Testimonials
Read testimonials from some of our most successful students as they share their personal journeys, triumphs, and the impact our institute has had on their artistic careers.
USA Actors
JEANNETTA ARNETTE - Hilary Swank’s mother in the feature film hit Boys Don’t Cry, ER, CSI. Criminal Minds etc. 92 IMDB credits as of December, 2018.
“Dear Paul, I love working with you .You are REALLY, REALLY SMART about acting !! Your classes are terrific, your notes / critiques very insightful and I am so impressed by your deep commitment to the artistic evolution of your students. I had a great time in your class in L.A. Thank you Paul, w/love Jeannetta Arnette” March 2018.
GERALD WEBB - Barry, Bull, Criminal Minds – Beyond Borders, NCIS – Los Angeles, Rake, etc. 84 IMDB credits as of December, 2018.
“In my two years of studying with Paul Parker I experienced tremendous growth as a performer. Many of the techniques he taught me have become key parts of my acting process allowing me to bring each of my characters to true life. Paul’s voice and breath work aided me in getting emotionally connected to both my innermost thoughts, feelings and my work. That ability allows me to stand true in each moment of my performances. Paul’s audition technique helped me create a routine for success and confidence each and every time I walk into the audition room. The results speak in the form of 100 TV and film appearances. None of which would have ever been possible without that first moment ‘in the room’ and the confidence and command of my work and instrument I developed while working with Paul Parker.” – Gerald Webb
NAAMA KATES - Feature films: Chloe & Step Mom, NCIS, etc. 19 IMDB credits as of December, 2018, plus a professional singer in Los Angeles. Naama is also a Best Actress Los Angeles Movie Awards 2012 winner. Best Lead Actress Indie Fest 2012 winner.
“Just a few months into my training at AIDA, I booked several student films and a theatre role. Working with Paul and AIDA has made my confidence in my talent and my enthusiasm about acting skyrocket! And just yesterday I shot a commercial that I booked a week before, it was a great experience. I’m definitely sticking to AIDA; it’s the best acting class I’ve ever taken and Paul Parker is the best teacher. Paul Parker taught me everything I know. I love you. Thank you.” – Naama Kates”.
TARNUE MASSAQUOI - Scorpion, Days of Our Lives, NCIS – Los Angeles etc. 46 IMDB credits as of December, 2018.
“I find Paul’s script analysis, camera and audition techniques very detailed and surgical. It allowed me to be more investigative, more curious and fearless. I thoroughly enjoyed audition techniques with Paul, because it has empowered me with confidence, walking into room, owning my read, focusing on the work and just being….I have garnered success through Paul’s teachings and that, I’m forever grateful… I still got my notes, and revised them on everything! Thank you, mate!” – Tarnue Massaquoi
PRESTON JONES - NCIS, General Hospital CSI – NY, True Blood 46 IMDB credits as of December, 2018.
“Ever since I joined AIDA about four months ago, my preparation for auditions has been so much more effective. I now have a routine I go through, and not just with script analysis, but with my preparation and relaxation before auditions. This routine has empowered me and left me with so much confidence with the entire process of auditioning. I also want to thank you for how much you care for the success of your students. It’s one of a kind, and you make all the actors feel safe to take risks and just go for it! I love how every time I show up to class, I get to work for pretty much the entire three hours, whereas in most classes, you might be able to put up a couple of scenes per month. Your private coaching sessions for my call backs have been extremely helpful, especially with fine-tuning every moment in the scene, which really adds such an amazing dynamic to my work. The best thing is that I have already seen such amazing differences in my work and my choices as an actor, and I haven’t even made it through an eighth of the curriculum. So much to look forward to!!!!”- Preston Jones
ELINA MADISON - Unusual Suspects, Blood Relatives, many many horror films etc. 97 IMDB credits as of December, 2018.
“It was a please studying with Paul Parker. Great technique. I learned a lot”- Elina Madison
2024 Testimonials
HARDIA MADDEN - 13 IMDB credits .
“Hi Paul. I hope this email finds you and yours in good spirits and good health.
