FLORIDA

As a working professional I have sought Marc's insights on many occasions. He has coached me on television and film roles and I consider him among the best that I have ever studied with.

Marc Macaulay - SAG - Miami, FL

***

You are an inspiring teacher! You have given me so much more than I ever thought of receiving from an acting class. Thank you for helping me to clarify my dreams and aspirations. I feel so blessed that I started my acting process with your class... who knows what direction I would be falling into if I had started it with a different kind of class. I really hope that one day I can prove myself as a true actress.

Rachelle Dion - Miami, FL

***

Marc, What a wonderful tribute to you for all the hard work you did to make our LA trip a huge success! This was beyond exciting for these students; you changed their lives. You will have my heartfelt gratitude forever.

Jane Jane Cordray-Brandon - Director of Career Services - Rollins College

***

What a pleasure to have you here! It was obvious to me from the moment I walked in the room that the students were fascinated by what you had to say and were absorbing everything. I spoke with some of them afterwards and they gave you very high marks. Marc, you have a great gift for stimulating creativity and quickening passion! You are a wonderful teacher and I look forward to working with you again as I continue my own artistic journey.

Robert Homer-Drummond - Assistant Professor of Theatre, Palm Beach Atlantic University

***

...It was incredible and intense work...I am thrilled with the experience and I have to thank you because you are the key of my work.

I feel so proud of all the things I've accomplished as an actress, and I have to thank you, Marc, for being my bridge to that invaluable knowledge I receive every teaching session with you. I'm happy to announce that my (Hagen) Exercises have paid off since I've been your student. I went to an audition that required me to use the Exercise "Recreating Physical Sensations" and since I have done it many times in class I knew exactly how to prepare for it.

The good news is I got the job! Interestingly, they did not hire me for the part I auditioned for; they wanted me for the "other" principal character of this project. That only tells me that my work was appreciated so much that they had to make me part of the project. This is a very well paid project and I get to go to North Carolina for a month. I want to tell everybody in this business that preparation is the only secure tool for continuos success. Get busy preparing yourselves, I have been with Marc for a year and I still have so much to grow, but I have a year ahead from my competition!

Thank you Marc Durso for being the mentor you have been to my actress life!

Carla Sanchez - Miami, FL - http://www.carlasanchez.net/

***

"CLARITY!...your method is very clear, precise and truthful...you actually teach!...I have much more clarity, far more. Now I’m aware of a method and a map to go behind and get a result that is real. I can finally react! And that makes me really, really happy. I always wanted to react but didn’t really know how. So sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. So thank you very much for it...I feel very fortunate to have found you."

Laura Lona - Miami, FL

***

Marc, I'm so happy right now, and have 'you personally' and 'your classes' to thank for MOST of that...I feel so alive...The more I am away from you and your teachings, the more I realize that you have absolutely been the best foundation for my career...Your voice echos in my ears at many castings and shoots and I draw from that knowledge...and smile. Funny how so many of the things you've said in class, I have 'already' experienced... 'out there'. You are an endless vessel of knowledge and inspiration. I just wish that everyone could see what I see in you. How lucky they would be! This is definitely your calling... you are the BEST!

Lorraine Caporaso - Miami, FL

***

Thanks for everything...nothing I learned prior to your class was quite so practically applicable to this job market. I don't go to a casting without using pieces of your class exercises and the Hagen steps. I've had more success this past year of commercial/tv/movie castings and jobs than I did in the 3 years I spent doing this in my early 20's...I've been keeping a journal/log of every casting, call-back, and booking..It really helps you put things into perspective.

Christy Boyd - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

***

I just wanted to say that so far the two classes have been really amazing. You are intense, passionate, and I admire the way you strive for your students to master the art of acting. ...Susan Sarandon, or Morgan Freeman, or Al Pacino, etc...all the great actors that you talk about. They have that uniqueness that I strive to achieve from you. I don't want the Escalade, I want the gift to act. Well, I'm hanging in there...until I get it right. Again, thanks. Money well spent.

Fabiana Santos - Hollywood, FL

***

I am not an actress, singer, or dancer. Maybe that’s what made attending Mr. Durso’s workshops even more important to me. Long after the ActTrue workshop session was over, Mr. Durso taught me how to live a creative life. Or, how to walk with inspiration. This is how; Read a poem everyday. Take a dance class. Study the work of an artist. Recite and practice a play from a great playwright. Do visualization and breathing exercises. Try swimming in the ocean. Eat a healthy breakfast. Practice the Five Tibetan exercises. Take an interest and be involved in the theatre. Because it is there that the soul is safe. In the theatre, one is safe to exercise freedom of speech, to reflect on contemporary society, and to accept the broadness of humanity in all its expression. No where else have I seen such honesty demanded or creativity developed as in Mr. Durso’s workshops.

