TESTIMONIALS

We don’t have to tell you what an incredible experience you’ll have at Actor Therapy. We’ll let our students do it for us!

Actor Therapy is full of good people, who gave me a lot of hope for the future of our industry. They’ve helped me reach a place where I feel comfortable and powerful as an artist. With them I’ve solidified a clear vision for my future. —Tru Stites

I found AT at a time in my life where I felt so limited by what other’s thought I was as a performer. It was a saving grace to step into this space where I was not only met with honesty and constructive criticism, but a whole lot of love and encouragement. I would not be the person/performer I am without my time at Actor Therapy. Thank you for opening my eyes to who I actually am and who I can be. —Erica Barnett

While AT has certainly helped with my acting, singing, audition preparation, and growth as an artist, I think the most valuable thing I have gained is community. I think this is something often overlooked on one’s artistic journey in NYC. The AT community is very helpful and uplifting and really does (I know this is cheesy) feels like family. Everyone wants to see you succeed and actually helps you along your way. You learn from your colleagues, teachers, and guest artists, and grow together. Nothing beats working with a group of people who are generous, talented, and who’s goals align with your own. —Matthew Morón

AT has taught me so much, but I think my true success with AT lies in the growth it's enabled me to have as a human AND a performer. AT meets you where you are and they don't just tell you what to do, they work with you on how to bring your best self into the work. Since I started taking classes through AT I've booked a dream role and gotten amazing performance opportunities, but more than that, I've been embraced by an amazing community of fellow artists, many of whom I have the privilege of calling friends. —Erica Walker

I’d forgotten you have to take risks in order to create the future you dream of. AT not only reminded me, it gave me all the tools and support to build my future today, right now. Having this new support group makes certain I won’t forget again. —Alex Fernandez

As a newbie to the city and complete newbie to the theater auditioning world I entered all spaces, terrified that I wasn’t enough. AT gave me the opportunity to not only build confidence, but give my self permission to take space in these rooms. Sometimes it can feel like we’re singing into the void but these sessions with RSO gave me a lot of insight I was missing. I feel like I have more control over my career and how I show up than ever before. —Obinne Onyeador

Actor Therapy has given me the community a girl from Alabama could only have ever dreamed of having in New York City. I recommend it to all my performer friends, and I'm grateful that I get to share it with new and old friends. I’m ESPECIALLY grateful for AT New Works and the resources and time poured not only into me as a performer, but also as a writer/artist/person. My play would not exist without RSO and ATNW and all the beautiful people at AT who support and believe in us as full artistic individuals. —Jensen Sirmon

