Performing Arts

Acting

Carissa M.

Overview About Reviews Experience Education Certifications Awards Affiliations Languages Gallery

Background check

Teaches online

Teaches all skill levels

Age: 4+

Speaks English

Teaching since 2008

MFA in Playwriting

Explore the Craft of Acting with an Experienced Professional Actor!

First and foremost, I'd like to hear your objectives for your lessons so I can structure our time to suit your goals! For advanced/intermediate students, we may be working on monologues or sides you've been sent for an audition (looking for specificity and strong, clear choices), selecting materials for your audition package for colleges or general auditions, or diving into scene work. For beginners, we will work on gaining confidence speaking publicly, diving into characters, and working with text to tell stories. No experience necessary! Many of my students from TakeLessons have been absolute beginners and have reported back to me directly (and in the reviews on my profile) that they felt comfortable and at ease with my approach. Some of my beginning students have gone on to get agents, secure a spot in drama schools, book roles, and more. Whether you're looking to explore a hobby you've always thought about, or you're seriously considering a career in acting, I'd love to work with you and explore the next steps. One of my favorite things about acting is that there is no age limit.

Instructor details

Subject

Location:

Teaches Online

Teaching Hours

Monday

3 PM-3 PM

Tuesday

3 PM-3 PM

Wednesday

3 PM-3 PM

Thursday

3 PM-3 PM

Friday

3 PM-2:46 PM

Saturday

2:45 PM-11:45 PM

Sunday

10 AM-2:59 PM

Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)

Pricing

30 minutes

$25

45 minutes

$38

60 minutes

$50

About Carissa M.

4.8

(89)

Hi! I'm Carissa, a working actor and playwright, and would love to work with you on your craft! I grew up heavily immersed in the arts from a young age. For Middle School and High School I attended one of the top Performing Arts schools in the State of California, where I was able to take classes such as ballet, tap, jazz, acting, and playwriting daily. After that, I earned a spot in, and graduated from, the BFA Acting program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. After taking a year to work professionally in theatre and television, I moved to Ireland to earn my MFA in Playwriting from The Lir Academy (an affiliate school of London's RADA). Currently, I work professionally as an actor and playwright, so I am in tune with current practices and standards in the industry. Teaching has been a big part of my life, from private study to running theatre camps for kids, to teaching adult group classes. I'm well versed in the drama school audition trail and would love to help you prepare for this exciting time! I also offer playwriting lessons/critique. I look forward to hearing from you!

ReviewsWrite a review

91%

4.8

89 Reviews

Travis

Teacher's studio

Carissa is a great instructor! She takes the time to get to know you and what you are looking to get out of your lessons, and then tailors the time to fit your needs. I highly recommend her.

Posted Apr 14, 2023

Teacher's studio

Carissa is definitely understanding with people with disabilities. I recommend her for anyone especially for people with disabilities

Posted Apr 4, 2023

Teacher's studio

Carissa was very, knowledgeable, focused and encouraging! I am looking forward to more lessons with her!

Posted Mar 20, 2023

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Experience

Director of Education/Youth Theatre Director

Jan, 2014 - Aug, 2015

Capital Stage Company

Worked on educational outreach as well as running the Youth Theatre program during multiple summer seasons. With the Youth Theatre Program, I led teenage theatre students in the creation of a brand new play from writing, to rehearsals, to performance, in just two weeks!

Education

High School Diploma

Aug, 2003 - Jun, 2009

Natomas Charter Performing and Fine Arts Academy

MFA in Playwriting

Sep, 2015 - Aug, 2016

The Lir Academy (RADA) at Trinity College Dublin

BFA in Acting

Sep, 2010 - May, 2014

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Certifications

Knife (Stage Combat)

May, 2012

Society of American Fight Directors

Tested and was certified in 2012.

Single Sword (Stage Combat)

Nov, 2012

Society of American Fight Directors

Tested and Certified in 2013. Studied many swords under Fight Master Dale Girard for three years at UNCSA.

Unarmed Stage Combat

May, 2012

Society of American Fight Directors

Tested and was certified in 2012.

Awards

Merit Scholarship

Dec, 2008

National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts YoungArts'

Gold Medal for Monologue Performance

Jan, 2009

Lenaea Festival

Affiliations

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Sep, 2023

CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) is an independent professional organization of approximately 34,000 members representing the interests of licensed marriage and family therapists. It is dedicated to advancing the profession as an art and a science, to maintaining high standards of professional ethics, to upholding the qualifications for the profession and to expanding the recognition and awareness of the profession.