Joe Whelski Acting Coaching Testimonial Wall
"Working with Joe has been a blast and I’ve learned a lot, especially when it comes to auditioning.
His method is simple which helps you as an actor get out of your head and helps you stay grounded and real.
Since recently coaching with Joe I've had one callback and an expressed interest from a big NY casting director for a role in an upcoming episodic. I truly feel his coaching along with the other tips and tricks I learned from him helped me in my success.
Outside of his acting help his advice on the Industry is top notch.
I highly recommend Joe for any actor looking to get a clearer understanding of their path as an actor, whether a novice actor or a veteran."
— Manoli Ioannidis, Actor
(“The Penguin”, “The Equalizer”, “MacGyver”)
“I’ve never met someone so comfortable in their expert knowledge while staying truly humble like Joe. Joe Whelski is the type of teacher to push you because he sees your potential, to extend grace when times get tough, and always manages to inspire you throughout each session you take with him. You can tell his genuine love for coaching through the passion and energy he brings to each class. With a keen focus on the art of self-taping, Joe not only improves my technique but also instills a strong sense of discipline and a highly focused career-oriented mindset. Under his guidance, I'm not only honing in on my acting skills, but I'm also taking strategic steps to set up my acting career for the utmost success.
Joe Whelski has given me tools that no other class or coach has. Starting my acting journey last year, I feel like I’ve come an incredibly long way with Joe by my side. His genuine care shines through as he follows up after each class and provides reassuring support, making the learning experience not just effective but also incredibly warm and personal.
I rave about “Joe the Genius” for a reason! Choosing him to be your acting coach would be a pivotal moment in your career that I couldn’t recommend enough! :)”
— Andrea Fabiola, NYC Actor and Content Creator
"Joe Whelski is the Patron Saint of Business for the Actor.
Even in the midst of multiple industrial crises, Joe has helped me navigate and organize my creative material to help level up, focus and present myself better multiple times in my career. He’s a really good guy and he’s really good at what he does.
Can’t thank him enough, and if you are looking to take yourself more seriously as an artist (which also means a business person) look to Joe, he’s the way to go!”
— Logan Schmucker, NYC Actor and Violinist
(Victor in “The Walking Dead: Dead City”, opposite Jeffrey Dean Morgan,
“A Conflict of Love Interest” opposite Hedy Nasser)
“Working with Joe has been a game-changer in my acting career. I’ve had the pleasure of learning from him both in class and through one-on-one coaching, and his patience, kindness, and humility truly set him apart.
He not only helps you build confidence in your craft but also equips you with the tools to succeed in this competitive industry.
Joe coached me through my audition process, providing invaluable feedback and guidance that ultimately helped me secure representation. I’m incredibly grateful for this connection and look forward to continuing to work with him.”
— Michelle Atiemo, NYC Actor & Creative
(“Evil Lives Here”)
“Actors are always stressed—especially after going through an actors’ strike, a writers’ strike, and just the general rollercoaster of this industry. Sometimes we need a push. Someone to remind us to show up, do the work, and take it seriously—not just on the days we’re on set, but every single day. Joe is that kind of person.
He makes you remember your power. He makes you want to make your younger self proud. He helps you reconnect with your authentic self, stay focused on your career, and not get carried away by emotions or self-sabotage. He empowers you. And he makes you feel like you’ve got someone solid by your side.
Working with Joe has been a total game-changer for me. He’s helped me grow not just as an actor, but as a person. He’s patient, honest, and really knows how to bring out your best without ever making you feel judged. Every session, I walk away feeling more grounded, more capable, and more excited about the work.
Through his patience, empathy, and deep understanding of the craft, Joe empowered me to reconnect with myself and my voice. He’s incredibly patient with me—never rushing the process, always meeting me exactly where I am. He helped me rebuild my confidence piece by piece. His approach goes beyond acting—it’s about truth, courage, and presence.
Joe also gives you real, practical tools—from acting techniques and audition prep to fixing your profiles and knowing how to approach casting agencies. Stuff no one really teaches you, but every actor needs.
His positivity is contagious, and I always leave our meetings feeling like my hero self. He gets it.”
