Testimonials
Former Students
“I had the honor of learning from, and later directing, Kevin Blake, and his influence on me has been immense both as an actor and a storyteller. The techniques I learned from him have shaped many of the creative choices I’ve made throughout my career, both in front of and behind the camera. He has a remarkable ability to challenge actors while creating an environment that feels supportive, inspiring, and deeply collaborative. Any student would be fortunate to learn from someone with his passion for the craft and commitment to helping artists take their abilities to the next level.”
-Tyler Cole
Tyler Cole
Recording Artist, Actor, Writer & Director
“Every interaction I’ve had with Kevin has reinforced his genuine passion for both acting and working with actors. He makes developing your craft feel freeing rather than intimidating, and is able to create a supportive and productive environment tailored to each student and their individual needs. His feedback is thoughtful, specific, and grounded in authenticity, helping actors grow while staying connected to themselves. I always leave our sessions feeling more confident, empowered, and trusting of my voice and choices as an actor.”
-Julia Hollander, Actor, Writer & Musician
“Kevin Blake changed my life for the better. He leads with compassion and patience making sure that I actually understand what he is teaching. This provided me the safety to try my best knowing I could fail because he could make that a learning experience instead of a scary one. I’ve taken so much from his class that I still use to this day. Kevin is also an exceptional human and has been an amazing role model to me. Kevin is the best teacher I’ve ever had and I’m so grateful to have been his student.”
-Jack Samson, Actor, Musician, Filmmaker
Being taught by Kevin was an absolute joy. He did everything possible to cultivate a welcoming and safe space for his students to explore and discover without the fear of judgement. One of my favorite takeaways from his teachings was the importance of the inner child in performance. Unlocking that childlike wonder and bravery helped me make bolder choices and brought forward an aspect of acting that often gets overlooked: enjoying yourself. I would highly recommend taking the opportunity to be taught by him! Thank you for the laughs Kevin :)
- Belissa Escobedo, Actor (Blue Beetle, Hocus Pocus 2, Happy's Place)
“I’ve had the privilege to work with Kevin for over a decade, first as his student, and later as a collaborator and friend. Kevin is one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met, yet simultaneously possesses the passion and fire needed to memorize the entirety of Hamlet or do 1000 pushups every day. His ability to meet each and every person where they are, whether in terms of acting prowess or knowledge of social issues, makes him incredibly adaptable and approachable as an instructor. I truly cannot say enough good things about Kevin Blake.”
-Kai Nugent, Actor
“If Kevin Blake is in your corner as a theatre teacher and mentor, then you’ve been dealt a good hand. As my teacher, his belief in my talent and abilities helped build my confidence and presence on stage. His patience and kindhearted nature created an encouraging, feedback-rich learning environment where safety was always the priority. Witnessing his skill and dedication continues to inspire me to grow as both a performer and a person, and to push beyond my own perceived limits.”
-Melissa Martin, Development & Admin Associate
Parents and Families
“I can’t say enough about Kevin, his talent, and the way he draws out the unique qualities of his students. As an actor and an educator, he can both “do” and “teach,” giving students the rare experience of learning from an industry professional. He creates an environment of camaraderie, where students are safe to explore a full range of emotions, learning more about themselves in the process. I’m so grateful that my daughter was able to study with Kevin as a teenager and young adult. He has been more than a wonderful teacher in her life. He is also an inspiring role model for her.”
-Barri Lynn Hollander, Parent of Former Student
“I’m pleased to provide my recommendation for Kevin Blake. My son, Jack Samson was a student at LACHSA and was involved with Encompass throughout his Junior and Senior years and continued working with Kevin’s Social Justice organization for several years post graduation.
I was very impressed with Kevin’s ability to educate and inspire Jack and the other participating students, while always maintaining a safe, fun and professional environment. As a busy creative, Jack has little time to take on additional jobs, however whenever Kevin reaches out Jack does everything in his power to make himself available. This is only because of Jack’s respect and admiration for Kevin.”
