"I recommend Lena to every passionate artist who wants to extend his art, work in a warm atmosphere and be the best! Lena listens to everything and everyone. The workshop is like a second family you hope you will never leave."
~ Beatrice Aureila
Credits:
FILM and TELEVISION: "General Hospital" - Recurring, ABC - "Mr Justice" - supporting, "Shadows of War" - Supporting, "Soirée" - Margaux lead, "Mr. Justice" - supporting, "Evolution" - lead, "Making Mary Stay" - supporting Theatre-Paris (France).
THEATRE: "Billy the Kid and Jean Harlow
" - character, Jean Harlow, LA - "On Tidy Endings" - lead, - LACC Camino Theatre, "Brain From Planet X" -Multiple roles
Estelle Asmodell
Jessica Berkman
"As an experienced foreign student, I came to Hollywood expecting to find over-crowded classes with teachers who watch the clock more than the students...and this was true, until I met Lena Harris. Coming to Lena's studio was like finding an oasis in the middle of a tainted desert, 'Hollywood.' The intense course Lena offered quickly opened up like a Pandora's box, presenting itself with literally a treasure trove of emotions and feelings, some I wasn't aware that I had anymore.
Lena guides her actors in a safe and reassuring manner, and to a new level of trust to help all of us explore methods of creating 'real' emotions without the pain many teachers put method actors through. At the end of the course, I had a beautiful collection of tools and expressions that will enable me to take my acting to a new level."
~ Estelle Asmodelle
Credits:
FILM:"Where Are They Now?" - character: Elle - lead, - "Sex/Life" - character: Donna,- Beyond Productions
"In all my travels my search ended when I met Lena Harris. Lena has a gift for bringing out w
that is unique among each individual, whether the actor is aware of it or not.
Lena guides her students to go past the first thin layer of dialogue and into the underlying actions, depths, and relationships finely threaded throughout the scene. Lena not only understands the art, and lives the art, but is art herself.
Lena is not only a brilliant instructor to me, she is my mentor."
"We watch our favorite actors in wonderment. Their genius seems to originate from a mysterious higher power. Lena's guidance allows you to find your way through that mystery. She shows you that through the right process this higher power exists in all of us. The inevitable result of this intense and rewarding work: You find that you are the actor that you always wanted to be."
~ Jessica Blair
Jessica Blair graduated from Florida State University
(Magna Cum Laude)
Jessica Blair recently received the - THE BEST LEADING ACTRESS AWARD for her role as Suzanne Goldstein in "The Twilight of the Gold" - Palos Verdes Players Annual Awards
Credits:
TV:The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
FILM:"American Son" - Lead, "Escaping Reality" - Supporting, "EL Botones" Supporting.THEATRE: "Welcome to the Moon" - Candleligh -Alicia, "Twilight of the Golds"- character: Suzanne Goldstein, "Chamber Music" at The Company of Angels - character: Joan of Arc, "Jimmy Christ" - Mary, Space Theatre with Dream house Ensemble "Room Service" - Hilda Manney, Space Theatre - with the Dream house Ensemble "The Twilight of the Golds" - Suzanne Goldstein, Palos Verdes Players -
"Lena's workshop was the greatest experience I have ever had.
Lena pushes you emotionally to places you think you could never go. Once you get there, she has a way to keep you motivated to want to continue to grow as actor and as a person. She not only teaches you to master a skill, but at the same time you learn who youare."
~ Dominic Bonelli
Credits:
FILM:"White Out"- lead role,
EMMY WINNER - Film Documentary
Lacey Bonner
"Lena teaches techniques and methods that are clear and specific.
Lena's workshop has definitely transformed me as an actor!!! She demands the best out of her students. With Lena I have developed so many tools, and now my talent is accessible and truthful."
~ Lacey Bonner
Credits:
THEATRE:"Hocus Pocus" - lead role, Magicopolis Theatre
"Acting class with Lena is fun, rewarding and confidence building. Being able to work on professionally produced scenes in which you get to watch yourself on the Internet is a truly unique class for the actor. Lena’s experience, keen eye, positive spirit and dedication to helping you get the best out of yourself is inspiring. It motivates you to give this business your best shot."
