“As a military veteran, I’m keen on sensing any (I’ll keep it clean) foolishness. Dominick LaRuffa Jr. is a man who puts up with none of it. I have found that it’s very rare to find people in the realm of show business that not only truly want you to win in this competitive bloodbath, but also 100% honest in their personal and technical points of view. He doesn’t budge on the truth and his principles. To me, that is a trait of a natural born leader. Dom has invited me to shift out of the “Oh, they’re bound to pick me some day” mindset, to the “Oh, hey. I’m Kevin, Multi-hyphenate, stand by for my art” mentality; and I can honestly say I love it so much better on this side. The dedication and infectious optimism he radiates when he collaborates reminds me that I am certainly not my survival job and quickly reminds me why I’m really on this Earth. Dominick is a class act and I’m blessed to know him.”
Kevin Lino,Actor-Playwright-Screenwriter | United States Navy Veteran
Newark, NJ
“As a United States Marine Corps veteran and a graduate of the Lee Strasberg Institute, I can confidently say that no training has impacted me the way working with Dominick LaRuffa Jr. has. In just a few months, I’ve learned more than I did in years of previous training—not only about acting, but also about myself. Dominick doesn’t just teach; he understands who you are, what you stand for, and where you want to go. He pushes you to your limits, builds your confidence, and challenges you to be the best version of yourself.
I’m not sure where I’d be without him, but I do know that crossing paths with Dom and joining Blue Collar Artist Studio was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. His entire team is phenomenal, and I truly believe he has the ability to change lives, especially for veterans like me. If you’re serious about acting and looking for real growth—not just in your craft but as a person—this is the place to be.”
Dylan Nacarelli, Actor | United States Marine Corps Veteran
Manhattan, NYC
“Leaving the Military and private security sector after 10 years of dedicated service to this country and a for the Entertainment Business was a leap of faith in astronomical proportions, without Dominick LaRuffa and Blue Collar Artist Studio to help me make this transition I'm not sure where I would be now. I know i certainly wouldn’t have the confidence walking into auditions, shoots and sets that I do today. During my time as a student of Blue Collar Artist Studio I’ve gained experience, knowledge, and skills within the entertainment industry that I've found no where else. Dom and his team have fundamentally changed the direction of my life within this industry and I truly feel like at ease making the transition from Military to Entertainment. Dom’s team is first in their class, active and capable hitters in their fields within this industry. From Writers, Producers, Coaches, and even Therapists, Blue Collar Studios truly has what any Veteran would need to safely make a transition into the Arts. Knowing I have Dom and BCAS at my back, me and my fiancé and family have a lot more ease during this time in our lives. Without this wonderful Studio and its people I shutter to think that I might’ve become a starving artist following a pipe dream. But today I feel like a blanket of security and assurance has been laid over me. Truly, from the bottom of my heart (and my wife’s) thank you Dom. We look forward to many more years exploring everything Blue Collar Artist Studio has to offer and a bright future within this industry!
With love and appreciation and all our support for this Studio and its wonderful work for Veterans in the Arts community.”
Anthony Hill, Actor | United States Coast Guard Veteran
Manhattan, NYC
“Working with Dominick and Blue Collar Artist Studio has first and foremost encouraged me to strive towards becoming a better person every day. My work as an artist has improved beyond what I could have ever imagined as a result of that encouragement.
I began working with Dominick on the precipice of one of the most confusing, exciting, and uncertain times in my life: college graduation. As a student, I pushed myself to be as successful on paper as possible, even if it came at the expense of my health and well-being. When I began my training as an actor, I initially tried approaching it the same way: hyper-analyzing scripts, spending hours on character development, and being frustrated with myself when my work wasn’t “perfect.”
Dominick has not only given me the tools and technique to work more efficiently as an actor, but he has taught and continues to teach me how to balance being an artist with being a person. He leads by example, and has empowered me to embrace the different parts of my life throughout my creative endeavors instead of tirelessly striving for “perfection.” In doing so, Dominick has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in a way that has made me love acting even more, and has (more importantly) inspired me to challenge myself and make bold choices in my personal life. I started working with Dominick to become a better artist, but I continue to work with him to become a better person.”
