JULIA MCDERMOTT

Olivier Award Nominee
Weather Girl, London, NYC, Netflix
Heroes of the 4th Turning, Playwrts Horizons, NY Critics, Lucille Lortel & Outer Critics Awards
Orpheus Descending, TFANA, NYC
Elspeth (Paramnt), Women of the Movemt (ABC)
Spotlight Grand Prize, Young Arts Pres Scholar

The Juilliard School

Lea is a true magician at her craft.  She sees the unique gifts hidden within her students. She cultivates the soul, strips away the barriers that hold them back from communicating from the heart.

She is without a doubt an exceptional acting coach, but also a teacher of life. I would not be the woman I am today without her patience and humility

COOPER KOCH

Golden Globe and Emmy Nominee
Monster: The Lyle and Eric Menendez Story, Artificial
Swallowed

Pace University, BFA Acting

Working with Lea was one of the best decisions I have ever made. She freed me as an actor, made acting so much easier and more fluid. Not only have my acting skills grown stronger because of her incredible ability to get through to her students, but I've learned how to connect with my inner self, open my mind, and be completely free. She always gives me tea too, which helps :)

ISABELLA BRIGGS

The Summer I Turned Pretty, Amazon
Sugar, Apple TV
Fatal Attraction, Paramount+
Evil, Paramount+

Carnegie Mellon University, BFA Acting

Working with Lea was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my craft. To this day, I still reflect on the lessons and techniques she taught me. When Lea works with you, she takes her time to understand who you are as a person and as an artist. Tailoring her private work sessions to your acting needs. With every lesson she carries mountains of knowledge, humanity and empathy along with her and it is truly a wondrous experience getting to know her and learn from her. I cannot recommend Lea Floden enough.

HANNAH NORDBERG

Lydia- Beetlejuice, Original West End Cast
Euphoria, HBO Max
Pam & Tommy, Hulu
Longmire
Overboard
American Pastoral
Little Miss Sunshine, Second Stage
Spotlight Grand Prize

The Lir Academy, Trinity College, BA (Hons) Acting

Working with Lea is transformative. She strips away your bullshit and reveals the shining diamond inside of you, no joke. Lea is a professional ‘gatherer of people.’ The connections we make in class are deep, authentic, and everlasting. There aren’t any words to describe the studio; come and experience it for yourself. You just have to give in, give over, give way. And expand.

SHAI CHASE

Untitled Hockey Project, Netflix

The Theatre School at DePaul University, BFA Acting

What Lea has done for my acting craft will forever influence my way of work. She knew how to push me to places that I didn’t even know were a part of me, while still taking care of me as a person and as an actor. She has helped me cultivate my emotional outlets and has shifted how I approach acting. Lea sees each of her students as individuals and always knows what they need. She has helped me understand what it means to be present and has expertly facilitated the development of my moment-to-moment impulses. My knowledge of acting within my body and mind has immeasurably increased, and because of that (and so many other reasons), I am forever grateful for her and her classes.

NICHOLAS PODANY

Ponies, Peacock
SNL 1975, Apple +
Hello, Tomorrow!, Apple + 
Verona
Hart of Dixie, The CW
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Broadway Cast
Young Arts Winner

The Juilliard School

I honestly would not be anywhere close to where I am without Lea. Her belief that there is always more to learn is humbling (which is good!) and incredibly inspiring. I firmly believe that she is one of the greats. Just as some people today boast "I was taught by Meisner," or "I shook Adler's hand!" we will be able to say "I worked with Floden.”

BLU DEL BARRIO

Star Trek Discovery
Max & the Midknights, Nickelodeon The Listeners, Prime. Trap House, Netflix. Primos, The Owl House, Disney
Young Arts Winner

London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), BA (Hons) Acting

I can say, without a doubt, that Lea has changed my life.

Because of her, I am on the path to becoming a well rounded, thoughtful, and simply better actor, and person. She is one of the best acting coaches you will find in your lifetime. Lea puts everything into her work, and she legitimately cares about her student's growth, passion, and understanding of the craft. She is a teacher and a friend I hope to keep close to me for the rest of my life.

