Adult Recommendations

Donise,

Thank you so much.  That was the best investment I’ve made thus far in this exciting adventure.  I was so nervous coming in. You made the day incredible.  I am getting new head shots next week and can’t wait for my next audition.  Your encouragement and knowledge have inspired and motivated me. I cannot thank you enough.
You totally Rock!

Thanks,
CJ T.

Hi Donise!

Thank you SO much for sharing all of your knowledge, and patience, and genuine interest in helping us grow as actors.

Commercial acting is a little bit different breed than film acting – and it’s been a long time since I’ve done any commercial work… So Saturday morning had me feeling like I had never acted before in my life! But by the end of the day, I really felt like I had made progress! 

Your class definitely has a good balance of challenging actors to grow, while making them feel safe enough to do so.
And I also left knowing exactly what I can practice at home to be prepared for my next audition!

And thank you again!

O’Ryan L.

Hi Donise,

Thanks again for the brilliant workshop today!  I feel like I’ve been baptized in gold!  I appreciate you answering all my questions so attentively and with such patience and kindness.

It was truly a great blessing to be there and I treasure the knowledge you shared with such style, grace, and charm!  Thanks sincerely, 

Geronimo S. 

Dear Donise,

It was so good to see you on Saturday at the bank auditions.

Your commercial workshop has helped me so much. I have a 90% booking and callback ratio, all because of what I learned from you. So thank you for sharing your experience with the class. It has made a tremendous impact on my career.

I am forever grateful for you challenging me to be better. I am still learning. 

Amelia J.

Dear Donise,

Thank you so much for an incredible audition class.  I can’t tell you how much I learned and what a fun day that was.  I absolutely love your humor, fast pace and direct style balanced with the support and “you can do it” vibe.  I took pages of notes and am so grateful for all your handouts. 

If you ever need an intern for a project or a day, I would love to help you for all you have passed over to me and it would be great experience for me to learn more.

You have an excellent reputation (I asked around ) and I see why!  One does not leave that class the same as how they entered it!  I have and will continue to send actors your way!

Many, many thanks!

Monica S.

Hi Donise,

I wanted to thank you for being so open and honest about how the acting business works here in Austin.  And teaching us how just the tweaking of a sentence and putting our own spin on it can set us apart from the others. Like saying “I have a date” differently and actually taking off the frickin’ jacket!!!
 
I definitely got my money’s worth yesterday!

Thanks again,

Cinda D.

Dear Donise, 

Thank you for the photographer list and once again thank you for such a wonderful seminar. I learned a great deal. It has provided me a new-found approach toward the audition process, and find empowerment in shaping my career.

Thanks again! I’ll make sure to spread the good word about your awesome seminar! This is a seminar more actors need to know about.

Sincerely,

Tiger S.

Dear Donise,

I really enjoyed meeting you and taking the workshop yesterday. Your workshop was the first commercial casting workshop I have done and I loved it.

I have taken a few classes with a local acting studio and I have enjoyed them but I feel like I learned more from you yesterday than I have in the several classes I have taken in Dallas. Thank you so much for all your advice and I look forward to taking another workshop from you.

Thanks again!
Remy R.

Dear Donise,

Thank you for a workshop chock-full of information and ‘on camera’ opportunity. Your many nuggets of wisdom, your coaching - and your witty deliveries - made today a valuable and fun experience; I’m so pleased I could join the class!

I look forward to our next meeting.

Belinda A.

Donise,

Thank you, thank you!!!!

The workshop was SO much fun- I left feeling so good, it was one of the best days ever.

I just wanted you to know how grateful I am to you for all of the feedback and the time spent on exploration.  I’ve never seen myself act on camera and instead of it freaking me out, I got to listen to you help me, so that was beyond awesome.

I have acting class on Wednesdays but when those stop I’ll make it to the Mixers. 

Thank you for all the tips and advice Donise, I’ll contact you soon.  You deserve all the praise in the world for how you lift up actors’ confidence and help them navigate the mysterious world of The Industry!

Tatiana A.

Donise,

Your class on Saturday was WONDERFUL. Truly life-changing, and it was fun too. I would like to take your advanced class and would also like to receive information for the upcoming improv class you mentioned. 

I’ve attached my updated resume. If you have time to review it I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks again!

Best, 

Laura A.

Dear Donise,

What a wonderful time your workshop was on Saturday.  I really enjoyed it, learned so much, and am looking forward to my next audition with all my new knowledge! 

Thank you for your offer to review our new resumes.  Attached is mine, please let me know any ways I can improve it. 

I found your critiques and encouragements to be so helpful.  I would love to be put on the waiting list for your advanced class this summer, and will be recommending your class to others. 

Have an amazing day, and thank you again for everything!

Best,
Angela F.

Donise,
      
Thank You for the workshop this past weekend. I have been thinking about it all week and I can’t tell you how much it helped me to remember how blessed I am to be doing what I’m doing and to have FUN!

Sometimes it can be so hard to drop what’s going on outside those theatre doors and just be in the moment and enjoy life with every second that we act. 

Not only did you teach me new skills but you reached me in different ways as well… To Have fun! Be Me! And don’t let anything stop me.  

I can’t thank you enough,
 
Thanks,

Amber W.

Donise!

I really enjoyed it and can’t believe how much I learned!

I was going to send an email to Joe about how much it helped me. I was also going to send your flyer to him with your permission so he can send an email to all Clutts actors.

Hopefully I can come back down soon and attend another mixer!

I am also interested in your advanced workshop in June/July. Please keep me informed!

Thanks again for helping my confidence! Such a pleasure to finally meet you!

Amy D.

Hey Donise,

I really REALLY had fun in your workshop! I feel so much more confident, & a lot of it had to do with the fact that I had no clue what I was doing in commercial auditions!

I’m glad I made the trip down from Dallas & had a chance to work with you.

Bobby R.

Donise:

I just wanted to say thank you so much for teaching the commercial class in Dallas last weekend.  It was a wonderful class and I learned so much about “How To”, “What Not to Do”, and “What to Do” in the audition process for commercials.  I am actually taking another 6 week commercial class, at a well respected Dallas institution, and I have not learned nearly as much in those 6 weeks as I learned in your one day class!  (Actually, I am not sure that I have learned anything at all in the other 6 week class – what a waist of time and money!)

