MEET OUR FACULTY
Photo credit: David Ballard
Matthew Corozine
teaches NYC, Miami, and Zoom classes
Matt as Ned Weeks in Larry Kramer’s THE NORMAL HEART with Tom Berklund and Jordan Roth
Matthew Corozine is celebrating 25 Years of creating Matthew Corozine Studio Theatre Inc. (MCS). With a vision for an artistic community for artists to build their craft with honor and integrity, Matthew has become one of New York City’s leading Meisner based acting coaches. The space created by Corozine within his studio community, inspires and encourages students to get out of their way to build a meaningful life with art.
From acting careers on national television and Broadway to producing to writing original work for theatre and film to using their art as activism, Matthew’s students have taken the transformational MCS work to become leaders across all artistic platforms.
Matthew was officially nominated for a 2015 and 2018 EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE EDUCATION TONY AWARD®. He has a BA in Theatre Arts (concentration in Acting and Directing) from SUNY at New Paltz, and continued his training in the Meisner Technique with the late great, Robert X. Modica at Carnegie Hall Studios in NYC. As an actor, he has appeared in commercials, NYC theatre productions, national tours, and independent films. His most recent credit is directing and acting in Messy Stars Productions' "Filling the Void".
In January 2022, Matthew became a published author with his book "If Survived 7th Grade, You Can Be An Actor".
Matthew just starred as the iconic Ned Weeks in Larry Kramer’s THE NORMAL HEART, (with Tony winners Randy Graff, Jordan Roth, Larry Rogowsky and many MCS Actors) in a full out, staged reading at the LGBT center (on their 40th anniversary) on World AIDS Day December 1, 2023 produced by Broadway for Arts Education.
Already with an established student base in NYC and Washington DC (in person) and internationally (via online coaching), MCS has expanded to Miami in September 2021 and currently has sold out classes there. Over the years, Matthew has coached actors and performers on Broadway, TV, Film, including platinum-selling America’s Got Talent finalist, Jackie Evancho. Most recently, Matthew directed Nick Payne’s play “Constellations,” at MCS (produced under the AEA mini contract.) Also, Matthew directed the original show “Going Through Life With No Direction” at 54 Below (NYC), produced by Alicia Keys.
In addition to coaching at MCS, Matthew has coached on MTV's Emmy Award Winning "Made," taught acting at American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC) and acting and improvisation at SUNY Purchase. He has been a guest artist teaching master classes in Meisner at his alma mater SUNY New Paltz, SOHO House (NYC, Miami), The Standard (Miami), SAG-AFTRA (NYC), The King's College (NYC), Slippery Rock University (Pittsburgh, PA), Texarts (Austin, Texas), TREMBLE athletic club (Miami), Hudson Valley Improv, Actors Connection (NYC), The Network (NYC), Northwestern College (Iowa), The Danish National School of Performing Arts (Denmark), Northlands School (an Argentinian exchange program in NYC), the Young Elected Official Women’s Leadership Conference, Ultimate Paris Summer Arts, and FEST (Frankfurt English Speaking Theatre) for 2 sold out masterclasses in Frankfurt, Germany. Matthew has coached entrepreneurs and such brands as Barry’s Bootcamp, Bacardi, Soho House (NYC, Miami, LA), The Standard, in mindset and transforming limited beliefs to be more expressive, self-aware, and make an impact.
Some of Matthew's favorite directing credits include FringeNYC (THE BOYS UPSTAIRS and MISS KIM) the NYC and LA premieres Susan E. Isaac’s ANGRY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD, based on her spiritual memoir, and Terria Joseph's original one-woman show GOING THROUGH LIFE WITH NO DIRECTION (produced by Alicia Keys at 54 Below). Some of Matthew's favorite producing credits include the NYC premiere of Halley Feiffer’s ITS JUST WEIRD NOW and Lia Romeo’s GREEN WHALES, as well as MCS co-productions of ALMOST MAINE, THE WAY WE GET BY, DOG SEES GOD, and The Shrill Collective’s productions of DRY LAND, and the original piece, “FIRSTS.”
Matthew has recently published his first book: "If You Survived 7th Grade, You Can Be an Actor: Applying the Meisner Technique to Get Outta Your Head in Acting and in Life". He has held book signings at the Drama Book Shop and Soho House NYC and Miami.
Matthew Corozine currently resides in Miami and NYC with his partner, Alain.