— Maya Acra, Lebanese/American Actor, Comedian, and Host
(“Comedy Central Arabia”, “Unsolved Mysteries”)
“Working with Joe was such a lifesaver for me! Being post-grad & brand new to NYC, Joe was the grounding force I didn't know I needed!
He created a safe space and gave me the support I needed to falsely step, because Joe knows that creativity and growth arise from the rift between order and expectation. He knows what it's like to be an artist because he has the experience to back his expert knowledge!
When I find myself with a question of any sort, Joe is my first call! He genuinely cares and it shows.
If you’re serious about growing — not just as an actor, but as a storyteller — this is where it happens!”
— Ashley Poulin, NYC and Canadian Actor
(“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy”)
“I am so grateful to Joe for all his hard work and help with my acting career. Before working with Joe, I had grown weary and somewhat apathetic in the new world of self-tapes and online auditioning.
I had been acting for a few years, but I had let my agents and managers have nearly complete control over my career. Joe taught and inspired me to take charge again, to sharpen my self-tape skills, and to define what I really wanted, not just in the industry, but in life as well. He and I worked through bootcamp to define my type, narrow down the kind of work I want to be doing, and take charge of my career again.
Not only did Joe refine and help me with my work ethic, but he re-ignited my passion for the craft, helped me impress my representation, and ask myself questions I hadn't before. He went out of his way and above and beyond for me, and I am truly so grateful.
It's rare in this industry to find a coach who takes such care and concern for his students. You will be hard-pressed to find a more caring and helpful teacher.”
— Lauren Franco, LA & NYC Actor, Writer & Producer
“Not only has Joe been extremely knowledgeable and effective in helping me reach my goals, but he has been nothing but the kindest and most sincere person I know.
He’s always a joy to work with and his personality is so bright, you just feel so eager to learn! I love that he’s always an email away and always goes above and beyond to make sure your work is stellar: he’ll never shy away from informing you on how you can improve while also being compassionate.
I’m honored to continue to learn from him, and can’t wait to see where we’ll go!”
— Sarah Ghonaim, NYC and CT Actor & Model
“I was one of those actors that used to dread self tapes, second guessed myself all the time. Joe Whelski completely changed my self tape game. He is an incredible acting coach! I now approach the process with a sense of ease and play. Would highly recommend his course.“
— Anita Moreno, NY, LA & ATL Actor
“I can’t say enough great things about having Joe as a coach!
I’ve worked with several others over the past decade, but none have helped me grow as much—both in my craft and in the business side of acting. Joe’s experience on both sides of the camera shines through, and he has a gift for getting his points across clearly.
He’s also just a genuinely great guy—easy to talk to, supportive, and grounded. A couple sessions pulled me out of those “I’ll probably never book again” funks we all hit. When a good audition comes in, he’s still my first call.”
— Felicia Greenfield, NYC Actor, Producer, Stunt Person
(“House of Cards”, “Homeland”)
“Being an actor necessitates a vulnerable mindset to make great work. The unfortunate downside to this vulnerability and openness, is that we are vulnerable to people taking advantage of us and open to advice that is antithetical to our best interests. So even though I've known Joe for a long time, I was (wary) of laying out money i didn't really have for the promise of some ephemeral career in the future. That being said, I can honestly attest to the legitimacy of Joe's career coaching.
He offered me a package of sessions tailored not just to my requests, but to my needs as well. It was clear, he had spent time reviewing my history in performance in conjunction with my desires for the future. Not only that, in the course of our sessions he went above and beyond both in terms of time investment as well as emotional investment. He honestly wants you to succeed, and will do what it takes to get you there: a rare duck indeed in a field flooded with ego and jealousy. In simple terms, I received much more than I paid for to the point that I (almost) felt guilty.
Joe combines a quiet and artistic intelligence with a comprehensive understanding of the professional landscape to help you put your best foot forward, and also to help choose which foot you should be presenting at all. I have always valued empathy and intelligence, and Joe has an abundance of both. He has offered me a new lens to replace that jaded and hopeless one that in 25 years in the industry I had wrought for myself. It was wonderful to know that once a week I could talk to someone without having to prevaricate or shill or humiliate myself, and the person on the other side of that zoom truly wanted what's best for me. I'm excited about the next phase of my career.
