Testimonials
“The Schott Acting Studio offers very good quality workshops, with teachers coming from different countries and with varied acting techniques. I have participated in a few of these workshops and it has helped me a lot in my understanding of acting and gave me the opportunity to learn many techniques, to practice with motivated partners and to receive tips from great teachers. I highly recommend this Studio to any actors and actresses, whether they are professionals or amateurs and would add to that, that it is a great chance to have the possibility to act in English, something that is difficult to find elsewhere in Berlin.” – Nagisa Morimoto/Actress from Paris
“I first met Sheila at her workshop in Berlin-organized really well by the Matthias Schott Acting Studio and held at the wonderful Eden Studios. During that time I saw that Sheila really knows how to empower you as an individual so that you can grow as an artist. Anything that you may consider as a flaw, or an obstacle within yourself, that might prevent you from reaching your true potential as an actor Sheila teaches you how to make it a strength and reverses the situation. She brings a lot of fun and sweetness to the process, but will never compromise in telling you when you haven’t worked hard enough!” – Zineb Triki; ‘Les grands esprits’ ‘De toutes mes forces’ ‘Le Bureau des Légendes’ ’14h05′ ‘The Frozen Dead’
“I have already done several workshops with the Schott Acting Studio, and it has always been an amazing experience. Matthias has a great sense of choosing the most exquisite teachers from all over the world. – Creating a personal narrative with Martin Maron and Directing Personal Narrative with Tomer Adorian has been an incredible journey. Martin opens up with his kind and encouraging way, a space in which you can discover your own voice, the topics that are crucial for your soul right now, and guides you with his expertise towards creating a story out of this topic. Tomer has a strong theatrical background and helped me to find the visual aspect of my story. After that workshop, you feel uplifted, eager to develop and work on your own story, and so inspired by listening to the stories that your colleagues had to share. – This workshop is perfect for writers, actors, directors, and anyone who is longing to connect with oneself.” – Janina Elkin (The Queen´s Gambit, Der König von Palma, Fremdkörper)
“I first took an acting class from Terry Knickerbocker more than 25 years ago. Since then I have worked with him on every film and stage role I’ve done. Nobody’s better at what he does. Terry is incredibly intuitive and full of ideas that are usually outside the box. His sense of what is truthful is like a laser. I depend on him. He’s invaluable to me and I don’t know what I’d do without him.” – Sam Rockwell , Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Vice, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
“..The environment Terry creates feels immediately rich with ideas and specific choices. Going off and making a movie after our work together, I felt well-armed to bring a very real, original, and emotionally fleshed-out person to the screen. I felt confident in my choices and spent less time second-guessing myself. All our work freed me up to be in the moment, and improvise with specificity, and to feel very alive in the role I was playing.”” – Natasha Lyonne , Poker Face/Peacock, Russian Doll/Netflix, Orange is the New Black/Netflix
“Matthias is a phenomenal acting coach. I always come back to his teachings, whether it be preparing for theatre or film. Matthias has an engaging, attentive and intuitive teaching style that nurtures each student’s journey. He identifies potential blocks and offers the tools to work through them in order to understand where you need to go to reach a level of higher awareness and understanding as an actor. He breaks down the multifaceted process through a vast variety of exercises which makes the task at hand tangible and approachable, no matter where you are in your acting journey. Matthias’ workshops constitutes both individual and group exercises that shapes and forms each student and attunes to each individual level. Matthias has guided me from a fundamental level, to individual scene- and character work or auditions for schools and jobs. There is a wisdom and deep sense of humanity in the way he approaches each character or scene, teaching us to challenge our understanding of the human experience, be conscious and present in our acting choices, never judge our experience or understanding of the character, but be curious, free and creative.” – Nina Mariko Sandquist (Actress | Gangs of Oslo – Blodsbrødre)
