Actress   ·   Director   ·   Producer

TASHA SMITH

30+
Years in the Industry
50+
Episodes Directed
20+
Major Network Shows
NAACP
Image Award Nominated

About Tasha Smith

A Storyteller
On Both Sides of
the Camera

"She brings things out of us we didn't know we were hiding to give to the character."
— Mary J. Blige

Born in Camden, New Jersey, Tasha Smith has spent over three decades at the center of Hollywood's most compelling stories. From her breakout role as Angela in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? franchise to her acclaimed turn as Carol Holloway in Fox's Empire, her performances are defined by a raw, uncompromising authenticity.

Behind the camera, Tasha has emerged as one of television's most sought-after directors, helming episodes across CBS, Paramount+, STARZ, ABC, Peacock, BET+, and Fox. Her directorial debut feature, When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story, premiered to 1.6 million viewers — ranking as TV One's #1 original movie premiere of all time.

NAACP Image Award Nominee — Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Founder, Tasha Smith Actors Workshop (TSAW)
Motivational speaker & mentor to emerging actors

Filmography & Television

Craft on Every Level

As an Actress

Defining
Performances

Three decades of characters that resonate — from Tyler Perry franchises to Netflix originals and Hollywood blockbusters. Each role delivered with precision, depth, and fearless vulnerability.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die Sony · 2024
Survival of the Thickest Netflix
Running Out of Time Netflix
Empire — Carol Holloway Fox · 2015–2020
For Better or Worse OWN · 2011–2017
Why Did I Get Married? (I & II) Lionsgate
Dolemite Is My Name Netflix
Jumping the Broom Sony
The Corner — Ronnie Boyce HBO · Emmy® Winner

As a Director

Shaping
the Frame

A director's eye honed through decades in front of the camera. Tasha brings an actor's empathy and an artist's vision to every set — trusted by the industry's top networks and streaming platforms.

The Equalizer CBS
Mayor of Kingstown Paramount+
BMF STARZ
P-Valley STARZ
Bel-Air Peacock
The Rookie · Big Sky ABC
9-1-1 · Star Fox
Black Lightning The CW
When Love Kills NAACP Nom. TV One · Debut Feature

What the Industry Says

Voices of the
Industry

"I have hired Tasha in front of the screen as an actor, behind the screen as a director, and offscreen as an acting coach."

Lee Daniels Director · Producer · Empire Creator

"Tasha's teaching transformed and grew me in a way I didn't know I needed. I did not just become an actress under her tutelage but I became a more authentic me."

Andra Day Recording Artist · Actress · Golden Globe Winner

"TSAW completely changed my life as an actress. Working with Tasha Smith provided a foundation of safety so I could embrace every range of emotion."

Brandy Recording Artist · Actress

"Tasha Smith has the unique ability of being an 'Actor Whisperer'. Audiences watch in awe as Tasha pulls the soul experiences that make each performer find their unique voice."

Amin Joseph Actor · Snowfall

"TSAW is a place of uncompromising standards. It is a safe space in which to plant your unique spirit; to expand and enhance your craft."

Angela Bassett Actress · Director · Academy Award Nominee

"I was referred to Tasha by the amazing Denzel Washington. She's such a powerful coach. She brings things out of us we didn't know we were hiding to give to the character."

Mary J. Blige Recording Artist · Actress · Golden Globe Winner

"Tasha has the ability to bring out performances and confidence that make you comfortable stepping on that stage."

Lance Gross Actor · Our Family Wedding

"Tasha challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and dig deeper. The process makes you grateful for all the things you've been through because you can use it in your craft and be great."

Tasha Smith Actors Workshop

Train with
a Hollywood
Professional

TSAW is the culmination of Tasha's three decades of industry experience, distilled into a transformative acting program. Whether you're a beginner or a working professional, the workshop meets you where you are.

Online classes, private coaching, and curated scene work — all designed to break through barriers and unlock the authentic performer within you.

Live Online Classes Intensive scene study and technique sessions led by Tasha and her faculty, streamed live.
Private Coaching One-on-one sessions tailored to your specific goals, auditions, or projects.
Scene Lounge Library Access to curated scene scripts for couples, duos, and ensemble work — ready to perform.
Online Scene Classes Enrolling
Private Coaching Available
Scene Lounge — Couples Access
Scene Lounge — Ensembles Access
The Twelve Steps TSAW Method

Trusted by

Brandy · Andra Day · Angela Bassett · Mary J. Blige

Get in Touch

Let's Create
Something Powerful

For bookings, press enquiries, and workshop information

Sherman Oaks, CA  ·  (310) 990-2611