I'm excited about my career, itself, for the first time in years. That is all thanks to Joe Whelski. Money well spent, indeed.”
— Ben Fine, Actor, Improviser, and Iconoclast
(“Run All Night” with Liam Neeson)
“Working with Joe immediately jumpstarted my career.
After taking a hiatus from the industry, getting back in the game was daunting. And while I had ideas where to begin, there are so many possible avenues to “breaking in” that it felt near impossible for me to actually take the necessary steps. Joe was highly recommended to me by a friend and I could not be more grateful for the connection.
Initially seeking him just to provide practical steps like finding an agent and getting new headshots, I got so much more value than I bargained for. His knowledge of both the business and the craft continues to impress me each session, and my ability to navigate the field has greatly improved since I’ve seen this industry through his eyes.
Within 8 weeks of working with Joe I’ve been signed to two agencies.
In Joe Whelski you are getting an acting teacher, an industry guide, and perhaps most importantly, a passionate supporter who meticulously and thoughtfully cultivates your personal growth as an actor.”
— Michael-Anthony Antoniou, NYC Actor, Singer, Stunt Performer
(“Singfeld! A Musical About Nothing!”, “Medieval Times”)
"I owe Joe Whelski so much in my acting career. When I first met Joe, I had never taken an acting class, knew absolutely nothing about the acting industry, and had never shot a self tape. I was curious, and hungry to know more and that was enough for Joe. In our first 10 months of working together, Joe has turned me into a working actor.
He's taught me the technique and technicalities of self tape and helped me build a portfolio of great tapes, walked me through the ins and outs of the acting industry, coached me through the entire headshot process that delivered extremely marketable shots, and showed me how to get an agent. But most importantly, Joe has been a driving force of encouragement and belief that has kept me focused and pushing forward.
I now am confident in my ability to find and submit auditions for great roles and am freelancing with four agencies. We're still only at the beginning of this journey, but he has helped me build a strong foundation for my acting career that has set me up for incredible success.
I could not recommend Joe highly enough to anyone who wants to take the next step in their acting career, no matter what level they are at now."
— Justin Mathews, NYC Actor
"When I started working with Joe, I had the passion and drive to follow my dreams, but didn’t know exactly where to focus my energy. Joe was just the person I needed to begin working with to put all of this energy into the right place. He showed extreme patience, as I navigated working through the ins and outs of being a full time educator and actor, making sure I committed to strengthening my craft, even during a time when I wasn’t actively auditioning. His clear vision and direction are what I crave when working with coaches, and I’m so fortunate to be able to grow from his tutelage.
During a time where self taping became an absolute necessity, Joe helped me take my nerves and turn them into excitement and knowledge, reminding me weekly of the importance of paying attention to detail in all that I do.
I absolutely adore working with Joe Whelski because it’s clear that each of his student’s sessions are carefully curated to take them to the next level of their careers. It’s definitely not a one size fits all approach with him.
I will continue to recommend Joe to all of my friends because he is an acting coach who cares deeply about his students, always keeps it real, and is the king of accountability."
— Najah Imani Muhammad, NYC Actor & Host
“The entertainment industry is one tough nut to crack. They only teach you so much in schools and studio programs about how to edge your way into this wonderful world of theatre [film/TV].
It wasn’t until I started working with Joe Whelski, that everything changed. I learned what it means to be an actor when not auditioning, the tools and techniques Joe teaches allow you, as an artist, to truly plant your feet in this industry. From headshots to online sources to audition/self-tape technique there is nothing Joe does not teach. I learned something new every week that I have enveloped into my everyday activity. I’m booking work, auditioning more confidently, and learning how to present myself as an actor.
