Testimonials
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher Inspires”
W. A. Ward
There are those who can do, those who can teach, and those that can do both. And among those few, there are a handful of special people that inspire you to become a better human being. Marjo-Riikka is one of those people. Her infectious joy and endless goodwill will make you aware of the limitations you’ve set for yourself and give you the courage to break through to a future of possibilities. I heartily recommend her classes. The Michael Chekhov technique gave me essential tools I use everyday, on the set, in the studio, and in life. When you learn to get an objective living in your body, when you feel the atmosphere of a scene infect your being against your will, when you experience firsthand how an imaginary dagger can hurt more than a real one, you will not only be a skilled actor. You will have super powers.
- Micah Sloat, Actor
Marjo-Riikka’s deep understanding of the actor’s craft, and her compassion as an artist, create an environment where you can be totally free and creative. She is one of my favorite acting coaches to work with. We worked extensively during my audition process for my role on True Blood and she has been an integral force in booking the part. I’m proud to call her my teacher. In a town that keeps forgetting that actors are artists, Marjo-Riikka reminds you with the most magical way. Thank you for the inspiration!
- Theo Alexander, Actor
Marjo-Riikka Makela is a very talented innovative teacher, director and actor. I have shared teaching with her and performing/training with her on a number of occasions and have not only learned much from her techniques but have incorporated and utilized some of her pedagogy into my own. I am also impressed with her directoral and performing abilities and her positive tenacity and will when creating her theatre program, The Chekov Studio International. I look forward, with much anticipation, to working with her in the near future.”
-John Kellam, Director, Teacher, Actor, Zoo District, the Actors’ Gang
I met Kim when she was the protégée and companion of the late Mala Powers and a fellow student of the Chekhov Technique under Jack Colvin. Kim accompanied Mala to colleges, universities and conferences across the United States and abroad, team-teaching and demonstrating aspects of the Technique. I have had the good fortune to work with Kim on a number of projects and experience her gifts as an actor, singer, teacher, director, coach and colleague. She is bright, compassionate, nurturing, enthusiastic and keenly insightful and we are all fortunate to have her carrying on Mala’s work and bringing new contributions of her own. She is my go-to guru whenever I approach a new role.
- James Loren, founding member and past president, The Michael Chekhov Studio
I first begun working with Marjo-Riikka as my director, in a production of The Seagull by Anton Chekhov. I was cast as one of the lead roles – Konstantin. I began taking her classes and learning about the Michael Chekhov technique, so that I could understand her language of acting immediately in rehearsals. What I got from her was so much more! Not only are her classes a fun and pure exploration of what it is to feel and experience deeply with your whole instrument as a human being, but she also teaches you how to take those feelings and channel them in a practical way to your work as an actor. Atmosphere, Qualities of Movement, Expansion and Contraction, Psychological Gestures, Imagination… these all create a level of detail and specificity that can totally alter ones performance and how one approaches ones work. I use the tools I have learnt from her, all the time. What helps me the most, and absolutely takes my breath away, is that I am now able to connect so fast and so naturally in a scene with a scene partner I have just met!
What a powerful and amazing technique this is!
- Matthew Kevin Anderson, Actor
Nothing has ever worked for me and been more inspiring than Michael Chekhov’s work. I was so excited when I heard about Marjo-Riikka and went to see her production of “The Seagull” ….it was BEAUTIFUL! I now get coaching with Marjo-Riikka for my auditions and feel so fortunate to have her talent, gifts, knowledge of Chekhov, inspiration, open heart and encouragement! What a find!!
-Michelle Cuneo, Actor
The best part about working with Kim is her sharp eye for individuality. She unlocks your unique inspiration and interpretation of the character through tailored exercises and explorations. You don’t even notice that she’s gently guiding and drawing things out of you. All of a sudden, you have an artistic epiphany and a character living in your body—and Kim’s smiling back at you because that was her intent the entire time! Her warm heart, extensive knowledge, and determination to bring out the best in us has inspired me to work hard but also enjoy acting again. And I do! I have opened up new realms of possibilities in my acting through my experiences with Kim, Marjo-Riikka, and the Chekhov technique!