“I can really recommend Eric’s class. Not only because he’s a great teacher but because I really had so many eye-opening moments throughout his class. If you ever got a self tape request wondered “Why did they give me this scene?” “There is not a lot happening in the scene” or “There is way too much happening, how will I jump from a bridge and shoot with a laser gun – in my room?” then this workshop is for you. Eric truly has a skill to make you understand how to do better self tapes and of course get better at screen acting by understanding the techniques of it. This workshop has gotten me really excited about practicing and creating exciting tapes. Lastly Eric’s of course very nice and pretty funny.” – Paula Essam; Actor / Writer /Board Member ProQuoteFilm
„Geordie‘s generosity in the workshop is matched by his calm precision and clarity. His approach to working on postmodern texts is as coherent and illuminating as his process on conventional text analysis. He is kind, humble and in this way, out of his vast experience, effortlessly authoritative. I have loved working with him with Schott Acting Studio and look forward to doing so again.“ – Mike Bernardin (Acting coach/teacher & Director)
“Sheila Gray is one of the best acting teachers and coaches working today. I always know when I send someone to her that not only will they have a great time, they will come out a better actor.” – Ellen Chenoweth ; Casting Director/ No Country for Old Man, The Bridges of Madison County, Doubt, Inside Llewyn Davis
“Thank you very much for this amazing opportunity of participating in a workshop with Eric. I’m very happy that I was able to be a part of it. Eric is a real professional, who are giving you professional tools. I love his approach to work and life…I think it was the best workshop that I ever have participated! Will be happy to continue studying with Eric.” – Maria Shtofa (Actress from Ukraine/Berlin-based)
„Matthias is an exceptional teacher. He helps students recognize their strengths and guides them to maximize their forte. He provides extra support to improve weak areas without being forceful. Being vulnerable was completely okay because he always had our backs and solutions. While working on craft if difficulties arose, he listened carefully, identified the root cause together, and helped us work through it gently.During the workshop, I enjoyed the exercises, preparations, knowledge updates, and camaraderie with classmates, all thanks to the safe and welcoming environment Matthias provided. I learned a lot and had fun every day. I’m very glad I started learning acting with Matthias, and I highly recommend this workshop!“ – Manu van der Pal (May 2024)
„I took part in the Foundation Course with Matthias and it was a great experience. Coming in with zero experience, it was a nervous first day, but the way of teaching and constructive feedback given – regardless of experience – really helped to create a safe environment where everyone could share and grow within the 4 days of the course. Matthias is great at observing a scene and kindly coaches you within the use of emotions or application of acting-tools to make the scene more real and believable. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. Whether you want to actively pursue a career in acting or if it’s just to take a step outside of your comfort zone – it’s valuable in more ways than one!“ – Peter Akselson (May 2024)
„Schott Acting Studio is one of a kind and really cool. I was told about the studio by an actor friend from LA, because she was amazed that so many of the best acting coaches from around the world could be found in one place. Matthias Schott himself is also an incredible teacher, responsive and generous. I took his Foundation & Scene Study courses and few movement classes for actors, and it was a rewarding experience. Highly recommended! I also met new friends through the courses, which is a big luck” – Ksenia (Foundation I and II – 2024)
“I had the good luck to get to know and work with Sheila first in 2017, and immediately was taken by her inspiring personality, her immensely wide experience, her knowledge of the industry, the vitality with which she enlightens the workspace and her playfulness; she loves what she does, and she loves actors. She is encouraging and if needed pushing but always with empathy. To work with Sheila is freeing and intensifying your work, giving a deeper insight into your acting. I highly recommend her workshops. And besides: it’s fun!” – Hildegard Schroedter; u.a. “Babylon Berlin”
“I needed a little bit more push. That’s what coaches do. He threw me in an acting boot camp with Ms. Sheila Gray out of New York City. She’s amazing. For five days, I had one-on-ones with her for hours and then went to her improv class. During those five days, she was able to break things down for me and fine-tune what I had already figured out. She made me comfortable understanding what I was walking into and how to use my tool. It was like a therapy session every day! I’m so appreciative of her. I still work with her now. So that’s the only type of training I had — getting in touch with my instrument and being able to execute it when I needed to.”” – Kali Reis – True Detectives HBO – Castingnetworks)
