What is it like to train with us? Read what our students have to say!
"I’m lucky that this studio has been everything I’ve needed, with the kind of support I need to make this shift [into acting], because the work we do is very hard and vulnerable…It’s a studio that really cares about the art, being with like-minded people who really want this. I [also]like the way that Liz and Lisa critique, It’s very functional critiquing and it doesn’t feel like judging; They’re really good at not comparing us. They’re very invested in each of our actual individual progress."
- Trixi Anne Agiao, Current MCIAT Certificate Student Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, Producer, Mental Health Advocate |
"The studio has helped me unlock a new level of truthfulness in my acting and how I approach characters, relationships, behavior, and just really grounding everything in truth and not worrying so much about what people think. With the Chekhov work, I’m now open to exploring new ways of thinking about things in your body. There are so many new sensations, feelings, ways of accessing things, and just overcoming that obstacle of saying yes. Just trying it with your body and with your brain, that's something that plagued me as a chronic overthinker for my whole adult life, so the Chekhov work definitely helped me overcome a lot of that thinking too much about things. Now I just dive in saying yes"
- Alyssa Anne Austin, MCIAT Certificate Alum Actor, Writer, Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, Producer |
"The experience that I had at MCIAT has changed me forever. I find that Meisner, Chekhov, and some of the other stuff that we learned at MCIAT (audition techniques, Shakespeare, etc.) are desperately needed. It feels like a really solid foundation to do some work. Both techniques have been heavily relied upon in my work, I think I stand out in auditions. [With Liz and Lisa,] You can’t ask for more whole-hearted, wholly devoted artists. They’re such excellent role models, mentors, and leaders in that space. I’ve never felt more safe and able to take risks."
- Eric Casalini, MCIAT Certificate Alum Actor, Screenwriter, Producer, Teacher |
"Training at the studio has provided me with a variety of ways into creating my actor's process and allowing my actor's faith to grow in many circumstances. I can feel my foundation expanding and becoming more steady." - Nia Mason, Current MCIAT Student Costume and Design Student, San Diego State University |
"The Chekhov and Meisner classes have been extremely beneficial and rewarding. I enjoyed the freedom of exploration and the specific challenges presented in both of these classes. I now have new avenues to connect to not only myself as an actor, but to connect with my fellow actors; learning how to apply these practices in class and in theatrical productions. The rigorous and fun acting program has given me the chance to meet so many amazing actors and creative people! MCIAT is truly a gift to the San Diego theater and film community!"
- Laura Ganz-Holtan, MCIAT Certificate Alum Stage Actor |
"I came to the studio to learn what acting is, and now I’ve seen what it is, and really enjoyed the process. Having a really strong foundation of a technique and a process, having a checklist of things I can do to find myself in any project is really important. I feel like I can grow as a person through acting. MCIAT’s training has taught me how to respond truthfully as an actor. MCIAT has also given me a variety of tools through their Meisner and Chekhov classes to find my truth as an actor."
- Jacob Gellert, Current MCIAT Student Actor, Future MFA Candidate at CalArts |
"I decided at the beginning of my 30's to pursue creativity as a future profession. MCIAT has taught me how to put in to practice authentic responses in a imaginary space in the context of acting. Its the solid foundation to build my craft for the rest of my life." - Joey Halstead, MCIAT Certificate Alum Voice and Stage Actor |
"I felt the Meisner philosophy resonated with me most, in terms of acting techniques, which led me to the studio. And as someone who struggles with being in my head, I love the Chekhov concepts of connecting deeply to your body. I immediately felt the passion for teaching from both Lisa and Liz, and I think it cannot be overstated that not everyone is a teacher, so that really sold me. I feel extremely lucky to have studied with them." - Callie Ray, MCIAT Certificate Alum Voice and Stage Actor, Teacher |