My first two years in the city, I did next to nothing theatrically. I was truly at a stand still in my career. It was the AT Summer Intensive that essentially laid the ground work for everything that I 've been able to accomlish thus far. The intensive and a few sessions with them have equipped me with a true sense of self a an artist, a brand new rep that brings me joy to present at auditions, invaluable knowledge on the biz and genuine life-long friends. I came for the training and stayed for the community. I've come so far in such short time and truly couldn't have done without AT. So so grateful. <3—Jacob Bogan HammillBefore AT, I had so much random, general material in my book. I didn't have a good understanding of who I was or what made me... Emily Ricalde. AT is a gift that has given me an incredible sense of community, tools to add color and shading to my work, specificity in the way(s) I choose to present myself as an artist, and a whole lot of love and support. I walk into rooms leading with joy, and find myself actually excited to sing from my book because my rep is so ME. —Emily RicaldeBefore I started with Actor Therapy I was so used to fighting (often unsuccessfully) to be taken seriously as a nonbinary performer. Thanks to the incredible coaching from the AT faculty, and the unconditional love I have found in this community, I am much more confident claiming my identity both on and off stage! My gender is no longer a bug I have to compensate for, but a feature I proudly flaunt and incorporate into my acting and my approach to auditions. Queer theatre is the future, and AT gave me a safe space to find my voice!—Charlie Keegan JamesAfter a two year break from the industry I needed a learning environment where I was free to grow, learn and be pushed by people who genuinely care. Actor Therapy has given me the tools to get out there and do the thing Ive always dreamed of doing, but in an environment where I could be 100% unapologetically myself. I fell back in love with my passion for performing, found my light, and found a kick ass group of Supporters and I couldn’t be happier. —Raelyn SantiagoActor Therapy has not only helped me sharpen my skills, but it's taught me to identify and refine myself as an artist and my brand. My experience has allowed me to meet incredible people between both the students and faculty, and I just signed with an agency through the most recent Casting Directors and Agents Workshop!—Matt BearyI am extremely excited to announce that I just committed to The University of Michigan for Musical Theatre! Your summer program truly intensified my training and showed me the reality of the business. This program fueled my passion for musical theatre and showed me how much hard work it takes to be successful in this college process and in the business itself. I want to thank the entire staff at Actor Therapy for guiding me through this journey because I couldn't have done it without all of you. Have a wonderful day and I miss you all!—Chad MargeWhen I had to leave college after a medical emergency, I was floundering. Actor Therapy guided me back to the confidence I already had, and helped me make the transition from child actor to adult professional. I was shown that I could just trust that people would like me for me, and that I didn’t have to try to be loved, but rather just accept that I was indeed loved. Since coming to Actor Therapy, I’ve booked Equity productions, performed in London, met incredible people, and found that I didn’t need a “typical” college route to have a fulfilling career. —Belle GoodmanBefore Actor Therapy, I was a hot mess. My book didn't have great material, I wasn't self-motivated, and I was losing the passion to do what I loved. With Ryan's, Lindsay's, and the rest of the staff's incredible help and support, I've gained so much self-confidence as a performer, and it shows. Since I began in January 2019, I've begun booking more appointments and receiving callbacks way more frequently than I ever had been. And I've fallen in love with this art again.—Elissa HickeyActor Therapy has helped me see that being a badass woman in this industry means being authentically myself. I’ve grown as a performer of course, but more importantly I’ve grown as a individual- and that is invaluable.—Anika BuchananMy experience with AT has had its fits and starts because life happens, but the overall arc has been one of remarkable progress. Since I first met Ryan and Lindsay, I have signed with a manager and an agent, launched a new website, created an audition book that fits me (and works), and had more callbacks and bookings than anytime since I moved to New York. This is a much-needed community of support, positivity, and authenticity.