Yelp Reviews

"Melissa is hands down the best acting coach I have ever worked with, and I have worked with some amazing teachers throughout my life. She doesn't just talk the talk, Melissa walks the walk. She is an inspiring artist in her personal life and a social activist, as well. Melissa is strict & dedicated, she will push you to be your greatest, while also remaining compassionate & kind. She makes all her students feel safe to be free & make mistakes, while setting a high bar. If you want to be a professional, run to Melissa.  Also though, this is good training for any job in life- I felt more free & authentic in school & my job. I trained with her years ago, and I will still go to her if I need coaching for an audition, etc.  Can't wait to take some more classes with her soon!"

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Olga S.

"I studied with Melissa Thompson Esaia for two incredible and life changing years. I had always wanted to be a writer and actor and was uncertain of myself and my dream. I still remember the first days of class when Melissa would say, "When you are all in your careers..." and I would think―oh my gosh I HOPE I can have a career. Can I do this? After I studied with Melissa I gained confidence in myself and my dream. 

Melissa is a warrior. She is my absolute role model. She is sincere, genuine, strong, kind, empathetic and talented. I could listen to her read a phone book and she would make it entertaining. Melissa goes above and beyond what a teacher is and I truly feel so incredibly blessed that I was able to study the Meisner Technique with her. She cares for her students individually and gives each student what they need. Her teaching style creates a beautiful class environment, one that helps you learn and grow and support your artistic family. Melissa reminds you that working on your craft is important and is an honorable pursuit. Studying with Melissa was a sacred time of my life and I will cherish it forever. 

I was fortunate enough to go on an actor's intensive retreat with her as well. She was able to guide and support the mental well-being about going after big dreams. It was a life-changing experience. Melissa is an absolute angel and I feel privileged to be one of her students. Thank you so much for your impact on my life Melissa! You are an incredible human!!"

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Meghan M.

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"Through the years of honing your craft as an actor/ artist you meet many different teachers and mentors along the way. Ones whose lessons or methods inspire you, ones you befriend, or ones that deeply impact you. Melissa was all three of those for me.

My time as Melissa's student was around three years and in that time we became close not only personally but artistically. What I noticed over time was, this was not a one time thing, nor special just to me. She tended to have that impact on every student that came through our studio. She's special like that.

Over the years I've seen her grow more and more into the sayings 'do, don't say' or 'practice what you preach.' It is rare to come across an acting teacher that teaches you more than just acting. She taught me the gift of liberation from myself and others, the gift of speaking up for what you believe in, and the gift of following your gut. 

If only she was in LA so I could keep her all too myself;) But to those of you that are in the vicinity to work with her, I would not pass up the chance for anything. Melissa, is magic."

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Emily B.

"Melissa has been one of if not the greatest teacher in my life, I spent about 2.5 years training in The Meisner Technique with her. If you're tired of jumping from workshop to workshop and want to take this to a level you didn't know you were capable of then I promise you, she's the teacher for you. I was 18 when I started, just dropped out of city college and wanted one thing, REAL training. A yelp review just doesn't do it justice, the things this woman has done for me, you will not find another teacher who cares as much about your dream as you do."

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Christian B.

"Not only did she teach me to be a good actor, but Melissa taught me how to be fearless, humble, and always be professional. She helped me grow in a way that nurtured my dream and my inner artist.  She has a wide variety of knowledge on how to navigate through the business of acting and auditioning, and is an incredible counselor on how to always make the right decisions for you. genuinely one of the best teachers I have ever had, and in those moments in life when I look back on mentors and teachers that helped shape my life, Melissa will always be at the top of the list."

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Maeve M.

"The acting teacher you always knew you needed! With full confidence I can say that Melissa is and always will be an integral part of my growth as an actor. She is my mentor, my friend, my sister, my confidant, and the person I turn to when I need help. I remember waiting anxiously in her classroom on my first day of school. I had never taken an acting class before, though I had been tempted many, many times. I was too nervous to dive in, so I wanted to get my feet wet first. I took a summer acting class with Melissa, an abridged part one of a Meisner technique acting series. As I sat quietly in my seat (thinking about getting up and running away), in walked one of the most ethereal, brightest spirits I had ever seen. Melissa, wearing a floral patterned shirt to match her natural and abundant energy, burst through the doors and began teaching acting. She has been my teacher ever since. From the first day I met her, I knew she was a force to be reckoned with. She was everything I wanted to be: smart, confident, natural, and kind. These are the qualities that make up a great actor and Melissa has them to spare. Study with Melissa and you will reap the benefits of learning from someone who knows that acting isn't just about memorizing lines or hitting your marks. Melissa has taught me that acting is about being human, and there's no better human to learn from than her."

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Jonathan B.