INTRODUCING
OUR
TEAM
As proud as we are of our studio space, our team is what truly sets us apart. We have over 40 years of combined industry experience. Our excitement and passion is driven by seeing our talent succeed in the industry we are all so passionate about. You'll quickly discover the Studio 24 team has got your back.
CODY
DORKIN
founder | ACTING COACH
Cody's passion for acting began as a child, which is when he started his career as a professional actor and he has worked in the business ever since. Cody has been a SAG/AFTRA member since 1994 and has acquired over 100 TV/Film credits working for every major studio and network in Los Angeles.
Cody has been an acting coach for over 15 years and has accumulated over 13,000 teaching hours.
Cody has been an acting coach for over 15 years and has accumulated over 13,000 teaching hours.
LAURREN
COOPER
OFFICE MANAGER
Laurren uses her vast background in theatre production and customer service to create the Studio 24 experience and help actors pursue their dreams. Her passion for people and this industry is infectious.
Wes
Armstrong
ACTING COACH
Wes Armstrong has spent the last 20 years in LA working as a professional actor and coach. You’ve seen him on 'Shameless', 'Agents of SHIELD', 'Jane the Virgin', 'How to Get Away with Murder', 'Scandal', 'SWAT' , '911' and many other hit shows.
KATIE
FREEMAN
RESOURCE MANAGER
Katie originally started her journey in entertainment wanting to go into sports broadcasting. After graduating from Notre Dame college with a BA in communications, she found her way to Studio 24 looking for some on-camera experience and has been around ever since. She is very passionate about the entertainment industry and helping actors pursue their dreams.
KEVIN
HAYER
ACTING COACH
Kevin began acting professionally over 10 years ago, getting his start with Studio 24. He's been active with producing and directing his own projects, as well as performing with an improv comedy troupe. You can catch Kevin in two movies currently streaming on Amazon and Hulu, with a third movie coming out soon!
Kevin is enthusiastic and passionate about the entertainment industry and is eager to share his experience and knowledge with his students pursuing their own acting careers.
Kevin is enthusiastic and passionate about the entertainment industry and is eager to share his experience and knowledge with his students pursuing their own acting careers.
CHARISSA
Buhagiar
ACTING COACH
Charissa began her acting journey over a decade ago and has moved her way up to being an advanced actor with Studio 24. Charissa has a true passion for this industry and is a believer in the Studio 24 process as it has given her the knowledge and skill necessary to land herself representation in both SF and LA. She enjoys helping actors with their own journeys through the entertainment industry and can’t wait to meet you!
MARY
McCusker
ACTING COACH
Mary McCusker is one of the most respected acting teachers in the Los Angeles area. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Mary studied acting, dance and musical theatre at the Boston Conservatory of Music. She lived in New York and studied method acting with the renowned teacher, Sanford Meisner in his two-year program at the Neighborhood Playhouse. After graduating she moved to San Francisco and joined the improvisation company, The Pitschel Players. The company moved to Los Angeles and she continued with the show for 2 years. Her acting career includes Films: Insurgent, Incredible Shrinking Woman, Circle of Power, Blood Barrier, The Client, Turner and Hooch. TV: Ordeal of Patty Hearst, Choices of the Heart, Amateur Night, Missing Children and Memorial Day.
CECELIA
SANDOVAL
ACTING COACH
Cecelia’s love for acting started at a very young age and has grown into her life’s passion. She earned her BFA in acting from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy Los Angeles. Cecelia has experience on stage, film, and directing. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Creative Writing so she can combine her dedication to poetry and acting into becoming a Fine Art professor. Cecelia couldn’t be more thrilled to work with aspiring actors and help them understand this craft and grow further into their artistry.
ALLIE
DIETZ
ACTING COACH
Allie joins Studio 24 with nearly 15 years of acting experience, first on stage and then on film. She brings with her a deep love for the craft of acting and a passion for helping aspiring actors reach their goals. By combining her expertise in acting, directing, and teaching with her warm enthusiasm, she creates a nurturing environment for actors to grow into their full potential. Allie is so excited to meet you and help you on your own acting journey!
BRENDA
YANEZ
ACTING COACH
Brenda began her acting journey in 2018 and has moved her way up to being an advanced actor with Studio 24. Embracing the Studio 24 process, Brenda has honed her acting skills and knowledge, securing agent representation and working as a professional actor in the San Francisco market. Her joy lies in guiding actors through their unique paths in their acting careers, and she is eager to embark on this transformative journey with her students!