Advice From a Leading Acting Coach

I recently spoke to acting coach Michelle Danner, one of the industry’s most respected teachers who is now a director as well. Michelle has worked with many A-List actors privately and on set, including Chris Rock, Gerard Butler, Seth MacFarlane, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Penelope Cruz, Isla Fisher, Common, Salma Hayek, Chris Martin, James Franco, Christian Slater, Zooey Deschane and Gabrielle Union. Her film Bad Impulse is expected to be released this year and her next film The Runner is in the works.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your story and what you have learned from your journey to date. First things first, though, what is something about you that your fans don’t know?

Michelle: They probably don’t know that I am very passionate about politics. I don’t usually bring this conversation in the work place but when I was 20, it was all about me and I wasn’t really concerned about what was happening in the world, the injustices, the climate but now it’s years later and I care. I care about what we’re going to leave behind.

Adam: How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Michelle: I think I got to where I am in terms of being a teacher, a theater and film director by not taking no for an answer. Every step of the way has challenges but I always try to find a way and that’s what I try to teach my kids as well, it’s resourcefulness. When I have one of those days when I feel like everything is piling up on me, I try to attack the problem step by step.

We were recently on set shooting and very unfairly got denied a permit for 1 location. It seemed in that moment like we just needed to fold and stop everything but that’s reality. Reality is that we needed to troubleshoot and find a very last minute option on where to shoot and we did and were able to salvage production.

Adam: You have coached many highly successful actors and actresses. What are the most important lessons you impart on how to excel as an actor? What are the most important lessons you try to convey on how to succeed in the industry in general?

Michelle: I always try and guide actors that I work with to be prepared. That is probably the most important thing that one can learn: To stay ahead of it. And to learn how to take care of yourself on set, whether you have to shoot a stunt or film a very emotional scene, there is a craft that can help you and be a liferaft so that you have fun playing the character and being on set.

Adam: Which acting students are you proudest of and why?

Michelle: I have worked with many Oscar-winning actors, well-known actors and unknown actors and I don’t like to name-drop. It never feels right. But every time that I have taught someone, coached them and they have either invited me to a premiere or I have seen the work afterwards, I have always felt lifted.

Adam: What are some of the best stories you can share about some of the A-listers you have taught and worked with?

Michelle: I really particularly enjoyed working with Norman Reedus, he played with me when he came on set and said to me ‘Oh is that the scene that we are shooting today?’ and of course, he knew that very well and was completely prepared. But of course in that moment when he said that inside of me I went ‘Oh No.’

A fun story, is, I remember a very fun scene in my movie “The Bandit Hound” where Verne Troyer and Lou Ferigno had a scene together and Verne kicks him and after a few takes you could see that Lou was getting upset so he picked him up and put him in a shopping cart. It was improvised but it was such a good moment that it stayed in the movie.

Adam: What are the best lessons you have learned through your career in the industry that are applicable to those who will never earn a living in front of or behind the camera?

Michelle: I think you should give your heart and soul to something for a period of time and then having another dream next to it and move on. If working in the entertainment industry is your only dream, there will always be a way to find your chance, but it might be different from what you thought. And I think that applies to everyone, even outside the industry.

Adam: Who are the best leaders you have been around and what have you learned from them? What do you believe makes an effective leader?

Michelle: I read a lot and writers are my teachers. I am particularly interested in listening to interviews, I have conversations. “The Audacity of Hope'' by President Obama, “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck, “ The Seat of the Soul” by Gary Zukav and “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Alan Singer have been leading me in my life. What makes a great leader is the capability to collaborate, be a team player and to listen and also to find humor in the every day. You have to be able to laugh at yourself, with others. It’s the fun of the journey.

Adam: What are three things that you think everyone in any industry should know?

Michelle: To be willing to be open. To listen well and to embrace change.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Michelle: To not rush so much. That it’s okay to go slow. I don’t have to sprint to the finish line and get breathless. I can calmly walk there and I will get there. 

Adam: What is something you have witnessed up-close or experienced that would shock fans?

Michelle: Not to get too dark, but I was always taken aback and shocked by witnessing death and how the soul leaves the body. But I was also shocked about childbirth, which is when a soul enters this world. But these are two very primal things that are heartbreaking and wonderful to watch.

Adam: What is one thing everyone should be doing to pay it forward?

Michelle: What is it that they can contribute and be generous and kind towards another person. An act of kindness every day goes a long way.