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Wendy McKenzie

Acting Coach | Casting Director | Speaker | Mother

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I've been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years—believe it or not. Straight out of high school, I fell into modeling and dancing, and from there, into the business I’d eventually call home.


While modeling for designers and auditioning for music videos, a casting director once asked me to find more people for a shoot. I didn’t even know that was a job—but when I realized she got paid for something I was doing naturally, I had an aha moment. That’s when I knew casting was my calling.


I began interning for companies like American Casting and Jerry Koosman Casting, eventually working with Tracy Moore-Marable, who gave me my first real shot on New Jersey Drive. That project sealed it for me—I was hooked. I later collaborated with my mentor, Tracy "Twinkie" Byrd, casting iconic videos for Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and Lauryn Hill. Striking out on my own, I cast regularly for MTV On-Air Promos, Yo Momma, The Runway, the MTV Music Awards, and national ad campaigns. 


I’m proud to have introduced Christopher Wallace—Notorious B.I.G.—to the screen, and eventually served as the New York Casting Director for Fox Searchlight's Notorious, where I discovered Jamal “Gravy” Woolard for the lead role of Biggie. During that same period, I contributed to The Secret Life of Bees and the Oscar-nominated The Blind Side, where I introduced Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher.


Along the way, I found my true passion: coaching actors. I’ve guided Naturi Naughton on major projects—and was Donshea Hopkins’s very first acting coach when she played Raina on Power.


Over the years, I’ve learned something the hard way: you don’t need connections, fame, or a perfect plan to make it in this industry. You just need to decide that staying stuck is no longer an option—and take the first step.


Whether you're brand new to acting or searching for your next breakthrough, I hope what you find here gives you the clarity, confidence, and craft to go after the career you know you’re meant for.


Let’s get you seen.


With love,

—Wendy

Contact Wendy

Our Approach

Great acting doesn’t start with fame or luck—it starts with truth.

Over the years, I’ve crafted a casting approach that doesn’t just prepare actors for auditions—it prepares them for the truth. 


Whether on screen, on stage, or in the room, I help performers tap into something real. I don’t teach tricks. I teach connection.


My style is motivating, honest, and no-nonsense. 


I get right to the heart of what’s holding you back so you can find what’s already inside you. 


I believe every actor has the ability to access deep emotion and live fully in the moment—but sometimes you need someone to challenge you in ways traditional classes won’t.


When we work together, that “aha” moment comes. Not because I hand you a formula—but because you’re finally ready to see what’s been there all along.


Ask anyone who’s been in one of my workshops—something shifts. Students walk away more self-aware, more emotionally available, and more in control of their craft. And the results speak for themselves.


I've had the honor of guiding some incredible talents—Michael K. Williams, Naturi Naughton, Nafessa Williams, Jamal “Gravy” Woolard, Quinton Aaron, and many more—as they stepped into roles that changed their lives.


Our work is rooted in the Chubbuck Technique, a method that turns real-life pain into power. It ’s about using personal experience to fight for a character’s goal, not to suffer—but to win.  


That’s what makes a performance real. Itś what books the job. 


Alongside Chubbuck, the studio draws from most respected acting philosophies in the business:


  • Ivana Chubbuck’s The Power of the Actor
    A practical, 12-step method that helps actors build complex, emotionally connected characters. It’s the studio’s go-to structure for creating compelling work.


  • Susan Batson’s Attention Must Be Paid
    A raw and powerful collection of monologues for African American women, combined with Batson’s emotionally charged technique. It's a favorite for helping actors tap into identity, truth, and vulnerability.


  • Greg Atkins’ IMPROV: A Handbook for the Actor
    Improvisation is key to staying present and authentic. This book provides hands-on tools to sharpen instincts, stay flexible, and trust the moment—skills that are woven into every session.


  • Eric Morris’s Freeing the Actor
    Before an actor can play a role truthfully, they have to confront and clear what’s in their way. Morris’s work helps break down internal blocks so that what shows up on screen or stage is real—not performed.


Every session blends scene work, improv, emotional access, and on-camera technique. The goal? To help actors bring their truth to the work, with craft and confidence. 


This is where actors come to grow, risk, and rise.


If you're ready to DIG DEEP, CONNECT, and GROW—I'm ready for YOU.


Let’s get to work!

Lets Connect

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