Testimonials

Patrick Dempsey

“I use the tools Corey gave me every time I am on the set…”

Seen in: “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Transformers: Dark of The Moon,” “Bridget Jones’s Baby,” “Made of Honor.”

Winner of the Screen Actors Guild Award.

Annaleigh Ashford

**“Corey Parker's instinct, support, and expertise as a coach have been invaluable to me as a working actor. He has been instrumental in my preparation for character work and for script analysis. Corey always helps me find the truth. His coaching has been a blessing to me.”

– 2015 Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford

– 2023 Tony Award nominee

On Broadway: "You Can't Take it With You." "Sylvia," "Wicked," "Legally Blonde: The Musical." “Sweeney Todd”

On screen: "Masters of Sex," "Smash," Disney's "Frozen" and the webseries "Submissions only.”

Sherilyn Fenn

– Sherilyn Fenn

Seen in: ”Twin Peaks,” “Wild at Heart,” “Of Mice and Men”

Rosalyn Ross

“Corey's teaching has made me a more confident performer. He has provided the perfect guidance in helping me to create characters authentically informed by the human condition, all while presenting them with high-level technique. His ability to refine your talent even as he protects its uniqueness is one of his many gifts honed by years of study and practice as both stellar coach and actor.”

Seen In: "Million Dollar Quartet," "Nashville," and Sundance Film festival 2016 in "Columbus"

**Georgina Pazcoguin**

“Finding a coach like Corey feels like striking gold. Bearing witness to Corey’s work in class is a revelation in leadership. He sees. He is present. And he encourages each individual to embrace their entirety. Working with Corey has been one of the safest and most rewarding experiences. His wisdom provides a welcome bit of light, making the leap into the dark as an artist ever more alluring and exciting.”
*First Asian American soloist, New York City Ballet*
***On Broadway:*** *On The Town, Cats (2017 Chita Rivera Award)*
***Author:*** *Swan Dive: The Making of a Rogue Ballerina*

**Sana Amanat**

"Corey is an excellent coach and mentor, guiding his students with patience and encouragement. He excels at working with actors new to the craft and training them to get camera ready quickly. He tunes his coaching to the specificity of the student, giving guidance based on their individual needs versus a generic playbook. From dealing with dialogue memorization to interacting with directors, Corey understands how to prepare his students and clients with the skills they need to become confident and talented performers."
**Sana Amanat, Executive Producer of Disney Studio’s & Marvel Studio’s “Ms. Marvel” and “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors.”**

**Tarek Bishara**

**“Corey gave me the space to move within my comfort zone, and with positive reinforcement, guide me beyond it and allow the exploration that makes great performances possible.”**
**– Tarek Bishara**
***Seen in:***
*”The Tale,” “House M.D.,” “Fanboys,” “The Final Cut,” “Time Out of Mind,” “The Breakup Diaries,” “Forced to Kill”*

**Gabriel Mann**

**“Corey is an incredible teacher and acting coach. His patience, guidance and thoughtful insight are an asset to anyone interested in the art of acting.”**
**– Gabriel Mann, star of “Revenge” on ABC**
***Also seen in:***
*”The Bourne Supremacy,” “Mad Men,” “Chavez” with John Malkovich, “Ray Donovan.”*

**Mara Davi**

"In this class I found the power to not back down. Corey helped me realize why my choices are not as specific as they can be. I can see now how I can get out of my head and into the action of the story, fighting for what I personally want. It's a much richer experience for myself and the audience! Thanks, Corey!"
**– Mara Davi**
***On Broadway:***
*"Dames at Sea," "A Chorus Line," "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Smash"*

**Joe Tapper**

"What sets Corey apart from other great teachers is his instinctual ability to recognize each actor's need, unlock that 'inner need' and therefore bring out the very best in the actor. Corey Parker lives up to the hype."
***Seen In:***
*"Blue Bloods," "Chicago Med," "Masters of Sex," Law and Order: SVU"; Broadway: "You Can't Take it With You," "Pass Over" at the Cherry Lane Theater, "Red Velvet" at Shakespeare and Company*

**Abha Dawesar**

"Corey is an incredibly committed and dedicated coach who really understands that learning is about pushing one's experience and improving from deep within. He is challenging, insightful, and encouraging with the ability to transmit that perfect mix of positive reinforcement and bold ambition that is the hallmark of truly great teachers."
**Abha Dawesar** has received the Stonewall Book Award and the Lambda Literary Award. She has spoken at international conferences like TEDGlobal, Womensphere and Women's Forum for Economy & Society.

