Testimonials
“Cheryl is a master. A master coach, master director, master storyteller.”
Marlene Nichols
Two decades of students, actors, playwrights, and collaborators, in their own words.
As Founder & Producer
“You were a beacon of adultness, following your own path, beating your own drum.”
“Thinking about you and Stage Left Studio during the early 2000's. It's funny, the crowd that I knew that surrounded John Clancy and Nancy Walsh and FringeNYC were so raw and young. You were a beacon of adultness, following your own path, beating your own drum, but with such a different grownup energy. Not sure anyone else in NYC was like you then. I hope you know how much we appreciated you.”
Martin DentonNew York City reviewer, creator of nytheatre.com and Indie Theater Now
As an Artist & Collaborator
“Cheryl King is a woman and artist of fierce grace, heart and intelligence.”
“Cheryl King is a woman and artist of fierce grace, heart and intelligence. She has that rare combination of honesty and sensitivity that allows her to meet actors where they are, encouraging them to flourish in an environment that is supportive while also generating artistic growth that is as authentic as it is inventive. Cheryl is curious and open, fostering dynamic exchange between theatre artists that leads to singular work that covers a wide range of genres, from the classics to improvisational collaborations. I have had the privilege of working with Ms. King in numerous capacities; she has provided dramaturgical insight into my plays, produced my solo works and served as an unofficial and indispensable editor on my acting book, recently published by Macmillan. I have also witnessed many of Cheryl's acting students on stage, and her belief in truthful yet transformative behavior is palpable in their performances, as is her infectious joy and dedication to the process of creating theatre that is as electric as it is enriching and inclusive.”
Elizabeth HessActress, teacher, and creator of award-winning theatrical works; Director, The Hess Collective
“A legendary theatre owner, director, and producer.”
“Cheryl King was, for many years, a legendary theatre owner, director, and producer off-off Broadway at Stage Left Studio. She's directed my plays, produced staged readings and productions of my work, and always done so with professionalism, intelligence, good humor, and taste. She's an excellent acting coach and dramaturg. I highly recommend her to playwrights, actors, and anyone interested in quality theatre.”
Monica BauerPlaywright and novelist
“I find her professional demeanor, her artistic abilities, her coaching style, and her directorial expertise to be unrivalled.”
“I've known Cheryl for about nine years. She has written and directed several shows in which I was cast in minor roles and for major parts at Stage Left Studio, the Estrogenius Festival, and various smaller venues. I participated in several of her writing workshops. Those sessions led me to begin writing a small solo piece for a showcase she produced about gender and gender fluidity. Cheryl assisted in writing, editing, workshopping and ultimately directing and producing that piece for about six different showcases through its various iterations. I find her professional demeanor, her artistic abilities, her coaching style, and her directorial expertise to be unrivalled. I continue to refer her to actor friends around the country as a coach, a playwright, and a dramaturg.”
Kent Curtis WeakleyInterior Designer, Artist and Performer
“A champion of the unsung artist.”
“I've known Cheryl King for nearly 20 years. In all that time, she has proven herself to be a champion of the unsung artist. Her work with burgeoning talent, as well as her dedication to new works by established artists, sets her apart in theatre. I've seen Cheryl King nurture, encourage, and focus artists at all stages of development. Her theatre in New York, Stage Left Studio, was one of the few spaces in Manhattan where artists felt welcome to explore new works without the necessity of major artistic grants. That Cheryl provided such an inviting place made it possible for artists without endowments to challenge themselves. A Renaissance woman, Cheryl could, at each step of the artistic journey, offer expertise or point toward those with expertise beyond her own. I'm proud to know her and I admire her adventurous spirit and her generous optimism which touches all those who study with her.”
Thomas GualtieriWriter / Actor / Lyricist / Director
As an Acting Coach
“Thank God that you're there.”
“Darling Cheryl, thank God that you're there. I think the show's going to be a lot better, due to your expertise.”