~ Marty Donlan
Credits:
FILM and TELEVISION: "Heaven Sent" - co-starring, "Good As God" - co-starring, "Dissolution" - supporting, "The Country Girl" - co-starring, "The Apartment" - lead, "I'm Sorry, Goodbye - co-starring, "The Working Press"- lead, "The Client" - lead, "Martha's Death" - co-starring, "Manslaughter" - co-starring, -" Career" - co-starring, "Trafficking" - co-starring, "Middle of the Night" - co-starring, -"Good God" - co-starring.
THEATRE: "Picnic" - lead, "Fools" - lead, "Waiting for Godot" - lead, -"Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf" - lead, "Beyond Therapy" - lead, "A Fireman" - lead, "Robert and Anna" - co-starring, -"The Accident" - co-starring, "Ready to Die" - co-starring, "Class in Session" - co-starring,
Matteo Faeth
Kim Flowers
"My one piece of advice is do not take Lena Harris workshop unless you are serious about acting! I say this because Lena expects great effort and discipline in her workshop so the actors may accomplish their goals. Lena’s technique allows the actor to focus and sharpen their skills. Lena provides techniques for breaking down a script and fully commit to preparation, while at the same time allowing you to enjoy the process. Lena’s extensive knowledge and insight of the industry and audition techniques is invaluable. I came away each week with the tools I need to pursue my dream of becoming an actor. Lena pushes hard to awaken and bring to the surface the talent I always knew in my heart that I posses."
~ Matteo Faeth
Credits:
FILM:“The Real Meaning”,Lead -
"In an industry that is so hard on the creative spirit, Lena’s support helps you to remember why as artists we do what we do. Working with her is one of the best experiences of my life. She teaches me how to bring the best to each of my performances. Her dedication and insight has given me the confidence to realize my own potential. I trust her with my craft completely."
~ Kimberely Flowers
Credits:
THEATRE:"Medea" - lead role
Tauren Galway
"Lena has the eye of an eagle, which allows you to grow faster than you can imagine.
Never have I ever felt safer to explore my talent in such an unconditional setting. Soar into the world of acting with Lena Harris, today’s Best Coach!”
~ Tauren Galway
Producer-Writer-Actor
Credits:
FILM & TV:“Final Decision” - Billy, "Hot Times at Monclair High" - Ziggy, "Virgin High" - Leonard Klapner, "Street Soldiers" - Max, lead, "Frank & Jesse" - Prison Guard, "Bed & Breakfast",lead "Gang Justice" - lead, "Murder She Wrote" - co-star, "Matlock" - co-star, "The Lemon Grove",lead - "Charles In Charge", "Hot Shots"Pilot - on-going role, - "Get on the Bus" - "Grease" - Danny,
"With Lena I am closing in on my life long dream - a dream since childhood.
Lena's studio is unique. It is more than a weekly lesson. We walk away with something tangible for our efforts - and at each session we benefit more. More importantly I feel the valuable influence of a gifted mentor in Lena."
~ Rudy Giordani
Actor-Song Writer-Rap Artist -
Credits -
Rudy is an actor, song writer, and rap artist - and his group,
THE DERT MERCHANTS, performs"Sick Hop" inall the major "cool" clubs in California.
FILM:"The Preacher and the Skin Head" - lead - Post-Production
Berda Gilmore
'It is hard to find a coach who is more deeply committed to her craft and to her students than Lena Harris. Not only is she an amazing coach but she is a wonderful person. Each class is packed with everything an actor needs -- acting technique, industry information and technical knowledge about working on camera.
There is simply no class like it and I would not hesitate to recommend Lena to anyone, at any acting level."
~ Berda Gilmore
Berda hails from Houston, Texas and moved to New York after completing her education at Yale University.
Credits-
FILM: "Everything's Jake"- Lead, "The Witch of Potobello" The Peter Sherney Chapter""Suspended Cable Car"- starring role, "Small Town"- Starring role, "Crusher"- ** Film Corner and excepted at the 2008 Los Angeles International Short Film Festival - "Dark Night" - feature role, "Evangeleo"- feature, 2007 Slamdance Film Festival Offical Selection -"The Fight Is The Easy Part"- co-starring, "2007 Sundays In the City": March Movie Marathon Offical Selection - "Trilogy Of Being"- starring, "Rose" Co-starring, "Circu-Lus" - feature, "A Light in the Window Lost" - feature, "Disorder"- co-starring, "Apartment 5-D"- starring, "In Sanity"- starring, "Lost Dog" -co-starring.