CAMILLE UMOFF

Mean Girls (The Movie Musical)
Cat Person
Law & Order
The Better Sister
Maiden Voyage
Witnesses
Spotlight Grand Prize

The Juilliard School

Lea has the astonishing ability to really see her students. Every day that I am in class, I receive more insight into myself, and into the belief systems and fears that cause me to hold myself back. With Lea's guidance, I have learned to find joy in all aspects of the process of being an actor: in auditioning, in learning new technique, in self-taping, in the good times and the struggle times. Words can't contain my gratitude. She has changed me forever, and I am proud of the actor and the person I am becoming with her by my side.

TUCKER ST. IVANY

The Grapes of Wrath, National Theatre, London
Lord of the Flies, Chichester
Marine Fabric, Apple TV+

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, BA (Hons) Acting

I don’t think I can express how lucky I feel to have found someone so dedicated and devoted to supporting me in becoming my best, most authentic self both on and off the stage. The intensity and openness that Lea brings to class each and every week creates a cohesive and constructive environment for artists to work in harmony. We hang on to every word she has to share with us, and she does the same. Her ability to listen to and learn from her students allows her to cater towards each person’s specific needs, providing individualized exercises for all of her students. Her rigorous and thoughtful approach towards teaching has further instilled and grown my love of acting.​

FRANKIE HART

Girl from the North Country, London
How I Learned to Swim, London, Fringe
Oliver!, Nancy Leeds Theatre, UK
August Wilson Winner 
Spotlight Grand Prize

Guildhall School of Music & Drama, BA (Hons) Acting

Lea uses a multitude of techniques to develop her students from all angles... always pushing while making sure to nurture them.

Her students' successes in acting competitions and our admissions to prestigious acting institutions are not just luck, but the direct result of having worked with Lea Floden. The combination of her advanced training and her innate ability to empathize, communicate, and break through with students is without par. No words could ever adequately describe my gratitude for what Lea Floden has given me.

LUCIAN ZANES

Full Circle, HBO Max
Chicago Med

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, BA (Hons) Acting

I can say without an ounce of hesitation that Lea is the greatest acting teacher I’ve ever had. She was almost scarily quick to understand exactly who I was, and exactly what I needed as a young actor. In a matter of months, she has helped me shape my instrument into something I didn’t even know I was capable of. 

If I’m struggling with a scene at work, I know there’s only one thing to do -- give Lea a call. She is the reason I can do my job without being an anxious little mess. She somehow makes the most complicated/overwhelming things so incredibly simple and attainable. Most of all, she's helped me find joy.

EMMA GRAY

The LeftBehinds, National Theatre UK

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, BA (Hons) Acting

...intense but kind, strong yet forgiving. She is the ultimate teacher, pushing her students to find so much more inside themselves than they ever could have thought possibly existed. She makes one’s own fears, insecurities, and anxieties work in their favor. 

Without Lea and the standard she holds me to, I do not know where I would be. To not work with her when given the opportunity would be a great mistake. 

NATALIE REBENKOFF

The Comeback King (Judd Apatow Project), Universal
Don't Look Up, Netflix
Judgement Day, MGM/Amazon

Lea truly sees you for who you are. She knows how to work with you and embellish every accent of your talent. If you trust her and her process, you are truly in the best hands.

Lea is the most amazing mentor and one of the best people in my life. She will not only improve your acting, but completely fill your heart! Thank you for everything, Lea!!

RYAN BROPHY

The Pitt, HBO Max

Ovation Award Nominee 

Rotterdam, Kirk Douglas Theatre, CTG Block Party

Lea is a textbook case study in observing and adjusting. Within two weeks, she knew all my acting tricks... We worked out the kinks through examination of strong technique, carefully selected and targeted scene study, and one-on-one tutelage that changed the kind of actor that I am. Above all, she's warm, forgiving, intuitive, hilarious, well-connected, and a treasure to know and love.

JONATHAN CHARLES

NCIS (CBS), NCIS:LA (CBS)
Chicago Med (NBC)
Snowfall (FX)
General Hospital (ABC)
Rutherford Falls (Peacock)

Training with Lea has transformed my work. I feel more grounded and free in my work than ever. Lea’s experienced approach as a coach, teacher, and friend truly sets her apart. If you're ready to take your craft to the next level, I can't recommend her enough.  

