Michelle Danner is a renowned film and stage director, author, and acting coach with a passion for teaching and mentoring. Born with a strong work ethic, instilled by her father, Alexander Valdez, who opened the first William Morris Agency in Paris, France, Michelle has spent the last 27 years teaching acting to many A-list actors, including Henry Cavill, Gerard Butler, Abigail Breslin, and many others.
Michelle has worked extensively in Paris and New York, training with renowned acting coaches Stella Adler and Uta Hagen. She is the Founding Director of the Creative Center for the Arts, formerly known as the Edgemar Center for the Arts, which she raised $1.3 million to construct. Michelle has directed and acted in over thirty plays and musicals in New York and Los Angeles, including Tennessee Williams' The Rose Tattoo, which garnered critic picks and awards.
Michelle has directed several films, including How to Go Out on a Date in Queens, Hello Herman, The Bandit Hound, Sigueme, Bad Impulse, and The Runner. Her films have premiered at numerous film festivals and have won several awards, including Audience and Jury awards. Michelle is currently in development for her next projects, Love in Retrograde and The Italians.
Throughout her career, Michelle has been recognized for her expertise, including being voted the favorite acting coach by Backstage readers. She has been featured on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and has worked with many prominent actors and actresses. Michelle is a highly respected and accomplished director, coach, and artist in the film and theater industry.
