For the role of Cinderella, which Cabello describes as “funny” and a “new, more empowered version of the story,” she faced her fear head-on. Says Cabello: “For my first acting classes, I was, like, ‘What the f– am I doing here? This is so scary.’ But my acting coach, Anthony Meindl, taught me it’s all about the act of surrender and ‘the art of listening,’ as opposed to being in your head. That’s the only technique he has for acting, as simple as it is.” – VARIETY Magazine
Camila Cabello
Grammy Nominee
“I think Tony is absolutely incredible and coming to class for me isn’t just about letting loose and growing my ability as an actor but more sometimes to really open up myself to the universe and just be. Sometimes I find him saying things that I mentally live by and its so refreshing to constantly hear them being affirmed. Thank you so much for every week re-instilling that positivity and creativity and openness within. You allow me as an actor to forget about the character and remember about Shailene, which makes every movement, moment and word so authentic and true. I’m so grateful to have you as a mentor.”
Shailene Woodley
2-Time Golden Globe Nominee & Emmy Nominee
“Anthony Meindl is a joy to work with. He was a big part of me finding my strengths as an actor and having the confidence in my choices.”
Phoebe Dynevor
BRIDGERTON, Netflix
“Working with Tony I always leave learning something new about myself and what I can bring out of my craft. He encourages me to get out of my head, into the moment and the present. Once you’ve done the work you can just let it go, see what happens and trust that you are enough. Thanks Tony for all your help x”
Simone Ashley
BRIDGERTON, Netflix
“Anthony has such a talent at helping the actor accept and stay with the moment. The moment to moment aliveness where all the magic can be found. His process saved me from overthinking, and to just embrace myself as an artist in the process of creation. Also he’s hilarious and reminds you that acting can and should be a joy!”
Daryl McCormack
BAFTA Nominee, GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE on Hulu
“Before I met Anthony, ‘character’ was always something that I felt I had to create, or reach as an actor. I had the predetermined notion that casting directors knew the ‘character’ they were searching for in any given project. Anthony stripped it down simply, and I soon realized that the character was not something to achieve — it was already within me — that the very actor IS the character. I learned that an individual’s persona is unequivocally more interesting than any attempt to create a character would ever be. As a result, I began auditioning as ‘myself,’ not what I thought the casting departments wanted. I have since worked continuously as an actor in Los Angeles. Less is so very often more. Thanks Anthony.”
Brianne Howey
GINNY & GEORGIA, Netflix
“My time at the studio has been invaluable. AMAW has such strong community and the teachers have taught me more than I ever expected to know. I’m thankful I found it when I did.”
Emily Bader
MY LADY JANE, Prime Video
“I love working with Anthony and have been a long time admirer of his spirit and ethos towards not just the work, but life.”
Suki Waterhouse
Daisy Jones & The Six
“I was blown away by the level of talent of his students and their ability to take direction.”
Eli Roth
Director, CABIN FEVER
“I found Tony at a time when I was searching for inspiration and the desire to go deeper in my work. I found that and so much more! Tony finds exactly what is that is holding you back as an actor and at the same time gives you so much confidence to be the best artist and person you can be. I look forward to his class every week and I saw immediate positive changes in my work.”
Jenna Dewan
THE ROOKIE, ABC
“Its so simple, if you commit to Tonys class, there’s no way you won’t conquer all your fears while you stay true to yourself, live in the moment and enjoy your craft! The first class with him I walked out a different person, a better actress, I can’t thank him enough.”
Lorenza Izzo
HACKS, HBO Max
“AMAW has given me the courage in today’s society to discover what being free truly means.Once I gave myself permission an experience unlike anything else up until that point occurred- being.I was no longer scared of the unknown or fearful of people seeing my authentic self. I no longer had the same mindset.After that my entire life and career changed.”??
Sierra Capri
YOUNG, WILD, FREE, Macro Film Studios
“AMAW was a phenomenal class to take because it taught me a few things like showing vulnerability every time you have an emotional scene, connecting with your partner, and also knowing that you are enough.”