I started working with you in March April 2022. In 2021 I booked 6 jobs mostly student film no pay. In 2022 I booked 10 jobs – shorts, no student and mostly paid not much but something. Also, half of those were after I concluded our classes. Then in 2023 I booked 22 jobs mostly paid, non-union, or SAG ltd agreements, with 5 of them being full featured films. Roles were day players anywhere from one to 3 days of shooting. But I expect that to increase once I can get some tape from some of these productions. Editing takes a while as we know.
And this was largely due the confidence that your film techniques and prep gave me. I have bought your second book and anxiously awaiting its arrival. Will probably be the only book I read in the first quarter. I am looking forward to a great 2024!
Again I just wanted to thank you for your love of the craft. Happy holidays, Hardia Madden”.
JUSTINE ESTRADA - A Los Angeles local talks about Paul Parker at AIDA
Australian Actors
ELLA NEWTON - Series regular on television shows Newton’s Law & Harrow & recurring on Neighbours, etc. 9 IMDB credits and 1 award win.
Note: Paul Parker worked at TAFTA in Australia between September 2014 and
March 2020. Many teachers have taught some of these students at TAFTA; not just Paul.
“After being taught by Paul for eight weeks, I was much more confident in front of the camera. Paul taught me much about using emotion on screen. Directly after being taught by Paul I was offered a regular role on an Australian television show. Paul taught me acting techniques that no other teacher has taught me before – such a great teacher!” Ella Newton
KAT LUDLEY - 1 win as Best Supporting Actress. 17 IMDB credits as of January, 2024.
“Paul has been a great mentor to me. Since studying with him, I have noticed a significant shift in my approach to acting and an improvement in my use of technique, my confidence and performance ability, booking more roles than ever. Being a qualified teacher, I can say that Paul uses a structured approach to teaching, he plans weekly lessons according to his student’s individual needs covering a range of topics and techniques specific to screen acting. He shows a genuine care for his students fostering both professional and personal growth. I can’t thank Paul enough for his guidance over the years”.
ALLY AURORA - "Best Actress - Recognition Award" winner at IndieFest Film Awards, 2019 Film: I am Print etc TV: All of Me, etc
“I studied with Paul over 3 years, during this time I learnt many valuable things about myself as an actor and person. Firstly the ability to see my habits on screen and become aware of them was invaluable! I saw the nervous things I did such as doing ‘too much’ with my face to express my emotions! Once realizing this I became much more controlled, still and real. I cannot thank Paul enough for always supporting my growth as an Actor and Producer over the years! Having him always believing in me really helped! Although I’ve learnt many valuable lessons and tools the other thing that I loved was learning to ‘let go’ and be in the state of the unknown! Allowing myself to forget the script and just be present and listen to the actor I was playing opposite has changed everything for me! Thank you Paul for giving me the gift of freedom in my acting, to be real, grounded and present!” – Ally Aurora 2019
TRUDY AGER - Picnic at Hanging Rock, 21 IMDB credits and 1 award win.
“Working with Paul over the past 8 weeks has transformed my ability and infused my confidence with in depth character work, techniques and skill sets. His personal guidance had an immediate impact with a successful callback for a feature film audition. Throughout the course journey, Paul’s honest feedback during the process provided a constructive platform for me to realize my short and long term goals”. – Trudy Ager
CANDICE LEASK - Booked 8 professional commercials in 2018 in Australia. Credits include 121 episodes of Neighbours.
“My name is Candice Leask and in 2017 I completed all 4 terms (32 weeks of training) of “Finding Your Truth On Screen with Paul Parker at TAFTA in Melbourne. From Paul’s classes, I developed an ability to recognize traits that were holding me back in the audition room and as an actor. Paul’s ability to be direct with feedback was what helped me transform into a self-trusting and more loving myself actor. I now go into the Casting room knowing that I will always try my very best because of the hard work I have put into training with Paul as my teacher. I have booked 8 paying commercials in 2018 and photo shoots and consistent corporate acting work because I now have a confidence to put my very best professional performance forward when walking in the audition room and on set. One of the commercials I booked was for Channel News Asia and it has won two International awards: Silver at Clio Key Art Awards in Los Angeles, USA and Gold at Promax BDA Asia. Now my 48 Hour Film Festival has been nominated for the People’s Choice of Awards for the 48 Hour Film Festival”. – Candice Leask, November, 2018.
