Deena Levy Theatre Studio, New York NY

I went to Deena with zero acting experience and ended up working with her and the teachers at her studio for three years. People told me it would change my life to work with her, and I thought it was hyperbole but sure enough it changed everything. I was able to really find my voice, to discover my instrument, my creativity, my heart and to bring all of those things into alignment to live within the scene. I always felt like someone who was very "stuck in my head" so her physical work was an extremely liberating way for me to discover my bodies intelligence. Her approach is well rounded and brings together technique with the more visceral physical presence work. Since starting my acting journey with Deena I have worked with many different teachers and I have not found anyone quite like Deena. She is fierce, loving and deeply passionate about what she does, and it comes through in all of the amazing work that happens in that classroom and what her students take into their careers. I strongly recommend working with her. She's the real deal!

I have been with Deena for a little over 3 years and I love this studio. The focus on technique and work ethic are her main principles. The small classes (12 students max) are key for an actor to really get the hands on adjustments that are needed in order to become a better actor. She will stay late in order to keep working your scene. Every class starts with the most incredible warm up that I could never get enough of and then you dive right into scene work. The 4 part process she teaches filters through into your real life. She is the perfect balance of tough and loving. I truly believe she wants to bring the best out in you. Working with Deena has not only made me a better actor but a better person. Also the other teachers at the studio are right there riding the same wave with you.

Be prepared to have your mind blown! I had no idea how much Deena’s workshop would ignite a burning desire to express myself to the fullest, not only in acting but in every part of my life. Passion, focus and commitment is what Deena brings to every moment she is in the classroom. She demands integrity and builds a safe environment so you feel free to explore any part of yourself or the character. Her blend of Meisner repetition and the physical approach of Grotowski had me connecting with the character, and myself, in ways I didn’t know were possible. Also her “What worked” philosophy helped me to shift into the mindset of building on the good and simply letting go of the rest. After enrolling in Deena’s class my confidence as an actor went up ten fold and I went on to book multiple nations commercials, a couple pilots and several guest star roles. I know I owe a lot of that success to all the time and energy Deena gave me in class.

Deena Levy Studio “More than Acting” liberates the artist within. A safe space so that the Actor can freely express and break the boundaries that they never knew they had. I was first introduced in 2012 when I took the weekend workshop and I quickly new that the work being done was very special. Highly recommend Actors at all levels to experience this eye opening studio.

When I met Deena, I was lost as an actor, completely in a place of negativity. Everyone telling me “no” but a “yes” was burning inside me. Deena was the one that saw that little, fragile “yes” and encouraged it to roar. She’s helped me find the confidence and strength it takes to weather this crazy business. She was a soft place to fall, always good for a laugh and wise beyond belief. I credit her for so much professional and personally and I will never forget the role she played in my life. Thank you, Deena. Run, don’t walk, to work with this incredible woman. ️

When I first embarked on my journey as an actress, I was riddled with fear and self-doubt. Much as I wanted to be successful, I was overcome with apprehension and the belief that my dreams were unattainable. Until I met Deena. She enabled me to turn my inner monologue from one of self-deprecation to one of gratitude, confidence and empowerment. Deena’s emphasis on “what works about you” is a brilliant approach to not only mastering one’s skills as an actor; but to mastering one’s power as a human being. Deena’s techniques are accessible and highly effective and have served me many times both in the audition room and on set. I am so grateful to have worked with Deena. She is a remarkable teacher whose lessons will last a lifetime.

Deena Levy Acting Studio was suggested to me at a time when I was struggling to love my craft. I was feeling unfulfilled and blocked. I did the Weekend Workshop and it was the rebirth of my passion for performing. But what really works about it all is how it’s not just for Actors, it’s for anyone who is in need of finding or refunding their most authentic self in a loving, safe yet wild and spontaneous environment. It took me out of my head and into a more grounded, natural place for my performances and more importantly: auditions. Shortly after starting the workshop I booked a show in Austin, TX and once I got back and started classes again I booked a show in Florida which prompted my journey west to LA.
For anyone in NYC looking to break free from the monotony of what you think you know, put your creativity to use here.

My first experience at the Deena Levy Theatre Studio was the weekend workshop. I came to the studio completely open minded and left totally mind blown. To say it exceeded expectations is an under statement. It was a deep and powerful journey; propeling me to a whole other level of self expression, both individually and as the actor.

After the workshop I enrolled myself in the weekly scene study. I began soaking up the knowledge and honing in on my craft. I thought I would only stay for the one course, little did I know it would turn out to be for the next four years. With the help from Deena and the strong group of actors at the studio I am now a SAG-AFTRA member with legit agency representation in both NYC and LA.

To say Deena's workshops and classes are transformative is an understatement. The weekend workshop blew me away and there was no turning back. I immediately knew I needed more. The dedication Deena gives to her students and the unique process work she developed is inspiring. She has this amazing way of identifying what works about you and how those unique traits can be used in every scene you do. Taking Deena's classes gave me the courage to start auditioning and I've been lucky enough to book some work along the way. I knew that Deena could help me become an actor. What I didn't expect was how much it would benefit and change me personally. I've created amazing friendships and connections through the studio and I'll forever be grateful for that.