Actor Training • Audition Coach • Filmmaker • Humanitarian
Hey, I’m Michelle.
Mentoring for Actors Who Want to Work.
Your acting journey deserves a guide who’s been there.
You’re talented. You’re committed.
But sometimes, the industry feels like a maze.
You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.
Whether you’re chasing callbacks, feeling stuck in your growth, or just trying to find your truth in the scene, I’m here to guide you through it.
“Michelle doesn’t just help you get better—she helps you feel seen.”
Real Industry Experience. Real Results.
I’ve spent two decades in front of and behind the camera—auditioning, acting, directing, coaching, and working with actors just like you.
This isn’t about formulas. It’s about finding what’s real, what works, and what books.
Together, we will co-create:
Comprehensive acting package
Increased booking stats
Deeper emotional range
Confidence that sticks
Business acumen
Ready to Start?
Personalized Private 1-on-1
Weekly one-on-one private sessions give the actor personalized attention and a personalized strategy for moving their career forward.
Audition Coaching is available on a first come, first served basis.
Starting at $85 per hour or $225 for four one-hour sessions, Monday through Thursday.
🎬 Let’s Work Together
Book your first session today or join the next in-person workshop
Collaborative
Group in-person weekend classes are held bi-monthly in Albuquerque.
Group rates are available for Zoom sessions.
Available for live workshops, in-depth classes, and guest teaching for all ages.
Why these actors love working with Michelle
"Michelle has been incredible in helping our daughter expand her range as an actress Michelle has a unique ability to connect in such a way that my daughter feels both challenged and supported, allowing her to explore new techniques and grow in confidence."
Nancy Garcia
"Our authentic and natural insight helps me connect with my emotions, my character, and, most importantly, myself. I feel that I can take risks without feeling judge and your feedback is always creative and easy to understand.
In every lesson, you take the time to really understand where I am at, so that each lesson fits in with my goals and helps me prepare for any role that comes my way.
Thank you so much Michelle for your ongoing support, knowledge and understanding. You are the GOAT and appreciated so much more than you know.”
Gezel Bardossi
"I've had the privilege of studying with Michelle Tomlinson for over a decade. Her deep understanding and love for the craft combined with her tremendous support, and her personalized approach has guided me to navigate both my strengths and challenges as an actress. Each coaching lesson I take from Michelle is not only an opportunity to refine my skills as an actress, but also a chance to grow as a person inside and out. Her guidance has been invaluable to my growth as an actress and I will continue walking through my acting journey with the confidence she's instilled in me.."
Abigail Zoe Lewis
"In just a few words-she nails it. Whether it's an acting scene, script direction, or even offering that unexpected personal insight that leads to an "aha" moment, Michelle brings a rare gift to the table."
David Allen Lewis
"Michelle is a great coach, she is excellent at making you feel comfortable to work on your craft, her warmth, authentic and empathetic demeanor provides safety and encouragement for creativity and expression. She really goes above and beyond to provide knowledge and guidance for the skills of acting. From breaking down scripts, to working on the emotions, vulnerability and overall relationships of characters, she instills confidence in her students.
She is also great working with kids as she is patient, kind and affirming in her work with the youth."
Dalesha Smallwood
"My 15-year-old daughter Kayden Tokarski has had the honor of being coached by Michelle Tomlinson for the last five years. Michelle is an amazing, skilled and talented acting coach who has taught Kayden so many skills in all areas of the profession and has helped her book countless projects. In addition to being a wonderful acting coach, Michelle is an incredible mentor to Kayden.
She is also great working with kids as she is patient, kind and affirming in her work with the youth."
Kelly Tokarski
"Michelle's expertise and knowledge of the film industry is beyond comparison, she carefully guides you to becoming a better actor with such lesson she crafts for you. She focuses on your own unique skillset with unique precision to get the best our of you with every session."
Rob Estrada
"Michelle knows her craft and has a keen attention to detail that will help anyone improve their craft in a huge way. She is the true definition of a coach, she is a mentor, has a great way of communicating, and most importantly a great personality."
Alix Hogu
About Michelle
Hailing from New Mexico and Los Angeles, Michelle Tomlinson is an award-winning Actress, Acting Teacher, and Director.
Tomlinson loves working behind and in front of the camera. Tomlinson coaches actors from ages 6 to 80.
She is known for her personalized coaching that creates, guides, and strengthens every actor’s journey from the beginning through veteran talent.
PORTALES
This proof of concept teaser is about an artist regains her strength after a bad breakup with her much younger boyfriend. Love wins out when an old high school flame comes back to take over as the town's sheriff.
Filmmaker
Michelle Tomlinson is an award-winning director and filmmaker known for emotionally grounded, character-driven storytelling. With a background as an actor, she brings a collaborative, performance-forward approach to her work, crafting intimate narratives that rely on nuance, restraint, and human truth. Originally from New Mexico, Michelle works across narrative, documentary, and episodic formats, telling stories rooted in place, identity, and lived experience.
SOUL MATES
SOUL MATES is a short film that asks the question: If we were able to come back in our next life, would we recognize our soul mates?
DEEPLY SUPERFICIAL
DEEPLY SUPERFICIAL shares a day in the life of hopeless romantic Marc, as he maneuvers through a group of high maintenance friends, family, a date gone wrong and a precious pet pig who steals the show.
EDGE
Short film, EDGE, explores the importance of Indigenous language preservation through interviews with participants from several of the 19 Pueblos in the American Southwest.