CHRIS MESSINA
(THE WHITE LOTUS, ARGO, THE MINDY PROJECT, NEWSROOM)
“I’ve worked with Tom in both theater and film, acted alongside him and been directed by him. Whenever I’m working on a new project I bring it in to Tom’s scene study class. Tom’s coaching is invaluable to me. His work in his classes is inspiring and educational every time I sit in. As a director, Tom has an intuitive subtle touch. He knows just when to push an actor and when to give an actor space. When I work with Tom I’m always reminded that the actor is enough”.
SHANNON GISELA
(M.I.A. (Peacock), Strip Law (Netflix))
“Tom’s class is a wonderful place for an actor to add to their toolkit. The scene study format allows for an actor to really sink their teeth into material in a space that affords time and space to make discoveries.
Tom has a director’s eye, which is an invaluable perspective to get as an actor growing and working their craft, and yet he knows how to communicate in an actor’s language. Have known Tom for several years and have taken classes both virtually and in-person and really have found both spaces to offer so much, along with the community of actors he has fostered. Highly recommend for anyone looking to try something new, or to anyone looking to get to spend some real time digging into a scene!”
MARYANN PLUNKETT
(A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, HOUSE OF CARDS)
"I have worked with Tom twice on both Fairhaven and OM City. His sets are filled with warmth and great people. He creates an amazing atmosphere for actors to play within the confines of the beautiful worlds he creates. He has an amazing ability to encourage improvisation and at the same time gets actors to deliver his well-written scripts. I will work with Tom whenever he asks me again! And if I were in LA I'd get in his class!"
CAMERON POW
(THE LION KING- BROADWAY)
"Tom's classes are the perfect place for working actors to stay sharp in between gigs. His notes are laser sharp and practical. It's really about the work. You get on your feet each week wherever you're at in your rehearsal process and Tom works with you from where you are. He's always direct and firm but has a love and compassion for actors. He has been invaluable in my current transition from theater to film.”
MATTHEW DELNEGRO
(HUGE IN FRANCE, GOLIATH, SCANDAL)
“I have worked with Tom O’Brien as an acting coach many times, most recently I used him for an audition for an Alexander Payne film. What he did for my audition was light years from what it would have been having had a friend tape me or going to a self-tape place. What Tom brings to the table is a successful actor/writer/director who’s worked with Emmy Winners, SAG Award winners, A list actors. He’s just a great director and a great teacher and he will take what you bring to the table, your ideas on the material, and in a supportive encouraging way, completely take it to the next level. I’ve been in this business for decades and seen every side of it. Whether you are someone like me or a young actor just starting out do yourself a favor and work with Tom”.
KAIRA AKITA
(THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS)
“I loved Tom’s on-camera acting class! He really has a gift for creating an intimate, safe space where you can just show up as you are but he then gives you super specific direction to help you make courageous choices and drop into roles from the space of your REAL voice. This class is the perfect workout for actors ready to stop performing the “idea” of them and start being who they really are and letting that show up in their work”.
SKYE LAFONTAINE
(NCIS, SWINGTIME)
“I love Tom’s style of directing! The discussions that his thoughts and ideas create is just so wonderful for the actor. Feels like such a good way to stretch those acting muscles you may not even have thought about!”