THEATRE: "The Beautiful Ones" - lead, "Out of the Closet" - Supporting, "Closer" - Anna, "I Ought To Be In Pictures" -Lilly, "Twelth Night" Viola, "Midsummer Nights Dream" - Puck, "Dummas & Son LTD" -Narrator, "The Big-X-Mas Blow up -Suzy Troll, "Iphegenia and Other Daughters" - Chrysothemis, "Vinegar Tom" - Susan, "Democracy Inatcion" -Topaz, "Measure For Measure" Isabella, "Midnight Cowboy"
"Lena has impacted me profoundly as an actor and as a person. I feel very fortunate to have met her and my confidence soared after studying with her. Lena is is intense and demanding of her actors. Sheis firm, yet she provides positive outlets for you to explore and grow. Lena creates a warm and safe work environment resulting less awareness on myself and my focus remains completely on the work. Every moment, movement, exercise, monologue or scene is firmly grounded in the Meisner technique. Thanks to my training with Lena, I feel comfortable, confident , relaxed and prepared for any type of work in theatre, film, or TV. Lena will equip you with all the necessary tools; not to just be an actor, but to be a confident, SKILLED ACTOR. Lena is an incredible teacher and an even better person. I am blessed to work with her and will continue to do so."
~ Arden Haywood
Credits -
THEATRE: "Inspecting Carol" - Walter E. Parson, - Palos Verdes Playhouse,
2 Time nominee -"Best Character Actor " Palos Verdes Players Annual Awards; -"Beyond Therapy" - character- Bob,
Christy Jackson
"Lena gives a lot and expects a lot.
She has completely transformed me as an actor and as individual. She teaches in a supportive environment which allows you to feel safe even during those times when you feel most vulnerable and are working through the not-so-easy process. The techniques she teaches are key elements in my becoming an actor. Lena's class has strengthened my capacity to perform truthfully and organically under any acting circumstance.”
~ Christy Jackson
Credits:
THEATRE: " The Interrogation" - lead, - LA - "Of Mice and Men" - Curley's wife - lead, - LA
“Lena Harris is not a teacher for those actors who seek only to act. Rather, she caters to those actors who seek to grow in their craft through discipline and hard work. The physical and mental dues you will pay far exceed what you will pay her financially.
But through her firmness and love you will realize that great actors are MADE not BORN.”
THEATRE: "Gifts Of Magic"- supporting, "The Limp" - lead, "Ancient Majesty" - lead, "The Last Act" - supporting, "Ring Of Truth" - supporting, "Due Dilligence" - supporting, "Generation Beemer" - supporting, "Nipping At Your Nose" -supporting,"Dead Reconing" - supporting, "Stitches"- supporting, "An Enemy Of The People" - supporting, "The King And I" - supporting, "Inherit The Wind" - supporting.
"I can honestly say that when I came to Los Angeles, I was completely clueless about finding a reputable acting studio. Luckily for me, a personal manager mentioned Lena Harris. That one recommendation has truly changed my life personally and professionally. Through her first-hand knowledge and mastery of “Meisner Technique,” and her inventive exercises for true emotion, I now have the confidence I needed to succeed in the entertainment business as a trained professional. Lena will teach you tools that you can use and sharpen throughout your professional career. If you are ready to learn how to act truthfully “moment to moment” in a nurturing environment, where YOU are the main focus, then the Lena Harris Studio is the place for you!”
~ Sean King
Actor/ Producer/ Writer
Awards:
WRITER: "Generation Gap"- (The Hallmark Channel) - Starring Ed Asner.
Winner of ** THE CAMIE AWARDforBEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAYfor "Generation Gap" 2009.
ACTOR/PRODUCER: “In the Name of My Father” - lead role, ** CANNES FILM FESTIVAL.
WRITER/DIRECTOR:"Sibling Rivalry”– Winner - ** BEST CHILDREN'S SHORT Short .
WRITER/DIRECTOR: - "No Time to Play" **NEW YORK INDEPENDENT FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL
Credits:
TELEVISION: “The West Wing” - co-star (Warner Bros TV), -“E-Ring” – co-star, "Vegas Urban Legends" - Guest Star,- "The Plot to Assassinate Richard Nixon" - Guest Star Principal, The History Channel. Mostly True Stories: "Urban Legends Revealed" - Guest Star. " Monster House"- Featured The Discovery Channel.
