Click here to read our student testimonials.
 
 

TESTIMONIALS

Jaime Kennedy
Halle Berry
Student Testimonials
Master Class Testimonials

 

Jaime Kennedy's Testimonial

The following is the transcribed text of a thank-you note given to faculty member, Tom Patton, by his student, Jamie Kennedy

Tom, I figure those were the kind of questions I asked when I first started out. Where can I begin? When I first saw you, I thought you were a proper englishman with your straight posture and sportcoat and I thought OH NO, this guy's gonna teach me and I'm never gonna make it. What did I find out?... that you are one of the funniest, quirkiest, and most passionate people I've ever met. Tom, you're the hardest working, and most driven; it's hard for me to put into words, I think you're a great man, and I mean that. No one would spend the hours you've spent with us, no one. You seem like you never tire or burn out and I believe you don't. I feel a complete change in myself because of the direction you've shown me. I feel like I'm becoming a real artist, not just a schlep who thinks about money. .. ...Tom, I realize you have a lot of students, but you made me feel like I was your only student. I'm really going to miss you and all the times we've shared. I know I have to move on but this was the deepest time in my life. Thank you for opening my eyes, thank you for opening my heart, thank you for opening my emotions, thank you for giving me something to live for that gets me up in the morning and fuels me... and burns in me... and makes me want to be the best. You're the greatest, I'll never forget you. There is NO ONE like you, and I hope that we can work sometime together.
God Bless,
Love,
Jamie (Kennedy)

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Halle Berry's Testimonial

The following is the transcribed text of a thank-you note given to our Founder, Joanne Baron, by her student, Halle Berry.

Joanne,
I have not taken a moment to thank you for bringing Dottie (Dorothy Dandridge) to life, the reviews were the best I've ever had! Due to You! You are my Angel Of Acting, never forget that.

-Halle Berry-

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"Studying with Joanne made me a much better writer and executive. The experience has been an enormous help in my career. Maybe someday I'll even get to act!"

--Ron Taylor
  Vice President, Diversity Development
  Fox Entertainment

 

Student Testimonials

PERSEVERANCE
This evening, we are on the threshold of an event which we have looked forward to foe many months. This night represents the fulfillment of an ideal that has guided us throughout our many days of school. We are thankful to have persevered through the many hours of study necessary to complete our education. It has been said that nobody admires a quitter. One, who keeps trying even though he or she has many reasons to quit, exceeds our admiration. That person has the support of most everyone and the tireless efforts in such cases inspires us all to be brave and persevere against the odds. The quitter is wasteful. The quitter throws away the chance for success, and often does so at the threshold of success. One more tries and he or she might have been able to cross the goal. Line. How do we know that a similar error is not committed when we quit those things that challenge us? In quitting, we can never know what might have been. Our whole path of this progress has been traveled by a wonderful company of men and women who got tired, very tired, but never stopped or turned back. Who adjusted their schedules, missed birthdays anniversaries and other special events. We were not quitters, even when we had grown faint from our force we marched on and moved onward, we are preservers. Do you recall why you choose to study at JBDWB Studio two years ago? I do, I met with Joann by accident in the office. She just happened to be visiting the office that day. After I spoke with Luis she asked to speak with me personally. I told her I was interested in studying to become an actress but I didn’t have a lot of money or time. I also told her I prayed to find an acting school that would teach me how to act the RIGHT way the FIRST time. She turned to Luis and told him “make an arrangement with this girl, I want her in this school”. Perseveres are a special group of people. The heat of the day and the long march may bring faintness, but not defeat. Preservers have a sense of urgency and purpose. Preservers are a special group of people. The heat of the day and the long march may bring faintness, but not defeat. Perseveres have a sense of urgency and purpose. We have been brave warriors without the determination to fight for it? Such determination comes from having put one’s heart into a cause. As you know, we will never be perseveres unless our desire to achieve a particular objective is great enough to command our total obedience. And we will never persevere unless we espouse some great loyalty, so great that it defies any thought of denying or betraying it with a faint heart. A great man once said, “Tell me your loyalties and I can tell you what you are.” What we do when we are weak, faint and discouraged gives a strong clue to what we are. Our graduation at this time is a result of perseverance, discipline and obedience. I encourage you to continue to persevere through the challenges of your life and hope that your loyalties represents who you truly are. May God Bless you and remember…….as Joanne always says…………”Every little moment has a meaning of it’s own.” Seize the moment and persevere!
--Constance L. McCrory

