Commendations
from
Students and Colleagues
Click on images to read testimonials.
“James is one of the most caring and creative directors I’ve ever worked with. Thoughtful and respectful to every nuance of an actors process he guides performances with an inspired nuance that creates an environment of safety, exuberance, generosity, encouragement and challenge. James is from the heart and few can meet his mark."
“James is one of the most curious, caring and hard working artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. His passion for acting, his insight into material, his infectious enthusiasm and his kind nature makes him a gift to any actor looking to deepen their relationship not only to their craft but to themselves.”
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching privately with James for a couple years now… Under his guidance, I have acquired the tools to create fully fledged, authentic characters, and I feel that my acting has dramatically improved. If you are so lucky as to get to work with him, you will walk away feeling grounded in yourself and in your work."
"I find James' commitment to teaching as dedicated, honest, skilled, and caring as his commitment to his own work as an actor. Having auditioned many of his students these past couple of years, I know he is making a difference in their craft and their trajectory towards success in our crazy and beautiful business"
"Working with James is like getting in touch with the most honest place inside yourself. He brings out the best in actors by creating a safe space driven by his infectious passion for acting. He takes such good care and allows us to be the boldest bravest versions of ourselves onstage."
“It has taken me a long time to go back to classes and I am so happy to be working with James. I know him as an actor and never imagined he would become my teacher. His classes are exciting, creative and challenging. For a working actor who wants to sharpen and deepen their work this is the perfect class.”
" James Eckhouse completely changed me as an actor, writer, and creative. As soon as he taught me to reach into my core and explore my individuality as an actor, my script breakdown process improved immensely, along with my bookings! Any actor should work with James if they really want to find depth in their work and strengthen the tools it takes to become a truly immersed actor. ”
"I had the great pleasure of producing two plays that James directed and I would produce 100 more with him if I could, in fact I think I tried but he was busy. He is one of the kindest and most talented directors I’ve ever worked with. His vision is always crystal clear and communicated with the highest good of the project in mind. He is a true collaborator and lover of the craft of acting. And most of all, everyone’s happy when he walks in the room. And that is gold.”
“James not only uncovers the truth and the vulnerable uniqueness of each of his students, but he creates a familial space to grow and thrive. I learned as much as I felt free and had fun.”
“James has been around the block many times as a performer and is an excellent teacher. He teaches actors to be disciplined and very detailed in their preparation for a role. If you’re ready and willing, he can take your performances to another level.”
“I’ve known James Eckhouse since we were both starting out in theatre. His superb instincts, insight and wealth of experience will benefit any acting student. He’s a wonderful actor and a great person.”
"James Eckhouse is a great acting teacher because his priority is always authenticity. Whatever the acting choice, whether super-subtle or outrageously bold, he’ll help you discover its connection to your true self. So, in the process of becoming a better actor, you also discover how smart and emotional and funny and complicated — in other words, how richly human — you are! And all that might just make you a better person!”
"Any time I have a high-stakes audition that needs to be as honed and workshopped as possible, James is my first choice to work with. His blend of effective technique, supportive demeanor, and collaborative spirit never fails to yield unexpected emotional discoveries in my performance. He pulls things out of me that I never would have found on my own. Working with him is an absolute pleasure, and I trust him completely."
“Brains, heart and talent. Great qualities for an actor or director. Add to that a keen ability to communicate clearly and constructively with candor and empathy (and humor!), and you have a good picture of James the teacher. He possesses a unique aptitude to home in on the essence of a scene, or the truth of a moment, empowering the artist to bring the written word to vivid life. James brings a wealth of experience to the table, and a passion for the craft that has not waned throughout the decades I have known him.”
“James Eckhouse is a master of his craft whose teaching transcends technique, tapping into the very essence of what it means to be fully present and alive, on stage and off.”
"James Eckhouse is simply one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with, in any medium. His deft, sensitive, learned approach allowed me the freedom and courage to expand as an actor, and kept the entire production focused on the correct tone and form until we had a great show. He brings vast knowledge and experience and his quiet, caring confidence is a gift for any artist to collaborate with. I think anyone lucky enough to study under him will only flourish. And he’s a helluva a great guy.”
“A year ago when my niece came to LA and wanted acting lessons - I immediately sent her to James. Having worked with James as an actor and being directed by him, there was no one I trusted more to watch, listen and to challenge my niece. She LOVED the experience. Go.”
“There are a lot of acting classes in LA but James offers something different. His passion for the art of acting is infectious. His stories and his antidotes are easily applicable. (Ask him about the film “Know your Rabbit“) His “Meisner with a prompt” exercise pushes actors out of their comfort zones and into the work! I can’t recommend James’ class enough! ”
“James is a wonderful actor who chooses to give back by teaching the craft that he loves. He is kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable about both the craft and the business. When show business gets you down, Jim knows how to build you back up!”
“If you're looking to expand your creative and empathetic mind, and take your artistry to a new level, James Eckhouse is the teacher for you. His experience, care, and curiosity for the work and his students breed a focused, diverse, and dynamic environment. I was continually in awe of the love, honesty, and power he helped students find in their work.”
“No bullshit, when I work with James I feel a freedom, joy and love of the art form that is acting. Auditioning doesn’t feel like I am trying to get a job, rather I am in the process and exploring my best choices. I have long subscribed to the idea that there is NO ONE WAY to approach a scene. James comes from that playbook, I trust James as a co conspirator, a "YES, AND” human, who always always shines the light on the positive. When I have an audition, I can’t wait to call James to PLAY.”
“In search for classmates that feel like family and a class shaped around being an artistic safe space, I found James. I wanted to work weekly alongside experienced actors with a teacher who was in the trenches with us in the entertainment industry. My time in James’ class will always hold a very dear place in my heart for helping find my voice again, giving me a strong center and community to rely on, and encouraging freedom, fun, and flow within this crazy journey of work and life.”
“A master-class teacher and brilliant, virtuoso actor - JAMES ECKHOUSE - is the teacher I trust for my creative journey. His extensive experience - deep love of Acting - enthusiasm - passion and creativity - make him uniquely qualified to teach the art of Acting. He is my absolute, “go to”, for help preparing a film or theater role - and also for my auditions. His classes are fun, inspiring and always lead me to a deeper truth in my work. Anyone who has the chance to study with James is truly lucky - their life and artistic spirit will be inspired and challenged to grow. He is the best of the best.”
"I've known James for over 20 of my 41+ years as an actor. Having worked with, been directed by and studied with James ... I unequivocally confess that we continue to be close friends and collaborators. His classes and one on one coaching are grounded, inspiring and always delivered with intelligent thoughtfulness and keen insight. Do yourself a favor, stay in shape, up your game ... work with James.”
"James Eckhouse is not only a phenomenal teacher and mentor, he's an ally and confidant. Every day, he is transforming actors, helping them to stop "acting" and to be their most authentic self. Not only is his passion for the craft unmatched, he is unlike any teacher I’ve ever had. This passion combined with his knowledge and personal experiences, is truly a winning combination. He creates real artists. Thanks to James, I am a constantly growing actor.”