“Working with him gave my acting career a boost. I book bigger roles in tv series and my work on set is at ease and in flow. Making self tapes is so much more fun and effective as well. Eric has deep knowledge and eye for what works on camera and what doesn’t. He makes it so simple, it completely shifted my look on it. He shares his knowledge about storytelling and how you can create the story in the frame with your instinct and authenticity. You are being filmed in the workshop; you see your work back on screen and that is so valuable. And last but not least, Eric is such a gentle, inspiring, respectful teacher. He really cares about you. Don’t miss this opportunity!!!” – Elisa Van Riessen (Actrice)
„I left the Intensive Foundation course exhilarated and exhausted. I loved every minute of it. Matthias was a great teacher. He continuously challenged us, while being caring and patient. I left the course having learnt a lot more than I had expected to and with my curiosity peaked to learn even more. What a great experience!” – Christian von Hedemann (May 2024)
“I always make it apoint to work with Eric. I greatly trust his eye for what works on camera and know that I´ll feel better when I´ve had the chance to get his feedback. I´d highly recommend him to any actor looking to make the most out of their Film/Tv auditions.” – Matt McGorry; Screen Actors Guild Award Winner. Selection of Credits Television: How to Get Away with Murder, Orange is the New Black, Gossip Girls
“Amanda’s one of a kind. Working with her both privately and in a group setting has been fundamental in developing my creative practice. She’s highly intuitive, calm, encouraging and curious, and creates a safe and playful space to delve in and truly explore. Her work is profoundly holistic and has opened me up into a richer, deeper and more authentic way of connecting with myself, my art and others. And it’s super f*ing fun! It’s become an integral part of my artistic process and way beyond. I’m forever grateful and couldn’t recommend her more highly.” – Katie McGuiness (Snowpiercer, Hollywood)
“Pam has been my private acting coach since I started acting. I wouldn’t dream of doing an audition or film without first coaching with Pam.” – Julia Garner, Ozark/NETFLIX, Inventing Anna, The Assistant Julia has won 3 Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her work on Ozark. Pam coached her on it all.
“Sheila is a wonderful acting coach. She worked with all the actors on “A Bronx Tale. ” Sheila is able to prepare and rehearse the actors while keeping the scenes fresh and spontaneous. She was great to have on set. I am always happy to recommend her.” – Robert De Niro
“I can’t recommend Schott Acting Studio and the artists Matthias brings in highly enough. He is seeking out and bringing to actors some of the last and most important luminaries in American Acting as well as those whose dedication to the art of acting is unparalleled.”
“I’ve participated in two workshops with the Schott Acting Studio and it’s been a valuable investment in myself and my acting. The acting teachers that I am being exposed to are world class, for this alone moving to Berlin was worth it. I’m looking forward to the next one!”
“I took a 3 week intensive course and it exceeded my expectations! Matthias is a very humble and talented teacher who pushes you to go outside of your comfort zone. I highly recommend Schott Acting Studio for anyone who’s curious and wants to have a great time. This is very suitable for beginners or intermediates or for anyone who wants to have some fun!” – Facebook Reviews/Recommendations
“I took Matthias‘ workshop as a beginner. It was one of my first acting experiences. Although I had a hard time openning up in the beginning, his sensitive individual care helped me overcome my fears and blockages. By the end of the week, not only did I perform like I had never imagined I could, but also learned a lot about myself and my abilities and strengths. I would recommend Matthias‘ workshops to anyone who wants to improve their acting by taking a deep look into their soul and grow out of self reflection. I will definitely continue to participate in Matthias‘ courses. He is a very inspiring and wonderful human being.” – Rebecca Veil (Susan Batson Technique & Acting Intensive)
“Matthias Schott is an outstanding acting coach and workshop leader. Through the detailed exercises in the workshops and his incredible curated eye, he provides generous individual feedback which has been pivotal on my acting journey. He is a true talent and the classes are not only a melting pot of ideas and experimentation but also fun! I can truly say that without it, my acting journey would not have grown as much. His knowledge, expertise and intuitive eye is unsurpassed.” – Alaa Taha (Playwright/Actress | Susan Batson Technique & Acting Intensive)
