About
Over 40 years experience in training actors for stage, tv, film and auditioning, as well as building self confidence and public speaking. I was trained by Lee Strasburg in Los Angeles for 7 years before coming to St Petersburg, FL to care for my mother. For 30 years, I have been the Executive Director of Venue Theatre and Actors Studio in St Pete/ Pinellas Park, where we have served the actors and performers of the Tampa Bay Area. Currently I am working out of my home until I find a suitable studio to work out of.
I especially enjoy seeing a performer "get it," all of a sudden a light goes on behind their eyes. They then start to enjoy the process and crave more. I also enjoy helping people get started in the industry which has been my career for over 50 years as a member of SAG/AFTRA, and avoid the pitfalls which can consume the novice and cause unnecessary expenditures and set backs.
See more on my linked-in profile and on Wikipedia, IMdB and google
Specialties
Experience level
Acting venue(s)
People in group
Acting focus area(s)
Students goals
Acting type(s)
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First lets see where you are now and what your goals are, then we can work from there to reach your goals.
FREE hour t o get acquainted. NOT a coaching session, lets see if we fit together.
Private coaching 1.5 hours week, $45 - Focus will be on skills: auditioning, cold reading, memorization, relaxation and focus exercises and presentation. This is a Regular acting session and can be ongoing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Originally trained in Voice in College and fell into acting during my Senior year. Professional actor since 1968, Studied with Lee Strasberg in LA for 7 years, Had my own theatre for 25 years, have trained over 5000 working actors in this area.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Minimum for private is $45 per 1.5 hour session/ $30 for one hour. Since the pandemic, I am doing private sessions only. There is a waiting list for any future class.
How did you get started teaching?
I was asked to coach some teens and later encouraged by friends to share my knowledge. I held my first Seminar in 1985 and wound up with two classes of 20 people each! I was so surprised that the actors were so hungry for knowledge and technique. Having left a budding career in LA, I came to St Pete to care for my mother who was disabled by a medical accident. Teaching and directing saved my sanity and I found that I enjoyed it as much as I have acting. I still act.
What types of students have you worked with?
kids, teens, adults, handicapped. Everyone. Currently Private only adults and teens on occasion if they are committed.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently directed "South Pacific" with special needs adults, June 2017. Then back to Utah in September to film episodes of ProperManors.tv (on Facebook) I play Mildred Dean, matron of the central family of the series. October 2017 directing special needs adults in a Halloween event in Gulfport February 2018 a new show with special needs adults, presenting "Guys and Dolls" in June 2018 at the Hickman Theatre in Gulfport.
April 2022, casting and beginning to rehearse "Rock of Ages" with ProjectFREE in Gulfport. Looking for anyone who wants to volunteer with this group. We usually have 23 or so actors/performers and need on stage and back stage help.
June 2023, auditing for a new Musical "Nonna: A Musical Celebration;" was presented in NJ prior to the pandemic and has sat on a shelf despite rave reviews in 2020. The Author is using it to create a Healing Center in St Pete. Watch for more on that. Still seeking cast members.What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Hopefully you will have someone who cares about you, not just the money. Someone to give you the emotional support you need. Remember, if you do not try you cannot succeed.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Set your goals, recognize your limitations, be honest with yourself and your coach. If they are promising you the star slot, beware. Only YOU can make You a star. Personally, I always wanted to be a working actor.