testimonials

One of the most impactful ways to grow as an actor or performer is through honest, no-nonsense feedback paired with a supportive environment to put that feedback into action. Rachel excels at both. She has a rare gift for creating a space where people who are serious about improv can truly learn and flourish. Her sensitivity in providing feedback is unmatched—she tailors her notes to each individual, empowering them (myself included) both on and off the stage. Improv is an incredible medium for self-exploration and stepping beyond one’s comfort zone in a growth-oriented way. It’s liberating, healing, and transformational, and Rachel’s approach brings out the best in every performer.

Hypnotist, www.lesterhypnosis.com

I am writing this letter to express my thoughts, experiences, and overall opinion [as it relates to instructor] Rachel Michaela. I have had the recent pleasure of being instructed in a character development class by Rachel…
My improv journey began over a year ago and although I’ve seen Rachel perform many times over the past year, this is the first time interacting with her as one of her students.

After attending the very first class with Rachel, I expressed to many people around me how that class was the most fun I’ve had in improv so far. Just one class with Rachel and I was stepping out of my shell and out of my comfort zone in the most positive way possible. I drove home that evening with a beaming smile and a renewed excitement for what was to come in Rachels class and how her teachings were going to make me a much better improviser.

In the short time that I have interacted with Rachel, I have been in awe of her knowledge, skill, and passion for the art of character work and improv. I feel like it’s easy to recognize greatness in someone when they approach with a desire to share their knowledge in a way that makes sense to others. I see this in Rachel! She is great at what she does and her ability to transfer that to her students makes her, in my opinion, one of the best instructors/coaches I’ve had throughout sports, college, and many professional development courses in my work career.

I truly believe that Rachel steps into every class with passion and an intensity that brings out more than what we, her students, think we have. It would be a disservice to anyone in her class if she didn’t attempt to draw out more from us. The wonderful thing about all of that is that Rachel has that ability. She has an eye for seeing things in others that most can’t. This obviously comes from the many years of experience and training and the time studying she has invested into her craft. But what may not be so obvious is the intrinsic passion she has to see others succeed in an area where she finds joy.

In the past month and a half, Rachel has provided guidance to my entire class that has made us better improvisors with bigger characters. Every week I can see growth from everyone. She challenges us to be better and asks us to dig deeper when she knows that we can. There have been times when some folks show up that are not at their best either emotionally or mentally. Rachel has recognized that and tactfully adjusts her teaching approach for those that need it.

It has been a pleasure getting to know Rachel and an even bigger pleasure to receive guidance and coaching from her in my current class. I look forward to continuing my journey… under Rachel’s direction.

Project Manager in Government

Thank you for you compassionate, supportive, helpful feedback… You are such a wise, generous and stellar teacher!

Teacher

Rachel – I just wanted to let you know how much your notes help…it’s awesome to have an instructor who can explain with defined reasons how a scene could be better or how/why it didn’t work.

Author

Tonight’s class was revelatory. I know how tricky it is to manage so many levels of experience in a class, but your gentle guidance and the diagram of what you are hoping to achieve in the Monologues was invaluable. 

I left class feeling that I might be able, eventually, to grasp the elements of Improv. 

Thank you!

Actress

First, thanks for your hard work managing a big class … your pre-preparation in detail and your commitment to manage us effectively and efficiently is absolutely apparent. Developing my appreciation of what it takes to do a monoscene is really interesting.

Wow — What fantastic, detailed and nurturing feedback — I can tell that you “see me” !!! Thank you …. I will review and process and after I have had time to absorb it — I would love to chat about it, and then to invite you to hold me accountable for improving. You da best! 

It has been a pleasure for me taking your class. Your passion for the craft exudes from every pore. 

You make being funny seem so incredibly effortless!

Scientist

It’s exciting to see the energy and momentum you are building…!  You’re rockin’ the improv world!

Musician, Teacher

I am really trying to work on just ENGAGING and not being so passive so I appreciated your suggesting a callback to me tonight and I am frustrated with myself that I didn’t take it and just go with it. I need to just DO it instead of worrying about how to make it funny or why it’s not funny. So I know you’ll push everybody when and where appropriate but please keep pushing me like that, or in whatever other way!! One big reason I’m doing these classes because I’m frustrated with my impulse to over-think on stage and so anything that will help me REACT and FEEL is very helpful. I am enjoying and looking forward to this whole class, you’re a great teacher! Thanks!!

Comedian

I am so happy that there will be non-Box improv to Albuquerque. You have been so wonderful and have given me an improv home when I really needed one. If I can express my gratitude by helping spread your artistic generosity to a different audience/pool of students, I’m more than honored to do so.

Actress

Rachel, I appreciate that you give all of your heart to making us better performers.

Technical Writer

I’m so thankful to be your student.

Actress, Improviser

Rachel Michaela’s passion for improv and for people becoming the best they can be is unrivaled. I have seen Rachel sit next to students and tell them “you got this” in the gentlest way until they get a moment… the most caring passionate [improviser] I have ever met.

Improviser

I desperately want to get back into class with you.

Actor, Program Manager

Rachel, thank you for making improv better in every way and the community better in every way.

Scientist, Improviser

You are very much appreciated for your talent, and commitment to teaching us. Thank you! Improv is something I love to do. It has changed my way of thinking, helped me learn about myself, and added something special to my life.

VO Artist

I wanted to express my gratitude, love and respect [for] Rachel Michaela… [who has been] an integral if not vital part of what is now [improv in] Santa Fe…

I took my first class in 2020 [when we] were called Stage Santa Fe. One class and many enthusiastic students. Unfortunately, the school was shut down just after 3 classes due to the pandemic.

When classes began to slowly resume once the lockdown was lifted, I decided to start from the beginning and took the beginner classes. When I reached level 2… I then moved up to Level 3 and once again with Rachel.

…I always felt supported, respected and nurtured to improve. Once terrified to perform improv in front of total strangers, I am now performing with the student teams. I couldn’t have done it without their encouragement and

patient guidance….

’

[She has] poured passion and love of improv into creating the one of the best improv schools in New Mexico. What began as one class has now become a place that is thriving, growing and a gathering of people of all ages and backgrounds that can come together to learn, and, most of all, laugh!

Most of all, I want you all to know that nothing can destroy what love and dedication have created.

I desperately want to get back into class with you.

Teacher

Learned so much about improv in the last 2 hours!?!?!! — world changing!

Your guidance and insight helped me put together the pieces for improv so much. It takes me a while to process everything still, so I can’t wait to keep practicing so it comes more naturally. I could see how taking the Game again could be really helpful. 

…Your passion, knowledge, time and energy you put into your craft is so apparent and appreciated. Human to human, thank you for all you do. You are making this world a better place…

Director in Goverment

I am writing to thank you for teaching me “game”. I learned a great deal from you in that class, even as I wrestled with my own insecurities and struggles to comprehend “game”. I come from a family of mentally parents and siblings, so finding the unusual is very challenging for me. I finally learned that what felt like my childhood “home” was probably the “unusual thing.” You helped me learn to laugh at that reality! 

I have found you a clear, thoughtful, super well organized teacher. You are a consummate professional and in so doing helped me to improve my own craft as a veteran teacher. You should be proud of this gift. You never waste a student’s time, at the same time that I saw and experienced your patient guidance in class. I look forward to studying with you again soon!

I love watching you perform too!. Keep honing your craft and seek joy in your art. I can’t wait till the next Faculty Lounge show!

I am grateful that you are in my life, and blessed to have had you as a teacher!

Teacher