I went to study with Jen at a time when I felt that acting had become rather joyless for me. I was stuck in a lot of fear and being inside my head from all the training I had gotten.
Jen walked alongside me in my artistic journey, gently but insistently showing me how to love not only acting but also my own artistic process once again. Her generosity and commitment to see where I was and work with my specific instrument helped liberate me from thought and belief patterns that were really getting in my way, and this gave me the freedom to more consistently and deeply access that awesome “letting go” that all actors seek when they act. I once again felt the joy of connecting to my own artistry without being so focused on results – Jen was completely instrumental in getting me to work from a healthier, more creative place.
I’ve worked with many people but few have her special mix of grounded/ nonjudgmental / humble compassion that Jen has. She is everything you could want in a teacher and she truly empowers actors to be their best selves – their true selves- in their art.”
Jennifer Tsay
Jen came into our work together with no preconceived notions about how to best work with me, and I never felt like I was in some cookie-cutter mold as I have felt with many an acting teacher in the past. Jen took an approach that didn’t allow me to fail myself; rather than dictating what I needed to do, she inspired me to find the pieces that I wanted to work on and make them my own through confidence and love.
Before meeting with Jen, I had a very narrow view of auditioning to go along with a crippling fear. I never felt a connection to the material I presented and I was sure it showed through to whomever was watching. During the course of my time with Jen, I felt unfettered by my old worries about what would “fit” me or what a casting director wanted to see, and through this freedom was able to expand both my horizons and my abilities. She reinforced my inherent belief that acting is merely taking that which all humans do on a regular basis and giving voice to it in many forms. It is simple. Jen knew that where I struggled was in complicating the process, and she cut right through that tendency to show me what I needed to see.
I try to continue to practice Jen’s teachings on a daily basis, and her advice has left me more relaxed and more prepared for whatever comes my way. In reminding me to appreciate what I do and the gift I have been given by being able to do it every day, Jen has proven an invaluable teacher, resource and friend.”
Brett Aresco
Working with Jen brought me back to the world of acting. After ten years on the business side of theater I was terrified to approach text again. Jen shook me up and made me realize the truth that exists in a monologue could be linked to my own personal truth and brought to life. She has an understanding of the “essential” and helps you wade through your doubts and fears so that you can turn any insecurities you may have into fuel for your work. I will always be grateful for Jen’s thoughtful and sensitive approach to one’s personal journey and her patience with me as I regained confidence in my own endeavors.”
Liza Garcia
Working with Jen was an experience that I am extremely grateful for. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t draw on something we talked about or worked on in our sessions; our time together was deeply relevant and illuminating for me, and caused me to think about my career and my life from the inside out instead of the outside in. I truly felt like I had breakthroughs with Jen that I will be exploring for the rest of my life. Her perceptiveness, intelligence, and warmth created a safe and challenging environment to ask important questions, make exciting discoveries, and left me better equipped to honor my true potential. I realize this may sound extreme, but I mean every word. I can’t talk about the experience without using the highest of superlatives.”
Maren Langdon
My sessions with Jen made a profoundly positive impact on both my artistic and personal life. She brought to surface not only an awareness of perspective, but an awareness of the ability to shift perspective in all situations. She gently guided me through the process of breaking down the personal barriers that many artists build between themselves and their work by uncovering large and small truths of the human psyche’s way of functioning in a modern society, especially on the path of creative work. She brought me back to the root of why I love being an actor and a creator: storytelling. With this strengthened core I am able to feed my muse with much more positive stimulation and my process and products have only become easier and stronger.”
Preston Martin
museaiam 