Before I never really knew what I needed to do besides attending auditions, which is part of it. But working with Joe, he shows you the steps of success to becoming a working actor. Joe is the kindest, most caring person I have ever worked with, and he constantly adapts to his students' needs. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
— Alana Knobel, NYC Actor, Singer & Producer
“Joe Whelski is an incredible acting and business coach let’s get that straight. I was referred by one of my friends and am sooo excited I listened to her. I’ve been trained in theatre, improv comedy, dance, commedia dell'arte, mime, etc. but never learned the business side. Thanks CSU’s. I am definitely on the picky side. I wanted someone who is professional and knows their craft. Taking that step is scary to invest in someone. After the first session I couldn’t be happier with the choice.
After doing his acting bootcamp I left feeling confident, prepared, and motivated to tackle the world of acting. Joe always came prepared with countless resources available. His feed back on self-tapes was encouraging, helpful, and heartfelt. It felt like we were both on the same team based on how he presented notes. Did I mention he’s a great listener?…he’s a great listener.
I am continuing working with Joe and am excited for the future. If you’re undecided on who to pick, trust me on this, pick Joe.”
— Nic Rockwell, NY & CA Actor, Improviser, Dancer, Content Creator
“I have never felt more empowered and capable of taking control of my career than I have since working with Joe! His steps are very clear and easy to follow. His assignments do not make you feel overwhelmed but rather excited.
He is straightforward and does not beat around the bush — though he is very kind and understanding of all of the things actors go through!
If you feel like you need help with organization, brushing up your acting technique, cleaning up your casting platforms, or most anything else you can think of in your acting career, I could not recommend Joe more highly.”
— Amilia Shaw, NYC Actor, Singer & Dancer
“Working with Joe has definitely changed the game with the way I am auditioning and defining myself as an actor.
He has helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses, and challenges to overcome. Every session is a new opportunity to grow as an actor with his incredible knowledge and insight.
I am beyond happy to call him my coach and mentor and highly recommend his services to anyone looking to strengthen, develop, and improve their skillset and toolkit as an actor. Joe is the best!”
— Adam Lucas, NY/NJ Actor, Singer & Producer
“I moved to New York in 2021, with the goal of transitioning into a career as an actor. The only issue was I had no idea what to do or how to go about working towards that goal. Then, after a year or so of stumbling along without any tangible progress, I met Joe and I knew I’d found the Yoda to my Luke. I started working with Joe with my experience only being a few years of improv training and a couple scene study classes. I knew that I loved acting and sometimes I would get lucky and a scene would “feel right”, but I had no idea what I was doing or how I got there. Enter Joe.
In the time we’ve worked together, Joe has given me the tools to break down a character and a scene to bring my performance to life consistently. He’s taught me to trust the process (which is no small feat as I tend to get in my head trying to think my way to a compelling scene) and through his instruction I have begun to learn how to let everything feel real and honest through a simple and repeatable process, which has in turn instilled a confidence in myself that maybe I can really do this. Not only that but he has taught me that even though there is work to do, ultimately, we act because it’s fun and to fully embrace the freedom and discovery that comes from that fun.
Joe is an absolute joy to work with, helping me stay grounded when scenes don’t come off and reminding me to celebrate my progress along the way. From starting out with no experience and no knowledge of the industry to working with an agent in just a short time, I would not be where I am today without Joe.”
— Ben Sisemore, NYC Actor & Writer
“Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming an actor, but I never quite had the "know how" to actualize my aspirations. I went on to work in the Counseling and Higher Education fields and never imagined that I might get the opportunity to live out my childhood dreams. So, naturally, I was apprehensive to take a chance and make the leap.
However, upon first meeting Joe, I instantly got the sense that if there was anyone to talk about my acting career with, it would be him. I was absolutely right! I started working with Joe as a novice with no quality headshots and no experience, aside from small independent projects. Joe assisted me in improving the overall quality and performance of my self-tapes. He walked me through the process of developing characters and 'looks' for professional headshots. He even went so far as to personally send me opportunities to apply and audition for.
Thanks to working with Joe, I now have my sites, social media, headshots, and even landed my first paid role in an upcoming Ryan Murphy production! Within the span of 11 calendar months working with Joe, I went from sitting on the couch to working in front of the camera!
Whether you are just starting out in your career, have been in the industry for years, or are not sure how or where to begin; Joe can help you develop the tools and find the resources you need to succeed!”
