All art possesses a personal, passionate, precise, provocative, purposeful point of view
Testimonials
Stella Adler
“To be an actor is to be a fighter. Mr. Todoroff is a real fighter. He has a brilliant facility for language and vulnerability, and by his example, teaches our class how to work”
Actor/Teacher/Author: Student and disciple of Stanislavski, actor with The Group Theater in the 1930’s, leading teacher and theorist, etc.
Sasha Alexander
“Tom teaches me how to trust my own instincts and to always work from myself. Whether auditioning or getting sides at the last minute on the set, Tom’s insight into being a “text detective” is immensely invaluable. When I’m not working, I can’t wait to be back in class. When the business overwhelms me, Tom reminds me why I love acting.”
Actor: “Rizzoli & Isles”, “Shameless”, “Yes Man”, “He’s Just Not That Into You”, “NCIS”, “Presidio Med”, “Dawson’s Creek”, “All Over the Guy”, etc.
Elizabeth Allen
“When I first started going to Tom’s class, it was like an awakening for me. Suddenly I was filling up my journals with tons of ideas and I was just buzzing all the time. I was always in awe of how Tom could draw a great performance out of any actor and now I use all of his techniques too. He’s a great director of actors, but he’s also giving actors the tools to direct themselves. After that class, I felt very empowered and inspired!”
DGA Award nominated director. Allen has directed 3 theatrical features for major studios: “Acquamarine”, “Ramona and Beezus” and “Careful What You Wish For”. She’s also helmed over 25 hours of television including “Empire”, “The Exorcist”, “Macgyver”, “Gossip Girl”, “Vampire Diaries”, “90210”, “Franklin & Bash”, “Famous in Love” and “The Arrangement”.
Graham Beckel
“With great wit, warmth and insight Tom’s clearly articulated techniques ensure opportunity for tremendous growth and self-confidence. Above all Tom has that most precious of gifts one looks for in a teacher; he always dignifies his student’s efforts. The best in town!”
Actor: “Brokeback Mountain”, “L.A. Confidential”, “Pearl Harbor”, “The Paper Chase”, “The Marriage of Bette and Boo”, “The Dreamer Examines His Pillow”, “A Texas Trilogy”, etc.
Michael Bentt
“Acting is the flip-side of boxing; same instrument, different set of muscles. I learned that and many other invaluable lessons while diving headfirst into my psychology, and the psychology of others, under the uncompromising yet compassionate eye of Tom Todoroff.”
Former WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World, 2016 New York City Golden Gloves Hall of Fame Inductee. As an actor he is best known as Sonny Liston in Michael Mann’s film "Ali" opposite Will Smith.
Cicely Berry
“Tom works at both a technical and an artistic level. He has that rare gift of giving the actor a belief in themselves so that they can explore the depth and motive of character, while at the same time giving them the means to convey this through language and voice. He is quite an exceptional teacher.”
Head of voice and speech: The Royal Shakespeare Company. Author: “Voice and the Actor” and “The Actor and the Text”, etc.
Jacqueline Bisset
“I tend to be a loner in my preparation, but I very much enjoyed working with Tom. I felt emboldened and secure on the set.”
Actor: “Nip/Tuck”, “Dangerous Beauty”, “Rich and Famous”, “The Deep”, “Day For Night”, “Bullitt”, “The Detective”, etc.
Jimmy Buffett
“Tommy, you're the Invisible Coral Reefer. You hear stuff that only dogs hear and see stuff that only eagles see! I want you to know how much I've learned from you and how much you mean to me and my whole family. In fact, we consider you family. You always give me great inspiration. You are as fun and inspiring as some of my wacky friends in my stories. You've changed my work and my life. Thank you Talking Tom, my secret weapon.”
Singer/Songwriter/Author: “Tales From Margaritaville”, “Where is Joe Merchant”, “A Pirate Looks At Fifty”, “A Salty Piece of Land”, “Swine Not?” Buffett has sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
Billy Campbell
"Tom sets a truly high standard. It’s truly an honor to work with him. Thank you once again for the best acting advice I’ll ever get."
Billy Campbell is an American film and television actor. He first gained recognition for his recurring role as Luke Fuller in the TV series Dynasty. Then he became known for playing Rick Sammler on Once and Again, Det. Joey Indelli on Crime Story, Jordan Collier on The 4400, and Dr. Jon Fielding on the Tales of the City miniseries. His most notable films include The Rocketeer, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Monday After The Miracle and Enough. He portrayed Darren Richmond on the AMC television series The Killing, Dr. Alan Farragut in the SYFY series Helix and Det. John Cardinal on CTV's Cardinal.
Elpidia Carrillo
“Tom is my coach, mentor and hero. I will always love his teachings. Tomacito is commitment and generosity personified.”
Actor/Director: “Predator” (with Arnold Schwarzenegger), “The Border” (with Jack Nicholson), “Salvador” (with James Woods, Oliver Stone - Director), “The Brave” (with Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp - Director), “The Honorary Consul” (with Richard Gere and Michael Caine), Mi Familia (with Jimmy Smits, Gregory Nava - Director) “Undercover of the Night – (Rolling Stones video with Mick Jagger), “Nine Lives” (Best Supporting Actress ALMA Award), “Bread and Roses” (Best Supporting Actress ALMA Award), etc.
