Patrick Gorman

[ACT] introduced me to what I didn't know. [Their On- Camera Workshop] was a surprise and a bit of a shock - despite my over fifty years in SAG, over thirty features, and more than fifty television shows plus hundreds of commercials. It's not that I thought I knew it all but I wasn't aware of what was still to be learned. The entire staff,... made the experience of learning crucial skills to advance my already professional expertise, a joy and pleasure. I hate to repeat myself but the humor and passion which you all demonstrate is priceless. The curriculum was, in my estimation, 200% professional, organized and passionately advanced by everyone.

I honestly believe that if I had had this training at the beginning of my career I'd be a star by now. It's never too late anyway and I believe that. [ACT] reinforced that concept for me and I will be forever grateful whatever the outcomes. Thank you all for your inspiration and continuing support. I honestly believe the book, Hollywood Quagmire , will change the industry just as ACT is  and will do the same.

- Patrick Gorman (May 2007)

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Claudia Cox

Dear Tim,

And all the people who make A.C.T possible - Thank You so much for all your patience and effort on my behalf and the betterment of this industry which I love so dearly. Thank You for cutting through the fog of ignorance, urban myths and “actor goo” I had been swimming in since I arrived in town six months ago. The air is clear and the future looks bright to me again. I had almost lost hope and was about to get jaded and bitter, but not now!! If only I had known about A.C.T. the moment I stepped off the airplane or even before I arrived in Los Angeles……Thank You always!!

- Claudia Cox (2008)

Christopher Curtis

When I first came to Act,I really didnt know much about acting or how to even go about getting an acting job.I believe the phrase was.."So youre gonna teach me how to act huh?" The response i got was no,were going to teach you how to be a better actor and even more so,how to be a consistently working actor. I thought i was in over my head but being a hip-hop stage performer for so many years, I was able to make the transition work for me. With the help of ACT (Tim,Frank and Tony) and their no nonsense-no excuse instruction, I was able to find my way. Since graduation, I have been booked at least 4 times in the last 9 months on paying gigs!! Now you might not think thats alot, however ive only been on 8-9 auditions! Thats about a 50% booking rate! Tell me who does that as a beginner? I see doors opening for me that i never thought possible. Thanks ACT(Tim.Tony,Frank and Kevin) you've given my entertainment career a terrific boost. But hey, don't take my word for it, come and see the wonder for yourself. You wont be dissappointed.

- Christopher Curtis (Oct 2007)

Tiffany Price

Tim,

First, I want to Thank You for starting this program! Second, Thank You for being such a caring teacher. Most of all, Thank You for molding me into a better actor! I feel so much more professional & knowledgeable now because of A.C.T. THANKS!!

- Tiffany Price (2007)

Erik Davies

I was in a show in December of 2004 where I met two guys who were students of Actors Certified Training. One of the greatest things I took away from that experience was simply in having listened to those two fellas. They spoke so highly of this school I just had to see to believe. Just audit it once. Well I was fortunately at a place in my life and career where I needed a change, needed to find that which still felt elusive. In truth, frustration and endless contemplation of how to get from A to B to C in Los Angeles permeated my thinking. Especially for someone so new to this town (I’d only been living here six months when I approached the doors of Actors Certified Training), I had little clue as how to make a dent in this colossus of Hollywood. The keys to effective interviewing and camera technique I'd never really learned and it was undoubtedly holding me back. The whole "luck factor" of this business was as strong as ever in my mind, walls running high and deep.

I audited twice-the first time was one group’s first day of camera class (seven weeks into the program). Impressed already, and virtually decided on signing up, I dropped in on another class section that was earlier on their training. Now I was utterly solidified. After my very first class I went home and e-mailed a testimonial to them, on fire and teeming with excitement about this choice I made for myself.

Immediately I was taken with Tim's style of teaching. What I found instantly was not just the potency and girth of information being taught, but the manner in which it was being taught. Tim is an utterly brilliant, brilliant teacher of skill. His years of work, his wisdom and insight gained during that time, were apparent from Day One. I just opened up to it and tried to soak up every little nuance, footnote, anecdote, I've rarely taken such a volume of notes. He is tough, but he is fair. He is engaging, challenging, direct, does not relax his standards, nor tolerate anything less than an entirely professional attitude. And at the same time manages to never be far from a smile or a joke. It's this amazing blend of dynamics and qualities that keeps you on-the-edge-of-your-seat involved. In short he is so passionate about what he is teaching you can’t help but to go on the ride, and try to keep up by missing not a thing. How many teachers over the course of your life, regardless of the subject matter, do you remember having a profound impact on you? Tim is one of them in my life. The greatest information on earth isn't going to sink in if the person teaching you is so flat and uninspiring. And his staff is as committed and present as he is. Essentially, you meet him halfway as he consistently does for you-and you'll take away all this course has to offer.

