Andrew Benne

Since opening his first acting studio in 1989, Andrew Benne continues to be an extremely active force in Hollywood, coaching an impressive list of working actors for nearly two decades. His endless commitment to his work, and a genuine love for teaching, has earned him a reputation among actors that is unequalled in this industry. Having already studied with several prominent teachers - including Stanford Meisner, Stella Adler, Paul Sills and Tony Morina - Andrew began studying under verteran teacher Edward Kaye-Martin, for whom he began teaching in 1988. Branching out on his own a year later, he opened the celebrated Moment to Moment Studio in the heart of Hollywood, where, as Artistic Director for ten years, he developed and refined his own personal acting technique - taking the best of the various methods he had studied and combining it with his own new and innovative approach. The groundbreaking result - which he has come to call "The Work" - has been taught to hundreds of students over the years, a high percentage of whom have gone on to become successful working actors. In 1999 Andrew was asked to teach The Work at several noted universities. He subsequently taught the Meisner technique at the New York Film Academy, and served on the faculty at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Hollywood during its inaugural year. In 2001 he opened The Andrew Benne Studio, his third working studio, in a thirty-five seat Equity-waiver theater in the newly-established NoHo Arts District, where he continues to offer a variety of classes for both beginning students as well as seasoned actors. His motto, "Study Hard, Get Work," speaks not only to the focus and discipline that Andrew expects of his students, but also of the tireless energy and dedication which Andrew himself invests in his classes. With a keen eye for understanding human behavior and a skill for bringing out nuanced, authentic performances, his individualized, "hands-on" approach with each student offers an entirely unique experience for any actor at any level.

An actor and director in his own right, Andrew has appeared in several films and television shows and numerous commercials, and has directed several Equity-waiver hits and has won a Dramalogue award and an L.A. Weekly Critics Choice award. In addition to acting, directing and teaching, Andrew is currently working on a book of his work.

Irene Muzzy

Irene is no stranger to the Los Angeles acting scene. She has been a professional actress for over twenty years, originating roles in a remarkable number of world premieres, among them that of Sister Bette Davis in Gilray & Witter's "And Then There Was Nun," as Cousin Barbara in the critically acclaimed "What Remains of a Whore," and most recently as Josephine in what the L.A. Times dubbed "the most subversively entertaining show in town," Charlie Terrell's rock opera "Taking the Jesus Pill." In film and television, she has been seen on the X-Files, The Practice, Frasier, Bernie Mac, Corrina, Corrina, as well as numerous independent films and countless commercials. Irene began studying acting while enrolled at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, later continuing her studies with Sanford Meisner personally. She has since taught and directed for The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Theatre of Arts and Alexia Robinson Studio. In 1992, Irene became acquainted with Andrew Benne and his personal acting technique when she was cast in and directed by Mr. Benne in his Los Angeles world premiere production of "Human Animals." She continued studying with Mr. Benne at his Moment To Moment Studio for many years and, now at The Andrew Benne Studio, Irene currently teaches all Intermediate-level classes as well as various ongoing Authentic Technique classes. Privately, Irene continues to coach her own established client list.

Alex D'Lerma

Alex D'Lerma is a film maker, writer, and actor. His career started in radio in Salinas, CA where he had his own hit show at the ripe age of 19. Later he moved to Hollywood and began studying and working as an actor. Alex co-wrote, directed, and starred in the feature "Alvarez and Cruz" with fellow studio member Vince Lozano. He then wrote and directed the hit short "God's Little Monster" which was first workshopped in Andrew's classes. This year D'Lerma sold his feature length horror screenplay "Born", which is currently in production and will be released later this year. Alex has also won the 2006 "Pages to Pictures" screenwriting competition for the short "Strip Poker" at The Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival and he won "Best Script" award for the short film "MEAT" as part of Horror Fest 2006. Mr. D'Lerma teaches filmmaking courses at UCLA as well.