MEET OUR FACULTY
Photo credit: Dmitry Zhitov
Matthew Corozine
teaches NYC, Miami, and Zoom classes
Matt as Ned Weeks in Larry Kramer’s THE NORMAL HEART with Tom Berklund and Jordan Roth
Matthew Corozine is celebrating over 20 Years of creating Matthew Corozine Studio Theatre Inc. (MCS). With a vision for an artistic community for artists to build their craft with honor and integrity, Matthew has become one of New York City’s leading Meisner based acting coaches. The space created by Corozine within his studio community, inspires and encourages students to get out of their way to build a meaningful life with art.
From acting careers on national television and Broadway to producing to writing original work for theatre and film to using their art as activism, Matthew’s students have taken the transformational MCS work to become leaders across all artistic platforms.
Matthew was officially nominated for a 2015 and 2018 EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE EDUCATION TONY AWARD®. He has a BA in Theatre Arts (concentration in Acting and Directing) from SUNY at New Paltz, and continued his training in the Meisner Technique with the late great, Robert X. Modica at Carnegie Hall Studios in NYC. As an actor, he has appeared in commercials, NYC theatre productions, national tours, and independent films. His most recent credit is directing and acting in Messy Stars Productions' "Filling the Void".
In January 2022, Matthew became a published author with his book "If Survived 7th Grade, You Can Be An Actor".
Matthew just starred as the iconic Ned Weeks in Larry Kramer’s THE NORMAL HEART, (with Tony winners Randy Graff, Jordan Roth, Larry Rogowsky and many MCS Actors) in a full out, staged reading at the LGBT center (on their 40th anniversary) on World AIDS Day December 1, 2023 produced by Broadway for Arts Education.
Already with an established student base in NYC and Washington DC (in person) and internationally (via online coaching), MCS has expanded to Miami in September 2021 and currently has sold out classes there. Over the years, Matthew has coached actors and performers on Broadway, TV, Film, including platinum-selling America’s Got Talent finalist, Jackie Evancho. Most recently, Matthew directed Nick Payne’s play “Constellations,” at MCS (produced under the AEA mini contract.) Also, Matthew directed the original show “Going Through Life With No Direction” at 54 Below (NYC), produced by Alicia Keys.
In addition to coaching at MCS, Matthew has coached on MTV's Emmy Award Winning "Made," taught acting at American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC) and acting and improvisation at SUNY Purchase. He has been a guest artist teaching master classes in Meisner at his alma mater SUNY New Paltz, SOHO House (NYC, Miami), The Standard (Miami), SAG-AFTRA (NYC), The King's College (NYC), Slippery Rock University (Pittsburgh, PA), Texarts (Austin, Texas), TREMBLE athletic club (Miami), Hudson Valley Improv, Actors Connection (NYC), The Network (NYC), Northwestern College (Iowa), The Danish National School of Performing Arts (Denmark), Northlands School (an Argentinian exchange program in NYC), the Young Elected Official Women’s Leadership Conference, and FEST (Frankfurt English Speaking Theatre) for 2 sold out masterclasses in Frankfurt, Germany. Matthew has coached entrepreneurs and such brands as Barry’s Bootcamp, Bacardi, Soho House (NYC, Miami, LA), The Standard, in mindset and transforming limited beliefs to be more expressive, self-aware, and make an impact.
Some of Matthew's favorite directing credits include FringeNYC (THE BOYS UPSTAIRS and MISS KIM) the NYC and LA premieres Susan E. Isaac’s ANGRY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD, based on her spiritual memoir, and Terria Joseph's original one-woman show GOING THROUGH LIFE WITH NO DIRECTION (produced by Alicia Keys at 54 Below). Some of Matthew's favorite producing credits include the NYC premiere of Halley Feiffer’s ITS JUST WEIRD NOW and Lia Romeo’s GREEN WHALES, as well as MCS co-productions of ALMOST MAINE, THE WAY WE GET BY, DOG SEES GOD, and The Shrill Collective’s productions of DRY LAND, and the original piece, “FIRSTS.”
Matthew has recently published his first book: "If You Survived 7th Grade, You Can Be an Actor: Applying the Meisner Technique to Get Outta Your Head in Acting and in Life". He has held book signings at the Drama Book Shop and Soho House NYC and Miami.
Matthew Corozine currently resides in Miami and NYC with his partner, Alain, and miniature pinscher and MCS mascot, Mimmo.