NYC INSTRUCTOR
Ryan has trained and has been working with MCS since 2001. He has assisted on many MCS studio projects and shows and eventually started teaching the MCS’ Meisner method with Matthew in 2003. Former classes taught at MCS include a preteen class as well as a writer’s workshop. Ryan has also taught and directed preteens at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) and also teaches Special Education in the NYC public school system.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre at the New School University. He has a Master’s in Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir at CUNY’s Graduate Center. Many of his poems and theatrical works have been work-shopped and performed at MCS. Ryan co-wrote and performed in the critically acclaimed MISS KIM, THE PLAY which was produced through MCS and fringeNYC in 2010 and was reprised 2012 at 45th Theatre.
Ryan Tofil
MIAMI ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Ben Gleichauf
Ben has spent over a decade studying, teaching and utilizing the Meisner acting technique and strongly believes in its power to inspire, unlock, and advance artists in every genre from beginning to advanced levels. Ben received his BFA in Musical Theatre and BA in Dance from the University of California, Irvine and his Masters in Educational Theatre from The City College of New York (CUNY). He is the current Fine/Performing Arts Department head and theatre teacher/director at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in southern Florida. Recent directorial projects include Mamma Mia!, Dracula and Chicago. An accomplished performer, Ben has been seen on the national tours of Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, The Anaheim Ballet as well as with Disney Cruise Line (Mainstage Performer). Off-broadway/NYC credits include Red Hot and Blue (Theatre Row), 4@15 (York), and Mr. Marmalade (MCS). Regional Credits include West Side Story (5 times throughout the country), Cats, Wedding Singer, Chicago and Guys and Dolls among many others. Ben also spent two summers performing at the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Proud Actors Equity member.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Trevor Markanovic
Studio Administrator, Creative Director, & Assistant to Mr. Corozine
Born and raised in northeast Ohio, Trevor fled to New York City to pursue a career in acting and writing. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from John Carroll University and has studied at MCS since July 2018. He is also an active member of the MCS Writers’ Block writing group through which he has completed several projects. Trevor is excited to give back to the studio that gave him his start in the world of acting.
Assistant Teacher to Matthew Corozine
Shaina Vencel
Shaina Vencel hails from Rust Belt Ohio and has been living and working as a professional actor in New York City for over 18 years. She began her training with Matthew Corozine Studio in 2013, studying the Meisner technique under Matthew’s guidance, and has remained an active member of the MCS community ever since.
Shaina holds a Bachelor of Music with a minor in Theatre from Kent State University and is an alum of the Atlantic Acting School Summer Intensive. A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, she has performed internationally in professional theatre productions, tours, commercials, television, cruise entertainment, on audiobooks and animation voiceovers, and for The Walt Disney Company, both on land and at sea. In 2021, Shaina received a BroadwayWorld Regional Award for Best Actor in a Musical for her portrayal of Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Other favorite stage credits include Fantine in Les Misérables (WVPT), Rosina in A Bronx Tale (The Engeman), and Daisy in The Great Gatsby (Ozark Actors Theatre). Shaina is also proud member of the vocal trio America’s Sweethearts and The Manhattan Holiday Carolers, and her voice can be heard on studio recordings for cruise lines and theme parks around the world.
Most recently, she directed the third MCS “Flesh It Out Friday” production, Barefoot in the Park, and looks forward to continuing to create meaningful opportunities for students to perform and put their training into practice. She is grateful to Matthew and MCS, and is thrilled to join the team and continue the work of teaching and inspiring other actors to embrace living truthfully and fully in their art and lives.
NYC Studio Assistant
David Ballard
David Ballard (BMG New York) holds a BA in Theater Studies with a minor in ASL from Emerson College in Boston. A multi-hyphenate theater artist, he sings, acts, dances, writes songs, plays flute, does lighting and sound, takes headshots, and more! He has performed at Carnegie Hall three times as a member of the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus, created and performed two solo cabaret shows, played flute with the Big Apple Corps Symphonic Wind Ensemble, studied songwriting in the BMI Musical Theater Writers Workshop, studied stand-up comedy with the great Rick Crom, and most recently has been a dedicated student at MCS since February of 2022.
