Recommendations
The workshops are incredible. It says a lot to be taught by someone that really knows the whole process and whose office you visit for castings.
booked - Samsung national spot, Fiberone national spot booked role on Darren Aronofsky movie Noah
Nolan Gross
We enrolled our daughter (Ilana, 6) and son (Adam, 4) in the Manning Workshops in September 2012. There aren't many acting classes for kids their ages and we were happy to learn about Manning Workshops from our kids' agent. Adam has a recurring co-star role on cable TV show and we could see a big improvement when he went back to set after the classes with Sheila and Dorn. He was more independent and confident and received many compliments from the director and actors on set. Both Ilana and Adam are much more confident and prepared when going into auditions. The learned so much about the commercial audition process and how to do the things they may be asked to do in the audition- such as eating, drinking and showing reactions. They really enjoyed being able to watch their Workshop sessions later in the day and were able to see themselves how to improve. We will definitely be back for a refresher session soon! Thank you so much, Sheila & Dorn!
Update: "After attending Manning Workshops, Adam booked a co-star role on Arrested Development!"
He will be in the final episode of the season they are currently filming for Netflix. He worked with Will Arnett and Mae Whitman. What an awesome experience!!
The Karchmer Family
Thank you Sheila and Dorn! Not only did Katie have the most amazing time in your workshop she and I also learned tools that I believe lead her to booking a national within three days after your workshop ended! I highly recommend this workshop and can't wait for my little one to be old enough to take it as well!
booked - Subway & General Hospital
Michelle Silverman
Connor enjoyed the Manning Workshops so much he said it was better than summer camp! If you are looking for professional top notch acting classes the Manning Workshop is really your only option in the southern California area. We drove from Ventura county weekly to participate, and within 2 weeks of this course Connor has booked a movie called Puzzled which begins filming in January.A warm honest touch of love, direction and communication from Sheila and Dorn is rare and really appreciated. Connor is prepared for the filming of Puzzled thanks to Sheila and Dorn. We are grateful to you and our hearts are full.
Update: He just booked discovery channel dirty jobs, shoots tomorrow and fidelity commercial shoots tonight!!!! You guys really are spectacular!!!!!
In love and light,
Renay and Connor
Thank you Sheila & Dorn! Abigail LOVED your classes and can't wait to take more. She made some great friends & learned valuable information & skills to help her become successful. She had an audition this week, had her first call back and now her agent just notified us that she was picked Available:) THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. You two are the best!
Update: Hi! Abigail got the job for the national Alka-seltzer commercial! She filmed today and will again tomorrow. she LOVES it and can't wait to go again tomorrow. Thank you both for all your help in making her dream come true!
Since taking the Manning Workshop, Abigail has booked the following jobs: a National Alka-Seltzer Plus Commercial, A National Just Dance "Disney Party" Commercial and landed the Role "Pepper" in the musical Annie Jr. in Charlotte, NC.
Amy Grunden-Weissert
Adrian booked his 1st job ever! It's not a commercial but we are stoked! He is working today for Gap.com
Update: I just wanted to let you know that last week Julian booked his 1st commercial!! He shot it last Saturday at a farm with 3 other kids. It is for a new kids vitamin called Voots. Adrian is doing great too- he just shot for Gap.com (for the second time) earlier this month.
best,
Sena
Nikki just recently took the Manning Workshop and absolutely loved it! She learned some very valuable tips when going out on auditions, one that Nikki found helpful was, using different techniques on how to read the script.She also learned that it is important to be prepared and know how to behave when going on an audition. I want to thank Shiela and Dorn for making this such a wonderful experience for Nikki. You two are not only GREAT teachers but SO NICE to all of the kids! I would like to thank Nikki's Manager Wendee Cole for recommending that Nikki take this Workshop. After taking the Workshop Nikki booked a part in Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Musical that will be aired on TV in December.
Thank You!
Nancy Taylor
Hi Sheila and Dorn! great to hear from you - I have attached her favorite headshot and pics of the Samsung Memory commercial and Toyota Entune commercials that she booked after taking your sessions! Your classes were so organized and fun for the students. Veronica especially liked the project where they wrote and performed their own commercial - and fun when they did it in pairs! you really encouraged working together which is important because many times they are in commercials with other kids. I have recommended your workshops to several "momagers" ...wishing you continued successs and fun with "your kids"!! Veronica sends her love,,,
Thanks! Margaret MacFarlane
Sheila & DornI thought I should update you on Mollys latest projects since it all started a year and a half ago with your workshop. She recently wrapped a feature film in a supporting lead role with David Deluise called Abner, the Invisible Dog. It should come out this Spring. In December she co starred in an episode of Modern Family entitled "A Slight at the Opera", which I believe will air the end of January. Tomorrow she is shooting a costarring role in Raising Hope, which should air in early Feb. as soon as we have confirmed dates for everything we'll let you know. Thank you for everything and for truly kick starting Molly's career. She works so hard and loves every second of it. Hope to catch up with you both soon!