-Marc Samson, Parent of Former Student
Artistic and Industry Professionals
“I had the great pleasure to work with Kevin Blake on three different productions I produced at the Garry Marshall Theatre, previously Falcon Theatre, with my father Garry Marshall. I saw Kevin transform from Stan Laurel to Billy Wilder to F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was astonishing to watch. The great care he took to research these men, beyond caricatures of the famous versions, was truly impressive and powerful. Beyond Kevin’s talent as an actor is his great gift of compassion and care for others, and any project as a whole. His ability to work with other actors and designers in collaboration on a show was fantastic. He made every show a positive experience for all. He is one of the best team players who does not hesitate to step up to leader of the group when it’s needed. I am thrilled to hear Kevin is teaching more often these days. I cannot think of a better person to be teaching acting right now; for acting is the study of humans and how we move through the world. Kevin is one of the best humans. We can all learn a lot from him.”
-Kathleen Marshall, Board of Directors, President Garry Marshall Theatre
Laurel and Hardy
Todd McGrath
Billy and Ray
Mike Bencivenga
Scott and Hem
Mark St. Germain
“I've had the opportunity to know and work with Kevin Blake for many years, and there is a reason my husband, Garry Marshall, continued to hire him again and again for theatre and film. Kevin is not only a talented actor, but someone people naturally look up to as a leader, a collaborator, and someone who truly listens. He is reliable, professional, and above all, kind.”
-Barbara Marshall, Board of Directors, Chair Garry Marshall Theatre
“I’ve had the pleasure of directing Kevin Blake in several productions, and he has consistently proven himself to be an exceptional collaborator and thoughtful colleague. As an actor, Kevin creates characters with careful precision and preparation, all the while making them feel both natural and spontaneous. Kevin brings a genuine sincerity to complex characters and scenes.
He brings himself completely to each role, without ever losing his ability to be open to the people he is acting with on stage – listening and responding with emotional resonance and joy. Always joy. A joy that elevates the entire creative process. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat. Without hesitation.”
-Dimitri Toscas, Artistic Director
Production directed by Dimitri Toscas
“Having known Kevin Blake for over 15 years, both professionally and personally, I am absolutely certain that anyone who gets the opportunity to learn from him will come out a better actor and a better human. As a producer, Kevin is the kind of person you want on your team, reliable, trustworthy, dedicated, and someone who treats all people with kindness and respect. As a friend, he is one of the greatest humans I know. Did I mention he is also one of the funniest people I know?”
-Heather Hall, Independent Film & Theatre Producer
Educators and Youth Development Professionals
“I’m a trained psychologist today, but in the past, I helped run a youth development organization—so I have extremely high standards for how adults work with and teach young people during the sensitive developmental stage of adolescence. Kevin is among the most thoughtful, trustworthy, and student-oriented educators I’ve witnessed. I should know; not only have I known Kevin for over 20 years, but I used to co-teach a high school course with him. Kevin is not just an outstanding and experienced actor, but he has what many others acting coaches lack: a rare blend of teaching ability, unwavering professionalism, and deep social-emotional intelligence—the exact ingredients needed to support a student's growth, clarify their goals, and build their confidence (without applying pressure in a manner that risks harm along the way). Without reservation, I give him my highest recommendation.”
-Dr. Skyler Jackson, Psychologist at Yale University and Youth Development Specialist
Kevin Blake was one of the most impactful teachers I had while I was a theatre student at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. He was not only a conservatory-level master of his acting craft, but also knowledgeable in social justice & critical thinking in relationship to the world around us as both citizens & artists.
Kevin was one of the first teachers I had that modeled equity, empathy, and community connection in every moment & every lesson in the classroom. I don’t think I would be back now teaching as successfully as I have at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts without having Kevin as a teacher and role model; helping to nurture the next generation of top level actors & artist-citizens.
I couldn’t recommend Kevin Blake enough.
-Victoria Tamez, 1st Year Acting Teacher; LACHSA Theatre Department
Kevin Blake is not only an exceptional teacher, artist, and trainer, but he is also an exceptional human being. His knowledge about the nuances of theatre and film is what sets him apart. I have had the privilege of observing him in each of the aforementioned roles, and every time, I find myself learning something new and wishing that I had more time to watch him share his time and his talent. He is not only committed to the art, he is committed to those who desire to create art themselves. Most importantly, he creates safe spaces for actors/actresses to explore, experiment, create, and find their way around their craft. He is truly in a class of his own, and if you have the opportunity to learn from him, do not hesitate. I promise you will leave better than you came.
-Dr. Damien Robinson, Author and Founder of Introspective Consulting