Maris...you are truly superwoman! You are a rock star! I did everything you said and 'went there.' Because of your coaching, I got three standing ovations and the best reviews of my life, and it’s all because of you. I couldn’t have done it without you. Words cannot express how grateful I am for your expert guidance, direction and support and for pushing me to do my best. I love, love, love working with you.
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- Valerie David, Actor
One Woman Show: The Pink Hulk
Maris Heller is one of the finest acting teachers I have had the pleasure to observe. She is a first-rate teacher, mentor and theater professional. She is always clear, demanding yet supportive when offering feedback. I have found her to be a bright, articulate and knowledgeable theatre artist whose opinions are firmly based on her profound understanding and appreciation of subjects outside the realm of theatre issues and performance techniques. Her insights are impressive.
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- Keith Lee Grant, Artistic Director for Harlem Repertory Theater
Professor / Deputy Chairman of the Theater Dept at The City College of NY
Maris you did it again! You make me feel like I can do anything on stage. Thank you for helping me to overcome my fear of auditioning. You’ve got the gift!
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- Margery Cohen, Actor - Grammy/Obie Award Nominee
Starting Here, Starting Now and Berlin to Broadway
Maris, I am so grateful for the time, talent, intelligence and dedication you invested for the last night reading. Your casting was excellent. Your actors poured heart and soul into their work. You seem to have flawless judgement. Everything you pointed to, every lapse and missing link was valid and worthy of attention. You are an excellent dramaturge/director. And I hope to be able to employ your talents and judgement in the future. You have, in a very short time become very important to me.
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- Mervyn Kaufman, Playwright
Maris Heller is compelling, concentrated, versatile and rock solid. She is never satisfied until she finds the underpinning of the character. She is always patient and giving with other actors. She is fabulous in every way.
- Barbara Bregstein, Director/Producer
Maris Heller is a unique talent. She is a special actress and has the ability of imparting her knowledge to others. You can’t get better.
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- Gene Frankel, Internationally-Acclaimed Director
Obie Award Winner
Beyond her professional background and experience, it is Maris’ enthusiasm and sensitivity and innovation that impress me. When directing for me she was so clear and committed to the script that moments and truths emerged which I had not realized were there. Actors respond to Maris with respect and trust. She guides carefully and shares her knowledge of technique generously, always taking into account the understanding of each individual.
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- Robin Rice, Playwright
Maris has the ability to 'see' into the essence of things. There is an immediacy in her work. She has the ability to sense the central ground of any given artistic problem and engages the actor in the process of finding a resolution - forthrightly, humanely, consistently, lovingly.
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- John Sarno, Actor/Playwright
You are an amazing teacher Maris and I am just so grateful for you. You have given me much to work with and my career has taken off. I am always glad to recommend you to my friends!
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- Tracee Chimo, Obie Award Winning Actor
Broadway/TV, Orange is the New Black
Maris Heller is a remarkable woman. She is a delight to work with and her relationship with the students is outstanding. She elicits a deep respect with her knowledge, as well as her warmth and caring as a human being.
- Scott Jacoby, Director
Headmaster, Gill St. Bernard's
Maris Heller is an exciting and informative teacher. Her students are completely attentive. Her comments are effective and stimulating. What is most impressive about Ms. Heller’s work is her calm and clarity of purpose.
- Professor Eugene Nesmith
The City College of NY
Maris Heller’s acting class was incredibly useful and extremely well taught. Her style of instruction, structure of the course, the exercises and discussions gave the class a sense of confidence and ease that motivated us. The class was so rewarding that I would like to see more classes taught by Maris Heller
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- Emily L. Adeyanju, Student
The City College of NY, Adult Continuing Education