Love,
Linda & Molly Lamont
Our experience with Manning Workshops was amazing. Sheila and Dorn are a great team and care deeply about each child they are teaching. They shared a wealth of information not only with our kids but with the parents as well!
Aleen Amloian booked her first principal role in September! She played the role of Claire in a Marriage Equality PSA. She had a supporting role as a panel guest on Let The Kids Talk, a pilot web-series.
She has also booked a couple background roles in the Palms (Short Film) and The New Normal (TV).
Thanks for everything!
Sincerely,
Christeen
"Kaila really enjoyed your commercial class! You were the very first class she started with; it was one of the most memorable experiences she's had. Kaila said it was really fun to work with you both, and she learned a lot from your class! Her favorite experience was learning how to eat/drink while talking, and learning how to cold read."
Thank you for a great experience,
Kathi Teacher-Mom
My 5 year old daughter absolutely loved the class, and misses Sheila and Dorn sooo much that I am definitely bringing her back to another class. She learned so much and they have such a special way with all of the kids. Definitely Recommend!
Candra Evans
Just wanted to let you know our client Lyanna Kaelyn (age 5) just booked her first role for Allana Harkin "Other People's Kids". She had to be able to talk on camera with good interview skills. This job came in shortly after completing your commercial workshop. Thank you for working with her!
Best Regards,
Robin Alvarez Karen Renna & Associates
A Talent Management Group
Evelyn learned and grew so much this second summer in a row from the professional, caring and goal-oriented experts: Sheila and Dorn - you are the best! Totally worth coming all the way from Chicago to attend again. We love Manning Workshops and the great friends we've made there!
Ami Bourterse
Sheila and Dorn, thank you for teaching Dylan all the essential basics in becoming a successful actor. Dylan went from you class straight to a Disney audition and ended up booking the job! I know what you taught him in your classes more than prepared him for success. Since your class he also booked a principle role on the Lifetime show "Prank My Mom". Thank you for everything. I would highly recommend your workshop to any actor.
Kesha Lee Fong
Sheila and Dorn have taught my daughter, Noelle Faith Brown, all the essential skills for success in commercial auditions! Noelle comes to the Manning Workshops every year, and she works hard while having fun. She has made lasting friendships with the other students, and she is as comfortable with Sheila & Dorn as she is with Family. Sheila and Dorn's workshop is our "acting" home away from home. I highly recommend Manning Workshops to every aspiring, young commercial actor!
Ashley White Brown
Hi Sheila! Hannah had a great time in the acting class! She learned so much in that short time and had fun while doing so. Hats off to you and Dorn for your loving patience with the kids and for sending all those videos of their work!
Thank you!
Lynn Schultheis
Thank you Sheila and Dorn!!! Carly had the most AMAZING time in your workshop. I think the most telling evidence of all your guidance was her commercial booking at week 3. I HIGHLY recommend this workshop to beginners who want learn about the audition process or seasoned kids who just need a refresher.
Megan Steinberg
Sheila's class was wonderful for our 4 year old son, Hayden. He learned a lot about commercial auditioning, camera presence and relationships with other little actors. He absolutely adored Sheila and Dorn from the start, as this class is a trusting environment where the kids can explore their creativity. We would love to continue...In fact Hayden said he "never, never wanted to leave".
Hayden James Farrell and Family
We believe Rosemary has benefited greatly from your class and has improved her self confidence and poise in front of a camera. Your classes were fun and instructive at the same time. The kids loved it! We will be coming back for more instruction.
Thanks.
Carl and Bette Rowe
Just what I was looking for! I wanted a class that was fun, but I also wanted my son to learn and improve his interviewing skills. I was extremely happy with the results of the class. The workshop gave him the edge he needed and helped him book a great commercial while enrolled in the class. Sheila and Dorn are fantastic people who know the business inside and out. They provided great teaching to my son and were very informative about the business with me. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to improve their interviewing skills.
Andrea Knox
After the first class at the Manning acting workshop, I could already see the growth in my daughter Jordan. Being that she is only four years old, she would struggle standing still while on auditions and had not learned how to say her name clearly for the casting directors. After completing the five week course, she can now find her mark, remember a monologue and has an inner confidence that will benefit her throughout her life. I appreciate the hard work, dedication and patience that it takes to train children and I want to thank Sheila Manning and her team for all of their efforts.
Update: Sheila and Dorn have years of experience but more importantly they are family. We love you both! Jordan recently booked her first national SAG commercial for Jeep.
Thank you,
Shawn Bailey
Thank you so much for the wonderful workshops. Both girls had a lot of fun and learned a lot, as I did too. You both had great advise and tips in the business which was mind opening for me. I am signing up Loreale for the next session, 4-6 age group. Kiana just had two auditions yesterday. One for Kelloggs and the other for Sprint. Loreale has booked a print photography for this coming Sunday. Thank you again and see you soon.
Sincerely,
Leena Blake
Great class for beginning actors and actresses. My daughter has booked 2 National commercials since attending her workshops.
Natalie Lopez Ortega