FILM: "Dark Blue" - Featured, "Wonder Boys"- Featured, "Inconvenient Robbery" - Lead, "A Days Wait" - Lead, "Mountian Road" - Lead, "Hindsight" - Lead - “A Day’s Wait” – lead, - “Kid Fears” – lead, - “Yours is Mine” – lead, "The Edge" - Starring, "Lay it Down" Featured, "Silverlake Video: The movie" -starring role.
THEATRE:"Requeim for a Heavyweight" -Pete, Sky Pilot Theatre Company,"The Teahouse of the August Moon"- lead (LA), -"John Loves Mary"- lead (LA), - "It's a Wonderful Life" - lead (LA),
“Declining Stock of John David”– lead, "You Can't Take It With You" - Lead/Tony, "A Street Car Named Desire" - Lead /Stanley
"Lena's class is the best thing I have ever done for my career, not only as an actor, but also in the musical industry. Lena has taught me how to become a skilled and professional actor. Her intensive course in the Meisner technique has proven to be more valuable than anything else I've ever been able to bring to the table The proof is that when I was doing a network TV show this week, and was given no direction, I brought out something specific that Lena had taught me when working on a comedic monologue in class. The director loved what I brought to them, and fell on the floor laughing.I am always using things that I learned in class that has proven valuable beyond belief. Lena has given me confidence in my abilities as an actor, and I truly owe her for the successes I have achieved. Good thing she doesn't work on commission. Thank you, Lena."
~ Bobby Leigh
Actor/ Producer
TOUR PRODUCTION:Guns-N-Roses, Kiss, Quiet Riot, Joan Jett, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Credits-
FILM:"Lefty" - Sony Pictures/The WB Sitcom "The Mayor" (Kate Hudson's boyfriend) - Lee" in "That Was Then", Guest Starred (recurring) role ABC/Family Pillot "East of Normal - West of Weird". FILM PRODUCTION: Broken, K-Nurd (w/starring role) "Infidelity", "Childlike Violence", "Burning Man","The Dogwalker The Guitar Player's Girlfriend"** WINNER of the LOS ANGELES SCREENWRITING COMPETITION, The film premiered at the FA Vision Fest,The Directors Guild of America.
Glenn Lentz
"Lena has the wonderful ability to be caring resulting in the actor not feeling threatened or intimidated during this challenging process. Her approach is one that a student seriously looking to to learn acting techniques will embrace. Also you will have the opportunity to see yourself perform on film each time you work. I appreciate all the help and encouragement she has given me through the years!!!! After training with her I feel that I am capable of tackling any job out there."
~ Glenn Lentz
Credits-
TV: NBC Pilot:"A House Divided" - "Rio Diablo" (Movie of the Week) - Featured Opposite Kenny Rogers, - "There Goes My Baby" Supporting - "Speak of the Devil"-
THEATRE:"Ensenada" Lead
Misty Louwagie
" Lena creates magic.
She is the most effective coach that I have ever experienced as well as being the best communicator.
She is without a doubt the finest experience to date of my ever-evolving craft. She never engages in negative criticism which eliminates fear and allows you to soar. Her techniques are my wings. She is my mentor and my friend"
~ Misty Louwagie
Credits-
FILM and TELEVISION: "A Lot Like Love" - featured, Nigel Cole, Director--"Any Given Sunday" - featured, Director, Oliver Stone--"The Welcome Inn" - lead, Director, Vincent Desalo - "Entourage" - co-star (HBO),"Sketch Pad" - co-star (HBO), -"Ally McBeal" - co-star (FOX), "Angel" - co-star (Warner Bros),--"Walker Texas Ranger" - co-star (CBS)
Misty Louwagie is a Former MISS TEXAS
Billy Mac
“ Studing with Lena Harris has given me the tools and knowledge I need to become the actor that I have always aspired to be.”
~ Billy Mac
Credits -
THEATRE: "Go Out and Get Your SAG Card Bitch!" -
Whitmore and Lindley Theatre Center - Supporting.
