SF Actors Workshop & The Young Actors Workshop

"When our daughter Rayna began taking acting classes more than a year ago, my wife and I knew that the coach we entrusted her development to would make all the world of difference.  No one has proven that more than Giovannie Espiritu.  Giovannie shows us at every class her teaching skill. But even more important, Giovannie shines not only because of what she knows but because of who she is—a genuinely spirited, unpretentious, playful, creative, fun-loving, and caring person.  Exactly the kind of person who young child actors need to study with.

Giovannie has that magical ability to relate and connect with children.  She knows how to speak to them at their level.  She knows how to encourage them to reflect upon their experiences and to draw upon their imaginations and emotions.  She knows how to ignite their enthusiasm and energy. And she knows when to nudge them to do a little more than what they think they are capable of."

David & Lisa Sheftman, parents of Rayna Sheftman (7),
signed with JE Talent

"Giovannie Espiritu is the best thing since sliced bread for my daughter's acting career! We had gone to interviews with LA agents before taking knowing about her classes, and they all said Athena wasn't ready: she was too shy and quiet and she wouldn't be able to compete with the LA kids that have been in the acting business for years. In less than 6 months of classes, Giovannie brought out Athena's natural talents and abilities and replaced the shyness with bold confidence and sincerity. Agents and managers we had met with prior were so impressed with her transformation that they're lining up to sign her on! Thank you Giovannie - we couldn't have done it without you."

Karen Campbell, mother of Athena Campbell

"I have nothing but good things and good vibes from Giovannie's teaching and coaching.  My daughter, who is 8, has been taking Giovannie's acting class since June of this year (2009).  On our second week of class "Gio" recommended my daughter for a role in a TV Movie for The Filipino Channel and got the part.  But the great thing about her is her energy and passion for what she does - that is, act and teach.  She is down to earth, experienced and dedicated.  Not only that, she is patient with how the kids take or not take her direction and pushes them to their abilities.   We are so lucky to have found Giovannie after months of looking and interviewing other teachers."

Celeste Friedman, mother of Samantha Friedman (8) 

Giovannie's coaching and guidance helped me get signed with Look Talent Agency in 2008 and she also helped me book a role on NBC's Trauma! She's both honest and professional while giving instruction and critique. Giovannie can give you the advice necessary to succeed in auditions as well as actual film/tv roles. I've learned that the audition process is a different animal than the the work you do once you get the role. Sometimes auditions will give you very little info - those running them will expect you to know what to do!

If it weren't for Gio's instruction, I wouldn't have been mentally prepared for a lot of auditions. And as much as I would like to hear "great job" every time, there is great value in having an instructor/coach who challenges you to become better than "good" - good reads are good but "great reads" get the part!!!! There are a lot of good actors out there so you need to have an edge!

Dennis Ruel, signed with Look Talent Agency & booked the part of “Walker” on NBC’s TRAUMA

 “Giovannie is an excellent teacher.  She has helped my son, Baboucar, in many drama and improvisation techniques.  She really knows how to work with kids and teens. She is very patient with the teens--even when hormones begin blooming.  We (the parents) were privileged to see her actually perform in her class. Her acting technique is awesome.  My son has gotten many excellent reviews in his auditions and a few key roles.  He was recently picked up by a talent agent, Don Gibble.”

Sara Webster, parent of Babucar Daffeh (13),
signed with Stars, the Agency.

" It was your supportive and non-judgmental teaching style that made me comfortable enough to patch my wounds and seriously move back to acting. After all of the horror stories that my acting friends had told me over the years and my own bad experiences I was terrified to take a class from anyone again, but you've been great and have really helped me tremendously in just the few classes I've taken. So thanks!"

Athena Galvin

"We enrolled Brandon in Giovannie’s acting class with the goal to improve and build communication skills that can assist him in future no matter what career does he choose.  To our surprise Giovannie was able to create a new dream for Brandon !  In just a few months, with her extraordinary determination, great teaching techniques and patience with children she was able to transform a timid Brandon to Brandon who speaks with passion to others, expresses his feelings freely, show emotions when he speaks. 

His 2^nd grade teacher has complimented on Brandon ’s reading noting that he had improved drastically. We are very grateful to Giovannie!  Her classes are fun, knowledge sharing oriented, great experience that stays with the child for a long time.  Giovannie is great with children and is able to recognize their strengths and weaknesses showing them how to use and improve their skills by what they know how to do the best; using their imagination.

Thank you Giovannie for everything you have done for Brandon and the future adventure awaiting."

Elmasa and Ernesto Meza, parents of Bradon Meza (7)