PARENTS AND YOUNG ACTORS

Marc…. thank you, thank you for your incredible talent in helping our dancers reach yet another level in their acting abilities. You were by our side during the entire planning process of the DVD and always believed in our project. Having you on the set was truly a gift as your enthusiasm and knowledge kept our actors comfortable and focused. We have already had incredible feedback from the movie and television industry and so look forward to “Beautiful Thing” being in the stores this fall. Our hats off to you!! With great appreciation….

Jim Green, Mark Bacino, Suzy Stone Exec. Producers Hip Hop Kidz Entertainment

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Marc, Emma is doing soooooo great. We went to LA just to have fun and she ended up booking Malcolm In The Middle and a movie called Special Ed. We go back in Sept to do that. When I say this I mean it: Emma would not be able to do this if you did not give her the foundation. You gave her that and she is using it and building her acting career...Thank you for everything...

Kerry O'Brien (Parent) - Los Angeles/Florida

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I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so sincere and proud of Cassie's success with her new project: The Slumber Party Girls. You are truly amazing and we are grateful to you for all your hard work...Sincerely, we hope you know how much our family loves to work with you. We think very highly of you as a person and excellent acting coach. Johnny and Cassie have learned so much from you and will continue to do so in the future.

Donna Scerbo - Los Angeles/Florida

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I am amazed at what I see in class. Wow! I’ve sat in on many workshops with Heather in the past, but never before have I witnessed teaching like yours. The methods, steps, and awareness that you’re teaching her are EXACTLY what she needs. She’s rediscovering herself in all of this – to act TRUE. To not look like she’s acting or how she “should deliver the line”. Rather, investigating what she needs and wants, purposes, etc, and the delivery will come naturally and real. I know that what you’re teaching her is truly a solid foundation.

Jackie Tryzna (Parent) - Los Angeles

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We've been in Los Angeles for a week and he's just booked DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Peter thanks you for all your help with his classes.

Barbara Weber (Parent) - Los Angeles

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Hi Mr. Durso, I am moving to LA. I have a manager and an agent out there and I will be there for pilot season. I want to thank you for everything you did for me and for all of the encouraging words and everything you taught me in class...I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me, you have truly shown me things that I would have never thought I needed to know about acting. You opened my eyes to a whole new world of acting and of life. Thanks again.

Bryant Johnson - Los Angeles

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First of all, I want to say thank you soooooooo much for everything!!! You are amazing at what you do, and I want to thankyou for broadening my view on acting. It makes so much more sense working from actions, so real!...I can't learn by emotion anymore...I can't wait to train with you again, and that's a promise!!...I am leaving for pilot season in 8 days...just want to say thank you for everything, I wish I could have taken more classes with you, but I've been in and out of L. A., I have tried many, many classes in L.A., but none that even compare to you! You have made such a difference in my life, THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!

Kierstin Koppel - Los Angeles

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Thank you for making the class enjoyable for the kids. Stuart looks forward to class each week. He is eager to learn and develop his talent. Though your class teaches great acting skills you also provide great insights for living. In class you have said many things I have told or taught Stuart, so it serves as a great reinforcement.

Mari Saenz (Parent) - Florida

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Par excellent! You hit on so many character issues our children face that play into their moral makeup. Like you said, this is a generation or group that has every opportunity and so much access, but they could end up with little emotional growth and willingness to stand out and be all they can be. You can buy them every lesson and try to give them every edge but if you do not have the right teacher that can raise the bar with truth and specific instruction than the emotional dynamics of adolescence that are very privileged is very tricky...Those are tough shoes to be in and your truth is what will set them free to become all they are purposed to be. They are great kids but societal pressures or the lack of can do a disservice. They need a strong role model like you, even if they are not interested in pursuing acting. I feel you have such a range coming in through the door of acting. You are a coach and a character builder that can challenge them personally and collectively. If it were up to me I think your class should be a prerequisite in school especially at certain stages of growth and transition. You are a blessing Marc, keep up the good work and remember to always ACT TRUE...I am honored to have my children study with you. I love to here you work, I learn a lot by listening to you. You are truly rare.

Kim Scarmazzo - (Parent) - Florida

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I have to thank you for your hard work with Emma I really don't think she would have these great opportunities if she did not have such a great coach.

Kerry O'Brian (Parent) - Los Angeles/Florida

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We will be leaving for Los Angeles...Thanks again for everything!!!! We really appreciate everything you have done for Joey. He has learned so much.You are absolutely amazing!!!!!! I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping Joey do his video audition!!!!!...with your brilliant teaching style...Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! Joey really has a lot of respect for you!!! You pull out the Best in him!!!

Jeanne Brander (Parent) - Los Angeles/Florida

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Marc, Los Angeles was a great experience; Emma really felt like she was at home there...We really enjoyed the journey. Emma left LA really feeling great about her experience. We could not have done this without the ground work you have given her. It was hard work for all of us involved. It just shows that hard work does pay off. Thank you

Kerry O'Brien (Parent) - Los Angeles/Florida

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Joey had a wonderful time yesterday!!! If he had it his way, Joey would LOVE for you to teach him everyday!!!!! He cannot wait for your next arrival!!! Thank you.