Krisren Marshall
"Brilliant, intriguing, beautiful, talented, caring and graceful are all words that come to mind when I think of Lena. Studying with her truly changed my life. I always knew I wanted to be a professional actor, but Lena made me realize the hunger I have, and brought out the passion I needed to stick with it and not give up. Lena offers a safe environment for her actors to work on technique and overcome their fears. She is nurturing and such an amazing teacher. She provides the tools and confidence you need to feel comfortable when walking into an audition. She can brighten up any day and I only wish I could take her workshop everyday! "
~ Kristen Marshall
Actress/ Dancer/Choreographer
Credits-
Theatre: "Diary of a Catholic School Dropout", Lead -
Film: "Jawbone", Lead - Scavenger -
"
Pizza with Bullets"
Choreographer: "Dancescape"
Joey Mayer
"Before studying at the Lena Harris Studio, I was just someone who wanted to be an actress – full of fear and sitting on the fence. I was so nervous because of some harsh experiences I had had with other coaches. By the first class, I knew I'd found a diamond in this rough industry.
Lena's knowledge and personalized instruction is extraordinary, all the while remaining sensitive to the actor's vulnerability. The environment was conducive to relaxation and trust amongst the students. As a result of my work with Lena, I knew that I had finally "gotten it" – as in, what it takes to be a skilled, professional working actress. Overall, Lena's class is a powerful inspiration in my life."
~ Joey Mayer
Credits-
FILM and TELEVISION: "The Sheriff's Daughter"- Supporting, "Double Cross" - Lead, -"Folie A Tois" - Lead, - "Had Milk!" - Lead, "Engrossed"- Supporting,"Gilmore Girls" - Warner Brothers, "American Dreams" - NBC, "Port Charles" ABC Television
Monique Moen
"Studying with Lena was th best thing I could have done for my career as well as the rest of my life. I have learned what it means to be true to myself and to be fully present. This class has taught me to trust my instincts and not be afraid of them. I attribute this to Lena's ís skill, the techniques she teaches and firm yet warm guidance. Lena definitely takes you to the next level, and demands that you explore those scary, unfamiliar places to which you would never have gone before. Lena presents a clear sense of organization and focus which I have discovered is difficult to find in other classes. This class has given me the tools to be a skilled and fascinating actor."
~ Monique Moen
Credits
FLM: "Mary"- lead, "Whatever"(Mary:ll) lead - "The Great Houdini" - Mrs. Kleppini/Margery Crandon , -"A Special Place" - Evita Peron, - "Choices" - Deb/Emily, - "The Frankensteins" -Feature - Lead, "Twin Peaks" - Donna, "Poly Chroma Girl" - Lead, "Overdose" - Mrs. Marcellas
THEATRE: -"A Sting in the Tail." Knightsbridge Theatre, L.A. - Co-Star, "Jesus Christ Superstar" - Soul Girl, "Electra" - Chrysothemis
"I came to Lena Harris as an aspiring director seeking a deeper understanding of the actor’s craft by learning hands on. After all, a good director knows how to evoke from his actors the performances necessary to tell the story well. My time spent with Lena has been invaluable; her teaching methods have given me great insights and have undoubtedly helped me grow as an artist. Not enough can be said about Lena as a person, she is wonderful. As a coach she is focused, pleasantly critical, inspiring, and ameliorating. Although it was never my intention, in the process of becoming a better director, I’ve become anactor"
"Someone asked me a year ago if I had a mentor, someone who made an impact in my life. I thought and I thought but came up empty. If they were to ask me that today, I would emphatically answer Lena Harris! Lena truly touched my life and believed in me when I was about to give up on a childhood dream."
~ Raquel Nicholas
Credits -
THEATRE:"Little Shop of Horrors" - Lead, "Hello Out There" - Lead FILM: Currently Shooting "Strong Medicine"
Robbi Jo Oliver
" The Lena Harris Studio is the best kept secret in L.A.
Lena promotes growth and development to an actor and on every level. She is a dedicated teacher who builds confidence and continually challenges you to grow and achieve your goals. Lena Harris is an inspiration to me."
"I could write for days about how wonderful Lena and her teaching has been for me. Nobody has ever gotten through to me or understood me as much as she does. I came into her class being the stubborn person that I've always been, thinking I knew everything. After just one class, that whole mind set changed. She's pulled so much out of me that I never knew I had. Thanks so much Lena."
~ Jerrod Phillips
Jerrod is a singer/song writer. He plays his guitar and sings in all the cool places around LA.
