Testimonials
Actor / Industry

"I'm your biggest success story! I booked three commercials and one episodic in three months, not too shabby. After auditioning for over a hundred commercials, I'd hit a slump. I talked to my agent who recommended Sandra's class. Sandra gave me the opportunity to address old thought patterns and under her guidance she gave me the gentle nudge and encouragement to break out of preconceived ideas about myself. Once I saw myself on tape, I could see the difference between what I thought I was accomplishing and what I was actually doing. I found the class liberating and was shown how to acknowledge the comedic, fun side of myself. I booked a Hartford Financial, Comp USA and Bayer commercial. I now have a different outlook and can apply what I learned in your class to create new opportunities."
- Richard Molinare

"I would highly recommend Sandra Merrill's commercial workshop classes to anyone that is interested in knowing the ins and outs of how to book commercials. Sandra's classes provide all the necessary ingredients required to be successful at commercial acting. After completing Sandra's class, you will know what the casting directors are looking for in an audition. Sandra makes the classes enjoyable which makes the learning process that much easier. I booked a Fox Sports Promo after taking the class."
- Guy Grundy

"Sandra, I really got so much out of your class. The goal of taking your class was definitely met. I wanted to play with you and build my confidence and that happened. After your class, I booked Home Depot, a Gateway and a Paine Webber. I feel like I'm in the game again. I really feel like your class gave me the shot I needed!"
- Julie Lancaster

Starting out here in Los Angeles with Sandra's commercial acting class was one of the best decisions I made.  What I learned in her beginning and intermediate classes helped me book my first audition.  I went on to book eight more spots in just six months.  This included a national Build-a-Bear Campaign that gained me SAG eligibility shortly after getting signed with an agent.  Simply put, Sandra is both an expert in her field and an expert teacher.  She applies her knowledge, experience and plain good sense, through well-structured, organized lessons, efficiently leading you to understand how to audition for commercials confidently and effectively.
- Caitlin Durham

"Sandra Merrill is a no nonsense acting coach...as a neophyte first-timer, Sandra helped me to break out of my shell, feel comfortable in front of a camera, and taught me many important points about acting in commercials. Got my first commercial on my tenth audition! Thank you Sandra!"
- Mike Kubasak

"Thanks Sandra. Not only did you give me the confidence I need to go into any audition, I learned a lot of inside info that gives me a better sense of what works, what is expected and what I am up against. I booked a national Radio Shack thanks to your awesome teaching method!!"
- Kelly Noonan

"I felt the class was a wealth of information in which we need to make it in the commercial industry. I also feel that we need more teachers out there such as yourself, that are there for the actors more than they are there for the dollar. I booked a national "Visa" on my first audition."
- La'Kesha Henderson

Sandra really knows what’s going on in casting. I love that the classes are kept small so you have more opportunity to work and learn.  She is absolutely, hands down one of the best teachers you will ever have!  I learned in one class what it took in four classes to learn elsewhere.  She keeps it real AND fun.  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Sandra!  A past and future student.
- Paige Moore

Taking Sandra's workshop is an affirmation of everything I already knew about commercial auditions but wasn't doing. Knowing it and doing it are two different things. Sandra's detailed eye doesn't let anything slide. Within a week, I booked a national spot for AARP. And callbacks are now the norm.
- Gregroy Franklin

"I took Sandra's commercial workshop and had a bunch of FUN! I'm now able to separate my theatrical training and focus my talents when auditioning for commercials with a new kind of style. Two commercial bookings in the three months since meeting you Sandra and I'm so inspired I have now begun a "Hosting Career" and totally give the credit to your insight and your instinct."
- Lisa Long

During my auditions and during my commercial shoot- so many things I learned in your class came in very helpful to me, so I want to express my gratitude to you for being such an attentive, thorough and caring teacher.
- Truly Magyar

"I gained invaluable knowledge on the commercial casting process. Being in front of the camera, with someone who is filled with knowledge and expertise guiding me, provided me with confidence and comfort that casting agents and directors love. Sandra tailors her teaching technique to the individual - whether you are a beginning actor or a seasoned veteran. It was well worth the time and money spent. The return you get on your investment is amazing."
- Brian Wellman