— Eric Russ, PA & NY Actor
"Since my first lesson with Joe just about a year ago, my dream of pursuing acting has been put to action and the knowledge he has shared with me has already had a tremendous impact on my career.
Joe’s emphasis on the importance of detail, making strong choices, and being confident in your decisions opens a whole new way of taking on a character and approaching any scene.
His knowledge of the industry along with his encouraging and supportive spirit ensure an exciting and career-molding experience.”
— Martina Vargas, FL & NY Actor (“Love Hurts”)
“I love Joe's common sense, no BS approach to coaching! He is super knowledgeable about both the industry and the craft, and he is an extremely supportive and encouraging guy to have on your side.
He does not try to big-time you or guru-fy himself, and I have always felt that he has nothing but my best interests in mind and sincere wishes for my success, which is something that can't be said for plenty of acting teachers. Go to Joe!”
— James Navan, NYC Musician & Actor
“I have benefited in many ways since I started working with Joe Whelski. The world of self-tapes and auditioning online was so new to me, and Joe broke it down in a way I could easily understand.
I was used to acting on stage for my high school drama productions, so I did not know where to start for TV/Film. I reached out to Joe after finding him on Facebook. I figured that I might as well take a step closer to my dreams and take a shot with this NY coach.
Now, I look forward to my weekly Zoom meetings, and I have found myself working harder and harder each week to progress towards my goals. Not only has my knowledge grown throughout this journey, but my confidence has too.
Joe is very supportive and he comes from a small town, like I do! It is nice to know that, as long as I keep working, I can get to where I want to be. With Joe’s help, I have already seen so much improvement. What he can do amazes me, and it helps to know he 100% has my back.
Thank you, Joe Whelski, for everything you have done and will continue to do for me!”
— Anna McCabe, PA Actor & Singer
"I’ve known Joe Whelski for a good number of years now. I can honestly say that there is no person I’d trust my career in the hands of more than Joe. He’s seen me at my worst and my best… and continuously works his hardest to have the best of the best come to light.
Many of my fundamental acting tools, that I instinctively reach for, originate from a lesson with him. I’ve had training in a plethora of different environments, but none will ever surpass the wisdom I have and will continue to glean from Joe Whelski and his teachings.
Overall, he is someone who genuinely cares and is the greatest mentor I could ever ask for."
— Alfie Keno, PA & NY Actor and Writer
“Working with Joe was inspiring. I asked him to help me clean up my online presence and what really struck me was, he didn’t just tell me what to do. Joe did a deep dive into my work, watching full reels and identifying what clearly captured the essence of my brand.
I was taken aback by the amount of work he was doing to help me package myself for casting directors, producers, and potential agents. What Joe delivered was not only helpful, but deeply satisfying in that he broke down what CD’s are currently looking for and how to deliver it to them in the cleanest package possible.
And the level of detail and diligence he put in required that I match it. I’m seeing more auditions and am excited to show people my website and casting profiles, because now my online presence represents what I am: a professional actor. Thanks Joe, and can’t wait to work with you, again.”
— Jack Zullo, LA & NYC Actor, We Make Movies NYC Co-Founder
“I started taking lessons with Joe in my senior year of high school. Since I was facing a huge crossroads in my life, I was nervous about my future. I knew I wanted to act, but I had no idea how to begin navigating that career path.
Joe has helped me through every step of the way. He has never treated anything as a “stupid question” and allowed me to feel comfortable while learning. I have grown so much as an actor over this past year. Joe has given me all the tools and confidence to take my career to the next step. I now know what makes a successful self-tape, how to contact agents, and where to find auditions.
Not only has Joe taught me the technical aspects of the industry, but he has also helped me become a more confident actor. Transitioning from Theater to TV/Film has a lot more obstacles than I initially thought. However, Joe understood this shift and took each step with me with attentiveness.
I would truly not be where I am today had it not been for Joe Whelski. I now feel much more self-assured about my chosen career and the road I’m taking is much clearer. Though the process can still seem scary at times, Joe has always offered a helping hand in navigating this career and I truly could not recommend him enough.”
