Testimonials

John Leguizamo

Actor, Super Mario Bros, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Ice Age

“Terry is like my Phil Jackson he gets my skills and my acting choices primed to the max!”

Josh Charles

Actor, Hairspray, Dead Poets Society, Bird People, Normal, The Drowning, Freeheld, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, I Smile Back, Four Brothers, S.W.A.T., Threesome, Pie in the Sky, Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, Amateur, Crossing the Bridge

“I always look forward to working with Terry. You feel his dedication and intelligence immediately and his ideas, whether it’s script analysis or scene work, consistently challenge and inspire me. He has an uncanny ability to uncover the truth in any moment, and, even more importantly, he’s able to articulate that to you in a clear and precise way. His energy is warm and encouraging and I know my work is more connected and grounded due to him.”

Sam Rockwell

Actor, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, American Buffalo, Lawn Dogs, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Matchstick Men, Moon, Seven Psychopaths, The Green Mile, Galaxy Quest, Iron Man 2, Frost/Nixon, Cowboys and Aliens

“I first took an acting class from Terry Knickerbocker more than 25 years ago. Since then I have worked with him on every film and stage role I’ve done. Nobody’s better at what he does. Terry is incredibly intuitive and full of ideas that are usually outside the box. His sense of what is truthful is like a laser. I depend on him. He’s invaluable to me and I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

Emmy Rossum

Actor, Shameless, The Phantom of the Opera, Mystic River, The Day After Tomorrow

“Terry has been an invaluable part of my process for many years. He helps me shape my characters, prepares me for auditions, and challenges me to push myself as an actress. When I send him a new script, he has ideas on everything, from subverting obvious character choices to what physicality or props might help me express something non-verbally in a scene. He also shakes me of any quirks or bad habits I might develop. One of my favorite things about working with Terry is his vast knowledge of theater and film. Often when developing a character together, Terry will suggest studying a play with a similar character or watching an old film with a character whose quirks we might be inspired to pepper into what we are creating. Terry continues to impress me with his commitment to character and story. I wouldn’t be as fearless or as confident without his guidance.”

Boyd Holbrook

Actor, Logan, Narcos, The Sandman, The Predator

“Terry’s training has defined how I approach my work. Through his insight and guidance we continue to engage in creative work that can stand on its own with full thought out and realized character. Being able to take care of yourself on set is one thing, and playing roles here and there is another; but to make a life out of acting is a passion that you’ll see breathing out of the work if Terry has been involved.”

Brian Michael Smith

Actor, 9-1-1 Lone Star, Queen Sugar, Chicago P.D., Girls, Homeland

“It’s hard to put into words the impact my time with Terry has had on me professionally and personally as a teacher, a guide, and a mentor. I began training with Terry nearly 10 years ago during a summer intensive. I had no idea how transformative working with him would be for me. I feel like I learned what it meant to be an artist over the course of our work together.

Terry has been my guide me through a deep process of self-discovery through the work. Where I’ve learned to trust myself, value my ideas, honor my creative impulses and infuse every moment with truth. What I love about working with Terry is that there’s always more. I’ll think I have something worked out and he comes to the table with just the right questions and ideas that lead to discovery. He helps me find connections to the material, tap into my creativity, and feel confident in my creative choices. He challenges me to stay out of my comfort zone and elevate the material.

When I’m blocked on a scene I can turn to Terry to help find whats exciting for me in the material and craft performances that I can be proud of. I appreciate that there is no hierarchy with him. I’s always a collaboration. Our sessions feel like two scientists in a lab pulling from all kinds of sources to find what will create the most powerful, interesting and most importantly, authentic reaction.
His approach to the work makes me feel wholly supported as an artist and a human being. He not only pulls from his deep well of knowledge theatre and film history but his understanding of the human condition. His eye for truth and specificity is exceptional, he tailors his approach to who you are and what you need to develop as an artist.

Training with Terry equipped me with the tools for artistic self-discovery, an appreciation for my uniqueness, and a high standard for my process and performances. He’s truly a gift.”

Julia Mayorga

Actor, American Rust, It Is Decidedly So, Rare Objects

“Inspired by many great New York trained actors before me I enrolled in Terry Knickerbocker Studio for a Summer Intensive. The constant challenge was humbling and empowering. Not always easy, but truthful. A push and pull that sometimes felt impossible, but special. Something finally clicked that Summer–This was the training I was searching for. I decided to stay and sign up for the Two Year Program. Within my first year I booked a series regular role. I credit my preparation and growth as an actor not only to Terry, but the studio. To the wonderful teachers who helped me connect my voice and body to my acting. It takes a village. Through the program and private coaching, Terry has taught me to be unapologetic in my work. To listen and to respond. To live in the moment and to craft creative ideas. To dissect a script and be spontaneously free. His knowledge and dedication to this work and his students is all heart. I will always be a student of life and this craft. I’m grateful to have this support system and guidance to help me grow and remain inspired.”

Darius Homayoun

Actor, Tehran, Sex/Life 2, The Long Road Home

“I first studied with Terry when he was teaching at NYU, and I was a college student there. After college, I secured an agent and began auditioning. After a series of unsuccessful auditions, my agent said that I needed more training, which I did not want to hear. But she recommended that I continue with Terry, who was then teaching with William Esper. I enrolled in a two-year training course with Terry, and my career was enhanced immediately. When Terry subsequently opened the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, I enrolled in several master classes there, and I now turn to Terry for coaching on every part that I play.”

Jessica Hecht

Actor, The Price, The Assembled Parties, Julius Caesar

“I have worked with Terry in preparation for plays by Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams and found him utterly transformative. He allowed me to find unique grounded channels from which to open up the character, making them more dimensional and relaxed than I would’ve found possible. He’s a truly liberating coach…and a wonderful, easy person..see him!“

Gillian Alexy

Actor, McLeod’s Daughters, The Americans, Outsiders, The Invitation

“I still can’t believe how incredibly lucky I am to have fallen into orbit with Terry Knickerbocker. From our first meeting I knew this man would challenge me, not just as an actor but as a person. He recognized the hesitant artist in me and has empowered me to lead an unapologetic and successful life as an actor.

Every time I work with Terry, he reignites my joy for the craft, for the process, and reminds me that it’s all about the work and not the outside stuff that so often accompanies this business. His strength as an acting coach is his fierce emotional intelligence and relentless patience. You will never find a more incredible observer of the human psyche.

Terry will foster your artistry by breaking through your resistances and equipping you with organic, necessary tools to sculpt and evolve your performances. He will challenge you, explore with you, push you to find the true depths of your performance. He will respect you, guide you, and he will understand you. I am honored to call Terry my teacher, my colleague and my friend.”

Christopher D.

Acting Student

“She will make you do the work and do the things you’ve got to do so you can grow as an artist and grow as a person.”

Ana Isabelle

Actor, West Side Story

“Training at TKS keeps sparking my curiosity about my craft. I want to be the best actor I can be, and I know that Terry and the Terry Knickerbocker Studio can help me be that.”