Actor | Drama  and Dialect Coach | Founder of Illuminate Acting Academy

Erich Fleshman is an American actor, acting and dialect coach whose career spans over 25 years internationally and in the United States. With a passion for bridging cultures and storytelling traditions, Erich is known for his versatile performances and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of actors.

 

Early Life & Education

Raised in Northern California, Erich matured on basketball courts playing front of thousands.  To further his education he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and went on to earn two Master of Arts degrees—an MA in International Relations from California State University, Sacramento and an MA in Media Communications (Film) from Webster University, St. Louis, MO.  His acting foundation is rooted in the Sanford Meisner  lineage,  studying intensively for over two years under Jim Jarrett, one of Meisner’s last direct students.

 

Career Highlights

Erich began his acting career in Asia working with Bill Paxton in a scene for an HBO project.  He quickly gained recognition in Thailand for his role as Mike in the popular 2002 Thai film Heaven’s Seven.  His early film and television credits include Channel 3 Thai series such as Lady Mahachon, Mai Plag Pa, La-ong Thet and collaborations with renowned director Pen-ek Ratanaruang.  While in the United States he worked on a handful of national  TV commercials and often collaborated with Rob Nilsson, winner of the Camera d'Or at Cannes and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.  Beyond acting, Erich has established himself as a sought-after dialect and acting coach, working with international talents like the Academy Award winner William Hurt, Shawn Yue, Homer Sisely, Ulrich Tucker, Djimon Hounsou, and Kevin Bacon. His coaching expertise has contributed to major productions such as Ip Man 2, Elephant White, and the acclaimed Netflix series The Night Agent.

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Illuminate Acting Academy

In 2024, Erich founded Illuminate Acting Academy  in Bangkok with a goal to provide world-class actor training in Southeast Asia.  His academy offers programs blending Western techniques like Meisner and Stanislavski with an understanding of regional storytelling. Illuminate Acting Academy is a vibrant space where aspiring actors hone their craft and prepare for professional success and create a dedicated and supportive acting community.  

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Philosophy & Legacy

Erich’s work is a unique fusion of East and West, art and craft. At the core of his teaching is the pursuit of truth in performance—helping actors live authentically and emotionally in the moment. He emphasizes the power of deep listening as an active and empathetic skill that brings performances to life. Alongside artistic insight, Erich stresses the importance of professional discipline, fostering the dedication and resilience required for a lasting career.  Through decades of experience, Erich has mentored a new generation of actors who carry forward his teachings, bridging cultural divides and raising performance standards across borders.

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