11/16/2011

What a great evening of growth and talent tonight in the Tunefully Tasty Soiree and Buffet Showcase. Everyone connected to their song and really sang from their heart. Bravi to everyone in the showcase tonight and thank you so much to many PW's past who came and supported tonight's work and the potluck buffet was amazing! See you at the next two showcases Wed. February 15, 2012 at the M Bar for the PW Cabaret Evening and on Saturday February 18 at 1:30pm for an afternoon brunch and showcase of monologues and songs by the PW Launch and PW 2 performers! Pictures and videos soon to follow!

11/10/2011

Bravi to everyone in the Dress Rehearsal for the upcoming 11/16 showcase. What a wonderful cavalcade of growth and accomplishment! I'm so excited for you all to get to share your new audition material with the guests coming to the showcase next week. Work hard on any remaining notes and enjoy mastering the tools you've accomplished so far. Can't wait for the writers of musicals and industry, family and friends to meet you all next week at the showcase at ANMT! Love, Joshua

10/28/2011

What a wonderful class on Wednesday night! Wow everyone has really moved forward vocally and emotionally in audition song number 2. Next week, we're looking at your whole audition package: performing both songs and dressing for an audition and also looking at your picture and resume and finding what best represents YOU in the room. See you next Wednesday everyone. On Saturday November 5, PW Launch and PW 2 meet as well and we'll all settle on Potluck items and song choices for our upcoming Fall Showcase on Wednesday November 16 at 7pm at ANMT!. Going to be a BLAST! Tell pals about auditioning for the Winter Classes which include Cabaret Act Construction and Performance, Audition Monologue and Cold Reading Technique and the Advanced ongoing Audition Class. Love, Joshua

4/19/2011

What a terrific and informative Master Class on Safe Rock Singing with my colleague Kris Feldman last Sunday. Everyone really moved forward in using SAFE but authentic and edgy rock vocals as well as putting that all together in a 16 bar rock audition song. It's vital to have those skills in today's audition market! More to come on that this summer. Don't miss our upcoming showcase THE STYLE AND SASS SOIREE on Wednesday May 4 at 7pm at ANMT featuring ALL THREE LEVELS of the Performers' Workshop!

3/20/2011

Hi PW's What an amazing and insightful master class we had with leading bi-coastal theatrical talent agent from KSR Talent Victoria Morris! So thrilled that so many of you got to meet and perform for her! Also glad that all had a chance to directly meet and hand Victoria their picture and resume en route to being considered for representation at KSR!

Next up on Sunday April 17, an amazing master class with wonderful voice teacher Kris Feldman and myself on how to SAFELY SING LIKE A ROCK STAR! The class will focus on learning really important and wonderful exercises on how to safely do a rock scream as well as so many other vocal skills needed to SAFELY sing Rock and Roll. Then taking that information and getting coached on incorporating them into a 16 bar Rock Song Audition Cut. Don't miss this GREAT chance to move forward in our genre work in PW!
See you in class and for this special event on Sunday April 17 from 10:30am-2:30pm! Love, Joshua

3/12/2011

Hey Everyone: Don't miss the incredible chance to meet leading bi-coastal theatrical agent Victoria Morris from KSR Talent on Sunday 3/20 from 11am-1:30pm. An amazing chance to hand your pic/resume directly to Victoria to get it directly into the KSR submission pool. Monthly KSR calls in talent to audition for their office so it's a chance to get directly into their loop. In the Q and A session prior to that it's a chance to have Victoria answer all of your questions re: NYC vs. LA, what is the industry looking for now, what works and doesn't work etc. Only $25 to attend this incredible networking opportunity! Enroll for What's Next with Victoria Morris at www.anmt.org/events.asp More info is available on the PW Flyer at the top of this page. Additionally I want to congratulate you all on a fantastic launch to our spring session! Great work in the Comic Songs in class and really bringing those to life. Also great work from our advanced members as they build new vocal elements and audition songs into their books! Up next, learning to shift your style and sound to easily transform between the 4 main genres of musical theater scores: Legit, Jazz, Pop/Rock, and Country with another special 'how to sing Rock safely" class upcoming. Stay tuned!

