I've had the privilege of knowing Michael Petted not only as an exceptional acting teacher, but as a mentor and dear friend. His guidance has shaped me profoundly, both as an artist and as a person.

Michael brings a distinctly directorial approach to his teaching. In his scene study class, actors rehearse and perform fully realized scenes with props, wardrobe, and blocking—creating an experience that feels much like working on a weekly play. This immersive, professional environment allows actors to engage with the work as it exists in real-world practice.

Like a director in rehearsal, Michael breaks down scenes with precision and insight, helping actors uncover specific beats and moments they can truly make their own. He explores multiple choices, challenges actors to go deeper, and then gives them the opportunity to immediately apply those discoveries through performance. This process trains actors to mine the script thoroughly and find the gold in every line.

Over the seven years I've worked with Michael, I've come into my own not only as an actor, but as a man. Through his mentorship, I've developed greater emotional intelligence, clearer and more honest self-expression, and the confidence to fully be myself—both in my work and in the world.

Michael's class is a supportive, mixed-level environment where beginners, advanced actors, and working professionals can all thrive. He has a rare ability to bring actors out of their shell while maintaining a safe space that encourages risk, growth, and authenticity. Actors seeking not only strong training, but also a collaborative community that regularly creates original projects—short films, feature films, and online media—will find his class especially rewarding.