Dallas Dupree Young
COBRA KAI, Netflix
“Anthony is kind of like the “Oprah” of acting. In order to thrive as actors, we need to surround ourselves with love, emotional support, guidance, and people dedicated to giving us compassion and insight.”
Kether Donohue
B POSITIVE, CBS
“Don’t tell Tony I ever said this about him but he changed my life. As an actor I always thought I needed to try to entertain and be interesting but Tony taught me how to just be. We’re all complex people. We ARE interesting. Tony taught me how to get out of my own head and just live in the moment.. and that’s all that acting is…the moment.”
Gianni Paolo
POWER BOOK II: GHOST, Starz/Hulu
“I started taking classes at AMAW back in 2015. LA was very isolating and the dream felt unattainable and unrealistic. I wasn’t getting any callbacks, EVER. AMAW, Tony, and several of the teachers I took classes with (Lindsay, Jordan, to name a few) gave me the tools to grow as not only an actor but a person. The studio was and continues to be a safe space where actors can push themselves to new heights. Moment to moment. The approach seems simple but it takes work. AMAW meets you where you’re at and challenges you to grow in your craft. I keep coming back because I will always be greeted with work that challenges me. Additionally, AMAW gave me a community of creatives that continue to inspire me – it makes me giddy to see all the working actors I started taking classes with so long ago!”
Mariel Molino
THE WATCHFUL EYE, Freeform
“When I first started at Tony’s studio, I was still sort of searching for the core of who I was in relation to acting. It didn’t take long for me to find it.
He told me once during a scene, “just listen more. Don’t do anything else. Just listen.”
And that’s the skill I value most now. The ability to listen.”
Xavier Scott
CITY ON FIRE, Apple TV+
“Having done AMAW for a decade I can easily say my growth as an actor has exceeded all of my expectations as to where that would lead me. But that pales in comparison to my growth as a human being to which I’ve discovered more about myself in these classes than anywhere else, and that to me has been invaluable.”
Jon Prasida
KUNG FU, Hulu
“Working with Anthony really allowed me to find the sense of play in my work again. I find myself making bolder and more interesting choices whilst also being free to let whatever happens in the moment happen. Whether you are looking to get a start in acting or trying to stay sharp, I couldn’t recommend Anthony and his studio more.”
Niko Terho
GREY'S ANATOMY, Hulu
“Anthony’s approach helped me get in touch with myself and my emotions – he helped me understand the barriers I put around myself and pushed me to be stronger and more confident in my abilities.”
Josh Whitehouse
DAISY AND THE SIX, Amazon Prime
“Working with Anthony really helped me to just let loose and go all out. Watching his respectful approach at shifting mindsets was a beautiful experience and ultimately aided me in becoming more free and unrestrained in my auditions!”
Lidia Jewitt
GOOD GIRLS, NBC
“Each class at AMAW is like a breath of fresh air. It constantly teaches you to be present and react to what’s coming to you. Not only did this mindset make everything much more fun for me as an actor, but it came in handy when I started working on Young Rock. This was my first experience working on a big production and I learned quickly that you need to be ready for anything. Believe in you!!”
Bradley Constant
YOUNG ROCK, NBC
“Anthony and AMAW will definitely push you past your perceived comfort zone. Embrace it.”
Dominic Goodman
FIRST KILL, Netflix
“I’m kind of stumped as to what to say or how to articulate what Tony and his teachings mean to me. It’s like Nirvana. He’s a guardian angel. Wherever he is I’ll follow.”
Charlotte Chimes
NEIGHBOURS, Amazon Freevee
“Working with Tony over the years has been instrumental to my journey and growth as an artist. He is able to cut through and hone down on what needs unlocking for every actor. It’s truly a joy to watch and be a part of. He has helped me push through the boundaries, giving me access to an honesty that allows me to create and play freely. His teachings have and continue to help me develop my craft.”
