Testimonials
"A Webster-sized manuscript would only begin to describe the impact that Alison Kalmus has had on my life. The benefits I gained from her classes transcended the arts, and I developed important social and life skills. She treats her students with a level of professionalism that develops strong, mature actors and human beings. In her classes, I learned to respect others and embrace differences. I came to her as a self conscious, moody pre-teen who hid behind a too-cool-for-school veneer. I only cared about what others thought of me. During improvisation exercises, I would discreetly inch myself off stage to avoid being called on because I was so afraid of making a fool of myself. But Mrs. Kalmus finally caught on to my stealthy creeping and suggested that I enter a scene. After a few apathetic starts (in keeping with my cool-cat persona), I realized that she was not going to let me keep hiding behind my attitude. The more I resisted, the harder she pushed, until finally I combusted in a burst of energetic frustration. People laughed, but not in a malicious way—I had been funny. I felt a sense of empowerment that I had never felt before. She made me realize that my self-consciousness only held me back, and from that moment on I developed the confidence to be my own person both on and off stage. Were it not for Mrs. Kalmus, I would have never discovered my passion for theatre, especially for comedy and improvisation.
What I find most significant about Alison’s classes is that she gives her students not just skills in acting, but a well-rounded education. Throughout my many years with her, I learned about the historical, cultural, technical, and professional aspects of the craft. We studied the classics, and I learned to understand—and love—Shakespeare. She deepened my understanding of comedy by introducing me to the work of the legends—the Keystone Cops, Carole Burnette, and my idol, Lucille Ball. She taught us to behave professionally, and gave us opportunities to work in a professional environment. In her classes, students develop a thorough, mature work ethic that helps them succeed in their ventures throughout life.
Right now, I am still pursuing my theatre education at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. I am so grateful to Mrs. Kalmus and everything she has taught me, and I know that I would not have had the confidence to reach for my dreams without her guidance. She has been more than a teacher to me. She is my mentor, my friend, and my fairy godmother."
- Shaina Salin
"Alison Kalmus has had a significant impact on my development as a theater performer but most importantly, as a person. She has become not only a well-respected mentor, but also a lifelong friend. Under her patient guidance, I was shown the importance of the in-depth research needed for understanding the time period of “A Christmas Carol,” as well as countless hours devoted to proper character development. From picking up comedic physicality to mastering the different British dialects of the social classes from Dickensian England, I immediately fell in love with the nuances of showmanship required to put on a quality performance. Similar to the role that I had to play in this project, I had an appreciation for the other aspects of involvement that were displayed by Mrs. Kalmus. She showed me that the labor put into a production is not necessarily what the audience sees on stage; rather, it is the extensive work done behind the curtains that makes it all work. From publicity to stage design, I witnessed the meticulous developing process of properly managing the budget as well as setting organized deadlines, which has made a lasting impression on me. She has given me the opportunity to be a part of something truly great and taught me to appreciate the craft for the sheer love of it and not for the glamour or fame that many misguidedly strive. On stage, she has instilled in me the value of accepting and understanding that things don’t necessarily go according to plan and that no matter what, “The show must go on.” I have always taken this statement to heart, have translated that perseverance to other aspects of my life, and will continue to do so in the future."
- James Shechet
(Seven year AKT student and Southern California Lyric Theater intern, currently enrolled at USC in The School of Cinematic Arts and the Marshall School of Business joint B.S. program)