COACHING
The first time I tested for a TV pilot, I thought pilots flew airplanes. (True story.)
Since then, I’ve spent 20+ years performing on Broadway (Titanic, The Full Monty), Off-Broadway (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), in film (The Perfect Holiday, Time Out of Mind), on TV (FBI: Most Wanted, Castle, Bones), and in regional theatre (Three Days of Rain, Violet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona).
I’ve also worked extensively in voiceover — commercials and promos, live-announcing the VH-1 Do Something Awards, and bringing “Jessica LeClerk” to life in Red Dead Redemption 2.
Teaching has always been part of my work. I began at Interlochen Center for the Arts, later leading Master Classes at NYU, University of Michigan, CAP 21, and AMDA in Los Angeles, as well as coaching voiceover talent at the national level.
From there, private coaching grew naturally — first with actors and performers, then with executives and entrepreneurs who discovered the same tools used on stage can transform presence in the boardroom.
Today, I work with actors, singers, leaders, and teams on one simple goal: helping people show up fully and authentically — on stage, on camera, or in the boardroom — and succeed.
If you’re ready to bring your full self to the work — let’s talk. And yes, I still think fondly of pilots.
— Lisa
Reviews
“As a director, Lisa Datz fires on all cylinders—shaping performances while allowing every department to do their best work. She moves from the technical to the emotional like a seasoned pro. Her true superpower is her complete and utter presence, which defines her as an artist and a person.”
Silas Weir Mitchell, Actor (Grimm, Prison Break, Flags of Our Fathers)
"Working with Lisa is game-changing.
As a director, the environment she creates on set is one that all directors and production companies should strive for. She is creative and a joy.
As a coach, she is intuitive and knows exactly which tools to give each actor—and how to connect with casting reps—to ace the audition."
Erin Glass, Emmy-winning Producer (NBC's Give)
"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
“Lisa designed a program to help my team overcome challenges—handling objections, apprehension, and fear of rejection—using tools she developed as an actor. Her presentation was creative, charismatic, and engaging, inspiring full participation. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and I even referred her to colleagues for their sales meetings.”
Imtiaz Dadabhoy, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Branch Sales Manager
“Lisa is an ideal mentor—energetic, professional, and incredibly motivating. She challenges students while giving them the freedom to shine. I knew her value from CAP21, but at the Madison Theater she exceeded expectations.”
David Hibbard, Broadway Actor (Something Rotten, Spamalot, Mrs. Doubtfire), Director, Madison Theater Summer Intensive
“Lisa has been an invaluable coach and mentor in my voiceover career. Her guidance is not just technical but deeply insightful, paired with genuine care and unwavering support. She’s had a profound impact on my career, and I wholeheartedly recommend her.”
Ashante Timoll, Voice Actor (Walmart, Pfizer, Google)
“After coaching with Lisa, I got my first Broadway callback. She helps me see differently, take risks, and make smart, bold choices. I won’t do a big audition without her.”
Lexy Romano, Emmy-nominated On-Camera Host (Destination), Co-Host (The Daily Mix), Actor + Singer
“Lisa is incredible. After watching her creative, effective, and magical directing, I knew I wanted to work with her—and I’m so glad I did.
Her unique approach helped me refine my acting choices, making my auditions and callbacks brighter, more specific, and better developed.
She’s dynamite to work with, fine-tuning intention and character development. Everyone should have the chance to work with Lisa!”
Angela Strauman, Actress and Screenwriter
“Lisa helped me dig deeper and be specific in a way no other coach has—making my auditions stand out. After working with her, I felt more confident and grounded than ever… and I got a callback!”
Hanna Rae Faulk, Nashville Singer, Actress & Producer, CAP 21 Graduate
“With Lisa’s help, I received callbacks for the RENT International and National Tours, booked two industrials, and was called in by McCorkle Casting. She truly brings out the best in me!”
Austin Nguyen, Actor, CAP 21 Graduate
“Working with Lisa, I feel truly understood and seen as an artist. She helps me manage my career as a business while staying true to myself, and I always leave our sessions feeling like a pro!”
Erika Xiomara Reyes, Actress, CAP 21 Graduate