Every once in a while you have the privilege of teaching an actor who has it all and takes nothing for granted. Leven Miranda, recently cast in Amazon’s “It’s Not Like That”, is currently filming her first season as a series regular. I love seeing dedication pay off, and even though I haven’t seen Leven in a few years, it makes me so happy to see her get that big first break. You’ll know who she is very, very soon…
This one is the result of some really hard work by Scot Ruggles. Scot’s been a working actor for a while now and consistently puts great work out there. This one was a natural fit, particularly due to Scot’s background in coaching the game at a very high level. A great guy, a great public speaker, and a wonderful actor just hitting his stride. Bravo, Scot!!
Huge congratulations to Laura Lejuwaan for booking the iconic role of Berthe in Mark Camoletti’s BOEING BOEING at the Westminster Playhouse after a brief coaching for her callback. I first met Laura through my screen acting class at South Coast Repertory Theater in Costa Mesa. She’s been taking my class in Mar Vista since, and seems to be taking off. We haven’t had much to talk about since the strike started, but coaching is back and it’s great to see an actor work. Bravo, Laura!
I’m so thrilled to see Chloe Domont create such an important film as Fair Play, starring Phoebe Dynevor, Alden Ehrenreich, and the great Eddie Marsan. Chloe was in my class when she started out in this business and moved onto writing and directing, working her way up to this incredible moment. Fair Play premiered at Sundance and was eventually bought by Netflix where it can be found now. Nothing makes me happier than to see someone like Chloe reach her point of recognition within this industry. Bravo.
Caroline Harris has been working on a recurring role on FBI Most Wanted, filming in New York City before and after Christmas. Caroline earns every role the hard way, with an impressive work ethic and terrific talent and skill, but I’d like to think our work on her sides in class helped. Only a matter of time with someone as smart and classy as Caroline, but roles like this are a peek into the series regular roles heading her way. She’s that good.
Thrilling to see someone you coached as a young actor mature into a legitimate star with such grace and composure. And to care so deeply about his heritage and community. Check out his work for the United Latinx Fund below:
Bree Condon
For those of you who have viewed their BOMBSHELL screener or made it to the theatres, you may have noticed my client Bree Condon’s nifty performance as the sharp-elbowed Fox ‘reporter’ Kimberly Guilfoyle. Bree is a super-talented actress that I’ve worked with for a while now, so it’s a thrill to see her work on the big screen. Congrats, Bree!
Sometimes a client books a job that makes my week. Sometimes they book three in a row and it starts to look like a trend. Caroline has been a working actor in LA since graduating from Northwestern University’s theatre program, but now things seem to be happening fast in her world. In addition to a recent co-star role on Westworld for HBO, Caroline just booked a great role in Clea DuVall’s directorial debut feature, opposite Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, as well as a series regular role on Tyler Perry’s upcoming show Bruh. Oh, and she’s also that suspicious client in the AT&T commercial with the sketchy tax professional, ‘Dennis Celery’.
Thrilled to see my client Jamie Harris’ work on Carnival Row for HBO. Jamie is the absolute bass note of the show, and a brilliant actor overall. He recently shot a nifty role on Steven Spielberg’s upcoming West Side Story in New York, as well as a key role in Lovecraft Country for Bad Robot and HBO.
Class member and client Kate Amundsen is very quickly establishing herself as a star on the rise. In addition to recent appearances on Westworld, she recently shot a great recurring role on Showtime's Shameless for prolific director David Nutter.
No connection here, but sometimes a performance is so good it warrants a little bandwagon alert. Brad Carter is so damn good as Charlie Lange in TRUE DETECTIVE. Hell, everyone is good in TD, but this show is proof that great supporting actors make or break a show. Reminds me of Clifton Collins Jr.'s performance in TRAFFIC, which was a while ago, I know. Enigmatic and electric.
Jared starred as Yousef Turani on the most recent season of HOMELAND. Jared is a great actor who happens to be equally adept at comedic material. Homeland has created a lot of opportunities for him, and he has everything he needs to make the most of it. No surprise to anyone who has worked with him. Onward and upward, Jared.
After several rounds, Moran Atias landed a series regular role on one of the most anticipated shows in development, Tyrant. David Yates and Gideon Raff (Homeland) are the creative team involved, and it doesn't get much classier than that. Yates' is obviously known for the Harry Potter movies, but his Girl in the Cafe is a film I mention often in class for its performances. Coaching Moran on such great material was a true collaboration, and I can't wait to see the show.
Had to point out the recent success of another class participant, Hunter Jackson. If you don't know him now, you will soon. Coming off his Twilight work, he's booked back-to-back roles on Grimm and Castle, working with serious pro and all-around great actor - John Pyper-Ferguson.
Hats off to Vanessa Ragland (former class participant) and Cole Stratton for their pop-enlightenment podcast. There is no longer any need to actually watch any reality tv - they will go forage it for you, ingest it, and regurgitate it for you back at the nest. Only it tastes better.
Benjamin Arthur, Hart Turner, and Charlene Amoia spent the summer shooting American Reunion for Universal in Atlanta, opposite the original cast.
Congrats to Amy Handelman for booking the lead in the Rubicon Theater production of Steel Magnolias. Previews start August 24th in Ventura, and the cast also features Clarinda Ross, Bonnie Franklin and Stephanie Zimbalist.
One of the best young actors I've worked with, Kyle McKeever was cast off tape in Odd Thomas, with Tim Robbins, Willem Dafoe, Anton Yelchin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Patton Oswalt. This was all from sides we worked on in class. Right on, Kyle...
Right on to Deborah Puette, one of my favorite actors out there, for her new show 'Caught' at the Zephyr Theatre. Deborah is that perfect combination of integrity, intelligence and talent. Hats off to you.
Big Hats Off to native New Orleans actor Bryan Batt for his third season arc on Mad Men. For those who aren't as familiar with Bryan, he's a Broadway legend who has basically found the role of his life in the great series on AMC. Bryan is about as legitimate a triple threat as there is, and he's one of the most electric musical theater performers out there. Salvatore Romano, and his role as Sandler's agent in Funny People are just the start. Right on, Bryan.
