Testimonials
“Build a solid foundation for prepping any role”
I’ve been with Z/A for 1.5 years, and my ability to act authentically and with compelling emotion has skyrocketed since I started with Z/A. The tools Rob and Peter provide build a solid foundation for prepping any role. I’ve learned so many valuable lessons I hadn’t learned elsewhere, and every time I’m in class, I walk away with teachings I want to apply to future roles. Since coming to Z/A Studio, I’ve gained confidence and trust in my acting ability that I didn’t have before and I’m excited about my acting journey!
Alicia Dawn Hampton
MDT Agency, San Francisco
“Better ability to access emotions”
I’ve been with Z/A for nearly two years. The most valuable acting lesson I’ve learned is that, without being deeply personal, you run the risk of not reaching full potential. The biggest shift in myself since joining class has been a better ability to access my emotions. Z/A acting notes and directions, above all, are clear.
Cabe Thompson
MDT Agency, San Francisco
“Trust your impulse”
The most valuable acting lesson I have learned here at Z/A is to trust your impulse. As an actor its sometimes hard to let go and try new things when it isn’t in the script, each character we create is specific to us and when we have an impulse to do something new we should embrace because it usually creates a more in depth, and interesting story.
The biggest shift in me as an actor since joining Z/A Studios has been my confidence in myself and in my everyday life. Peter and Rob really care about you as a person and they want to see you grow in all areas of your life. I am forever grateful for them and all the Z/A teachers.
The biggest shift in me as an actor since joining Z/A Studios has been my confidence in myself and in my everyday life. Peter and Rob really care about you as a person and they want to see you grow in all areas of your life. I am forever grateful for them and all the Z/A teachers.
Samantha Benson
Kathy Muller Agency, Honolulu
“To be the most knowledgeable actor in the room”
After my first audit, I knew this was the acting school I needed to help me become a better actor. Over the last three years, I have learned how to create detailed and more specific characters for auditions and roles that I book. At Z/A we learn more than just scene study. We also study notable movies and plays of all genres past and present to be the most knowledgeable actor in the room or on set. I have learned so much from Rob and Peter and truly cherish the time I have spent with this welcoming community of actors.
Joan Powers
Avail Artists Management, Los Angeles
“I wanted honest feedback on my work”
Z/A Studio is NOT some kind of a cooker cutter or high volume acting studio where every performance is “Great” – and that’s what attracted me. I needed to know what makes a truly good performance. “There are always notes” – as Rob Zimmerman will tell you. I wanted honest feedback on my work. I wanted to grow as an actor. Z/A Studio has certainly made that a reality for me. I’ve learned that acting is hard work. I’ve begun to understand that stillness is power and that being human is messy. The more specificity an actor can apply, the better. The atmosphere is caring and supportive. Actors are often uniquely strange people and I need to be around people like me. Z/A Studio has become my chosen family.
Betty Bolton
Premier Models and Talent, Honolulu
“More aware of my strengths and weaknesses”
What has been the most valuable acting lesson you have learned in Z/A? To apply psychology into action! It is not about just being an actor, but to be a self-aware person. Acting required me to be more confident in public speaking, to be more aware of my strengths and weaknesses, and to be part of the acting/entertaining industry.
Afta Loojey
San Francisco Actor
“The expectation of your work is greatness”
As soon as I stepped foot in Z/A Studio, I knew I had found my new acting home. The creativity in the room was palpable. The students’ preparation and commitment to their scenes is inspiring to witness and of course the teachers are phenomenal. The teachers hold space for actors and give you the tools – through acting, administration, and attitude – to elevate you as an actor. The expectation of your work is greatness. To truly know yourself and the character, to go deep with your rehearsals. Most importantly they care for you to be a working professional actor, and will get you ready for the real world by turning your dreams into action.
Kerttu Karon
ATM Anchor Talent Management, San Francisco
“I am allowed to dream big”
What I realized as an actor is I don’t need to defend my dream or my life choices. I am allowed to dream big. There is no need to explain it because no one is meant to be perfect. As long as I stay focused, keep doing the things I love, and stay true to myself – that is all that matters.
Paula Sison
Avail Artists Management, Los Angeles
“Supportive and uplifting community”
Z/A has given me solid techniques to improve my confidence and ownership of my craft. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to make any piece of material my own and to explore specific, bold, choices as the actor. I think “explore” is the key word: there are no right or wrong choices if they are well thought out and motivated by character and story. This has given me more freedom in the audition room and made my scene study work so much more enjoyable and inspired. The biggest shift I have made as an actor (and as a person), thanks to Z/A, is that I feel much more comfortable “being seen.” I think this is due to not only the acting technique, but also the supportive and uplifting community in this studio.
Tiger Tam
ADR Agency, Honolulu