Experienced tutor in Acting in Manhattan, LaVonne offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

LaVonne is passionate, stubborn, smart, incredibly emotional, intimidating but somehow warm. She was one of my least favorite teachers at the time. I couldn't stand her class. I cannot stress how much I dreaded it and the amount of shi** my adolescent self spoke. But now, nearly 6 years later I realize she was one of the greatest teacher's I ever had. I realize we are similar in our temperaments. I realize she was tough on me because she cared. She cares about her job and she cares about the art and she isn't willing to accept half-ass work. She also cares about people. Her creativity is both contagious and admirable. I still remember creating a ritual in my freshman year class. It was an arranged marriage with Jamie, a boy who later became my best friend. It opened up my imagination and my heart into catharsis. I remember play reports that seemed stupid but now have fueled an incredible work ethic and theatrical/social curiosity. I respect her as an artist and a person. Any person should be so lucky to work with her. It won't always be easy, it won't always be fun--you won't always know what to expect--but it will be worth every minute. My only regret is I never thanked her.

Ms. Canfield connects with her students. She is able to bring out the best in people and is genuinely passionate about her teaching. She brings a commitment to her profession that is hard to find.

LaVonne Canfield truly is one-of-a-kind. A knowledgeable, devoted artist who touches the lives of everyone she encounters, and a master of her craft. She gives the perfect amount of loving nurture, and tough love to her students during their artistic journey, making the work space feel safe and encouraging for exploration. She is an inspiration to all of her students and colleagues; her insight and unique approach to tackling the work encourages you to explore outside of the box. I was so fortunate to have had the chance to work with her in a director-actor capacity, as well as take workshops with her leading the classes. She helped me find the beauty in the unconventional, and helped me discover who I was as an actress, and a person. If her name is on it, I recommend it!

I was lucky enough to have LaVonne teach me acting when I was in high school. She is the type of performer and teacher who can somehow make a point without ever saying a word. She expects her students to put forth a maximum effort, and the effort is rewarded immensely. We workshopped monologues and scenes. We studied scripts, and worked on individual skills. Every class I felt as if I walked out a better performer than when I walked in. Let me tell you some other things I learned from LaVonne, things which took more time to understand. She taught me that if you treat people with respect you are a more effective communicator and person. She taught me to love working hard, and to value the final product of my work. She taught me to trust my gut. She taught me to be punctual. She taught me to respect my craft and respect myself.
I didn't go on to be a professional performer because I ultimately decided I liked the sciences more, but I still use the skills I learned from LaVonne. I think I am a more empathetic, patient, and detail oriented person than I was before LaVonne's class. She has added value to my art and my life.

LaVonne Canfield was one of the most (if not THE most) inspirational teachers that I have had. She always pushed me to do more and be the best artist that I could be. It is thanks to her that I pursued writing and discovered what I want to do as an artist and theatre maker. Canfield is beyond committed to her craft and to her students. I have never seen anyone so dedicated and loving who wants nothing more but for you to succeed - and who isn't afraid to call you out when she knows you have more to offer.

Lavonne....Mrs. Canfield.... is one of the greatest role models in my career as an actor. She helped me find my artistic self through script analysis and working on my feet. Anyone who has ever had her as a teacher will agree that she is one of the BEST in the GAME! Thank you. Gracias.