COACHING
Hey there—
The first time I tested for a TV pilot, I thought pilots flew airplanes.
And yet, there I was—flown to LA on talent, instinct, and adrenaline.
That’s the thing about this business. And life.
It rarely unfolds the way—or when—you expect.
Which is why readiness, confidence, presence, and being someone people want to work with matters just as much as your talent.
When I first got to New York, I took a class with music director Michael Rafter. That led to working with composer Jeanine Tesori… then Maury Yeston. Two auditions, two callbacks, two classical monologues, two songs, and two months later—I booked the original Broadway cast of TITANIC.
Why?
Because I was ready.
These days, most jobs are booked from a self-tape, a Zoom, or a home studio—often without meeting anyone in person.
So how do you stand out?
Presence. Truth. Confidence. Connection.
I’ve worked with some folks you may recognize—Lucy Liu, Jamie Foxx, Gabrielle Union, Dylan McDermott, Patrick Wilson, Richard Gere…
(Fun fact: I did a scene with Richard Gere that got cut from the film. And honestly? Now that I write + direct, I’d have cut it too. Great scene—didn’t serve the story.)
But here’s the thing: the director, Oren Moverman, reached out personally to explain—and invited me to shadow him on set. I left with something better: a new lens. (Literally—anamorphic. And yes, pilots still fly airplanes.)
I’ve learned as much from the “no’s” as from the “yeses.” Probably more. And now I’m sharing what I’ve learned—with you.
Whether you’re prepping for an audition, reconnecting with your voice, building your VO toolkit, or figuring out your next move—I offer one-on-one coaching that’s personal, precise, and empowering, across theatre, TV, film, voiceover, and live presentation.
I’ve taught Master Classes at NYU (graduate and undergraduate), Interlochen, AMDA, CAP 21, the University of Michigan, and even for corporate clients like Wells Fargo.
If you’re ready to bring your full self to the work—virtually or in person—and reignite why you chose this in the first place…
I got you.
(And if you read this far? You’re definitely my people.)
— Lisa
Reviews
"Working with Lisa is game-changing!
As a director, she brings strong leadership and guidance, creating an inspiring and caring atmosphere where everyone can do their best work. She is professional and executes her vision collaboratively and flawlessly. The way she builds a team and the environment she creates on set is one that all directors and production companies should work towards.
As a coach, she is incredibly intuitive and knows exactly which tools to give each actor to help them connect—not only to the character but also to the casting reps in the room, to ace the audition.
Lisa is unbelievably creative and talented and a joy to work with."
— Erin Glass, Emmy-winning Producer (NBC’s Give with Blair Underwood, Losing It with John Stamos), Actress (The Path)
"As a director, Lisa Datz fires on all cylinders, subtly shading performances while allowing space for every department to do their best work. She knows how to get the best out of everyone, manages time, and swings from the technical to the emotional like a seasoned pro. This enormous capability comes down to one genuine superpower: her complete and utter presence. It marks her work as an actor, a director, and more fundamentally, defines her as a person."
— Silas Weir Mitchell, Actor (Grimm, Prison Break, Paradise Lost,
Law & Order: SVU)
"Lisa is absolutely amazing! She made me feel right at home, encouraged me to be creative, and supported my choices. After coaching with her, I got my first Broadway callback! She helps me see things differently, take risks, and make smart, bold choices. I love working with Lisa and won’t ever have another big audition without coaching with her first!"
— Lexy Romano, Emmy-nominated On-Camera Host (Destination), Co-Host
(The Daily Mix), Singer & Speaker
"Lisa is a consummate professional, a great communicator, and a strong leader. Working on Life of Riley—which she wrote, produced, and directed—was a treat. She builds a great team, fosters collaboration, and ensures the best possible outcome."
— Dan Lawler, Producer, Writer, Director, Feature Film LP-UPM,
Production Supervisor, Miramax
"I was looking for a way to increase my team’s sales aptitude when Lisa suggested a program to help them overcome the same challenges she faces in auditions—like handling objections, apprehension and pushing through fear of rejection. Her presentation was creative, charismatic, and engaging, inspiring the team to participate fully. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and I even referred her to my colleagues for their sales meetings."
— Imtiaz Dadabhoy, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Branch Sales Manager
"Lisa was the ideal mentor—energetic, professional, and incredibly motivating. She challenged students in the best way, giving them the freedom to shine. Having taught with her at CAP21, I knew her value in the classroom, but what she did with the Madison Theater students exceeded my expectations."
— David Hibbard, Broadway Actor (Something Rotten, Spamalot, Mrs. Doubtfire), Director, Madison Theater Summer Intensive
"Lisa is incredible. After watching her creative, effective and magical directing at the Madison Theatre I thought, "Wow! I want to work with her!" And I am so glad I did.
Lisa's approach is unique and helped me refine my acting choices, and develop more effective tools for my toolbox. My auditions, callbacks and work are brighter, more specific and better developed.
She is dynamite to work with and helped me fine tune intention and character development. I think EVERYONE should have a chance to work with Lisa!"
- Angela Strauman, Actress and Screenwriter
"Working with Lisa, I feel understood and seen as an artist. She truly understands my goals and actively helps me pursue them. Whether it’s career advice or acting choices, she always knows how to guide me. She helps me manage my career as a business while staying true to myself as an artist. I always leave our sessions feeling like a pro!"
— Erika Xiomara Reyes, Actress
"Lisa has helped me dig deeper and be specific with my acting in a way that no other coach has. And she does it in a way that your audition will stand out from the rest. After coaching with Lisa for a recent audition, I felt more confident and grounded in the room than I ever had before..and I got a callback!! I know it was because of my work with Lisa!"
— Hanna Rae Faulk, Nashville Singer, Actress & Producer
"Lisa has been an invaluable coach and mentor in my voiceover career. Her guidance was not just technical but also deeply insightful.
Beyond her impressive expertise, what sets her apart is her genuine care and unwavering support. Her willingness to invest time in my development has made a profound impact on my career.
I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a coach and mentor who is both knowledgeable and committed to helping others succeed in the world of voiceover."
-Ashante Timoll, Voice Actor (Walmart, Pfizer, Google)
"With Lisa’s help, I received callbacks for the RENT International and National Tours, booked two industrials, and was called in by McCorkle Casting after a workshop she helped me prepare for. She brings out the best in me!"
— Austin Nguyen, Actor