I know I have a long way to go, but I am determined to get there through study and perseverance.  But, I feel like I have shortened my trip by taking your class and putting everything you taught me into play. 

Thank you again.  Good luck in everything you have going on and hopefully I will see you in the near future! 

Sincerely,
Alyson H.

Hi Donise –

I just wanted to say it was a pleasure meeting you finally yesterday, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with you and learn from you. I definitely feel like my auditioning skills improved over the course of the workshop, and I learned so much more about the commercial side of the business and commercial auditions. The majority of my work has been in films and some television, so this was a great experience for me, since I’m trying to expand more into the commercial side. It was also great to meet Daniel as well, since I’ve heard so many great things about him from Liz Reeder.

Thanks so much for your time and knowledge, it was truly a great class. I look forward to seeing you at the showcase at Studio E on March 9th! Have a great day.

Cheers~

Marissa G.

Hi Donise,

Hope you made it home safely from Dallas.  I was so energized after Saturday’s workshop, I buzzed for 3 hours…then completely fell out like I’d been in a marathon.  Actually, I had.  What a creative, action-packed day!  Your wisdom and feedback on our mock auditions were invaluable.  There were so many “ah-ha” moments that if I’d said “a-ha” out loud like you suggested, you would have wanted to kick me…out!   Imagining the CD/director/etc in their birthday suit when I slate will likely be the most fun to put into practice.  I’m heading to Austin tomorrow for a HEB commercial callback so I’ll be putting things into immediate use!
  
Warm regards
 
Dana  F.

Dear Donise,

Thank you so much for all the wonderful teaching and invaluable information you gave us during your acting/auditioning workshop, yesterday in Austin. I was looking forward to it and I can say, from the bottom of my heart, that it was truly worth it for me to drive from Houston and be part of it. I learned so much! It’s obvious that you do have, indeed, the knowledge and the experience that people can acquire only through many years of hard work in this tough business.

I know I have a lot of work to do to further develop and refine my acting skills, but I’m a very determined and dedicated individual and I’m doing all I can to learn as much as possible.

Thanks again and hope to see you in the near future.

Fabrizia F.

Hi Donise,

When I decided that I wanted to begin acting last year, I went to my first audition and was completely clueless— I didn’t even know how to stand on the line! I then proceeded to ask the casting director when I should start speaking and where I should look. (I know you are cringing right now). Needless to say, I didn’t get that job. HOWEVER, I will no longer make a fool of myself because I was able to spend a day in your class. Not only will I avoid embarrassing myself, but I feel completely prepared to ace my next audition!

I can’t tell you how unbelievably fortunate I am to have had the opportunity to take your TV Commercial Audition class. What I have learned in the past eight hours is information that will save me so much time and effort in the future, AND it was a blast! I truly feel that attending your class has been the best career move I have made yet. Your honesty and firsthand experience were so helpful, and on top of that, you have an incredible sense of humor—I laughed every hour. More than anything, though, I genuinely felt that you presented me with the tools to be the best actor I could be—on the set AND off.

This was such an incredible workshop that I will absolutely recommend to every actor I know.

Ashley H.

Donise,

Thank you SOOOO much for scribbling on my slate today!  I had a blast, and I learned some valuable information that I’m SURE will get me more Principle roles in commercials.  Thank you for the handouts, tips and this email as well.  I’m very interested in taking your Advanced class.  Please let me know when you’ll have more.
 
I’m so excited to meet someone who’s been through Cairo AND Alex.  What a SMALL world!

Blessings,

Chan McN.

Hi Donise!

I do want to say thank you mostly for being patient with me more importunately I appreciate your direction. I learned so much today and I am exhausted. Your class is excellent and I will tell many many many many people. Please put me down for your next class if you think I will qualify for your advanced session.

Again, thanks…

Scott W.

Hey Donise!

Thank you again for such a great class and taking the time to write the agents on behalf of your students.

I intend to do my best here and continue to become better (with some more fabulous advanced classes from a wonderful teacher….do you know her?

Thank you again though for talking to me, I really appreciate your concern and your interest in me! Your class really bestowed in some much needed confidence I was having difficulties with earlier and for that I can’t thank you enough!

Linz

**Donise~ You taught my First Acting Workshop.  You are tough and chewed me up but I learned so much from you!  I left as your “most improved student”! lol  I have taken several classes, workshops, and training since.   BUT Lady~ you are top on my list!  Actors, young and old, should take the opportunity to work with you.  Not only are you a great acting instructor but a lady with class.

I am very proud to have all to know how much your class and YOU influenced my career.

Connie M.

Hi, Donise,

Thank you so much for all of the valuable information you shared with us in class and especially for taking the time to email P/B for me! Since attending your workshop, I’ve booked both a leading and a day player role in two SAG films!

Thanks again!

Shelley B.

Hi, Donise,

Thank you so much for the incredible workshop. I really appreciate all of the effort you put into it. I learned more this past Saturday than in most of my other classes combined. I am really looking forward to the Advanced workshop in November.

I hope your back and shoulder heal soon. Take care have an awesome week.

Hugs,

Jeremy S.

Donise -

Since taking your workshop in July, I have booked three commercials,
one national! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom – I know it
set me apart from the rest of the pack. Keep up the great work!

Ricki C.

 
Hi Donise,

Words can not describe how thankful I am for all you shared today. However, my husband would probably disagree as I have not stopped talking about my experience.

I am so grateful because I know that when I walk in to my first audition, I will have a clue and that is so powerful. Suffice it to say that what you give is transferable to so many other industries.

I will definitely recommend you to anyone I know that has the occasion to step in front of a camera.

And humbly, I thank you.

I definitely would like to reserve a seat in your advanced class.
 
Regards,
 
Alicia S.

Hey, Donise,

Just wanted to thank you again for a great workshop. The 8 hours flew by and I was pleasantly surprised that we got to work on camera so many times during the period. More importantly, I learned some tricks and because I had so much fun feel much better about my work. The difference between when I am relaxed and when I’m tense is incredible.

I came away with some changes to my appearance (smoother hair -away from face; matt lipstick; more cheek color) and to work on the NEW YAWKA that – much to my dismay – slips out from time to time.

Thanks for all your help.

Andrea S.

Donise:

WOW!! What an incredible workshop – THANK YOU!