Thanks to Lena Harris this bird is soaring in the right direction…where dreams come alive! I am so grateful."
~ Zoe Reheem
Actress/ Singer/Song Writer
Credits -
FILM: "Beg, Borrow or Steal"- starring role.Premiered at the SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
"Private" - as one of the "Billings Girls" Web Series from the producers of CW's "Gossip Girls"
SINGER/ SONG WRITING COLLABORATIONS: Hebbie Hancock - LA. CocoRosie - New York, London & LA, Stephen Brandon - Sydney, Cornelius Herring - LA, Sam Adams - Santa Barbara, and performances in San Francisco, New Tokyo and St. Tropez Collaborating with Cocorosie, George Byrne, Spencer Barnitz - The Gardener (to name a few).
MODELING: Runway shows and still photography for: Spa Magazine, Shape Magazine, Woman's Weekly, Blue Bee and others.
"Acting is a challenging and intimidating field, but studying with Lena Harris helped me to face-off these two issues. Her character and professionalism are an inspiration to me. "I want to be like Lena when I grow up."(smile). She has been a top source of encouragement in my desire to continue to pursue a career in acting. With her coaching I am encouraged to dig deeper emotionally and to make the choices needed--so that each character became more than one-dimensional. With her knowledge, I began to understand the process. I enjoy watching her work with others in the workshop as she directs and blocks each scene. She makes it fun, and keeps it simple with lots of encouragement, direction and insight.
There is a worn-out cliche in Hollywood--that it's not what you know--but who you know. Well, "I know Lena," and now I've got the "what! !"
~ Honey Sanchez
Credits -
THEATRE: "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" - lead role, Elaine Nevazio
Michael Semosh
" Lena Harris is the best teacher !!"
~Michael Semosh
Credits -
FILM: "Pearl Harbor" - Doolittle Pilot, "The Plot" - Chris,-"Lethal Force" - feature, - "Positions of Power"- lead, -"The Final" - lead - "Soiree" - featured, Crossfire"- Bruno, "Out Of Sight"-lead, - "Minimun Wage" - Bobby/supporting, "The Good Life" - Mike/Lead, "The Friendship" - Mark/lead, "The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel" - lead, "The Conversation" - Jemmy/lead, "The Sand Box" - Frank/supporting, "Soiree" - Paul/supporting.
THEATRE: "Tracers" -Baby Sam - Knightsbridge Theater in Pasadena,- "Marat/ Sade" - Patient, - "Geography of a Horse Dreamer - Jasper, "Line" - Dolan, "The Hawking of the Wren's Nest" - Joey.
Natasha Senkovich
" It was with Lena that I had my big emotional breakthroughs when I began to study acting, and it is her whom I trust with my continued progress. Lena creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and warmth among the actors in her studio, which I think is extremely important in being able to open up and grow as an actor. Lena is an extremely supportive and nurturing acting teacher. I am am very fortunate to have her as my teacher."
THEATRE: "Othello"- Emilia, - "The Children's Hour" - Karen
Tariq Sharif
"Simply put, Lena Harris has the ability to bring out every emotion you never thought you had...and then teaches you how and when to use them."
~ Tariq Sharif
Credits -
THEATRE: "The Interrogation" - lead LA
Charles Shumar
"Lena Harris shows you the way to be focused, while learning to trust your inner abilities. Studying with Lena has made a great impact on me. She is truly a wonderful teacher. Thank you Lena."
"Studying with Lena Harris is an experience that will carry you through your career and your life.
Lena's class is so good because she knows so much about the business and what you need to be able to work successfully in the industry. I know I'll take everything I've learned and be able to use it for the rest of my life to broaden my craft."
~ Shawn G. Smith
Credits -
Shawn's new movie"Fetch" is in post-production!
Shawn is currently playing the role of the photographer in " The Bold and the Beautiful". His movie "Knight to FA" was released in 2009. - FILM and TELEVISION:"Soiree" - Jack,-"Christmas Pagent" - co-star,- "Force of One" co-star - for Russian Television, -"Minimum Wage" - lead, - "Cross Fire III" - lead, -"30 Days of Night Blood:Blood Trails"- Cal, - TV mini-series, - "Green River Killer" Coworker #1, (V) ,-"Passions" Friend, Passions (USA), - "Days of our Lives" Jake, (4 episodes, 2003-2005), - "Knight to F4" Duke, -"Zombie Nation" Jimmy Bains, -"Soire (2003/I) .... Jack "Russkie v George Angelov" (Russia) ... aka Russians in the City of Angels (International: English title), "The Blood of Success" (as Shawn G. Smith)
"The three things I seek to express in my own acting (and that I look for when watching other actors) are positive influences, true originality, and creative beauty. All the great actors that I admire have some of these qualities. Lena Harris teaches all three.