NYC INSTRUCTOR
Ryan has trained and has been working with MCS since 2001. He has assisted on many MCS studio projects and shows and eventually started teaching the MCS’ Meisner method with Matthew in 2003. Former classes taught at MCS include a preteen class as well as a writer’s workshop. Ryan has also taught and directed preteens at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) and also teaches Special Education in the NYC public school system.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre at the New School University. He has a Master’s in Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir at CUNY’s Graduate Center. Many of his poems and theatrical works have been work-shopped and performed at MCS. Ryan co-wrote and performed in the critically acclaimed MISS KIM, THE PLAY which was produced through MCS and fringeNYC in 2010 and was reprised 2012 at 45th Theatre.
Ryan Tofil
MIAMI INSTRUCTORS
Ben Gleichauf
Ben has spent over a decade studying, teaching and utilizing the Meisner acting technique and strongly believes in its power to inspire, unlock, and advance artists in every genre from beginning to advanced levels. Ben received his BFA in Musical Theatre and BA in Dance from the University of California, Irvine and his Masters in Educational Theatre from The City College of New York (CUNY). He is the current Fine/Performing Arts Department head and theatre teacher/director at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in southern Florida. Recent directorial projects include Mamma Mia!, Dracula and Chicago. An accomplished performer, Ben has been seen on the national tours of Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, The Anaheim Ballet as well as with Disney Cruise Line (Mainstage Performer). Off-broadway/NYC credits include Red Hot and Blue (Theatre Row), 4@15 (York), and Mr. Marmalade (MCS). Regional Credits include West Side Story (5 times throughout the country), Cats, Wedding Singer, Chicago and Guys and Dolls among many others. Ben also spent two summers performing at the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Proud Actors Equity member.
April Magen
April Magen has been instrumental in coordinating MCS' expansion to Miami, including securing our location for in-person classes, and spreading the word to the Miami arts community.
April began her career as a principal dancer with the acclaimed Donald Byrd/The Group in New York City in 1990, after receiving her BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since 2016, April has been the Director of Global Partnerships at Design Miami, overseeing both fairs in Basel, Switzerland, and Miami, Florida. Prior, she was the Director and Co-Owner of Magen H Gallery in New York City exhibiting Post-war French decorative art, sculpture, and ceramics for over ten years. During her time at the gallery, She produced the acclaimed publications: Art et Industrie: A New York Movement and La Borne 1940-1980: A postwar movement of ceramic expression in France. She has been a student of Matthew Corozine since 2002 and is excited to be a part of MCS’s expansion to Miami in 2021.
Linda “Pops” Jarvis-Guerra
Linda “Pops” Jarvis-Guerra is a native of South Florida. She has been working as a professional actress, improviser, director, writer, and acting teacher for over four decades. She has studied with Circle Repertory Theatre Company, Chicago City Limits, and the Second City Touring Company, among others. “Pops” has performed in numerous stage productions in roles ranging from Blanche Dubois in “A Streetcar Named Desire” to Florence in “The Odd Couple (Female Version)”, as well as appearing in commercials, T.V., and film. She was a lead player in Miami’s premier improv company, “Mental Floss” and co-founder of “Laughing Gas Comedy Improv Troupe”.
While studying for her BFA at MDCC-N and FIU, she formed the improv troupes “Wit Happens”, “’Till Someone Puts An Eye Out”, and was the artistic director of “Miami Theatre Sports”. She has directed countless stage productions across South Florida., some of her favorites include "The Wiz", "Chronicles of Narnia", “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” and Jules Fiffer’s “Hold Me”.
Her acting students, throughout the years, have been cast in various television, film and theatre roles and have been accepted into top University acting programs including Carnegie Mellon, NYU TISCH, Columbia, Harvard, Yale, and Berkeley. From 2007 thru 2017 while teaching at a prestigious private school in Miami, her students consecutively ranked number one in the State of Florida Thespian competitions. As an advocate for theatre for social change, "Pops" has written and directed several acclaimed "Drug Awareness, Red Ribbon" productions for teens and young adults. Her unique fun and engaging teaching style makes coming to class an adult creative playground. She currently lives in Miami, is married to Carl Guerra (professional stand-up comedian) and she is a proud mother to her son, Dylan Guerra.
“Pops” is super excited to bring her expertise in improvisation and acting to the MCS family.
