Today we’d like to introduce you to John Stevens.
Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Story – John Stevens
My story begins with a legacy of both performance and perseverance.
I was born into a family of entertainers — my grandfather was a celebrated artist with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus — and I spent my early childhood performing as a clown at Circus World. Laughter came easily then. But when my grandfather took his own life, the world suddenly became quieter. I withdrew, and for a time, even lost my voice. My family tried everything — therapy, sports, art — but nothing seemed to reach me.
Until acting.
That first class changed everything. Acting gave me language for emotions I didn’t yet know how to express. It became my bridge back to the world — a space where I could process grief, rediscover joy, and rebuild confidence.
Years later, that same belief — that storytelling can heal — became the foundation for Act With Purpose International and the Act On Ability Foundation. Today, I help others rediscover their own voices, just as acting once helped me find mine.
But my story also carries another kind of legacy — one of courage and endurance.
When I was 17, my father, James Stevens, a decorated Air Force pilot, disappeared while flying over Snoqualmie Pass. For nine years, my family searched those mountains — every summer, hiking the ridges and gullies near Alpental, hoping for closure. When hikers finally found his remains, we learned he had survived the crash and fought to the end, leaving behind a trail of clues that reflected his strength and discipline.
That loss — and the long search that followed — taught me something fundamental about resilience. It shaped the way I see people, especially my students. I understand what it feels like to lose your spark… and what it takes to find it again.
That’s why, when I look at my students, I don’t just see aspiring actors. I see young people rebuilding confidence, connection, and purpose — the same gifts acting once gave me.
In the years since, I’ve been privileged to work internationally — across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. — helping thousands of actors build both their craft and their careers. As a proud member of the Association of Acting Coaches and Educators (AACE), I continue to champion safe, inclusive creative spaces for actors of all ages and abilities.
The logo for Act With Purpose — a blue door in the shape of a film slate — represents everything I believe in: opening doors. To the industry, yes, but also to one’s truest self.
Because acting isn’t just about performing. It’s about rediscovering who you are — and stepping into the world with courage, empathy, and purpose.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In recent years, I’ve also come to understand healing on an even deeper level. I am a survivor of domestic abuse at the hands of a narcissistic partner — a decade marked by physical, financial, and emotional trauma. The aftermath left me battling PTSD and struggling to trust my own instincts again. But, just as it did in my childhood, acting became my lifeline. Through the work — through truth, vulnerability, and creative expression — I began to rebuild my sense of self. Each scene, each character, helped me reclaim the parts of me that had been silenced. Acting gave me the courage to step forward, not as a victim, but as a survivor — stronger, wiser, and more compassionate than before.
We’ve been impressed with Act With Purpose International, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Revolutionizing Actor Training
Over the years, I’ve revolutionized the actor training process to reflect the realities of today’s casting world. While I deeply value working with clients live and in person, I’ve found that teaching actors how to deliver strong self-tapes and master Zoom callbacks is essential to their success. These skills not only help them land more roles but also prepare them to feel comfortable and capable on camera once they’re on set. My students regularly perform in front of over 25 casting directors, agents, managers, producers, and writers, gaining the constructive feedback that both they — and their parents — crave. That feedback allows me to tailor each student’s development, focusing on the precise skills they need to refine. As a result, my clients are now thriving on sets across the U.S., Canada, and, most recently, throughout Europe. I’m also honoured to serve as a judge for both the Nova Star Awards, celebrating Canadian youth in the performing arts, and The Golden Reel International Film Festival, recognizing excellence in filmmaking worldwide.
What’s next?
Looking Ahead
I’m incredibly excited for the next chapter — taking Act With Purpose on tour across the USA and Canada, the U.K., and soon, Australia. These in-person workshops allow me to connect directly with actors, agents, and parents, bringing the same hands-on training that has transformed so many careers. I’m especially looking forward to hosting our Demo Reel Workshops in various cities, designed to showcase what my clients are truly capable of and to give casting directors and producers a clear sense of the caliber of their work. Our demo reels have become known for their gritty, grounded, and cinematic realism — a style that’s catching attention across the industry. Agents are now sending their clients to me not only for training, but because the reels we create are helping market their actors more effectively than ever. The result? A noticeable increase in bookings for our students compared to other training programs — and a growing excitement around what’s next for Act With Purpose International.
Pricing:
- 12 Week course is $578.00 USD +tax (includes showcase)
- Demo Reels vary depending on location.
- Private coaching is approx. $100/ Hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://actwithpurpose.world
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actwithpurposeintl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actwithpurposeintl
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/act-with-purpose-intl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/actwithpurposeintl
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@actwithpurposeintl