“The foundation acting course with Matthias is fantastic. It was engaging and exciting. Every exercise opened something new up and allowed us to step beyond ourselves and our habits and into a more honest place from which we could perform.” – Helena Palsson
„It’s hugely rewarding having direct access to Geordie’s intelligence and vision, and his experience as a world-class theatre director. He reveals his processes and begins a collaboration with the actors which leaves us wishing we were heading straight into a rehearsal room with him. I’m a regular in his classes – I always learn new things, they’re always a joy.“ – Dulcie Smart (Actress)
„Starting or maintaining a writing practice can be tough- it’s often lonely work and requires commitment. The course I took with Tomer was quite revelatory. He has such a range of brilliant exercises and techniques and really understands how stories work. I found myself writing in new ways and about personal topics, and opening up whole new areas of creative exploration; and I attribute this to Tomer’s natural gift as a tutor and coach. He brings such a welcoming and supportive energy and has a really special way of grasping and highlighting the deeper concerns within your work, so you’ll say- ‘oh I see! that’s what i wanted to talk about!’, and be able to continue with fresh ideas and energy.“ – Daniel Baker (Actor/Writer)
“This Workshop has met all of my expectations. Tomer is the kind of teacher that works with whatever you give him and encourages you on your own individual journey. In our classes, we kept a clear overview of the essential points of story structure and how they apply to our own writings, which was enormously helpful. What’s more, by encouraging us to be led by our own intuition, we achieved an outstanding balance between freedom and structure in writing. I definitely recommend working with Tomer Adorian and would love to learn more from him in the future.” – Malena Hager
“Mike Alfreds‘ workshop on the Laban Efforts was an amazing experience, led by a true pioneer of the theatre, which challenged my preconceptions around the psycho-physical work of the actor. As an introduction to the work of Rudolf Laban, I found the work liberating and specific, and with Mike Alfreds’ guidance, the Laban efforts have become an indispensable and fundamental aspect of my toolkit as an actor. In a year of lockdowns and a global pandemic, one of the silver linings has been the ability to engage in online workshops with luminaries of the theatre, which would not have been possible otherwise.“ – William Harding (Actor/Playwright/Director South Africa)
„I just wanted to let you know that I thought Mike‘s Characterization workshop last week was absolutely brilliant. It was really insightful and provided us all with a rich variety of useful techniques from which to approach characterization. It was challenging but as a result, I felt like I learned so much just from those 5 sessions, and it’s made me think of how I approach the work in a new and exciting way. In addition, I’m starting to build an awareness of how we use Laban in our daily lives. I really hope to see more opportunities like them in the future. So, thank you both! I look forward to seeing you for the next one.“ – James Lacey (Actor, UK)
“I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance & patience Sheila showed me from day one. Sheila Taught me more about myself than I ever really wanted to know–which is where it all needs to come from. It’s an amazing thing what you can achieve when someone believes in you.” – Taylor Kitsch
“Sheila was terrifically helpful with our young actor on Michael Clayton. It’s delicate work. She made sure to understand exactly what we needed, kept me well-informed, and delivered an actor with the confidence to stay loose and take direction. She did a great job for us.” – Tony Gilroy; Director/Writer ‘Bourne Identity’, ‘Michael Clayton’
“I had the great pleasure of working with Sheila Gray as our film´s official acting coach, during the rehearsal period of NOVITIATE. Her extraordinary ability to bring out the absolute best in our actors, while simultaneously providing them with such a safe and protected enviroment was truly invaluable, the proof of which came to light in all the exceptional performances she helped build within the film.“ – Margaret Betts; Director/ Novitiate
“And then I found my person through that and I´ve worked with her ever since”, her person turned out to be Greta Seacat, whose mother Sandra, is also a famous acting teacher. “She´s such a wise woman, Kirsten says warmly of Greta, “and so intuitive and emotional.” They now work together on every role, going over the script and really building the character, using dreams, memories – anything and everything that happens to be around.”