The results I began to feel immediately. While still in training I began to book more voice-overs, then even more. Though this work does not deal specifically with voice audition technique-the new found confidence, strengthened work ethic, general awareness and professionalism I took with me into those voice-overs. And it obviously made a difference. I booked five in a week at one point and that's never happened to me before. This work reflects upon every thing- career, life, attitude. For it's the cultivation of excellence at all times, regardless of the medium you are working in. How you do what you do.

It has to be your desire to work your ass off at ACT. You have to truly want it and commit as to let nothing stand in your way. That all starts with the right attitude. I'm a very different person now than when I first walked through their door in January. Luck has been removed from the equation, replaced with skill and supreme confidence in the knowledge gained. I am continuing on with the exercise classes because I want to get better and better at my craft and skill base. Actors Certified Training was a pivotal choice in my life.

- Erik Davies (April 2005) 

Justin Ellis

Dear Tim Frank Tony Manny & Johni

I want to express my gratitude to you all for truly going “beyond the call of duty” in giving me the most rewarding and exciting actor training I’ve ever had. Your tireless dedication & devotion, your knowledge & experience that you’ve shared & love of the industry has made a tremendous difference to my confidence in having a career in Hollywood. Thank You very much!

- Justin Ellis (2008)

Sonja Fisher

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Actors Certified Training Course. The course has taught me so much about the industry. It addresses it in a true business sense with the right marketing strategies to get yourself hired and that is the point, to try to get the acting jobs. I really felt confident submitting my headshots, resumes, interviewing and now auditioning after this class.

I also really enjoyed the on camera part of the course. I haven’t had much background with working on the camera before and this class helps you with the basics and all the technical terms. I feel very competent now with the camera and with the industry terms. In the industry and on camera is where you will need to work everyday so you need to be comfortable with it. This course is a definite must take to be successful in this industry. Thanks so much to everyone at ACT especially Tim, an incredible instructor!

- Sonja Fisher (April 2005)

Wilson Bell

Thank You A.C.T. Not only for providing a panel of casting directors for us actors to present our work in front of, but for also providing an avenue for actors and casting directors and other industry professionals to come together and discuss very real issues that concern our industry. It was a proactive, insightful and entertaining evening and we hope it was the beginning of some positive change.

Wilson Bell – First Round Table (2007)

Jonas Neal

I’ve studied acting for several years, and have been successful as a professional theater actor and dancer. My instincts told me, that there were certain elements of acting that are most important. However, my mind was polluted with teacher’s statements on what good acting is, which hindered my understanding. Especially for camera acting, where I was told repeatedly, it had to be internal. News Flash!! A camera can’t see inside you, or retain emotion. What my instincts told me, ACT nailed right on the head, and expanded on it to an extremely profound genious, I never thought possible. Since that moment, I've been completely committed to learning as much as I can, about the skills needed for effective acting on camera, and the simple, but normally completely missed truths of human behavior. ACT is the best acting training you can get, to perform in any forum. I see myself on scenes in class and believe I can be as good as anyone. Lord willing, it is only a matter of time, till I'm working as much as I want as a film and television actor. A comedian is funniest, when the audience knows exactly what he or she is talking about. In the same way, you will not only look completely real on camera, but be even more effective, strumming chords of your audiences life experiences, they don’t understand, but they can’t deny. Audit a class. If you can't see it for yourself, well good luck.

- Jonas Neal (March 2005)

Kevin Osmet

Tim, Tony, Frank, Kevin & Manny,

I feel so fortunate to have discovered A.C.T. early on in my training to become an actor. Thank You all so much for the knowledge, guidance & experience you’ve imparted. I look forward to taking the advance classes and also putting my training to work.

- Kevin Osmet (2008)

Kelli Blissard

Actors Certified Training is a phenomenal program. The classes pay attention to the details necessary to get the individual actor ready to be seen by the film and television industries' decision makers. Everything from how to walk in the casting director's office, to knowing how to use the camera to your best advantage is covered. I feel very blessed to have found the classes and am confident that I have learned the skills necessary to get cast.

- Kelli Blissard (February 2005)

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Kelly Streichen

Tim

Where to begin; Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for this school, for your genius, for your time, your sweat & efforts. Your hard work has absolutely not gone un-noticed. You have opened my eyes, my mind and forever changed the way I view this business, the set, and even the “rules” of the camera. You are truly revolutionary! Ahead of your time and I know that I am one of the many people that can plot their career by before ACT and after. I have so much gratitude for all of the things I have learned, your insight and above all your vision.