—Richard WayneActor Therapy allowed me to give space to my own ambitions. It can be so difficult to work productively with just ourselves, so working with their incredible staff was the perfect way to gain feedback that I trusted to move me in the right direction. And after my session ended, I stepped into a wonderful community of thriving, working artists. I recommend Actor Therapy to performers at all stages of their journey!—Torian BrackettWhen I came to Actor Therapy, I was at a fight or flight crossroad with my career. I was immediately taken under the wings of AT’s incredible faculty who helped me navigate my own path and reignited my spark for this industry. Shortly after, I booked my first national tour. Actor Therapy has shaped me as an artist. I found my voice, gained confidence, became my own businesswoman and learned how to walk into each audition room being unapologetically myself.—Emily DurandAfter moving to the city I was lost, I didn’t know where to start or how to find a community. Shortly into working with the family at Actor Therapy, I learned where I am is exactly where I needed to be. I am enough and my family are the ones I surround myself with, in and outside of classes.—David C. PohlerI ran to a callback after Kirsten’s coaching at STUDIO class. I booked the role of Monkey King— my 1st lead role in a play.—Xiaoxiao SunI’ve always loved performing, but auditioning? Not so much. When I first moved to New York, I couldn’t find the material I wanted, didn’t know where to start, and needed a safe place to work. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to join Actor Therapy right after moving to the city. Not only has the AT team helped me build my confidence in an audition room but also it has given me a safe space to play and discover artistically. I feel ready to tackle any audition now, thanks to this incredible community!—Karlene Grinberg When I moved back here in October, I isolated myself at auditions and focused on being better than everyone & book everything that I went in for. Thankfully, I realized how selfish that was. I am just starting to pay my dues. Some people have been doing this for years and may have not booked anything yet. We need to all continue to support one another and build each other up, especially during crazy audition seasons. Being in Actor Therapy has taught me that staying humble & true to yourself is more important than any job that you can book.—Tanya BartonI began Actor Therapy in the fall of 2019 on a gap year. I’d come off a string of musical theatre college rejections and was uncertain as to whether I could ever find success as a performer.
Actor Therapy enabled me to discover my worth, take ownership of my voice, and reignite my passion. Since my first session, I have completed the college audition process a second time and currently have five offers at top MT programs (with eight still to hear from). I’m in an incredible place because of the coaching I received from my AT family!—Chance FriedmanFrom Actor Therapy, I gained a confidence that I never thought I could posse. Singing in front of people was always something I was scared to do, but AT helped me find my artistic voice through classes and 54 Below performances! —Michael DufekActor Therapy is the reason that I began taking myself seriously as a triple threat. As a dancer first, it's always been difficult to step out of my comfort zone into singing and acting, but this program provided a safe, supportive environment that allowed me to break down some walls and believe in myself. Not only does Actor Therapy provide amazing coaching with industry professionals, but it provides a community of like-minded artists to connect and learn with. Opportunities to do readings and hangouts outside of class make this program more than just an educational experience-- it's a family. —Meredith MartinI’m not really sure where to even begin with AT. I moved here exactly a year ago, scared to death about what might be ahead. I didn’t know how to really audition outside of a college setting, let alone an EPA for a Broadway show. Not being in a musical theatre program, I also didn’t really know the steps and craft of working songs for auditions. Sure I’d auditioned for summer stock in the past, but this was a whole new beast.