"Sandra brings her vast experience as a commercial casting director and agent to the table. She really knows what the actor needs to do to book the job and she communicates in a clear, concise and eminently "do-able" manner. I was always able to easily incorporate her suggestions and see immediate, positive results. She is an extremely perceptive teacher, and she gives each student a lot of personalized, individual attention. This is not one of those "actor-factory" type workshops! Sandra really cares. It's so apparent that she puts a lot of time and thought into each student. Whatever level you're at in the commercial realm, I know that Sandra can help you maximize your effectiveness. Plus, she's just a lot of fun!"
- Lisa Glass

"I would recommend Sandra Merrill's class for both the trained and untrained actor. Her experience in the field and her clear teaching style give the actor the necessary tools to audition both professionally and effectively. Beyond just commercials, her techniques can be applied across the spectrum of auditions in the entertainment industry. She is truly a great resource."
- Russel Taylor

"Sandra's commercial workshop, calls you into action. She shares with you what casting directors, directors and producers want to see."
- Greg Zarain

"Sandra's class was really insightful, and I got a lot of great inside scoops, and it was FUN! I definitely came out with some new knowledge!"
- Kim Antounick

"Just took Sandra Merrill's commercial class and it was great! Being she worked in casting and as an agent, she really knows the business. We covered everything- improv, copy, pictures, slating, callbacks, etc. Her insights were incredible and everyone got so much out of the class. And it was a lot of fun!!"
- Conn Barrett

"I left Sandra's class with all the confidence an actor needs to succeed! I couldn't wait to get to my first audition! Sandra answers every question with the same passion. She really knows what goes on behind the closed doors.
She wants you to book.
She knows the business.
She knows what will work for you!!
Since taking her class I have had callbacks on all my auditions."
- Lee Dawson

"Sandra Merrill's teaching comes from a knowledge based in experience, integrity, compassion and talent. If you want to be a commercial actor, her class is as invaluable as it is inspiring. She offers concrete acting solutions and business advice that I wish I'd had years ago."
- Heidi Cotton

"Sandra listens to everyone's questions and answers them in an honest way. She didn't hold anything back from us, which gave us more to work with and "Test" on auditions."
- Kristine Diaz

"Sandra's excellent teaching and genuine approachability immediately make you feel relaxed. And, before you know it, you're performing like you didn't think possible. Sandra's teaching technique is very hands-on. Her classes give everyone opportunities to participate, ask questions and perform. She'll challenge and encourage you to take risks. You'll learn. You'll feel more prepared. And, you'll have fun!"
- Kenya Williamson


Testimonials

"Sandra Merrill has a scope of insight and experience that is unparalled. Her understanding of the business can only be matched by her compassion for her students. I recommend Sandra's class to both my new students who need to learn the basics and my advanced actors who are looking to turn callbacks into bookings. The results have been substantial."
- Emily Hope / Acme Talent Agency

"The actors I represent who have taken Sandra's class say they benefit from her personal attention, keen insights and knowledge of the industry. Sandra gives students the inside edge they need for booking commercials."
- Alicia Ruskin / Kazarian, Spencer & Associates

Immediate results are what an actor - and the agent! - get  from Sandra Merrill's commercial classes. The actor walks out with new information, a new attitude and perhaps most importantly, confidence.  We have sent many people to Ms. Merrill, and more often than not, they have booked a job or jobs very shortly after completing her class.  Also they call us on their way out of a class to report how terrific it was and how charged they feel.  She lets people take risks.  She encourages people.  And she's fun!
- Joan Messinger and Kim Muir / Pinnacle Commercial Talent Agency

“From her years working as a casting director, Sandra teaches actors what needs to happen inside the audition. Whether you're a seasoned actor or beginning actor, she can take your acting to the next level. I recommend Sandra's classes to actors who are looking to succeed in their careers.  Sandra helps turn callbacks into bookings!”
- Blair Taylor / Commercial Talent

"Simply put Sandra Merrill is an incredible teacher for three reasons:
• First, she is a fountain of knowledge, not old-school knowledge, but current, cutting edge knowledge and she wants to pass it on to you.
• Second, she will competently assess your best opportunities in the field of commercials because she has worn the hat of casting director, talent agent and manager and as such knows how to field your questions to you best advantage. For example, she can tell you what a casting director and talent agent is looking for in a headshot thereby saving you time and money on pictures that might look good but won't get you work.
• And the third reason that I am going to recommend Sandra Merrill's workshop to my company members is that she genuinely wants you to succeed. When you are with her you know she has an authentic reason for doing what she does and that makes all the difference."
- Noni Watson / Artistic Director WTCLA