8/10/2010

Hey Everyone: Looking forward to seeing you at our final Summer PW Session this Saturday August 14 from 11:00-12:30pm And looking forward to meeting some wonderful new folks at the PW auditions on Sunday 8/29/2010 from 2-6pm. Send your pals for a great Fall class! Joshua

7/29/2010

What an incredibly successful month of Summer Boot Camp it has been! Each and every actor from 12 years old into their 40's really moved forward in their vocal and emotional connection to the work. The dance and cold reading workshops were astounding as well, and I was so proud of each participant. Fall classes are really filling up, so if you want to be a part of them don't miss the upcoming auditions on August 29 from 2-6p.m. Click on the Audition link at the top of this page. See you there! Love, Joshua

2/22/2010

Feedback from Saturdays PW2/Launch Showcase: Thank you again for everything! Working on this show really helped me grow and overcome a lot of challenges. U are amazing !!! Thank you so much for inspiring me and my father and bringing music back onto our lives!--ALEX You are true artists with integrity and smarts.I entrust myself to you whole heartedly. Much Love, ROZ Thank you again for everything. I really appreciated all the time you spent helping me get my show together. I learned so much.--ERIKA This was an amazing evening, such great talent, truth and bravery. Everyone was wonderful and alive and spontaneous. --REBECCA The show was terrific! I was so impressed to see how everyone progressed since the last time I saw them! The performances were seamless! I was riveted, impressed and touched by ALL of them. And EVERYONE was genuinely funny! And thank you for the special surprise treat of getting to hear YOU sing!I didn't know you were going to do that and it was the perfect way to start the show! It put everyone in the right mood! Thanks for all your teaching!--LYNETTE You are amazing! Thank you for all your insight and for helping me grow in this specialized art form of musical theater.--SONIA Just a thank you for today. I loved all the adjustments we made to the songs. It feels good to leave this session with 2 new diverse songs in my book. Especially another up tempo which are always so hard to find.--MONA Thank you so much for all your patience with me and the amazing growth of Alex. Thank you, thank you thank you!!--FRANK First, congratulations to you, Joshua, for putting together such a fine evening! I really wanted to congratulate all of you. I was so impressed and so proud of all of you. You too Josh and Jake! You guys are all great actors!--JUDI

12/18/2009

Congrats to all the great work you are all achieving in the current Winter Session of PW. The Cabaret development is really coming along. Our guest pianist Richard Berent wrote 'It was a pleasure to play for such a well thought out,spontaneous,and challenging class.Call on me anytime!' Bravi to you all. Keep up the great work over break as you create your lyric change assignment. Bravo to all the new PW 2 folks and the fabulous monologue work being done in PW Launch. We may even start on Shakespeare tomorrow! See you in class and keep having a wonderful holiday season! Love, Joshua

11/19/2009

Bravi to you all from last night's Fall Showcase. What amazing growth you all had last night with that wonderful house full of support and talent! DVD's will be done soon and I look forward to launching into the Winter Session after Thanksgiving together! Some fun feedback: 1) 'First of all I would like to say thank you for being such a wonderful coach and inspiration to me. The first class I attended at ANMT was a little overwhelming as the talent is so impressive and I must say a bit intimidating. However, I took the position of aspiring to my own greatness as opposed to being as good as someone else. You provide such a supportive environment which constantly allows me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I think your ability to take each song and instantly zone in on the meaning of the subtext is amazing. From my very first class, I knew I had found the place I had been searching for. I thank you and Jake for your dedication to the craft and the hard work that goes into helping each individual reach their desired goals.' 2) Joshua , Thank you so much for everything ! This class changed the way I approached auditioning and performing allowing me to explore and take chances in a safe a nurturing environment. You have so much passion for this craft it is impossible to walk away from this class without feeling inspired . I can't wait for next session !!! 3) 'What a great evening! Josh, you, and Jake, really helped each performer hit his or her peak last night. I saw so much improvement in everyone's performances. I enjoyed being in the audience as much as performing, but what fun I had singing! With so much support and love, how could we go wrong? Thank you for your encouragement.' 4) 'For someone who never ever considered herself a singer would rename Josh's classes "A singers makeover workshop". I started off sounding beyond bad Karoake and am now growing into the quality of singer required for 8 shows a week on Broadway, thanks to Josh and Jakes instruction.' 5) 'The class was so much fun to be apart of and to have a showcase at the end was even more fun. It was great to see the other students from the other class perform as well as watch the students in my class improve their pieces. Thank you for being such an inspiring and caring teacher. I can't wait to come back in the near future and take another session with you. I will keep in touch.' 6) I really appreciate the honesty and direction I received in PW2. From the first class, Joshua and Jake gave me specific ideas regarding character type and song choice. This has been extremely beneficial to me as I work to refine my audition technique and repertoire. They also helped me to identify some not-so-helpful performance habits...and then suggested more powerful, connected choices. I feel more confident, focused, and prepared after taking PW2.' 7) 'Thanks, Joshua! It was a fun night. Great job that YOU did last night. You're so much at ease on stage, and you really incorporate the whole room. And, you have a killer smile...and every time you walked off stage, you smiled all the way until you got back to the back of the room. That's something I'm going to take away from last night too.Thanks for all your hard work. I'll see you for PW next session' --Performers From All Levels of the Performers' Workshop.