— Julia Carestia, PA Actor
(“Evil Lives Here: Shadows of Death”)
“To say Joe has been instrumental in building my acting career into a successful one is an understatement.
His approach has always been straightforward, honest, practical, and builds great trust, which is a rarity in our industry.
He’s not only great at breaking down audition scripts and crafting key moments for each scene, but he’s an excellent career coach as well. He will inspire you to get creative and lay out unique ideas to move your acting career forward, whenever you feel you’re at a standstill.
He is one of the most caring, nurturing and supportive coaches you’ll find, and I’ve witnessed this not only with myself, but with every single one of his students.”
— Mila Milosevic, NYC Actress & Singer
(“Succession”, “Law & Order: SVU”)
“I was gifted a pack of lessons with Joe by my friend and it’s the best gift I could have ever imagined. Joe has since brought out my best performances for in person callback material and filmed auditions. His intentional process and method can be applied to enhance my acting, singing and overall performance. I recommend working with Joe both online and in person if you have the opportunity!!”
— Jon Allen, NYC/LA actor, singer and dancer
“I have recently completed Joe Whelski’s “One Month Acting Career and Self-Tape Zoom Bootcamp”. Over the course of four sessions, Joe has taught me numerous crucial guidelines to drastically improve my self-tape audition performance. He has shared valuable resources on how to find agents and laid out a clear, concise roadmap to get the ball rolling on the early stages of my acting career.
Not only is Joe extremely knowledgeable as an industry professional, but he is also an incredibly compassionate, kind individual that has encouraged me to be the best that I can, both on screen and off.
Whether you are a fresh face to the scene or a seasoned veteran aiming to elevate your performance to even greater heights, I highly recommend Joe Whelski for all of your acting coaching needs.”
— Bryan J. Mangam, Long Island Actor
"Joe's feedback as a writing teacher is always thoughtful and consistent. I credit his instruction as the push that got me following my dream to go from being just an actor, to a creator in control of my own artistic destiny".
— Mike Handelman, NYC Actor & Writer
(Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Friends from College)
"I first met Joe when we were working on a show together years ago and I reconnected with him a few months back. Coincidence or not, he swooped in to help take my acting career a step forward, as I was trying to transition from Theatre to TV/Film.
His knowledge of the industry, as well as personability, makes him a great acting coach and mentor. While his camp had a set outline week to week, he also catered our one-on-one sessions to my personal acting needs.
Joe completely transformed my knowledge of the business side of acting (i.e. how to make a reel, how to connect with agents, how to market myself as an actor), which we aren't taught in school or in the real world.
He's such a lovely person and friend, and I'm definitely going to continue to use him as my acting coach moving forward."
— Micaela Oliverio, NYC Actor, Singer, Athlete
(“Singfeld! A Musical About Nothing!”)
“Joe helped me figure out the next steps in my performing career. Not only is he a skilled acting teacher, but he also knows the nuts and bolts of the business. His boot camp helped me with the process of getting headshots, finding an agent, and marketing myself overall.
If you are embarking on an acting career or deciding what to do next, Joe might be the right teacher for you.”
— Brad Engle, NYC Actor, Improviser, Writer
"As I’ve worked more overseas in recent years, I’m very grateful to Joe for inspiring me to reach out to NY agents in the first place, and for his continued support and advice in helping me navigate through this maze of working with talent agencies in the US.
I am surprised and impressed how Joe has been able to quickly and skillfully guide and help me deal with a wide range of topics from the practical "business” aspects to acting on Zoom.
Joe is very knowledgeable, friendly, quick and supportive. With his help, I was able to secure my first two US agents in the same week. I highly recommend Joe to all my fellow actors.”
— Atsushi Ogata, International Actor, Writer, Director
"Joe's professionalism and passion for his craft is inspiring. He has a unique ability to help you evaluate whether a role or photo shoot is the right choice for you and how best to approach getting the job. Joe is a confidence builder. He knows the business inside out, and he really cares about his students.
I re-launched my modeling career 4 years ago. Admittedly, I needed some guidance in navigating the wide range of challenges and opportunities in today's modeling market.