**Jay Armstrong Johnson**

**“Corey's class was truly incredible!”**
**On Broadway:**
"Hands on a Hardbody," "Catch Me if You Can," "Hair," "On the Town."
***On Camera:***
*"Quantico," "Law and Order: SVU," "Sex and the City 2"*

**Ivana Chubbuck**

"Corey Parker is someone who, with great perception, understands the workings of how to translate the truth of the human experience to the actor's work. Corey has vast credentials in having worked in all the mediums, as an actor, which also enriches his ability to pass along what it takes for an actor to create something special."
*Acting coach to Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Jim Carrey, Halle Berry, Jessica Biel. Author of best selling "Power of the Actor."*

**Risa Bramon Garcia**

"Let me shout it from the rooftops: Corey is the best teacher I know. He's committed to actors and to their evolution. He gets actors to produce personal, truthful, bold, authentic work. He's incredibly patient and nurturing in the process. Corey has transformed actors; I've seen it. Corey is the teacher you want in your life, he's the teacher I want in mine."
Casting director : "Masters of Sex," "Seal Team," "The Affair," "CSI: New York," "The Joy Luck Club," " Wall Street," "Fatal Attraction," "Born on the Fourth of July," "Speed," "Flirting With Disaster ." & CoFounder of BGB Studio, Los Angeles.

**Susan Batson**

"Corey Parker is a true artist. His intelligence, emotional life and creativity are formidable. It is Corey Parker who trusted me as a teacher and recommended me to Nicole Kidman whom I have coached for the past 20 years. I am returning the favor to all actors who seek great coaching. Take my advice and seize the opportunity to have a genuine genius to guide you on your path."
*Acting coach to Nicole Kidman, Juliette Binoche, Chris Rock , Zac Ephron, Common, Liv Tyler and Oprah Winfrey. Author of "Truth."*

**Claudette Peterson**
Operafest

"Corey Parker opened up a whole new world of communication to our students at Operafest at Martha's Vineyard. Corey has a gentle and positive way of making young actors get in touch with themselves in a way they never have. From his fascinating talk came the wonderful exercises where each student could experience what Corey was talking about. They came out with huge smiles on their faces and a feeling of accomplishment that they were able to reach a new honesty about their acting. Over and over the students commented on what a wonderful eye-opening class Corey had offered and how it had changed their attitude about acting."
**– Claudette Peterson**
Artistic Director, Operafest

**Jimmy Shaw**

“If finding the humanity on the page, discovering how your character serves the story and bringing your authenticity and unique instrument to the work is crucial for you, Corey should be your go-to coach. And to top it all his generosity of spirit and immense respect for the actor´s process is hugely empowering. ”
***Seen in:***
“La Fortuna” directed by Oscar winner Alejandro Amenábar, for AMC, “The English” directed by Hugo Blick, for BBC One and Amazon Prime Studios, Gideon Raff’s “Now and Then” for Apple TV plus

**Kathleen Stavert**

"I've been taking Corey's class since October, and in March I booked the biggest role of my career thus far. A lead recurring role in a TV Series directed by an Oscar-nominated director... like whaaa??"
**– Kathleen Stavert, “***Arrival” (feature film), “Broken Trust”, “Le Temps des Framboises”*

**Cookie Ewing** Rhodes College

“Corey’s patience, his professional discipline, and his attitude of you are important and we are doing important work here was palpable, vital, and rewarding. I saw students do things I never would have believed possible before. He knew when to push a little harder, when to pull back, how to give a wide berth and how to narrow it back down. He seemed to understand each student and it appeared easy and intuitive, but as I watched I noticed how intensely he was observing the students from the time they entered the space until they left. Yet he never made a single person feel self-conscious. The students were mesmerized, excited by their journeys. His understanding of the material as well his compassion for not only the character, but the student was extraordinary. Corey revived our commitment to a world of human beings, a commitment to our humanity. He touched our spirits. He is a Master Teacher.”