Deniz Akdeniz
THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT, HBO Max
“I am so thankful that I found AMAW. It is so much more than just an acting class, it’s a life class. I walk away from every session feeling more in tune with who I am and more present in all my daily activities and my craft. Tony is the best!! And I’m eternally thankful!”
Echo Kellum
GRAND CREW, Bravo
“AMAW broke acting and art down to the thing I was sure wouldn’t be enough, me; and showed me all the ways that the only thing I needed was trust in the person I already was. Working at this school has been completely transformative, not only as an actor, but also as a young person growing into an adult. Every class is a warm and safe place that inspires courage, vulnerability, openness and a complete embrace of the unexpected and uncontrollable. My time with AMAW and Tony has not only been a teaching on the craft of being a performer, but also the equally difficult and rewarding art of being human. I’m incredibly grateful to have found this school and this community when I did.”
Cree Cicchino
BIG SKY, Hulu
“Tony taught me that acting is listening and allowing emotions and feelings to arise fully and freely. Listening in this way is incredibly vulnerable because there is no where to hide and nothing to prove. i just show up as me and take the ride with my partner as we tell the story.”
Christina Moses
A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, ABC
“The title ‘acting teacher’ does not begin to cover what Anthony does. He is a life coach, spiritual guide, personal motivator and cheerleader. What he has created at his studio is so rare and beautiful that you truly have to experience it to understand it. It’s a supportive community where you can nourish your soul, and from a place of love and support be guided to the truest place of yourself. From that place you are free to create and play without rules or judgment. Tony’s passion for teaching is truly inspiring and contagious. It is the most fun and inspiring time that you will have in an acting class.”
Amanda Crew
SILICON VALLEY, HBO
“Anthony Meindl has one of the most important traits when it comes to assisting people in the art of acting. Anthonys enthusiasm and likable personality inspire a freedom to fail comfortably and learn in a safe environment which allows you to forget the stress of putting yourself on the line to be judged and focus on what’s most important.”
Conor Husting
LET US IN, Hulu
“I really think that what is taught in Anthony Meindl’s classes is so important and often overlooked in an actor’s profession. The science of the moment. Being in the moment, allowing it to affect you and trusting your reaction within it. As in life, each moment is new, unknown and spectacular. And as in life, we always try to plan our moments. To protect ourselves. And it almost Never goes to Plan. Mostly because of the plan itself. Do your homework, know who you are, where you’re going and what you want. Then forget all that. And just be…”
James Roch
THE NIGHT SHIFT, Hulu
Ohhhhh how I love me some A.M & the AMAW- LA fam. Ive been in the AMAW family since my 1st Series Reg in 2017 up until now and what I love most is the consistent reminder to live & breathe MYSELF into the work. Anthony’s passion for humanity & storytelling is what drew me to his classes & coaching. His dedication to exploring & discovering the human existence inspires me constantly. Congrats Anthony on making such an impact on so many artists in this business. I’m sure I can speak for most of us and say we are deeply grateful :).
Michelle Mitchenor
First Wives Club BET+
“I first met Anthony at his 2-day Intensive and have been continuing to return to the studio as I feel I finally found a special place where actors like myself can truly grow as artists. What makes Anthony so unique is the relentless passion and generosity with which he shares his knowledge about acting. His extensive expertise, empathy, kindness, talent and understanding that every actor is unique and that there is no ‘one fits all’ approach to teaching, allows him to bring the very best out in each and every one of his students. Anthony has truly inspired me and reignited my love for the craft at a time I felt slightly stuck. It is rare to find someone who is as genuinely dedicated to helping you reach your potential, as Anthony is.”
Aubri Ibrag
THE BUCCANEERS, Apple TV+
“Tony taught me to be myself and to tell all the truth and nothing but the truth.”
Tyler Alvarez
BLOCKBUSTER, Netflix
“Tony is the best acting teacher. Ever.”
Jill Wagner
LIONESS, Paramount+
“Tony has a remarkable insight that enables him to locate the weak points in an actor’s repertoire and the acuity to exercise those weaknesses until they become strengths. He will inspire you to be not only a better actor but a better, more well-rounded human being.”