8/30/2009

Amazing work on the Spring Showcase and congrats to all who grew amazingly during the Summer Boot Camp Intensive! Looking forward to working with you this fall and with wonderful new performers who are joining us this fall. Don't miss the auditions for the fall classes on August 30, 2009 from 2-6 p.m.! Love, Joshua

4/27/2009

Congrats to all on moving forward in the Genre/Style work. I'm really proud of the work you've been doing and how different and versatile you are learning to be!. See you this weekend and next for more of that to come. Some fun feedback from PW Teen Rachel Cyprus on how the work is helping her.... 'I just wanted to say thank you for teaching us how to sing the same song in different styles because I recently was singing with a band and they took a swing song and made it pop. Luckily we just covered that and i was able to know how to change certain things to make it sound pop! I would also like to thank you for teaching us how to cold read because I just finished performing the first half of "Aging Out" and I was able to use what you taught me and read it without worring about anything. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the classes and your help. I can really see the improvement in many things that I do. Thank you so much!'

4/7/2009

Hey Everyone: Great job on the comic numbers and really getting the cold reading technique for callbacks in class these last few weeks. I'm looking forward to launching into building your vocal and stylistic versatility. Be sure you work on your song choice listed under the Genre/Style PW Files online. Have a wonderful holiday this week! Love, Joshua

8/18/2008

GREAT weekend of Master Classes for Teens and Adults! You all did fantastically! I hope to work with you during the year in the Performers' Workshop. Let me know if you'd like to participate and I'll try to make sure we have a space for you if there is room in the class. Email me at pw@anmt.org if you are interested. Love, Joshua Here is some feedback from performers who took the Boot Camp Mastering Your Audition Master Class. 1. This Boot Camp was INCREDIBLE! I learned SO much-- you are a gifted communicator and an inspiration. What a great role model you are for being fuly present with others and oursevles! --2. Thanks so much for having the Bootcamp tonight, it was awesome! I love watching everyone else work I learn so much! Thanks for helping take an old favorite song of mine and turn it into something useful. I think I'll be using it for the Dave Clemmons masterclass on the 28th adding in the notes you guys gave me. If there's still room in PW2 I'd love to sign up again!-- --3. She had a great time and wants to participate in the Fall Teen Performers' Workshop!-- --4. I just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful class. I really came away with a lot of valuable tools, and I'm very appreciative. It was really good to get up and perform again, because I've been working this summer and haven't had the chance! If I was in town during the year, I would love to continue taking classes with you, but I would love to keep in touch with you and maybe take a lesson or two when I'm in town again this year. --5. She just loved your class. She really seemed changed by the experience, and in a good way. I urged her to take the workshop, and she is checking her school schedule to see if she can. Thank you for being kind and supportive, but yet informative. Whenever I have a singer who needs your services, I wil send her or him along. --6. She has tremendous respect for you and the way you direct; perhaps greater than any of the others she's encountered in her short but busy life.