**Leigh Bush**

**"I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to help us deepen our practice as actors. It is humbling and enlightening to work with you and I am so grateful to you."**
*"Divergent," "Grey's Anatomy," "The Closer," "New York Undercover," CW's "90210."*

Shaun+Baker+4.jpg — **Shaun Baker**

"Corey Parker's understanding of humanity and the craft of acting is astounding. He's masterful at serving the needs of the actor regardless of their skill set. He is incredible intuitive, sensitive and nurturing. I believe these to be essential traits for an effective teacher and coach. Studying with Corey has always inspired me to start from a place of joy and love of acting, to dig deeper, to explore the boundless possibilities and to risk it all for my artist. I'm proud to call him teacher, mentor, brother and friend. He's the real deal."
**– Shaun Baker**
*"Chosen," "The Protector," "CSI: Miami," "V.I.P.," "NYPD Blue," "Living Single," "Grand Canyon"*

**Zach Lazar Hoffman**

“Corey’s teaching has been absolutely pivotal in my art and career. His ability to listen and see you right where you are is a unique gifting that is nothing less than masterful and serves to make him a supremely gifted guide. I have deep gratitude for Corey’s guidance and ability to see what I need, when I need it and lean on him as a resource in my work. He has made my work richer, fuller, alive, and helped me accept that I am a constant work in progress, ever evolving. I use techniques that Corey has imparted to me in all of my work and attribute much of my success to my continued study with him.”
**– Zach Lazar Hoffman**
***Credits:*** *“Fear the Walking Dead: Dead in the Water” AMC+, “National Treasure Disney +, “The Residen” FOX*

**Clara Bellar**

"Corey consistently helps me make specific and powerful choices. However insecure I may feel about the material at first, I feel safe exploring it with him and I always leave our sessions feeling strong, prepared and excited to go to work."
**Seen In:**
”A.I. Artificial Intelligence”, “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist”, La Pharmacien de Garde”, “American Dreams”

**Julie Chibbaro**

**“Corey’s help was invaluable.”**
Julie Chibbaro, award-winning author of the novel “Deadly”

**Toni Christopher**

"Corey's patient, generous approach, ingenious insight and infectious love for the craft ignites a digging deep, deep, deep that is invaluable to an actor's process. Master collaborator and Wizard problem solver, he guides powerful
exploration and helps discover effective, authentic truth and edge in my characters, relationships and storytelling. 24K Gold."
**– Toni Christopher**
*Seen in:* “*Masters of Sex,” This is Us”*

Mildred+Marie+Langford.jpg — **Mildred Marie Langford**

"I cherish every opportunity that I get to work with Corey. The way that he is able to guide an actor into deeper exploration of their character is always so exciting and revelatory. The permission he offers his actors of you don't always having to have the answers right then and there, in the moment, is always a great reminder as he quotes, "The process is the *approach* and not the *result*."
**– Mildred Marie Langford**
*Seen in:* “*Chicago Med,” “Masters of Sex”*

**Lexa Gluck**

Corey is an exceptional teacher. I not only grew tremendously in his class, but also really found the joy in my work again. I have my MFA and have been to several studios in Los Angeles, but I have never before had a more intuitive and specific teacher than Corey. He possesses a magical ability of taking care of actors while helping them find their voice and what they uniquely bring to a set of sides.
**– Lexa Gluck**
*Seen in: “LEGION”*

CMT Network's "Sun Records":

"Corey brought with him years of on-set experience as an actor together with extensive training as an acting coach. Before shooting began, Corey worked with director Roland Joffe ["The Mission," "The Killing Fields"] and executive producer Leslie Grief to identify direction and tone. Corey then focused on sessions with principal cast members as they worked on developing their respective character and scenes. Corey was then present on an as needed basis when shooting began. Corey's process was designed to be supportive to the actors, and the results were obvious on camera with a cast that was well prepared and creatively open. Corey subsequently focused on local day players who had never performed on camera before; he prepped them to understand set etiquette and protocols, work with the camera, find their marks, and stay open to the director's guidance and choices. Professional and highly attuned with the needs of production, Corey communicated and handled the actors in effective manner to insure that they were camera ready. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Corey."