"To actually express how you feel because you are now in tune with feeling. To be in the moment, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future but living in the now. To breakthrough the walls of protection built-up, constructed over a lifetime to prevent pain. To breakthrough the walls of protection built-up, constructed over a lifetime to prevent pain. To twirl around with freedom and and joy restoring your heart and inspiring others. Thank you for the superior instruction, loving support and the commitment to this art."
--Danica Jesine -VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH

"I have to tell you that I am really impressed by the appearance of the Studio. In the past few weeks I was looking for schools all over the world, but there is not a single one that I would love to join just as well as yours. "
--Isabella Steinmetzler - Roemerberg, Germany

I entered your studio about fourteen years ago and was in the graduating class that had the privilege of hearing Dustin Hoffman speak. During those ... years, I knew that I was participating in a life-changing experience and now, so many years later, I see clearly how I benefited from your teachings. Thank you so much for the enlightening experience that has made my life better than I could have known. I am thrilled to see that you and D.W. are continuing to touch many lives in the acting community. I will be forever grateful for the gift you gave me!
--Kellie Nicholson


"(A Casting Director) attended our Master Class and after seeing my work decided to call me in for a project that she was casting for. A month on and after auditioning for the Director I booked the job. I got so much out of the Master Class and from listening to Joanne that I knew when I applied the work that it would only be a short time before I would see the results. Many actors auditioned, however when I applied the
work and the notes that Joanne had given me it all fell into place."
--Scott Logan

"Even though I though I would freak out working with major stars [John Leguizamo and Mekhi Phifer on "E.R."], somehow I did not and was completely relaxed and in the moment. I have been trying to figure this out, and I think it boils down to the simple fact that I have some of the best training you can get. I did the full... program and have done four master classes, including a first year Meisner review class. I also keep up to date with cold reading classes so I’m relaxed and confident in auditions."
--David Green

[On a recent indie film he acted in] "The casting director remembered me from an audition 4 years ago! I had just completed my training at the time. I wasn't right for what they were casting then but they called me in... for this role 4 years later! The casting director said that she remembered me after all of this time and I didn't leave her mind. ...I was so thankful for what Joanne has taught and shared with us. I have never performed better than I did on that shoot. I felt so relaxed and confident even though I had
never worked on a film before..."
--Charley Boone

"The training I've received here has not only revolutionized my acting, but has changed me as a person. When I started all I wanted was to better myself as an actor - but in the end I not only learned how to act from my soul and my heart, I broke down the walls that were holding me back in my life. Thanks for showing me the path to truth. Thanks for the gems of knowledge we received every class. I'll always remember the lessons I learned here for the rest of my life."
--Nevin Millan

"On the first day of class our teachers tell us, 'this class will change your life.' And at that point you think, 'yeah right'. But the truth of the matter is, it does change your life. You go into class thinking you’re going to learn to act, but you learn so much more that that. Sharon taught me that I actually have something to offer people and to the world. She taught me to like myself and that its OK to cry, because if we didn’t we wouldn’t be human. Tom has taught me not to give up by not giving up on me. Tom has taught me that I can and I will. He has given me the confidence and strength to just 'let go'."
--Nicole Crider

"I stand before you in awe of the talent that JB/DWB studio produces every year. Thank you for helping us find our authentic voices, thank you for instilling discipline in our lives, so that we could have freedom in our work. Thank you Joanne and DW for your passion for acting that has allowed us all to become more than we ever imagined. Thank you Tom Patton for giving us one more nugget of truth. Thank you Mary Reilly for making us all your children and loving us enough to tell us the truth. Thank you Elaine for being so deeply in tune with the human spirit. Thank you Sharon for keeping it real."
--Adrianne Pelt