RACHAEL WEGENER - Cale Morgan, Deadline Gallipolli etc. 21 IMDB credits Award winning stage actor in Adelaide, South Australia.
“Coaching via Skype with Paul Parker allows the focus to be on you the artist so that all your habits in body and voice are analyzed with an eagle eye on you. This “one on one” intensive allows Paul to accelerate your development and help you improve areas exponentially. His teaching skill set to build on your understanding of techniques is brilliant. Paul is a qualified “teacher” and that stands out, in that he has a skill set to translate to help you learn, he builds your learning in layers and works in detail to get your technique to world class standard. My acting and technique has strengthened from working with Paul . Thank you it’s always a joy!” – Rachael Wegener
Japan Actors
KYOKO KUDO - Films: Toga / Kai , Until the Day Freedom Comes, East of Dandong, and television Also, Award winning stage actor in Tokyo.
“Since I started studying with Paul Parker, I have felt a positive change every time I act in front of people. His advice is very specific. His advice includes suggestions for ordinary life too. Therefore, I feel my mind is opened every time we work. If I have any acting difficulties, I can solve the problems with only one class and one piece of advice. Paul is very dynamic! Thank you for being a wonderful conducer and guiding me every time”.
“『ポールさんに教わるようになってから、人前で演技をする度にいい変化を感じています。その指摘は本当に的確で、時には生活全般に及ぶようなことを含んでおり、毎回目が開かれる思いです。行き詰まっていても一回クラスを受けるだけで、一言アドバイスをもらうだけで、すぐに改善してしまいます。本当に強力です！ポールさん、いつも素晴らしい導きをありがとうございます。』”- 国際的な環境で演技を学ぶことができ、いい意味でとても刺激的でした！ 一人一人の演技に対するポールさんの指摘はとても的確で、今後に生かせるとても実践的な内容でした。 ありがとうございました！
工藤杏子 – Kyoko Kudo, Tokyo, Japan – 2018
TOMOKO OGAWA
中々短くまとめるのが難しいのですが、こんな感じでよいでしょうか？
来週のレッスンでお会いできるのを楽しみにしてます。
ポールさんは、本当に素晴らしいコーチです。私は、日本でのポールさんのWSを4年連続して受講して、今はスカイプレッスンを受けています。ポールさんに教えていただくと、台詞やキャラクターとのコネクトが深くなって、可能性がどんどん広がっていくのを感じます。何かオーディションがある時は、必ずアドバイスをいただくようにしています。そのおかげで、映画や舞台で重要な役を得たり、大きな作品のオーディションにも呼んでもらえるようになりました。そして演じる役の幅が以前よりずっと広がりました。本当にありがとうございます！ 2017 小川友子
Industry Professionals
MANAGERS – USA
“Paul Parker is the sort of acting teacher who is hard to find: a teacher with a true classical artistic approach to the craft, an understanding of the realities of the marketplace, and a warm and happy spirit”.
Steven Nash Head of Arts & Letters Management, feature film producer, Ex – president of the Talent Managers Association, Los Angeles, USA.
THEATRICAL & COMMERCIAL AGENTS – USA
“Paul has worked with a number of our clients and improved their work. He is an acting coach of the highest standard; also a qualified teacher. The most impressive thing is that he gets results. Paul’s ability to tap into an actor’s psyche and challenge them to push their boundaries never fails to improve their overall work. I cannot recommend Paul more highly for both high and low profile actors”.
Ros Baron President of Baron Entertainment. Los Angeles CA – USA
CASTING DIRECTOR – USA
“After reading with all the students and watching their work on tape I would like to say, the collective work of the actors in the group is the best audition tape that I have ever seen! These techniques work and it is a credit to Paul Parker and his teaching staff at AIDA”.
Melinda Gartzman Casting Director, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Casting includes the original Charlies Angel’s TV show.