“Dear fellow explorer, this website describes Julia as an editor, media coach, actor/director, teacher, and author. It leaves out spirit guide, confidant and magician.
To anyone looking to discover and release their creative self, Julia knows how to create a safe place in which you will explore together to find your gift. If it’s in you Julia will serve up your soul to you on a crystal tray. Julia McNeal is a joy to work with and a pleasure to recommend.
I was trained as a businessman to appreciate value, or return on investment. You won’t make a better investment of time or money in yourself. Julia’s a steal!”
– Matt Guerrieri – Five Ways In Student and Coaching Client
“Julia’s Ways In is a brilliant and original set of techniques for exploring and deepening characters which go way beyond what writers usually learn and practice. A wonderful opportunity to learn from an accomplished actress how to access the often elusive essence of characters and what makes them tick. One of my key takeaways was the importance of being connected with one’s body and surroundings when creating or developing a character. Julia is a passionate and stimulating teacher and her classes crack open new insights and perspectives for writers committed to creating characters that are fully alive.”
– Valerie Collins, Five Ways In to Character student
“Julia is that rare combination of an accomplished talented performer and someone who can communicate and teach those skills. I have seen Julia deliver those transporting and transcendent moments on stage we call the “magic of theater”.
Teaching is an art in and of itself and while many are wonderful at executing their own craft they do not possess the secret sauce of effectively communicating and drawing those skills out of others. Julia has both and that brings not only the richness and depth of her own embodiment and experience but also practicality and a door into execution which is accessible. She takes you step by step over the bridge into internalizing and mastering a new grip on performance skills regardless if you be a newbie or a seasoned veteran.
Julia brings two rare qualities to her coaching and teaching: BIG HEART-BIG MIND.
She is a master of deep listening. She brings a penetrating intellect, receptive awareness and keen wit to bear on each person’s unique learning curve and circumstances.
She is a “heart person” at core, loving and innately empathetic and brings this elixir into the dynamic which fuels and informs each session.
I guarantee you once you get Julia involved in your project you will get 500% unqualified support in every way. Not only will you get tangible skills and incredible growth as a performer but you will have someone you can count on without reservation to be in your corner.
She brings a dynamic creativity to problem solving and will work with you and your piece in a targeted way which is tailored to what you need leavened with fresh perspectives and alternative solutions. The added bonus to all this: Julia has an endless sense of humor!
Julia is deeply loved and respected by the larger Bay Area theater and solo performance community.”
– Shelley Campbell
“Innovative, knowledgable,