ANDRES LOPEZ

America is in the Heart, Hi-Arts (Brooklyn)

Working with Lea Floden is one of the great joys and privileges of my life. Under her guidance, Lea has shifted me from an aesthetic and cerebral way of working towards one that is personal, fully embodied, deeply expansive and always in terrifying pursuit of truth. Whether in class, privates or intensives, you are always being nudged towards new heights and uncharted territory, but you are never alone. Lea’s care, love and commitment to her students is unparalleled, it is part of the reason why growth and transformation amongst her students is so rapid and consistent. Even with her breadth of wisdom and deep knowledge of the craft, Lea approaches the work with great curiosity and humility, always creating space for your full self to be present and completely alive.

It seems impossible to articulate just how deeply Lea has shaped my life. From the moment we met, she saw me – in a way few people ever have – and right then, I knew I was home.

CHRISTIAN JORDAN SMITH

David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, MFA Acting

I get emotional when I think about the progress I have made as a student of Lea. It has changed my life. It’s such a blessing when you encounter a teacher who is deeply curious and constantly in the process of discovery with you. I have always felt safe sharing exactly where I am on any given day and have been met with grace and patience. Lea guides her students into uncovering who they are as people first. This has made me a more confident and self-sufficient artist. Lea has pushed me deep out into the sea and cultivated an environment where I can face my fears with compassion. I would not be the artist I am today without her. ​

RONIT KATHURIA

Columbia University, NYC MFA ACTING

I cannot speak highly enough of Lea's teaching style and the care she holds for her students. She grows keenly aware of each student's strengths and weaknesses, and approaches each individual with utmost empathy.

Lea absolutely transformed my perception of acting. I came from a pragmatic background, and Lea freed me from my shackles of constricted thought. She was patient, and I felt safe to explore in ways I'd previously never even considered.

Lea's sincere desire to see her students do great work is inspiring. Her lessons will stay with me for a long time.

ZAK MA

The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, MFA Acting

I always dreamt of attending magic school, and working with Lea is exactly that for me! Beyond leading us towards the mastery of our craft with her wealth of knowledge, Lea revives our childlike wonder. Everything she offers resounds from her generous heart as she teaches with a ferocious desire for our dreams to come true.

If you have a desire to dive deep in your work, Lea will be your guide. From the start, Lea offered the love, support and challenge I needed to befriend the fears that blocked the expressions of my artistic soul. Above all, she teaches that what we do as artists can heal the world, and I am a better actor because of that.

SCHNADE SAINTIL

University of Michigan, BFA Acting

Young Arts

There is a vitality, a life force, that is Lea Floden. I am always amazed at her grasp on the reality  of human nature. She is encyclopedic and receptive. Whether it be in Shakespeare, Meisner, or any other technique, she’s pushed me to fine tune my craft.  I'm comfortable to fail and try again knowing everything will be okay in her guidance. Her teaching extends beyond that of coaching, towards artistry development. It is a gift to work with Lea.

JOLIE WANG

Carnegie Mellon University, BFA Acting

Lea Floden was my guiding light throughout the long and stressful college audition process. 

I really enjoyed Lea’s approach in helping me prepare for my auditions. She assisted me by helping me carefully dissect each piece I had to perform, even if it came down to a single word! Together, we found the key details to my monologues: needs, movement, vocal energy, and much more.

With Lea’s coaching, I was able to walk into audition rooms feeling prepared and excited to work. 

I could not have imagined a better acting teacher and mentor to get me to where I am today.

AVERY HARRAH

Guildhall School of Music & Drama, BA (Hons) Acting

Don’t Turn Out the Lights

Lea has changed my life. Not only as an actor but as a person.

She has the innate ability to meet a student and see them for all that they are capable of before they even see their own potential. She helps you truly understand yourself and always pushes you to go deeper with the work and enhance your ability to see yourself and others fully.

The class environment is always warm and intriguing, and I always feel safe to take risks and feel supported by both Lea and my peers.

I cannot say enough about how much Lea has changed my life. Whenever I feel discouraged I always come out of class or a private with Lea feeling inspired and determined to keep going, because there is just so much more to discover.

