John Gazzale
About
John Gazzale is a New York City–based actor, writer, and producer with extensive professional experience in theatre and film.
He is a graduate of the MFA program at The Actors Studio Drama School, where he trained in scene study, voice, movement, script analysis, and disciplined, moment-to-moment technique.
His Off-Broadway credits include Cherry Lane Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Theatre at St. Clement’s, and Theatre Row. In 2025, he was awarded Best One Man Show at the United Solo Festival for the premiere of Under the Rainbow, an original solo play he wrote and performed.
In addition to his professional work, John provides private acting coaching to both beginning and experienced actors. He works with adult beginners who are building foundational skills, as well as actors preparing auditions and self-tapes.
Teaching Style
My teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals: presence, listening, given circumstances, objectives, and vocal connection. He believes Zoom can be an excellent place to begin and deepen actor training, offering focused one-on-one attention and practical preparation for today’s self-tape-driven industry.
John brings both professional industry experience and a structured, supportive teaching approach to every session. He is often described as kind, caring, knowledgeable and inspiring!
Curriculum
My teaching is grounded in Method-based training rooted in the tradition of The Actors Studio, where I trained as part of the MFA program at The Actors Studio Drama School.
The Studio’s lineage traces back to the work of Lee Strasberg and the evolution of American Method Acting, itself influenced by the teachings of Konstantin Stanislavski and the Group Theatre of the 1930s. This tradition emphasizes truthful behavior under imaginary circumstances, emotional authenticity, and disciplined script analysis.
I have also studied in master classes with distinguished teachers and performers including Ellen Burstyn, Ben Vereen, Liza Minnelli, Vivian Nathan, David Gideon, Gary Swanson, and Susan Batson — many of whom are longtime members of The Actors Studio.
In practice, my teaching focuses on:
• Relaxation and presence
• Moment-to-moment listening and truthful response
• Given circumstances and objectives
• Emotional preparation and personalization (when appropriate)
• Vocal connection and embodied work
• Practical audition and self-tape technique
For beginning actors, we build strong foundational habits that support long-term growth. For experienced actors, sessions may focus on scene work, monologues, or self-tape preparation with a disciplined yet supportive approach.
I often recommend foundational texts that have shaped my own training, including:
– An Actor Prepares and Building a Character by Konstantin Stanislavski
– Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen
– The Intent to Live by Larry Moss
– A Dream of Passion by Lee Strasberg
My goal is not to impose a rigid technique, but to help each actor discover truthful, personal work grounded in strong fundamentals.
Credentials & Affiliations
Education
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MFA in Acting — The Actors Studio Drama School
Professional Training
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Method-based training rooted in the tradition of The Actors Studio
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Master classes with Ellen Burstyn, Ben Vereen, Liza Minnelli, Vivian Nathan, David Gideon, Gary Swanson, and Susan Batson
Union Affiliation
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Member, Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
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SAG-AFTRA Eligible — SAG-AFTRA
Professional Experience
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Off-Broadway performances at Cherry Lane Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Theatre at St. Clement’s, and Theatre Row
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Best One Man Show — United Solo Festival (2025)
Film & Production
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Co-Founder, Sideway Brothers
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Producer of multiple award-winning short films (Portland Comedy Film Festival, New Renaissance Film Festival, New York Short Comedy Film Festival)