Mr. Durso does not expound any single meaning of life but, instead, gives to each participant, tools needed to learn about life. I learned how, I too, could walk with creativity in my life. But there is something even simpler that happened. Away from philosophical speculations and the adult masks I have learned to wear, my attendance in Mr. Durso’s workshop allowed me to experience again what it is to be alive. To live in the now, as I once had as a child. For the first time in a long time, I was not afraid to be spontaneous because in the climate he created, it was ok.

Today, I have become quite an advocate not for arts in education but education in the arts. Actors need to realize that they have been carrying the torch of education for hundreds of years. Prior knowledge and comprehension skills are developed in script reading, analytical skills in movement, following directions and team building skills in performing, and many others higher level thinking skills are developed, as Mr. Durso teaches naturally, using all the modalities and styles of prominent educational theorists. …certain people, like Uta Hagen, were ageless all of their lives…Mr. Durso allowed me a glimpse into this special life process. He let me carry a piece of greatness away, knowingly aware, that there is no price tag, political intentions, nor appetite for greed to be had with real inspiration. In the end, perhaps I have a little bit of an actress in me, after all.

Nancy West - Educator - Florida

***

"You’re class is absolutely fascinating. You break down the human process of experience, of perception, of expression, into its most rudimentary & basic elements – but in a way that is so amazingly simple...I find myself in awe of the acute attention to detail that you bring into your teaching...You, through Miss Hagen’s very disciplined methods, allow each student to develop not just the ability to “act”, but the ability to experience, observe, and express – with knowledge. So much of what is wrong with the world is that people “act without thinking”, certainly without awareness. These simple techniques help us to become a more complete human being. And for those who are compelled to devote their life to this crazy industry, well, those students will end up bringing out the best that the industry has to offer… to study and observe and participate in your class will no doubt make me a far better writer. I’ve always been all about character development, but more from instinct rather than technique. Your class is giving me that technique. Plus, your class is fun. I always feel inspired afterwards...your class also inspires confidence...Your (Youth Actor) class has also brought new dimension to playtime, when (Youth Actors:) Kali, Hilary & Natalie are together. I honestly think that each of them will be far better adults by having the luxury of learning to work with your techniques from a young age. Before too long, if they really absorb and work with what you teach, the techniques will become a natural part of their existence, like breathing. That’s the way it is with you – its just part of who you are. Those kids will be so far beyond the rest of the world. Can you imagine what a powerhouse each of them could be? They like the philosophy of your class, and I love hearing them talk about it to each other. You make an impact..."

Cheryl Smith - Miami, FL

***

"Your class has helped me tremendously with both television and print work. I have found the Hagen process to be extremely beneficial in my work, especially the use of the "Fourth Side" and "Moment to Moment". Thanks for your amazing instruction and guidance..."

Shannon Dawson - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - http://shannondawson.net/

***

I've gone back to 'the process'.......working with Marc Durso is a challenging, energizing experience. I recommend strongly that at some point you also consider working with him. He will assist you in discovering and rediscovering why we have a 'passion' for what we do.

Crystina Wyler - Miami, FL - http://hawkli.com/

***

...thanks so very much, Marc, for adding us as you did to your growing list of working students. Lisa and I have only just begun... we are so excited to have such endless opportunites ahead of us! You have unlocked a very special door in our lives and it will never be closed again! How do you thank someone for that? I don't know... maybe by doing your 'best' work, all the time, every time (no excuses)... with each opportunity you are given. What a gift you truly are, Marc!

Lorraine and Lisa Caporaso - Florida

***

I wanted to thank you for your time and tell you that I greatly enjoyed your classes. I am still reading Uta Hagen's book and will continue to do so. Your guidance and teaching lessons were helpful and encouraging and I plan to continue my learning up in New York city... You are a great teacher...

Rian Jiran - West Palm Beach, FL

***

Your class/teaching is the finest an actor can experience.

Shauna Kae Lauritzen - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

***

Marc's teachings have not only helped me as an actress but have helped me grow as a human being, and to learn the influence and impact our gifts can make to the world.

