Welcome to the actor's garage!

What makes an actor's garage teacher?

We at the actor's garage take your young actor's safety very seriously.

Before a teacher is invited to train with us, we do an extensive background check on them. This background check is no different from the one a private school may use. Once the background check is completed, the teachers experience an intensive orientation program. In addition, we check references and observe the teachers working with young performers before they can meet your actor.

We sincerely believe that your young actor should be able to express themselves in a stress-free, non-competitive manner at all times! That said, I would like to invite you to have a look at our teachers bio's.

The Actor's Garage was founded by Actress and Comedian Ann Gray.

Ann Gray Graf began her career in New York City as a Stand Up Comic in 1991. She has appeared at Caesars' Palace in Las Vegas, The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, Caroline's, Gotham Comedy Club and Comic Strip Live in New York City, to name a few. Ann began her commercial acting career at the same time, landing national television campaigns such as The New York Knicks (where she had the privilege of working on 6 different spots with famed director Spike Lee), Hellmann's mayonnaise, Goodyear, Progresso Soup, Lean Cuisine and Amana appliances, where she was their national spokesperson for over 4 years.

Ann studied acting at The Barrow Group, Gene Frankel Theatre and Neighborhood Playhouse. In addition she has taken classes with casting directors over the years to perfect her skills. In 2000, Ann made the leap to Prime Time television where she has appeared on several episodes of Law and Order, Law and Order Criminal Intent, Third Watch.

Ann moved with her family to Manhasset in 2002 where she began to notice a void for acting schools for tweens and teens. It is her hope that the actors garage will inspire those who walk through her classes to become all that they can be.

Lori Davidek - A mother of two and being brought up in a family business; I have worked in the business world for most of my career. I have experience working for corporate companies, to freelancing in New York City for a commercial television & print photography studio, to present as an account executive for a NJ parenting publication. Entrepreneur at heart and a desire to do more -I knew I would not only love to work with children, but to make a difference in a child’s life. With first hand experience on print and commercial sets, I have seen just how much fun the children have, and how I love to be apart of this industry.

Veronica O’Brien earned a Master of Arts degree in Special Education from California State University--Northridge. She holds a California Special Education teaching credential, and has taught for the past four years within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Prior to that, she taught three years at the pre-school level. She states that, "I love seeing children blossom as they are learning something new. They are the reason that I thoroughly enjoy teaching."

Ryan Mullen earned a Master of Arts degree in Education from Indiana University. He holds a California Multiple Subject teaching credential, and has been teaching within the Los Angeles Unified School District for the past three years. Prior to that, he worked with young people as a supervisor at the Disneyland Resort. He states that, "teaching to me, is learning. Giving children an opportunity to express their feelings and grow more confident is why I love doing what I do."

Jennifer Mazza, Director of Operations- graduated SUNY New Paltz with her BA in December 2004. Jennifer has been with the actor’s garage since 2005. In addition to working for the actor’s garage Jennifer is pursuing her Masters in Elementary education and Literacy at CW Post.

Brooke Hoover has been with The Actors' Garge since September of 2004. She is a Louisiana native who received her B.F.A. in Acting from Long Island University at C.W. Post. She has directed children in productions including The Wizard of Oz (twice), Little Shop of Horrors, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Grease. Brooke has also appeared in many plays around New York City, a few national commercials, television and some independant films. Brooke also performs stand-up comedy and is currently involved in classes and the improv troupe Sidewalk Party through Upright Citizen's Brigade. She is really excited to be working with The Actors' Garage for another great year!

Daniel Mazza has been with the actor’s garage for two years now. He is currently studying for his BA in Anthropology at SUNY New Paltz. After starting off his career with the actor’s garage as the camera man, the kids grew to adore him. He began training and has become a lead teacher. Prior to the actor’s garage, Dan’s teaching credits included swimming lessons. After joining the actor’s garage Dan caught the acting bug and has now performed in several off Broadway productions.

Emily Mazza -assistant teacher- started the actor’s garage as a student during its first session two years ago. After studying under many of our instructor Emily has finished off her training and has now is working to teach new actors. Emily has been an assistant teacher with the actor’s garage for the past year. As a high school student Emily seeks out jobs working with children and the actor’s garage has been a great fit.

Danny Campos Danny Campos has been teaching with The Actor's Garage since September 2005. He has a BA in Theatre/Music from Albright College and has studied at the Eugene O'Neill National Theater Institute and the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. In addition to The Actor's Garage, Danny teaches music classes for children at Kids Muzik and acting classes at The Growing Stage, the Children's Theater of New Jersey. As an actor, his credits include: The Dinosaur Musical, Junie B. Jones, Into the Woods, Much Ado About Nothing He's a proud member of Actor's Equity.

Christina Wright graduated from Rutgers College 2 years ago, with a BA in both Theater Arts and Women’s Studies, and minor in Art History. She has spent the last 2 years working in the Young Talent Division of CESD Talent Agency. Although she loved her clients, Christina wanted to change to a more creative career. Theater has been a driving force in Christina's life for over 10 years, and she is thrilled to be teaching at the Actor's Garage!

Laraine Goodman - Laraine Goodman is an accomplished tap dancer, performance artist, actor, children’s theater teacher, director and producer. Laraine has produced and directed children’s shows at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and at La MaMa e.t.c, Off-Off Broadway theater in NYC. She has taught kindergarten at Grace Church School in Manhattan, as well as teaching and subbing in all the arts, including drama, music, dance and visual arts.

Ms Goodman has taught afterschool/enrichment classes in Harlem and for Chase Manahttan’s Arts and Sports in the NYC Public School system. Laraine has a B.A.from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in Sociology and Dance, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand. She has traveled the world and studied dance and theater from many cultures. Her most recent accomplishments include performing in “Bolero NYC” a dance theater piece performed at the Skirball Center for Performing Arts, NYU. This production included children as well as adults. Laraine has produced many dance theater productions at La MaMa, including the critically acclaimed “Vaudeville 2000”. She regularly teaches tap dance and theater and is involved in the Grace Afterschool Program teaching drama and art.