Here’s what people say about Julianna
Julianna’s craft is masterful and succinct. She is patient, supportive and wickedly funny. With her depth of understanding of both the craft and the human mind, she creates a safe and productive sphere where the actor can take risks, make bold choices and find their voice as an artist. As a professional actor, I feel my imagination and understanding of the craft expanded to its fullest expression studying under Julianna. Both my current successes and willingness to take risks stem from our thoughtful and vulnerable work together.
-Isabelle E, BFA North Carolina School of the Arts, Transformers 3
“Working with Julianna is truly an honor and a pleasure. Julianna creates a safe rehearsal environment which empowers you to take risks, try new things and hone your connection to your character. She has an ability to pick material that highlights your strengths and challenges you to explore your range as an actor. I remember going into my college auditions feeling completely confident and prepared and was able to handle the unexpected prompts given to me because of the training I had done with Julianna. The cherry on top is that it’s so much fun to work with Julianna - she brings so much joy to the rehearsal room and ignites and validates your passion for acting.” -Mariel R, UCLA
“Julianna was my acting teacher and director while I was in high school. When it came time to audition for acting programs, Julianna graciously stepped in to help. She blocked and directed each monologue so that it would play like a complete piece. This gave me confidence, as I had marks to hit during each moment of my monologues, which kept me grounded in my emotional performance.
Julianna went above and beyond with things that other coaches wouldn’t have, like choosing which monologues suited me best as an actress, as well as finding a joke- yes, some colleges ask you to tell a joke- and picking an outfit that made me look and feel my best.
But Julianna did so much more than that. At a time when I felt scared and unsure of myself, she was someone I could turn to for support. As a teenager, you often feel completely disconnected from the adults around you, but with Julianna, I felt someone understood me and my dreams, and wanted me to succeed as badly as I did.
I decided on going to UCLA for dance. Julianna also helped me with my choreography, just to be sure I was using the space. After a year there I decided I couldn’t live without acting. So Julianna stepped in once again, even though I’m sure she had plenty of seniors to help. She helped me get into the University of Michigan’s Acting Department, where I graduated in 2014.
I am now a professional actor who makes my living writing, producing, and acting in films and television. I couldn’t have done any of it without Julianna Rees. She absolutely changed my life, and I’m eternally grateful.
Plus, without her, I’d probably be an insurance salesman... can you imagine?!”
- Emily Hanley, BFA University of Michigan
Julianna changed my life. I started working with her 10 years ago and I still rely on and treasure everything that she taught me about acting and being an artist. She truly helped me to find a deep love for the creative parts of myself that I didn’t even know about. She is intuitive, smart, playful, present, and she really knows how to meet actors wherever they’re at. The care and attention she puts into teaching and coaching is so inspiring and her love for the work is real. There is no one I would recommend more to an actor or artist looking to grow. Julianna is the best and if I could work with her every day, I would.
- Peter Malmquist, BA University of Pensylvania
“Julianna was an incredible inspiration as a coach, director, and teacher during my formative years as an actor. She has a terrific understanding of how to create a complete performance, and really taught me to enjoy the process. As a coach she also helped guide me into one of the UK's top conservatories. Her creative integrity, playful attitude, and practical style all continue to inform my professional and creative approach.”
-Rory Keane, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (Master’s in Classical Theatre); Oppenheimer, The Prize, Sneaky Pete; Commercial Actor; Barrow Group; NYC Fringe; Flea Theatre; Regional Theatre
“Julianna worked with me all throughout high school. Her compassion for her students is only matched by her brilliant coaching. Julianna got to know me - helped me find not just what I wanted in an acting training program but what I needed. She helped me pick monologues that had one school I auditioned for saying “WOW! I haven’t heard that one in years! Great choice!” Her kindness and innovation throughout the process helped me face the unease that comes with college auditions. She held me accountable - she knew when I wasn’t putting in my full effort, and called me on it - something not all coaches do. Julianna’s passion is infectious, and made me love acting more. Julianna Rees is the paragon of teaching. She is a role model, a bank of knowledge, and a friend for students. She is stern, but kind. She pushes, but guides. She expects the world from you, but helps you build it. I wouldn’t be the actor I am today if I hadn’t worked with Julianna.”
- Trevor Guyton, BFA Evansville; Williamstown Theatre Festival; Oregon Shakespeare Festival Play On! Series