Tim Carroll
“Working with Tom was like taking a really hot shower: none of one’s preconceptions or lazy habits could survive.”
Tim Carroll currently serves as Artistic Director of The Shaw Festival at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a position he's held since 2017. Carroll may be best known for his years as Associate Director at London’s Globe Theatre, in particular for his productions of Richard III and Twelfth Night, starring Mark Rylance, for whose Broadway run in the 2013-14 season he was Tony-nominated and Mark Rylance won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor. In October, the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "Othello" will be directed by Carroll, led by John Douglas Thompson in the title role, with Will Keen as Iago and Juliet Rylance as Desdemona.
Nell Carter
“Tom directed me to a whole new depth of preparation. I now play things I never thought I’d be able to.”
Actor: “Gimme A Break”, “Ain’t Misbehavin’ “, “Hair”, etc.
The Cowsills
"Tom gets down right to the heart of the matter. He's full of joy, passion and encouragement. There's a whole lotta love in Tom's studio. He always makes us smile."
The Cowsills are an American singing group from Newport, Rhode Island, six siblings noted for performing professionally and singing harmonies at an early age, later with their mother. The group was one of the biggest pop acts of the late 60's. The Cowsills were the real-life inspiration for the 1970's television show "The Partridge Family". Hits include; "Hair", "The Rain, the Park and Other Things", "Indian Lake", "Love American Style", etc. Television includes their own NBC-TV special and numerous appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show", etc.
Lolita Davidovich
“From interpreting Shakespeare to navigating a call back, Tom will show you how to get the job.”
Actor: “The Longest Ride”, “Raising Cain”, “Gods and Monsters”, “Dark Blue”, “Blaze”, “Play It to the Bone”, “Jungle to Jungle”, etc.
Joaquim De Almeida
“I’m proud to say I was Tom’s first student. His talent and drive as an actor and producer have transformed him into one of the greatest teachers in the world. Tomitchka (Tom) is the fastest gun in the West.”
Actor: “Our Brand is Crisis”, “Only You”, “Behind Enemy Lines”, “Desperado”, “24”, “Clear and Present Danger”, etc.
Jeff Dowd
“When I attend Tom Todoroff’s class as a guest speaker and a student, I witness magical transformations of actors and their scenes. But it isn’t magic. it’s learning the craft with the best and how to tell a story passionately and clearly. Wanna dance in the sun? T.T. will light the path!”
Producer: Jeff “The Dude” Dowd is the basis for the Jeff Bridges Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski from the Coen Brothers film “The Big Lebowski”. Jeff is an American film producer and political activist best known as a member of the “Seattle Seven” who went to jail (briefly, for contempt of court following a violent protest against the Vietnam War. His producing and promoting credits include “Zebrahead”, “FernGully: The Last Rainforest”, “Desperately Seeking Susan ” and “The Blair Witch Project”, etc.
Roma Downey
“I love collaborating with him. We laugh a lot. Working with Tom restored my faith in my work and myself.”
Actor: “The Bible”, “Touched By An Angel” Producer: Downey/Todoroff Productions, Six films for CBS, etc.
Robert Evans
“Tommy’s a smart kid. He gets it done.”
Legendary Paramount Pictures studio head and producer: “Rosemary’s Baby”, “Love Story”, “The Godfather”, “Chinatown”, “Marathon Man”, “The Kid Stays In The Picture”, (autobiography and documentary), etc.
Harrison Ford
“Tommy knows what he’s doing…”
Actor: “American Graffiti”, “Star Wars”, “Apocalypse Now”, “Indiana Jones”, “Blade Runner”, “Witness”, “Working Girl”, “The Fugitive”, “Clear and Present Danger”, “Hollywood Homicide”, etc.
Brendan Gleeson
“Tom’s professionalism and good humor nurtures self-belief without self-delusion, thereby bedding in the real confidence required for risk taking . . . my Black Monday transforms into Ruby Tuesday.”
Actor: "The Banshees of Inisherin" (Oscar Nominee), “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”, “Cold Mountain”, “28 days later”, “Dark Blue”, “Gangs of New York”, “A.I.”, “Braveheart”, etc.
Tony Goldwyn
“Tom is a force of nature. He’s that rare teacher who inspires you to surprise yourself. With Tom, you not only do your best work-you get work.”
Director/Actor: “Scandal”, “Promises, Promises” on Broadway, ”The Last Kiss”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “The Last Samurai”, “A Walk On The Moon”, “Someone Like You”, “Ghost”, etc.
Beth Henley
“Tom is an amazingly gifted teacher. I was so inspired by his class that I have been working madly. It is a miracle. He is intense, intelligent, and inspiration incarnate. I left his class dancing and have not stopped!”
Playwright/Screenwriter: “Crimes of the Heart”, “True Stories”, “The Miss Firecracker Contest”, “The Wake of Jamey Foster”, “Nobody’s Fool”, etc.
Bob Hoskins
“Tom is brilliant with the verbal and he’s connected to his bollocks! He’s an actor’s director. He's my favorite, I love our Tom!”
