Our Team

JIM GLEASON

Over the years, Jim has enjoyed working with some of the best in the business including Robert Duvall, Forest Whitaker, Jessica Lange, Hugh Laurie, Larry David and more.

He has acted in just about every medium there is, from film and television shows to stage and national commercials, and in such cities as Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans, Atlanta and Nashville.

Classically trained and holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from Tulane University since 1986, Jim has been acting successfully since 1988 in film and high profile episodic television, including House, M.D., Grey’s Anatomy and NCIS: New Orleans. One of his most well-known feature films was Lee Daniels’ The Butler, which he filmed shortly after moving home to Mandeville after a 14-year stint in Los Angeles. He was also featured in the film Trumbo, opposite Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad fame.

A popular audio drama podcast out of Los Angeles, We’re Alive, A Zombie Story of Survival, stars Gleason as Sgt. Michael Cross and has a staggering national and international following.

RACHEL WHITTLE

Rachel G. Whittle teaches our Premiere Application Classes in the Lafayette area.

Rachel is a film, TV, and commercial actress from the heart of Cajun Country – Lafayette, Louisiana.

Her recent credits include: The Purge, Preacher, Girls Trip, NCIS: New Orleans, and Queen Sugar.

She also had the privilege of filming a national Toyota commercial as a real life family with her husband and daughter.

In addition to acting she teaches, directs and produces alongside her husband, Matt Whittle, who is a production designer and her daughter, Adeleine, who is an actress as well.

MICHAEL SAVALIR

Michael Savalir teaches our Premiere Application Classes in Metairie, LA.

Michael has taken every class that the studio has to offer and more and his attention to detail and commitment to excellence make him a first class instructor.

Growing up right in the studio’s backyard, Michael has become a regular in both the short film and the student film scene in New Orleans since he began training with our studio.

Most recently he can be seen as the lead in both With a Price and Silhouette.

In addition to acting on-camera, Michael performs long-form improv comedy with his sketch group “Is That Your Face?” and trains in Voice Over as well.