– Christina Varotsis

Supervising Producer, "Sun Records"

**Edem Atsu-Swanzy**

“Corey Parker isn't just an acting coach, he is an artist that cares to help you grow, to push your boundaries in a safe way to become an excellent artist. His guidance has helped me reshape my mindset to focus on my journey as a storyteller.
Working with Corey has increased my callback and booking ratio drastically over the years. His ability to break down scripts and analyze text is key in giving me a deeper understanding of every character that I choose to perform. His decades of experience as a working actor shows instantly when we work on scenes together. I am beyond grateful for Corey and for everything he has done to change my life as well as my acting.”
**– Edem Atsu-Swanzy**
***Seen in:*** *“MIssion Impossible”* *"Shameless", "To Kill A Prophet"*

**Jason Tam**

“Corey creates a safe environment to explore the depths and heights of humanity, and everything in between. I was intrigued by his ability to change his teaching tactics on a whim to fit the needs of each individual student. He’s able to draw on his vast library of both professional and educational experience, to discover ways to deepen your connection to whatever material you may be working on. I found his understand of Ivana Chubbuck’s technique to be incredibly helpful at getting me out of my head, and into the truth and fullness of the given circumstances.”
– Jason Tam, “Chorus Line” on Broadway
***Seen In On Broadway:*** *“Les Miserables”, “Lysistrata Jones”, “Marry Me A Little”, “If/Then”, “David”, “KPOP”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”*
***Seen In On TV:*** *“One Life to Live”, “Hawaii Five-0”, “Do No Harm”, “Jesus Christ Superstar” (NBC)*

**David Rhea**

“Corey always creates a supportive environment where I feel both challenged and comfortable doing my best work. His insight and expertise have helped me understand the demands of any role or audition and how to best approach the material. Corey’s knowledge of various acting techniques is encyclopedic, so he always has several ideas on the best way to begin working on a text. Corey was also a fantastic mentor to guide me through my auditions for college-level acting programs around the country – I believe that his instruction is one of the most important factors that has gotten me to where I am today.”
David Rhea has been accepted into and has attended Yale summer Conservatory and Shakespeare Conservatory at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He is a graduate of NYU Tisch, and was accepted into the exclusive NYU Tisch Study Abroad program at RADA in London.

**Nuala Peberdy**

“Corey is an excellent teacher. In his lessons, we read through the script and Corey helped me to understand the characters and to develop them to a deeper level. Corey also assisted me with cold reading, so I have more confidence. His lessons have been beneficial for my growth as an actor and he kindly pushes me to be even better. Since starting with Corey I have filmed 2 large scale TV series, and his help has been essential. I have and will carry his wise words with me throughout my career.”
***Seen in: “****Coffee Wars” (feature film) and “Unwanted” (Sky Original)*

**Scott J. Campbell**

"Corey impressed me not only with his credentials, but with the depth and quality of his observations. He provokes commitment and daring and honesty in your work that benefits you as an actor and as an individual. An invaluable experience worth repeating, Corey's class left me eager to hone my craft."
***On Broadway:*** *"Jersey Boys”, "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"*

**Paulina Bugembe**

"After surviving a brutal pilot season, I took Corey’s class to find whatever it was that I thought the casting directors and producers and network executives weren’t seeing in me. Pretty quickly into the class, I realized that they weren’t seeing me because I wasn’t *giving* them me. I was giving some bizarro version of the me I thought they wanted. I will forever be grateful to Corey for showing me how to bring myself to the material and, ultimately, the joy back into my work."
***Seen In:***
*"Love" on Netflix and "The Good Place"*

**David Deblinger**

"I've known and admired Corey Parker for thirty years. His work as an actor on television, film and stage is exquisite. I use Corey's services to coach me for an audition. I worked with Corey and booked the job. I highly recommend Corey for actors at all levels. He is an insightful, caring and effective teacher and coach."
**Seen In:**
"Blue Bloods," "The Sopranos," "Sex and the City," "Law and Order" & Co-founder Labyrinth Theater, NYC

**Sasha Gordon**

"Corey was incredible in guiding me through the technique. His personal, insightful and sensitive approach made me confident and comfortable. Taking his workshop was the force that gave my career a boost. He greatly enriched my arsenal as an artist."