Damaris Justamante - Miami, FL

***

Ok, at the audition... young 30 something mom, I had to read 2 lines on camera "What I want..." and "What I need..." in relation to a specific product. Perfect to use your classroom exercise - the one where you draw specific person, place, situation, line, and "action". I selected my person... my sister; our situation... shopping at the mall; what just happened...ran into an old friend who has a glamorous lifestyle (unlike me). Then I selected 2 actions for each line...to confide, to shun; to complain, to joke. All of this made the audition feel easy, I felt relaxed and prepared... and everything just came out "naturally". Well, I was booked for the job, just completed my shoot today, and I used the same stuff on camera. In fact, they threw another spot at me last minute that I had all of 5 minutes to prepare for while they changed my wardrobe and make-up. I used the same exercise, and again, it worked perfectly. Not to mention the fact that I had a blast! Thank you so much, your class has made this click for me, and when that happens as an actor, you relax and enjoy your work.

Christy Boyd - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

***

...thank you, Marc! Your support is amazing. Thank you for being the true teacher and coach to all of us actors down here. Your intentions are beautiful. Your skills are incredible.

Nicole Henry - Miami, FL - http://nicolehenry.com/

***

"I thank you for your support, your words and your shared enthusiasm. You have and will continue to be an inspiration in my life."

Sophie Simone - Miami, FL - http://sophiesimone.com/

***

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your knowledge and wisdom and inspiring creativity and truth in me this year.

Mari Coscarelli - Orlando, FL

***

I really enjoyed last night's class. I let go of my inhibitions, my mind was clear and I felt like I had a clean slate to work with. We really let it all out during the warm up and it was liberating to hear my voice roar without any effort. The cold-reading is such a great exercise. It combines the quick thinking of the four card exercise with everything else that's involved in working on a monologue. If I've heard it once, I've heard it a million times...Make Strong Choices. Last night's class really put meaning into that phrase. As I watched the others share their first choices I loved thinking to myself how I would have done it differently. And then each time it was my turn, I thought to myself why am I making such easy choices and avoiding the tough ones? Food for thought. I love this piece and can't wait to do some homework on it this weekend!

Michelle Lepe - Miami, FL - http://www.michelelepe.com/

***

You are an inspiration and I will now delight in nourishing my performances with the "action of the verbs".

Kris Williams - Miami, FL

***

I know you work very hard teaching your craft...I feel genuinely fortunate to be one of your students and will do my best to make you proud of me one day... See you in class!

Lorraine Caporaso - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

***

...if I put in the work, and keep the joy then perhaps one day I can honor the system that Uta Hagen developed...There's a passage in her book where she says we can't help but be influenced by someone of accomplishment, but can only hope that its the right person and that its the right kind of influence. I've had the good fortune to learn from you, and from her through you. Beyond craft I feel grateful to have discovered an artistic integrity and a noble cause to live for. I believe honest expression truly is holy and what we do is spiritual. I dedicate this year and my life to that spirit. Thank you for helping me find it, To a full year and continued growth...

Jeremy Mitchell - Miami, FL

***

Your class, Ms. Hagen's book, this way of thinking about acting and being...it's all working for me. I am excited to explore this more and more...

...I'm still learning the right phrases to use, and retraining myself to think about acting from a new perspective, a human perspective, instead of thinking about the end product...

...One of the things revealed to me about human behavior is simply that we are motivated by actions - the emotions that we have come as a result of those actions. Frustration, elation, sadness, embarrassment, etc. are all the result of action, not the other way around...

...I feel that this training will help me in any acting project I pursue be it theatre, commercials, film or even print work...

Christy Boyd - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - http://www.christyboyd.com

***

I just wanted to tell you that you have changed my life as well. I took one of your workshops a little more than a year ago and I was amazed. Not only with you, but also with myself. I realized my love for acting. Merely sixteen months later I am enrolled in a school for the performing arts, majoring in Acting. Not only did your class teach me methods I used to audition, it revealed to me my passionate love for acting. You have, more than you will ever know, changed my life. Thank you.

Elizabeth Farro - Orlando, FL

***

Thank God that people like you still exist in this business. As much as it is an art form it is also a business. I came to realize that. I want to thank you for showing me how to do "the work." At this infant stage of my career, I have been juggling ideas of where I want to go and what kind of work I want to do. Thanks to my decision to take your class, reading a book you recommended (A Challenge For The Actor), and being in your truthful and artful presence, I am on my way to a career full of substance, meaning, and success. I know in my heart that the theater is where that Substance, Meaning, and Success begins...I want to say thank you on behalf of all your students for your honesty, truthfulness, and spirit.