Actor: “Noriega: God’s Favorite”, “Hook”, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, “Mona Lisa”, “The Honorary Consul”, “The Long Good Friday”, “Othello”, “Pennies From Heaven”, etc.
Samuel L. Jackson
“Todoroff is the best. Look no further… all you need is TT.”
Actor: “The Hateful Eight”, “Django Unchained”, “Jackie Brown”, “Pulp Fiction”, “Unbreakable”, “The Negotiator”, “Rules of Engagement”, “The Phantom Menace”, etc.
Bianca Jagger
"Tom is wise, passionate and committed. He’s real and he cares. I gained a great deal of confidence from my time with him."
Bianca Jagger (born Blanca Pérez-Mora Macías; 2 May 1945) is a Nicaraguan social and human rights advocate and a former actress. Jagger currently serves as a Council of Europe goodwill ambassador, founder and chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation, member of the Executive Director's Leadership Council of Amnesty International USA, and a trustee of the Amazon Charitable Trust.
Carl Lewis
“Tom Todoroff is the acting world’s version of Tom Tellez my track and field coach – the best in the world.”
Track and Field Athlete/Actor: Ten Olympic Medals (nine gold) and Ten World Championship Medals (eight gold)
Judith Liebowitz
“Tom is a born healer."
Teacher/Author: Co-founded the American Center for the Alexander Technique, and taught at The Juilliard School for more than 20 years, etc.
Dan Lindsay
“Tom’s class was a dose of inspiration. As a director I am constantly referencing things I learned from Tom. On every project I do, I hear his voice repeating “specificity kills cliche.” It has become a mantra that hangs on my office wall. His classes will undoubtedly make you a better actor and, perhaps even more importantly, they will help you become a better storyteller.”
Director/Actor: "TINA", “Undefeated” (Oscar Winner), "L.A. 92" (Emmy Winner), “I Am Dying”, “Last Cup: Road to the World Series of Beer Pong”, “My Favorite Picture of You”, etc.
Albert Maysles
"Tom quickly establishes rapport with actors utilizing generosity, humor and kindness. He combines a scientific approach with art. I appreciate his nuanced insights and reactions to my work. I trust him."
Albert Maysles and his brother David were an American documentary filmmaking team known for their work in the Direct Cinema style. They made over 30 films together. They are best known for “Salesman” which documents the work of a group of door-to-door Bible salesmen in New England and Florida, “Gimme Shelter”, a film about The Rolling Stones 1969 U.S. tour culminating in the Altamont Free Concert. Grey Gardens depicts the lives of a reclusive upper class mother and daughter “Big Edie” and “Little Edie” Beale, (who were respectively the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), residing in a derelict mansion in East Hampton, New York. The Maysles documented The Beatles first U.S. visit in 1964 and a 1965 conceptual art project by Yoko Ono called “Cut Piece” at Carnegie Hall.
Stephen McKinley Henderson
"Tom Todoroff has built an intensive Conservatory that challenges and inspires artists. Actors leave with strengths that sustain them for years to come. I've seen it when they are in the classroom; and later, when they are colleagues on the set."
Stephen McKinley Henderson was born in Kansas City, Missouri, Henderson starred opposite Denzel Washington and Viola Davis in the Academy-Award winning film "Fences" and on Broadway (Tony nomination). Other Broadway credits include, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", "King Hedley II", "A Doll's House Part 2", "A Raisin in the Sun", "Dracula the Musical", etc. Off Broadway work includes originating the role of Turnbo in "Jitney", "Zooman and the Sign", "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot", "Between Riverside and Crazy", etc. Television work includes "Law & Order", "Law & Order SVU", "Law & Order Criminal Intent", "Tyler Perry's House of Payne". Other film work includes "Lincoln", "Lady Bird" (Academy Award), "Manchester by the Sea" (Academy Award) etc. Mr. Henderson is Professor Emeritus and former Chair of Theatre and Dance for the State University of New York at Buffalo. Education includes Lincoln University, The Juilliard School (Group I), North Carolina School of the Arts and Purdue University. HIs work was an actor, director and educator is documented in the "Oxford University Press African American Biography". Henderson delivered the commencement address and received Juilliard's Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, May 19, 2017. The following day, he gave the Commencement address for the Tom Todoroff Conservatory's Ensemble IV.
Marguerite Moreau
“Tom will go the distance with you. He loves acting, he loves actors, and he is passionate about his school. If you put in the time, he will put in the time. He will pay attention and he will care. I came to Tom’s school seeking an environment where I could be open and available. There I found a teacher who was open and available.”
Actor: “The People vs. O.J. Simpson”, “Shameless”, “Runaway Jury”, “Easy”, “The Locket”, “The Queen of the Damned”, “Firestarter 2: Rekindled”, “Wet Hot American Summer”, etc.
Jennifer Nairn-Smith
“Studying and teaching at Tom’s studio, I reveled in and marveled at his craft and insight. He has the unique ability to empower the actor to access their specific humor and vulnerability. This, in turn, gives them the freedom and power to audition for any role in any medium. I always had to stay in class until the very last moment - in those days until nearly 3 am!”