Allison Miller
A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, ABC
“I think that one of the greatest things about Anthony is that he provides an honest space for you to do work where it’s not about the end result. It’s more about finding a process, especially as a young creative. I can’t think of a better place to start, because here the rules of acting or the conventional training or the conventional rules that we’ve all applied through our upbringing, when it comes to this, doesn’t really apply here. It’s much more about finding a process, entering into yourself and accepting all of yourself. And there’s nobody that really does it as well as Anthony does, especially in person.”
Jimel Atkins
WINNING TIME, HBO Max
“Tony brought me to face the radical concept – ‘I am enough’ – you don’t need to do anything. The simplicity of how easy acting can be with Tony is brilliantly liberating.”
Lucy Fry
GODFATHER OF HARLEM, MGM+
“Training with Tony gave me a whole new perspective in my work. His style was something I’ve never experienced. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in his workshop and I learned so many valuable lessons. He is committed to getting the best out of each actor.”
McKaley Miller
HART OF DIXIE, The CW
“I love Anthony’s class. You can fully express yourself as an open, free, dynamic artist finding all the elements that push your creativity. Every time I’m in his class it unlocks something in me and my booking ratio soars”
Michael Masini
BIRDS OF PREY, HBO Max
“Working with Anthony is mind blowing. He reminds you how to bring the joy back into your work – how to let loose, take risks, and just be yourself! Any time spent with him is beyond refreshing, teaching you about humans and emotions in an eye-opening way. You will come out the other end not only a changed actor, but a changed person overall.”
Shay Rudolph
THE BABYSITTER'S CLUB, Netflix
“Tony’s intuitive way of teaching is pure magic. He helps you find the core of who you are as a person, then the work just flows through you”
Olivia Taylor Dudley
THE MAGICIANS, Netflix
“Tony has been an instrumental key in all aspects of my life. He has this innate ability to make you a better person, and in return you become a better actor. I would not be where i am today in my life, work, or career without his endless support and dedication as a teacher and mentor.”
Isidora Goreshter
SHAMELESS, MGM+
“In the short time I’ve known and worked with Anthony, he not only has inspired me to be better, but has also changed the way I look at my craft. Thanks for making me comfortable in my own skin!”
Carmen Electra
SCARY MOVIE, HBO Max
“I have never seen an acting teacher who can more immediately and insightfully identify an actors unhelpful defensive blocks, and then instantly give them feedback that unlocks vulnerability and truth. Anthony has a rare and beautiful gift, and his delivery is built on a foundation of truth and love.”
Adam Nee
THE LOST CITY, Paramount Pictures
“Anthony is amazing. There are so many incredibly well known working actors in class because he is just so good at what he does. And I love, love, love learning from him.”
Ruby Rose
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, Netflix
“Tony empowered me to the understanding that an artist’s greatest asset is himself and that mastery of acting, is mastery of the moment.”
Josh Zuckerman
SCHOOL SPIRITS, Paramount +
“I find that Anthony inspires letting go. Welcoming the unfamiliar, embracing what is anew, surrendering to the journey, eventually finding the strength to lay roots for what will on day grow into a tree.”
Elena Kampouris
WIFELIKE, Showtime
“I call Tony an emotional chiropractor. He finds where you are stuck and opens you up to the possibility of your own magnificence.”
Larisa Oleynik
ERIN & AARON, Nickelodeon
“I started classes at AMAW during a time when my love of acting had all but died. I had been through tough personal times, felt wearied by the business, and felt I had nothing left to give. My friend Georgie was teaching at AMAW and encouraged me along to class…so began the process of falling in love with my craft again. I resonated immediately with Tony’s perspective. Trusting the moment, allowing yourself to be enough while also throwing your heart over the wall and ‘going for it’ in the scene. Allowing the bigness of your humanity to come out, no need to add or fabricate. The classes defrosted me, and returned me to the dignity of being an actor. And the fun. A lot of fun! I’m so grateful to Tony and his incredible teachers here in Sydney for bringing me back to life. Get yourself to class!”
