Below are a few of the countless endorsements I have received over the years - from children to senior citizens. Some professional actors, some part-time actors, ALL interested in polishing their thespian skills. Many have also taken my courses to overcome issues with public speaking, shyness and interacting with others socially.
A shocked and very pleasantly surprised Nichole Otero addresses the audience at the Duke City Shootout Film Festival after winning 2010 Best Actress honors.
After Nichole won Best Actress honors she sent Steve this text: Thank you so much for everything. I think you are a wonderful acting coach, and the only one I have every had. I have done so well and accomplished so much and a lot of it (most of it) is because of you. I love you, Steve!
Daniel Abeyta (Quote from Mother, Carolyn), "Steve, you are and will always be his coach and mentor."
Anthony Mingilino, "I've been an Actor for many years, the last five being a SAG member. I moved to ABQ in September 2010 from Las Vegas, NV hoping to further my career. I immediately asked around, and many people in the film industry suggested Steve Willmon at Ovations as a top Acting Coach in New Mexico. I went to meet Steve and was impressed with him, his office manager Corinne Otero-another fine Ovations Actor, and the different rooms that were set up for scenes at the studio. I signed up for the three classes: Film Study, Scene Study, and Cold Reading. In just six months, I learned that before having Steve as my Acting Coach I basically didn't know as much as I thought I did, even though I did have some success. What he has been able to bring out of me is amazing. He has taught me how to open up, take creative chances, emphasize my dialogue correctly, and he's expanded my range like nobody else has been able to do. I recently have been cast in two films and I"m now auditioning on a regular basis and getting many callbacks. I've also been able to sign on with a top agent. He will also work with you at anytime when you have an upcoming audition, NO QUESTIONS ASKED! I could go on about what Steve has done for me but to sum it up I could not have made a better choice in my Acting Career. Thanks to him I can now call it a real one."
Genevieve Trainor, (Most Promising Female Actor 2010) "Steve is so much more than an acting coach. He genuinely and passionately cares about the success of his students and goes to great lengths to see a student fulfill their complete potential. It is because of Steve's dedication and tough-but-fair teaching that I am starting to live out my dreams as an actor. Words simply cannot describe how crucial Steve and Ovations Film Actors Studio have been to me and to the other actors in his classes!"
Mary DeCaro, "I would just like to say that Steve Willmon is the greatest teacher I have ever met. He can make something from nothing. He has the most patience of anyone I ever met. Steve is very understanding and always puts his students first no matter what. His way of teaching is so interesting and exciting all at the same time. I would like to thank Steve for believing in me."
Danielle Heffner, (Quote from Mother, Natalie) " The producer said Danielle is so smart and speaks so well in front of the camera, that her answers should be very interesting. I would have to give Ovations credit for that film presence! Thanks."
Chase Fox, (Quote from Mother, Michelle) "He rocked the audition and could not have done it without all of the training from you guys!" Joe Bacharka ( A Love Story) said, We really liked his camera take over with the improv he did in the casting call."
Jenna Brooks, "All day long, all you have me thinking about is acting now... & I love it! Thank you for helping me flex my wee creative muscles!!!!
Corinne Otero, " Ovations is the perfect place to start. Steve is very good at what he does. Take my case for example. I started out just being the mother of one of his students and then I was the bookkeeper at Ovations. I had no idea that I would ever want to be an actor. I started out just basically being a body for the actors to bounce off of. Then he slowly started giving me lines to memorize and small parts in scenes. I seem to be good at acting just like my daughter who has been in over 50 independent movies. She has only had Steve as an acting coach and no one else. I use to be the Mother who was always in the back of the classroom trying not to be recognized and I was very shy. Now look at me! All because of Steve and the way he can read people and teach them. He lives and breathes acting. You will love it at Ovations, and you will love Steve."
Steve-Route 66 Photography " If you're looking into acting classes and workshops, please consider Steve Willmon at Ovations Film Actors Studio . I've known Steve Willmon for over a year and have done headshots for some of his students. That's one of my shots on his home page with just part of his professional video and audio equipment. He's a super nice guy. He doesn't have any of that "I'm cool" attitude that you'll find in some of the other area schools and classes. He is soft-spoken and very personable. I've been at his studio when he has been coaching one of his students one-on-one about an impending audition with a large agency. She was very nervous and Steve calmly told her what to expect, how to present herself, and then helped her with memorizing her monologue. He is very good one-on-one as well as in a group / class setting. He was an actor and did modeling and film work for commercials in Los Angeles for many years. Used to hang with Dennis Hopper and that crowd back 'in the day'. His studio is also very cool. He's got tons of costumes, hats, props, etc and has it set up into different areas with furniture and props to represent a kitchen, bedroom, bar-room, office space, outdoor patio, etc. He video records his classes to help in his critiques of the student's work. He also makes use of make-up and special effects in his workshops."