5/23/2008

Bravi to all the amazing performers in our final showcase of the season. Incredible work and growth from each and every one of you! I also was so thrilled to see and start to include our NEW Performers coming into the fall class at all levels; 1, Advanced 2, and our new Teen level! I hope to see you at our fun bootcamp weekend August 16 and 17th. And if you are interested in the fall classes, Boot Camp can serve as your audition. Currently, there are some slots still open in Teen and Advanced Level 2. Tell a friend to request an audition time if interesed via the audition page and sign up for bootcamp if they are interested. Have a wonderful summer and keep sharing your great work!! My deepest love, Joshua

2/29/2008

Hey all: What an amazing evening Wednesday was. The DARE TO BE TRUTHFUL CABARET was a real triumph for ALL participating! You just shined and absolutely shared your stories and songs so truthfully and fully. It was joyous to watch and be a part of! Videos will be available soon thanks to future PW member Mitch Glaser! Reminder that today is the deadline to pay for Session Three. PW 2 Session 3 begins 3/1/08 and PW 1 Session 3 begins 3/5. Check the calendar above for what to prepare. Here is some great feedback from the Cabaret Evening: Linda Fisher--- 'I had a great time tonight, and I want to thank you for giving me a push when I needed it. You are a terrific teacher I feel like I've grown a lot, and discovered abilities I didn't know were there. Thanks again!' Mary Morrissey--- 'Thanks sooo much for tonight. What a gift. I appreciate that you are so good to me, and let me go at my own pace in my own time without criticism. Due to the intense flu I had for the last 2 weeks I can't tell you how badly I wanted to drop out. The performer in me knew that if I did...I would never forgive myself. So thank you Joshua. My friend Susan had a terrific time and was very impressed by everyone. And she couldn't believe your schedule!!! How do you do it??? I loved your song...and am always amazed by you' Rebecca Somberg (Voice Teacher)--- 'There was, tonight, an amazing collection of talented performers. Some have really improved, since the last time I saw them. Joshua,it is a tremendous joy to feel comfortable in front of an audience, making them laugh and sharing their vocal talents so well. I have so much respect for the work you do with them. This was their moment, and so many took the opportunity to shine; they were completely there!!!! Each person had their own style, yet I saw YOU in everyone. Yes.....Your energy and humor. I loved your rendition of Sondheim-esque insanity at the beginning of the show.' Hillary Rollins--- 'I came ready simply to 'support the group' and think it would be good. I was blown away! GREAT work!' Mona King--- 'Joshua, what a wonderful experience last night was. I haven't done a cabaret set in about 10 years so it was so much fun to dive in again after such great coaching. I have always struggled tremendously with nerves and especially waiting to perform. Although I still get nervous, which I would expect, I don't fall apart and I feel so much more centered and focused. Honestly, I think your classes and coaching have really helped me to feel more solid in my work and handle the stress more productively. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! My goal when I first took your class was to be able to walk into an audition without falling apart and be solid. To really step up my game. You have really helped me with that process and my auditions are stronger than ever, and my nerves are more in control. Thank you again. You have given me so much and the growth I feel in my work is exciting!'

"'Thanks you Joshua too for all your support and guidance!'-- 'Thank YOU. The past 10 weeks have been great, and a highlight of my week. I'm really happy to have found you and your class, and I look forward to coaching with you more and working towards becoming a better actor who sings. Last night was so full of energy and support it was wonderful!'--'THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU HAVE BEEN HELPING ME WITH THIS YEAR! Just...WOW and THANKS! This has meant so much to me.'-- "

"I used the homework to write out all the songs I sang at the festival. I found new ways of singing songs I've sang many many times, found new ways to phrase lyrics and even did some rewriting of the lyrics. Additionally, I have been working on the vocal exercises. Tonight I sang about 85% of voice - on 2nd song - belted the top note (Eb). No sore throat afterwards. I have been able to practice song many many times - with full voice and cause no vocal strain. Cabaret shows I have done in the past I put one fully belting song as the 2nd to last song. And this song (usually) fatigues the voice. Not any more. Thanks for the new tools! "