She nurtures each actor to bring their original gifts to an audience, and teaches how to create a finished performance from their choices, her wisdom and her experience. An actor with something to say could have no finer teacher. Lena Harris focus is professionalism at the highest level. Each class is an opportunity to work at that level."
~ Chris Tatum
Credits -
FILM: "Epicac" - feature role, - Premiers Universal Studios, - currently writing screenplay entitled "The Heart for the City"
"Training under the instruction of Lena Harris has been a huge stepping stone for me, not only in my acting career, but in my personal life as well. She teaches the craft of acting with constructive criticism and provides you with all the "tools" needed to apply in every situation. All you have to do is use them! She has taught me how to bring out my inner self and feel confident about the choices I make. She has helped me to break down emotional barriers, understand my own actions and motivations, and truly connect with others. She is positive in her teaching, and brings you to a height that never ever occurred to you before, and helps you conquer the obstacles in getting there. Her technique is unique, and she helps create well-rounded and unique actors.
Training with Lena is one of the best choices I have made. I feel honored to be a part of her class."
~ DeniseThurman
Credits-
FILM: "Cycle of Abuse" - Lead, "The Crane" - Lead.
THEATRE: "Sketchofrenic" - various roles, LA Comedy Theatre, "Rookie" Improv Show - various roles, LA Comedy Theatre, "The Odd Couple": Female Verson, Ceilidh Theatre
"I cannot adequately express how wonderful this whole experience is! Lena Harris is an excellent instructor who has a great knowledge. Studying with her is very challenging and Lena expects you to work hard. She creates a safe, fun learning environment. I have grown so much with Lena."
~ Adria Unger
- Credits-
FILM: "The Pursuit of Happiness" - supporting - "Tact; Not Included" - supporting, "The Devel and Tom Walker"- lead,"Soul Business" - supportung.
THEATRE: "Hello Out There" - "the Girl" - lead, "Crimes of the Heart" character- Babe, "Steel Magnolias" character - Shelby -lead - "Antigone"- lead
Anissa Von Rover
“Training with Lena Harris has given me a solid foundation that has allowed me a great level of confidence – not only for my acting, but for my dancing and singing pursuits as well. Lena is a dynamic instructor who teaches you how to overcome your fears and expand your creativity.”
"Lena Harris is the finest teacher. She provides a solid foundation for acting - in a safe, warm, supportive environment.
Lena unties your wings...so you can fly."
~ Margaret West
Credits -
THEATER: "Commanche Cafe" - Flo, LA - "Lynette at 3AM" - Lynette - LA
Stacey Williamson
"My God!! There are no words that can describe Lena Harris and her on-camera acting workshop.
Lena is full of inspiration, insight, patience, and nudging. She inspires me to continue in times of doubt. She is brilliantly insightful and very patient with me at times when I feel that I will not get it. She gently nudges me when I was afraid to try that new thing.
All in all, Lena sees the unique actress in me, and is there to make sure everyone else sees the same thing!
When I am accepting awards for my work in the near future, Lena will always have that special thank you from my heart."
~ Stacey Williamson
Credits-
THEATRE:"The Owl and the Pussycat" - Doris, "Bethleham Evening News" Mary
" Lena Harris has had the most influence on my acting technique. Her passion for teaching actors how 'NOT to act,' but 'how to identify with a particular character' through her use of colors, actions, circumstances, and day-dreaming technique has really had a huge impact on how I approach a particular role. She is truly a Grade 'A' acting coach who is endearing, and every actor who wants to get 'serious' about their career should make it a point to experience the 'Lena Harris' Workshop."
~ Stacy C. Wilson
-Credits-
FILM and TELEVISION:"The Uninsured Detective" - Pilot - featured, "Teasers" - supporting, "The Meaning of the Blues" - supporting, "Burning"Heart- Dream Thief