Aiden TurnerFilm and Television Actor
“Cheryl is truly amazing!”
“Cheryl King is an excellent acting coach. I saw a difference in my daughter's acting ability from the first time she began working with her. Cheryl is truly amazing!”
CarolineMother of Alexa Gerasimovich, Kathy on All My Children
“Totally a great experience!”
“Totally a great experience! I'm so grateful you could come. We all learned so much and the scene looks SO FLIPPING GOOD!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Sky H.Director
“What an experience!”
“What an experience! I loved seeing how we all evolved from day 1 of the class to a killer performance.”
Brenda F.
“Sought after as a solo show developer and director.”
“As a participant in workshops, as an actor under her direction, and as an audience member who's marveled at her productions, I am thrilled to know Cheryl's vision will expand to Northern California with Stage Left Sonoma. Her standards in theatre literacy are high, which is why she's sought after as a solo show developer and director.”
Arlene LorreSolo show artist and writer
As an Acting Class Teacher
“...such a generous teacher, relaxed but yet extremely focused.”
“In regards to work last night, I noticed I was more at ease. I've been reminding myself I'm here to have fun, be a kid, bring joy! You are such a generous teacher, you give of yourself, you are so relaxed but yet extremely focused, makes for a great quality experience all around!”
Joe C.Student
“It is a joy to work with you.”
“Thank you for all that you give us in the class. It is a joy to work with you. I respect and appreciate your vast knowledge and experience in the theatre world.”
Mary L.Student
As an Improv Teacher
“Cheryl is that most rare combination: brilliant and hugely accomplished in her work.”
“I want to give huge praise to Cheryl King, who is SO unique as a teacher within her own creative form, improv and acting. Cheryl is that most rare combination: brilliant and hugely accomplished in her work...and also a deeply kind, safe and supportive teacher of that work. I felt life-changed by her Improv class.”
Kalia M.
“I absolutely love your classes.”
“Thank you for another fab session, I absolutely love your classes, they really bring me so much joy.”
Edwina B.
“The easiest and most efficient teacher we've ever had.”
“A BIG thank you for being such an amazing partner with us. You are the easiest and most efficient teacher we've ever had. And we continue to get so much positive feedback.”
Tara D.
“You are a gem.”
“I enjoyed pushing my comfort zone and playing with others and being in your amazing leadership. I gained a lot of confidence and truly had fun. You are a gem and I'm grateful you migrated here.”
Barbra B.
“You do not just call it in.”
“I just wanted to drop you a note of appreciation for working so hard for the class. You do not just call it in, for sure. I always come away with a little new awareness.”
Pat B.
“Cheryl is incredibly influential, commanding respect without any trace of arrogance.”
“I've only known Cheryl for a short amount of time, and she's already made a deep impact on my life. She is definitely appreciated, and to know her is to love her. Cheryl is incredibly influential, commanding respect without any trace of arrogance. Her genuine nature and kindness make her an inspiring presence. Cheryl's ability to connect with others and her unwavering support make her a truly remarkable person.”
Brooke R.
“An exceptional teacher.”
“Thanks, Cheryl. You are an exceptional teacher and I will send more people your way.”
Leslie C.
“Your friendship has been such a blessing.”
“Your brilliance as an acting coach and director, your positive energy and light, and your friendship has been such a blessing. It doesn't even take one whole hand to tally the people who have affected the course of my life since I've been in NYC. You are one of them.”
Adam MayfieldFilm and Television Actor
“I couldn't have done it without you.”
“I couldn't have done it without you, I hope you know that applies to me and SO many artists that come in and out of your Stage Left doors.”
Katie Northlich4-time National Monologue Champion
“Cheryl is a master.”
“Cheryl is a master. A master coach, master director, master storyteller. She's even a master at being human and understanding human behavior. She is the ideal creative partner for any writer or theatre artist making work today.”
Marlene NicholsCo-producer of the monthly L.A.-based storytelling show Strong Words