I’m a professional actress that has been working around the Valley for a very long time: both on stage as a director and choreographer, and also in commercials. I've worked in two of Jere’s shows.  He is a fabulous director! Kind, caring, very intuitive, and a gentle coach for an actor. He doesn’t tell you what to do. He tells you what to think about; what to question; what to try to understand better; and in my mind that’s the very best kind of director. He is very persistent, but very kind, and he leads he doesn’t command.  Anyone who wants to understand acting better and wants to have a joyous experience in the theater, I would strongly recommend working with Jere!

Having had the privilege twice of being an actor directed by Jere Van Patten, I can say with full confidence, those are two of the best experiences I've ever had. He lets you explore your character and bring to the table what ideas and thoughts and premonitions and intuition you have while guiding you to explore new nuances and choices that you never thought possible. He doesn't simply block a scene, telling you where to walk and when to sit and when to stand, he helps you explore what your character's thoughts and feelings and motives and fears and triumphs would be, so that you can then portray that character in the best way possible.

I’ve done seven or eight shows with Jere, and one of the reasons that I love working with him the most is that his rehearsals are a safe space where you’re not afraid to fail. I mean, as an actor, you’re gonna to make amazing choices; you’re gonna make terrible choices; you’re gonna make weird choices; and oftentimes you don’t get to the great choices until you’ve made the terrible ones.  In order to do that, you have to feel safe; and you have to feel comfortable enough to be able to just lay it all out there; and Jere does a really amazing job in setting up a space where you really feel safe enough to do that, and it makes it exciting!

Jere excels at teaching techniques and then giving you the opportunity to practice them. He helps you understand the character from several different perspectives. Jere asks questions to help you learn who your character is, not just what's in the script. Jere has helped me become a better actor because he is knowledgeable, talented, and enthusiastic. He is a talented and inspiring director. If you're in need of assistance, whether for auditions, skill enhancement, or overall performance improvement, I wholeheartedly recommend Jere.

Working with Jere has been one of the most impactful experiences in my acting journey. He didn’t just help me grow as an actress- he helped me discover why I act. His supportive approach pushed me to dig deeper into my intentions and connect more honestly with each role. He created a space where I felt both seen and truly challenged. His belief in me, combined with his constant encouragement and love for the craft, helped shape the performer I am today. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance, passion, and knowledge he brings to every rehearsal, every conversation, and every moment of growth.

Jere possesses a keen understanding of the nuances of acting, and his insights have consistently elevated my performance. He has an uncanny ability to pinpoint areas for improvement and provide constructive feedback that is not only valuable but also delivered with genuine care for my growth as an actor. Having him as your teacher might just be the breakthrough you need to become a believable performer. It was for me!

Jere is more than an acting coach; he is a mentor who goes above and beyond to ensure his students reach their fullest potential. If you're in need of assistance, whether for auditions, skill enhancement, or overall performance improvement, I wholeheartedly recommend Jere. His commitment to his students' success is evident, and the results speak for themselves. Working with Jere has been a great experience, and I'm grateful for the positive impact he's had on my journey as an actor.

Jere’s direction and influence upon the people who need the stage is something we actors cannot seem to live without. His unique directing style and his ability to see the world through his eyes and your character’s eyes is something I feel like most directors in this community haven’t quite met. There aren’t many like Jere!

Jere is the best director I have worked with. He asks the important character questions, creates a safe space for actors to try anything, and supports the relationships that make a story interesting. His love of theatre and genuine care for those he's working with is apparent at every rehearsal. I felt more confident to experiment and push myself in ways I hadn't before. His guidance has made me a better actor and provided me with the most rewarding acting experiences. If you have the opportunity to work with Jere, do it!

I have had the unique pleasure to work with Jere Van Patten both as an actor on stage and as an actor with him at the helm as our director.  One of my most favorite things about working with him has to do with trust. There is tremendous trust that is a two-way street that happens on stage. He will catch you whenever you need, and he offers that same thing as a director.  It makes the experience truly joyful because you know you can play; and you know you can fall; and he will be right there to catch you no matter what; with a smile and a laugh and a suggestion for how to make it better. He is truly one of my most favorite humans to work with in any capacity.

Jere puts his heart and soul into teaching. He not only understands acting but he understands people and how to help you reach your full potential. The confidence I have gained in myself as I continue to audition and perform has been invaluable. I am grateful for the invaluable lessons, the insightful guidance, and the unwavering support that Jere has provided. If you're seeking an acting coach who is not only helpful and insightful but also dedicated to pushing you to be the best actor you can be, Jere is the one!