Not only did my multiple sessions of AT help me clean out my book, teach me how to embrace a song and make it my own, and truly teach me how to come out of my shell - I also made some of the best friends and connections I have ever had. I think that’s truly the best part of the program - the people. Yes I worked my butt off to come prepped for class and make sure that I was growing weekly, but I also now had a space to do so where I was comfortable and with people I trusted and respected!

I booked my first equity contract recently, and I don’t think I could’ve done that without my year at AT. So even if not picked for the shoot, just THANK YOU! —Joe HornbergerI moved to New York a couple months before I started Actor Therapy. The adjustment was difficult, and I lost so much motivation and confidence in the rat race. With classes from Actor Therapy, not only did I sharpen up my book and auditioning skills, but I found faith in myself as an artist again. The community I built here motivates me to be the best I can be every day.—
Lera ZamaraevaActor Therapy completely changed my outlook on the industry while showing me where I fit in it. With the help of the faculty I was able to develop my artistic voice and find truth in my performances. I learned more and more each class to find joy in failure, and how to attack this career with fervor. The AT community gave me a place to collaborate, reinvigorate and eventually celebrate! Thanks to AT I leaned into my strengths, wrote my own play, and booked the national tour of Charlottes Web!—Cassidy LaytonWhen I first moved to NYC, I felt totally lost and overwhelmed. Actor Therapy helped me discover who I was as a performer and where I fit into the industry. Previous teachers had tried to make me sound like everyone else; Actor Therapy embraced and taught me to capitalize on what made me unique as a vocalist. I was no longer alone in a big city — I was part of a community, I’d made new friends and forged lasting relationships with invaluable mentors, and I was ready to move forward in my career.—Meghan WilmottDuring my most recent session of AT, I got an appointment with a lot of material for an office that didn’t know me well. Not only did RSO and Peter give me the space to run through all of the songs I needed to prep, they gave me focused feedback on how I could better execute the particular goals I’d stated about how I wanted to embody the character. I went in to my audition relaxed, confident, and playful - and I got called back to sing for the team!—Amy Jo JacksonI initially came into Actor therapy feeling a little lost and very overwhelmed by the industry. I can honestly say that this program has helped build my confidence in the audition room, in my career goals and most importantly, in myself. Not only did it provide me with a safe and welcoming space to grow as a performer but actor therapy gave me the opportunity to meet and learn from so many incredible, supportive and talented actors. I am proud and incredibly grateful to be part of this community.—Kira LeivaI TRUST in myself more now than I have in the past, whether it’s when I step foot in an audition room or on stage. The incredible Actor Therapy team reminds me that I can only be one person, and that is my true self!—Donté WilderThis past year I have learned so much about myself and what makes me unique as a performer. Actor Therapy has completely reinvented the kind of performer I am and made me more confident in my abilities, but the #1 lesson I have learned is to just have fun and enjoy the journey a song, or a script takes you on. AT has given me many things: amazing mentors, a network of industry professionals, a safe space to work, performance opportunities, endless support and encouragement, but most importantly it has given me a family. I am forever grateful!—Kaitlyn GillActor Therapy helped me after making a huge change in my life from opera to musical theatre & film. It gave me the guidance, confidence, and support I needed to succeed in this crazy business. It also taught me how to be my best self and project that in the audition room. Without Actor Therapy, I wouldn't have booked TV or gotten my amazing agents! Lindsay, Ryan, and the whole staff are truly incredible people and I'm so grateful to be a part of this beautiful AT family.—Nicole DeLucaActor Therapy has taken the fear out of auditioning and being "in the room" for me. It provided a community of actors and mentors that I feel wholly supported by so that I can go out into the audition world prepared and crush it! Since starting Actor Therapy, I have booked my first professional/regional and Off-Broadway musicals. It was really a game changer for me to be in this environment! —Alden GagnonI signed up for Actor Therapy at a time when I felt alone and directionless in my career. What I got was so much more than an acting class. AT gives you the space to learn, create and nurture your craft alongside a community of other artists who get it. Now I have a clear path and the support to pursue it.—Erin RiceI spent my 20’s being the first girl in the second row in dozens of ensembles. While I learned a lot about professionalism and quick changes, I also became a performing robot. All that’s going to get me is a job at Chuck E. Cheese, Gurl, and nobody likes cardboard pizza that much. Actor’s Therapy challenged me to become an artist and opened me up to a world outside of waiting to be chosen for the next gig. I now have the courage to create my own opportunities.—Anne SchroederI spent a majority of my first 5 years in this city bussing tables instead of booking work. Actor Therapy helped me feel like an actor again. I made my 54 Below debut, I made my New York solo cabaret debut, I made practical connections and gained insightful experience. I'm not stuck in my day job anymore. My goals no longer feel unrealistic or faraway, but rather my goals feel totally within my grasp. I've always had the tools; Actor Therapy showed me how to manage them.