Hi, my name is Kumiko G. and I am a recent graduate from Empowerhouse Acting Studio in Berkeley California. I would like to share my experience in learning the Meisner technique taught by Melissa Thompson Esaia. Melissa teaches the Meisner technique the way that Sanford Meisner taught it, and does not deviate from his way of teaching. What makes her stand out from other instructors is that she has an innate ability to teach each individual student in a way that speaks to them and she always knows just what to say to get you to be present and in the moment. In my two and a half years I have learned how to work moment to moment, to listen and react and to be truthful in every moment. Taking Melissa's class has changed my life. She has given me so much confidence. She taught me how to let go and not be in my head and gave me techniques to use so that I am able to have freedom in my work. I have suffered from a lot of trauma in my life and she honestly was the perfect teacher for me. She creates an environment for you to feel safe being completely vulnerable. She pushes you past your comfort zone to grow in ways you may have not thought possible. She is extremely supportive and really puts her whole heart into her craft. She is exceptionally genuine and kind, but also gives you tough love when you need it. In order to be successful in her class, YOU HAVE TO DO THE WORK. There are no short cuts to success and although she is kind, she is realistic and paints the picture of what is expected of you as a professional. You are required to show up on time and to complete your work when it is due. She wants each of her students to succeed and is honest with you about the expectations of this industry. If you want to be a working actor/ actress I suggest taking this training. This training was worth every penny I spent and then some. The technique as well as the life lessons I've learned have been invaluable! I strongly suggest taking this class and making your dreams a reality. Also, don't skip taking the Business of Acting and Auditioning class after the training. It would be silly to spend your money on the training without learning about the business! Melissa, there will never be enough words to express my gratitude for you. I love you endlessly and am so happy you took a chance on me. Thank you! - Kumiko G. read more

Empowerhouse Acting Studio is a SAFE HAVEN! Growing up in an environment where there was a lot of criticism, judgement, and pressure to "be good", I found myself in a VERY safe space during this training. The amount of knowledge you're able to receive throughout each session is out of this world. Not only do you learn the foundation and process of the Meisner Technique, but you also learn who YOU are, how to express YOUR emotions, and the beauty of vulnerability and self analysis. THIS TRAINING CHANGES YOUR LIFE. Melissa provides this extensive training with love, respect and commitment. She knows how to bring out hidden talents from her students as well as any blockages that may be keeping us from our dreams. Her work truly EMPOWERS you. That being said, the experience begins with YOU. As amazing and rewarding this work is, it's important to leave egos at the door. Be receptive and open to LISTEN. Many times when things are wonderful, people expect it to be EASY. This training is NOT EASY, and can sometimes hit dark areas of our lives that we haven't dealt with. Its easy to take things personal and stay in our "ways", (especially in this industry), but if you're gravitated to Melissa and her studio, just know it is the BEST place to explore your dreams, skills, talents, and true self. This has been the rawest form of teaching I've ever received and I'm forever grateful! read more

After many years of working in the corporate world and raising my children, I decided to finally connect with who I truly am as an artist. I wanted to be a professional actor and I wanted the professional training without going back to college. I began my search for this training as soon as my husband and I moved to the San Francisco Bay area. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon the Empowerhouse Acting Studio's webpage. Everything I read about learning the Meisner Technique with Melissa, excited me and scared me to death. I decided to take the next step and requested an interview. On my computer screen appeared this serious, confident and marvelous woman who walked me through her coursework, class expectations and explanation of what the Meisner Technique was. I'll admit now that I had no clue of what she spoke about, but I knew I could trust her to teach me. I trusted my gut! 2 years of training went by so fast on that roller coaster of emotions. I have never been through a training that stretched me so hard as a person in my life and I'm so glad I stuck with it, even when it hurt. Thanks to Melissa's dedication to my dream of being an actor, I am now a Meisner Technique trained actor working in NYC. I am truly grateful to Melissa Thompson-Esais and the Empowerhouse Acting Studio family for all the support and encouragement. read more

