Student Actors Testimonials

Molli focuses in on each Actor’s individuality by narrowing in on their specific fears and then transforming them into strengths. She taught me true fearlessness and honesty in acting. This allowed me to have real freedom and gave me a "bottom" in my acting that it never had, or ever would have, without her.

She also taught me through experience. Whether it be from her on location acting boot-camps or her monthly workshops, I now am able to feel confident walking into any audition, set or acting situation. After working with Molli, there isn't anything that will shake me or throw me off my game!

Kathryn Michelle (10 Year Student)

When I began working with Molli, I was getting occasional acting jobs. I had myself convinced that my look and my age were limiting me. Well, Molli killed all that noise pretty darn quickly! She showed me the only thing limiting me - was me. She unlocked aspects in my personality that I never knew were there. She unleashed bits of myself that have forever changed my acting and my life. Suddenly - with the same look and age - I was landing more jobs than I ever dreamed I could. For anyone considering working with Molli Benson I would emphatically say, close your eyes and take that leap. Don't hold back - she'll know. Don't be shy - she won't let you. Don't type cast yourself - she'll see straight through you. You can thank me later!

Pam Eichner (3 year student)

Well, here we are once again looking into the future of actors for the new decade.

I have always felt that it is necessary for actors (no matter what training they have had) to continue their training with professional teachers. It is imperative that actors "keep their hands in". 

We see film actors of note returning to the stage. Why?

To receive that instantaneous reaction to their work. There is nothing more rewarding than to hear the applause at the end of a performance. Unfortunately, in film, if there is a positive reaction, it is months after the actor has created the role.

Acting skill, for the most part, is learned, not inherited.

One needs to study with a professional coach, such as Molli Benson in order to expand one's skill level and reach for roles the actor might otherwise be nervous about playing.

Mike Fenton, CSA (Godfather 2, Raiders of the Lost Arc, Norma Rae,Chaplin, Back to the Future 1,2,3, Honeymoon in Vegas, Cofounder of CSA)


Molli was my very first acting coach. The first class I took with her was in 1993. Fifteen years later, I still consider myself as her student. Even though I can't take classes now due to the geographic distance, I still learn from her. We maintain a relationship of friendship and teacher student. I still consult her about acting and her advise has always been on target. I contribute almost everything I ever learned about acting to her guidance.

-John Still (16 year student)

I doubt you will ever find another Coach like Molli anywhere. She is so exciting to be around. It's amazing watching her work, and seeing how people transform into incredible actors through her no nonsense approach. You will never be in doubt of the direction you need to be heading. At the same time, you will always know when you are doing something great. Thanks Coach, for all you do! 

I look forward to the time when we will work together again!

-Terry "Elway" Carlson (3 year student)


Studying with Molli is hard to explain with words alone. You have to experience it for yourself to truly appreciate what she does for her actors. But I will say this...I have studied with different coaches in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, and never have I found someone who helped me find the truth of every scene like Molli has. She is never just a coach, but a friend as well. I find this to be very comforting because she wants me to succeed. She puts in just as much time and effort into MY career as I do. I have never found that to be true with anyone else. Her on-location retreats are a prime example. Taking us to the set of Young Guns 2 to film a western movie is above and beyond what any other coach is willing to put forth. That type of on-set experience can never be replicated in the classroom alone. Molli is definitely one in a million!

-Tom Lind (4 year student)


I am an actor, and was years ago when I chose to return to this passion. But, I wanted someone who could see my desire and focus it into the cutting edge .I have had several instructors and coaches over the years and I credit Ms. Benson for being the one who could and did open my eyes to myself and what I could be. Her guidance, fire and support has been a beacon to me guiding me in my choice of workshops and acting opportunities. Her intuitive understanding of me and , indeed., all of her students is phenomenal. She "sees" what each of us needs to reach the pinnacle of our art . Her compassion and love drive her to find the best method and experience for each of us to reach our goals. To have no fear to be real and believable is the byword of modern acting. It is her mantra as well. And she can help you achieve that goal.

- Elaine Jenkins (10 year student)


There was nothing like being able to apply everything we learned in class on set, like with the Western retreat we went on in New Mexico. Before I even ever booked my first movie, I was able to get experience with costumes, props, and camera marks. And of course there is no denying the added reality that being on the set of a real Western Ghost Town brings to your performance. I think these kind of experiences were priceless in preparing me for the film and TV work I have done. Because of these retreats, I was able to walk on the set as an experienced professional.


Molli also did a great job of always keeping us grounded and focused on the craft of acting rather than how many auditions we "nailed" or jobs that we booked. We would talk about what we had been accomplishing right at the beginning of class, then put it away and focus on what we came there to do, ACT!


I also loved the Men's Retreat I went on (what city was that again?). It was not some bizarre ritual to get us to become something, it was just about getting over any hang ups guy's may have of living up to the idea of what it means to be a man. It allowed me, as an actor, to break down my walls I had put up or developed to live up to the idea of being a man, and made me feel free to be my genuine self. In acting, that is what makes a performance real-when it is coming from the genuine 'you' and you are just able to 'be' without judgement. The men's retreat allowed us all to open up to each other and learn just what it meant to 'be' a man and be yourself!

-Adam Huss (7 year student)


Molli has been invaluable as a coach. I knew that she was the right coach for me the minute I met her some 8 or 9 years ago. She will tell you when when and where you need improvement. She is constantly working individually with every actor to improve their level of talent. Some say that you can't teach experience, but Molli can. From class, I've learned on set protocol and how to conduct yourself at auditions. And I've seen first hand unprofessional actors that need a coach like Molli.

- Nick Salandra (9 year student)


I've had the opportunity to work with Molli Benson on 10 Location Workshops and I continue to marvel at the value of these experiences. The skills, discipline and professionalism that come out of the location shoots can never be duplicated in a classroom. The workshops are demanding but highly creative and a great deal of fun. Molli is a force and her workshops are one of a kind.

- Doug Lenzini (15 year student)


Molli Benson is simply amazing. I've studied acting with various coaches, in and out of Los Angeles, but something about Molli ignited a spark in me that no one else was able to. She is bold, direct, and like no one you will ever meet. If an actor is truly serious about taking their career to the next level, they should most definitely consult with Molli Benson. 

-Shawn Ryan Cole (1 year student)