DIRECTORS OF COLORADO SCHOOL OF ACTING

Elizabeth Karsell Horne

Elizabeth has taught performing arts at Macy Gray Music Academy and Silverlake Conservatory in Los Angeles, as well as at her own studio just outside New York City. Elizabeth’s performing background includes leads in over 25 plays and musicals, with title roles in Cinderella and Gypsy, and over a dozen films including Waking Up in Reno with Billy Bob Thornton, and a turn as Judy Garland in Warner Brothers' James Dean. She holds a degree in Communications and Music from DePauw University. Elizabeth loves to help young actors gain the confidence and professionalism they need to get where they want to go.

Troy Horne

Now a sitcom and film producer, Troy's career began as a performer, so he understands what his students are experiencing. He has starred on Broadway in the musical RENT, appeared on Starsearch, and toured the world with his band. His original musical compositions and soulful baritone voice can be heard on soundtracks for numerous TV shows and films, as well as advertisements for everything from Gillette to Pilsbury. Having reached many of his personal goals, Troy now enjoys spending time helping up-and-coming performers reach theirs.

                                          INSTRUCTORS AT COLORADO SCHOOL OF ACTING

Krista Gano

Richard is a Boulder-based film director/cinematographer, who teaches the Scene-Study/Demo Reel Quarter here at CSA. He has also directed/ taught at our 2009 and 2010 Summer Film Camps. He writes and produces television content locally for Boulder's Channel 22, as well as being an active presence in Colorado entertainment community, with credits spanning from music videos to web commercials to feature films and experimental cinema.   www.creativecoopmedia.com

Merissa believes that photography is the observance of emotion and the ability to capture and convey the spirit in those split-second moments that tell the story; it is the practice of being unobtrusive while awaiting what will unfold next in front of her camera. Technical skill and a fine art background, combined with over 15 years of photographic experience, all contribute to the quality of her work. Merissa studied in Santa Barbara, CA and graduated from the renowned Brooks Institute of Photography with a bachelor's degree.   www.merissapratt.com

Monico Candelaria

With over 20 years experience as a professional commercial photographer, Monico has shot countless advertisements at both the local and national level. Having done shoots for major companies from Clear Channel to Seventeen Magazine, he is a valuable resource for the aspiring model/actor, and we are thrilled to have him teaching workshops with us at AuditionBetter! In addition to his commercial work, Monico enjoys working with models and actors directly to build their portfolios.   www.monicophoto.com

Michelle has been a full-time professional photographer since 1987 and holds the Professional Photographers of America  “Certified Professional Photographer” certification. Her background as a commercial fashion photographer brings technical expertise as well as a creative sense to create distinctive images. She is new to the Denver area and brings many years of catalog and studio experience to share with our model students / student models in Print Modeling Class.   www.michellemurphy.com

Walter Ramos

This talented professional makeup artist has worked on tons of film and TV sets, and with everyone from up-and-coming models to major celebs. And he makes us look GOOOOORGEOUS!

Arianne Meade