"My time at this studio has been nothing short of an adventure, a wild ride. I began the studio shortly after doing the whole: pack your car move to LA thing, and I couldn’t be more greateful. Yes, the work I have studied, and done my best to understand and Illuminate, is invaluable, but above all else it’s the relationships I have created that are most treasured. I am honored to be part of such a free, eclectic group of individuals."
--John Brotherton

"What I realize now is that acting isn’t about self-love; it’s about illuminating the human condition. As actors we have a responsibility to inspire; to evoke sympathy and love and anger and lust and self-recognition in an audience so that they might better understand what it is to be a human being. It’s a job and therefore we have a responsibility to do it well. That’s why from the first day of class our teachers impressed upon us the importance of dedication. From day one we were expected to show up on time and prepared, now matter what else was doing on in our lives or in the world. We were expected to do and feel things that were uncomfortable and scary and to do them with our hesitation or excuses. Never before in my life had so much been expected of me. And consequently, for the first time in my life… I tried. Fro the first time, I actually applied myself to something that mattered to me. That’s what’s so amazing about the experience that is culmination here. This school is so special because of it’s emphasis on discipline and putting your fear aside som that you can do the work necessary to achieve your best."
--Kat La Ronde

"One of the main resons I like Jo Ann so much, is because she continually reminds her actors to stop acting. She can tell when someone is not acting from their soul or if they are just trying to be a character they really want to be like. She lets her actors know that it is ok to be yourself no matter who that is. I think it is better to be your true self then to live your life yearning to be someone else. Accept your flaws, embrace your strengths and ignore those who want to challenge your goals."
--Melissa O’donnell

"We have been given the ability to change people’s live, if not forever, at least for a moment of reflection. We did not come to this school to train as a celebrity; we came to train as artistics. I don’t recall a lecture on haw to suck up to the paparazzi or the physically challenging diet exercise so you can be fit for the camera. No, what I recall is people searching the bottom of their souls, struggling to create truth, and teachers pressing and pulling them to break through their walls, so that through their own artistic talent they may be lucky enough to express at least a glimpse of the human plight. I cannot express how blessed I feel to have found a studio with an insatiable quest for artistic truth. A studio, that through constant nurturing and discipline has transformed us into artistic professionals."
--Aldo Bigante

"The studio has changed me from a woman who acted in sound bites to someone who really learned how to listen, appreciate silence, take the attention off myself, and keep my attention on my work. The work here has taught me how to check my ego at the door, commit fully in the moment, and to act fearlessly. The Baron brown Studio has, in my opinion, the most disciplined, distinguished, passionate and compassionate educators of the Meisner Technique. The teachers here have enhanced the texture, faith and intentionaly of my life. Another unique aspect of this studio is that the graduates here are equally supportive as they are driven. We have forged profound bonds of an artistic community and friendships that will continue on. And the Baron Brown Studio will always serve as our artistic home. Now that’s a solid rock to stand on."
--Amber Mathews

"I know I can have anything I am willing to work hard for. And that’s why I am here right now. This was the hardest thing I have ever done. We tore down our walls and we stand upon a foundation of resourses that will take us to the top. Now its time to go to work."
--Jorod Donahue

"I have been in your six-week intensive class for all of five classes. After three classes we reached what had taken two months in another so-called Meisner class I had taken. I look forward to see where the path will lead in this training and I thank Joanne for taking time out of her busy schedule to make a difference in my training and inevitably my future as an actress. Thanks."
--Tina Carston

"I went to college for 5 years, got a business degree because that’s what I thought that I had to do, and then roamed around the world rather aimlessly for 3 years, never really being driven in a particular direction by anything. One day, for no particular reason, it occurred to me to take some acting classes.

I was aware that a part of me always wanted to be an actor and I thought to myself, “How hard could this be…pretending to laugh, cry and look charming...all at the same time?” Boy, was I wrong.

Two years ago I entered The Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown school of dramatic arts, a school that I really knew nothing about except that it was reputed to teach acting. During the first class, D.W. gave an orientation lecture on what the teaching goals and expectations would be about. He talked about the Meisner guy a lot and then called for a volunteer to come forward from among the uninitiated. Having always had an inability to sit still for more than a minute, my hand automatically shot upward and I impulsively lent myself as the willing victim. I wandered up in front of the class and entered into some bizarre exchange called “repetition” with D.W., wondering to myself what the hell it was, and finding myself relieved when it was over. Naturally, all we did for the next six weeks was repeat repetition.