I feel so blessed to have stumbled across Empowerhouse Studios when I first moved to the Bay Area. Melissa is a true gem. I have never come across an acting teacher quite like her. She creates the most authentic, safe space for you to come and be vulnerable and grow as an artist. She is open, honest, constructive, sensitive, and inspiring. The 2 year program is rigorous and intense, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I grew so much, not only as an actress, but as a person from the day I started to graduation day. I met the best group of people who have become my beautiful artistic family. But most importantly, I now feel like I can truly call myself an actor. I understand myself and the craft on a much deeper level. I also took the Auditioning and Business of Acting course at the studio. I was on the fence about taking it if I'm being honest. I thought I already knew most of what we'd learn (silly me lol), but it was so necessary to feeling confident upon graduating the training and starting to really pursue my career. I'm so grateful for Melissa and Empowerhouse. All of the instructors there are seriously amazing humans who genuinely want to see you win. I highly recommend this studio to anyone hoping to deepen their craft as an actor, director, or artist in general. read more

Empowerhouse Acting Studio will transform you - not only as an actor but as a human too! Melissa is an amazing teacher and mentor who genuinely cares for her students. I feel incredibly fortunate that I got to train with her. She has high expectations of her students, and she will push you and take care of you along your artistic journey. The training is challenging and you will learn the true craft of being an actor. Trust her and trust the training! Melissa has so much empathy, compassion, and respect for her students and she will nurture your dreams because she truly believes and sees what you are capable of! Acting is a vulnerable art and Melissa creates a safe space for actors to grow and take risks. During the 2 year Meisner Technique training you'll learn to trust yourself, be confident in your ability, commit to your choices, and let go - which will influence all aspects of your life! For future students - you won't regret it and you will become a better artist, actor, and human! Do it! Thank you for everything you've taught me Melissa! I am forever grateful and am continually impressed by your integrity and commitment to the craft and your students! Love ya! read more

Melissa is an incredibly and naturally gifted teacher. I took the Meisner Technique training with her for two years, followed by the Auditioning & Business of Acting course. From the initial interview, I knew my life was about to change with the guidance of this person. She was welcoming, kind, assertive, and set clear expectations from the first class in terms of how actors should present themselves. She always came from a place of care when providing feedback, both constructive and praising. Melissa taught me how to tap into my emotions and use them as a superpower, rather than suppressing them as I had done before her class. She teaches how to act and embody a character, but only after she feels you've successfully embodied your own. My class journey with her may be over (for now), but I have left the nest feeling prepared, ready, and excited for the countless opportunities that lie ahead for me as an actor. Melissa and her classes will change your life, and will challenge you to embrace who you are while shedding your own skin. She will push you to leave your comfort zone and experiment in the most gentle and loving way. All while, of course, having fun! read more

Melissa is as good as it gets as a teacher and even as a person. If you care about an incredibly high-level learning environment that translates into your art and life, then studying with Melissa is a must! I promise. Undeniable is undeniable, and she brings it with her knowledge and experience. And she's selfless in sharing this technique with students who want to grow and bring it also. The Meisner Technique was invented to help people expand the capacity of their artistic integrity beyond their own experiences, and help you grow into all the parts of you that exist. Melissa has a highly regarded understanding of that. She fosters, she pushes, she cares, she knows, and she's individually accountable with all over her students. Her capacity is huge and her teachings land where they should! It's not personal. It's really about the craft. And that concept alone gets deeper and deeper the more you learn from her. You have to experience it if you care about where you create your best artistic habits. No doubt she is it. read more

I was lucky enough to have Melissa as a teacher at The Meisner Technique Studio before she moved on to create her own incredible school. She is a beautiful, kind, talented, and inspiring teacher, and without her I would not be the actor OR person that I am today. She taught me to be sensitive in my acting, to be truthful and intentional and to think outside of the box as much as possible. When I would get stuck, she would immediately have amazing ideas to unblock me. She is full of empathy, which makes her an amazing resource for all of the deep emotional work that we do as actors. She is a passionate, brilliant woman, and anyone who studies with her is in for an amazing learning experience. She will call you out when it's needed, but never unnecessarily. Trust her. She knows what she's doing. read more

