OVATIONS FILM ACTORS STUDIO
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.
Danielle Heffner, Age 8, (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."
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!"
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, Age:12, (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, Age: 54, It was a real pleasure! Thanks for the acting tips! Great lessons! See you in the Movies!"
Rachel Hroncich, Age: 32, " 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.
Genevieve Trainor, "Thanks so much Steve! I'm so glad I found Ovations!"
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, Age: 10, "To the most amazing acting coach in the world!"
Gary Dannenbaum, Age: 70, "Another really good trainer here in Albuquerque is Steve Willmon. He has a studio on Morningside NE and his classes are very actor-centered. In lieu of sitting, listening to some alleged instructor go on and on about the same stuff you can easily read in just about any book on acting, Steve brings his students together in front of a camera during each class. Later, we get a chance to observe the film and hear valuable advice from both him and students about the performances. I find that style far more valuable to me than sitting listening to an instructor, tell how great they are, or listening to an instructor giving pin point instructions to another student. So, from this point forward my training will be from Steve Willmon."
Nichole Otero, Age: 20, (appeared in over 50 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, Age: 21, (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, Age: 23, (Appeared in numerous films and TV on-camera interviewer)
"Steve Willmon is the best acting coach ever!"
Kneely Morgan, Age: 24, (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, Age: 20, - "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, Age: 31, "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."