Without a doubt (and with regular practice!), I will go into my next audition much more prepared and confident thanks to the information and experiences gained in your workshop. As an aside – if you ever decide to do stand-up comedy, please let me know so I can come to your shows! Your thoroughly entertaining style of delivery helped me remember a tremendous amount of information – plus it made all of us feel so comfortable. Laughter is a gift and your use of humor put all of us “anxiety filled hopefuls” at ease. It definitely allowed me to get so much more out of my own audition experiences during the day. If you ever do another workshop for “graduates” of the first Donise Hardy workshop, please let me know – I’ll be among the first to sign up!!

Thank you again for an inspiring day! I’m off to practice my name – 50 times. I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Penny G.

Hi Donise!

Thanks for a great workshop yesterday – I can’t wait to go into my next audition! I feel so prepared knowing the basic procedure, especially on the business side, which makes it easier to relax and have fun with the acting. I’ve already got my video camera and tripod out ready to practice, practice, practice!

My updated resume and headshot will soon be on their way to your office. Thanks again for a fun and informative workshop!

Hope to see you soon,

Madi G. ; )

Hello Donise.

I just wanted to say thanks for being a great instructor. I learned so much in your class. I also really appreciate the kind words that you spoke about me to my agent. You are the best. I have and will continue to get the word out about how great your class is. Thanks again, and I look forward to working with you again.
 
Sincerely,
 
Quincy G.

Donise,
 
Thank you so much for the class on yesterday. I truly enjoyed myself and you definitely challenge me. Your knowledge is priceless. Thank you so much for sharing. I am looking forward to working even harder and booking jobs this year.
 
Also, thanks for sending the follow up emails to my agents. I really appreciated the kind words.
 
Amelia J.

The Commercial Audition Class Donise teaches is by far the best “hands-on” learning experience available. Her in-depth knowledge of the industry as well as the numerous opportunities to practice ON CAMERA is well worth the investment. After attending the class you will have the tools and know-how to break into the commercial industry.” –
Zach F.

Dear Donise,

Just a few weeks after I took your commercial audition workshop, I attended a casting for “America’s Most Wanted.” Thanks to the on-camera training and audition technique you taught me, I landed my first paying job and appearance on national television.

Thank you so much Donise.

Sincerely,

Mattye B.

Donise,

I booked an industrial last month.    Thank was my first industrial/commercial audition since the class I took from you.  I just wish I get to attend more commercial auditions because thanks to you I am ready to book!
 
Julitta P.

Hi Donise,

I’m usually pretty articulate but I’m stumped in trying to find the
words to describe how fantastic your workshop was. As you know, I had
no idea what to expect and I had no idea what, if anything, I could do.
You brought out the very best in me…and I’m not convinced that anyone
else could have done that.

Your candid and constructive criticism was a gift and I know that what
you taught me will stay with me…your training techniques are just the best.

I’ll let you know as soon as I find an agent and if it’s appropriate, I
may ask you for some assistance in putting together a resume.

Thanks so much, I look forward to attending another of your workshops.

Fondly,

Lee R.

Hi Donise,

A million thanks for EVERYTHING!  The class was fabulous!  I learned so much and really feel like it will greatly benefit me as I seek to establish myself as an actor here in Austin.  I will definitely let you know which agents I am submitting myself to once I get everything together. 

In fact, I could write an essay!  I can’t even express enough how beneficial I thought the class was, how honest your comments were (and how helpful that was!), and how insightful the information you shared with us about the business was.  Can’t wait for April to take your next class…to work on sharpening my skills and going to the next level. 
 
Thanks again!

Blessings!

Lisa A.

Hi Donise,

Thank you so much for a fantastic class. I had a great time, and the information and tips you provided us will no doubt give us the power to “nail” our auditions! It was quite worth the drive and time involved to come in from Dallas.

One more thing I do want to add is that I really appreciated your directness and honesty with us. When paired with what’s clearly a big, generous heart, your spunky, sassy sense of humor was downright refreshing.

I hope I’ll be able to take your advanced class in April. I’ll look for communication from you when you’re ready to open it up for registration.

Again, many thanks.

Warmly,

Joanna H.

 
Donise,
 
Just got my first national commercial this week (Lipton White Tea) and I give your audition workshop a lot of the credit for helping me successfully navigate the audition and land an on-camera talent slot (SAG scale plus residuals). I knew I had set myself apart from the crowd when the casting director asked me to do it again and “tone it down a notch”. On the way out, she also asked me to audition for a second role for which I had not been scheduled.
 
Thank you,
 
Kirk L.

Hello Donise-

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were nice!

I know you wanted to know your student’s successes. I went on my
first (short independent) film audition right before the holidays- and
I got it, the director told me I “nailed it” : ) : ) Ever since your
class, I really trust your opinion.

Katherine J.

Hello Donise!
How are you today?  I hope all is well!
I am glad that I took this workshop!  It reinforced so much confidence and professionalism in me.  I hope to take your advanced Adult Workshop in the next year, if you decide to have one.  I will be on the lookout for your next one! In the meantime, I will keep my notes with me before every audition and go in with self-assurance that I know what I am doing and I can do this! Thank you again Donise!  I will see you Wednesday at the Mixer!  Have a wonderful rest of your day! 
Sincerely,
Emily B.
October 22, 2007
Donise,
 
I wanted to thank you again for Saturday.  I believe you made all of us feel like we could run out and do almost anything!  I learned so much and I enjoyed the day as well.  Your love of the business is apparent. 
 
Thank you again,

Carrie Y.

Donise,

After taking your class I know I will book the hell out of my next audition. Your class was like a nitro pill of confidence. I’m still in the zone on Monday.

I’m going to send you my “clean cut” headshot when I get that one redone over the next couple weeks. I’m taking your advice and going “businessman”.

Already practicing in the mirror,

Stewart McG.

Hi Donise,

I just wanted to take the opportunity to properly thank you for the most comprehensive and productive eight hours I’ve had in a very long time. I really enjoyed the entire process and I look forward to running into you around town.

Thanks again, Donise, and have a great weekend.
Aileen B.

Thanks so much for your time. The class was amazing and extremely helpful.   I was amazed by how the time flew by. 
 
I especially appreciated your generosity in sharing all of your valuable experience and in doing so in such an entertaining way.   
 
Hope to see you again,

Celeste M.

