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Jay Liu

First Take is a wonderful school because it’s more than an amazing place to learn about both the craft and business of acting, it’s also an acting family. When I found myself in Susan’s class for the first time, her brightness and positivity was so inviting of all her students that made me feel at home, that I could be myself without fear of judgement from others. Susan is such a warm and welcoming teacher that invests in helping her students grow while also putting in the time and care required to help them explore their vulnerability in both a safe and fun environment.

Nancy is a one-of-a-kind teacher that knows precisely how to constantly push students to go further and further when they think they’ve reached their peak and she knows how to do it without ego. She knows the struggle that every actor goes through and is genuinely rooting for the success of all her students, as reflected by her eagerness to cheer and shout to the heavens every time one of them manages to take another arduous step forward along their path to fulfillment. That goes without saying that the camaraderie flows into every other teacher, and thus into every other student.

This environment that’s fostered at First Take is what every actor overlooks in their journey, the importance of finding their tribe, their family of actors who support them in their wild journey. The people who understand their struggles, their fears, as well as their hopes and dreams. I’ve had the honor of meeting and befriending many of the teachers and students at First Take, and it’s through these invaluable friendships, that I truly believe gave me the perseverance to endure this nonsensical business we call acting. Had it not been for the moral support I received from all the unique and amazing individuals here at First Take, I doubt I would have been able to achieve such an incredible feat as appearing alongside Pedro Pascal in the film “Freaky Tales.”

That’s what makes First Take unimitatable, undeniable and irreplaceable. The people that stand with you.