"1) First of all I would like to say thank you for being such a wonderful coach and inspiration to me. The first class I attended at ANMT was a little overwhelming as the talent is so impressive and I must say a bit intimidating. However, I took the position of aspiring to my own greatness as opposed to being as good as someone else. You provide such a supportive environment which constantly allows me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I think your ability to take each song and instantly zone in on the meaning of the subtext is amazing. From my very first class, I knew I had found the place I had been searching for. I thank you and Jake for your dedication to the craft and the hard work that goes into helping each individual reach their desired goals. 2)Joshua , Thank you so much for everything ! This class changed the way I approached auditioning and performing allowing me to explore and take chances in a safe a nurturing environment. You have so much passion for this craft it is impossible to walk away from this class without feeling inspired. I can't wait for next session! 3)What a great evening! Josh, you, and Jake, really helped each performer hit his or her peak last night. I saw so much improvement in everyone's performances. I enjoyed being in the audience as much as performing, but what fun I had singing! With so much support and love, how could we go wrong? Thank you for your encouragement. 4)For someone who never ever considered herself a singer would rename Josh's classes 'A singers makeover workshop'. I started off sounding beyond bad Karaoke and am now growing into the quality of singer required for 8 shows a week on Broadway, thanks to Josh and Jake's instruction. 5)The class was so much fun to be apart of and to have a showcase at the end was even more fun. It was great to see the other students from the other class perform as well as watch the students in my class improve their pieces. Thank you for being such an inspiring and caring teacher. I can't wait to come back in the near future and take another session with you. I will keep in touch. 6) I really appreciate the honesty and direction I received in PW2. From the first class, Joshua and Jake gave me specific ideas regarding character type and song choice. This has been extremely beneficial to me as I work to refine my audition technique and repertoire. They also helped me to identify some not-so-helpful performance habits...and then suggested more powerful, connected choices. I feel more confident, focused, and prepared after taking PW2. 7) Thanks, Joshua! It was a fun night. Great job that YOU did last night. You're so much at ease on stage, and you really incorporate the whole room. And, you have a killer smile, and every time you walked off stage, you smiled all the way until you got back to the back of the room. That's something I'm going to take away from last night too. Thanks for all your hard work. I'll see you for PW next session. "

""I came to class to really be able to connect to my material and get out of the technical aspect of my singing from my operatic training. It was amazing to live and feel what I was singing.""

"Congrats to the following PW's on some amazing accomplishments: Jacqueline Grabois will star as Kate Monster in the Tour of 'Avenue Q' Taji Coleman just finished creating Winter Graham in '40 is the New 15.' Katie Hume received outstanding reviews as Johanna in 'Sweeney Todd' in Seattle. George Kralemann is directing 'Children of Eden' in October. Paul Wong, Heather Stewart, Veronica Scheyving, Sylvin Janson and Megan Crockett all starred in 'Pope Joan' at the Stella Adler Theater. Heather Stewart has done her Cabaret Act all over Los Angeles. Robert Acinapura stole the show in 'Altar Boyz' at the Celebration Theater. Jonathan Stav was cast as the lead Charlie in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' Kelly Lester, Sylvin Janson, Tara Hunnewell and Carolyn Freeman Champ starred in 4 new musicals at the Colony Theater in Burbank. Mona King and John Gaston booked 'Cats' and 'Jekyll and Hyde' at Cabrillo Music Theater. Stay tuned for much more!"

"'Loved class...love you and Jake. I finally felt something amazing..THANK YOU!'"

"1. 'Again, it was obvious how great a teacher you are from the showcase the other night. One after another, the singers' stories and personalities came through via so many funny and offbeat moments that were completely unique to the performer who presented them. BRAVO!' 2. I just wanted to thank you both for helping me craft some wonderful material last year and this year. What a wonderful workshop to explore ideas and start to piece them together, and have the wonderful coaching to guide you along the way! So much better than trial and error which is what I did for so many years while working on ships. Plus the material I have now is so personal and fun to share! Okay, so NYC will be hearing my specialty song from last year and I'm thrilled! That opportunity certainly wouldn't have come my way without the 2 of you! 3. I want to thank you for all the help you've given me. I've watched my performance, and the things you pounded into my head really show. I think it's a miracle, I watch myself doing it (over and over) and I still can't believe it. You are superb at helping people expose their true capabilities, and that's a gift from God for you and for we who are fortunate enough to study with you. I really can't thank you and Jake enough.' "

"1. I really appreciate the work we did on "Someone Like You". It was scary and as I went through the rest of my day, I realized it was it was very moving. I haven't ever been that open before! 2. 'I really wanted to thank you for taking the time to teach me how to belt. I have been trying for years and I have always been worried it wouldn't sound good or I would hurt my voice. you explained in a way that I really got it and it felt confortable. You really hit the nail on the head when you said I needed to be able to play those roles where I would need to belt.' 3. 'Thank you, Joshua! The class was well thought out, professional and yet flexible enough to address my needs. I look forward to working with you again in the future.' 4. Thanks for all your help the past few months Joshua. Just got a nice call back in LA and then did a Bway audition here in nyc this week. And instead of being crazy..with little warm up..(hotel room and plane) not getting to scream those notes in preparation..I had to be calm. Despite new people..monitors..location...etc...I did great. I showed colors and acted as well as sang well. Now I am in their files and I did well. I was confident. It was great! Thank you!'"

