Actor · Audition coach · Casting collaborator

Clearer choices.
A way forward.

I’m Sebiye, a multilingual actor, audition coach, and casting collaborator. I help international and emerging actors turn preparation into a self-tape they feel ready to share—and small film teams find performers who fit their story.

SAG-AFTRA member · Working in Uyghur, Mandarin & English

Sebiye in the IMDb Portrait Studio at the 2025 Gotham Awards
2025 Gotham Awards · Bryan Derballa/Getty Images for IMDb
Audition coaching · For actors

What’s getting in the way
of your next audition?

Acting classes build your craft. Audition coaching helps you use it for a specific opportunity—especially when language, uncertainty, or the pressure of recording gets in the way.

“I understand the lines, but acting in another language feels unnatural.”

Connect language, cultural context, and relationships to the intention behind each line. Bring your attention back to your scene partner and the situation.

“I have an audition. Where do I start?”

Work through a clear sequence: preparation, scene and character analysis, rehearsal, then recording feedback. Know what to focus on at each step.

“It worked in class. Does it work in my self-tape?”

A 60-minute session plus a follow-up self-tape review carries our rehearsal choices into your recording, with specific feedback on what lands and what to refine.

“I keep copying other actors. What makes my work mine?”

Explore choices drawn from your own experiences, expression, and cultural perspective. Build an interpretation you understand and can make your own.

A better-prepared audition. A process you can use again. A performance that feels like you.

Casting support · For filmmakers

A small production.
The right people for the story.

Practical casting support for independent shorts, student films, and small teams. Start with the challenge you need help solving.

“We posted the role, but the right people aren’t applying.”

Reach beyond your usual pool through targeted searches and my network of emerging and multicultural actors.

“The role needs a background or language we don’t know well.”

Clarify which lived experiences and language skills matter to the role, then seek and verify the relevant fit with candidates.

“This is our first time casting. How do we choose?”

Discuss what the role needs and shape audition material that helps you assess it, drawing on my experience as an actor and performance coach.

“We don’t have time to sort through every application.”

Agree on the support you need—search, initial screening, a shortlist, or audition coordination—so your team can focus on the candidates worth exploring.

The experience behind the support

A fellow actor.
A different perspective.

Sebiye speaking on the SCAD Alumni Voices Panel
SCAD Alumni Voices Panel · Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for SCAD

I’ve auditioned in another language, adapted to different ways of working, and found my place in the industry. That experience shapes how I support actors facing those same questions.

My journey began on stage in Shanghai and continued with MFA studies in Performing Arts at SCAD, where I began exploring short films before going on to a leading role on the big screen. Alongside performing, I’ve helped independent and student projects with casting and performance coaching.

I bring both an actor’s understanding and a casting perspective, with particular care for people and projects at the beginning of their journey.

Experience & recognition

Selected work & recognition.

Feature film · Lead actor

Preparation for the Next Life

Aishe · Directed by Bing Liu

Written by Martyna Majok. An Amazon MGM Studios release, produced by Plan B, Pastel, and Orion Pictures.

2025 Gotham Film AwardsBreakthrough Performer
Nominee
Official nomination announcement
Sebiye at the Film Independent special screening
Film Independent Special Screening · Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for Film Independent

Independent screen work

Laura, 29 Old Compton Street

Lead actor · Laura · Directed by Weiqi Cai

Norwich Film Festival 2025 Official Selection.

Festival listing

You Ask Me What’s in My Mind

Lead actor · Directed by Weiqi Cai

Best Short Film Actress, Montelupo Fiorentino International Independent Film Festival, as listed in the director’s project honors.

Project & honors

Selected casting work

Corrupting My Billionaire Boss’s Heart

Casting support · Vertical series · ReelShort

Experience casting for the pace and demands of episodic vertical storytelling.

View series

End of Summer

Casting · Short film · Directed by Weiqi Cai

Film honors include a WorldFest-Houston Remi Award and Big Apple Film Festival Best Student Film.

Project & film honors
Work with me

Support for your next scene.

Choose a focused conversation, support for one audition, or a series of sessions. Not sure which fits? Tell me what you’re working on.

Actor Check-in

$45 / 30 min

A one-to-one online conversation: review a completed self-tape, or discuss acting questions, practice direction, and personal goals.

Inquire

Complete Audition Coaching

$110 / 60 min + follow-up review

Includes a pre-session read of your sides, 60 minutes of audition preparation, scene and character analysis, rehearsal, and acting choices—plus one self-tape review after you record.

Inquire

4-Session Audition Package

$400

Four 60-minute in-depth coaching sessions, each with one round of follow-up self-tape feedback.

Inquire

Prices in USD. Online coaching in English and Mandarin Chinese.

A separate service for filmmakers

Independent Casting

From $650

For independent shorts, student films, and small productions. Search, shortlisting, and audition coordination are scoped to your roles, budget, and timeline. Custom quote per project.

Discuss your project

Casting and coaching are separate services. Coaching is not required for casting consideration and does not provide access to auditions or roles.

Contact

Tell me what
you’re working on.

An audition, a first short film, a student production—tell me where you are and what you need. We’ll find a practical place to start.

Your scripts, self-tapes, and private project materials remain confidential.

Sebiye Behtiyar at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival
SCAD Savannah Film Festival · Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SCAD

Contact me

20-minute free chat

Let’s get to know each other, talk about what you need, and explore how I can tailor my support to you.

Arrange a free chat

Email me your time zone and preferred times. We’ll confirm a time together.

Based inLos Angeles · Remote worldwide