Jennifer Aniston

Anthony Abeson was the first man to inform me that I was funny. This news was bittersweet considering the information came just as I exited, having performed Chekov. I came off stage and I said, “they’re laughing at me.” And he said, “I know. They were….” Awkward silence. “Jennifer, let me tell you something: you’re funny.” Offended, I replied, “I’m not funny, I’m a serious actress.” And he said, “No, no, this is not a bad thing. Go with it. We love funny. Just understand that you can’t use that as a crutch when you need to go deep.” So all these years later, I guess you could say, Anthony Abeson sent me on my path because his words, to this day, resonate in me and in my work. My instinct was to find the funny. He steered me by understanding what was inside of me before I could, and how comedy can be deepened by a dramatic moment and drama can be enhanced by a comedic approach. They’re intermingled; that’s life. Anthony helps his actors find the honesty in every moment. So for any actor to just have a moment with Anthony or a class with him, or by luck, have his words to read and reread, one will be twice or three times the actor for it.

All my love and support,
Jennifer xx

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Ian Somerhalder - (Lost)

There are very few people in one's life that make a profound difference whether it be from tutelage or just friendly advice. Mr Abeson gave me both. Learning and applying what is learned are two vastly different things; it takes the right teacher to offer a way in which to easily bridge the two while staying emotionally connected to whatever you find yourself doing in a professional situation on screen or stage. The way in which Anthony Abeson teaches is like no other- you are his equal, although he's going to know more than you at this point so close your mouth and listen... He's also the only man I've met whom can drop a Stanislavky quote in reference to a scene in a tv pilot and make it sound so utterly simple, making absolute sense while simultaneously making it usable to a scattered, young, and struggling actor. I think about him and use his methods constantly in my work and have a life-long appreciation for his unique teaching style, Buddha-Like patience and understanding. Those looking for guidance in order to make sense of this crazy business should listen to this man...

By making actors better at what they do from his studio to the stage and on the screen, Anthony Abeson's contribution to the world of Theater and Film should be appreciated and respected by all who reap the benefits of emotionally connected and moving performances by his former and future actors.

Amy Ferguson - (Garden State, An American Crime, Weapons)

Working with Anthony has been a pleasure right from the start.  He has an abundance of knowledge that comes from a life of experience, a strict work ethic, and a sense of humor that makes for an excellent mentor.  In the classroom, he is a captivating lecturer.  But he won’t stop there.  Class is active from the start, with improvisational work alongside other materials to be prepared.  He makes sure to select actors he feels have ambition and talent, so your partner is bound to help you grow, and they constantly change. 

Somehow he manages to give every actor an individual experience, and it is always a positive one, even when we aren’t at our best.  And there is a positive and realistic motivation:  “Do work that gets work.”  Private coaching sessions are always beneficial.  He quickly finds the heart of it, and lets the actors’ discovery be their own.  Anthony is one of the greatest teachers and persons I have ever had the honor of knowing, and I would recommend him to anyone.

And as an actor you constantly challenge yourself to stay in the moment, think real thoughts and be private in public. "Your talent is in your choices," if you choose Mr. Abeson, you choose freedom and success. He is the last bastion of hope for the American actor. I am forever a disciple.

Dilshad Vadsaria - (Greek)

Anthony was my first acting teacher. His passion & respect for the craft always shone through in class. Anthony taught me to always have respect for the work & challenged me to find the life & humanity behind the words. He challenged me to always make specific choices.

I can’t express enough how fortunate I was to find a teacher & mentor who taught me what it is to raise my work, especially in a world where what we try to achieve as story tellers is mostly overshadowed by frivolity.

Anthony has a way of getting one to be available in both subtle and extreme ways.

Fleshing out has been my saving grace in auditions.

Anthony really really loves doing this and I think he makes every student feel like they are first priority/(or maybe just feel that way!lol!)