Linda Z.

I initially reached out to Debra to try out her free acting class. Her reviews were outstanding, and I figured I had nothing to lose. During our first phone conversation, she asked thoughtful questions about why I wanted to pursue acting and explained that the introductory lesson would be complimentary and was to see whether we would be a good fit for each other. That immediately increased my trust in her because it showed that she genuinely cared about the student experience and the quality of work we would be doing together. During the first class, I immediately sensed that she had real, working knowledge of the industry and was also an experienced teacher. She wasted no time in getting to the core of the work, and I left the session feeling like I had gained real insight and couldn’t wait to learn more from her. So, I signed up for a 40-session package. About halfway through our sessions, I started to realize that what I needed most was not actually acting training. While I had some successes I was very proud of, I was also running into internal barriers that felt bigger than what acting techniques could help me conquer. I talked to Debra about my concerns and she was completely open and understanding. She told me that she was developing this new course called SPEAK HUMAN and offered to tailor my remaining sessions to my needs using her extensive knowledge and experience in exactly the areas I was interested in: setting boundaries, feeling more empowered, building confidence, and being more true to myself. That shift ended up being life-changing for me. In our sessions, we practiced real life scenarios where I struggled to maintain boundaries. She coached me through multiple approaches and I practiced them, just like in acting class, except now I’m practicing to be a more powerful and true version of me. What surprised me was not just the effectiveness of the lessons themselves, but how much I learned from observing Debra’s mindset and way of moving through the world. She approached situations from a place of assured self-respect rather than anxiety and uncertainty. She didn’t over-explain herself or make herself appear small. Gradually, I could feel my daily anxiety decrease as the number of tools in my toolbox increased. I slowed down and made decisions that were more thought out rather than through reflex, driven by anxiety. I felt more confident and clear-headed. It felt like I was introduced to a completely different blueprint for how a self-respecting person could think, respond, and carry herself. The changes affected areas of my life that I didn’t expect. Prior to our sessions I had low self-confidence. I wanted to get back into the work-force but felt unmotivated and anxious about my qualifications. After my SPEAK HUMAN training with Debra, I’ve been sending out job applications, revisiting my past experiences and seeing them through a much more healthy lens. Instead of only remembering failures and shortcomings, I am filled with renewed vigor, optimism, and peace with myself. For anyone who wants to try acting or improve their craft, who feels lost and like they haven’t reached their potential, who wants to improve communication, become a better version of themselves, and navigate life with more clarity and self-respect, I highly recommend working with Debra. If her style resonates with you, the experience can change your life.

Bernard K.

Wonderfully imaginative, and gifted comedically, as well as understanding the value of props given his background as a magician, mime, and storyteller; a man of theater with impeccable taste and aesthetics, and appreciation of world culture. Takes the best of what you have to offer and makes it better. What more can you ask for? Some of my best theatrical experiences have been spent working with Lee Faulkner.