Anja Vasa, Actress & Model
New York, NY
“I'm the type of person that always wants to push myself. Be a better person than I was the day before and be one day further into being a better actor. I always want to improve my craft and constantly reach that new level I know I can achieve. When I was feeling stuck in my career (as I suspect most artists occasionally are from time to time), I wanted to find a coach who was truly authentic, honest, and didn't hold back about their thoughts when it came to my acting. I always want to improve my craft and always push myself to that next level that I know I can achieve.
Dominick checked off all of these boxes, where his notes have even helped me in my personal life, which ultimately reflects my career in acting and writing. He sees that ability in you and makes sure you tap into it and reach it. You'll feel the difference, and everyone is able to see that person that you want to be. He is straight to the point, honest, and supportive of whatever milestone you hit — even the smaller ones or ones that pertain to your career at all.
With a few projects to pitch, I tend to be all over the place. His feedback is not only impeccable, but can be used for any project I work on — and I mean the actual feedback that writers and actors need to hear, not just the "good job, Sam!" I mean the truly nitty gritty feedback that makes you think and pushes you to challenge yourself, break out of your comfort zone, and hone in on discipline and perseverance that every creative needs.
Never have I felt so confident with an acting coach in the city. Although the future is never certain, and nothing is promised in life, he helps you find a way to make sure your work as a creative is always a priority. He helped me solidify my decision to continue being a creative and helped me take on new tasks I didn't know I was capable of.
If you need to push yourself to find yourself, Dominick is your guy. He'll push you and cheer you on as you find your way in life.”
Samantha Gegor, Actor Animator & Screenwriter
East Harlem, NYC
“I met Dominick in the spring of 2024. I’m originally from a small river town just outside of St. Louis, and I had only been living in New York for a year when I discovered Blue Collar Artist Studio. From the moment we connected, I felt like I had met someone who truly saw me—not just as a person, but as an artist with something real to say.
Dominick has this rare ability to see beyond where you are and into where you could be. He saw the artist in me even when I was still finding my footing, and he’s been instrumental in helping me refine my craft, sharpen my instincts, and grow into my voice. His coaching is deeply intuitive, intensely focused, and always grounded in a fierce love for the work.
He has such a deep and passionate understanding of the business, and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything—which is one of the things I respect most about him. He’ll push you right to the edge of your comfort zone (and sometimes beyond it), but he never lets you fall. He’s there, always, with a safety net made of truth, integrity, and belief in your potential.
Working with Dominick has been one of the most transformative experiences of my artistic life. I’ve never felt more challenged, more supported, or more certain that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Margaret Sommerhof, Actor & Creative
Hells Kitchen, NY
“In the past few months Mr. LaRuffa has been working with me as script consultant on my latest full-length play. We take as much time as is necessary and review every line, punctuation mark, go scene-by-scene and from time to time . . . Come up for air to look again at the overall structure and flow of the play.
The play is now better in several ways. The characters voices are more distinct. Their characterizations have been more fully fleshed out. The pacing is far better both in terms of overall play and scene structure.
It’s been an educational joy working with Dominick, wise beyond his years.”
-Tim Woods, Playwright
Santa Cruz, CA
“In January 2025, I had just quit my job to build a career in entertainment. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, I just knew that I wanted to. Dominick offered to take me under his Blue Collar wing, and looking back, it’s the best decision I could have made.
From the beginning, he’s seen a level of ability in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself, and he’s held me to that standard ever since. He’s not just a believer in what you can do onstage and on screen, but also in what you’re capable of in life. In fact, he makes it clear that the two are deeply connected.
Working with Dominick has boosted my confidence, both in my craft and in myself. He’ll challenge you to face what’s holding you back, not just as an actor, but as a person. And then he’ll encourage you to face both, directly and honestly. He holds your feet to the fire in a way that is demanding but deeply supportive. He helps you accomplish things you might not have believed were possible for yourself.
If you’re willing to invest in yourself, he will invest in you, fully and without hesitation.”