Dear Donise,
THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL CLASS!  It was a great learning experience.  I feel more confident than before in my commercial auditioning skills and I AM READY TO BOOK the next commercial I am sent to audition for.

You provided the most opportunity to practice auditioning than any other person.  Today I had the chance to audition SIX TIMES for you (not counting the slate of my name that we did seated at the beginning of class).  On top of all that, you spent an ample amount of time covering all aspects of the business – from writing a resume and getting a great headshot to finding an agent and marketing myself in a successful manner.  We all walked out with a great set of reference handouts and notes that we can refer to prior to each upcoming audition.

You are a very honest, open and outgoing person and it was fun to be around you.  I did not even notice how the time flew by.  I was so hyped up after the workshop was over, that my drive back to Houston seemed like a flash.

I enjoyed it so much I would like others to have the same experience, which can only be achieved by them attending your class. You are not only great at what you teach but you are also genuinely interested in the success of your students.  And I thank you for that!
Julitta P.

Donise,

Thank you so-so-so very much for making me a better actor. Your class is exactly what I needed to jump start my abilities.  You have such a presence about you that shows, and overwhelms people to look, listen and react.  It is a wonderful trait to have…..

You have the teaching skills to help start a new actor, and you take the actors that should “know” this stuff by now (me) and remind them that they too have a lot to learn.

I do know one thing…. I love to work the camera!  I want to learn more…..!!  and.. I will be a great actor one
day soon.  Do you need a cabana boy?  Lawn mower?  …. I’m THERE!!

I admire you…. and thank you again.

Much Love,

Gary J.

Hi Donise,
 
THANK YOU!!  For your time, energy and the knowledge you shared in class today.  It has helped me immensely!  Thank you also for your tips after class about how to contact agents to find representation.  I came home, redid my resume, typed up cover letters, postcards, and will get them out in the mail tomorrow.  This class was awesome, and I wanted you to know that! 
 
I look forward to crossing paths with you again in the future.  Now, get some rest and enjoy your new Georgetown home….
 
Kathy M.

Donise,

Thanks so much for sending more information. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the class. You are a great teacher and I learned so much and had a ball. I just came back from shooting a webomercial and want to thank you because I couldn’t have done it before attending.

Sandra C.

Donise,

I’ll let you in on a secret. My son lives in the Washington D. C. area and loves to act in school plays. I made him an instructional video tape of some of the things you taught me in your class and sent it to him. As a result, he was signed by the Linda Townsend Agency, who apparently is very selective. He has been doing print ads and small parts in movies since then. In all honesty, your class took away the mystery and unknown basics of the business and made it a reality for him. That is why I support your class.

Thanks!

Tony B.

Hi, Donise,

I’ve been to many workshops and the plain truth is, yours is the best. Too many times a workshop is 2 hours of good information spread over 8 hours. Not so with yours. You tell us what we need to know, in an understandable format, with no wasted time. The time you take teaching us is greatly appreciated!

Tony B.

Romie,

I have had the opportunity to take the On-Camera Workshop with Donise Hardy and I would recommend it to everyone! This class is the “meat and potatoes” of auditioning on camera. Donise uses the time very wisely and provides expert instruction. The workshops get’s “two thumbs up”!

Charles T.

Dear Donise,

Many, many thanks for the superb on-camera audition workshop you held last Saturday. Your professionalism, enthusiasm and wide experience made it a truly worthwhile endeavor. Most of all I appreciated your logical, down to earth, nitty gritty approach to acting. I’ve had my fill of touchy-feely theater games and method instruction and I really enjoyed working with someone who can “tell it like it is”. I’ll recommend you to my friends and please don’t forget me when you set up your advanced class.
Regards,
Buzz R.

Dear Donise,

Thank you for the photographer list and once again thank you for such a wonderful
seminar. I learned a great deal. It has provided me a new-found approach toward the
audition process, and find empowerment in shaping my career.

Thanks again! I’ll make sure to spread the good word about your awesome seminar!

This is a seminar more actors need to know about.

Sincerely,

Tiger S.

Dear Donise,

I really enjoyed meeting you and taking the workshop yesterday. Your workshop was the
first commercial casting workshop I have done and I loved it.

I have taken a few classes with a local acting studio and I have enjoyed them but I feel
like I learned more from you yesterday than I have in the several classes I have taken
in Dallas. Thank you so much for all your advice and I look forward to taking another
workshop from you.

Thanks again!

Remy R.

Dear Donise,

Thank you for a workshop chock-full of information and ‘on camera’ opportunity. Your
many nuggets of wisdom, your coaching – and your witty deliveries – made today a
valuable and fun experience; I’m so pleased I could join the class!

I look forward to our next meeting.

Belinda A.

Hello Donise,

Just wanted to email you and thank you again for all the insight I received at the TV
audition technique workshop on April 30th. One of the hardest things for me as a
growing actor is not receiving feedback so you never really know what you may need to
work on or what you may actually be good at. It was also a great tool to watch myself on
screen going through all the auditions and your on the spot critiques of what you saw in
the audition. I gained some much needed information and it was a pleasure meeting you!

Take care and thank you again for your time!

Reggie F.

I have to say I had the best time in your class and I have told everyone I know to
attend… I learned things from you in the 1st hour and it just kept getting better…
I was almost ready to throw in the towel on my acting career. But after your class
I feel more ready, determined and prepared to land that life changing role!!!!! 
Thank you so much for your honesty and real knowledge of this profession….
 
I can not wait to take your more intense class so you can tear me up!!! lol… But I
will make darn sure I have my jacket to take off!!!!
  
Have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you again… Maybe for
a casting audition.
 
Scarlette M.

Dear Donise,

What a wonderful time your workshop was on Saturday. I really enjoyed it, learned so much, and am looking forward to my next audition with all my new knowledge!

Thank you for your offer to review our new resumes. Attached is mine, please let me know any ways I can improve it.

I found your critiques and encouragements to be so helpful. I would love to be put on the waiting list for your advanced class this summer, and will be recommending your class to others.

Have an amazing day, and thank you again for everything!

Best,
Angela

Donise,

Thank you, thank you!!!!

The workshop was SO much fun- I left feeling so good, it was one of the best days ever.

I just wanted you to know how grateful I am to you for all of the feedback and the
time spent on exploration. I’ve never seen myself act on camera and instead of it freaking
me out, I got to listen to you help me, so that was beyond awesome.

