with Gary Izzo (NYC), and The Groundlings (Los Angeles). He believes that improv isn’t just for the stage—it’s a powerful tool on and off screen. As the founder of The Working Actors Coach, Tony offers practical audition coaching, career guidance, and mentorship from the unique perspective of a working actor, helping others navigate the industry with creativity and confidence.
The Agenda
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - ‘Meet & Greet’
Take an opportunity to meet your teachers and fellow actors at the venue. We will have time to tour the venue and run through some warmup exercises, followed by improv games.
Friday, August 22, 2025 – Workshop, Day 1
All actors will be placed into small groups and each group will work with a different guest teacher, swapping every two hours.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Workshop, Day 2
All actors will be placed into small groups and each group will work with a different guest teacher than the day before, swapping every two hours.
By the end of the workshops, all actors will have had the opportunity to work with each guest teacher.
Cont. Saturday, August 23, 2025 - Panel Discussion/Q&A with Industry Professionals
Let our industry guests help you in your acting career. Come prepared with industry questions!
Sunday, August 24, 2025 - Networking Cookout Join us at one of Cleveland’s beautiful MetroParks for some great food and fun games. (Food, drinks and games provided)
Who is the Summit for?
Houde Summit is designed for new actors and experienced working actors. Wherever you are in your acting journey and if you are interested in taking your career to the next level, join us for a jam-packed weekend of learning essential skills and tools while having fun and creating memories.
See what attendees from past years have to say
“I enjoyed it so much that I practically registered for next year’s Summit while I was still at this year’s Summit!”
“My experience at Houde Summit was nothing short of transformational.”
“It was three days jam-packed with fun! We were able to learn about the industry and ourselves.”
“The energy of the entire event was so electric!”
“The energy we have online was multiplied ten-fold at the Summit!”