Testimonials

“Working with Michael is a joy and it always proves just how dedicated he is to the craft. He is so invested in the material it’s as if he were taking on the role himself. Michael teaches you to trust yourself while examining and expanding on your choices until you feel they are the best ones for the project. Finding an environment rich in creativity rather than scrutiny has been a relief. He’s also taught me confidence when I needed it most. I would highly recommend Michael Woolson to any actor wishing to further his or her technique and creative process.”

“I had emotional walls higher than I ever imagined, and thanks to Michael, they were slowly shattered. I wouldn’t have the career I have today if it wasn’t for him. He took a kid with some natural ability and turned him into an actor. He taught me to be open and to be brave with my work. And just from being in class and acting and having all the personal discoveries, I have become a better person. I have so much more to learn, and will always keep learning, and I am proud to have him teach me.”

“Michael Woolson’s intelligence and great education as an actor make him a teacher with truly keen insights.”

“As a longtime casting director, I look for honest, memorable performances, and that’s what Michael Woolson is known for delivering as an acting coach. With a unique enthusiasm for the craft, Michael has dedicated his career to helping actors access the emotional link and humanity behind the dramatic and comedic roles they play. Tuning into the strengths and challenges of each performer, he is able to provide a clear roadmap for actors to launch into specific, truthful, in-the-moment work when the cameras roll or the stage lights are on. His technique is both powerful and detailed while also flexible, which supports collaboration with casting directors, producers, directors, and co-stars. In simplest terms, Michael Woolson helps actors skillfully create and sign their best work for each audition and acting job.”

“Without question, I have had an immense transformation as an actor thanks to Michael’s coaching. I have evolved into a territory I never thought possible thanks to his strong, yet refreshingly gentle guidance. Michael LOVES what he does and possesses an overwhelming joy in seeing his students succeed. You get the feeling he is ‘for you’ within the first five minutes of meeting him. Although blunt criticism is an integral part of learning, I believe that true success is born from encouragement and nurturing. Michael delivers it all with an unwavering love for the craft and his students. I owe him quite a lot.”

“Michael’s instincts are really astounding and he has taught me how to reach an emotional level I didn’t even know I was capable of. He has the rare quality of being able to push and challenge someone and at the same time being compassionate and uplifting. I always feel more confident and inspired after working with Michael.”

“Michael Woolson’s coaching is squarely grounded in the actor’s individuality and sense of self. He has an intelligence which is immediately apparent, but one that he does not wear on his sleeve. It is an emotional intelligence which he uses to step into the unique mindset of any actor, take him or her by the hand, and look at all the possibilities. Once choices are made, play ensues and real inspiration follows.”

“Michael Woolson is my secret weapon—someone I’ve trusted and worked with for decades. His understanding of bringing truth and authenticity to performances is truly unparalleled. From my projects Blue Bayou to Chief of War, Michael has always been my strongest asset. I don’t think there’s anyone else I’d send my actors to. I trust him with my life.”

“After reaching a level of success at a young age due to natural talent, I had hit a wall. I lacked technique and was fairly unavailable emotionally when I decided to begin working with Michael. He brilliantly helped me find a way to break down walls emotionally, deepen my connection to the material, and get rid of the many crutches I had developed over time in my work. This has given me a solid foundation and I attribute most the success I’ve had since to studying with him.”

“Michael Woolson perpetually inspires me to move forward with awe in my work. A teacher with acute dexterity and compassion. A stage, a decoder, a confidant and a generous storyteller. In short, an acting guru who has provided me with a technique parachute.”

“I was given the privilege of working with Michael and the gift of walking away with new insights and a deeper performance. He inspires you to do your best work and go beyond any obstacle you may face.”

“For decades, Michael Woolson has been helping actors elevate their talent beyond imagination. His mastery and unique insights are built from years of coaching on-set, in acting classes, and from directing theatrical productions. As a result, he has earned a reputation for helping actors move past any blocks, work smarter, and create incredible, standout performances. After all these years in casting, I continue to value the professional relationship we share and Michael’s contributions as a top acting coach.”

“I have been coaching with Michael for years. Michael’s instruction and techniques have given me the confidence to completely morph into the character I am portraying. I love that he truly understands me, and is able to push me beyond my abilities to get the very best out of me every time. It’s working, thank you Michael.”

“Working with Michael has given me the opportunity to delve into characters with depth and enthusiasm. He has helped me analyze material and bring my roles to life, thus driving me to give my best performance. When I started working with Michael, it immediately started to yield results; I gained confidence, improved my technique, and added so many layers to my acting. I cannot stress how much I have grown as an actor under his guidance. His help has been invaluable and I feel so lucky to have found him.”

“Before coming to Michael I had struggled to understand what was holding me back in my career, but his class was a light bulb for me. I’ve never before seen a coach who is able to point out a person’s strengths, as well as their blind spots, in such a supportive and effective way and then work and push them to be better. I’m grateful for his guidance that’s continued to help me grow as an actor and an individual.”

“Michael Woolson is a bright, compassionate teacher. Any actor would be in excellent hands under his guidance.”

“Meeting and working with Michael changed not only my work, but also who I was as a person. He showed me how to reach depths and look into areas of myself I didn’t even know were there. His teachings completely shaped who I am as an actor.”

“When I first started with Michael, I was instantly drawn to his passion. He taught me how to ground myself, honed in on my best triggers, and I call his book The Work of an Actor my Bible and take it with me on every set. I am lucky to have a coach like Michael; without his guidance I’d still be a pet groomer dreaming of the Big Screen.”

“Michael’s like a freeway exit sign: unassuming, easy to read, and tremendously helpful. Without Michael I’d be in Guadalajara pinching pesos wondering where I am and what I’m doing with my life. Michael makes you a compassionate actor equipped with the tools to succeed. He gives you the shovel and tells you where the water is; it is up to you to dig the well.”

“It’s impossible to justifiably articulate; Michael is a genius. He is a master at identifying a moment of uncertainty, addressing its existence, and rooting it in truth. I have never existed more authentically in my work than I have with his guidance. I have a hell of a way to go, but it’s a whole lot less daunting with Michael on my side.”

“Michael Woolson’s calling was to teach and give back all that he’d learned from years of acting and studying with the greats. When I first took class with Michael I was immediately struck by how genuine and honest a person he is. Michael is extremely fearless in his approach and I love his commitment to the craft. Always learning, always growing, always caring; he is as straightforward as you can get. Michael also has incredible instincts and with this all combined the results speak for themselves. He coaches students that are nominated for Oscars and star in studio features and TV series. He’s brilliant and the words in his books ring so true and are so effortless. I love this guy.”

“Having worked with Michael for over ten years, I am always awestruck by his instrumental work in creating a symbiotic relationship between the actor and the material. His abilities to redefine the circumstances, expectations, and spontaneity has effectively stretched my capabilities as an artist that otherwise would have seemed impossible for me to identify on my own. Most importantly: he eases the nerves and makes the experience of breaking down even the most daunting material an absolute joy. I encourage any and all of my peers, at every level, to engage with Michael. The results speak for themselves.”