Jennifer Nairn-Smith is an Australian born dancer, choreographer and actor. She was a member of New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center from 1963 to 1968. Her teachers there included Pierre Vladimirov, Stanley Williams and George Ballanchine. Nairn-Smith was a member of the original companies of PIPPIN and FOLLIES. Her film appearances include the Bob Fosse autobiographical musical ALL THAT JAZZ and THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS.
Liam Neeson
“Tom’s care, sensitivity and insight are second to none.”
Actor: “Taken I & II”, “The Grey”, “Batman Begins”, “Kingdom of Heaven”, “Kinsey”, “Gangs of New York”, “Schindler’s List”, “Rob Roy”, “The Phantom Menace”, etc.
Mary Joan Negro
"Tom and Emily are genuine artists who have profound integrity, understanding, appreciation and respect for the art of acting. They have created a place for actors to collaborate and explore with abandon, generosity, curiosity and humility. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of their exceptional conservatory dedicated to exploring the past in order to contribute to the future with hope and belief in the nobility of the human spirit."
Mary Joan Negro is an acclaimed actress who has acted on Broadway, off-Broadway, at repertory companies throughout the United States, including the Old Globe in San Diego and the O'Neill Playwrights Conference in Connecticut. Negro received a Tony nomination for her performance in Arthur Kopit's play, Wings, directed by John Madden. Negro received her BA in Drama and Language Arts at the University of Michigan. Upon graduation, she was given a scholarship by The Juilliard School to join the first class of the Drama Division under John Houseman. A founding member of Mr. Houseman's The Acting Company, she performed with that company both on Broadway, as well as on tour throughout the U.S. She has guest-starred in countless television movies, mini-series, episodic, soaps and sitcoms. In Los Angeles, Negro has been a founding member of Joseph Stern's Matrix Theatre Company, as well as The Antaeus Company. Since 1996, Negro has been working primarily as a director and teacher in a variety of venues including The Acting Company in New York, CalArts and USC.
Peter O'Toole
“Tom’s choices are very bold and very specific. He is a fine actor and director.”
Actor: “Venus”, “My Favorite Year”, “The Ruling Class”, “The Lion in Winter”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, etc.
Jimmy Page
“Tom Todoroff is quite a masterful director of actors.”
Guitarist/Composer/Record Producer: Member of the Yardbirds, Co-founded Led Zeppelin. Member of the U.S. and U.K. Rock Hall of Fame. One of the most influential and versatile guitarists and songwriters in rock history.
Alexander Payne
“If I wanted to be an actor, Tom’s the guy. Oh…and he’s fun.”
Writer/Director: “The Holdovers”, “Downsizing”, “Nebraska”, “The Descendants” (Oscar Winner - Best Adapted Screenplay), “Sideways“ (Oscar Winner - Best Adapted Screenplay), “About Schmidt”, “Election”, “Citizen Ruth”
Larry Peerce
“Simply put – he’s the best! I rank him with the likes of Stella Adler with whom I studied. Tom inspires actors and teaches them how to use their instrument. He gives them the freedom to create on every level.”
Actor/Teacher/Author The son of operatic tenor Jan Peerce and talent agent Alice Kalmanowitz Peerce, Larry Peerce was born in the Bronx, New York City. He made his directing debut with “One Potato, Two Potato”. This groundbreaking drama about an interracial marriage between a white divorcee (played by Barbara Barrie, who won the Best Actress award at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival for the role) and an African-American office worker (Bernie Hamilton) was the first U.S. film to portray such an interracial relationship. Peerce directed the early rock & roll concert film “The Big TNT Show” featuring the Byrds, Ray Charles, Bo Diddely, Donovan, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Ronettes and The Ike & Tina Turner Revue. He directed “The Incident”, “The Sporting Club”, “A Separate Peace”, “The Other Side of the Mountain” and the acclaimed “Goodbye Columbus” an adaption of a Philip Roth novel, (starring Ali MacGraw and Richard Benjamin). Television work includes: “Queenie”, “The Neon Empire”, “A Woman Named Jackie”, “North and South: Book III”, “The Wild Wild West”, numerous episodes of “Batman” and “The Green Hornet” (pilot with Bruce Lee). He studied at the University of North Carolina, Columbia University and with Stella Adler.
Austin Pendleton
"Any student at the Tom Todoroff Studio becomes a student of life, not only a fine, grounded actor, but an actor setting sail on a rich, provocative and fulfilling life."
Austin Pendleton is a prolific actor, director, playwright and educator. His six decade career includes roles in the films “Catch 22”, “What’s Up, Doc”, “The Front Page”, “The Muppet Movie”, “Short Circuit”, “My Cousin Vinny”, “Guarding Tess”, “Amistad”, “Finding Nemo” and “A Beautiful Mind”. NYC directing credits include “The Little Foxes” (with Elizabeth Taylor and Maureen Stapleton), “The Runner Stumbles”, “The Spoils of War”, “Say Goodnight, Gracie”, “Uncle Vanya” and “Between Riverside and Crazy”, Austin wrote the plays, “Booth”, “Orson’s Shadow” and “Uncle Bob”. He originated in “Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Momma’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad” and Motel the Tailor in the original cast of “Fiddler on the Roof” (with Zero Mostel directed by Jerome Robbins). Pendleton served as Artistic Director of the Circle Repertory Company and is a member of the Mirror and Steppenwolf Theatre Companies. Special Drama Desk Award for being “A Renaissance Man of the American Theatre”.