- Kelly Streichen (2008)

Michael Valentino

I remember my first "acting class" in Los Angeles, WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. I must have audited at least 10 of these useless classes before I found Actors Certified Training. I actually considered giving up and moving back east. All these classes were big therapy sessions. I learned nothing from the instructors. I was sick and tired of people telling me "it's all who you know", "you have to be good looking", "you have to have theater background", and my favorite , "you can't get work if your not in the union". Guess what people...NOT TRUE. I have nothing on my resume, I hardly know anyone in the business, and I am not in the union. I finished the Actors Certified Training course about 8 weeks ago and I already had auditions for an HBO pilot and for the lead in a SAG film. Both auditions left the casting directors speechless. I left an unbelievable impression on both meetings.

Tim, you changed my life. Actors Certified Training is what I needed and what everyone in this town needs. From beginners to seasoned professionals, every actor can benefit from this course. I can’t thank you enough. I'm proud to be at the beginning of what will be the future standard for training institutions in the film business.

- Michael Valentino (April 2005)

Jennifer Austin

Dear Tim & Staff

Seriously – You have created a truly innovative concept and the dedication you’ve put forth is palpable. I fully support this mission you’re on to create a change in industry preparation for actors. I Thank You so much for all your time and efforts.

- Jennifer Austin (2007)

Amber Strauser

I'm a professional dancer with interest in acting, so I submitted to a casting
director for an audition, and he referred me to ACT. After auditing an ACT exercise session, I decided to give acting a shot. The first six weeks seemed to be based on actors etiquette in which I was able to apply what I learned in class to my dance and to my everyday living. The second six weeks was more intense and all "on camera". With dancing I am used to performing for a live audience, whereas with acting in Hollywood the lens is my audience. Tim accepted my dance background and made me feel comfortable in a class of hungry actors. He was very encouraging, yet stern and motivating. He's made me realize that with a lot of hard work, I can be successful. It was very frustrating and intimidating, but Tim never gave up on me.

- Amber Strauser (March 2005)

Leah Lipovichs

Tim

Thank You so much for everything you have taught me over the last couple of months. I think the ACT program is great and I only wish more actors too advantage of it. Except now I know I have a competitive edge over them! I look forward to learning a lot more in Advanced Class. Thanks again!!

- Leah Lipovichs (2007)

Kristen Ridgway

I am proud to have graduated from such a refreshing program and now, thanks to Tim and Actors Certified Training, I have a new outlook on "technical" acting and the entire entertainment industry.

- Kristen Ridgway (March 2005)

Fabienne Maurer

Dear Tim & A.C.T. Staff,

Thank You so much. You are exactly what I’ve been searching for for years! Thanks for finding me & helping me be where I want to be.

- Fabienne Maurer (2007)

RCB

ACT’s audition training has been immensely beneficial. I’m now completely comfortable at auditions. I’m actually able to ENJOY casting sessions with an ease that had eluded me for years.

- RCB

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April Betts

Dear Tim,

If I had never found your class who knows where I would be. I was lucky enough to be in your first class, and since I’ve taken the class I have gotten lots of work. It’s so funny when I started auditioning I had gone on five auditions and of those five I got three parts. I would tell people and they would look at me like I was crazy. I would tell them that it was this class I had taken and how it was amazing because it taught you how to get cast, how to build a scene and how to make it excellent.

Recently I had an audition for the lead in an Independent feature film. After I finished my audition the director was completely amazed by what I had done. He asked me what experience I had and I told him that I didn’t have much but that I had just been studying and he was shocked that I did not lie to him. He later said that he really respected me for that because I had no reason to lie because I did so well. As I was leaving the audition the director said he would be getting back to people in a week or two. The next morning I got a phone call from the director saying that they had someone else in mind for the lead but that I had done so well that he wanted me for the part.

Everything I learned at A.C.T. has completely changed my life in this business and I thank God everyday that I was able to meet you and take this class. If one day I get to accept an award, Tim’s name will be one of the first names I call out to thank. Tim you will always have a place in my heart and I will be forever grateful to you and your class.

Thanks so very much,
- April Betts (Fall 2003)

Macie Pacia

Dear Tim,

You are truly one of the most giving people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet. Your kindness and generosity and passion to help us is awe inspiring! I have never come across some-one so eager to help actors succeed. You have opened my eyes to a whole other world and no words can express my gratitude and thanks. I know doors have opened for me because of your classes. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me!