—Alina FontanillaActor Therapy was a game-changer for me. Lindsay and RSO have taught me so much about the audition process and AT gave me the confidence to present my best self in the room. They give amazing feedback and you work together to really learn about who you are and how to tell your truth. They push you to set specific goals for each session and achieve those goals. Thanks to AT I got my first professional headshot, got my book together, set up a website, and received a callback and my first movie audition from an open call. AT provides support to your life as an artist in NYC. A community of people who share your passion and push you to better yourself. —Edsel RomeroMy AT produced solo show led me to stand up comedy! Through Lindsay’s specificity, RSO’s tough love, and a book full of notes from Kirsten, Peter, and Spos, I have been able to become the best version of myself – and that person now tells jokes about their private parts in comedy clubs all over the city. Without Actor Therapy, I’d still be wasting my time waiting for someone else to do the work for me. Now, I book my own gigs!—Alixe WardBefore Actor Therapy I was in such a slump. I was unmotivated and wasn’t auditioning. I still have a long way to go, but I now feel much more confident in what I have to offer as a performer, and I know the work that I need to put in to prepare for auditions. I feel like I have a clear direction in which to keep moving, and I have learned to celebrate the little victories. —Emily Sarah CohnNew York or Bust is all about growth. It is not just about growing as an actor but as a person. I am challenged by each instructor to grow and continue to push myself to be the best I can be. I am building my book, improving my dance technique, learning new techniques and learning life lessons all while networking and making friendships with the fellow students. I can’t thank RSO and Lindsay for putting together such an incredible team and for working with us and helping each of us grow on our own journey. —Bridget Adams-KingAs a 20-year-old who does not attend a college MT program, it’s very easy to feel unorganized and without a plan in this overwhelming industry. Actor Therapy is helping me find specificity, authenticity, and truth, while discovering more and more about myself in every class. It’s scary being vulnerable in front of incredibly successful professionals! But handing yourself over and putting all of your trust in them is extraordinarily rewarding. I am so grateful!—Anna FerrignoActor Therapy’s New York or Bust Summer Intensive has not only allowed me to continue my growth and development as an artist, but has taught me so much about myself, and who I am. The personal attention you have from your teachers is incomparable to any other training I have received, and the community is an abundance of love and support. I am finally who I am supposed to be because of AT, it changed my life!—Noah CarnielloActor therapy has pushed me to have breakthroughs that I didn’t know were possible. I have learned so much in a wonderful environment that encourages exploration and finding what makes you different from everyone else. I’m proud to be apart of the AT family!—Quinlynn MainwaringI can’t say enough good things about this experience. Lindsay and RSO have created a really amazing space that feels safe and positive and encouraging no matter where you are on your journey. Their direction has helped me embrace who I am and where I’m at. It has also pushed me to be the best performer and the best human being I can be. I have better grasp on my voice as an artist, a better understanding of this business, and a better idea of the steps I need to take to achieve my goals. I could not be more grateful for the guidance I’ve received and the relationships I’ve formed here. This is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself!—Jenna CaireI have loved every second of Actor Therapy. The environment is so loving and supportive and they truly focus on your individual needs as a performer. This is a perfect balance between theatre training, audition preparation, learning the industry, and acknowledgement of the self. I have learned the value of trusting the process and your own journey. This group has become like a family to be and I will always cherish this unforgettable experience.—Ashlyn CombsActor Therapy showed me how to bring my authentic self to the work. Not only is auditioning more effective when I have material that suits me, but it's also more fun! I can’t imagine walking into a room again without the knowledge and perspective I've gleaned from AT.—Brandon KriskoActor Therapy has given me the skills, confidence, and knowledge I need to work as a professional in the theatre industry. The community is filled with amazing artists, and has given me so many friendships over the years. Since Actor Therapy I've started working with an agent, booked Off Broadway, and even grown my side hustle as a voice teacher.—Miranda LuzeIt seems dramatic, but I’d have to say Actor Therapy changed my life. Before entering AT, I had just moved to NYC and was looking to find my footing, and AT was just the home I was needing. In my training through AT, I have been forced out of a fixed mindset into a growth mindset, which will give me longevity in this business and help me understand that I will always be growing and learning. Actor Therapy has boosted my confidence in ways that I am eternally grateful for and continues to push me creatively to work harder.—Hannah LaurenAT taught me to trust myself. I walked into New York last year assuming anything I knew or had done before was wrong or incorrect, but, these classes taught me to trust my instincts and my experiences while always be open to learning and improving. And, now, I know I can do anything. —Liam FitzpatrickI had always believed that if you don’t have a perfect audition you won’t get the job. Because of this, I put a lot of pressure on myself to get everything right. If I cracked on a note or said a wrong lyric in an audition I would give myself harsh criticism. Actor Therapy helped me with unlearning this belief. Thanks to my amazing coaches and collaborators I know now that a “perfect” audition is showing up and being your true self. Humans aren’t always perfect. I took this new mentality into my auditions and I booked my first professional job. Who knew perfection comes from allowing yourself to be imperfect?