About
As a professional actor (SAG-AFTRA) and an indie filmmaker, there is so much I can offer to an aspiring actor -- both excellent training and career guidance. I work at The Actor's Workshop, a resource center for both actors and filmmakers. In 2000, I established the Young Actors Program for professional childres ages 4 through 17.
In addition, I'm a multi-disciplinary artist. I have worked as an art director in film and theatre and am a self-taught painter and pen/pencil artist. I have drawn and painted since I could hold a pencil or brush -- almost 50 years. In my work as a film artist, I regular work on art direction and production design. My strongest skills are in drawing and it is my delight to be able to teach others to draw and paint as well. I will be adding cursive classes for young people in 2019.
The element I most enjoy about the work I do is to see my students grow both as artists and as human beings.
Highlights
Reviews
Lisa T.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It's important to first get to know my student. Experience, background and aspirations are key things I need to know to serve my student best.
Secondly, I assess particular strengths and weaknesses. I provide encouragement to make the student aware of his/her strengths and I point out weaknesses that require extra attention and work.
I will focus on 1) basic tenets of light and shadow, 2) exploriing form, 3) understanding of perspective, 3) exercises to strengthen concentration and creativity, 4) beginnings of human anatomy 5) experimenting with various media: pencil, watercolors, oils.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I trained as an actor under Brian Lawrence, a stage and film director who has also taught acting for more than 30 years. I studied film and liberal arts in college. I am a professional actor with 28 years experience on stage and on camera, and have been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1991.
In addition to that, I have served as an independent film producer on two feature films and numerous shorts and music videos.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My base rate for drawing lessons is $10 per hour. That's it!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The crown of all our stage productions was probably the show we just staged in December 2017: "Ghost Sonata." With a short comic one-act written by Brian Lawrence preceding it, "Ghost Sonata" had a marvelous cast of our finest actors, with beautiful sets and costumes, wonderful lighting and staging at the Young Fenix House. We're proud to have garnered good reviews and look forward to other live shows in 2018.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Check reviews and look for reasonable pricing. It's good if a teacher is associated with a reputable studio, theater or institution. If possible, ask to communicate with the teacher. Speak with him/her by phone or make inquiries by email. Teachers are often working actors, may be very busy with multiple projects and may not always have time for an in-person interview but a talk on the phone can give a student a good sense of what the teacher is like as a person. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for references. Most coaches will be happy to give them. There is no better advertising than word of mouth!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What are my short-term goals?
2. What are my long-term goals?
3. Can this teacher help me achieve these goals?
4. Is this teacher now working as a professional actor, or did he/she in the past work in the industry?
5. Will this person listen to me and take real interest in my artistic growth?