To request Ms. Graff as a Guest Lecturer, Master Teacher or one
on one Zoom coaching,
please contact her at [email protected].
Ms. Graff has served on the musical theatre faculties at Manhattan
School of Music and NYU Tisch / New Studio on Broadway. She also
teaches private master classes in New York City in "Acting Through
Song."please contact her at [email protected].
The focus in all of her classes is on the importance of acting the lyric. Songs that have been sung dozens of times become fresh once again when the singer digs deeper into the text. The goal of Ms. Graff's courses is to get in touch with what activates the moment, enabling the performer to personalize their material and ultimately move the audience. She works one on one with each student and leads group exercises in vocal and physical relaxation with special attention on “thinking in specifics.”
Classes range from 8 to 10 students at all levels of experience. The environment is warm and friendly, encouraging students to take risks, and most of all to work with confidence and joy.
Ms. Graff is available for workshops and master classes at colleges and universities and can tailor her curriculum to suit the institution's needs. To request Ms. Graff as a Guest Lecturer or Master Teacher, please contact her at [email protected].
“I've been taking class with Randy for 8 years now and yet I never fail to learn something new in her class! When I bring in a song I don't know how to approach, she always helps me crack the code and have that “aha!” moment. When I bring a song that feels audition ready, she always helps me make a new discovery, make it more truthful, or make it more ME!”
Samantha Hahn - studio class and MSM student
“I don't think I would've labeled myself as an actor before Randy's class. I would have said I was a performer. Taking her class is an unparalleled journey that teaches you anything you would ever need to know to tell a story through song.”
Paul Hernandez - studio class and MSM student
“Randy Graff is the most insightful, inspiring and supportive acting teacher! Her 'nothing to prove, only to share' motto creates a safe space to find the 'wonder' in storytelling. She helps students explore their imaginations and set intentions, discovering original ways to interpret a song or monologue. Through the process of building a solid technique, I've found a better understanding of myself and how to use that creatively. I love her classes so much!"
Mark Sparrow - studio class
“Randy has an extraordinary gift for teaching and I feel honored to witness that in group classes, the magic is serious. Now couple that with the fact she cares deeply for the craft and her students progress, and you have an unbeatable combo for learning.”
Michael Salat - studio class
“Randy creates a safe space for all to feel welcome to share. You will always leave class feeling like who you are is enough.”
DeMond Nason - studio class
“Randy is the most insightful teacher I've ever had. She is the
only teacher I've had who teaches storytelling, first and
foremost. She taught me, as no other teacher had, not to simply
perform the material at hand, but to cultivate a personal
connection to a song, making it authentic and significant. Her
ability to connect with each of her students on an
individualized level is unparalleled - she brings her own gifts
to class and shares them elegantly with the room. After working
with Randy, my career changed immensely and I felt confident
taking any song into an audition room, knowing I could perform
it with ease and fullness from the tools Randy gave me. She
teaches you how to let the material "do you," not to force the
material through you - a powerful difference. I swear by Randy
Graff.”
Emily Kron - actress, singer, ESPA student
“Randy works with each student and targets the special
qualities they have to offer as a performer. For me, the class
has been not just been about acting the song, but it's been
about using singing as a way to share stories and connect with
other people. Randy has a deep understanding of singers and the
power of songs. Through this class I have been given a simple
set of tools to apply to every song I work on. She is
understanding of each person's individual needs as a performer
and guides them to reach new exciting places with their work. It
is a privilege to work with a teacher who has so much to share
and who shares it with simplicity and humility.”
Frances Shacket - actress, singer, ESPA student
“There's something truly magic about watching Randy work with
actors. She's able to draw out a performance that an actor knew
they had inside of them, but previously seemed to vanish when it
counts. Direct and honest, Randy can cut to the heart of what's
missing in a performance and nurture an artist's soul in the
process. Her passion and enthusiasm for the art of the song is
contagious. Randy should be every artist's secret weapon.”
Michael Lazarovitch - actor, executive director Toronto Workshop
“Randy Graff is a rare Teacher/Performer. I've been studying
with her for three years.She is committed to finding the truth
of each Individual. Through her Meisner-esque approach to lyrics
and Her commitment to living moment to moment, She has helped me
carve out my unique voice. Every time I step into her class she
challenges me to take a new risks in the very nurturing
environment she creates. My interpretations as an actor are more
alive than they have ever been. If you have the opportunity to
take class with her,Do! Your artistry and your soul will thank
you for it.”
Neil Tyrone Pritchard - actor, singer, ESPA student
“Randy pushes her students to the limit, while still supporting
the heck out of them. They always feel safe, but challenged in
her hands. Randy uses a multitude of techniques for her
students, depending upon what they need. I would run to Randy in
a heart beat for any audition coaching, as I know personally
that she makes all the difference in the world.”
Blair Irwin - actress, singer, Toronto Workshop