Substitute Teachers
Substitute Teachers
John Griffin is an actor, writer, producer, and acting coach. After graduating from Stanford University, he quickly found success in commercials, and has become a popular recurring and guest star hire, booking over 50 episodes of primetime television. He also sold his own scripted episodic drama to Lionsgate Television. On film, he’s worked for acclaimed directors such as Clint Eastwood in Jersey Boys, Paul Weitz in American Dreamz, and Scott Stewart in Priest.
On stage, John has starred opposite Tony winners Tyne Daly and John Glover, and Oscar winners Richard Dreyfuss and Martin Landau. He also originated the role of “Jason” in the world premiere of the iconic pop opera, BARE. Nominated for the Ovation Award for that performance, he reprised the role in the first Off-Broadway workshop. Also in NY, John was directed by Tony Award nominee Milton Katselas in The Secret Order, opposite Eli Wallach.
John studied with Mr. Katselas for over 10 years, and was one of an elite few chosen to participate in Milton’s teacher training program. After Milton’s death, John went to study with Jocelyn Jones, and now teaches with Ms. Jones at The Jocelyn Jones Studio. He also enjoys great success as a private audition coach — after taping with John, his clients have booked series regular roles, a ton of recurring roles, studio features, and a slew of guest star appearances.
Gina Hecht
Gina Hecht is a master of her craft. With 46 episodes on the runaway hit series Mork & Mindy with Robin Williams to her credit, Gina’s storied career encompasses another 140 episodes of network television, which includes series regular roles on DAVE, Hizzonner, and Everything’s Relative — and recurring roles in more than a dozen series, such as Glee, Hung, ER, The District, General Hospital, and Life Goes On. Her notable film credits include Seven Pounds, Night Shift, and St. Elmo’s Fire.
On stage, Gina starred in the world premiere of Wrestlers with Mark Harmon, George Clooney, and Bryan Cranston, as well as productions of Circle of Will and Night Owls, all of which garnered her L.A. Weekly and Drama-Logue awards for Outstanding Actress. She also worked opposite best pal, Jason Alexander, in The Prisoner of Second Avenue, in several episodes of Seinfeld as George’s therapist, and starred in Broadway Bound, which Jason directed for the Odyssey Theatre.
Gina is a Guest Artist at USC for the elite Pop Singer Program, providing invaluable acting advice for young singers. She is also thrilled to be part of The Jocelyn Jones Studio teaching team, sharing her experience plus what she learned from Milton Katselas, whom she studied with for more than 2 decades.