Ryan Pace " Do you remember when I first walked through the door of the studio? I was confused, unfocused, off the wall, and mentally unbalanced. You guys took me in, tolerated me, gave me a place to grow, and lovingly nudged me in the right direction. Since I began pursuing the craft, acting has helped uncover and heal some deep-seated emotional wounds and has brought me a second chance at life. I thank you so much for your support during this important time. You provided me a place for feedback, encouragement, love, and guidance. I love you guys so much. I realized the other day that most of my acting training and experience has come in this studio. This may sound a little cliche but I AM a Steve Willmon Production."
AJ Rome "Steve, your coaching and mentoring has meant so much to me and made me a great actor. I feel that my success in film so far is greatly thanks to you! You inspire me to never give up in my pursuit, but most importantly to stay true to myself. Thank you, Steve!"
Joe Carraro-Screenwriter, "Thanks again for the reading. My stuff was somewhat disjointed since I just wanted to see a difficult scene reproduced. You were able to catch it just right and I can see what changes need to be made. I am sure your actors also learned from you how to read a difficult piece. Hope to work with you again."
Gloria, Mattea's Mom "I just wanted to say the reason your students are getting signed up w/agents is because of your dedication and fantastic ability to teach! Also I know your students work hard and are prepared for the challenges of catching an agents eye/ear and heart. Mattea and I wish you all the very very best!!! God Bless, Gloria and Mattea Your Heart is Your Signature!"
Bryan Steagall "My name is Bryan Steagall, and I receive your email blasts every now and then since at one time my kids were looking at taking classes at your studio (they still want to take them, but we haven't quite been able to swing them yet) I love the way you guys seem to be like a family, how you congratulate your students and get really involved with them."
Freedom Hairston, "Steve, I am so grateful to you. You've taught me so much. It is an honor being your student. You have all my respect."
Andee Schray, (Performed in numerous films in LA & NM)
"Although he was not my 1st acting coach, but rather my 3rd, he was my best by far. He taught me so many things. Steve really has experience in the field of acting. He knows what he's doing, is incredibly talented, and teaches in an easy to understand way. Not only can he act phenomenally, but he can also write, direct and teach new actors things about the work that will really help. I know I wouldn't be the actor I am if it weren't for Steve Willmon."
Nelson Martinez, It was a real pleasure! Thanks for the acting tips! Great lessons! See you in the Movies!"
Rachel Hroncich, " I owe so much of what I know about acting to you. What I learned has kept me extremely busy (fortunately). Ever since I was in The Duke City shootout & The 48 Hour Film Project, I have been blessed with a lot of work!"
Tiziana DeHorney, "Thank you for everything you have taught me."
Marc Calderwood, "Water Torture,"Director 2008, "Just wanted to say thanks again from me, and the entire Make Film, Chop Wood team. We ended up in the top 10 films as well as being an award winner for Best Sound Design. Not bad for a group who, for the most part, had never made a film. We had a great time shooting at Ovations, it made our work so much easier than if we had tried to shoot those scenes all over town. As it was we shot from 9AM to about 3:30 Sunday morning. It was grueling but so much fun. Don't know if you saw the Alibi but we were in there and so I'm sending you a couple of the shots from "Water Torture" that made it into the article."
Julia Nguyen, "You are a great teacher! You have taught me a lot and I have improved a lot since I started with you & it's all cuz' of you! Thank you so much for everything!
Angeleah Cuevas, "Thanks for all that you've done. You've been a blessing to me! No matter what you always manage to put a smile on my face! I love you! I promise I'll never forget you, such a kind caring gentleman.
Jenny Nguyen, "To the most amazing acting coach in the world!"
Nichole Otero, (appeared in 115 films)
"I have worked with many different coaches - none of them are half as smart, interesting or fun - Thank you for everything you have taught me and thank you for believing in me! You have truly inspired me to follow my dreams - I love you Steve, you are absolutely brilliant."
JJ Raschel, (Numerous films,Commercials, Billboard, Print Work, Touring musician)"Not only are you the best coach ever, you are one of my best friends. Thank you for everything and for believing in me - you are the greatest ever and you will always be my acting coach!"
Michelle Laredo, (Appeared in numerous films and TV on-camera interviewer)
"Steve Willmon is the best acting coach ever!"
Kneely Morgan, (Appeared in International and domestic films, extensive modeling)
"You have taught me so much and are seriously my favorite acting coach!"
Seniors, Eldorado High School, Class of 2009, " Thank you for attending our forum. You gave us good insight into the entertainment business by offering stories and personal experiences. You gave us a good realization of what it's like to work behind the scenes. We'd like to thank you for keeping our attention, we appreciate the fact that you talked with us, instead of preach to us. You treated us like adults, which was a pleasant surprise. We all felt that we learned a lot from you, and were able to leave the forum feeling more enriched on the subject of entertainment as an industry and business.
Sinead McCarthy, "Thank you so much for everything you have done for me, you have helped me so much! You are the best acting coach in the world!"
Antoinette Anders, "Steve, my first and best acting coach--In the seven years I have known you, you have always inspired, nurtured, and encouraged me as an actress, and I consider myself blessed to have you as a friend."