Having Joe's advice on dealing with agents and casting directors, to better understanding the global nature of contracts and usage, and capitalizing on suitable opportunities to build a brand image has been invaluable. He was also helpful in coaching me through the process of self-taping and online marketing.
I can't think of anyone more supportive and knowledgeable to work with!”
— Denise Kelly, NYC Model & Actor
"Throughout my experience with Joe Whelski I’ve improved my acting rapidly. He’s supplied me with a plethora of great acting opportunities, and trained me according to those roles.
If you’re someone interested in acting I would definitely recommend his services. The opportunities presented on top of his teaching has led me to success."
— Paige Deatrich, Pennsylvania Actor & Equestrian Champion
“Working with Joe has been such a beneficial experience for my career. Before my first lesson, I knew nothing about TV and Film.
Since working with him, Joe has taught me so much about the industry while teaching me the difference between stage and screen acting.
Looking back on my first self-tape I have seen so much improvement not only in the technicality of my tapes but in my acting as well. Joe has helped me to refine my self-tapes to make them presentable for my website, agents, and casting directors.
He has helped my process immensely. Working with Joe has helped me to understand each character that I am playing. I have learned to be excited and motivated to get to know a new character each week.
Joe truly cares about his students and working with him, I know my career is in good hands.
I continue to work with Joe and recommend him to anyone who needs an acting coach.”
— Ella Frantz, Pennsylvania Actor, Singer & Musician
"Joe Whelski will bring out the best in you. He did for me on several occasions.
His creative direction and guidance led me to an award-winning performance in the acclaimed feature film Yellow Scare. Joe leads from experience.
He is also a kind person. Hire him if you get the chance."
— Dan Gregory, Award Winning New Jersey Actor
"I would wholeheartedly and unequivocally recommend Joe Whelski for coaching. The amount of insight and specificity he hones in on with support and kindness, not to mention a sense of humor, is a gift to any actor.
As a graduate of AADA and A.C.T’s Young Conservatory, with 50 years of theatre under my belt, I’ve worked with many directors, and I can honestly say that Joe is the most practical, results oriented coach I have ever had.
I had supporting roles in feature films 3 decades ago and then took time off to raise children. Joe gave me the tangible tools, from script analyses to the technical aspects of self-taping, along with industry advice, in order to get back in the game.
Thanks to Joe, I now have material for a reel that is age appropriate and, as a result of his help with an audition tape, I have a callback for a film.
Joe genuinely wants his clients to work and, if you work with him, you will actually enjoy auditions and self-tapes!"
— Liz Harnett, Connecticut Actor
"I wish I had met Joe earlier in my career. He answered so many questions I never thought to ask and I left his camp feeling incredibly prepared.
I recently filmed a selftape audition on my own, and was then asked by a friend if I hired a professional to produce it. I was proud to say I had filmed it myself, although the real credit goes to Joe for having taught me the skills. Joe also taught me the secrets to hunting down and submitting to the agents and managers currently seeking new talent, and upon completion of his course I finally have a website I'm proud of.
Navigating the acting world is tough as there is no template and no actor's journey is the same, but I now feel truly confident in the direction I'm headed. Thank you, Joe!"
— Camille Parlman, NYC Actor & Voice Over Artist
"Joe really helped me with taking initiative in a lot of aspects of my career, and gave me courage to do more.
He gave me ideas for things I could take control of, and look at---and now I'm putting up my own show!
Joe also gave me hope during the hard times of the industry lockdown, which is still driving me to this day."
— Carmel Lotan, NYC Actor & Playwright
"I just began studying with Joe this year and I'm already hooked on his approachable, easy-to-understand direction and technique.
As someone who had no home setup (or any clue what I was doing!) I now feel confident and ready to send self-audition tapes that will look and sound professional.
Coming from a theater background, Joe easily helped me translate my skills to the camera and I really loved his approach to exploring character.
Additionally, Joe's career coaching was really helpful in marketing my niche as an actor/musician!"
— Julia Hoffmann, NYC Actor & Musician
"I've been studying with Joe for many years. Joe's direction and influence have been invaluable.
