Private Acting Coach (Hollywood Hills)

California Posted 12 days ago creative services

About This Service

ACTING COACH

I am a private acting instructor who has trained under some of the most esteemed teaching masters of our generation, including Sanford Meisner and Peggy Feury. My focus is on guiding individuals to behave authentically within imagined scenarios. I maintain a small, dedicated group of students for regular coaching and am seeking to welcome a few more.

The initial session is complimentary, allowing us to assess if we are well-suited to work together. My motivation stems from a deep love for the craft and a desire to share the knowledge I have gathered over many years to assist others.

Please forward your resume along with a concise statement explaining your motivation for pursuing acting. Prior experience is not required. I am only seeking serious, committed individuals who possess a genuine passion for their artistic development.

Testimonials

\"I cannot adequately express my gratitude and good fortune in having met such a wise and seasoned teacher, and in gaining an incredible friend and mentor in M. Participating in these classes has significantly boosted my confidence. I began unsure of how to navigate my acting career, afraid of being fully vulnerable, and focused on being good rather than being REAL. Today, I am a much stronger performer—one who regularly submits for castings and auditions and has secured representation with a commercial agency. I attribute this to hard work, perseverance, and M. M\'s method of sharing knowledge, rooted in personal experience, respect for the craft, and expertise in techniques like Meisner\'s, has helped me embrace the journey. I have genuinely grown both professionally and personally. Throughout the class, I learned to respond honestly to imaginary circumstances, to engage with them drawing from my full life experiences, and I have become more aware of how things affect me. This class is for anyone willing to commit to the work, regardless of where they are in their journey.\" -Leslie P.

\"I have never been one to write testimonials, but I must for this individual. Before I began studying here, I was not booking any roles whatsoever. I could not figure out what was wrong, blaming everything except the real issue: my technique. I believed I did not need to learn one. Instead of living truthfully, I was merely \'acting\' and not truly listening and reacting. A friend suggested I try this, and to my surprise, I saw the light. I have now booked five gigs—two short films, a commercial, and two student films. I finally feel I am on the right path.\" -Billy F.

\"When I first started this class, I admit I was hesitant, having never tried one-on-one instruction before. I quickly realized this would be tailored specifically to me and my journey—an opportunity not available in larger classes. I had been auditioning without booking work and was growing frustrated. Literally three weeks in, I started booking jobs. The first was a SAG production, which allowed me to join the union. Since then, my booking rate is around fifty percent, which is tremendous. I could not be more pleased. At any level, this class will positively help you.\" -Sharon G.

\"When searching for an acting coach on aaalist, I never expected to find such a kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable person who offers advice on both acting and life in general. M assists his students from the inside out, providing customized attention to specific areas you aim to improve. He has helped me build audition confidence, identify and shed bad habits, understand character connection, and focus on staying present to deliver truthful performances. While not a therapist, he explores what makes you tick to understand how life influences your work. He has helped me uncover new perspectives on my personality and behavior, leading to greater self-understanding as both an actor and a person. M has undoubtedly left a positive impact as an incredible teacher and mentor. Any actor seeking genuine growth will be fortunate to have him as a coach.\" -Maya I.

\"When I arrived for my first class with M, I was anxious, stiff, and uncomfortable. Over several sessions, with his patient direction through demonstration, I gradually learned to shed an inferior version of myself. The result did not come easily; it required work, commitment, and absorbing M\'s own self-confidence. What emerged was a person comfortable in his own skin. No matter your profession, there is nothing as valuable as learning to present yourself to the world as you truly are. It gives you the confidence of an internal safe harbor. When the face you show the world matches your most honest self-reflection, you stand taller. Burdens feel lighter, challenges become more manageable, and failure is seen as a prelude to success. Thank you, M, for helping me realize a dream.\" -Hillel A.

\"I was stuck in a repetitive job that felt like the same day on loop. When the pandemic hit, all I could think about was my long-held desire to act. I had taken classes before but felt I was just wasting money. I happened upon an ad for this class, and it resonated. I sent an email and received a prompt reply, followed by a phone call. M shared that he had studied under masters like Sandy Meisner. I decided to see for myself. The first class was free to see if we were a good fit. M creates a safe space to explore, be vulnerable, and be yourself. I have learned that acting involves understanding human nature and being in the moment. Weekly assignments strengthen both your abilities and your daily life—how you see, listen, and react. After about four months, I and those who know me well have noticed a significant change. On a recent trip home, I was able to communicate my dreams with honest emotion, and my family finally understood my path. This type of passionate, dedicated teacher is rare.\" -Doug L.