Mary Lou Rosato
"Tom has done something extraordinary and remarkable in creating this school. Extraordinary, in that he has been able to draw together a top-notch faculty by any standard, and brought them together into a remarkable training program that is cohesive, complete and concise! Tom is a master teacher who inspires everyone with whom he comes into contact. I have seen Tom's words, his vision and his passion for great work impact his acting students deeply. It's a great way for them to begin their life in theater and film!"
Mary Lou Rosato is a founding member of The Acting Company and a graduate of Juilliard’s Group 1 under John Houseman and Michel St. Denis. As an actress, director, and acting teacher, she has been working in the theater for overy forty-five years. Rosato also served as Department Chair of the Theater Department at CalArts for eighteen years.
Terry Sanders
“Tom is a wonderful teacher who can be incredibly supportive and incredibly demanding at the same time. His class is riveting from beginning to end – I feel refreshed at every turn! With his specific coaching and direction scenes blossom into theatrical magic. I studied with Lee Strasberg in New York, and Jeff Corey in Los Angeles, among others. None come close to the clarity, the revelations, the richness and the supportiveness of Tom’s approach and method. I leave this class stunned and sad that everyone doesn’t have Tom Todoroff as their coach and mentor.”
Filmmaker/Producer/Director – Sanders is an american filmmaker having produced and/or directed more than 70 dramatic features, TV specials, documentaries and portrait films. He produced and photographed the Oscar-winning Dramatic Short “A Time Out of War” and he also received an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision”. He co-heads The American Film Foundation.
Alan Schneider
“Tom is one of the most talented actors to ever train at Juilliard.”
Director/Author: original productions of “Waiting for Godot”, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”, many Beckett and Pinter world premieres, Director of The Drama Division of The Juilliard School, etc.
Garry Shandling
“Tom Todoroff?
Oh, he’s good.”
Comedian/Actor/Writer/Producer/Director: “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show”, “The Larry Sanders Show”, “Sanford and Son”, “Welcome Back Kotter”
Ron Shelton
“Tom’s class is the best kept secret in town – for new actors learning the tools, or seasoned actors needing to tune up. It’s the class I send people to. If you don’t have passion for the craft, stay away. If you do, he’ll push you till you can fly on your own. He uses classical text as well as material his actors might be auditioning with – somebody sings “Mack The Knife” and somebody else does the opening to Richard III. It’s a great acting class, and Tom has a gift for teaching it.”
Writer /Director: “Bull Durham” [Oscar Nominee], “White Men Can’t Jump”, “Cobb”, “Tin Cup”, “Dark Blue”, “Hollywood Homicide”, etc.
Michael Shurtleff
“If you want to learn to audition in the most effective way, the very best teacher is Tom Todoroff. He picks up the torch where I left off and it shines even more brightly.”
Author/Playwright: “Audition”. Casting Director for Mike Nichols, Bob Fosse, etc.
Carmen Twillie
“What I have gotten from working with Tom is not only increased access to my voice, but increased access to my life . . . a much better working relationship with myself. He coached me through the most crucial audition of my career.”
Lead Vocalist: “The Circle Of Life” (“The Lion King” film), “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, etc.
Jean-Claude van Itallie
"In this dangerous time, Tom Todoroff teaches not only actors, but all of us, how to be fully present, balanced and able to improvise. He is as wise as he is humorous. Tom empowers us to give voice to our truth and to leap from one unknown to the next, like a sure-footed mountain goat!"
Jean-Claude van Itallie was born in Brussels, Belgium. When he was three, his family fled the Holocaust to Great Neck, New York. Graduating from Harvard in 1958, van Itallie became a generative force in the explosive 1960's Off-Broadway theatre. He is a La MaMa and Caffe Cino playwright. Among van Itallie's many acclaimed plays are his "America Hurrah" - ("Interview", "TV" and "Motel"), "The Serpent" with the Open Theater, "Tibetan Book of the Dead or How Not to Do it Again", "Struck Dumb" with Joseph Chaiken and translations of Genet's "The Balcony" and Chekhov's major plays. He lives on his old farm in Western Massachusetts where he directs the Shantigar Foundation for theatre, meditation and healing. He also lives in Greenwich Village, New York City.
Patricia Velasquez
“My experience with Tom allowed me to free myself and be more than just okay with who I am.”
Actor: “The Mummy”, “The Mummy Returns”, “No Vacancy”, etc.
Diane Venora
“Tom is a passionate actor, director, coach and friend. He is committed to developing excellence of craft and truth of character in the actor.”
Actor: “The Insider”, “Heat”, “The Jackal”, “Hamlet”, etc.
Robert Wagner
“Life is about making choices. What a rare gift Tom has for directing you to the strongest ones.”
Actor: “Austin Powers I, II & III”, “Hart to Hart”, “Becoming Dick”, etc.
