Universal City, CA Improv Acting Lessons

r creativity.

Backed by an extensive musical background debuting with the Philadelphia Orchestra and continuing her career singing with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Jan L. went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Education in Opera at Temple University and two Master’s Degrees from Combs College of Music in Theatre Arts and Composition.

Jan is the author of the performance book called "Once More With Feeling."

There is exciting news with Jan. Jan has been teaching online on Zoom.us. It's like Skype but better because you can record the whole lesson. For those of you who want a world class teacher, you can learn from Jan who has 20 Grammy winners. No driving, Just sit yourself in front of your computer screen. You will love the intimacy without leaving your home. Give it a try.

Jan teaches vocal technique that connects the chest middle head voice with a gospel belt. Jan covers proper breathing, vocal technique, performance coaching and recording in her protools studio.

"Jan L. is an award winning songwriter, producer, actress, and artist developer. Her studio, Angel Diva Music, is designed to improve artist abilities on and off the stage as well as giving the clientele first-hand knowledge of the industry while increasing their creativity."

Writer of performance book called "Once More With Feeling:

ished Writer and Music Writer

Professional Background

Private Voice, Piano and Acting 1/89 to present
Teaching and Coaching
Individual and small group instruction in vocal and/or piano technique, including piano chording technique and instruction over all musical styles, including all ages.
Acting coaching for monologue preparation, scene and character development. All instruction is personalized/customized to the student's needs. Includes audition preparation, vocal techniques for therapeutic needs, and overall instruction in wellness practices for artistic longevity. Includes warm-up exercises as well as performance development, demeanor, and execution. Emphasis on creating and strengthening positive habits as opposed to negative discipline. Personal, professional, practical.

Huckleberry Creative Learning Center 9/07 to present
Teacher
Classes in Singing, Music and Art Education, Cooking, Geology, Theater, History, Reading/Grammar, and Crafts
- created Custom curriculum for specific classes
- Taught to California Standards

Vibe Performing Arts Studios 8/08 to present
Instructor
Private and Class Instruction in Piano, Voice, as well as Special Needs Classes

Risen Son Productions/R. Enterprises, Inc. 1/89 to 2007
Co-Owner
Production, Marketing, Manufacturing and Sales of Internationally marketed goods
Composer and artist of finished musical products
Booking of Concert Appearances
Teacher and Motivational Seminar Speaker
Speech Writer
My husband Rick and I toured the World with our Praise and Worship concerts and speaking engagements

Headline Performer/Background Vocalist/Booking Agent 9/79-12/88
Vocalist to US Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Bush
Annie on Broadway, N. Y. Grace Farrell
Singer/ Dancer/ Lead Performer
Various Summer Stock performances touring the eastern seaboard:
The Music Man, My Fair Lady, On a Clear Day, Fiddler on the Roof,
Funny Girl, Hello Dolly
Did a command performance for King Olaf of Norway in Godspell
Cabaret - Sally Bowles lead performer - Atlanta, GA
Booking Agent for Mike Hein Agency, formerly of Ray Bloch Agency
Worked world-wide as soloist and background vocalist for internationally renowned artists (i.e. Placido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Charles Aznevour, etc)
Performed at international sites (i.e. Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall, Paris Opera, etc)
Performed solo show in Grande Palais in Monte Carlo - Main Stage
Royal Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - Head Liner
Cathy Baker Show

Choir Director Experience:
Hand Bell Choir Ash Street Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia
Children's 6-9 Choir Ash Street Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia
Children's 6-9 Choir The Church on the Way Van Nuys, CA

Theater Direction:
Robin Hood Revisited (a short play I adapted for Elementary Students)
The Bard is Back (modern version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Cindy (A Musical I wrote based on the Cinderella legend, featuring Beatles (Music)

Education:
Utah State University - Secondary BS in Communication Disorders
National University - MS in Special Education
Georgia State University - BA in Advertising and Public Relations, Minors in Music, History, and Geology

Vocal Instruction:
Joseph Amayo University of Georgia
Florence Kopplef Georgia State University
Andrew Terry Atlanta, Georgia
Robert Strickland New York, New York

Additional Skills/Interests: Show dance including jazz, some ballet, tap, and modern; piano accompanying; sky diving; bike riding; gardening; teaching reading and writing, as well as working with students who have speech and language disabilities; and multiple philanthropic/church involvement and activities, including handi-crafts creations.

Miscellaneous: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Powerpoint

*** Lesson Details ***
Every lesson is customized to the specific needs of each student. Each lesson includes work on vocal essentials like breathing, hydration, and anatomy, as well as technique, work on specific, student-chosen songs, vocal and physical exercises, performance tips, music theory. Fun but educational!

*** Specialties ***
Voice in all Styles from Pop to Rock to Country to Classical; Vocal Performance in all styles; Music Theory; Piano, including Sight-Reading and Chord Theory; Theatrical and Acting Coaching: Audition Preparation; Song and Music Preparation; College Audition Prep; Resume Preparation; Vocal Breathing Techniques; Reading; Composition; Special Education Tutoring.
Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary Academic Tutoring in English, Grammar, Composition, History, Social Studies, Earth Science, Music and Art History

McIntyre at the Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles.

sation as well as other classes. My students, both at the Institute and from private coaching, have appeared in independent stage and film productions, TV shows, commercials and Hollywood films.

Acting is the art of bringing a character to life. I use the Lee Strasberg Method, my original exercises and a fun and serious demeanor to help actors express themselves as artists and gain the confidence and skills they need in order to book acting jobs.

My book, "The Young Actor's Handbook", is published by Applause Theatre and Cinema Books. "The Young Actor's Handbook" ignites the beginning actor's creative soul with acting exercises, acting theory, writing exercises and insight into what it means to be an actor. This is a pragmatic manual that guides and informs the young actor, beginning actor, novice acting teacher or anyone who wants to understand acting.

"Jeremy Kruse's book, "The Young Actor’s Handbook", leads the young actor on the correct path. Jeremy is an experienced acting teacher who has broken down acting in an academic way while nurturing the soul of the actor. He understands the emotional aspects of good acting. I commend Jeremy and believe he has accomplished quite a feat in writing "The Young Actors Handbook." - Vincent D'Onofrio

ll with my students.

our first session together ;)

I have trained in Meisner Technique, Method acting, Cold Reading, Scene Study, Audition Technique, Improv, Sitcom technique, Sense memory, and the list goes on. I have had television roles on the CW, CBS, ABC, Freeform, TNT, HBO, and FOX! And with all of that said, the most valuable work I have ever done, is the work I did on myself.

The industry in Los Angeles has tested every one of my insecurities, abilities, and beliefs. And with every test, I have come out the other side with newfound strength, determination, and inspiration! Coaching actors is a skill I enjoy, and seeing my students succeed with JOY, CONFIDENCE, and PASSION brings immeasurable value to my own career. I believe in creating in community and have hosted an acting group for years now. One of which is filled with actors you can see on your TV and movie screens today! Teamwork makes the dream work and I am on your team, from the very moment we meet.

At the end of the day, humans just want to create beautiful art that impacts the world and I want to help you do just that. I want to guide you into living an even more abundant life, full of purpose and joy.