Gabriell Salgado
Coach of Auditioning for Stage and Screen
Gabriell Salgado is thrilled to be partnering up with Matt and deepening his connection to the MCS family. Gabe is a first-generation Cuban-American who was born & raised in the heart of Miami. He received his BFA in Acting from New World School of the Arts in 2019. In less than 3 years after making his professional debut he starred in over a dozen regional productions including his most recent work where he made his Off-Broadway debut with Ronnie Larson's The Actors at Theater Row in NYC. He also recently booked his first role on TV where he'll appear as a Co-Star in the series finale of the CBS show, Blue Bloods. Other professional theater credits include the 20th Anniversary of Anna in The Tropics written and directed by, Pulitzer Prize Winner, Nilo Cruz for which he was named 'Best Actor in a Male Role' by Miami New Times, Nick Dear’s Frankenstein, Lynn Nottage’s Clyde's, Lucas Hnath’s Red Speedo, Amy Herzog's 4,000 Miles, Nilo Cruz’s Two Sisters and a Piano, and more. In 2021 Gabe became an artistic associate for Zoetic Stage and has been closely involved with programming and casting for their seasons ever since. While working with Zoetic Stage he also coordinated the second annual Finstrom Festival of New Work where he made his directorial debut with the first play of the series. Gabe was first introduced to Meisner work when he started training with MCS in 2022 and it quickly changed his acting and his life, in general, forever. He quickly realized the value in this work and its role in his continued success professionally and personally. Through his training at MCS, his BFA education, professional acting work, directorial experience, and young artist mentorship, Gabriell has developed an insatiable desire to teach and share what he's learned from his work with MCS and beyond. Matt & Gabe recently teamed up to present an 'Auditioning for Stage & Screen' Masterclass and plan to make it a series. This is just the beginning!
Gabriellsalgado.com
@gabriellsalg
LA INSTRUCTOR (COMING SOON!)
Sam Brinker
Sam Brinker began work at Matthew Corozine Studio in 2014. Since then, the journey into vulnerable, authentic living has become their most humbling and treasured gift. The opportunity to hold space for those interested in shedding ways of being that no longer serve them is a privilege and coaching them through those periods of discovery and redefinition is why Sam is on this planet. Being a human. Connecting. Getting out of your head. #itworksifyouworkit
Favorite Theatrical Credits include:
West Side Story - International Tour
Pirates of Penzance - Barrington Stage
We Will Rock You - RCCL
BEHIND THE SCENES
Trevor Markanovic
Studio Administrator, Creative Director, & Assistant to Mr. Corozine
Born and raised in northeast Ohio, Trevor fled to New York City to pursue a career in acting and writing. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from John Carroll University and has studied at MCS since July 2018. He is also an active member of the MCS Writers’ Block writing group through which he has completed several projects. Trevor is excited to give back to the studio that gave him his start in the world of acting.
Dylan Hoffinger
NYC Studio Assistant
Dylan Hoffinger (AEA) is honored for the privilege to work with Matthew Corozine and his team at MSC Studio & Theatre so closely. He has been committed to studying Meisner-based acting technique under the instruction/mentorship of Matthew Corozine consistently for the last year. You may have seen him in the 2023 benefit reading of THE NORMAL HEART on World AIDS Day, for which he understudied the role of Felix Turner opposite Mr. Corozine. A self-proclaimed, tried-and-true triple threat, Dylan is an award-winning, multi-hyphenate professional performing artist for the last 15 years. Select credits include: Man 1/Charles Lee in HAMILTON: An American Musical (Chicago sit-down closing company), Horace Poore in Anita Bryant Died For Your Sins and DJ in Harmony, Kansas (Diversionary), Baby John in West Side Story (Musical Theatre West, Barrington Stage Co.), Mr. Mistoffelees in CATS (San Diego Musical Theatre), The Who’s TOMMY and Hairspray (San Diego REP), Recorded in Hollywood directed by Denise Dowse (in memoriam). Awards: Old Globe Honor for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre, San Diego Theatre Critic’s Circle CRAIG NOEL Award for Outstanding Young Artist, StageSceneLA Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Play. Eternal love and thanks to Matthew, Trevor, Haley, Isaac, and Ryan.
NYC Studio Assistant
David Ballard
David Ballard (BMG New York) holds a BA in Theater Studies with a minor in ASL from Emerson College in Boston. A multi-hyphenate theater artist, he sings, acts, dances, writes songs, plays flute, does lighting and sound, takes headshots, and more! He has performed at Carnegie Hall three times as a member of the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus, created and performed two solo cabaret shows, played flute with the Big Apple Corps Symphonic Wind Ensemble, studied songwriting in the BMI Musical Theater Writers Workshop, studied stand-up comedy with the great Rick Crom, and most recently has been a dedicated student at MCS since February of 2022.
