Ruskin School of Acting

I’ve made my living as a voice actor for over 25 years, mostly in commercial, promo and narration. When I decided to expand my horizons into the world of gaming and animation, I realized I could benefit from taking some acting classes. So I set about on a search for a good scene study class. Each one I visited had something to offer I suppose, but not quite exactly what I was hoping for. I wanted something more than just loose direction or actor-​ego appeasing accolades. I couldn’t put my finger on it… Until my sister suggested I look into studying Meisner technique. She’d heard good things about The Ruskin School and told me to go in for an interview. I went online and scheduled one for the following week. As they don’t allow auditing, after interviewing with Mikey Meyers, I decided to take the leap. Acting is an adventure in bravery after all, so leaping seemed appropriate. After 4 months I can say that my heart and mind have been opened in expansive ways, my character has been honed, my focus has sharpened, and I am well on my way to building an incredible Actor’s toolbox full of exercises that are always simple but not always easy. Not every acting technique is for everyone, but Meisner is definitely for me. Every week it seems I experience some sort of minor miracle, (they’re everywhere if you’re willing to see) whether by witnessing a bit of bravery in a classmate, a golden piece of wisdom from one of our teachers, or in the illuminating aftermath of falling on my face, this class never ceases to enlighten, to move, and to educate. I could not do the exercises justice by explaining them here, so let me just say if you’re looking for something much deeper than your average scene study, I could not recommend Meisner at The Ruskin School more enthusiastically. It’s more than a class. It has the capacity to change your view of the world and to open your heart to authentic expression, which is the first requirement of great acting. There is also an extraordinary work ethic. Much is required of students here, just as much is required of an actor in the professional world. The training at Ruskin is expansive for sure. It’s a two year program. I’m halfway into my first year and already I don’t want the end to come. Highly recommend.

This was a fantastic experience for me. From start to finish I improved exponentially as an actor, but more importantly I learned a great deal about myself. The instructors here where as caring about my advancing in the industry as they where about my personal development. Casting Directors have told me that I have worked with some strong people upon noticing the training on my resume. To top all of that off, we even have the chance to be trained by some of the most respected talent working in the industry. I don’t believe you will find a more supportive, caring, nurturing group then The Ruskin.

This school absolutely changed my life, no kidding. Not only did it give me all the tools I could possibly need as an actress, but it also changed the way I interact with the world. It changed every relationship I had by helping me to communicate and read behavior. The confidence this training gave me has helped me tremendously in the entertainment business. I was also provided with many contacts within the business and several job opportunities have come my way because of them. I graduated from the 2 year Meisner program and also have participated in the Master Class for many years. I highly recommend this program to any actor at any level. John Ruskin and Mikey Myers have created an amazing creative space for which I will forever be grateful!