About
I offer private and group instruction in acting and vocal technique. Unlike many teachers, I am widely experienced as a professional performer -- I've had 3 starring roles in Broadway, most recently as an original cast member of "Jersey Boys." I've also trained extensively as a teacher, working as an associate professor of Drama at Hofstra University. As a working actor, I'm in a unique position to know what it takes to work in this business.
I love the process of teaching what I've learned over 30 years as a professional actor and singer to new students of all ages. I find the complexities of teaching to be as fascinating and fulfilling as those of performing. I love seeing my students' eyes light up when they've made a connection with their artistic selves.
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Lisa R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to start slowly, in order to assess where my new student stands in terms of their experience and goals. For both my voice and acting students, I always establish a strong foundation of physical and vocal warmups, with particular attention paid to focus and relaxation. Acting students typically begin text work with brief monologues which I select from plays, movies, and television shows, and voice students are given singing exercises and simple, straightforward, classic songs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama and a Bachelor's in Music Education, both from Hofstra University on Long Island. I have an M.F.A in Acting from the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. (I currently teach at both schools.)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing system varies depending on the amount of lessons purchased. My basic fee is $75 per lesson, with a discount given for lessons purchased in blocks of ten or twenty.
How did you get started teaching?
After many years as a performer on Broadway, in film, and on television, I found that I was being asked more and more often by actor friends (frequently during backstage breaks and between matinee and evening shows!) for help with their monologues, scenes, and songs, usually in preparation for auditions. I discovered a whole new skill set, and found that I enjoyed teaching as much as performing. I returned to my alma mater, New York's prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse, and trained for 2 additional years as a teacher of the Meisner Technique of acting. (If interested, you can google it.)
Soon, I was teaching private and group classes in both acting and singing.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with amateur and professional students ranging in age from 12 to 75 years old. I have taught beginners and Tony winners.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently had the pleasure of seeing one of my high school students play the role of Marius in his school's production of "Les Miserables". I played the role many years ago on Broadway (it was my first starring role in New York), and it was a joy to witness my student play a role that has meant so much to me.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I think the most important thing a student can do to assess a potential teacher is to meet them in person to see if there is chemistry between student and teacher. This is why there is no charge for the first lesson with any of my students.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Potential students should think about what their goals are, or more importantly what their DREAMS are, in order to clarify for their teacher just what the two will be working toward.