As the year progressed we began doing scenes and learning to play the very difficult and complex characters, otherwise known as ourselves. Who knew it was so hard to be yourself? How hard could it be to give honest reactions to people other than your immediate family? Well…it was.

Then the second year known as CISA began, and the really difficult work set in. We began to learn to break down scenes by major playwrights, create genuine characters and breathe life into them. What a journey that was. Usually in real life, when tasks become too much of a struggle, I just smoothly slide by and move on to something else. Hence, I rarely finish anything other than a meal. But when acting (as in understanding a character or blocking a scene, etc.) became truly difficult, I found I couldn’t just put it aside. I had a gnawing inside…to stick to it, to become better at it…to perfect it.

We all like to share the excitement and tell greatly detailed stories of our best performances but…I want to share with you a slightly different story; one in which I fell flat on my face.

Just a few weeks ago, I joined Joanne Baron’s Master class, a four-day intensive program. Now, I’ve always thought of myself as a master in the art of “getting by” and, frankly, I do it beautifully. But with The School soon coming to an end, and performing in front of Joanne and many unfamiliar students for the first time, I decided that I was going to give it my all. As soon as I got the play I read it four times and then I studied it. I studied it like nothing I’ve ever studied for before. Day, night, in the car, in the bathroom…all I did was study that play. When the time to perform came I was ready. I went up on that stage with confidence…and flopped. I failed miserably. I was devastated, frustrated and embarrassed. I went home crushed! I was so completely confused I said to myself, “That’s it. I shouldn’t be doing this. I really suck!” But then I began to realize something more had taken place. I had tried like I’ve never tried before. It didn’t get me to where I expected, but I tried and I was so proud of myself. For the very first time, I patted myself on the back and said, “Way to go!” There was such a great and full feeling of accomplishment that had come over me, and it happened after I had failed. I can’t imagine how good it’s going to feel when I succeed.

That same night my partner Jamie and I had to perform “The Importance of being Earnest” in Louie’s class and we gave one of our best performances ever. I then went home to rehearse a script for an audition two days later, and I had one of my best auditions ever! The point is that these small but important victories never would have happened if I didn’t try; honestly try, with true focus and true commitment.

Another transforming experience was the bonding and increasing sense of trust in our class. To watch my classmates grow, to open up and expose their inner core with ever-lessening fear, to show deep emotions to, and in front of, each other without reservation and to have the unflagging support of your peers when you try and try…and fall flat on your face…has deeply moved each of us in a positive direction.

I think the discipline of The School has been a very positive, personal experience for me as well and has subtly seeped into other areas in my life, like my jobs and my personal goals.

Our class as well as the others have somehow evolved from a disparate sample of unrelated individuals into a close-knit group of developing actors with many common goals. From the patient teaching, and the work into which we’ve all invested ourselves, we have clearly gained an understanding of a craft…The Craft. We would all agree that The School has trained us well, opening our eyes to meaning and nuance so that we now see differences and distinctions and subtleties that some of us may have not seen before. By this new knowledge and new understanding of the art (which may unintentionally sound both boastful and naive, but is a statement with which I think any of my fellow students would agree) we desire to become truly good actors, defined by the deeper, fuller meaning of the word “actor” than is sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably with the word “star”. I now confess that this four-letter “S” word was my original objective. I can even claim that the school has made me a more literate person than I previously was, or possibly ever would have been, had I not attended. We have read Oscar Wilde, Arthur Miller, Edgar Lee Masters, Clifford Odets and countless others and, most amazingly, read them with enlightenment and understanding. And after seeing Josh and Tico perform a scene from Hamlet in class, I immediately bought copy. Who new that Shakespeare had ghosts in his play? How cool is that?"

--Matteo Indelicato

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"I'm grateful to the Studio and the invaluable foundation my teachers provided me."

--Rowlie Busch

"Since beginning this work, my relationship to my art, my sense of professionalism, and my sense of self have completely changed."