Shawnte Lee - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

***

4th side works! I know I know I've just confirmed 25 years of your work. But seriously, its rewarding to discover the techniques we practice in class can actually be applied in performance. I was doing a silent film yesterday and they needed a reaction shot of me opening a mashed up pizza, cringing, then realizing the pizza man was getting away and finally running out after him. I struggled to communicate the realization that the pizza man was getting away and I needed to chase him down. Then it dawned on me that this was nothing more than a 4th side exercise. The next take I opened up the pizza, looked away, looked up, saw images of the pizza man getting in his car and making a clean getaway and leaving me stranded with $12 worth of damaged goods. Instant reaction. Now I had to chase him down! So I'm finally seeing my tools providing those much desired results.

Jeremy Mitchell - Miami, FL

***

Your teaching is so true and right on target. You helped me see in my acting that I have to see it. Then acting is effortless and a joy. It might have been all the laundry folding at home by myself or the funny things you say that I think about when I get home from class or your insightful emails during the week. It was something because last Tuesday I felt I made a breakthru. I felt my acting ability start to take shape. We all have pivotal moments in our lives and last Tuesday was one of those moments for me. Thank you for doing what you do and for being my teacher.

Kendra Wright - Miami, FL

***

I think your class was amazing. You are the best acting coach I've met, and I have met a lot. I know this is going to be a big year for me in my career, and I'm glad you will be a part of the experience.... I wanted to let you know, from watching you in class the one time, you are a brilliant actor. In such a short time span you were intense, theatrical, comic with remarkable energy...You know I also want to commend you on the way you teach. You are the kind of teacher I've always looked for , but never found...I will work very hard in your class. There is tremendous depth inside my soul. I just need to channel it into my acting. That's where you come in.

Kathryn Hayden - Miami, FL

***

I really want to thank you for the day I had today. It couldn't have been possible without you, I assure you. I had an audition this morning for a LA based feature film, reading for a lead role. I was next to go through the door and I felt this nervous tinge hit my stomach, so I did as you said your other student did on the set of her soap opera, and I walked around the corner and I did some of the Linklater breathing, relaxation exercises. It must have paid off because I feel it was the best audition I have had yet. The Casting Director had me do the scenes 4 different ways, in which he kept saying: "Very good, I have no problem with that. That was to the point." I cried in one, I was angry in another, etc, etc. It was too much fun, I can't wait until the next audition! It felt so good to have no pressure auditioning, just to be seen is fun! Thanks Marc. Without you, I wouldn't have been so relaxed and enjoyed it as much as I did today.

Aubrey Chandler - Miami, FL

***

I would like to start off by thanking you, for your dedication to helping us learn and improve. I truely appreciate your honest critiques and direction. At the first class I was a little scared because you were so stern, passionate, intense... I was gratefull that you did pay attention to our responses to you and responded back to us in kind. I think I got a lot more out of the class because of that...My goals for myself are to gain more confidence, learn to audition, and to improve to the point that I can get the attention of a good agent. Your question: What do I like most about acting?...Taking something from paper to "life" and having it connect with someone in the audience. I love having people say they believed it (saw truth) when... or they think I really must have lived the same thing as the character because they believed it. Not all acting can change the world but if a character can cause the audience to examine themselves because they have connected with the characters on stage (or screen) that can be life changing. That is fulfilling...

What have I learned from your class? That action comes before emotion. All the books I have read said to find the emotion and in that you find the action. Also I think all the aspects, action, motive, emotion are all interwoven not like a braid but more like layers finding the action is just the first layer and the others follow along. That's the way I preceive it, anyway...Why don't I wait until my life isn't so busy to take classes?...I can't wait for my life to slow down. I have to find time to do what I want and need to do or I may never do it. Thanks again,

Suzi Walters - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

***

My acting abilities are growing with every take, I discovered that in every take I can make many choices, and as the days go by, I discover more and more choices I can give to my work, and every scene... You taught me that, you know they are all very impressed with what I can do, but mostly by my professionalism and you have taught me that as well. Thank you.

Carla Sanchez - Miami, FL - http://www.carlasanchez.net/

***

I just came back from a trip to New York… Inspired by what I have been learning from Marc Durso I decided to audit several classes at HB Studio where Ms. Uta Hagen (Marc's teacher) herself teaches

I was in complete awe with every single minute I spent there because every moment was a moment of TRUTH, and that is something I have learned to appreciate with Marc's classes…

Acting truthfully is about finding what's real within yourself, it's about allowing things to happen not making them happen, it's about observing yourself… There is still so much for me to learn, so now that I'm back in Florida I will continue my work with Marc because I believe that with his guidance I will continue to discover myself and with this I will learn to connect the real me with any character that I embody.

