Lou Diamond Phillips

I have had the great pleasure of knowing Anthony Montes for over twenty years, having first seen him as an actor on stage. My respect and regard for him has only grown since that time as I have become close to him personally and have witnessed, first hand, the many facets and levels of his talent. After seeing him numerous times on the stage and having become familiar with his writing, most notably the screenplay “the cleaners,” which I attempted to produce, I asked Anthony to direct a staged reading of my original romantic comedy “Burning Desire.” The production was held as a fundraiser for Aids Project LA and was mounted at the Coronet Theater in Hollywood starring Noah Wyle, Brooke Shields, Swoosie Kurtz and myself. The production was hugely successful raising over fifty thousand dollars for the charity. Anthony’s capable and sensitive staging and direction of the production were a major factor in how well it was received. In addition, as the author of the piece, I was amazed and delighted by the intelligence and insight that Anthony brought to the production, illuminating deeper layers within my words and in my performance of them. It certainly should not have come as a surprise. I have also had the pleasure of sitting in and guest directing in Anthony Montes’s acting class. As anyone who is familiar with Anthony knows, he is fiercely and tirelessly committed to the Art of Acting. His knowledge and acumen extends far beyond the Meisner Technique and he brings all of his experience and insight into all things theatrical into the room for the benefit of his students. Moreover, Anthony has the sensitivity and ability to take his vast knowledge of the process and apply it specifically to the needs of the individual student, ever challenging but always supporting the journey of the actor, be they beginner or seasoned pro. His Passion for The Art is highly admirable, but it is his Compassion for his fellow Artists that truly make Anthony a unique and special mentor in a difficult, trying and deeply personal craft.

Much Respect and Many Blessings,

Most Liked Posts