...a gifted, giving, disciplined teacher.
…He is a gifted, giving, disciplined teacher. He is also an experienced actor and director, who knows whereof he speaks about the profession, and about one’s life as an artist. Bruce Katzman will serve your students well.
J. Michael Miller
President
The Actors Center
...among the most highly qualified teachers we have in America… one of a kind
…A more qualified acting teacher would be hard to imagine. Rooted in an Adlerian interpretation of Stanislavsky technique, tempered with the specific action based approach of Paul Mann via Earle Gister, actively engaged in the art of acting and theater making, Bruce Katzman was one of a kind and continues to be so…… Bruce Katzman is, in my mind, among the most highly qualified teachers we have in America and would be an enormous boon to any educational program. I therefore recommend him to you whole heartedly and without reservation.
Tom Oppenheim, Director Stella Adler Studio (NYC)
...consummate teacher… always brings out the best in his students
Bruce is a consummate teacher. His understanding and knowledge of Chekov and his writings shows incredible expertise and depth. His kindness, perceptiveness, knowledge and talent make him an amazing teacher. I was lucky enough to study Chekov with him several years ago and learned so much in his class. There are lessons that have stayed with me for years after taking his class that I still use in my acting, and have passed on in my own teaching. Having worked as colleagues on the same faculty for many years, I was also able to observe his excellence as a teacher of Shakespeare. Bruce always brings out the best in his students on every level.
Heidi Scheller
Designated Linklater Voice Teacher
Professor of Voice, California Institute of the Arts
...his detailed approach to acting digs deep into the needs of the characters...
…His exquisitely thought out method helps the actor to discover the truth of each character’s journey…
As always with Bruce, his detailed approach to acting digs deep into the needs of the characters guiding actors to make the most specific choices in the text. His exquisitely thought out method helps the actor to discover the truth of each character’s journey and how they fit into the world of the play. By offering very specific questions designed to lead them to their own awakening and clarity, the actors will discover it for themselves and then they make clear and often surprising choices, based on a deeper understanding of the text. Additionally Bruce’s calm and kindly method of teaching provides the actor with an immensely creative and safe environment that elevates their confidence in themselves. Through his delicious humor and clear insights into each actor’s potential he guides them through the process of discovery, which is why so many actors enjoy working with him. We learn from him how to be a better actor and a deeper thinker in our analytical process. I can not think of a better teacher and I learn from him every time we work together.
Elizabeth Huffman, Artistic Director
Chain Reaction Theatre, Portland Oregon
...Shakespeare teaches you how to act, and if you have a teacher who can understand the power of the verse, the power of the word, and the power of the circumstances these words come from, then you are in safe hands...
“Bruce has been paramount in my training as an actor, especially in the realm of Shakespeare. Shakespeare teaches you how to act, and if you have a teacher who can understand the power of the verse, the power of the word, and the power of the circumstances these words come from, then you are in safe hands. His expertise in Chekhov has also helped inform my choices in relation to what an acting choice actually is, and the depth of relationship between not just the human beings in Chekhov, but translatable to my work on film scripts as well. A kind and over-qualified mentor, he will meet you where you are at, and take you where you can go.”
Vince Eclavea
...Bruce Katzman helped me to discover my love for Chekhov and Shakespeare plays.... his enthusiasm is contagious...
Bruce Katzman helped me to discover my love for Chekhov and Shakespeare plays. His passion comes across in his coaching. There is a sparkle in his eye and his enthusiasm is contagious. He is a master at uncovering the true objective of the characters in, and helping the actor channel this. He is relevant in his approach and goes beyond to aid the actors’ transformation. Not only did he help give me a deeper understanding of the meanings and actions of characters, but he made me fall in love with their complexity. He gave me something I would have never found on my own. He helped me discover a curiosity and a deep fondness for these plays and the classic theater.
Ally Thompson
...The fears I had about Shakespeare quickly subsided...with use tools like script analysis, the iambic pentameter, and most importantly, have a point of view and a clear line of action...
...The exploration of Chekhov’s plays in Bruce’s class felt more like an investigative journalism class. Bruce was so precise and accurate in lifting the veil of mystery of those plays.
I was lucky enough to study in both Bruce’s Shakespeare and Chekhov classes. The fears I had about Shakespeare quickly subsided after a few short weeks in Bruce’s class. He made it clear that yes, Shakespeare was a giant, but he is one of those nice, cuddly, gentle giants that will allow you to stand on his shoulders, provided that you use tools like script analysis, the iambic pentameter, and most importantly, have a point of view and a clear line of action.
The exploration of Chekhov’s plays in Bruce’s class felt more like an investigative journalism class. Bruce was so precise and accurate in lifting the veil of mystery of those plays. We looked for the clues in the text that provided us with the information that wasn’t explicitly in the play, covering the passage of time and what happened to the characters in between acts.
Bruce Katzman 2020. Jake Cohen
...One thing Bruce taught me that I will cherish for the rest of my life is the importance of grace and elegance in a performance.
One thing Bruce taught me that I will cherish for the rest of my life is the importance of grace and elegance in a performance. No matter how sad or violent it is, there is always space for one gesture, one look or one word to lift us all in the magical realm of poetic artistry. Bruce has not only an incredible eye for this, but he is extremely clear and specific in directing actors towards it. The results are always mesmerizing and he can really show how acting, at its core, it’s as beautiful and pure as life can be. Sebastian Pestoni
...As a teacher, Bruce would cast a spell on the class. Every week he would guide us through the incomparable world of Shakespeare showing us it’s fascinating secrets.