– Kirsten Dunst – Best Actress 2011 Cannes “Melancholia” | Interview: The gentle woman
– Kirsten Dunst – Best Actress 2011 Cannes “Melancholia” | Interview: The gentle woman
“I’m loving Greta Seacat, my acting coach, and the work we do together which includes Jungian-type dream work – something I’ve never done before. – It’s never too late to get better!” – Jane Fonda
“There is a lot I have to be grateful for as an actor but I would have not much if it weren´t for the inspirational teaching of James Kemp. His use and teaching of the ´Yat Method` changed my view of what acting could be both as an observer and participant.” – Emilia Clarke
„James Kemp taught me character analysis for three years. He inspires his students to reach a level of acting which is high- detailed and rich. The work that James teaches reminds actors constantly of the importance of the physical when acting- how our psychological state expresses itself in our bodies. Character analysis taught by James encourages actors to use themselves in the roles they play, but this by no means limits the possibility of transformation. There is also a lovely lot of freedom in this acting class as we were allowed to create whichever character our imaginations were pulling us towards.“ – Actress, Drama Centre London
„What I will say is that from my perspective it helps to instill a discipline and rigour in your approach and you start to think about the little things in your performance with much more of a knowing view to what that says about your character, and indeed what the audience will receive from your performance. It gives you the tools to add great depth of character and a vocabulary and awareness of why your character has that depth.“ – Christopher Ashman – Actor, Drama Centre London
“A session with Ron is like going to church. I am not a bit religious but I can image that the feelings of calmness and reassurance I am left with after an hour with Ron is similar to sensation of walking about of a service. This is high praise! But I don’t believe there anyone better at breaking down a script. He just makes things so much simpler and that is all I ever need.” – Jane Levy / “Shameless”, “Twin Peaks” – Tv-Series
“Ron is not just an acting teacher. He understands the human condition and helps you understand it and put it into action in your acting…” – Sebastian Eslava / “Narcos – Netflix” (The Bogota Post)
“Craft allows you for the potential to have a long career. Ron Burrus lays the foundation for what that craft will be. That is the truth.” – Actor Arjun Gupta / “Nurse Jackie”, “The Magicians”, “How To Get Away With Murder“
“Ron is one of the best acting teachers I have ever worked with. I was amazed and thrilled by how much I came away with in such a short period of time. I have a whole new understanding of character development and script breakdown, it was a revelation for me and I easily filled a notebook with notes worth their weight in gold. His energy, enthusiasm, playfulness and support are inspiring and I cannot wait for the next opportunity to work with him.“ – Leanne Rivers (Ron Burrus)
“From his rich experience and his exceptional personality, Ron Burrus has taught us many things about acting but also about how to live as an actor or simply as a human being. Ron showed us how we could improve our acting skills through a daily life work and a different way of living. His training was very concrete and led us on every steps of our work ; from how to work on a character and on a script, to how to understand and act a scene.
If you participate in this workshop, you will need a sharp pen and a thick notebook because you won’t want to miss any of his tips!” – Nagisa Morimoto (Camera Acting with Ron Burrus)
“He knows the limitations of camera art for the actor and always teaches surprising keys to making it real in each moment….He’s an artist. He never stops learning, teaching new things, seeing the world anew. He is clarity personified.“ – Robin Levenson (About Ron Burrus – Backstage)
“The classes with Ken at Guildhall, I consider to be the most important part of the acting training. They are exercises in patience, unpredictability and encouraging students to make utter fools of themselves-vital for any actor embarking on a life in the profession.” – Michelle Dockery
“This is a wonderful book with a unique take on how actors can get better and improve their chances of success. If we can all perform with half the warmth and generosity with which Ken has been teaching for the last 30 years, then we will have fulfilled our responsibility as story tellers and audiences all over the world are in for a real treat.” – Damien Lewis
“Ken’s classes were some of the most interesting and diverse that I was lucky enough to attend in drama school. He opened the mind to what acting could be. There seemed no end to the possibilities, to the depth, only how far you were prepared to go.” – Ewan McGregor
“Ken is one of the few truly great teachers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. As timeless as they are unique, his techniques for accessing character and unlocking performance are phenomenally effective.” – Freddie Fox
“Dee is all about truth on stage. Every movement, thought, action must be fully justified, fully realized. There´s absolute no room for “faking it”…She will push you to your absolute limit.” – James Norton; Happy Valley, McMafia