I will email you my resume soon for feedback.

I have acting class on Wednesdays but when those stop I’ll make it to the Mixers.

Thank you for all the tips and advice Donise, I’ll contact you soon. You deserve all the
praise in the world for how you lift up actors’ confidence and help them navigate the
mysterious world of The Industry!

Tatiana A.

Dear Donise,

What a wonderful time your workshop was on Saturday. I really enjoyed it, learned
so much, and am looking forward to my next audition with all my new knowledge!

Thank you for your offer to review our new resumes. Attached is mine, please let
me know any ways I can improve it.

I found your critiques and encouragements to be so helpful. I would love to be put
on the waiting list for your advanced class this summer, and will be recommending
your class to others.

Have an amazing day, and thank you again for everything!

Best,

Angela

Donise,

Thank You for the workshop this past weekend. I have been thinking about it all week
and I can’t tell you how much it helped me to remember how blessed I am to be doing
what I’m doing and to have FUN!

Sometimes it can be so hard to drop what’s going on outside those theatre doors and just
be in the moment and enjoy life with every second that we act.

Not only did you teach me new skills but you reached me in different ways as well… To
Have fun! Be Me! And don’t let anything stop me;)

I can’t thank you enough;)

Thanks,

Amber

Donise!

I really enjoyed it and can’t believe how much I learned!

I was going to send an email to Joe about how much it helped me. I was also going to
send your flyer to him with your permission so he can send an email to all Clutts actors.

Hopefully I can come back down soon and attend another mixer!

I am also interested in your advanced workshop in June/July. Please keep me informed!

Thanks again for helping my confidence! Such a pleasure to finally meet you!

Amy

Hey Donise,

I really REALLY had fun in your workshop! I feel so much more confident, & a lot of it
had to do with the fact that I had no clue what I was doing in commercial auditions!

I’m glad I made the trip down from Dallas & had a chance to work with you.

Bobby Ray

Donise,

Thank You for the workshop this past weekend. I have been thinking about it all week and I can’t tell you how much it helped me to remember how blessed I am to be doing what I’m doing and to have FUN!

Sometimes it can be so hard to drop what’s going on outside those theatre doors and just be in the moment and enjoy life with every second that we act.

Not only did you teach me new skills but you reached me in different ways as well… To Have fun! Be Me! And don’t let anything stop me;)

I can’t thank you enough;)

Thanks,

Amber

Donise!

I really enjoyed it and can’t believe how much I learned!

I was going to send an email to Joe about how much it helped me. I was also going to send your flyer to him with your permission so he can send an email to all Clutts actors.

Hopefully I can come back down soon and attend another mixer!

I am also interested in your advanced workshop in June/July. Please keep me informed!

Thanks again for helping my confidence! Such a pleasure to finally meet you!

Amy

Hey Donise,

I really REALLY had fun in your workshop! I feel so much more confident, & a lot of it had to do with the fact that I had no clue what I was doing in commercial auditions!

I’m glad I made the trip down from Dallas & had a chance to work with you.

Bobby Ray

Dear Donise,

Thanks for the great workshop Saturday. It was definitely a worthwhile reason to make the trek to Austin. I loved the variety of work we did and your honest feedback.

I’m very grateful for your willingness to help me get my foot in the door at a Dallas agency. I will contact you in the next week about who I’ll be asking.

Thanks again for your candid feedback and engaging, fun workshop. I give it a solid “10″!

Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Emily H.

Dear Donise,

Thank you so much for such a wonderful learning experience at your workshop last Saturday. Not only was the day fun and exciting, but I also left with a new-found comfort in front of the camera. Your numerous insights about auditioning, the business and Los Angeles were all incredibly helpful and I can’t thank you enough for your absolute honesty in reply to all of my questions. I have recommended your class to a number of my friends and peers, and will continue to do so for quite some time.

Thanks again for such an enjoyable, eye-opening experience!

Sincerely,

Lauren Z.

 
Hey Donise,
 
Yesterday I was soooo reminded of the class I took w/you when I first got into this “biz” and how you told us to ALWAYS carry extra head shots…even now days when a lot of CDs are going ‘paperless’, I still carry them w/me and yesterday (even though we were not told to bring head shots), sure enough we were asked for them!!  YEA!!  I had mine!!  Thanks to your class, after all these years, I’m still ‘using’ what you taught me!!
 
Hope you’re doing well!!
 
~Janie S.

Donise,

Two things:

1)  Thanks so much for the service you provide to the Texas/Austin acting community. You’re the fifth instructor I’ve taken classes with, and you’re the only one who taught me how to prepare a resume, get an agent, etc. in class! I greatly appreciate it, and I now see why you come so highly recommended.

2)  I’d love to get into your advanced commercial audition class if I can. Let me know when to write the check, and I will send it off to you.

Thanks!

Bill P.

Hey, Donise.

I had a blast yesterday and really felt the progression. I loved the quick fire auditioning, it really helped to get me out of my shell.

I learned a ton and unlearned quite a bit as well
Thank you for everything!

Sabrina J.

Donise - 
YES, YES I’d love to take the advanced workshop!  I would love an opportunity to continue the intense workshop and well…..have a wardrobe to change into.

Thank you for such an AMAZING workshop!!  Ok, amazing would be an understatement given I walked away with way more than expected!  I LOVE the fact that you were so honest about everything.  Learning the truth and getting feedback is a huge plus in an industry where there’s just no time for it following auditions/callbacks.  We’ve all done the “replay” of auditions (a million times) and asked ourselves what went wrong…..but eventually we have to let it go and move on.  Your critique and instruction during class provided several “aha” moments and a clearer insight to what the commercial audition world requires.  So THANK YOU!!!  I will definitely be passing the word about your class here in Houston!!  

Thank you also for your positive feedback at the end of the day.  I can’t express how much that meant to me.  

Have a great one!

Teri G.   

Thank you so much for making the trek to Dallas to teach our workshop! I learned so much, and I know I will be ahead of the game at my next commercial audition! I feel I got ten times my money’s worth out of our eight hour session. The material you provided was invaluable and I will continue to study it regularly. I have already told every actor I know what a wonderful and informative experience your workshop was for me. I hope to study with you again in the near future!

Thanks,
Leeanna S.

P.S. If you ever teach a workshop on how to marry and divorce well, please let me know!