-Ahmir Andrews, Actor
Yonkers, NY
“I’m a NYC based playwright with a play, "St. Anthony's Bread", that was workshopped and professionally read with very strong audience response. Then the theater killing pandemic stopped everything. In my renewed search for creative producers, I was led to Dominick LaRuffa. I heard him on the podcast “Cocktails at Table 7 - Inside NYC’s Joe Allen” and knew immediately he was a genuine theater person who could offer knowledgeable insight for my play. Arranging a virtual meeting was quick and easy and his unique perspective as both actor and producer makes him an extremely perceptive script reader. His creative insight and knowledge of the business have been invaluable to me on my play’s journey.”
-Robert M Tamburino, Playwright
New York City, NY
“I met Dominick during the spring of 2021 - one of the most tumultuous times in my life to date. I had recently begun a new career as a theater artist, and was facing several imminent challenges: a global pandemic, a dearth of jobs and opportunities for growth, a recent break up. My writing group had dissolved, the theatre company I worked for was stuck on Zoom, and I had bought into some pay-to-play talent rep racket in the hopes of finding anyone who could help me. I was having an absolute crisis of confidence. Dominick met me where I was. He recognized something in me that was hungry, and he knew how to feed it. First and foremost - he took me seriously.
I came on as his client and began working with him before every audition and callback. He helped me reformat my resume to highlight my strengths, and connected me to an film editor to build me a killer reel. We focused on choosing monologues for my audition portfolio that displayed my versatility with both classical and contemporary texts. He shared invaluable insights from his experiences as an actor and producer for stage and screen. But all of that coaching pales in comparison to Dominick’s most important quality as a mentor - his belief in me.
This man’s encouragement, guidance, and counsel over the last 2 years has been nothing short of transformative. He has helped me cultivate true confidence - not only as an artist, but as a person. I understand now that the gifts I have to offer the world are worthy of respect and attention. And I can’t thank him enough for that. If you take your work seriously, then Dominick LaRuffa Jr. will take you seriously. And it will pay off in spades.”
-Derek Powell, Actor
Syracuse, NY
“I engaged Dominick LaRuffa Jr. as a dramaturg and script consultant. His services are outstanding—he makes sure time with him is efficiently used. Dom’s dramaturgical observations on my script were nothing-short of astonishing. Session after session he challenged and questioned everything about my writing—not to force change, but to encourage me to understand and polish my own work. I felt Dom really took ownership of the process alongside me, and helped me make a good piece into something infinitely better. I have learned a lot about my own writing process through working with Dom, and that is already making me a better writer.
Dom comes at this from a long career on-stage. He understands character development from an actor’s point of view, and that is exceptionally useful. He has always been transparent and fair in our financial dealings, and that is truly appreciated. Highly recommended!”
-Randall Huskinson, Playwright & Producer
SanDiego, CA
“Dominick is someone who teaches by example. He’s an actor and producer who not only knows what his students are going through but helps them navigate their path through his own experience. He will call you out when you’re not giving your 100% and listen when you feel like you’re not moving fast enough because he has been there. He wants you to succeed and carve your own artist journey. If you’d asked me a year ago I’d say I want to be an actor but today I say with confidence I am an actor, a writer and soon to be a producer. He teaches you not just the technique but about what the life of an artist calls for. He mentors you to create a strong foundation in which a lasting career is made. There are a lot of charlatans out there peddle quick paths to stardom but Dom is the real deal for true artist wishing to create something truly lasting.”
-Tracey Evans, Actor & Screenwriter
Long Island, New York
“Write what you know,” they say. I wrote my first play and entered it into a 10 minute fringe festival organized by professional theater group in Connecticut. It was called “One Bad Day.” I’d read an article in The Wall Street Journal about hormonally enhanced designer chickens needing massages to break down the sinewy fibers on their overgrown breasts. I grew up quietly privileged in New York City near the Bronx Zoo. Certainly nowhere near chickens. After watching community actors flub the lines I’d written and seeing with my own eyes how my stage directions were unworkable , I joined a playwriting workshop led by a known Director/Story Development coach.