" just wanted to tell you... I just got back from my audition and I think it was the best audition of my life!!! I sang better than ever and was totally present in the room and in all the moments that we worked on JOSH!! I was actually in the middle of the Jimmy song doing my sexy/mae west "promise you won't bore me" THEY TOTALLY LAUGHED at that!! in the middle of my song!!! and I inwardly smiled and thanked you as I was finishing out my big note. The director clapped. They all said how amazing I was... then I did the second song(Unusual Way with a new take that Jake and I worked on) and the composer was smiling and nodding and whispering to the writer. They loved it and me. Michael Donovan was beaming and proud. Then the sides went even better. It was a love fest. We did both scenes and they laughed and were moved and told me how great I was again. Yay! and thanks so much to both of you!!!!! "

"The genre class was amazing. I am so sorry I had to leave. Being in PW LAUNCH is giving me the time and pace to really start to understand what I do and don't know. I can feel my confidence slowly rising. And that no teacher or director has been able to provide me. That is all you and Jake, helping me to find myself. "

"I've just finished watching the video of Katie's coaching, and I am speechless. Your ability to so brilliantly communicate and enable her to respond as directed is the most powerful and effective teaching I have ever witnessed. You have the ability to mold her talents to the Broadway level. She worships you; internalizes your every direction. As with all of us, sometimes it takes a few reminders of those all important "triggers", but the growth I've seen over the last month is unparalleled. Surely, as her mother, I want her to enjoy as much success and happiness as is humanly possible. That said, Joshua, you can rest assured, that you have had a monumental effect on her, and any success that comes her way, is yours as well."

"I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed being in class and learning from you. I wanted to let you know that I have learned a lot about myself as a performer, my boundaries and my strengths, about technique and expression, about communication and why I have chosen to be an actor because of you. You are wonderful teacher, and I wanted to thank you. I will see you next Wednesday!"

"You are absolutely the most honest, and at the same time, most nurturing teacher I know. You focus on the positive which is an amazing way to learn and feel safe. And I appreciate every constructive comment and effort in the coaching process that you have shown me in the one on one coaching and in the PW class. "

"All year, I have been working on the vibrato that YOU are directly responsible for helping me to find! It's building into my body and it's SO EXCITING!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Always teach!!"

"--1. Thank you so much for your help this past session. I absolutely love your class. I can't believe how different I felt while singing. Last night was a genuine learning experience. I am looking forward to the Cabaret Session! The evening was a very well run affair with such supportive and nice people. Thank you, thank you! --2.Thanks again Joshua and Jake for all you've done for me and are continuing to do. It meant a lot to me what you said in the office. Cheers! Last night was such an important step for me. I learned what works and what doesn't, and what I need to take with me and what to leave behind going into the next session... which I am beyond thrilled to start! Thanks again for all you do!!! --3. You are amazing, Josh! I have learned so much from you and Jake in such a short time - it's incredible. Your 'Making the Song a Scene' has helped me to take the focus off me (deadly in auditions) and put it on someone else when singing. So much better and so important when telling a story! It just makes sense. Your workshop has also given me so much more confidence by singing in front of a group every week. And not to mention last night what were there about a hundred people there?? Fantastic! Speaking of last night, I was offered a voice over job afterwards on the spot by one of the attending writer/composers. How exciting is that! Now, I am looking to auditioning with much more excitement rather than nervousness thanks to you and Jake and everyone in PW1! And, I'm looking forward to much more fun in the Cabaret Class! Thank you to you and Jake for your amazing love, support, teaching ability and talent. --4.Last night was excellent. I commend your teaching skills. They all performed very well. I applaud them and the program. I shall spread the word to those I might know who could show interest. --5. Thank you Joshua for your magnificent dedication to your students. Katie, as you know, will be continuing with the PW Teen Program! --6. I had a great time tonight and I was very impressed with your work Joshua, and how you handled the evening. It was just perfection. The performers were terrific."