Joe's interactive coaching provides insightful guidance on the craft of acting paired with the practicality of on-camera work while also preparing the actor for the business of acting.
As an actor and director himself, Joe's method and experience affords the actor the ability to master the technique of self directing while living truthfully moment-to-moment as the character."
— Maya Koshaba, NYC & Texas Actor
“I was at a crossroads in my career and in need of a new direction to gain the attention of agents and casting directors. Joe Whelski's One-on-One Acting Career and Self-Tape Bootcamp program is as informative as it gets when it comes to learning about and preparing for today's modern standards and requirements in the film/theater industry.
He guides you through each class with a step by step process on how to analyze scripts, prepare demo reels and submit ones credentials to agents and casting directors all over the country in a direct and professional manner.
He is patient and pays close attention to details in every aspect of your work progression. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
He has equipped me with the tools and new ideas to give me a fresh start on a new and positive direction. Thank you so much Joe for your expertise and guidance.”
— Marco Malgioglio, NYC Actor & Musician
"Entering into the industry at a time when self-tapes were rapidly becoming the new normal, I knew I needed individual attention from a teacher who knew his stuff.
Joe is exactly that - after just one class, my confidence in self taping grew immensely - from script analysis to technical set-up - Joe gave me the tools to succeed!"
— Jon Hull, NYC Actor
“I have been working with Joe over the past few years to build up my acting technique and work with film. His advice and lessons have helped me develop my acting profile and give me the structure to work in this industry. He is always happy to work with me and accommodate my needs. I look forward to continuing to work with Joe and share my journey with him.”
— Maxwell Babcock, Pennsylvania Actor
"Working with Joe not only gave me focus and direction towards a career path & character type, but he also provided guidance towards self taping techniques.
He put me on a path towards achieving my goals. It was great to learn from someone who’s passionate about the process and about my success."
— Dan Hooks, Connecticut Actor
"I took Joe's self-tape class in the summer of 2020. His workshop was very informative,and I learned a lot of great skills to help with my audition process.
Joe is very patient, and fun to work with throughout class. We re-evaluated my self-tape set up, adjusted my lighting and positioning, and dove deep into script analysis. I saw major improvements with my delivery, and how I handle each new audition that comes my way.
I can not say enough great things about Joe's expertise and how it helped me to advance my acting career. I would highly recommend Joe Whelski as an acting coach you can trust."
— Megan Miles, Colorado Actor, Rapper & Comedian
“Joe Whelski is a very kind a knowledgeable person. He knows a lot about the industry and genuinely wants to see you do well.
During our course I learned a lot and felt very reassured that I was getting the best information to help me pursue my acting career.
He makes sure to give you time to understand and ask questions. He is also great at keeping in touch and offers a variety of courses.
I would definitely recommend Joe Whelski to any aspiring actor.”
— Melany Rivera-Sandoval, NYC Actor
"I got the honor of meeting Joe back in 2019 at the Hoboken Film Festival and since that moment he’s been an amazing mentor for me.
Not only has he helped me through my own projects and scripts, but I also became a student of his through his courses.
What he teaches goes a long way in this industry. But what I love most is how Joe teaches— as it is not only informative— but fun. I try to implement everything he’s taught me into the development of my own projects as it is a recipe for success, especially coming from Joe himself who’s had plenty of success in this industry.
I look forward to furthering my education in the entertainment industry under Joe’s guidance and highly recommend his courses."
— Andrew Jusino, New Jersey Actor & Writer
“The self-tape/career bootcamp class is amazing and your approach is awesome! I can see why you have so many great testimonials on facebook!
I haven't had this much fun in a long, long time. You made me realize that it's okay to enjoy acting and that it's an honorable skill to have.”
— Francis Nunez, Chicago Actor
"Joe has been a primary influence on the work I’ve done! He is thorough and believes in his students.
He structured a curriculum stemming from my strengths, interests, and goals.
His enthusiasm, direction, advice, and resources have given me the confidence and knowledge to explore my creativity with intention!"
— Elisa Albert, Connecticut Actor, Content Creator & Producer