Donise,

Your TV COMMERCIAL AUDITION WORKSHOP was, without question, the best workshop I have ever taken. Commercial auditions have always intimidated me, but no more! I feel like the tips you gave us were invaluable, and the wide range of commercial copy we did was fantastic. I loved getting so much on-camera time, and immediate tape review and feedback. I left feeling confident in my new skills, and excited about auditioning. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us. I can’t wait for the advanced class!

Thanks again,
Maria Z.

Donise,

I really enjoyed your Commercial Workshop class.

I must admit, coming from a background with almost no acting experience I was somewhat fearful, to say the least, but your class sounded too interesting to pass up.

I never knew there was so much that went into an audition and really appreciated your tips on what to do and how to prepare for it.

The no-bones honesty you brought to the class was just wonderful. You set the bar high, expected us all to work to our potential, and assisted each one of us, no matter our level of expertise.

What a great class, thank you!

Dori W.

Donise Hardy’s Commercial Audition Workshop is hands down the best workshop anyone wishing to improve their audition technique could attend. From the first few minutes I could tell Donise knew more about auditions than anyone I had ever met, having cast hundreds of projects and seeing thousands upon thousands of actors, she very well should. Every aspect of the audition was touched and explained in detail from entering the audition space to when you leave. I walked out of the workshop with a comprehensive list of Do’s and Don’ts. One added bonus: You will feel more confident about your auditions before the workshop is over. In short, this workshop covers everything you will ever need to know about auditions. Don’t go to your next audition without going to this workshop first!

Jose Q.

Daniel, thanks for the opportunity to help out today and to have the ability to work with Donise again. Just as was the case over 2 years ago when, as a new actor, I took her seminar; this was a truly fantastic experience. We were put through the paces and I was tired at the end of the day! I simply can’t stress how helpful this seminar would be to anyone in the business. How many times have any of us taken a seminar and could walk away and say, “I did five different spots and Donise took the time to go over the video footage and point out what worked and what didn’t for each spot for each participant”? Her seminars are the template for the kind of standards that all of us should be striving for and the values that you espouse in the workshop every day of every week.

As an aside, what a thrill it is to work with the people of Class Act; their spirit, support and enthusiasm never ceases to amaze me.

Thanks again!

Roger S.

Donise:

I just wanted to say thank you so much for teaching the commercial class in Dallas last weekend. It was a wonderful class and I learned so much about “How To”, “What Not to Do”, and “What to Do” in the audition process for commercials. I am actually taking another 6 week commercial class, at a well respected Dallas institution, and I have not learned nearly as much in those 6 weeks as I learned in your one day class! (Actually, I am not sure that I have learned anything at all in the other 6 week class – what a waist of time and money!)

I know I have a long way to go, but I am determined to get there through study and perseverance. But, I feel like I have shortened my trip by taking your class and putting everything you taught me into play.

Thank you again. Good luck in everything you have going on and hopefully I will see you in the near future!

Sincerely,
Alyson H.

Hi Donise -

I just wanted to say it was a pleasure meeting you finally yesterday, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with you and learn from you. I definitely feel like my auditioning skills improved over the course of the workshop, and I learned so much more about the commercial side of the business and commercial auditions. The majority of my work has been in films and some television, so this was a great experience for me, since I’m trying to expand more into the commercial side. It was also great to meet Daniel as well, since I’ve heard so many great things about him from Liz Reeder.

Thanks so much for your time and knowledge, it was truly a great class. I look forward to seeing you at the showcase at Studio E on March 9th! Have a great day.

Cheers~

Marissa G.

Hi Donise,
Hope you made it home safely from Dallas. I was so energized after Saturday’s workshop, I buzzed for 3 hours…then completely fell out like I’d been in a marathon. Actually, I had. What a creative, action-packed day! Your wisdom and feedback on our mock auditions were invaluable. There were so many “ah-ha” moments that if I’d said “a-ha” out loud like you suggested, you would have wanted to kick me…out! Imagining the CD/director/etc in their birthday suit when I slate will likely be the most fun to put into practice. I’m heading to Austin tomorrow for a HEB commercial callback so I’ll be putting things into immediate use!
Warm regards

Dana F.

Hi Donise,

When I decided that I wanted to begin acting last year, I went to my first audition and was completely clueless— I didn’t even know how to stand on the line! I then proceeded to ask the casting director when I should start speaking and where I should look. (I know you are cringing right now). Needless to say, I didn’t get that job. HOWEVER, I will no longer make a fool of myself because I was able to spend a day in your class. Not only will I avoid embarrassing myself, but I feel completely prepared to ace my next audition!

I can’t tell you how unbelievably fortunate I am to have had the opportunity to take your TV Commercial Audition class. What I have learned in the past eight hours is information that will save me so much time and effort in the future, AND it was a blast! I truly feel that attending your class has been the best career move I have made yet. Your honesty and firsthand experience were so helpful, and on top of that, you have an incredible sense of humor—I laughed every hour. More than anything, though, I genuinely felt that you presented me with the tools to be the best actor I could be—on the set AND off.

This was such an incredible workshop that I will absolutely recommend to every actor I know.

Ashley H.

Donise,
Thank you SOOOO much for scribbling on my slate today! I had a blast, and I learned some valuable information that I’m SURE will get me more Principle roles in commercials. Thank you for the handouts, tips and this email as well. I’m very interested in taking your Advanced class. Please let me know when you’ll have more.

I’m so excited to meet someone who’s been through Cairo AND Alex. What a SMALL world!

Blessings,

Chan McN.

Hi Donise!

You beat me to the thank you! I do want to say thank you mostly for being patient with me more importunately I appreciate your direction. I learned so much today and I am exhausted. Your class is excellent and I will tell many many many many people. Please put me down for your next class if you think I will qualify for your advanced session.

Again, thanks…

Scott W.

Hey Donise!

Thank you again for such a great class and taking the time to write the agents on behalf of your students.

I know that K Hall is small but I really like that she actually knows my name lol and I intend to do my best here and continue to become better (with some more fabulous advanced classes from a wonderful teacher….do you know her?

Thank you again though for talking to me, I really appreciate your concern and your interest in me! Your class really bestowed in some much needed confidence I was having difficulties with earlier and for that I can’t thank you enough!