\"I gained far more than coaching when I decided to study here. From the start, it was clear this was not just a transaction. M possesses an unusual quality of caring for the person first. He saw potential in me that I did not see. He gave me the confidence to pursue a profession requiring continuous transformation. He made mundane situations palatable, used correlation to memorize lines, and collaborated to bridge emotional gaps in difficult scenes. Over time, my work matured beyond my expectations. I learned about truthful behavior in a character, and the process was genuinely enjoyable. Today, I see myself differently. While still developing, he has instilled a confidence and technique that allows me to pursue the necessary skills passionately. His insight was key to my success in landing a feature film role. He cares deeply for his students and pushes us to excel. His acumen and life experiences make us more aware of emotional preparation and character development. I am a better human being because of him. He is truly inspirational.\" -Mike R.

\"The first thing to note about M is that in a one-on-one session, you feel like the most important person in the world due to his complete attention. He truly listens. His focused presence is so refreshing it can be surprising, even unnerving at first, in a world where people are often scattered and avoid eye contact. Here, you encounter immediate focus, sincerity, and a genuine desire to help. It has been a long battle unlearning old patterns, but through hard work, I have learned to incorporate these qualities into my acting. I am more focused, pay genuine attention to other actors, and respond in an honest, emotionally truthful way. His ability to get to the core of a scene or character is special. The bottom line: I have booked more work since studying with him, and the feedback from casting directors has been overwhelmingly positive. Unlike many coaches focused on ego and self-promotion, this man is genuinely about helping others. If this resonates, do yourself a favor and study with him.\" -Karen S.

\"I have been working with M for over a year. Of all the teachers and coaches I have worked with, his approach resonates with me the most. I have since booked three jobs consecutively, had four callbacks, and received dramatically improved feedback from casting directors. He is a no-nonsense teacher with compassion, passion, and a keen eye for truthful behavior and character work. Above all, he genuinely wants to help people, not only in their work but in incorporating these lessons into daily life. He is a rare breed who does not seek accolades; he prefers to remain in the shadows, dedicated solely to the work of helping people behave truthfully. In a city often dominated by ego, he is a true gem.\" -James B.

\"I have been studying weekly with M for two years. It has been a great experience. We proceed at my pace through a very complete process covering a wide range of topics, including life preparation and an actor\'s relationship to the world—things I had never considered. His combined experience from multiple teachers is conveyed respectfully and encouragingly. I have never felt judged or compared to anyone but my personal best.\" -Robert R.

\"M has taught me that acting is the bravest thing you can do. He teaches you to connect deeply with your inner self and that acting is living truthfully. The emotions must be honest. M is patient and understanding, carefully going over every line to ensure you connect with the content. He becomes your biggest supporter. I have made immense progress and grown stronger both as an actor and a person under his guidance.\" -Sydnie M.

\"M is an excellent acting coach. With his wealth of knowledge, he takes time to understand his students to teach them in a way that benefits them individually, recognizing that not everyone learns the same way. I came to him as a beginner, and I most appreciate his efforts to build a firm foundation. He does not skip the fundamentals. His passion for the work is evident, and he will push you to achieve your full potential. I have learned a great deal and look forward to him helping me advance my career each week.\" -Eric S.M.

\"I feel very fortunate to have found M and to be studying with him. In a short time, he has helped me change limiting beliefs that held me back in my acting career and life. I feel safe expressing my emotions and speaking truthfully without judgment. I know he cares about me and wants me to succeed. I look forward to further growth as an actor and person under his direction.\" -Christine G.

\"M is a tremendous mentor who inspires me to work harder to reach my potential. He creates a safe and supportive environment for individual growth, allowing me to be vulnerable, make mistakes, and take chances. Each week makes me a more complete actor.\" -Margot M.

Location

M
Daniel Davis
Member since 2015
★★★★ (4.2)

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