As a teacher, Bruce would cast a spell on the class. Every week he would guide us through the incomparable world of Shakespeare showing us it’s fascinating secrets. Every student’s performance would change dramatically from the start of the class to the end because of the imagery that Bruce had taught us to see.
As an actor, Bruce would make you switch allegiances as an audience member and make you root for an infamous villain such as Shylock. He would play them with such compassion and such a strong point of view you couldn’t help but be on their side. If that’s not true craftsmanship I don’t know what is. Amalia Santamaria
...I came to understand script analysis better through your Chekhov classes and how to pick out minute details from a script to form a complete picture of the character and the character's world.
I don’t know if my endorsement carries any weight but) as your student I came to understand script analysis better through your Chekhov classes and how to pick out minute details from a script to form a complete picture of the character and the character’s world.
Aroon Nayer
...Your class has done so much in not only dispelling my misconceived notions of performing Shakespeare as inaccessible and difficult...
Your class has done so much in not only dispelling my misconceived notions of performing Shakespeare as inaccessible and difficult, but have also helped me realize how palpable and immediate the images and ideas expressed within the text are, and, more so, how the specificity of these ideas leads to a more profound and affecting performance.
Presley Balholm
I have Directed and Produced 3 movie productions “The Measure of Your Faith” “Frenchman’s Flat” and “I want to Thank The Academy” “Land Bruce Katzman has been involved with them in the capacity as a leading actor.
With all roles and productions, Bruce has delivered an outstanding and truthful performance that reflects the characters and storyline.
Bruce Katzman is a top tier actor and teacher in all forms of acting and brings decades of experience to each project.
Jonathon Williams, God Willing Productions
...a fantastic actor...
I’d recommend you with all of my heart. You were (and are) a fantastic actor.
DJ Kurs, Director Deaf-West Theatre, Los Angeles
Bruce Katzman is a marvelous actor, teacher, and a hell of a Director. Simply the best I’ve ever worked with!
Barbara Bragg
...Through his meticulous ability to communicate the depth of Chekhov I felt my knowledge grow quickly and with that my confidence...
...class his detailing of how important the language is and creating specific images for that language I found the key to not only improving my memory skills but to finding the truth for my understanding...
In 2017 Bruce taught me Chekov and Shakespeare in the Stella Adler Academy of acting and Theatre in Hollywood.
What an enlightening experience it was and both so unique.
Through his meticulous ability to communicate the depth of Chekhov I felt my knowledge grow quickly and with that my confidence. Bruce was then able to teach me to ‘give it away’ regarding my actions and allowed me to affect my partner to much greater effect.
It was valuable and important teaching to get me out of my sometimes selfishness as an actor.
In Bruce’s Shakespeare class his detailing of how important the language is and creating specific images for that language I found the key to not only improving my memory skills but to finding the truth for my understanding and thus the character’s communication of their thoughts.
Not to mention the rigor of the language of Shakespeare and how it should be formulated with technique to honor it’s richness
Jenn McGuirk
...“Bruce Katzman forever changed the way I approach Shakespeare. His warmth, intelligence, and dedication to the craft all add up to a rewarding experience for anyone training with him.
“Bruce Katzman forever changed the way I approach Shakespeare. His warmth, intelligence, and dedication to the craft all add up to a rewarding experience for anyone training with him.”
Michael Mulkey (email 5.24.19)
...I have grown so much by learning from Bruce as an actress and as a human being. Bruce’s approach to acting and techniques are clear and can be applied right away to the work in all area of acting (film, theater, TV. Series)...
“I have taken Chekov and Introduction to Shakespeare with Bruce in 2013. He taught me many things and I have grown so much by learning from Bruce as an actress and as a human being. Bruce’s approach to acting and techniques are clear and can be applied right away to the work in all area of acting (film, theater, TV. Series). He inspires me and many actors to fall in love with the depth, beauty and the complexities of Chekhov’s and Shakespeare’s. Since English is not my first language, Bruce introduced me to the world of these great writers with understanding and patient. His passion and great understanding of the texts helps me discover many aspects of the works. He encouraged us to keep working and discovering new things which I continued to do throughout my life. Outside of the class, Bruce has been very supportive and encouraging. He cares about students’ well-being and always available and enthusiastic when we need guidance from him. In conclusion, I am grateful to have Bruce as my acting teacher. His works as an acting teacher continue to inspire me.”
Natvara Hongsuwan
(Actress based in Bangkok Thailand)
I am a professional actor located in Los Angeles for over 20 years and I came to know Bruce as the instructor/coach of an actors’ workshop emphasizing Chekhov, and later I was cast in Schiller’s Mary Stuart under his direction.
...The Chekhov workshop was the most enlightening and rigorous scene study class I’d experienced to that point and since. The discipline and skills he instilled for breaking down and reconstructing action and character have been lasting and pliable to all other plays, scripts, and parts...
The Chekhov workshop was the most enlightening and rigorous scene study class I’d experienced to that point and since. The discipline and skills he instilled for breaking down and reconstructing action and character have been lasting and pliable to all other plays, scripts, and parts I’ve come across. With Mary Stuart, Bruce took another track altogether by building confidence and trust in the metric power of verse to drive character, action and meaning.
He knows his stuff and gets it across concisely, precisely, and generously.
Don Boughton