--Doyle Hanks


"I wanted to unlock the 'stops' in my stand-up comedy... I see huge improvement in that area... but I
am becoming an actor and I love it."

--Doyle Hanks

"I'm sure my fellow students will agree that there is no training that can compare or even come close to what we have received. It is not simply learning the technique but it is what can assist you in your everyday life."

--Rita White


"I feel extremely lucky to have done the training at the studio in tandem with my studies at UCLA. Not only did I get to cultivate my intellect with traditional study, but I also had the opportunity to cultivate my 'people IQ,' my soul, my sense of humanity and my role within. ...And I have learned so much."

--Andi Peterson


"We want to be working actors. But it's like they told us in our training, don't focus on the success. Focus on excellence and the success will come. Remember discipline. Remember commitment. Remember following through with your action regardless of how you feel. Stay inspired, and inspire others along the way."

--Lee Garrison


"I am forever grateful to those who have challenged me and taught me the true beauty of art and the true beauty of all that is in the world, especially those enormous, completely unbearable, undeniably formidable, breathtakingly beautiful boulders in the road - without question, all encompassing true beauty and absolute perfection."

--Tracy Moriarty


"Someone I had met told me about this acting school down in Santa Monica and they said it was great. And I said, "Look man, I'm from New York, I'm not gonna' find a good acting school in LA." My first class: in walks this guy wearing a suit. As he started talking to us, he had this look in his eye that said 'stick around, you have no idea what you are in for.' The other thing he said was that he expected greatness, from everybody."

--Josh Jonas


"The teachers are now ridding the planet, one actor at a time, of external acting. The various teachers at the studio all share one thing in common: a love for acting, actors, and teaching the skills required to make an impact on the art and business that we have chosen in which to express ourselves."

--David Green


"We have chosen a challenging path, yes, but can you remember that very moment when you knew this is what you wanted to do more than anything. I know I am amazed and so proud of the transformation and growth I have seen in my classmates and myself."

--Mandy Allgood


"This work is nothing short of amazing and by training in it you have accomplished something that has the power to assist you in reaching your fullest potential as an artist and a human being. Challenges will undoubtedly come up, but embrace them and know they are a gift to help you learn more about yourself."

--Kimberly Wood


"Floyd Patterson wrote a book called, Victory Over Myself, about self-doubt and how he overcame it. Well, D.W. Brown is helping me write that book for myself. He has humbled me with his overwhelming interest and understanding of just about everything under the sun. With this humbling, came a great sense of relief - like a burden lifted. Someone a lot smarter than me was in control and all I had to do is relax, and be as creative as possible."

--Dennis Jones


"Many thanks to Joanne and DW for providing a sanctuary for all of us to come into our own, to face our fears, our joy, our pain... and ourselves. We are not the same people who walked through the doors of the Studio, and we are thankful to you for that. Thanks to all of our instructors for lighting the way - so generous with your knowledge, you wisdom, and your patience. You have instilled in us a pride that can never be taken away."

--Melissa Childs


"As I read through the thick scrapbooks in the office lobby the other day and copied down many of the beloved comments of loving appreciation from the students to Joanne, DW, and the excellent staff, I thought maybe someday one of us chickens will hold an Oscar up over our head and say, "Thank you, Joanne and DW and your studio. This one's for you."

--Charlotte Sheffield


"I'd like to thank the coaches that have given their time and dedication in helping each one of us become a champion. The great John Wooden said, 'A coaches' ultimate responsibility is to push players farther than they are willing to go by themselves in their quest to become greater players.'"

--Joel Washington


"It's up to each of us to discover and recreate the truths we seek as artists, each of us has become better people. We owe an incredible debt to our family, our friends, and to our teachers for guiding us and encouraging us along the way."

--Jamie Avera


"Remember the 4P's: be Prompt, be Present, be Prepared, and be Professional. We have proved ourselves capable of winning the battle against procrastination; to prioritize our dreams... that life is too short, too precious to put off dreams to any tomorrows. Promise yourself that you will never put away this beautiful gift we've shared and nurtured as our own precious butterfly. Our time has come to fly."