*Star of “Natasha,” Village Voice Critics’ Pick*

**Emily Nicole Hansen**

**"Corey's passion for acting and actors fills the room! He helped me to create a clearer sense of how to stay healthy and creative in this business. I can't thank him enough."**
***Seen In:***
*BGB Studio actor, "Blacklist," "The Experimenter," "Blue Bloods"*

**Kelly Wolf**

"One of the reasons I love working with Corey so much is that as a coach and teacher he asks me questions about the character and the material that lead me to dig deeper and discover nuances for myself in an authentic way. Corey is the real deal. He never resorts to result oriented, fast, slick, facile language that is so popular these days."
***Seen In:***
*"Margaret," "Parenthood," "Gray's Anatomy"*

**Summer Knowles**

"Over the years, Corey has been a tremendous help to my acting career. For me, the most important piece of an audition isn't just preparation, it's my confidence in the preparation. Corey always leaves me feeling confident in my work and ready to tackle the audition room."
**Summer Knowles,** accepted into Contemporary Acting Program at Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London and Drama Intensive at Universlity of North Carolina School of the Arts. She is currently attending ISDA.

**Will Tiao**

"I truly respect Corey as an artist. He played an enormous role in the development of my actor. The work we did together helped pave the path for me to produce and star in "Formosa Betrayed."
**– Will Tiao**
"Formosa Betrayed," "Quarterlife," "Mind of Mencia," "Mad TV," "Sex and the City". Winner Best Film at San Diego Film Festival, screened for members of U.S. Congress and their staffs. Fulbright Scholar, International economist under the George W. Bush administration, Presidential Management Fellow under the Clinton administration

**Ted Welch**

"Corey is everything I look for in a coach and teacher. He pushes you while being supportive. He can speak effortlessly to actors at different levels and communicate exactly what the person needs to access emotionally and then take them there. He really helps you bring nuanced choices to your role. I have trained all over the world and corey is one the best teachers I have worked with."

***Seen In:***
*"Gray's Anatomy," "The Help," "True Blood"*

**"Corey, you share our artistic and philosophic aspirations."**

**- Uta Hagen,** HB Studio, letter to Corey Parker from Ms. Hagen.

**Emily vanSonnenberg, M.A.P.P.**

"Corey taught me how to see and access the truth of humans, and then bring them to life in a character. Throughout my 3 years of studying acting in the early 2000’s, his perseverance and dedication to the craft were steadfast, as were his empathy, communicative ability, and commitment to guiding me, step-by-step, to develop my skills as an artist.
Now, in my work as a psychologist, university lecturer and course creator, I integrate the teachings and skills I learned from Corey-- about how to see and access the truth in the human soul, to support the activation of each individual’s potential."

**Shaleen Cholera**

"I can say, without hesitation, Corey is one of the top acting and audition coaches I have ever studied with. My growth as an actor, artistically and professionally, is a testament to his coaching abilities. I have increased my bookings by a large amount.
Corey understands that no two actors are alike, and takes great time and care to work with each individual. He is a master at marrying technique to an artist’s inherent gifts, resulting in a performance that is unique, grounded, and authentic. Corey helped me re-discover my power and confidence as an actor, which is vital to my success in any audition.For any actor who wants to “up their game” and take their auditions and acting to another level – study with Corey Parker.”
***Seen In:***
*Tennessee Shakespeare Company, “Bluff City Law,” “Nashville,” “Christmas at Graceland,” “Uncorked,” “Perception,”*

