Empowerhouse Acting Studio - Berkeley, California

Brittney G.

Studying the Meisner technique for the last 2 years with Melissa has been a very transformative experience! Not only in my acting but in my everyday life! You literally leave the program looking at life in general differently; having a deeper sense of empathy and understanding. The business class was a beast of its own. Teaching us everything we need to know when it comes to the business side of things as well as getting us ready for auditions. It was a lot of hard work but worth every minute of it. Melissa herself is a god send! The way she cares for and is there for all of her students is remarkable! She literally just wants to see everyone succeed and she will push you to challenge yourself and be the best that you can be every step of the way! I cannot express my gratitude for this experience and my artistic family enough! Thank you Melissa & empowerhouse for everything! I cannot wait to come back and take classes in the future!

Jiaxin Z.

I came to Melissa wanting something more structured and rigorous without having to go back to school full time. Having now completed my 2 year meisner training, I can 100% whole heartedly recommend her to anyone (beginner or novice!) looking to take their acting seriously.

I had taken some introductory courses, and didn’t like how the classes (1) often felt like they were at the whim of the instructor, no syllabus or curricula, or (2) had an unprofessional environment, without any sort of code of conduct. From the first day, Melissa set clear expectations around practice, professionalism, and zero tolerance for harassment.

I also loved the diversity of Melissa’s classes. I had come from a previous environment of only older men, and felt really uncomfortable with how frequently I was put in a position where strangers were touching me. From the very start, Melissa not only had a class makeup of different genders and cultural backgrounds, but also taught us how to discuss physical boundaries with our classmates.

I cannot recommend Melissa enough. She takes your acting skills seriously. If you, like me, are an anxious critical person, you may find yourself growing and healing in others way too. You won’t regret this class.

Chiemeka A.

I picked Empowerhouse Acting Studio after watching testimonials from alumni about the Owner/Acting Teacher, Melissa Thompson Esaia. The common thread I heard in all these testimonials was that Melissa was a passionate and committed teacher who understood how to balance teaching, compassion, and accountability. Having worked with her for almost 2.5 years now I can say she does this better than any teacher/leader I have ever worked with. In doing so, she has created a safe learning environment at Empowerhouse AND an expectation for excellence. It is not an easy task to do both!

Not only has finishing my Meisner Technique and business training empowered me to call myself an actor, but I feel like I am a better person who has more confidence in who I am. Additionally, the Empowerhouse community has become like a family. I have been supported and helped by Empowerhouse alumni both in the Bay area and in LA. The group I finished the training with (see the photo) are truly family to me.

Becoming a member of the Empowerhouse community and being taught by Melissa has been a life-changing experience!!! I would recommend this studio to anyone who wants to learn the craft of acting in a supportive, nurturing environment with the most amazing teacher!

Venetta B.

Very highly recommended! You’ll graduate from this training program with such a robust toolbelt of skills, which you’ll be so grateful to have cultivated. Taking this Meisner training at Empowerhouse Acting Studio is truly foundational and transformational. Rest assured that you will learn how to become a professional working actor with earned confidence in your skills. Melissa is such a gem and she named her school aptly. She genuinely empowers you to be the best authentic actor you can be. Not all Meisner schools are equal, fyi, and it took me an extra 45 minutes to commute to Empowerhouse compared to the other Meisner school in SF, but the extra drive was SO worth it you have no idea. I really can’t give enough praise to Melissa and her magical Empowerhouse Acting Studio. What a beautiful experience it has been. I will miss it dearly!

Chika

I feel so blessed to have stumbled across Empowerhouse Studios when I first moved to the Bay Area. Melissa is a true gem. I have never come across an acting teacher quite like her. She creates the most authentic, safe space for you to come and be vulnerable and grow as an artist. She is open, honest, constructive, sensitive, and inspiring.

The 2 year program is rigorous and intense, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I grew so much, not only as an actress, but as a person from the day I started to graduation day. I met the best group of people who have become my beautiful artistic family. But most importantly, I now feel like I can truly call myself an actor. I understand myself and the craft on a much deeper level.

I also took the Auditioning and Business of Acting course at the studio. I was on the fence about taking it if I’m being honest. I thought I already knew most of what we’d learn (silly me lol), but it was so necessary to feeling confident upon graduating the training and starting to really pursue my career. I’m so grateful for Melissa and Empowerhouse. All of the instructors there are seriously amazing humans who genuinely want to see you win. I highly recommend this studio to anyone hoping to deepen their craft as an actor, director, or artist in general.

Lindsay S.

I just graduated from the two-year Meisner program and Business class through Empowerhouse Acting Studio and I can say it was a truly transformative experience and worth every penny. I’m not gonna lie, it was a lot of work, but imho anything of deep value is worth working hard for. Melissa is a very unique, gem of a teacher in that she pours her heart and soul into what she teaches. She is fully present with each student and has this je ne sais quoi quality to her work and way of giving critiques that is a breath of fresh air compared to other industry teachers. She carefully vets her staff to make sure they uphold the same values and worked ethic as her. A shoutout to Otis the Improv teacher as well. Love that guy! The studio was for sure accurately named because I’m graduating from the program feeling Empowered, ready to get to work and truly transformed. Thanks Melissa!

Kathryn F.

Empowerhouse provided me with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and respect for acting, specifically the Meisner Technique, I've found throughout my years taking classes. What differentiates this program even further is the level of empathy, compassion, and respect for each individual Melissa brings through her teaching.

This training not only provided me with a foundation to pursue acting professionally, but elevated how I show up in every area of my life. The curriculum is laid out seamlessly, allowing you to add to your toolkit over a 2-year, 6-session progression.

What you learn at Empowerhouse transcends the craft of acting, and it has been the best investment I've ever made in myself to date.

Lisa S.

Melissa is an incredibly and naturally gifted teacher. I took the Meisner Technique training with her for two years, followed by the Auditioning & Business of Acting course. From the initial interview, I knew my life was about to change with the guidance of this person. She was welcoming, kind, assertive, and set clear expectations from the first class in terms of how actors should present themselves. She always came from a place of care when providing feedback, both constructive and praising.

Melissa taught me how to tap into my emotions and use them as a superpower, rather than suppressing them as I had done before her class. She teaches how to act and embody a character, but only after she feels you've successfully embodied your own. My class journey with her may be over (for now), but I have left the nest feeling prepared, ready, and excited for the countless opportunities that lie ahead for me as an actor.

Melissa and her classes will change your life, and will challenge you to embrace who you are while shedding your own skin. She will push you to leave your comfort zone and experiment in the most gentle and loving way. All while, of course, having fun!