Paul "WIX" Wickens
"Tom and I share a big love of music. He's even dragged me to the theatre for my further education. I have watched him teach his workshops and done the occasional Q&A with him on my experiences in the music world. It is impressive, the way he can instantly bring out the personality of whoever he is coaching, informing and guiding whilst still encouraging the student to grow in their own way. I have seen his workshops flourish and grow to the international scale they are now, but without losing the personal touch of humanity that is needed to achieve great teaching. He loves theatre and film and there is no better way to learn than from somebody who truly knows and loves their craft."
Paul "WIX" Wickens is an English musician, composer and record producer. In a career spanning more than forty years, WIX has worked with Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Bon Jovi, Edie Brickell, James Taylor, Neil Young among many others. He is the keyboardist and band leader for Paul McCartney - since 1989.
Dar Williams
“Believing in myself is the most important thing a teacher can offer along with their skills. Working with Tom always inspires me to believe I can do my best work.”
American Singer/Songwriter specializing in pop folk. The New Yorker described Williams as “one of America’s very best singer-songwriters.” She frequently performs at folk festivals the world over and has toured with such artists as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Griffin, Ani DiFranco, The Nields, Shawn Colvin, Catie Curtis and Joan Baez.
Robert Wuhl
“TT knows what he’s doing. He is specific, while at the same time simplistic — and that’s not an easy thing to accomplish! I don’t make a choice without him. Neither should you. Plus — he knows comedy, which few do.”
Actor/Writer/Director/Producer: “Assume the Position”, “Arli$$”, “Cobb”, “Batman”, “Bull Durham”, Rodney Dangerfield’s joke writer, etc.
Chadwick Allen
“I would like to thank you, Tom, for coming here and inspiring us! I am truly grateful to have had this uplifting experience, and am now set on the path to my true self as both an individual and an actor! Thank you!”
Jana Angus
“I had an incredible experience working with Tom. I cannot describe the difference in my approach to my work, as well as who I am as a person. It helped me regain that edge, that attitude I’d lost while at school. I have also found my voice again! Overall, I had so much fun! I believe that this work is about discipline, action, and having fun! From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!”
Natasha Chandel
“Tom has a way of teaching people both on and off stage. And he does it in the best way – by example. We see how a scene is performed and then he directs it and makes an example of a guidepost. We can instantly see a change in the performance and see the effects of the theories that he teaches. It’s much better than just reading it in a book! But the best part of it was his positive and kind energy. Tom truly wants to impart what he knows and wants to inspire us to work hard and strive for what we want. It was truly motivational and inspiring. I have to say that I learned more about acting and directing in a couple days than I did in four years of film school!”
Daniel Chapman-Smith
“Tom is certainly an inspiring artist and a very astute coach in his observations. The main lesson I took away was to have faith in one’s work, and providing you have done “the work”, to share it openly without worrying about the end result. I look forward to having the opportunity to study with him further.”
Michael Cohen
“Thanks, Tom! You are a phenomenal coach and a fascinating human being. Thank you for your encouragement and for providing a work plan to follow for getting back to that place of play I love so much! I’m really looking forward to learning more from you. I can’t wait to see where this adventure will take all of us!”
Trevor Crane
“Once again, Tom has filled my soul with light and inspiration. I am so happy right now I feel like I’m flying! I now know how to let go of past teachers negative influences and focus on my personal technique as an actor. I feel like I’ve grown so much from the last workshop and am going to keep challenging myself to follow my heart and what I want out of my life and career. Everything feels different now. Better! Tell Tom he rocks my world! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Sandra Dacosta
"Everyone was really moved and excited by this experience – THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH TEACHERS WHO PUSH THIS WAY! It was tough, but man did I need it! I had the beautiful fortune of coming home last night to a call from my agent with a booking. It’s time for swallowing pride, losing fear and walking forward. Here I go! Thank you so much!”
Jen Daniels
“I just wanted to let you know that I found these classes absolutely brilliant. I was blown away by how much I learned from both performing and watching others work. I will definitely work with Tom again. Cheers,”
Marya Delver
“I learned so much from Tom’s insights and experience, and a lot by observing everyone else’s work and the changes after his recommendations. I also really appreciated how patient and honest Tom was, and very giving- even with his time while staying so late with us. I am so grateful. This workshop helped give me a sense of urgency and strengthened my resolve in going after my dreams. I look forward to learning more so that I can give back. Thank you!”
Maxine DuMont
“Call it Karma, call it energy, call it what you will. Being a part of all this was an explosive experience for me. It was an investment wherein the returns were received even before I was through reading the resource books; the class was the bonus! You all rock! I am going to personally invite all the people I know to attend Tom’s subsequent classes to get some of what I received. I will ensure that this fire continues burning! Thanks!”
Lina Felice
“This last weekend doing the Intensive with Tom was stupendous, re-affirming, invigorating, and just the right fresh input to further my art, career and life. Thanks for so fully endorsing and sharing your enthusiasm.”
Mary Goldman
“I had an amazing time here, I feel like I’ve fallen in love with acting all over again… Everyone was so eager, willing and brave, it was wildly exciting! Tom is a genius and I know I can learn so much from him. His sensitivity, smarts and honesty allow me to abandon myself to his care. I feel I can trust him. Thank you so much for sharing your great gift with the world!