"Rachel heard from the studio, and your suggestion was on target (as expected). Thanks for your responsiveness. Rachel says that meeting you has been so important to her future. Your workshop is making such a difference. "

"1. This Boot Camp was INCREDIBLE! I learned SO much-- you are a gifted communicator and an inspiration. What a great role model you are for being fuly present with others and oursevles! --2. Thanks so much for having the Bootcamp tonight, it was awesome! I love watching everyone else work I learn so much! Thanks for helping take an old favorite song of mine and turn it into something useful. I think I'll be using it for the Dave Clemmons masterclass on the 28th adding in the notes you guys gave me. If there's still room in PW2 I'd love to sign up again!-- --3. She had a great time and wants to participate in the Fall Teen Performers' Workshop!-- --4. I just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful class. I really came away with a lot of valuable tools, and I'm very appreciative. It was really good to get up and perform again, because I've been working this summer and haven't had the chance! If I was in town during the year, I would love to continue taking classes with you, but I would love to keep in touch with you and maybe take a lesson or two when I'm in town again this year. --5. She has tremendous respect for you and the way you direct; perhaps greater than any of the others she's encountered in her short but busy life. --5. She just loved your class. She really seemed changed by the experience, and in a good way. I urged her to take the workshop, and she is checking her school schedule to see if she can. Thank you for being kind and supportive, but yet informative. Whenever I have a singer who needs your services, I wil send her or him along. "

"'I just wanted to say thank you for teaching us how to sing the same song in different styles because I recently was singing with a band and they took a swing song and made it pop. Luckily we just covered that and i was able to know how to change certain things to make it sound pop! I would also like to thank you for teaching us how to cold read because I just finished performing the first half of "Aging Out" and I was able to use what you taught me and read it without worring about anything. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the classes and your help. I can really see the improvement in many things that I do. Thank you so much!'"

"On our PW hiatus, I participated in a different musical theatre workshop, but no one can compare to you on the acting coach end. You've spoiled me Josh. I love that you don't let me get away with anything remotely general and unfocused. "

"Joshua’s sensibility regarding coaching others whether it is for musical theatre, television, film or commercials, he truly understands how to convey the truth of the piece. He is incredibly specific in communicating and assisting the actor in being present and has their work efforts show up in the room. While Joshua is incredibly FOR the actor, encouraging them to always do their very best work, he in no way allows them to become lazy or slack. To allow that would be to disrespect them and their talent and that is something that Joshua is non-negotiable about. I truly cannot imagine my creative life without Joshua. I have grown ten-fold in the past two years as a result of his coaching and teaching techniques. Joshua is well known in the industry and as a result has even referred me (and others) for a few role auditions when producers and directors he personally knows have called and asked if he knew anyone. I’ve been working consistently since I began studying with Joshua. Jake Anthony, PW’s talented musical director, never fails to awe someone with his prolific piano accompaniment. He offers praise and encouragement as well as gentle, truthful, constructive criticism. Run--don't walk--to join these amazing men and other very talented performers in the outstanding program at ANMT!! You will NOT be sorry! "

"I just wanted to commend Joshua on a fabulous musical theater audition technique class …It was really awesome to see the immediate results from the adjustments he gave to everyone. I think every single person present walked away feeling much more confident, and equipped with concrete tools as well as a fresh perspective on the auditioning experience."

"1. Thank you so much for such a great season of growth,inspiration and kick butt war! I have enjoyed every minute and your coaching has been invaluable. 2. Thank you for everything. I spoke with my parents about the evening and they said it was obvious you're a fantastic teacher. They loved all your intros and info and really enjoyed the evening. So glad they could finally see what I've been raving about in action! 3. I had a lot of fun last night. Thanks for all your counsel and support over this past year. I look forward to next year too."

"I loved this workshop, and would highly recommend it to any actor auditioning for musical theatre. The workshop has given me more confidence in my ability during the 'audition process' out in the real world. Joshua Finkel is a gem in this crazy world! He coaches from the heart with your singing level and growth in mind. "

"Someone contacted me from the ANMT Talent bank and I auditioned for their show and they offered me the role in this equity-waiver new comedy musical. It was pretty neat to be called in and have such a healthy auditioning experience. I was so much more comfortable after the stuff we've worked on in class. Success!"