Linz

**Donise~ You taught my First Acting Workshop. You are tough and chewed me up but I learned so much from you! I left as your “most improved student”! lol I have taken several classes, workshops, and training since. BUT Lady~ you are top on my list! Actors, young and old, should take the opportunity to work with you. Not only are you a great acting instructor but a lady with class.

I am very proud to have all to know how much your class and YOU influenced my career.

Connie M.

Hi, Donise,

Thank you so much for all of the valuable information you shared with us in class and especially for taking the time to email P/B for me! Since attending your workshop, I’ve booked both a leading and a day player role in two SAG films!

Thanks again!

Shelley B.

Hi, Donise,

Thank you so much for the incredible workshop. I really appreciate all of the effort you put into it. I learned more this past Saturday than in most of my other classes combined. I am really looking forward to the Advanced workshop in November.

I hope your back and shoulder heal soon. Take care have an awesome week.

Hugs,

Jeremy S.

Donise -

Since taking your workshop in July, I have booked three commercials,
one national! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom – I know it
set me apart from the rest of the pack. Keep up the great work!

Ricki C.

Dear Donise,

Thank you so much for all the wonderful teaching and invaluable information you gave us during your acting/auditioning workshop, yesterday in Austin. I was looking forward to it and I can say, from the bottom of my heart, that it was truly worth it for me to drive from Houston and be part of it. I learned so much! It’s obvious that you do have, indeed, the knowledge and the experience that people can acquired only through many years of hard work in this tough business.

Please, keep me informed regarding the advanced acting class that you mentioned yesterday. I won’t be able to attend the upcoming one, but I’m planning to be there in the near future, as soon as my schedule allows it. I know I have a lot of work to do to further develop and refine my acting skills, but I’m a very determined and dedicated individual and I’m doing all I can to learn as much as possible.

I wish you all the best, Donise!

Thanks again and hope to see you in the near future.

Fabrizia F.

Hi Donise,

Words can not describe how thankful I am for all you shared today. However, my husband would probably disagree as I have not stopped talking about my experience.

I am so grateful because I know that when I walk in to my first audition, I will have a clue and that is so powerful.

Suffice it to say that what you give is transferable to so many other industries.

I will definitely recommend you to anyone I know that has the occasion to step in front of a camera.

And humbly, I thank you.

I definitely would like to reserve a seat in your advanced class.

Regards,

Alicia S.

Just wanted to thank you again for a great workshop. The 8 hours flew by and I was pleasantly surprised that we got to work on camera so many times during the period. More importantly, I learned some tricks and because I had so much fun feel much better about my work. The difference between when I am relaxed and when I’m tense is incredible.

I came away with some changes to my appearance (smoother hair -away from face; matt lipstick; more cheek color) and to work on the NEW YAWKA that – much to my dismay – slips out from time to time.

Thanks for all your help.

Andrea S.

WOW!! What an incredible workshop – THANK YOU!

Without a doubt (and with regular practice!), I will go into my next audition much more prepared and confident thanks to the information and experiences gained in your workshop. As an aside – if you ever decide to do stand-up comedy, please let me know so I can come to your shows! Your thoroughly entertaining style of delivery helped me remember a tremendous amount of information – plus it made all of us feel so comfortable. Laughter is a gift and your use of humor put all of us “anxiety filled hopefuls” at ease. It definitely allowed me to get so much more out of my own audition experiences during the day. If you ever do another workshop for “graduates” of the first Donise Hardy workshop, please let me know – I’ll be among the first to sign up!!

Thank you again for an inspiring day! I’m off to practice my name – 50 times. I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Penny G.

Hi Donise!

Thanks for a great workshop yesterday – I can’t wait to go into my next audition! I feel so prepared knowing the basic procedure, especially on the business side, which makes it easier to relax and have fun with the acting. I’ve already got my video camera and tripod out ready to practice, practice, practice!

My updated resume and headshot will soon be on their way to your office. Thanks again for a fun and informative workshop!

Hope to see you soon,

Madi G. ; )

Hello Donise.

I just wanted to say thanks for being a great instructor. I learned so much in your class. I also really appreciate the kind words that you spoke about me to my agent. You are the best. I have and will continue to get the word out about how great your class is. Thanks again, and I look forward to working with you again.

Sincerely,

Quincy G.

Donise,

Thank you so much for the class on yesterday. I truly enjoyed myself and you definitely challenge me. Your knowledge is priceless. Thank you so much for sharing. I am looking forward to working even harder and booking jobs this year.

Also, thanks for sending the follow up emails to my agents. I really appreciated the kind words.

Amelia

The Commercial Audition Class Donise teaches is by far the best “hands-on” learning experience available. Her in-depth knowledge of the industry as well as the numerous opportunities to practice ON CAMERA is well worth the investment. After attending the class you will have the tools and know-how to break into the commercial industry.” –
Zach F.

Dear Donise,

Just a few weeks after I took your commercial audition workshop, I attended a casting for “America’s Most Wanted.” Thanks to the on-camera training and audition technique you taught me, I landed my first paying job and appearance on national television.

Thank you so much Donise.

Sincerely,

Mattye B.

Donise,

I booked an industrial last month. Thank was my first industrial/commercial audition since the class I took from you. I just wish I get to attend more commercial auditions because thanks to you I am ready to book!

Julitta P.

Hi Donise,

I’m usually pretty articulate but I’m stumped in trying to find the
words to describe how fantastic your workshop was. As you know, I had
no idea what to expect and I had no idea what, if anything, I could do.
You brought out the very best in me…and I’m not convinced that anyone
else could have done that.

Your candid and constructive criticism was a gift and I know that what
you taught me will stay with me…your training techniques are just the best.

I’ll let you know as soon as I find an agent and if it’s appropriate, I
may ask you for some assistance in putting together a resume.

Thanks so much, I look forward to attending another of your workshops.

Fondly,

Lee R.

Hi Donise,

A million thanks for EVERYTHING! The class was fabulous! I learned so much and really feel like it will greatly benefit me as I seek to establish myself as an actor here in Austin. I will definitely let you know which agents I am submitting myself to once I get everything together.

In fact, I could write an essay! I can’t even express enough how beneficial I thought the class was, how honest your comments were (and how helpful that was!), and how insightful the information you shared with us about the business was. Can’t wait for April to take your next class…to work on sharpening my skills and going to the next level.

Thanks again!

