SeattleActingSchool.com

Seattle Acting School
Student Testimonials

• Tony Forsyth - You're one of the most caring and passionate teachers I've ever had. The enthusiasm and spirit that you bring to every class coupled with a technical insight and knowledge of the craft nourished my growth, not only as an actor, but as a human being. I will be forever grateful for your generosity. You've been integral, not only in my development, but in sustaining and increasing a very high standard. You've left me a richer person.
• Alexandra Rice - I am about to play the lead in an independent film called "Chasing Indigo." I really want to thank you for teaching me. Under your guidance I know I have come a long way. I never would have been able to land all these jobs, in fact I never booked anything before studying with you. You've given me the confidence and most importantly the courage to let my guard down and really live out the experience truthfully. I promise to bring meaning to my acting and to be truthful. I also promise to uphold the reputations established by those who have preceded me by working the way you have taught me. I can't thank you enough for all of your help and encouragement.
• Laura Granick - I know you will say you've only been a guide post but I say thank you for teaching me how to act. Your guidance, encouragement and even those times (about once a year) you've needed to chastise me have been invaluable to my growth as an actor and a person. I swear your caring attention has made me feel that both my talent and me as a person are extra special and that is a gift you give beyond the expected scope of teaching. I know you'll say I did it all myself but I beg to differ. You've changed my life over course of the years in way I never thought possible and I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough.
• Heather Lindbergh - Hello sir ... Well, it's going to be blown up as big as a barn...I did the (Dennis) Hopper film over the summer and just recieved a tape with my scenes. Of course, I picked it apart but I must say it's not bad for the first time out. I was very nervous and excited and worried and sick to my stomach so the short of it is all I could remember to do was to "Listen". It turned out Mr. Hopper was having a "not so smooth" day with a few other actors and had had a fit. He complained that most actors don't do the very first thing they are trained to do (if trained), "LISTEN." Well I want to thank you Mr. Coburn because after the scene with him, which took only one take for the Master shot, he thanked me for doing my job. I guess I gave him something to work off of. Just keeping you posted. Thanks so much for everything!
• Jim Carretta - Thank you for being supportive with me and especially for helping me unravel the mystery of "reasons." I just want to thank you for acting as my signpost for the past 3 years. Whenever I hit a stumbling block with my acting, you always provided me with the missing link that helped clarify things for me. Thanks for your support and your patience and keep your eyes peeled for us in the future. Forge on in the fight against fraudulence.
• Lisa Biggers - Thank you for all the great learning - you're just the best there is and it's been such a joy to be in your class.
• Lana Paleaz - Thank you for your unending support and confidence in me - you've made me an actress! (note: Lana passed away, from cancer, during her studies with us. We always kept her chair open in class. We know she was there. jd)
• Lisa Watson - Your teaching has brought such confidence to my life as an actor. Thank you for always pushing us to allow the truth to come true.
• Matthew Kenna - Thanks for all your support and input. Your school and a dedicated teacher like you are the best gifts I could ever get.
• Zachary Highland - Thanks a lot! What you did for us was amazing. It went above and beyond your call of duty and will not be forgotten. You're a class act.
• Jodi Adler - How can I ever thank you for all you've done for me? I hope you know how much I appreciate all of your help and insight.
• Priscilla Cruz - It has been very difficult to me to just be me. But, I can definitely say that I am more me now than ever, if that makes sense.
• Matt Staci - There are so many things that I want to be able to put into this but I can't express them any more simply than to tell you, "thank you." In a world where people want to mold you in accordance with their own value system you allowed and encouraged me to mold myself as I saw fit. You helped to give birth to my own sense of individuality. I can now look at myself in the mirror and be proud of who I am. You taught me to not conform to anyone's, "ideas." The only rules that need to be followed are my own. Bottom line is that in the last 2½ years you've taught me how to act in class and out. I've become a better person because of you. I promise you, just as I promise myself, I will keep that spirit alive. May you take a "Rocket ship to the Moon."
• Diane Guthman - I can honestly say you've been my main inspiration and motivation in acting. The one thing I look forward to each week are my classes. I see a man who is extremely dedicated to his students and to teaching acting. He has this wonderful way of inspiring and making us believe in our ability and ourselves. His faith in our ability seems to light a fire inside of us and we rise to a different level; one of confidence, understanding and passion. Every time I feel discouraged about my acting, I hear your unwavering voice inside my brain, "Keep working at it," "You'll get it, it takes time," or, "Acting comes first." There's nothing like a good dose of JD to chase away the actor blues.
• Hilary Bucher - Thank you so much for all that you have given me. You are truly an amazing teacher blessed with a gift. You teach in a way that inspires us and with such wisdom and confidence. What I've learned is something I can't put into words.
• Emilie Blythe McDonald - What I really want to say is: thank you for giving of yourself in your teaching. You've immeasurably changed many people's lives (for the better). Your level of influence extends beyond what you can ever know. I'm grateful that you were my teacher.
• Jennifer Lee "Cookie" - There're so many things I want to say but the word most appropriate, that sums it all is; "Thanks!"
• Hugh Benjamin - Great One! Thanks for all the great advice. You'll see us on TV! (My students and the other teachers frequently referred to me as "The Great One" - I think it was because I knew how to fix the toilet - jd)
• Hannah Lee - I will always remember you for your relentless passion and talent for teaching. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience so generously. You have touched my life deeply.
• Marcelle - You have opened more than my eyes. You opened my heart more and my spirit is very much alive, thank you.
• Steve Rodriguez - A great teacher and one of the few truly great men whom I know.
• Mary Boutte' - What a wonderful pebble you are to have taken the time to ripple my world. From this day forward not a day will pass that you don't feel in your spirit, or someone shares with you, how you've changed their lives. You are a blessing.
• Felicia Khoja - I must take the time to tell you thank you for everything over these past years. Believe it or not, all of your constructive criticism, encouragement, words of wisdom and even a few scoldings have served to not only make me a better actor, but a better person (no smoke blowing, really). I suppose we students often fail to express our gratitude on a regular basis, if at all, so I want you to know you're a fabulous teacher, you inspired us all.
• Brett Williamson - I've never told you this JD, but you inspire me so much. When you talk in class about acting you just move me. You are the most wonderful teacher I have ever had. I feel like I have a special bond with you. You don't have to say anything and I know you care. You care so much about teaching and you're so careful with people's feelings. You're the Great One. Thank you for everything JD, thank you.
• Lou Beach - I'll always be grateful for your insights, humor and humanity.