"You are a MASTER and I'm really excited to be working with you!"

"Tonight I went to an audition and sang the Trolley Song as you suggested and I just wanted to let you know, I totally stood in the fearlessness you recommended. It was great and I totally felt it. It's like something comes over me and I really can't explain it. Totally did the butt to belly breathing like we talked about in class on the high ending notes which are more of mix/belt. Well, it was wild. Totally feeling the nerves just pass and move through me and standing there fearless! I think I finally get what you've been talking about this last year. Hope I can nail that feeling consistently now! It was fun! After the Dare to be Truthful Cabaret 2008: What a wonderful experience last night was. I haven't done a cabaret set in about 10 years so it was so much fun to dive in again after such great coaching. I have always struggled tremendously with nerves and especially waiting to perform. Although I still get nervous, which I would expect, I don't fall apart and I feel so much more centered and focused. Honestly, I think your classes and coaching have really helped me to feel more solid in my work and handle the stress more productively. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! My goal when I first took your class was to be able to walk into an audition without falling apart and be solid. To really step up my game. You have really helped me with that process and my auditions are stronger than ever, and my nerves are more in control. Thank you again. You have given me so much and the growth I feel in my work is exciting! "

"By the way, this class is awesome, and I'm really sad to be missing even one class!"

"I have been singing for many years, I have a regular venue that I sing at once a month. Since I have been involved in the Performers Workshop with Joshua Finkel people who have heard me sing many different songs for years have asked me what is different. They liked my performances before, now they like them even more. With no prompting from me they see a positive difference. They love the interpretation and I have increased bookings from this. I attribute to, and give the credit for this to ANMT's Performers' Workshop, and especially Joshua Finkel. His excitement about the work and his incite have taken me to another level. I only wish I had taken his classes sooner."

"We had two performances today, and I just wanted to tell you that I received quite a number of complements on, of all things, my comic timing! I know it comes from what I learned in your Comedy and Style workshop."

"Thanks for everything you've done already -- you've really helped me claim my voice again. You've made it a joy to sing!"

"Thanks Joshua, I appreciate your coaching and invaluable notes and ways to get to the heart of the character of a song and telling a story. I am learning alot in part 1 of the workshop. I love that it also gives me the opportunity to make contacts and hook up with composers, lyrists and bookwriters of new musicals at the ground level in LA. It is so worth it to fly down from San Francisco weekly to do this class. A good way to get plugged into things going on down in the southland."

"Thanks for sharing all the info on auditions that come your way and especially for last night in the Genre and Styles Class. I really didn't think I could do the Pop thing and now I'm thinking 'Hey, that was pretty cool. What else could I sing in a pop style? Maybe I CAN audition for some of these newer shows!' "

"I cannot believe how far they, as well as myself, have come from your workshop since the first days of work. You should be proud. I will do my best to encourage anyone I know in the performing field to take your class!"

"Outrageous confidence - That's what you produced. Always before I'd wear long enough skirts to hide my wobbly knees. First audition after class ended? I slammed that song home. I knew it. They knew it. It was fun. When the h*ll was auditioning ever fun?"

"I want to thank you. I really had fun! What a difference from the beginning of the hour to the end. I feel very lucky and honored to be learning from you! You are a great teacher and performer. I really respect your devotion to the craft of being a performer."

"I really got a lot out of yesterday, not only with your work with me directly, but observing you work with other people as well. I look forward to next week and the weeks afterwards too!"

"Just wanted to write and tell you I am so happy to be a part of your workshop. I put in the breathing technique you taught us last night into my song and I definitely feel stronger vocally! I knew breathing was extremely important, but I never knew how to physically use it when it came to singing. Not only does your technique help me vocally, it has also helped my emotions come up more freely during my song. So thanks, Joshua!! Can't wait til next week!"

"You are strong but very sensitive and loving, so encouraging. I am so thankful for people like you who you can see TRULY want to help others and pass on their gift. "

"Thanks again for everything!! I truly learn so much from you no matter what capacity we're working together. I'm always blown away by your commitment and passion to the art of performance. Know that you continually inspire me. No matter where I am in my life I will always hold you close to my heart. "

"It was an amazing year for me. I remember the first week I said I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. Thank you for pushing just enough to get me to try things but not so much that I ran away permanently."