Simone McAullay
LA BREA, NBC
“Tony infuses everything he does with such light, intuition and love, that it’s no wonder he’s adored by actors + creatives all over the world. Every encounter I have with Tony always leaves me feeling uplifted, inspired and empowered. There’s no one like him. He’s the real deal.”
Wendy Braun
ATYPICAL, Netflix
“This quote that Anthony Meindl said in a class has really stuck with me. ‘Self exploration is self-realization.’ You will always leave class feeling super inspired and ready to grow and learn more.”
Savannah Clarke
NOW UNITED, Member of Global Pop Group
“I have not met anyone who cares more deeply about actors and the function of art in our world than Tony. It is this visceral love you feel every time you’re in his presence and every time you walk into his studio. Anthony’s school creates a safe space to explore yourself and humanity through the lens of childlike curiosity, and radical love and acceptance. Over the years working with Anthony and his incredible team of teachers, I’ve cultivated clarity around the purpose behind the woman I want to be not just in my creative work but also in my life. If you want to explore yourself, challenge yourself and find joy through the pursuit of art … this is the place for you.”
Isabel Durant
DAYS OF OUR LIVES, NBC
“My time at Tony’s is what set up the foundation for my acting. It was a reminder that the most fulfilling work is instinctual. That getting back to what makes you “you” is such a crucial part of the craft. The way that Tony can look at a script and take a scene from a blank canvas to a beautiful painting is a testament to not only how great of a coach he is, but an artist who loves and cares about the art of acting.”
Richard Ellis
I AM NOT OKAY WITH THIS, Netflix
“Unlike many other coaches, Anthony uses kindness and positivity along with honesty and truth as weapons in creating real and compelling performances. Every time we work together I he’s helped me find a better performance and a more nuanced character. At the same time, he made me feel confident in my abilities and more complete and powerful as an actor.”
Liam McCintyre
SPARTACUS, Starz
“Anthony Meindl is one of the smartest, most generous, most multitalented, loveliest person I’ve ever been lucky enough to know and work with. He leads with such passion and force, he is a magnificent teacher. Anthony makes me feel confident and comfortable, strong and empowered, safe to explore, safe to be weird, safe to be real. I trust and value him immensely, I adore him with my all, and I can’t wait to work with him for as long as he’ll let me! He is the reason why I booked my first job and I am forever grateful to him. To many more! Love you Anthony”
Charlotte Lawrence
BIRDS OF PREY, Warner Bros.
“Anthony Meindl completely changed my approach to acting – by showing me the strength in bringing yourself to the scene first and having the confidence to let loose. I’m so grateful to Anthony for helping me find my voice!”
Clara McGregor
YOU SING LOUD, I SING LOUDER
“It’s always a scary thought to walk into an acting class or to work one on one with a professional when you have never done it before. You expect your heart to race the whole time and your sweat to buildup, but this is not the case with Anthony. There is no room for nerves, shakes or self doubt, only comfort, growth and inspiration. I’ve never felt more open to try new things and expand on what I thought was set in stone. He truly has a gift that he so kindly shares with the world. I’m in awe of his knowledge, his guidance, his methods and his care for each individual he works with. The best to do it!”
Regan Aliyah
IRONHEART, Disney+
“Gemma’s class has been such a constant for me since moving to LA in March. Every month Gemma is finding new ways to push us and keep us growing. It’s a weekly check in for me to touch base with my goals, my weaknesses and my forever changing and evolving relationship with the work. It feels like Gemma knows just the right questions to pose that will enveil 10 more layers in the work I didn’t even know were there. I feel the constant invitation to go deep to confront our self imposed limitations we all have created in our brains that block us from getting to the peak of our artistry. I thank Gemma for her honesty, her willingness to share, for recognizing my hunger to improve and for curating an environment that helps me do so.”