NYC Studio Assistant
Maya Mills
Maya Mills is a NYC based actor and creative whose friends are getting tired of her preaching the true creative home that is MCS Studios. Born and raised in San Francisco, Maya recently graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a BM in Musical Theatre and has since been performing in NYC and regionally, and working to build creative community, a task made far less daunting by the guidance and coaching of Matthew Corozine and the open arms of everyone at MCS Studios. Some of her favorite Credits include Yvonne in Sunday in the Park with George, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and Elaine in One Way. She intends to perform and create theatre all her life, with the hopes of using the art form to make people feel seen and cared for, to better understand herself and the world around her, and to cultivate compassion and community. mayamillls.com
April Magen
NYC Studio Assistant
April Magen was instrumental in coordinating MCS' expansion to Miami, including securing our location for in-person classes, and spreading the word to the Miami arts community. She now joins us in NYC!
April began her career as a principal dancer with the acclaimed Donald Byrd/The Group in New York City in 1990, after receiving her BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since 2016, April has been the Director of Global Partnerships at Design Miami, overseeing both fairs in Basel, Switzerland, and Miami, Florida. Prior, she was the Director and Co-Owner of Magen H Gallery in New York City exhibiting Post-war French decorative art, sculpture, and ceramics for over ten years. During her time at the gallery, She produced the acclaimed publications: Art et Industrie: A New York Movement and La Borne 1940-1980: A postwar movement of ceramic expression in France. She has been a student of Matthew Corozine since 2002 and is excited to be a part of MCS’s expansion to Miami in 2021.
Joshua Carandang
NYC Work Study
Joshua Carandang is an actor/musician currently based in Brooklyn. He was most recently seen in Larry the Musical: an American Journey which completed a sold-out run at the Brava Theater in San Francisco. He is passionate about championing diversity in all spaces and bolstering marginalized voices. "Art is always and everywhere the secret confession, and at the same time the immortal movement of its time."
Laura Argo
Miami Assistant Teacher for Thursday Nights
Laura Argo joined the MCS family in 2022 and is honored to contribute to the growth of this unique and powerful program, which has become an essential part of Miami’s vibrant artistic community. With decades of education and experience in the performing arts, Laura brings a rich and diverse background to her role, along with over 10 years of teaching experience across multiple disciplines. As a working actor in South Florida, she has had the privilege of performing with acclaimed companies such as Island City Stage, New City Players, City Theatre, and Main Street Players, deepening her connection to the local theatre scene.
Under the guidance of Matt, Ben, and April, Laura has experienced firsthand the transformative power of the Meisner technique, not only in her craft as an actor but in her personal growth as well. The depth, honesty, and emotional truth that Meisner training cultivates have profoundly impacted her life, and she is thrilled to share this work with fellow artists who are seeking authenticity and connection in their creative journeys.
Stan Hristakev
Miami Assistant Teacher for Monday Nights
“The biggest rewards come from taking a leap of faith.”
That was for me MCS Miami and the Meisner Technique.
It only takes one bold step to change your life. Living in Naples never stopped me from making the commute every week, be present at the studio and do the work. It is the choice we make and the price we are ready to pay.
If I say it is just Acting, I would lie to you. It is way more than that but I will let you define it for yourself.
It is the one medicine everyone needs in life to taste ‘the difference’ we all crave for.
Grab the pen and continue your story.
Joscar Poerschke
Miami Studio Assistant
Joscar Poerschke is a Miami based actor and musician whose work spans theater, television, and film. He was part of the cast ensemble of El Sueño de Marti a Spanish musical by Pedro Roman at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium in 2008, and more recently he co-produced the 48-Hour Playfest at MCS Miami in 2024 and 2025. He appeared in the Miami-One Acts Winter Session 24 and has also worked on screen in Showtime’s Dexter: Origins and the feature film Rock of Ages.
Joscar is also a classically trained concert pianist and composer and has traveled throughout the United States and Canada performing his music at such venues as The House of the Temple in Washington D.C. and the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando, Florida. In addition to performing, he has taught music for many years, inspiring students to discover confidence, creativity, and expression through sound.
Since 2023, Joscar has trained under Matt, April, and Ben at MCS Miami, where he continues to explore the depth and honesty of the Meisner technique. With a background in both acting and music, he is passionate about authentic emotional connection and the rhythm of truthful performances. As part of the MCS team, Joscar is excited to help foster an environment of collaboration and artistic growth within Miami’s thriving creative community.
Social Media Manager
Ali Basalyga
Ali is from Scranton, PA. She discovered her love for the theatre after dancing for many years and hasn't looked back since. Favorite roles include The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily Cardew), Leveling Up (Jeannie), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Schwartzy).