Yaya Yumak
Yaya is a Swiss-Turkish non-union Actress, Model, and UGC content creator. She made the bold decision to pursue her passion for acting and moved to the United States in 2019. In 2020 she landed her first role and has had the privilege of working on several Feature Films, Indies, Stageplays, Scripted Shows, Sketch Comedy, Theater Productions, Commercials, Music Videos, Social Media Ads, Podcasts, PrankTV's since and has booked her first lead role in 2024.
Yaya has explored a variety of acting classes in different states and is enrolled in the weekly Meisner Technique based Classes at MCS since 2022. In addition to that she has taken on the role of a class assistant, further solidifying her understanding and dedication to the art of acting.
A note from me to you…
When I first walked through the doors of MCS I was lost and uncertain, both in my personal identity and my aspirations in the acting industry. I felt broken, not knowing who I truly was or where I belonged. It was a time when giving up seemed like the easiest option. Matt said; “We will not leave you behind -we got you! We will work it out - I promise you that!!! JUST CONTINUE TO SHOW UP!” And I did what he asked me to do and from that moment on, something shifted within me. He gave me courage to hold on, to not give up on myself as a person and as an aspiring actor. I found a safe haven where I could freely express my truth without fear of judgment, where I felt supported to explore and grow. When I stumbled and fell, they lifted me up, encouraging me to keep pushing forward. And today I want to create that place and be that person.
It's incredible to reflect on the journey I've embarked upon since those initial days. I have gone through a transformation that I never thought was possible. To follow my heart at MCS passing on what I learned and meant to do.
Miami Studio Assistant
NYC Studio Assistant
Maya Mills
Maya Mills is a NYC based actor and creative whose friends are getting tired of her preaching the true creative home that is MCS Studios. Born and raised in San Francisco, Maya recently graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a BM in Musical Theatre and has since been performing in NYC and regionally, and working to build creative community, a task made far less daunting by the guidance and coaching of Matthew Corozine and the open arms of everyone at MCS Studios. Some of her favorite Credits include Yvonne in Sunday in the Park with George, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and Elaine in One Way. She intends to perform and create theatre all her life, with the hopes of using the art form to make people feel seen and cared for, to better understand herself and the world around her, and to cultivate compassion and community. mayamillls.com
LA Studio Assistant
(Coming Soon!)
Alexis Di Gregorio
Alexis Di Gregorio is an actor who loves actors and a proud MCS community member since 2015. Having spent over a decade working professionally in entertainment, her superpowers include producing, assistant directing, and making people laugh. When she's not running around on set, she can be found working on her screenplay, or popping into an open mic to practice new material. In this new chapter on the West Coast she is thrilled to help MCS LA plant some roots and grow an amazing community in California.
LA Studio Assistant
(Coming Soon!)
Kathy Deitch
Kathy Deitch grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and moved to New York to attend Wagner College where she graduated with honors and received the Departmental Award for Theatre. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of FOOTLOOSE as Urleen and later created the role of Shen Shen in the smash Broadway hit WICKED. She made her LA acting debut at the Hollywood Bowl in RENT directed by Neil Patrick Harris and won an LA Weekly award in SILENCE! THE MUSICAL (Catherine). This summer she opened the smash Off-Broadway hit TITANIQUE at the Asylum as The Unsinkable Molly Brown and had a dream come true playing Judge Bowers on LAW & ORDER this season. Other screen credits include: AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAK SHOW, NEW AMSTERDAM, the ensemble thriller LOFT and MAGIC MIKE XXL.
As a teacher, Kathy has brought her Audition Boot Camp to students of all ages across the country and currently is a professor for the BFA program at Hussian College in Los Angeles. Other top theatre programs have invited her to work with their best and brightest, including UCLA, Pace University, University of Hartford and her alma mater, Wagner College.
As an activist looking to combat body bias, Kathy co-created PLUS THIS! SHOW, a weekly vodcast that highlights fat women & non-binary folx and their allies for five seasons on UBN GO. IG @ladeitche & @PlusThisShow
Social Media Manager
Ali Basalyga
Ali is from Scranton, PA. In 2019, she graduated from the University of Scranton with a degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in theatre. She discovered her love for the theatre after dancing for many years and hasn't looked back since. Favorite school roles include The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily Cardew), Leveling Up (Jeannie), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Schwartzy).