Horvitz
Lately, I have been coaching with Richard Horvitz based on the glowing recommendations of some colleagues, and it has been incredible. Working with Richard has felt like like that scene in Dragon Ball Z when the Namekian elder touches Gohan’s head and unlocks his hidden powers. That’s exactly how it felt for me as an actor. I thought I had a solid approach to auditions, but Richard turned everything on its head in the best way possible. After our last “structured” session, I booked a gig almost immediately, and when I told him, he just sort of smiled knowingly. He mentioned that his students often book right after (or shortly after) working with him. This has happened to me before with other coaches, but I usually chalk it up to confidence. In this case, I feel like I am forever changed in a really good way.
What I love most about Richard is his focus on the power of play. Acting with a sense of play feels liberating compared to overthinking every moment or trying to manufacture things in the box. It’s less about perfection and more about enjoying the process. And let me tell you, that mindset shift makes a world of difference. It’s one of those things people can tell you a million times, but you need someone to tell it to you in the exact right way that makes sense to you.
In-Person Stuff
The VO Camp Fighting Efforts workshop was another recent highlight of my new LA-based life. Getting to connect with people face-to-face was a breath of fresh air. I had convinced myself back in the PNW that digital connections were enough, but for me, they’re not. My former therapist (who I sadly had to leave behind in Oregon) always stressed the importance of real human interaction, but I stubbornly resisted. Being surrounded by friends and colleagues reminded me how much I actually need it.
For the workshop, we hit up a Krav Maga gym in Sherman Oaks for an intense four-hour session that kicked my ass in the best way. In regard to VO, it was mainly about committing actions and sounds to muscle memory which is both grueling and exhilarating. Also, at the very end, we were fortunate enough to get insights from a fantastic director, Kal-El Bogdanove, regarding tips & tricks we can use in the booth when efforts are called for. Afterwards, we all grabbed dinner to decompress and hang out—exactly the kind of camaraderie I’ve been craving.
Another great instance of human connection I got to have recently was hanging out with Blythe Melin. We had recently had some group hangs where we played MtG together, but I wanted to spend some quality time with a person I think has the potential to be a good friend. We had dinner, chatted, and just enjoyed the simple pleasure of face-to-face time. It’s amazing how much those little moments can recharge you.
Brook Chalmers Directing Workshop
Then, there was the workshop with Brook Chalmers, a director whose work I have admired, and just an overall cool dude. Brook’s teaching approach reminded me of Richard’s—very much about playing and exploring rather than getting bogged down in the “How is this supposed to sound” thing. The vibe was casual yet insightful, and it felt like we were all just hanging out and learning together. Hats off to him for being able to deliver the most amount of knowledge possible in a way that feels like fun and not like work.
One unexpected bonus of the workshop was finally meeting June in person. June has been a cornerstone in so many of our journeys, and though I consider him a friend, seeing him in the flesh was a bit surreal. I was admittedly starstruck at first, but he immediately put me at ease with a big hug like we had known each other forever. It was a joy to share that space with him.
Wrap Up
Whether it’s Richard’s sessions or Brook’s workshops, the emphasis on play has been a game-changer for me. Yes, we as actors still do the work, but when it’s time to perform, it behooves us to approach it with a playful mindset. It’s this balance of professionalism and play that keeps the passion alive. I never realized how much I needed this until now, but I’m grateful to be here, in this moment, living this chapter of my life.