Updated June 15 , 2002

(Regarding The Working Actor Seminar)

Dear Gary & John,

First of all thank you both for teaching me so much in only 8 weeks. The first week of class when I walked in the door I was very nervous but soon realised that everyone in that room was there for the same reason as me and after a couple of hours started to feel relaxed and ready for my first time on camera, which of course I dreaded. As the weeks passed I started to feel more confident on camera and not to worry about the sound of my voice, after all people hear us differently anyway. A couple of weeks ago I was an extra on "The Wire" which was so much fun and a great experience, I didn't look at the camera once, I obviously remembered something from the class!! Seriously, this is a great workshop for anyone who has never performed in front of a camera, or even if they have you, you will soon learn something new not just about on-camera work but theatre, auditions, agents etc. I have recommended this Workshop to so many friends and will continue to do so. Once again thank you both for teaching me so much and giving me the courage and confidence to pursue something I truely enjoy and love - ACTING.
Claire Sherman, Owings Mills, MD

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Gary & John,

It's a little after 7:00pm, Monday evening. By this time our group of 10 would've just made our coffee and tea while discussing the events of the past week. But today, I'm at my PC dissappointed that the class is over. For the last several weeks I had the pleasure of spending time with a wonderful group of people who were actually from my planet. While observing the class I could see and feel everyone taking to heart each lesson taught, each story shared and most important...the knowledge of the industry you gave us for those four hours. For me, I came into the class desperate to learn anything I could about acting and was the only one who hadn't met you guys previously. From the start you made me feel at home even though I was green to the business and the craft. Gary and John, you guys will never know what these past few weeks actually meant to me, but in short I could finally breathe. And as a drove home, with only a few hours before starting a new corporate job, I realized that if given the opportunity, although acting is hard, following my heart is what's important. So now I have to take all that you've taught me and try to stay a float while pursuing my dream of making movies. I hope that one day you'll watch me in a nationally released feature and be able to pick out the things you taught me because I will not forget.

Thanks for allowing me to fill that last slot only a few days before class started,
Derrick Blackwell

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Dear John and Gary/ Actors Company Theater:

I am writing to thank you as well as to rave about your Working Actor's Seminar. I had been in the Baltimore area for two years and felt I was not reaching my potential. Your information on marketing myself, combined with your tips on auditioning to give me the push I needed. Since taking your class I have been auditioning regularly and working!! I landed a lead role in an independent film that is slated for national distribution, a spokesperson role in a regional commercial spot, and I have had the opportunity to participate in a local theater showcase. I can't thank you enough. I want to recommend your class to other actors. I have taken classes in markets across the country and found yours extremely helpful. I especially appreciated the no-nonsense, open, and friendly atmosphere where I felt comfortable. Thanks again and best wishes to you.

Sincerely,

Shawn Marie Diddy, Baltimore, MD

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Hi,

I just wanted to let you know that I got (cast) today in a PSA for The United Way, which will be aired on all the local stations in the D.C. Metropolitan area. It…will show a tight close-up of my expressions and reactions to information about the United Way Campaign…the best news is, they are using the audition tape footage and won't need me to come in again. I think you guys get some credit here. This was clearly on my auditioning skills. They had me do several takes, just allowing (me) to react naturally to the information…I was relaxed and tuned in and I don't think this would have happened so easily, if I hadn't taken your class. There were a lot of people who showed up for the audition. Thanks again. I feel like the class is paying off and that I am finally breaking into the commercial market, which was one of my goals. I am also going to be shooting a commercial for Montgomery Cable tomorrow.

Claire Myles, Silver Spring, MD

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Gary and John,

I want to take this time to thank you both for your sincerity, honesty, knowledge, and precise time you shared with me during these past eight weeks. If ever a person wanted to know the truth about their talents, abilities, limitations and expectations, your workshop was the place. Your class has eliminated the mystique of auditioning and has given me the insight to participate in any audition, knowing that I could deliver a positive read when asked for. What can I say...thank you again.

God Bless,

Gus Fiackos, Arlington, VA

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I sincerely think the working actor course is one of the best investments I ever made. I'm sorry the course has ended; my expectations were high coming in, based on the website/letters, etc., but you and Gary far exceeded even those. Not only were there 8 expertly developed information-packed sessions, but I also gained 8 great new friends, and I sincerely hope we can keep in touch and cross paths frequently in the future.Thanks for everything; it was a great 8 weeks!

Tom Engle, Ellicott City, MD

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Well, I just wanted to tell you that I (enjoyed) your class a lot - I'm glad to feel like I have you and John as a resource. I like you guys a lot…you have a nice balance between you in terms of experience and advice.

Juliet Brown, Baltimore, MD

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I'm (re)reading the Michael Caine book on Acting in Film. You know, I've had this book for 3 years! It all makes sense now. When I first read it, I'm like, what is he talking about. But, after your class, it all makes perfect sense. You guys are great. Thank you for providing such a useful tool for actors. You've been very generous with your time and effort. I think I can speak for the whole clas when I say we all deeply appreciate it. I sincerely hope our paths cross many times in the future.

Virginia Lung, Laurel, MD

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Gary,

You and John have been really terrific and lots of help in so many ways above and beyond the call of duty.

Best,

Claire Myles, Silver Spring, MD

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Gary and John,

I wanted to send you an email to thank you personally for all the guidance and knowledge you have given me during the last eight weeks. Finally, I'm entering this competitive industry with great confidence thanks to you two. When I first told my family and friends of my decision to leave the business world to pursue acting, I got mixed reactions, as you can imagine. Most friends and family could not understand why I would give up a steady salary and a great job to dive into the unknown. I understood and understand. For the first time in my life, I am INSPIRED and looking forward to the future. This is more than most people can say. This is something I cannot adequately put into words, but the emotions are very strong. I feel I have learned more in the last eight weeks than many people learn in years. Your guidance and patience has completely affirmed my decision. I am confident that I will have a successful career, but no matter what, I know that I will never look back and doubt my decision. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? No matter what it does, the trip will be exciting along the way.

I know our paths will continue to cross.  I will always look forward to it. Thanks again for everything.  If there is every anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.

With sincere gratitude,

Alex Kozushin, Woodbridge, VA

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Many thanks for the pleasure, honor and lessons of the past eight weeks. I am inspired. Again, much gratitude for opening your house, your heart, and your brilliant mind for us wannabe working Actors.

In deep regard,

Jan Kleckner, Annapolis, MD

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I learned about the particulars of working as an actor and auditioning. I've had some focused practice in front of the camera. I got exactly what I wanted and expected and then some. So I am very pleased.

Rob Patterson, Baltimore, MD

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I've taken classes in Los Angles and New York and The Working Actor was by far the best that I've ever had!

Laura Gifford, Lutherville, MD

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E-mail: stagemaster@actorsco.com