COACHING
Hey there—
The first time I tested for a tv pilot, I thought pilots flew airplanes.
And yet, there I was—getting flown to LA on talent, instinct, and pure adrenaline.
That’s the thing about this business. And life.
It rarely unfolds the way you expect.
The timeline? Rarely what you imagined.
Which is why readiness, confidence, and being someone people want to work with—over days, weeks, or even years—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 Jeanine Tesori, on a Maury Yeston workshop.
After recording a demo for Maury, he stopped me on my way out of the booth and asked,
“Have you been in for my new show, Titanic?”
He said, "You're perfect for Madeleine Astor."
Two auditions, two callbacks, two classical monologues, two songs and two months later, I booked the original Broadway cast of TITANIC—a year and change after graduating from the University of Michigan.
Why? Because I was ready.
And still, here’s what I know for sure:
The game has changed.
These days, we’re often not in the room with the people we’re auditioning for—or even meeting—until after we book the job.
So how do you show up and succeed in this new era of self-tapes and Zooms?
Presence. Confidence. Talent.
I've worked opposite some heavy hitters—Lucy Liu, Dylan McDermott, Gabrielle Union, Patrick Wilson, Nathan Fillion, Jamie Foxx, Michael Cerveris, John Cameron Mitchell…
...even legends like Richard Gere and Ben Vereen.
(Fun fact: our scene got cut. And honestly? Now that I’ve written and directed, I’d have cut it too. It was great—but it didn’t move the story forward.)
Still, director Oren Moverman graciously reached out to explain. (Treat others as you wish to be treated.)
And from that, I got a different kind of gift:
I got to shadow him on set and watch him shoot the film anamorphically.
(And yep—just like when I thought pilots flew airplanes, I had no idea what “anamorphic” meant. But now I do.)
Whether I’m acting, directing, or coaching—on stage, on set, in the booth, or on Zoom—I’ve seen time and again that when you’re truly present, fully prepared, and grounded in your worth… you stand out.
And even if it’s not that particular job—you will be remembered.
I’ve learned as much from my setbacks as I have from my successes.
Probably more.
And I’ve never been more clear that now is the time to share everything I’ve learned—with you.
One of my favorite master classes I’ve ever taught was for the NYU Graduate Acting Program—working with classically trained actors on how to act a scene into a song…
without turning into a weirdo.
Truth. Connection. Presence.
It's universal.
Regardless of the medium you’re working in.
Because let’s be real—people can smell B.S., and nobody wants that.
(Literally or figuratively.)
Whether you’re prepping for an audition, building your voiceover toolkit, navigating career challenges, or simply needing to reconnect with the part of you that knows you belong here—
I’ve coached actors and professionals across theatre, film, television, voiceover, and live presentation for over two decades.
If you’re ready to bring your full self to the work, and to the room (virtual or otherwise),
I’d love to work with you.
(And if you read this far, then I DEFINITELY want to work with you.)
— 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