Carol Baez- Miami, FL

***

I'm back in the States for just a few days from shooting on location in the Dominican Republic on the Vega Film ERNSTFALL IN HAVANA, then back for 22 days on location.

This experience is amazing! I've learned so many things and your voice have been with me every time. You have helped me so much in my growth as an actress, and there are so many things I understand just because you have said them.

The film experience is totally diferent from what I have done before, even the independent movies I have been in. This is a big project so I can say that I'm learning constantly with every take we do. I'd like to write a journal of my experiences and share it with you. They are very happy with my work, thanks to you !!!!

Thank you again, Your student,

Carla O. Sanchez - Miami, FL - http://www.carlasanchez.net/

***

...this weekend I auditioned for a short film called "Mist" that has won several screenplay awards and is currently a finalist for the British Short Screenplay Competition. The scene I read took place between a husband and wife having a conversation in the shower. Using what you've taught us, I was able to visualize where I was (a shower), and reacted accordingly, making the entire scene come alive. Well, I got a call from the casting director today and found out I had booked one of the lead roles! Thanks for all of your advice, Marc!

Erynn Dalton - Miami, FL

***

Your passion for acting is so consuming, so engulfing and contagious . . . it's as if just being in your presence makes everyone more passionate about their own lives and goals.

Heather Gilchrist - Miami, FL

***

I enjoyed your workshop very much. I learned something new that I could use and even had several epiphanies about my own work...You are an excellent communicator and teacher and I will most definitely work with you again...

Marilyn Rodriguez, Ph.D. , Adjunct Professor, Florida International University

***

I want to thank you for introducing me to the Uta Hagen Technique! At the auditions I did everything you tought me and I was true to my emotions and it worked! I'll keep you posted.....and I'll definetly take some coaching as soon as my schedule clears up. After so many years of trying, I am finally getting the opportunity of doing the one thing I love more......acting. And I believe that your coaching helped me to achieve my dream. Thank you very much Marc!

Miriam Plaschinski - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

***

I loved class very much last night....You make it fun and comedic which I truly can appreciate. And although I want to just jump into the scene work, I understand that it is important to work on the concrete work first. I came home very energized...I really want to make this commitment to continously be in your class for at LEAST 2 years straight. I want it so that a director, client, etc, will not be able to say NO to me. And I feel you are giving us the inspiration, the insights to drive us even further. Your passion for what you do is very evident in your behavior, and I find it to be a positive driving force for me. I also love the positive energy from the other actors in the class, it is a great group of people.

Aubrey Chandler - Miami, FL

***

Thank you Marc, for it is through study with you that I have a keener eye and perception for acting true.

Damaris Justamante - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

***

I've been doing lots of audits and trial classes here at HB Studios: everything from improv to speech and its been really enjoyable. I miss your classes, though. I'm not just saying that either; I learn more from you than even the teachers at HB. It means so much to me the way you incorporate the development of the entire human instrument in your training and philosophy: mind, body, and spirit. So many teachers don't. I'm sure that some students don't understand the benefits of the entire realm of your focus, but it is exactly what I need to unleash my maximum potential.

I love your physical exercises and your motivational quotes. Where does all this incredible energy and poetic justice stem from? What is your motivation? Isn't that one of the things that Uta Hagen says is a requirement for a successful acting career... an insatiable curiosity for the fellow man?

Sarah Dawn Kellett - Miami/NY

***

I can't express enough how your classes have helped me in my commercial auditions...your words come back to "haunt" me...thank goodness!

I found out today that I'm on first refusal for an industrial with heavy-duty dialogue. It's kind of a "Sex and the City" take-off, and I auditioned for the role of Samantha. We had 9 pages of dialogue to have ready for the audition. It seemed overwhelming at first, and as I read the sides, I started to get bogged down trying to memorize the words. That's when I recalled what you taught us in class. It's not about the words, but about the actions and thoughts that drive the action of the character, that in turn, prompts them to say the words.

Once I remembered that, I focused on my actions as the character, and the words became effortless to remember. I was very confident in my audition knowing that I had done my homework, and as an actor, that's about the only thing in your control! I'll keep you posted and let you know how it all turns out. Thanks again Marc. Know that your enthusiasm and knowledge of your craft is working.

Beth Alyson - Miami, FL

***

It was a pleasure to work with you. Your direction was very sharp and creative and you were a true team player for City Theatre.

Stephanie J. Norman - Producer - City Theatre, Miami, FL

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