TESTIMONIALS
“I have had the privilege of working with Carmela as a student and co-worker. In both of these areas, she is extremely professional, competent, passionate and kind. One of the most important qualities in a leader is to be able to create an environment of respect, but where everyone is also comfortable - and Carmela does so with mastery. Her passion for the work aligned with her nature makes her inspire others to create and experiment without fear, and her feedback is always given in a constructive way. Instead of building an environment of superiority, Carmela seems to break barriers and create a place where we all participate in a conversation - which is precisely what brings admiration and respect. She believes in the people around her - whether they be students or colleagues - and pushes them forward to be their best selves. It is no wonder that after only two semesters teaching at the Institute, her class is already one of the most popular. She is one of the best teachers I've ever had, and one of the professionals I've enjoyed working with the most.”
Stella, NYC 2024
“There is a small handful of teachers I have had in my life who perfectly balances the role of mentor and friend. Carmela is certainly one of them. I am currently taking her writing class, where her knowledge, methods, and generosity have greatly enhanced the quality of my work. From entering class with a vague and overwhelming story idea, she helped crystallize my concept. She creates an amazingly supportive environment in class, and her enthusiasm makes presenting work a joyous experience.”
Gjermund, NYC 2024
“My name is Joseph Bevilacqua and I had the great fortune to sign up for Carmela Corbett’s Creating Your Own Work class at Lee Strasberg Television and Film Institute in Jan of 23. I’m in my 50s and was surrounded by 20 somethings. Carmela was clear from the beginning this was a creative, non-judgmental creative space. This made it very easy to feel freedom and confidence in my ideas, while also allowing other students to connect naturally, as they share in the process of discovery. The result was a short film which cast the other students in class and celebrated their individuality, as well as my personal talent as a musician. Something I thought unachievable before I started with Carmela was directing, writing, producing, scoring, editing. Now, with her help in our writing class, I’ve finished a feature screenplay. Carmela is the rare person you come across in your life who can truly inspire and has the knowledge to speak your language. She loves to teach the craft. I retired from a 30-year career identifying and training music and talk talent for many major radio and recording groups including SFX, AM/FM, Epic, Clear Channel, and I-Heart Radio. So, I submit that she is not only a teacher, but a professional. We’re lucky she didn’t’ want to keep it to herself and just charge you $20 to see her for a few hours on screen.”
Joe, Florida 2024
“Rarely will you come across a teacher, who stays with you, making a lasting imprint on your craft and life. Carmela is one of them. I had the privilege and pleasure of taking Carmela’s Creating Your Own Work class at Lee Strasberg Film & Theatre Institute in Winter 2023. Coming to her class as a new writer - with many ideas but no idea where to begin - I within weeks gained a clear sense of direction. My whole perception of writing, acting and filmmaking expanded, thanks to her. I can honestly say she is one of the only teachers I know, who perfects the balance of sharing knowledge and meeting students at eye level. Carmela is incredibly kind and innately genuine. She is the biggest motivator. She strongly affirms the idea that there is no wrong way to be an artist - and that you are enough. She maintains an open mind to all ideas and encourages you to do the same. She always sees expansion, never limitation - which is incredibly helpful for a beginning writer. She furthermore generously shares not only her immense knowledge of the art but also her own experiences from the industry. Her class became the safest space for all of us to develop our craft and her relatability makes the whole thing a lot more approachable. I always left her class with a new idea or a creative itch to keep going. I believe that for you to be able to develop your art and thrive in this industry it is vital to surround yourself with great fellow artists that you can trust. Carmela is such a person! I am so incredibly proud to call her my teacher and dear friend. She is a rare find. There is a small handful of teachers I have had in my life who perfectly balances the role of mentor and friend. Carmela is certainly one of them. I am currently taking her writing class, where her knowledge, methods, and generosity have greatly enhanced the quality of my work. From entering class with a vague and overwhelming story idea, she helped crystallize my concept. She creates an amazingly supportive environment in class, and her enthusiasm makes presenting work a joyous experience.”
Emily, NYC 2023
“Carmela is most definitely one of those teachers that will change an artist’s life. I’ve had the privilege to have Carmela as a mentor to developing projects and making big decisions to take steps in my career. She doesn’t only share her valuable knowledge with mastery, but also embraces the students goals and provides essential tools to achieve them. Carmela has shown support to me in various ways, bringing me closer to her own projects and giving me guidance to mine. I am sure I will bring this connection and learnings with me throughout my whole life.”
Luisa, NYC 2023
“Carmela has known me as a student for four years now, but for the last two years I have had the opportunity to have her as a mentor. Our teaching has covered such a vast range of areas, from understanding and properly translating Shakespeare, to vocal warm ups and Alexander Technique. She has supported me through my drama school applications by helping me pick my monologues, and challenging me to push myself as an actor. Her never-ending knowledge of the industry has meant that I now have such strong foundation of understanding of the life of a working actor. She has also always encouraged me to grow by learning new skills, like screen-acting. With Carmela’s guidance I have become a member of the National Youth Theatre, and earned a place at Bristol Old Vic theatre school. Every lesson has been filled with a sense of wonder and hard work. She creates such a safe environment that I feel confident choosing challenging pieces to work on, and most importantly she is incredibly supportive of who I am as a person, as well as an actor. Any future students of hers are placing themselves in incredibly capable hands”.
Maiya, London 2022
”Carmela’s guidance through the audition process lent me the reassurance and confidence I needed to enjoy the process as much as possible. Carmela really helped me focus and deliver my monologues, her knowledge for auditions and applications helped refine my ideas in both classic and contemporary pieces. I have really enjoyed all my rehearsal sessions and come away feeling positive and well supported. Carmela is very friendly with great energy”.
Pearl, London 2021
"Carmela has been both an inspiration and allied support to my daughter throughout her drama school application process. Providing critical guidance, her expertise within the industry alongside her kind, friendly and encouraging approach has proved invaluable. Their partnership has allowed my daughter to develop a body of work that she feels confident with, gaining much reassurance from Carmela’s professional input. Carmela is blessed with a wonderful ability to inspire and organize young people with direction, we are most grateful".
Amy, London 2021