Testimonials
“Acting is a highly unusual business and I can think of no one more qualified to help an actor navigate the ins and outs of the profession than Melissa Pryor. With nearly a decade of casting experience at the highest levels of TV and film in both Chicago and LA, she can offer a perspective on the industry that most coaches and teachers simply cannot. Also, she’s about as kind a person as you could find.”
"Melissa is one of the best coaches in Los Angeles. She has an endless fountain of ideas and tricks to bring your uniqueness out in each scene or project. She is genuinely excited to work on the material and get it to where you want it to be. I have booked many roles coaching with her and have gotten very close with a couple of series regulars. Most importantly working with Melissa has made me a confident actress. No matter the outcome, I leave every audition with positive feedback from casting."
Liz Jenkins, Actor
“ Melissa is everything you want in a coach. Armed with years of session experience, she knows everything there is to know about how to succeed in an audition. She will help you focus on the work and ignore the things you can’t control. She’s so friendly and one of the funniest people I know, so I always feel very comfortable working with Melissa”
Kathryn Cord, Actor
“Melissa is one of the most considerate and empathetic people I have ever encountered in casting. I have always appreciated her friendly demeanor and effort to make the auditioning experience as comfortable as possible for actors. The entertainment industry needs more people like Melissa!”
Vic Chao, Actor
“Melissa Pryor is a thoughtful, intuitive artist with a knack for detailed storytelling and a fabulous sense of humor. She’s able to read a script, understand what is being asked of actors and get them there with compassion and respect.”
“I can’t say enough good things about Melissa Pryor. She has an eye and knack for this Hollywood thing and is able to, in the same moment, make you feel extremely comfortable while also giving you honest and thorough feedback. Her expertise and years in this industry allow her to approach acting, script work, etc with such tact and knowledge that you find yourself always wanting to do better by her and learn more because of her.”
Joey Nicole Thomas, Actor
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Melissa in casting sessions. Melissa is awesome! As soon as you walk in the room, she makes you feel at ease and more open to exploration in your work. Her communication style is so creative, effective, and fun. Any adjustment or direction that she gives you is crystal clear. Melissa is great at developing more nuanced qualities in your work, so that the best of you can shine through. Plus…she wants you to succeed! You feel her cheering you on every step of the way. Run to coach with Melissa! She’s top-notch.
Keiana Richárd, Actor
Melissa Pryor is the perfect acting coach for anyone who wants to be a “working actor”. Her astute knowledge of the craft of acting (both for film and stage), coupled with her ability to translate that insight to her students, is remarkable. Her empathy, honesty, and intuitive approach to acting allow actors to discover authentic ways to give nuance to the complexity to their characters and scene work. Her experience as a casting director, director, writer and actor have given her a unique insight into the craft as well as the industry. Her practicality and her enthusiasm encourage actors to be brave both as artists and as entrepreneurs, and to take their careers into their own hands. With Melissa’s help, both my career and my confidence have grown dramatically. I am proud to call her a colleague and a friend.”
Caitlin Muelder, Actor
“I have consulted with Melissa on many of my writing projects. Her knowledge of industry mechanics, and advice on casting, always inspires my thinking. She is easy to talk to and always so encouraging. I walk away from my talks with Melissa feeling more confident, more informed, and more intelligent about the industry.”
“Melissa is a rare Casting Director. She makes you feel seen, confident, and present from the minute you step in the room. It is such a rare thing in this business to work with someone who genuinely wants you to succeed. I am sure that’s why, every time I worked with Melissa, I always felt like I booked the room. ”
Scott Ferrara, Actor
“For years, Melissa has coached me in scenes ranging from co-stars to series regulars. She’s been THE BEST at helping my instincts discover the character more fully. I like to think it’s because she started off as an actor. Her keen eye always made me stand out to producers and casting. In addition, I’ve auditioned for her as a casting director, and found the same nuanced guidance in the the audition room itself. The result? Bookings! Don’t pass up this unique talent as you will get real results as well.”
Larry Herron, Actor
“I have worked with Melissa before every audition I’ve booked over the last two years! Her expertise lies in helping to create compelling, interesting characters by making specific and creative choices. Melissa has also helped me set clear expectations for myself within the casting room - I always feel comfortable and prepared after working with her.”
Katie Canavan, Actor