Richard Brestoff

Richard Brestoff is a Professor of Acting at the University of California, Irvine's Claire Trevor School of the Arts (Drama Department). He teaches graduate courses in personalization, scene study, acting for camera, and professional preparation, as well as undergraduate acting for camera. He served as Showcase director for MFA actors in 2008-2010.

• Education: M.F.A. in Acting from New York University, B.A. from UC Berkeley's Dramatic Art Department (Phi Beta Kappa)
• Professional Experience: Broadway performances (e.g., Hamlet with Sam Waterston), TV/film roles (My Favorite Year, The Fugitive), and Emmy judging with the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

His research focuses on actor training methodologies, as evidenced by his books like Thinking in Character and The Camera Smart Actor. Notable performances include Shylock in Merchant of Venice (2012, Falstaff Award nomination) and Robert in Proof (2007).

He has authored six books on acting techniques, including analyses of major acting teachers and practical guides for camera acting.