Thank You a zillion times over – you’re the best!
- Macie Pacia (Feb 2004)

Kim Sicurella

Dear Tim,

I want to take this opportunity to let you know how much this class means to me. I am so thankful that I heard about it and very proud to have been a part of it. It has truly been an honor to have worked with you. I hope to continue to do so in the future. Tim, I was so lost for a long time in this business. You are truly my “Guardian Angel”. You have guided me in the right direction and have helped me find my way. For that I can’t thank you enough. Now, because of you I have let go of my fear I use to have and continue to walk tall with nothing but confidence. I consider this experience to be the beginning of a wonderful journey that I will continue to have with ACT. I am so privileged to be able to work with you! Anyone who does…is truly blessed!

Thank You Always,
- Kim Sicurella (Jan 2005)

Amy Zarzana

Dear Tim,

After watching my tape several times, I feel Thank You is not enough for what you did. The patience and kindness you afforded me is mind boggling considering the “crap” I was throwing at you. But Thank You for helping me achieve an end result I can deliver with confidence. You are the best. I appreciate time you sacrificed for me….Keep working that magic you work.

Gratefully,
- Amy Zarzana (2006)

Loren Fiedler

Tim,

I wish there was a way for me to express my gratitude for what you provide – not only for me and every other student who walks through your door, but for the whole of the Film & Television industry and in turn, what Hollywood provides for the world. Words just don’t cut it. You make more f a difference than I suspect you will ever know. You are the best and I mean that.

With my deepest Gratitude,
- Loren Fiedler (2006)

Chris Serafin

Tim & A.C.T.

All my life, film has been a passion of mine. I thought that doing extra work would get me all the necessary experience and networking I would need on a movie set. Upon being referred to A.C.T. I had a general sense of the T.V. and movie world, but I had no idea just how important a headshot & resume or how critical your interview really is. A.C.T. not only has given me more confidence but has given me the skill to get cast. I am not going to try and sell anybody to take these classes; I am just telling you that this class has worked for me. I only put forth my honest and encouraging words to those that read this – If you don’t want to waste your money and you actually want to learn something, find representation, get cast and work consistently as an actor than I suggest you look no further and audit one of the A.C.T. classes offered here. It is time, you the actor, took the next step in a crucial most important direction of your life….Take the next step and take this class!!

- Chris Serafin (2004)

Genevieve Sage

To A.C.T.

As a classically trained actress going through many years of theatrical collegiate education it was refreshing to find a place that teaches you about the Business of getting hired in Los Angeles. Tim’s program has a way of zeroing in on one’s strengths and weaknesses as an “applicant” for hire and strategically fine-tunes an actor’s presence and skills.

After going through the complete A.C.T. training, my confidences in my abilities and talents have surpassed my expectations. I am in control of the message I deliver to prospective Casting Directors and the skills I tote in my pocket are treasures I dole out when needed.

To every actor or actress landing in LA, I would hand them two things; a Thomas Guide and a brochure to Actors Certified Training – because both are the best place to begin to get there from here to there in your acting career.

Sincerely,
- Genevieve Sage (March 2005)

Geoffrey Evans

Tim, Staff, ACT,

A heartfelt thanks for my time in class. I have taken many classes but none have measured up to all the things I enjoyed about A.C.T. Tim, I often referred to your class as “Boot Camp” but especially for me, your extra push & individual help clearly shows your dedication to something you believe in. Thanks for the journey,

- Geoffrey Evans (2006)

Brian Miller

Tim,

Thank you for putting together the finest program that an actor in Hollywood could participate in. You have provided all of us with the tools, technical skills and understanding of the industry. It has given me the confidence and skills necessary to excel.

- Brian Miller (2006)

Kristine O’Leary

I spent $30,000 on Theater school in NYC & the best money I have spent on my career is the check I wrote to A.C.T.

At those first classes Tim dumped this big jigsaw puzzle on the table. Now that I am at the end of camera class all the pieces have come together.

I was so green. I was afraid to go to set where everyone would be speaking Russian & I wouldn’t understand it. Now I know the language & have the skills & abilities to be on-set & professional at all times.

The two most important things I learned in class are how to work in front of the camera & how to behave professionally on-set at all times.

- Kristine O’Leary (2006)

Aurelia Scheppers

Dear Tim, Tony, Frank, Manny & Johni,

My training at ACT was unlike any other training I have had. They teach you about what goes on behind-the-scenes and they focus on the technical aspect of film and auditioning. My favorite part was exploring public domain expressions and learning to work in a close-up. Class is very intense but it is worth it. Tim, Tony & Frank are great teachers who work with each person until they finally nail and get the scene down. You get a lot of camera time each class. This training is well worth the money.

- Aurelia Scheppers (March 2009)