JOHN RUSKIN - Founder / Director

After graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder, John Ruskin studied with the Yale School of Drama and the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England.

He returned to New York, where he studied under Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and then on the West Indian island of Bequia. At Meisner's request, John became his apprentice and joined the acting faculty of The Neighborhood Playhouse, where he taught under Meisner's direction.

In 1986, while still teaching at The Neighborhood Playhouse, John founded his school of acting in Santa Monica, California. He now resides in Los Angeles full time, teaching the two-year program in The Meisner Technique. In addition, he founded and is Artistic Director of the Ruskin Group Theatre, a theatre company whose members are composed primarily of graduates from The Ruskin School and The Neighborhood Playhouse.

MICHAEL LAURIE - Acting Faculty

Born on the South Coast of England and classically trained by Vivianne Guignard of R.A.D.A, Michael Laurie is also a graduate of The London School of Singing and toured the UK on the Variety Club Circuit as one half of the comedy duo "Scott Free". Michael had a recurring role on TVS in "Gentlemen & Players" and wrote/hosted "Tattoo". In the late 80's Laurie relocated to the United Sates and over the next 11 years appeared as a Stand-up in some of this countries top Comedy Clubs. Laurie is also a graduate of The Actors Institute, NYC and The Ruskin School in Santa Monica class of 2002 after studying the Meisner technique. A founding member of the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica, Michael is also a creator/producer/director of The LA Café Plays. Michael Laurie's numerous theatre credits include: The Fir Tree, Mitigating Factors, Career, The Unsinkable Titanic, Androcles and the Lion, The King and I, Dial M for Murder. Film and Television credits include: Starwatch, Perish The Thought, Mystery ER, Diagnosis X and, Super Kids and Dad.