- Masha Mendieta
Since I began working with Marjo-Riikka, I have noticed a remarkable change in myself as an actress and a human being. She is raw, inventive and committed as a director, and encouraging, passionate and loving as a teacher. She brings 110% of herself to the work at all times, and by demanding the same from me, I have leaped ahead in the practice of my craft. Always fully present and alive with every inch of her being, she has helped me find ways to mesh my dance background into my physicality as an actress so that I can more fully embody characters. She also helped me discover how to use movement as a gateway to my deepest emotional core. She is a testament to the power of the theater to enrapture us, as performers and audience members. As she would say, in every moment we are creating our own little piece of art.
- Natalia Duncan, Actor
Marjo-Riikka is the kind of artist that makes you realize the vital and epic spiritual core to the work. Her methods to elicit magic transformation through imagination in her actors are breathtaking, and life-affirming. I think that this is the thing that sets her so much apart. There is an almost cosmic sense of goodness in the discoveries in that room. It is the spiritual realization of your own artistic mutant energy. Her work is to place your soul, in all its potential, in your hands.
- John Beane, Actor, Artistic Director of the Insurgo Theater Movement
Marjo-Riikka is a gifted teacher of movement, acting, and character work. She is a qualified exponent of the practices of Michael Chekhov, and I have seen first hand the inspirational effects of her work with actors. Developing and challenging the physical imagination, bringing specificity and depth to character work, and expanding the range of muscular and sensory options at the disposal of the actor, she creates a learning environment in which risk and courage rise quickly to the surface. Actors who train with Marjo-Riikka bring confidence, a sense of joy, a rich understanding of theatre, and a firm but pliable technique to their future endeavors.
- David Bridel, Director, Associate Professor of Theatre Practice and Associate Director of M.F.A. Acting
Marjo-Riikka’s particular quality and magic was evident to me from her very first audition. She is an intense and passionate actress and expresses her conviction and energy with a visceral intensity. She is one of the most exciting physical actresses with whom I have ever worked. Marjo-Riikka has been trained in both the Chekov technique and in the more rigorous physical acting approach of Eastern European theatre. This has given her work a distinction and clearly distinguishes her from most American actresses. The power of her work is undeniable and as a director I found it both exciting and inspirational. Marjo-Riikka now wants to share her knowledge and experience. Her unique approach to the work will make her an invaluable asset to an American training institution.
- Joanne Gordon, Chair, Department of Theatre Arts CSULB
Most loveable actor and acting coach of all times!
- Salla Kozma, European theatre collective, Russian Academy of Dramatic Arts
I absolutely adored my class with Kim at Chekhov Studio International. In a town full of quick fixes, competition, and paparazzi, it’s wonderful to go to a class and remember why you got into this business.
- Edward Gusts
Because the Chekhov technique is so extensive and powerful, at times it can be overwhelming where one should start. Kim takes what seems to be intimidating and makes sense of it, breaking it down into easy to understand concepts. Not only does she give such wonderful explanations and visuals which stimulate the imagination, but also has the most patience to answer any question. Most importantly, she continually reminds us that acting is an art, which no one should suffer for.
- Brooke Mackenzie
I have experienced Marjo as an acting coach and found her professionally first class. She always brings passion to her work and has the ability to lift her student’s level beyond their normal level. She is exceptional and I’d recommend her to anyone seeking a professional coach in acting.
- Richard Milton. DGA-PGA-WGA-SAG
I found Marjo- Riika and her teaching very inspiring. You can’t help to be enlivened . She encourages`you to be bold and dangerous.
- Daniel O’Meara, Actor, Filmaker, Billy big time productions
Marjo-Riikka is an amazing actor and coach. Her class is an incredibly safe environment to truly experiment, push yourself, and grow as an actor. She is truly a pleasure to work with!
- Samantha Hale, Actor, Writer, Producer
Marjo-Riikka is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She is a great coach who knows her craft and cares about the needs of every student. I would recommend her to any person who wants to grow as an actor.
