"One of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had was being part of the Marin Actors Workshop taught by Terry McGovern. His knowledge of both dramatic literature and film is encyclopedic. I was in his class for over 6 years and  so appreciated the opportunity Terry gave me to dig deep and explore the human condition. Terry’s teaching was always positive and encouraging while being truthful and challenging. I would recommend Terry unequivocally to anyone interested in developing solid acting skills. Lynda S. - Mill Valley"

"Terence is a dedicated, skilled, and enthusiastic teacher.  As a student of his acting class, I observed him work with a wide skill level range and diverse identities.  Terence nimbly worked patiently with each student to create growth and open new choices.  I was immensely grateful to him for helping to push me through my own journey as I began to create the body of work I could be proud to call my own. Happy holidays! Elizabeth"

I have been an acting student in the Petaluma Actors Workshop under the direction of Terry McGovern for some time now. I can absolutely tell you that he is so fun to work with, not only his expertise in bringing the best out of you, his insight and inspiration always drive me to work hard to be the best I could be. His respect for the students and the craft create a very positive environment for learning. Terry would be an excellent addition to any acting workshop or facility where the craft is taught. Sincerely, David M.

I landed in Terry McGovern's class when I was looking for something to help me with anxiety and panic attacks!  In the course of one week I was immersed in practicing for a monologue and in several weeks collaborating with another classmate on a scene.  I was challenging my brain with lines, learning about behavior, having fun, and making friends. In the (over) 20 years that I have now known Terry, his passion for working with actors has never diminished.  There is always something to learn about the craft and Terry has an incredible ability to help every actor get further in their development. The changes one sees in people as they work on scenes are fast and meaningful. Molly M.--Petaluma

If you get a chance to learn with Terry, run (don't walk) to take advantage! I've worked with Terry for over fifteen years, and he knows just how to support and challenge the acting student of any age. Dr. Richard B.

Being a member of the Marin Actors Workshop was one of the greatest experiences of my life. From Terry I learned how to approach the work of character creation and storytelling in an organized manner.  Made lifelong friends there. Nan A., Point Richmond

I was a member of Terry’s Marin Actors’ Workshop for several years.  I loved the experience and unlocked potential I didn’t know I had. He was always fair with his critiques but didn’t hold back. That helped me grow as an actor. - Rich D. -- San Rafael

I had interest in acting but had no experience and figured taking a class might be too intimidating of an experience. It is quite the opposite when enrolled in Terry’s workshop. Terry is an amazing teacher with the ability to work with a wide array of students — his style is encouraging, honest, clear, respectful, super interesting and effective!!! —Renee S. -- San Rafael

Terry has a unique teaching style that we enjoyed very much. Students at all levels were welcome, including active actors. We were beginners, but he didn't teach down to us. The class covered different acting categories, including scripted, self-scripted, improvisation, Shakespeare, musicals, and more. He recommended invaluable reading materials, and encouraged us to watch and attend relevant plays.  Terry started classes with lessons and stories. As each student or group performed, he would critique the performance so that we all learned from each other. He had an instinct for when to praise and when to offer constructive feedback. Performances were taped and students had access to the videos, an invaluable part of the learning process.  Terry was generous with his time, and regularly extended hospitality for extra lessons at his home. He is a good human being, something that sets apart a good teacher from a mediocre one. We strongly recommend Terry to students, and for any role or partnership you may consider him for.  Sincerely,  Steve G.

It is my pleasure to recommend Terry McGovern for a teaching position at your school. I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and also being a student of his. During our time together I’ve seen him be extremely organized and collaborative plus professional. i’ve seen him consistently seek ways to enhance his student’s performance. He has a deep passion for education and a unwavering commitment to his students. That is why I am recommending him for the job. Sincerely, Toni P.-- RN

Terry gave me confidence with kind and positive encouragement. His teaching led directly to my landing an agent. Definitely check out his classes. Steve F.--Santa Rosa

I would absolutely and without hesitation recommend acting students study with Terry McGovern, and I will always be grateful to him for getting me started on what has become an immensely satisfying second career.   Cheers, Stacey J. A., PhD--Fairfax

Thank you for changing my life with your valuable instruction and dedicated work at the Marin Actors Workshop... I miss you and think of you and the hilarious times we had with gratitude and affection....what can I say ? You rock ! Barbara B.--New York, NY

I am grateful for what I have learned during my time with this master teacher. The lessons have made me a better actor, certainly, while also challenging me to be a more expressive and thoughtful human. Robert H.

Because he is kind and one of the best storytellers you’ll ever meet, any room of students, at any level, would appreciate Terry McGovern. They’re lucky to have him!  Jena H. from Los Angeles

Terry McGovern  greatly improved my skill as an actor in the 5 years I attended his workshop. I would recommend him to anyone who loves theater. His talent for coaching draws out best efforts from his students. James C.