SAMUEL EMERSON KARPINSKI

Carnegie Mellon University, BFA Acting

Young Arts and Jimmy Award Finalists

Be willing to give yourself over and realize that everything you ever thought you knew about acting is wrong. Lea helped me access my emotions fully for the first time in my life, completely changing the way I look at the craft of acting and the world around me. Lea instilled in me beliefs of love and play that I carry with me, and that have led me to success and joy within acting and life. She has been the most important, influential teacher I’ve ever had. I’ve never felt pushed, loved and encouraged by any other teacher in the way I have with Lea. She gets you in touch with yourself, and it is fucking painful, beautiful and empowering. Lea has an energy that makes me feel free to be myself. She understands young people in a way I’ve never encountered with other teachers. If you can work with her, do it. but you have to be willing to give in, give over and give way to her genius.

IMANI PREYOR

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, BA (Hons) Acting

Lea has undoubtedly changed my life for the better. Since the very first day we met, her care and kind heart created an incredibly loving and supportive environment which I couldn’t wait to return to. Within less than a year of working together, my outlook, approach, and understanding of my work has become so much clearer. 

Through her wisdom and incomparable dedication to her students, everyone is given the opportunity to take a deep dive into their artistry. I would not be anywhere close to the actor or person I am today without Lea. I hold new courage and curiosity with my work and am forever grateful to be a student to one of the most loving and hardworking people I’ve ever met.

LEILANI PATAO

NYU Tisch, The New Studio, BFA Musical Theatre

Lea was a lifesaver throughout the college audition process. She prepared me, encouraged my progress and helped me grow in areas of acting I wasn’t familiar with. She created a safe space with welcome, open arms. With Lea on my side, I felt comfortable throughout the craziest two months of my life! And she was there to congratulate me when it was all done and I had committed.

I also had the pleasure of working with Lea at the Colburn School, where she taught me to infuse feeling and being throughout dance, singing and just standing, creating a wider, more open world of performance. Getting Lea’s expertise in exploring character — how this "new person within you" walks, speaks, and even dances — enriched performing in a way that I’ve been taking with me since!

I can’t encourage people enough to get Lea in your corner for one of the biggest battles of your life! Thank you, Lea!

EVAN BRODSKY

Columbia University, MFA Playwriting
NYU Tisch, BFA Acting
RADA Shakespeare in Performance

​Lea’s care and precision in her relationship with her students goes beyond anything anticipated, because once you know Lea, she will become a part of your life and she will change you. I am constantly thinking about the techniques and lessons that I have learned from her. I will forever be grateful for all that she has taught me and can’t wait to find out all that I still have to learn from her.

HAYLEIGH FRANKLIN

SUNY Purchase, BFA Acting

Appalachian Dog
BAYANO, National Black Theatre
Spotlight Grand Prize Finalist

Lea is a gift to any actor she works with and to the world at large. She understands that each is a unique individual and is able to find and hone in on their talents.

Lea is a master of her craft... She helps her students to find more comfort and ease in themselves, and that is beneficial to us as humans, not just as artists.

There is no one else like her, and I feel so blessed to know and work with this talented actress, director, and acting coach extraordinaire.

JAMES RIPPLE

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, BA (Hons) Acting
LAMDA, MFA Classical Acting

A Few Good Men, La Mirada Theatre
The Human Comedy Actors Coop

Lea Floden's love and guidance changed my life. The amount of time and energy that Lea puts in to each of her students is unmatched. 

Lea learned from the best, which has made her one of the best. Studying with her can be scary but also incredibly fun. She knows how to help you face whatever you are struggling with, when to keep pushing you and when to take it easy. Lea gets you where you need to be. I have made lifelong friends in her class. She has become family to me, and I thank God everyday for her being in my life.

KATIE GAVEN

University of North Carolina School of the Arts, BFA Acting

Lea Floden is one of the best teachers I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. I started taking classes with Lea during my senior year of high school, and now that I’m in my senior year of college, I can affirm the lasting impact of Lea’s training. I find myself constantly referring back to what I learned from Lea during my coaching sessions and Meisner/Stella Adler classes. Lea was an invaluable part of my college audition experience, and she is someone who I still go to for every important audition and potential learning experience I can. Once you find someone like Lea, you thank your lucky star, and get to work.