Elissa studied a vocal technique called Fitzmaurice Voicework® while she was an undergrad actor, singer and director at USC. After losing her own voice, she began to practice and teach intensively. Elissa's mission is to teach performers to connect with the richness of their breath, body and voice, combining the Fitzmaurice technique with hatha yoga in an approach that opens the performer to truer and deeper presence. As a director, Elissa has worked at the Ahmanson, Pasadena Playhouse, Kirk Douglas, Berkeley Rep, Lillian, Theatre @ Boston Court, Odyssey, Hudson and Sacred Fools.

Michael Arabian is a multiple-award winning director, noted for innovative and original interpretations of new and classic plays, directed numerous world, West Coast and Los Angeles premieres, including Zimmer by Donald Margulies at the Jewish Rep in New York and Spring Awakening at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles.

Founding member of the Elephant Theatre Company. For 12 years he has been casting national commercials, music videos, and films including: Kelsey Grammer, Jorge Garcia (Lost), Jason Segel (Knocked Up) and James Ransone (Generation Kill) in the independent film Good Humor Man; and William Shatner’s Price Line spot. Worked closely with directors Paul Mazursky (Moscow on the Hudson) and Harold Becker (Sea of Love), and cast for Philip Seymour Hoffman.

After a Harvard education, Patrick worked in commercial casting for 25 years. He has had a long career as an actor, director, writer and producer in LA Theatre, Film, and TV. He's taught for 15 years including 8 at the Stella Adler Academy. All classes are in the Elephant Lab. All classes are on camera. The camera is a great teacher because it says nothing and it never lies. The goal is to be a better artist.

Producing Artistic Director of Elephant Theatre Company and Elephant Stages. Involved in Los Angeles Theatre community for over a decade as an award-winning director, actor & producer.