“If there was anyone who understood me as a person and as an actress, it´s Dee Cannon. She saw through my exterior and broke it down and found my vulnerability and tenderness. For that I am ever in her debt. I´m certain the vulnerability she managed to pry out of me, is the reason I´ve managed to get the roles I´ve gotten so far.” – Cynthia Erivo; The Color Purple – Musical, The Widows
“Dee is simply the biggest artistic influence in my life! I was lucky enough to be trained by Dee at RADA and know that I will continue to call upon her for coaching. Ever since I was young I dreamed of being trained like this, in the way my favorite actors are.” – James McArdle; Angels in America/National Theatre
“Dee is like a top athletic trainer. She pushes you through the pain barrier and makes you stronger and more agile. I still adhere very much to the way Dee works today.” – Maxine Peake; Silk, Keeping Rosy, Black Mirror
“I trained with Dee Cannon at RADA I remember her acting classes as spaces of emotional freedom and technical discipline. She challenged us as students to be fearless and precise in our explorations and expressions of emotional truth.” – Tom Hiddlestone; The Night Manager, Thor
“I have been working and collaborating with Seamus for ten years now. He has coached me on many auditions and currently on my work in the show Orange Is The New Black. The work I do with Seamus is invaluable. He has a wonderful ability to extract the larger themes running through a scene and how they play out moment to moment. Seamus will always lead me back to the larger story while nurturing my instincts. Working with him continues to be enlightening and I highly recommend him as a coach/director.” – Nick Sandow – Orange is the New Black, Boardwalk Empire
“Seamus has a sensitivity and mindfulness that borders on mystic. He’s an expert at creating a safe space which nurtures inspiration and creative freedom. Working with him is a lovely collaborative experience. I highly recommend his class.” – Ato Essandoh – Vinyl, Copper, Django Unchained
“I’ve worked with Seamus for a couple of years now. It’s paramount to have him in your corner. Seamus has been crucial in a number of projects I’ve booked and worked on. He has helped me unshackle from the bonds of “getting it right.” He nurtures the actor’s best instincts and drives you to keep the scene active but never neglecting the foundation, our personal truths.” – Babs Olusanmokun, Gotham, Copper, Roots, The Night Of
“As a french actor I needed a demo reel in english for the international market. I did two amazing workshops in Berlin with Seamus.His knowledge and coaching skills has given me more confidence an tools. We shot two scenes and I’m really happy with the results. I am now setting up a personal website with the help of CAVALE STUDIO. I will definitely continue the collaboration with Seamus for auditions or film prep…” – Nicolas Navazo, Actor/France
“Paul is able to create an orchestra full of different elements – everybody is important – exploiting qualities of each actor. He offers his experience with enthusiasm, humility and patience. It’s wonderful how he feels what the group needs. In a week we have staged a great show. Everything starts with small things. No claims, just energy, will and passion inside a master.“ – Giulia Bocciero (About working with Paul Miller)
“I recently attended an Animal Work Intensive workshop with Paul Miller at the Schott Acting Studio. (The studio had been recommended by an acting professional in London.) I am glad that I chose to attend, as the experience was a very positive one. I appreciated being sent pre-workshop assignments and readings with which to prepare for the experience. I thought the instructor did a great job of creating a comfortable environment in which to explore the technique. He was passionate about the work and quite willing to come early/stay late for anyone who wished to have additional time to work on the technique. The group was made up of talented participants with a range of experience, and I felt I learned a great deal just from observing their work. The space was well-suited for the program, and it was great to have an option to stay on site. I plan to return to the studio for additional offerings.” – Feedback
“He brings serenity and confidence and is able to find the key for each student to open their own artistic world. Always focused on the job, he truly conveys the attitude “Acting is easy and it’s fun” and he is an expert of the “Animal Work”. Working with him will change the way you see things and take on your artistic career. Paul is an adventure that I recommend to every actor who wants to extend their horizons.”– Ettore Nicoletti
“Thank you very much once again for arranging everything; it was an amazing experience.” – Nina Van Rompaey
“So much positive impression; I still have to sort out how to put it in words.” – Daniela Baresch
“Movement Psychology Programme” (January 23th – 29th, 2012 ) – Christopher Fettes, Liana Nyquist & Paul Miller
“Movement Psychology Programme” (January 23th – 29th, 2012 ) – Christopher Fettes, Liana Nyquist & Paul Miller
Acting Coach
International Acting Coaches Berlin