Shel Goldstein
“As a writer, I discovered so much about what an actor looks for in a script. I expect my work will improve greatly now that I have such insight."
James Hawksley
“I have studied with many, many great teachers, and Tom is just an awesome combination of them all. Since the workshop, I am feeling driven as hell!"
A. Jana
“Thomas T. for me? Reminiscent of Leonard Bernstein teaching student orchestral conductors! I have eleven pages of notes to type into my computer tomorrow. An excellent experience! I am thinking this was the best addition to my previous ignorance ever received!”
Barb Johnny
"I was married for ten years and just didn’t have the support system to go there the way I wanted to. I really needed this breakthrough! I grew up fighting for my life, and being taught that I’m not enough. It truly blows my mind that I came away from this workshop better in every area, not just acting! You have helped me redefine who I really am. I can’t thank you enough for that. Acting is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I never imagined I would end up divorced with two children, living on next to nothing and pursuing an acting career at 29. I’ve never had a back up plan, but you know what? I have never had more faith, nor felt so free in my entire life. Great Big Love”
Darren Keay
“Yesterday, when we were done with our scene, Tom said, “With you, we were in good hands”. And I will never forget those words for all they imply. At the same time, I want to use those same words to describe my UNFORGETTABLE experience working with Tom: I WAS IN GOOD HANDS! Thank you for being so inspirational, Tom! I love you all! You really made a difference in my life. THANK YOU!”
Rosa Laborde
“This weekend was an absolute blast! I am so glad I stuck with it! It was really an awakening, on more than one level… I hadn’t done a workshop in years (I think five!). Now the wheels are turning again and I won’t be stopping them anytime soon!!!!”
“Thank you so much for an exciting experience! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again!”
Tricia Lee
“WOW.WOW.WOW. Tom is the best thing that has ever happened to this world!!!! He’s full of life!!! He’s positive, EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT, and he truly cares about each and every one of us. He stayed later to get everyone’s scenes in and to talk to anyone who had questions. This man is brilliant!!! I’m so happy that I chose to take this workshop. I want to be at every single one in the future.”
Michael Long
“I loved the music playing between the scenes – it keeps the energy up. I loved the way Tom introduces each scene – with such great respect for the play, the writer and the players. The practical application of the guideposts is the tool I’ve been looking for. I really got how to activate my work in a way that is immediate. It takes my work from acceptable to extraordinary in a moment… especially introducing the notion of mischief. I feel freer in my performance and more able to commit to my choices. Tom’s generosity of spirit, warmth and tremendous respect for actors is a huge gift to us. I am so grateful…This was a life changing experience for me in a number of ways. I approach performance as a path for the divine in the self, and Tom is the first teacher I’ve met who has managed to integrate acting and spirituality without getting flakey.”
“I’m so excited about this new relationship!"
Daniel Mazur
“This class exceeded all my expectations. It was overwhelming. A friend asked me what happened and I simply replied, “Tom is what happened!” I had a great time.”
Jonathan Monro
"Tom is a gift. He is so invigorating it is almost beyond words. He is passionate, fearless, and has a huge heart. Of course you know all this already, but take yourself back to the first time you met him – I am truly inspired!"
Jagruti Parmar
“I took the Tom Todoroff Intensive this weekend and it was a life changing experience. Words alone cannot explain the sensation! For any of your clients interested in fast-forwarding their career, they must take this workshop. It will guide them to understanding themselves and the business. As Tom puts it, “It’s not just about working, but rather about working again!”
Ipsita Paul
“It was a FABULOUS weekend! I absolutely cannot wait for my next audition so I can go there and SHINE. I have received a huge confidence boost that is already changing my work, and my life. I can't wait to work with Tom again!"
Alicia Payne
“This weekend was so incredibly inspiring. It renewed my love and passion for acting. I think just listening to Tom teach for two days was more valuable than the four years I spent at theatre school! I didn't want it to end... Thanks for a tremendous opportunity!”
Nathalie Pellerin
“Attending Tom’s workshop this past weekend was a life-changing event for me: a defining moment in my life. I knew after the first few minutes that this was not going to be like any other workshop I have ever taken! Tom is a force to be reckoned with – his intensity, drive, passion and fearlessness shine through with every word, and movement. It’s contagious…I felt it…I was moved by it. He genuinely cares about the students in class and really wants everyone to succeed – to be who they were meant to be; to find their authentic self; their passion in life, and go for it without fear. So much of what he said reaffirmed my own beliefs. There were many moments during the workshop where things just came together and became clear for me… I really needed this motivational push from Tom to go for it, without fear, and be relentless until I achieve my goal. It's like nothing I've ever experienced. Thank you!”
Laura Perlmutter
“Before taking your workshop last weekend, I was rather disillusioned with what I was doing in this business. I was getting bored with theatre and rather tired of struggling from one gig to the next. The biggest lesson I walked away with was the basic idea that my own Will dictates my success. I felt inspired and revitalized to have this simple idea reiterated for me: Do the work and the work will come. Your workshop is an enriching experience for both the experienced actor and the beginner alike. This business needs more Tom Todoroff!”
