CHRIS MESSINA
(BIRD’S OF PREY, ARGO, THE MINDY PROJECT, NEWSROOM)
“I’ve worked with Tom in both theater and film, acted alongside him and been directed by him, as well as sat in on his classes and co-taught with him. Most recently I brought him on as my private coach for the HBO series, Sharp Objects. 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”.
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”.
SAMANTHA SMART
(Katy Keen, Tommy, Dear White People)
"With Tom's class, there isn't pressure to sharpen any one particular tool or method, but rather to find what it takes to be open and be vulnerable and learn. It's about the work. It's about craft and rolling up your sleeves and cracking the text open, and when you haven't figured it out you keep trying. It really feels like I recharge my batteries and then I'm ready to go back into the sunlit corners of L.A. and kill it. And it's not a coincidence that since I started working with Tom I have never worked more. Every week I am reminded of how much I love acting. You can't beat that.”