Jeanne Brander (Parent) - Los Angeles/Florida

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I truly believe you have him on the right direction. He does truly enjoy your teaching technique. He always comments on certain details you bring into focus for him. He feels very comfortable working with you. For words of an eleven year old he says, "Mr. Durso is really, really, really good." Again Marc, we thank you for helping Peter to be the best he can be!

Barbara Weber (Parent) - Los Angeles/Florida

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After Heather's last class with you, she told me that she felt like she made a "breakthrough" and that something "just clicked." She said that she felt as though her confidence was up and she was ready to just "go for it" and would stop holding herself back. Well, it obviously worked because she just booked a lead in a student film. It was a difficult audition - with sides, a cold reading and monologue. She used the dramatic monologue that you've been working on with her and the directors told us that she "blew them away" and "nailed it". Thank you so much for "getting through" to Heather....You helped her...to visualize, focus, and find her "true" self. ...I'm happy and proud to share with others all of the POSITIVE PROGRESS that Heather is making by attending your workshops. You're a WONDERFUL teacher and coach and I and others are noticing her evolution right before our very eyes!...We're looking forward to having her continue to work with you in 2005.

Jackie Trzyna (Parent) - Florida

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Marc, I have to think that in the few weeks that Daniel was working in your class, he learned a lot!...filmed his first principal role in a SAG National commercial, MIU film "Paparazzi", "lead" in another MIU film - "Jazz Man", booked a new TV Series called "The Solvers" as a series regular. He has never booked so much in such a short span of time! Thanks again Marc, for the encouragement and support you continue to provide Daniel.

Dianne Samonas (Parent) - Florida

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I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy watching you in action with the kids. You have such an incredible knack for getting them to be "true". I'm not sure if you are aware at what an amazing ability you have for breaking through and helping build real actors. You do so much more for them than just teach acting skills-they are learning to be confident, professional, and strong individuals as well. I have noticed such a difference in all of the students who I have watched develop in the last several weeks. It is quite a transformation.

Allison McAuley (Parent) Elementary School Teacher - Florida

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"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

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Yeah! Daniel booked the movie "The Walking Stranger". Thank you again for working with him on this. Maybe in the future you and Daniel will be working together on a major film. Thanks again...

Brenda Alm (Parent) - Florida

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Thankyou for preparing Marni this past week...You truly are remarkable. It's so refreshing that you allow Marni to be just who she is. REAL!!!! Once again, many thanks. We look foward to continuing with you.

Carrie Mintz - (Parent) - Florida

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Than you so much for working with Philomena. You have helped her tremendously. You are a fabulous teacher.

Maryann Polizzi (Parent) - Florida

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We just returned from Chicago late last night where Leslie had 3 auditions: Hartford University, The Hartt School; Roosevelt University, The Chicago College of Performing Arts; and Southern Methodist University, Meadows School for the Arts. They all went very well. The monologue you guys worked on turned out exceptionally well...Thank you for all of your help. She said your coaching helped her tremendously. Thanks for everything,

Sally Flesner (Parent) - Florida

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In preparation to meet with the Casting Director, Producer, Director and Head of Disney, Carrie reviewed the tape of Saturday's lesson and she ended up critiquing her own performance and realized the importance of deciding who she is within the character. In the audition she was required to do things oppositely, "happy/serious"...I saw Carrie go through your steps (opposite actions vs. emotions) so your instructions definitely helped her in realizing the difference......Thanks for everything.

Brigitte Gomez (Parent) - Florida

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I want to thank you for teaching me so much at class on Saturday. You gave me a whole new perspective on that monologue. Today, I worked on all my verbs for the 1st two paragraphs and used Uta Hagen's Six Steps. It really helps!! Thanks again!! I'm really glad you're my acting teacher.

Alyssa Spirato - Florida

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It's been a great experience being in your past two 10 week sessions. I feel that I've learned a lot and grown as an actress. Thank You.

Rebecca Baez - Florida

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Daniel has just booked his 4th movie and 3rd starring role. He couldn't have done these movies without your coaching, he really seems be getting to know how much you help him understand his characters. Thanks again.

Brenda Alm (Parent) - Florida

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Jackie was excited about her class with you. She already asked me if she had class again today...I was impressed with the progress she has made. What a difference between this week and last week. I can't believe the attention she seems to give to every word you say. She seems like she really wants to "get it"...You are so great with her!!! Your patience with her is incredible. I loved watching her tackle the new script.. I think she has definitely reached a new level.

Julie Shapiro (Parent) - Florida

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Thank you so much for working with Brittany. She thought you were terrific...Many, many thanks. You are a true pro! We look forward to working with you again and again!

Holly Bentley (Parent) - Florida

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You are a wonderful teacher. I know, and Danielle knows too, that the most important thing is that she felt good about her efforts and she learned from the experience. Your instruction eliminated any confusion for her which made her feel more professional. Thanks.

Julie Shapiro (Parent) - Florida

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I just want to thank you for holding these classes...Heather's really getting a lot out of them. She comes home feeling like she's had a real "work out", and I appreciate your frankness and honesty...This is really good for her and I know you'll help to break down her barriers and really pull out the best in her.

Jackie Trzyna (Parent) - Florida