Jennifer Rayner
"What I loved most about this experience was Tom’s ability to make my work more compelling and engaging, and still be warm about it. He used what I gave him as a base, and he really acknowledged my work and coached me from there. Tom provided a very safe environment in which I didn’t have to worry about taking risks. I appreciate that more than anyone will ever know. Not only am I a better actor because of this training, but I am also a better human being."
Nygel Ryan
“I can’t stop thinking about the workshop I just did! Listening to Tom, working with him, and putting the work into his reading list was nothing short of a life-changing event for me. He communicated the art of acting in such clear, passionate and thought provoking terms that I felt inspiration the likes of nothing I’ve ever experienced! He instilled in me a brilliant sense of confidence and independence in my personal craft, things that I have been searching for my entire life.
I want Tom to receive my many humble thanks for giving me one hell of a huge road sign pointing to the realization and fulfillment of my personal dream…He may never know how much joy he instilled in my soul this weekend. He threw a can of gasoline on my burning desire to act! He made me realize how much more important and powerful my imagination is, rather than my past, and allowed me to see that I can ‘give myself permission’. As I told my parents on the phone right after the workshop this evening, “I truly believe that I will look back on this weekend many years down the road and be able to acknowledge it as one of the most important events in my life.” So, again, another thank you. I received a priceless gift over the last two days."
Mark S.
“Wow”! What an incredible weekend I had! I haven’t felt such a buzz in a very long time. The energy was so inspiring and magnetic! It affected my breathing and my entire body! I can’t really put the feelings into words, as the experience was so unusual and inspiring all at the same time. I realized many Cardinal Sins I was making at auditions and how to stop them now. Thank you for the unforgettable experience!”
Becky Sinclair
“Having been through some very mediocre acting classes, where the instructor mentioned some long ago credits and promised the moon, I was extremely impressed. I thought Tom did an excellent job, and proved himself to be a warm, receptive and knowledgeable instructor. Particularly impressive was the way he consistently took actors and helped them to fine tune (and in some cases overhaul) their performances to create dramatic (no pun intended) improvements quickly. Overall, it was everything I could have hoped for!"
Ryan Singh
“WOW! The fog has been lifted. Tom created a safe & loving environment within which we could stretch, grow and let go. It was awesome to watch and experience! Thanks for bringing this opportunity our way. It was enlightening. I've been spreading the word. Great things are meant to be shared!"
Dylan Smith
“Now that we’ve all had a chance to take a breath, I wanted to write you and thank you everything. I’ve been taking professional classes for awhile now, but the workshop this past weekend was special. You’re truly present with us, and you don’t just provide a reflection, you provide a reflection and remove the ego. It’s really quite amazing. Thank you for learning so much and then being driven to share it. You are the best teacher I've ever had, ever. Since you left, e-mails have flown between the group. Talk about changing the molecules!"
Laura Soiz
“The course with Tom was PHENOMENAL!!! He certainly brings his best. I’m not alone when I say that I have left the Intensive Workshop with a completely redefined and improved approach to acting and auditions. Compared to other acting teachers, it’s night and day – with Tom emanating the brightest light imaginable!”
Anna Stassis
"Tom is a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t believe how long he stayed with us, because we had questions and he really cared about each one of us! Tom is the FIRE! A powerful fire! Wow! I’m out of breath!”
Julie Tesolin
“I wanted to let you know what a great and inspirational weekend this was. Tom really knew EVERYTHING he was talking about! It was unbelievable, I mean he could just pick anything out and make it better – even if it was great to begin with!”
Ashley Townsend
“I have to say that this workshop with Tom was completely uplifting and refreshing for me. I had an incredible time! I have been feeling a bit negative lately towards acting, and working with Tom really reminded me WHY I am in this industry and WHY I have been doing this for so long: because I LOVE acting! I have a new positive outlook on things and I really thank you all for helping me to find that within myself again.”
Suzie Vera
“Tom definitely struck a chord with me. He has an amazing grasp on life, one that reflects in his teachings. To grow as an actor you have to grow as a person, and Tom helps you do just that. I made some definite decisions after the workshop and have been exuding more positive vibes since then. Tom was the guiding light. As for my career, things have been looking up here in terms of work - I booked a recurring role on a new primetime drama and I'm much more focused now!
Daniel Washington
“I'm prone to being very skeptical about things - but within moments of being there I found myself letting go and just being present.
By tapping into my natural spirit as a dancer, Tom showed me how to stay connected to my vulnerability, instead of constantly putting up walls. With his coaching, I was able to break down those walls MYSELF. It was a miraculous feeling. I truly appreciate the atmosphere of the class as well -- I felt safe enough to go through this pivotal moment. The performance felt so powerful that I was not able to hold back the tears for the next hour or so... this weekend changed my life."
Lauren Wightman
“This weekend was a spark of energy. I feel as though my engine is firing at ten times the rate it was before! Tom, you have an incredible ability to approach a large group of people, whom you’ve never met, and motivate them individually."
Lance Zurek
"The workshop was a life changing experience and definitely woke me up! I loved everything I learned from Tom and it’s already changing my life. I am more of an “action! action! action!” person now, instead of over-thinking everything. I learned a lot about auditions, technique. and life! "