“My friend and colleague of 22 years, I have watched Hugh evolve from a Talented Performer into a Perceptive and Giving Educator. He combines Intellectual Artistry with actually having been there, done that and done that well!”
— Jeremiah Birkett: Film/Stage Actor, “Them”, “Lucifer”, "LA Confidential", “Topdog Underdog”, “The Grapes Of Wrath”
“It is obvious Hugh’s an exceptional teacher by the caliber of performance his students give. You just can’t get better than Hugh!”
— Camryn Manheim: Golden Globe & Emmy Award winner; series regular, “The Ghost Whisperer”, “The Practice”, “The L Word”
“Hugh’s method of teaching is so joyful and freeing, his passion and generosity so apparent, while being rooted in his absolutely airtight knowledge of the Michael Chekhov work. You feel like you are in good hands in his class and like you can’t make a mistake, because there are none! I come away from every class enriched and excited about my art again, and have been able to bring that reinvigorated enthusiasm into all my other work: rehearsals, auditions, camera work, stage work, all of it. I’ve had the great fortune of studying with several of the top Chekhov teachers in the country, and Hugh is the cream of the crop!”
— Gretchen Egolf: series regular “Journeyman”, “Roswell”, “Marshall Law” and graduate of the Juilliard School of Drama
“I have observed Hugh teach, and his work is structured, thoughtful, and communicates the mind-body connection with focus, clarity and playfulness. He leads his class gently but with great energy and persuasion. He is an accomplished Michael Chekhov teacher.”
— Joanna Merlin: former student of Michael Chekhov, President of MICHA the Michael Chekhov Association, actor, teacher NYU Graduate Acting, and former casting director
“So proud of my college professor and friend, Hugh O’Gorman! He was and still is the best - the ultimate acting teacher/coach/mentor for anyone looking to take classes and truly learn the art of acting.”
— AMANDA SALAS - ENTERTAINMENT HOST/ANCHOR FOX 11 KTTV Los Angeles
“Hugh is a gifted teacher who is dedicated to advancing his own knowledge and skills, curious and open, determined to best serve his students...and his certification as a teacher of the Michael Chekhov technique places him in the company of an elite few who are qualified to carry on the tradition of this great Russian master - arguably the greatest of the psycho-physical teachers of modern acting.”
— Ron Van Lieu: Professor Columbia University; former Head of Acting, Yale School of Drama and NYU Graduate Acting.
“Hugh is a serious and committed professional and I wholeheartedly believe in his work as an educator and artist. I admire and respect his thoughtful and intelligent insight and highly recommend him as a teacher.”
— Kathleen Hood: Administrative Director, The Juilliard School Drama Division
“Hugh O’Gorman continues the important work of a physical theatre in the tradition of Etienne Decroux, Peter Brook and Jerzy Grotowski with his knowledge of the Chekhov Technique. In an age of talking heads, it is wonderful to experience the physical theatre as created by Michael Chekhov. Hugh’s classes in LA as well as in Paris transcend language. My clients as well as myself found his classes unique because of his knowledge of this method as well as our self discovery while using Michael Chekhov’s technique. Hugh brings Chekhov’s work into the 21st century and leaves his clients whether actor, director or writer all the better for it. This is one workshop you will not want to miss!”
— Vernice Klier: International Dialogue/Acting Coach for Juliette Binoche, Vincent Cassel, Omar Sy, etc. et al Artistic Director/Co-Founder Bridge Media Network Paris, France
“Hugh has had a profound impact on my own acting process, career, and teaching but, my God, in a brief testimonial, I find it hard to do him justice! In a town awash in self-proclaimed gurus, he is the real deal. His humanity, passion for the craft, love of actors, and encyclopedic knowledge of how actors do what they do is truly inspiring. The Michael Chekhov work was a particular revelation and I continue to use it to this day in my own classes and work in the profession. Should you have the opportunity to study with Hugh, grab it!”
