I believe that an education in the arts is an education for life. Artistic training provides students with so many skills and values — like discipline, collaboration and trust — and so many opportunities for introspection — as they grow both as artists and humans — that the benefits are great, giving them innumerable advantages in any field they choose.

This strong belief has propelled me into a life of guiding students through the world of arts education with the joyous understanding of how fruitful their journeys will inevitably be. I have worked with students in middle school, high school and college in the US and abroad. Here's what they have to say:

With Chris’ personal guidance, I was able to make smart choices for my future. My future mattered to him personally, and my success was his success.
— Jonathan, Texas
Chris’ enthusiasm in working with me to find a school that was the right fit helped me clarify what I wanted out of my education. He is knowledgable and amicable and definitely someone I would work with again.
— Clara, Colorado
My daughter started to work with Chris in 11th grade and results were immediate. Not only did she learn acting technique and the skill set for auditioning but she gained a level of confidence that wasn’t there before. She got better parts in plays and Chris worked with her through the process. She looked forward to working with him each week as she could measure how much she was improving. I would definitely recommend Chris to any prospective acting student.
— Judith, parent, Horace Mann High School, NY
As a student coming from a school with no drama background it was really hard when I realised that acting is what I wanted to study at college. I looked for clarity back home in India, visited various councillors but nobody had the expertise or the right advice to give me. Until I flew a few thousand miles to meet Chris! And it was worth the money, time and distance! What I received was - clarity and a more structured explanation in going about the drama application. Whether it was with the audition process or the essays I think it was mighty helpful coming to Chris! Over my last visit to nyc and present day today I see Chris not only as an amazing guidance councillor but as someone I can count on... A mentor! Working with Chris was an informative and personal experience and I’m really glad I met him because if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have made it to two great drama schools in the US: USC and NYU!
— Harshil, Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai, India
I was referred to meet with Chris because I wanted to pursue a college career in theater. Working with him provided so much more than just that. He helped find and strengthen my confidence, as both an actress and a student. He aided me in my college choices, and helped me to find the course of study that works best for me. Together, we focused on the little things, and the big things, through which I became attentive and thoughtful, both on stage, and off. So much of what Chris and I worked through together, has gotten me to where I am today.
— Molly, Franklin & Marshall
Working with Chris was such a precious experience in my life. I remember it was December 29th, four days after Christmas. He sacrificed his holidays to prepare my audition. His dedication pushed me to go beyond my limit. He empowered me to see a possible future, and believed it could be obtained. I gave everything I could for my college audition, so did he.

In order to succeed, I learned that I had to deeply understand the perspective of the admissions office. I needed to know what to focus on and what not to. As an admissions director, Chris provided me his sharp insight and profound experience. His advice was on the right track. Because of that, I got into my dream school.
— Yiling, New York University
Leading the NYU Tisch Drama open house with help from Drama student arts reps!

Leading the NYU Tisch Drama open house with help from Drama student arts reps!

Celebrating NYU graduation with a (former) advisee from Tisch Drama!

Celebrating with a former advisee on her graduation from NYU Tisch Drama!

 

All gender identities and sexual orientations are welcome here.

Banner photo of Washington Square Park, New York City by Chris Andersson. Tisch Open House by Patricia Decker. Advisee courtesy of Chris Andersson.