"Deb Jackel is an incredibly caring, nurturing and honest teacher / coach. Because of her extensive history in the business as an Agent and Manager, she understands exactly what Casting Directors are looking for better than most. I highly recommend her to any actor looking for some guidance and help with their journey."
Marci Phillips - Executive Director - ABC Casting
"Deb Jackel is a dedicated and passionate teacher who cares deeply about the profession, as well as the young actors she is guiding. She has a critical eye and knows how to guide a young actor to where he/she needs to go, all while working on the specifics to bring out their best work."
Diana Doussant - Agent - Leading Artists Agency
"Deb Jackel is an extraordinary teacher! I love that she uses every resource at her fingertips to prepare her students for the business of acting. Whether it be through her Meisner-based background and teaching experience; the inclusion of well respected industry guests that share their first hand knowledge and expertise in her classes; her commitment to providing wellness tools to actors to prepare them for the difficulties of the industry; her own expertise as a former agent in the business; or through her honest feedback in class, it is all emphasized by her determination to help her students become intelligent and mindful artists with integrity. As a professional Broadway performer, I carry the lessons Deb has taught me into every audition, and still look to her for sound advice and guidance. I count myself blessed to have been able to reap the benefits of her knowledge!"
Dana Marie Ingraham - Actor - Spider-Man, Motown
"Deb Jackel has worked with actors as a teacher, coach, manager and agent for a combined twenty years. Suffice it to say that she has seen it all. Deb's wealth of experience with actors and her breadth of knowledge about the business make her approach unique and her instruction invaluable. It certainly has been for me."
Victor Williams - Actor - King of Queens, The Affair
“I had the pleasure of being a guest in Deb Jackel’s audition class at the William Esper Studio. I love the environment she creates in her classroom. I always find her students to be talented, professional and well-prepared."
Michelle Bossy - Associate Artistic Director - Primary Stages
"Deb Jackel is someone I have known since I started in this industry. She has always had a great knowledge of the industry for her students to become "working" actors, as well as the techniques and skills it takes to be a "great" actor. I have taught many workshops with her students and all are so comfortable in their own skin. She also really leans on them all to be forever improving their skills as actors and their knowledge of the business side of the industry."
Alison Franck - Casting Director - Franck Casting
"I took Deb's audition class at the end of my last year at the Esper studio. I was amazed by her innate ability to laser in on the actor's specific needs and provide them with the right tools to fix their particular issues. Deb's passion for the craft, her extensive understanding of the industry, as well as years of experience as a teacher and a professional in this business, make her an invaluable gift to any actor who is looking to work and excel in this career. I absolutely couldn't have made the jump from student to professional, without her help and input."
Margarita Levieva - Actor - Revenge, Diary of a Teenage Girl, Adventureland
"It is always so refreshing when you meet a person who actually loves what they do. Deb’s passion for her students is palpable. I have been been an industry guest in her classroom on many occasions and I so admire her rapport with her students. It’s a storm out there and her actors leave armed for the world of acting. Many actors have the technique, but not the audition. Deb really lends a strong hand and contributes so much to her students. She is a wonderful teacher and coach. "
Cyrene Esposito - Manager - Red Letter Entertainment
"As actors, we all know that auditioning can be difficult. With a limited amount of time to prepare, and the fear of not being good, we can even sometimes feel it's a daunting task. Deb will give you the tools that empower you! With her guidance, you will bring confidence to your audition. She will inspire the confidence within yourself! Preparing with Deb gives you the skills to find the truth in your work. You will be excited about your audition and grounded in the room. Bottom line.... You will own the experience and have fun doing so!"
Michael Lombardi - Actor - Rescue Me, Blue Bloods
"Deb has a unique way of empowering the actor to discover and embrace their authenticity. She pushes you to come fully alive, take risks, and seize each unique opportunity to show your work as an Artist."
Byron Beane - Manager - Paper Plane Entertainment
"Deb is a champion in her own life and her passion, generosity, and determination translate perfectly into her capability as a coach, a teacher, and a mentor. She is a patron of the arts in the truest form and she has an uncanny ability to elicit an actors most natural, open, honest, and creative execution of text and play. In other words, she's pretty much the BEST."
Autumn Hurlbert - Actor - Legally Blonde, Nobody Loves You
"Deb's classes were always my favorite classes. She was honest, hilarious, and 100% right all of the time. The best perspective I could've ever gotten as an actor was when she told my class, "Look, there are a lot of actors in this city. Chances are that you're not going to get the job. So you better have fun. Cause if you're not having fun, why are you here?" I take that with me always."
Emma Myles - Actor - Orange is the New Black
"Having been an agent, I think Deb provides a unique voice in coaching, in that she provides an honest take on the 'business'. She works to instill confidence in you as a person and as an actor, that in turn allows you to just be present in the room without worrying about booking the job. Studying with her has absolutely benefited me in preparing for and being relaxed and fully present in auditions."
Mike Houston - Actor - Boardwalk Empire, Person of Interest
“I love working with Deb on auditions because she makes you tell the truth. She has a great way of calling you out when you’re “lying" and then guiding you towards smart, strong, honest choices. I walk into the audition room feeling confident after working with her.”
Andy Kelso - Actor - Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia
"Deb's approach to teaching offers a rare, yet powerful, combination - equal parts nurture and no nonsense - which makes artistic growth not only possible but also truly exciting."
Cleo Handler - Actor - Public Morals
"Deb's love and commitment for her students shines through their work!"