—Robert QuilesWith Actor Therapy I finally caught the feeling of telling the story through a song versus singing it with crazy helicopter arms. It brought me relief and inspiration, I’ve learned that I was enough as an actor. Of course, applying all these newly attained skills in a couple of shows, feeling like a real deal, representing immigrants, being a professional was great, but Actor Therapy gave me that feeling of being enough looong before I’ve booked anything. For me THAT was the real success, and I’m very grateful. —Valerie Voronova-FelmanWhen I moved to NYC, I knew almost no one and I had no clue what I was doing. On a whim, I decided to sign up for a session of Actor Therapy. What I didn’t know is that I would be making friends for life. The community created through Actor Therapy was instrumental in my transition out of college and my return to city after many pandemic months away. They are the people that settle my imposter syndrome and walk Central Park with me. We drink wine together, see Broadway shows and dream about our future stardom. I ‘d be lost without them. —Meghan FittonJoining Actor Therapy has been the greatest decision I've ever made! The self assurance I gained has helped me grow as both an Artist and a Person. Being given the space to grow, learn and evolve with the skillful eye and guidance of the AT Team is something I never take lightly. My experience with Actor Therapy has made me, as a Black Trans Non-Binary Artist, feel triumphant and grounded everytime I walk into a room!—XavierAnytime someone asks me about my training I immediately credit Actor Therapy before any other institution. RSO and Lindsey and every instructor has given me invaluable lessons and encouragement which has given me the confidence to start my journey into this industry. No other program has equipped me with the tools to help me succeed professionally and personally like AT has. Because of the community, I have a greater understanding of myself and who I am as an artist.—Aislinn CainACTOR THERAPY is absolutely life changing!! After working with these beautiful people I made my NYC debut in the show “Murder Ballad.” As I waited in line at my audition I tried to remind myself that “I am so much more than just my voice.” I am a story teller, I am a dancer, I am an actor, I am an artist. “You are enough.” These were words and concepts that I didn’t quite understand before taking AT classes. Once I began to understand such concepts I felt ready and confident to officially begin my career and life as an artist!—Christina SummersActor Therapy has been truly invaluable to me. I've been introduced to repertoire I really connect with through AT, but what I've loved most about their classes has been learning from the instructors and my classmates and the safe space they created. Every time I went up to work, I felt like the artist I've always wanted to be - like I deserved to be in that room working alongside some of the most talented people I've ever seen perform. I've learned so much about approaching and working on material, but I was given a real gift of the safety and encouragement to bring my entire self to the songs I love to sing.—Anissa PeronaActor Therapy has been super formative for me as a twenty year old in New York trying to figure it all out. They've guided me through adding my personal flair to my material and finding out where I fit in the puzzle. I LOVE everything in my rep book after a few sessions and instead of stressing before auditions, I'm excited to get in the room and play! I've never been more confident of what I can bring to the table—Mackenzie CannonI came into AT thinking I knew who I was as a performer, and through Actor Therapy I’ve learned there’s so much more to me and that I’ve only scratched the surface of what I can become as a growing artist! —Charlie FusariActor Therapy reignited my vigor as an artist. Ryan Scott Oliver and Kirsten Wyatt helped me embrace my strengths and individuality as a performer, which, over time, has allowed me to unlock this fearlessness needed to maintain a sustainable career in this industry. Since taking class, I’ve found an agent, an amazing community of friends, and I’ve been able to put myself out there more than ever before.—Nachi LedererActor Therapy has cultivated a safe and supportive space to sing through, clean up, and update my book so I can feel more confident and prepared for the return of in-person audition season! Like most in this industry, the pandemic completely shook me, and my inner flame was feeling quite dim, but AT knew just how to stoke those embers.—Sonia RomanWhen I started Actor Therapy, I was an eighteen year old actor who was unsure of how I fit into the industry, and who I really was. Actor Therapy gave me the tools to find confidence within both my material and my personality. At the Summer Intensive, I was asked “What makes Renee different?”, which prompted me to think about what I’m passionate about and what belongs to me. Now, two years later, I have an audition book that I truly believe in that showcases exactly who I am and what makes me special.—Renee MandelWhen I first found Actor Therapy, it was June 2020. Everything was shut down, and there was so much uncertainty of the future of theater. I was feeling distraught, and in need of something to keep me motivated. Actor Therapy was exactly what I needed. I started with virtual sessions, and continued from the summer through my semesters in college. Actor Therapy has provided me with such incomparable skills of self discovery and has made me feel supported and celebrated as I navigate the journey of developing myself as an artist. I also completed the Actor Therapy Winter Intensive, which allowed me to receive invaluable feedback as to how industry professionals are currently viewing me, and gave me the steps to continue to grow. I am currently in the Kander and Ebb Rehearsal and Performance Class, which has been an exciting challenge of working a full song. I am so grateful for this incredible community, and words cannot properly depict how much I have benefited from their program.—Bella Bosco