Melissa is a great teacher. She has a deep understanding of the craft of acting and she applies her teachings to each of her students on an individual level. During her classes I've often noticed her ability to communicate with each of her students in a unique way to truly help them grow and understand how to absorb the necessary concepts presented. For example, where I might communicate better with tough love when faced with a challenge and a male teacher, Melissa was often gentle and patient as she had another understanding of how I might better learn in her presence. This applied to each one of my classmates when I studied with her for two years. Give her your full attention and respect that she deserves and you will not be disappointed. read more

Before 2025 comes to a close, I must say that my most proud and meaningful moment was when I graduated from the Meisner Training Program at Empowerhouse Acting Studio. This Meisner Technique program is intense, transformative, healing and deeply rewarding. Melissa's teaching style is a brilliant balance of no-nonsense, firm, nurturing and devoted--to pushing you past your comforts and away from anything mainstream or performative. Every class challenges you to make bold, truthful choices and to stay fully present in the work. If you're serious about developing your craft (I didn't know what this meant beforehand) and want training that challenges, inspires, and reshapes the way you act, Empowerhouse Acting Studio is the place for you. read more

Melissa is a wonderful Guru and an amazing mentor. With the Meisner Technique teachings she taught me to be a truthful and authentic actor. All her teachings and above all her supportive nature changed me as a person in real life. She is very attentive and precise while she is teaching. Her precise feedback really helps you grow as an artist. She really encourages you to take risks and overcome your limitations without stressing about it. As a teacher she is well versed in communicating all the teachings and tools of the Meisner Technique. If you are looking for a teacher who really cares about you and will help you achieve your dream I would recommend Melissa. read more

Empowerhouse Acting Studio will equip you with incredibly powerful and effective tools toward your craft. Melissa is a fantastic guide and mentor through the journey, particularly because she teaches with a healthy balance of empathy and high standards. If you're looking for a place that will give you a SOLID foundation in acting, the opportunity to work in EVERY class and a community to grow with, this is the place! I am so much more confident in my abilities because of the rigor and creative energy of this class. Two years pass by like a breeze when you're having fun! read more

Melissa has been one of if not the greatest teacher in my life, I spent about 2.5 years training in The Meisner Technique with her. If you're tired of jumping from workshop to workshop and want to take this to a level you didn't know you were capable of then I promise you, she's the teacher for you. I was 18 when I started, just dropped out of city college and wanted one thing, REAL training. A yelp review just doesn't do it justice, the things this woman has done for me, you will not find another teacher who cares as much about your dream as you do. read more

I took my first acting class with Melissa learning the Meisner Technique and I had no idea what to expect. Me being a very reserved person, Melissa was very patient with me throughout the entire training and answered any questions that I had. Overtime I was able to gain confidence. Taking this class is the biggest thing I've ever done and the most challenging but it was all worth it. I am so grateful to have had Melissa as my first acting teacher. I can honestly say that this training is life changing! read more

If you are looking for a top notch acting teacher in the Bay Area, this is the place to go. Melissa is phenomenal! Not only does she give you guidance & constructive advice to keep you grounded as an actor but she opens her heart to you to encourage you to keep going! I've had some of the most ground breaking moments in her class that really made me more confident as an actor. I'm grateful that I got the chance to be taught by her. Take her class! read more

Melissa is a teacher that not only can deliver amazing professional training in the craft of acting, she is also walking the walk herself. As a filmmaker, director and producer in her own career, she demonstrates beautifully how to step into the dreams and visions we have as creators and artists. She is creative, dedicated, caring and just an all around amazing person to know. I am grateful for her teachings and support. read more

Just my nickels worth of free advice. Melissa is the real deal when it comes to acting as well as teaching. What truly sets her apart is her care and respect not only for her students, but, for the craft. In these crazy times we live in, Melissa is a breath of fresh air and a gift to every actor who works with her. If you are looking to raise your acting game, this is the place. read more

Melissa is a loving, compassionate and highly skilled acting teacher. She has an amazing presence and a complete dedication to her students. In addition to her teaching experience she is an accomplished actor. If you are looking for an acting teacher I would highly recommend working with Melissa. Her teachings and insights have shaped me as an artist and human being. read more

Melissa has created such a safe and an open environment for all of her students. She'll stretch you to dig deep within yourself and add real depth to your work. Melissa wants to see all her students succeed, she reinforces learning through observation, reflection and coaching. I would recommend this class to everyone! read more