I have had the pleasure of attending Terry's acting classes for a number of years.  He has an amazing ability to see what each student needs to thrive and manages to bring out the best in all of us.  His passion for his craft inspires all of us to want to take risks, push ourselves and be the actors we strive to be.  Can not recommend Terry as a teacher enough. Thanks Terry for being the acting teacher you are! Julie

I became a student of Terry's in May, 2024. I have enjoyed attending local theater productions for decades, but I had no previous acting experience and I have probably only attended 20 to 25 of his classes. As a rank beginner I have learned so much from him already about the world of theater and acting. The thing that stands out the most for me about his teaching approach is him asking the student to critique what the student just performed before he gives his analysis and suggestions. He has made me really drill down into self-observation and objectivity which allows me to understand and take in his critique. I hope this brief description of my experience of Terry as a teacher will be helpful to you. Sincerely, Karen H.

Terry McGovern has been very influential in dozens (or hundreds) of people’s lives including mine. For eight years I attended his Marin Actor’s Workshop and followed him up to Petaluma to improve my skills even more. Since meeting Terry I have performed in 15 plays throughout the north bay as well as a dozen student films. He is professional, committed and excited to show his acting students “the way” to better performance and indeed, a better life. I can’t think of a finer, better qualified acting teacher than he. Richard K.

I want to give anyone interested in Terry McGovern’s acting classes my strongest encouragement. I studied with Terry for 5 years and grew enormously as an actor and writer. Even without pursuing a professional career, with great skill he helped enhance my communication skills in all my endeavors.  Thanks  Jim F - Laginitas, ca

Terry McGovern’s decades of exceptional skill, dedication, and passion for the craft of acting and has had a significant impact on my growth as an actor.   Terry creates a supportive, engaging, and challenging environment in which students can explore and develop their technique in the craft. Terry has a keen eye for detail and provides thoughtful, constructive notes that have allowed me to deepen my understanding of the art form.   I am confident that anyone who has the opportunity to learn from Terry will benefit greatly from his expertise and enthusiasm.   I wholeheartedly recommend Terry McGovern to you and anyone who is interested in breaking into the world of acting..    Sincerely,   Gabriela C.

Terry is a wonderful director and teacher. Supportive, nurturing, and inspiring. He helped me to see the humanity in the character and to portray that character in a way that feels real and compelling. And off the stage a good human that I want to spend time with. Do not hesitate to glean everything you can from this director and teacher. Erik B.-- San Francisco

Terry gave me the sense that I could let go of any fear and replace it with genuine confidence. I have taken classes with him for 12 years and continue to recommend his classes to many friends. His critiques were a thing of beauty because he pointed out things that I would have never noticed. Terry often states in his classes, “We’re here to learn acting skills, but ultimately, we are here to become better people.”  Truly a Masterful Teacher! --Craig C.-- San Rafael

He always goes above and beyond his call of duty to get the most out of his actors.His patience and attention to detail is what puts him above any all other acting teachers. His quick wit in open mind,makes it very enjoyable and easy to work with. It’s always an honor to work with Terrence McGovern, and I know by hiring him you will be honored too. There’s nobody better qualified for the job. Bobby G.

Marin Actors Workshop is real acting for real people. Where else do you get a chance to play any character you want and be on a real stage? Terry is a wonderful teacher who knows how to bring out the actor in all of us. Cheers, Aude F.

Having studied with Sandy Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse in NYC I was happy to continue learning my craft by attending Terry McGovern's weekly Marin Actors Workshops which I did for over a decade.  Terry taught me to consider the pre-life of a character, consider how they might walk and talk and cope with any afflictions they might have.  I came to trust that with the focus on telling the writer's story one can put ego and nerves aside and become a vehicle. The confidence I gained even helped me speak publicly before a large audience at a Memorial. Terry was generous, always kind and supportive, great fun, energetic, and a fount of knowledge re screen and stage. I  miss the classes which were a hugely important part of my life and where I made some good friends. Highly recommended. Love Zara J.

I left corporate America for a professional independent life with the goal of pursuing multiple sources of income.  Some people said I had a nice voice.  I had heard that Terry McGovern was teaching a voice over class at the College of Marin.  I took his class and realized that he could help me in my goal to make money in voice over.  He told me that it was “voice ACTING” and that I needed to take his acting class.  He was right and I did.  Learning in Terry’s class (for 4-5 years) was one of the best experiences in my life.  He taught me things that I had not known and helped me grow into a decent actor (and a wiser man).  Terry was integral in helping me acquire a talent agent from Stars, The Agency.  Because of Terry, I achieved my goal of making money (six figures) as an actor and voice actor and more importantly, I learned and experienced what the acting profession and industry (and even community theater) has to offer.  It was all because of Terry McGovern and his skill as a teacher and mentor.  For anybody who wants to learn acting and voice over from the best then Terry is your man and teacher.  He is my teacher.  I am forever in his debt.  Thank you Terry!!    Scott W

For over two years, I studied under the direction of my Acting Teacher, Terry McGovern, at the Marin Actors Workshop. My acting skills improved in that Terry guided me in various methods on how to perform with authenticity, confidence and ease with physical movement. He assisted me in how to draw from my emotions and translate it to the character I was playing on the stage. Terry has a way of critiquing that was direct, thorough and practical. He made me feel safe in his presence which aided in my wanting to jump out and try new methods. Because of his classes, I went on to directing my own productions and one-man shows with other writers and actors in Sonoma/Marin County. Terry provides a safe, fun, inspiring atmosphere in his classes. I highly recommend him. -Nancy Long/House/Box Office Manager of Cinnabar Theater