Top qualities: Personable , Expert , Creative
- Yelena Protsenko, Actor
Marjo-Rikka is an amazing acting teacher. I’ve studied for years, and the things I have learned from Marjo-Rikka are completely new and invaluable. Thanks to her teachings of the Chekhov technique and Clown I have become much more creative, present and emotionally available in my acting. Her class has also brought the fun back for me! I recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone who’s passionate about the art of acting.
Top qualities: Personable , Expert , Creative
- Johanna Torell, Actor
Marjo is a terrific, passionate and completely dedicated director and human. Her insight and leadership is outstanding, I can’t wait to work with her again.
- Melanie Keller, University of Washington
Marjo-Riikka is a compassionate and inspiring acting teacher. In her classes she creates a safe and focused space for growth and experimentation while still offering solid criticism. She has an amazing ability to take away the mystery of acting without removing any of the magic. In her class I’ve learned valuable tools that I’ve used both on stage and on set.
- Julie Lockhart, Actor, Dancer, Teacher
Marjo-Riikka is a master in the technique of Michael Chekhov. She is a dynamic and supportive teacher and director who inspires creative and riveting performances from actors.
- Beth Persky, Actor
Marjo-Riikka is an extremely talented artist who has an impeccable instincts for releasing her acting students true artistic freedom and range. I highly recommend her class as a rare gem.
- Giselle Jones, Company Member, The Actors’ Gang
Marjo-Riikka is an actor’s actor: she has an incredibly sensitive eye and a intensely receptive and generous presence. A gift to work with. I dearly hope to have the chance to work with her again some day!
- Sara Barker, Actor
Marjo-Riikka is an amazingly available actress who as soon as she picks up a character is simply dynamic. She grasps you by the heart and reveals a soul that leaves an impression. Such a generous fellow actor and compassionate artist.
- Aaron Conte , Company Member at The Actor’s Gang
Marjo-Riikka, Is a dream to work with and a true team player. Very responsible, puntual, creative, and always the first one to step up first.
- Rick Gifford, Free-Agent
Marjo-Riikka is the lead actress in the short “Forget Me Not” which I produced a few months ago along with the director Abel Gonzalez. After having seen many actresses we settled on Marjo-Riikka for the emotional investment she brought to the role as well as being the most natural and subtle of actresses in the group. She was a joy to work with all around and a total professional.
- Pedro Pano, Owner, Equus
I was dramaturg on the CalRep production of ‘The Cannibals’ and worked closely with Marjo-Rikka. Her talent, technique and professionalism made this very difficult work rich with character nuance and interaction, not only for her character, but also for the total success of all the performances of the play. Marjo-Rikka was so easy-going and bright in the rehearsals that I can definitely say her contribution greatly helped to earn the play a ‘best ensemble performance’ nomination with the LADCC.
- Teresa Troutman, California State University-LB
Marjo-Riikka is a consummate professional and a dedicated artist and teacher.
- Donald Formaneck, California State University-LB
Marjo-Riikka has an astounding ability to get people to connect and communicate with–and command attention from–each other and audiences in a captivating way almost immediately. It’s virtually impossible not to get results when working with her. Her expertise is completely unmatched by anyone I know of, and she delivers–and helps her students to deliver–concrete results. If you want to be able to guide people through a story or to a new way of looking at things, she is the first and clearest choice, bar none.
- Michael Barrett, Actor
I will speak primarily to Marjo-Riikka’s skills as an actors which is easy. She is a consumate artist. We were in the show, CANNIBALS, and I watched her night after night. While other actors were in the chaos of pre-show I would observe her working her ritual of preparation with a steady hand. In a show where I was in the audience and she was on stage she was the wife of Hotspur. In the few minutes of the scene she radiated sensuality and playfullness. When she graduated from grad school there were 2 people who had jobs waiting. One went on to teach the other to do a play in New York. Marjo-Riikka went to NYC. She digs deep into her craft and comes up amazing, refreshing choices. I only know Marjo-Riikka’s teaching skills by reputation. She has devoted students and keeps a thriving studio. I recommend Marjo-Riikka without hesitation.
- Dom Magwili, Actor, Teacher, Director, Cal State Fullerton