--Naoko Shin


"I studied for five years at a 'well known' studio, and I learned more in (my) first year than I did at
that 'scene study' place. I am very lucky to have found this school and it's amazing technique."

--Anonymous

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Dear Joanne,

I just want to let you know that I have been so inspired from the school and from your Master Class. I have never believed in myself more than I do now-and I owe it all to the Studio and your class. I am definitely planning on doing the August Master Class.

You are an amazing women Joanne and an inspiration to all women. I have definitely learned more these past two years than I did in Film School for 4 years. Thank you for your open heart and brilliant mind!

Love Always,
Jean Fletcher
2004

 

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Master Class Testimonials

I greatly benefited from this class as an actor --- AND director. As a director, I feel I’m now better equipped for being able to identify a range of actors’ problems, articulate them, and provide specialized techniques to fix them. As an actor, I’m fortunate to be supporting a wife and two children, working full-time at this craft. However, Joanne immediately zeroed in on the one hang-up that could hold me back from breaking through to the next level, and gave me very specific steps I can take to overcome it. Unquestionably, she has an amazing command of all that is acting, and very inspired, honest, yet practical, methods for imparting her expertise. Highly recommended for the serious actor.
-- Travis Davis

If Theatre is the Great Educator, then the Master Class is certainly the Education. Joanne Baron is an inspiration as she brings out the inner tinkering of the human spirit in all it's infinite glory. When you watch her you feel as though your in the presence of someone who has been taught by the true greats of acting.
--Arick Salmea

The master class was an incredible learning experience. Joanne is like a finely honed knife in carving out every action with a specific meaning. But most of all she has taught me the importance of specificity, intention, imagination, and that every little moment has a meaning of its own.
--Nate Shafer

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the November Master Class. It was an unbelieveable event. Not only did I get the chance to work backstage as Stage Manager, I got to see what everyone was talking about, Joanne as a teacher. She was phenomenal. She has an uncanny ability to look at a scene and take it from good to awesome. I truly feel fortunate to have been a part of the magic. I can't wait for the next one.
--Charles Williams

The Master Class is an inspirational learning experience that has changed my entire understanding of acting.
--Lloyd David Smith

The Master Class was a great experience for me both as a participant and as an observer. I moved here, as you know, to attend your studio and to work at becoming a great actor. I know it takes a lot of work to become a working actor here in L.A. and I can think of no better way than working with you in your master class and through the teachings of D.W. I will look forward to attending all of your master classes and look forward to finishing my two years at the studio. Thanks a million for everything that you put into your work.
--Ken E. Neeley

Amazing! Best thing I've done for my career in 10 years. Very challenging. Looking forward to doing another one.
--Carolyn Christian

Very Intense. Learned a lot more than just the craft, especially about professionalism and preparation. I got a peek into what I'm going to become later, as my training continues. Great Experience!
--Julia Faria

Joanne Baron is so inspiring. She is so passionate about the craft and she really knows how to bring out the truth. She has me reach down into my soul. The flood-gate opened and the emotion came.
--Pat Vallen

Joanne saves lives in her Master Class. Joanne is like a renowned heart surgeon when she gives a critique. She reaches in and grabs your heart, then holds it ever so gently as she gets rid of all your fears, rebellion, and resistance to act. After completing the Master Class you will never be the same. It will transform you life!
--Constance McCrory

I've acted in all four so far and can't say enough about them, however, I'd sum my feelings up with this and feel free to use it however you'd like: "Joanne speaks a language, which seems to be foreign to most of Hollywood...Truth and Committment!"
--Brad Graiff

Given the fact that I am only in the beginning of my first year, I thought I was in over my head, but through hard work, diligence, and Joanne's guidance, the rewards were overwhelming.
--Suzie Miller

Doing the master class was an amazingly enlightening week.
--Andromeda Ambard

"(Joanne Baron) made me realize a lot about myself while teaching the master class. Your perception and
ability as a teacher is amazing. I feel honored to have been taught by you."
--Anonymous


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-320 Wilshire Blvd Suite #200, Santa Monica, CA 90401-
Ph: 310.451.3311 - Fax: 310.451.1407
-info@baronbrown.com-