— Richard Holden: Co-Head/Undergraduate Theatre Louisiana State University
“Criteria for choosing an acting teacher: A) Bloodlines: Who were her/his mentors? To what extent? B) Experience as an actor: She/he does not have to be an accomplished performer, but they need to understand the creative process from their own developmental struggle to realize a superior level of performance. C) Track record: What level of talent does this teacher attract? Not how many “stars” has she or he guided, but how many interesting creative people look to her or him for guidance. Hugh O’Gorman rates very high in each of the three criteria, and in the ultimate measure as well. He is a great human being, who has a special ability to assist others in plumbing their own humanity. I would encourage you to look at Hugh O’Gorman from that perspective, if you wish to engage in your own growth as an actor/artist.”
— J. Michael Miller, founding Dean of the NYU Tisch MFA Graduate Acting; former founding President of the Actors Center, NYC.
“Hugh’s approach to teaching is from the actor’s point of view. He understands completely what the struggle, the joy, the fear, and the ultimate payoff means, because he still practices. He’s an actor passing on his undying passion and his wealth of knowledge with an ease and command I’ve seldom experienced. Hugh doesn’t just teach Michael Chekhov, he lives it.”
— Alexandra Billings: series regular “The Conners”, “Transparent”; “Wicked” on Broadway, Singer, Teacher
“Hugh is an exceptional teacher and artist who cares about his students. He gives actors the tools to turn a good performance into a memorable one. Skills I still use to this day when working with my actors.”
— Anjela Vega - Director, Netflix, Artistic Director, Post Mortem Movement Theatre
“Hugh O’Gorman is the perfect hybrid of artist and instructor. He has a sharp eye for truth in performance and did not allow me to settle for anything other than my absolute best. He gets to know his students and finds just the right words to use to ensure that we comprehend and, most importantly, can apply what we’ve learned. If you’re looking to inject honesty and truth into your performance, you need to train with Hugh O’Gorman.”
— Yvonne Senat Jones - Series Regular Tyler Perry's “Ruthless” on BET
“Hugh is a master acting teacher and if you get the chance to train with him, you’ll never want to stop. What sets him apart from other acting teachers is his ability to create a safe space to take risks, fail big and learn how to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. His holistic approach to the work feels more like a spiritual experience than an acting class. Hugh’s incorporation of insight meditation and the Michael Chekhov Technique is truly unique. His class will elevate your work to uncover your authentic self which you’ll not only bring to your work, but your life.”
— MacKenzie Meehan: series regular “Bull" on CBS
“Hugh was the one who first introduced me to the Chekhov technique. And I have been obsessed with it ever since! Hugh is a brilliant teacher who meets each actor exactly where they are. It doesn’t matter their level of experience. He has a way of opening your imagination (in a way I didn’t think was possible) thus creating spontaneous work. I look forward to his classes- not only are they fun, but we learn lots of exercises to add to what I like to call my actors “tool belt”.”
— Alise Willis: “Coming to America"; series regular Tyler Perry's “Ruthless"
“Study with Hugh O’Gorman! His passion for acting is infectious, his taste is impeccable, his commitment to his students is unfailing. Hugh has the gifts of knowing his craft intimately and being able to teach it skillfully.”
— Mary Lou Belli: Emmy award winning television director
“Hugh establishes a remarkable rapport with his actors, which in turn engenderes a confidence and curiosity that serves them well. Exposure such as this is invaluable for actors and all too rare. Hugh’s passion for acting and for teaching is remarkable, as is commitment to his students.”
— Kathleen Chopin: Emmy award winning casting director
“Hugh brings to every class he teaches his care, his particular insight, and his passion. The actors he sends to me always impress me with their training, their poise, and their inherent professionalism. I recommend him without reservation for any class he teaches.”
— Deborah Barylski: Emmy award winning casting director
“The quality that sets Hugh apart is his rare ability to convey the ephemeral for immediate real-world application. He knows his craft inside out, and gets professional results.”
— Steve McPherson: former President ABC Entertainment, ABC Studios, ABC TV