**Federal Judge**

“I took Corey into my courtroom and showed him pages of legal directions that I must recite at the end of every single case – which can be tedious; but Corey broke down the pages of legal terms as text and gave me choices that involved me in a whole new way. His passion is inspiring. Corey taught me about the role that I play as “Judge” in each trial, and that an important part of this is how I communicate to everyone in my courtroom. I’ve never met anyone like him. Corey’s process is both creative and highly professional. I recommend studying with Corey Parker.”
**– Federal Judge, Tennessee**

Workshop Testimonials

**Josh Inocalla**

"In a world where it's difficult to pick out the hacks from the legitimate teachers, Corey Parker is the real deal. His no-nonsense method will cut into the truth of who you are as an individual and help you express your character through the truest language of human behavior."
**– Josh Inocalla,** *Nashville*

**Sonja Church**

"I have worked with a number teachers. Some created an unsafe environment for vulnerable and honest creativity to ensue. Corey not only creates a safe space for artists to explore in--he carries deep insight and knowledge. He sees each actor individually and focuses in on each student uniquely; this allows time to excavate who they truly are as an artist. Corey fully meets you where you are in you craft, then he finds ways to motivate you forward and draw out who you are. He is honest and truthful but empathetic and kind. He carries a rich history of experience and tutelage from some of the greatest teachers of acting and theatre. He is a rare gem in today's acting industry."
**– Sonja Church,** *Nashville*

**Jessica Anderson**

"Corey Parker's workshop provides a space to be vulnerable in the transformation while you learn. His individualized, intuitive notes are deliberately presented to help the actor and their unique filter. He provides advice for actors on technical, business, and instinctive levels, all of which are helpful to be more successful in your craft. From beginning to end, his knowledge and experience is evident in the thorough exercises he implements."

**– Jessica Anderson,** *Nashville*

**Tamara Todres**

"Corey's class has changed my life and my work. He gives me the space to try and fail and grow from it. He's given me tools to unlock new depths in my work. He has shown me how to allow the work to teach me how to do things I didn't know how to do in life and to know that roles are put in front of us at certain moments for a reason. I'm learning to get out of my head, into my body, be a mess, and let go of any sense of obligation to how I think things should look. In Corey, I have a coach, ally and guide. I'm a different, better actor because of him."
*Red Tape Theater, Chicago; Chicago Talking Machine Co.; Side Project Theater, Chicago; Nashville Rep; Shuler Theater; Open Stage*

"I realized when observing Corey interact with other members of the class, at just how open and available he is as an artist. How right to the point and how very specific his responses were to questions and problems. I realized at what a high level he is working as an artist. It got me thinking about this aspect in my approach and where I need to up my game in my acting."

– Robert Hickey, NYC

"Corey addressed every students specific needs. His suggestions were immediately visible and effective. He answered every question re the audition experience. The class was both very helpful and enjoyable."

– Diane Love, NYC

"Corey led a fantastic class this past week at HB studio. I enjoyed the classes and feel I’ve learned a lot. He is a very friendly and approachable teacher. His instruction techniques varied appropriately according to the needs of each specific actor. I felt his notes were insightful and beneficial. I also appreciated his first-hand experiences and insights."

– Geoffrey Greene, NYC

"Thanks for giving a wonderful On-Camera Audition Workshop at HB this month. I learned so much, not only from working on my own sides, but also from observing my fellow students and hearing the feedback you gave them. I also appreciate your sharing with us your experience and wisdom regarding 'The Biz.'"

– Karen Osterberg, NYC

"Corey's workshop was much more than I expected or hoped for. Corey is a very generous teacher with a keen instinct for what each actor needs and a positive, personal and organic way of generating it. My biggest take away from the workshop was that I now feel a different connection with the camera. It's "there" in the same way that the walls are there and the furniture is there. It's no longer larger than life and an obstacle that stops my flow. I'm very grateful for that."

– Judy Rosenblatt, NYC

“Corey helped me and the class get in touch with our own humanity. And then translate that to our work. He talked about acting in a way I hadn’t heard before from other teachers. He really took the time to teach us individually and bring out our essence. Highly recommend him as a coach!”