Blessings!

Lisa A.

Hi Donise,

Thank you so much for a fantastic class. I had a great time, and the information and tips you provided us will no doubt give us the power to “nail” our auditions! It was quite worth the drive and time involved to come in from Dallas.

One more thing I do want to add is that I really appreciated your directness and honesty with us. When paired with what’s clearly a big, generous heart, your spunky, sassy sense of humor was downright refreshing.

I hope I’ll be able to take your advanced class in April. I’ll look for communication from you when you’re ready to open it up for registration.

Again, many thanks.

Warmly,

Joanna H.

Donise,

Just got my first national commercial this week (Lipton White Tea) and I give your audition workshop a lot of the credit for helping me successfully navigate the audition and land an on-camera talent slot (SAG scale plus residuals). I knew I had set myself apart from the crowd when the casting director asked me to do it again and “tone it down a notch”. On the way out, she also asked me to audition for a second role for which I had not been scheduled.

Thank you,

Kirk L.

Hello Donise-

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were nice!

I know you wanted to know your student’s successes. I went on my
first (short independent) film audition right before the holidays- and
I got it, the director told me I “nailed it” : ) : ) Ever since your
class, I really trust your opinion.

Regards-

Katherine J.

Hello Donise!
How are you today? I hope all is well!
I am glad that I took this workshop! It reinforced so much confidence and professionalism in me. I hope to take your advanced Adult Workshop in the next year, if you decide to have one. I will be on the lookout for your next one! In the meantime, I will keep my notes with me before every audition and go in with self-assurance that I know what I am doing and I can do this! Thank you again Donise! I will see you Wednesday at the Mixer! Have a wonderful rest of your day!
Sincerely,
Emily B.

Donise,

I wanted to thank you again for Saturday. I believe you made all of us feel like we could run out and do almost anything! I learned so much and I enjoyed the day as well. Your love of the business is apparent.

Thank you again,

Carrie Y.

Donise,

After taking your class I know I will book the hell out of my next audition. Your class was like a nitro pill of confidence. I’m still in the zone on Monday.

I’m going to send you my “clean cut” headshot when I get that one redone over the next couple weeks. I’m taking your advice and going “businessman”.

Already practicing in the mirror,

Stewart McG.

Hi Donise,

I just wanted to take the opportunity to properly thank you for the most comprehensive and productive eight hours I’ve had in a very long time. I really enjoyed the entire process and I look forward to running into you around town.

Thanks again, Donise, and have a great weekend.
Aileen B.

Dear Donise,
THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL CLASS! It was a great learning experience. I feel more confident than before in my commercial auditioning skills and I AM READY TO BOOK the next commercial I am sent to audition for.

You provided the most opportunity to practice auditioning than any other person. Today I had the chance to audition SIX TIMES for you (not counting the slate of my name that we did seated at the beginning of class). On top of all that, you spent an ample amount of time covering all aspects of the business – from writing a resume and getting a great headshot to finding an agent and marketing myself in a successful manner. We all walked out with a great set of reference handouts and notes that we can refer to prior to each upcoming audition.

You are a very honest, open and outgoing person and it was fun to be around you. I did not even notice how the time flew by. I was so hyped up after the workshop was over, that my drive back to Houston seemed like a flash.

I enjoyed it so much I would like others to have the same experience, which can only be achieved by them attending your class. You are not only great at what you teach but you are also genuinely interested in the success of your students. And I thank you for that!
Julitta P.

Thanks so much for your time. The class was amazing and extremely helpful. I was amazed by how the time flew by.

I especially appreciated your generosity in sharing all of your valuable experience and in doing so in such an entertaining way.

Hope to see you again,

Celeste M.

Donise,

Thank you so-so-so very much for making me a better actor. Your class is exactly what I needed to jump start my abilities. You have such a presence about you that shows, and overwhelms people to look, listen and react. It is a wonderful trait to have…..

You have the teaching skills to help start a new actor, and you take the actors that should “know” this stuff by now (me) and remind them that they too have a lot to learn.

I do know one thing…. I love to work the camera! I want to learn more…..!! and.. I will be a great actor one
day soon. Do you need a cabana boy? Lawn mower? …. I’m THERE!!

I admire you…. and thank you again.

Much Love,

Gary J.

Hi Donise,

THANK YOU!! For your time, energy and the knowledge you shared in class today. It has helped me immensely! Thank you also for your tips after class about how to contact agents to find representation. I came home, redid my resume, typed up cover letters, postcards, and will get them out in the mail tomorrow. This class was awesome, and I wanted you to know that!

I look forward to crossing paths with you again in the future. Now, get some rest and enjoy your new Georgetown home….

Kathy M.

Donise,

Thanks so much for sending more information. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the class. You are a great teacher and I learned so much and had a ball. I just came back from shooting a webomercial and want to thank you because I couldn’t have done it before attending.

Sandra C.

Hi, Donise
I’ve been to many workshops and the plain truth is, yours is the best. Too many times a workshop is 2 hours of good information spread over 8 hours. Not so with yours. You tell us what we need to know, in an understandable format, with no wasted time. The time you take teaching us is greatly appreciated!
Hope all is well with you!
Tony B.

Donise
I’ll let you in on a secret.
My son lives in the Washington D. C. area and loves to act in school plays. I made him an instructional video tape of some of the things you taught me in your class and sent it to him. As a result, he was signed by the Linda Townsend Agency, who apparently is very selective. He has been doing print ads and small parts in movies since then. In all honesty, your class took away the mystery and unknown basics of the business and made it a reality for him. That is why I
support your class.

Thanks!

Tony B.

Romie,

I have had the opportunity to take the On-Camera Workshop with Donise Hardy and I would recommend it to everyone! This class is the “meat and potatoes” of auditioning on camera. Donise uses the time very wisely and provides expert instruction. The workshops get’s “two thumbs up”!

Charles T.

Dear Donise,
Many, many thanks for the superb on-camera audition workshop you held last Saturday. Your professionalism, enthusiasm and wide experience made it a truly worthwhile endeavor. Most of all I appreciated your logical, down to earth, nitty gritty approach to acting. I’ve had my fill of touchy-feely theater games and method instruction and I really enjoyed working with someone who can “tell it like it is”. I’ll recommend you to my friends and please don’t forget me when you set up your advanced class.
Regards,
Buzz R.