With his guidance I wrote the book for a musical about two 50 year- old hillbilly, North Carolinian farmers, toiling on a a hundred-year- old small family owned cucumber farm. I’d been admitted to the Dramatists Guild in 2014 for a social satire musical review I created along with a composer/lyricist, When that collaboration turned sour after a staged musical reading in a masked studio during Covid, the music director resigned, stating he sensed a troubled road ahead for the play.
I put the project away. For good. I dove into a serious historical drama. Enter Dom, a guy more than half-my-age, from Brooklyn. A friend had recommended I at least have him assess the musical. Dom is remarkable. He makes no promises. He’s blunt and truthful. Those Brooklyn smarts! I could put the script away or I could perhaps make it better, at least. I went in doubting every assertion he made.
But I pushed myself to listen, because the only way a senior creative can stay alive and relevant means “respecting” the voices and fresh vision plus experiences of the next generation(s). Dom was a big brother and no nonsense coach to my insecurities about revising the play on my own, and, perhaps, ditching the existing music and finding another collaborator. I doubted it could work.
Dom gently coerced me into giving another young man, Brett Ricci , a chance to create three songs on specs. The song ideas blew me away. They were that good. Line-by-line over a period of a little more than a year we’ve got a whole new play with a new title that spins the original concept into a poignant, cockeyed, yet insightful musical about growing older, embracing change, and surprisingly finding romance where you least expect it.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned working with Dom? How the system of theater works. He knows the business. He doesn’t brag. He doesn’t sell services just to add to his bottom line. I have no illusions about what will happen next as we get the demo reels mastered soon. But I do know I’ve loved every minute of working with Dom and with Brett Ricci, a composer/lyricist who Dom instinctually knew was the right one. That’s a gift, Dom’s instincts. You can’t put a price tag on that quality.
-Ina Chadwick, Playwright, Librettist & Poet
Westport, Connecticut
“I first met Dominick when acting together on a web series. We stayed in touch as I watched his producer journey. IN the past few years, he began calling me to do readings of projects he was "working on". It took me a while to realize that "working on" meant he was shepherding writers, functioning as a dramaturg.
So when my overlong script was accepted into a theatre festival with the understanding that I needed to get from 1 hour 24 minutes to a 45 minute presentation, I turned to Dom. I knew I would like working with him. I had no idea just how astute he is as a dramaturg.
Dom never said "do this, cut that". He questioned me about my vision of the show, asked me to tell him stories, and would say things like "that could really help this section" or "put in that line you just said to me". Invariably, he was right. And he shepherded a rambling piece that too often told the audience what to think into a tight story that allowed the audience to hear my tale and relate to their own life experiences and emotions in a vivid way. How did he know that's exactly what I wanted and needed?
I don't know, and I don't care. I just know that he is now my go-to guy. And Dom, if this acknowledgement and endorsement is too long, I know you will shepherd me into making it better.
Cheers!”
-Deborah Unger, Actor & Playwright
New York, New York
“Dom really does it all. In my time working with him, I’ve explored new possibilities for what to work on and gained invaluable insight into what it truly means to be an actor, all thanks to his genuine care for his clients combined with his extensive understanding of every facet of the acting industry. If I’m confused, frustrated, excited, or anywhere in between, he’s always there to encourage me, clarify the next step, and keep me moving forward. I come out of every session with new knowledge, practical tools, and the motivation to keep pushing ahead.
I’m endlessly thankful for Dom and all that he does, and I’m certain I will continue to grow in so many ways under his mentorship. This has truly been one of the best decisions I have made as someone trying to navigate the beginning of my acting journey.”
-Seema Patil, Actor & Model
New York, New York
“As an actress from Austin, Texas, moving to NYC to pursue my acting and playwriting career once felt like an out of reach dream. After eight years of acting and finishing college in a tiny town where cows outnumber people, I honestly wondered if I would ever find my footing in New York, or if the industry would always feel like something happening to other people. I had ambition and training, but New York can make even the most determined artist feel invisible, and I was starting to worry that I would never quite “crack” how to build a real, sustainable life here.
That shifted quickly when I started working with Dominick LaRuffa Jr. and Blue Collar Acting Studio. Dominick has an incredible ability to meet me exactly where I am and bring everything I have learned into focus. He helped me integrate my Meisner training from Texas, my classical training from the London Theatre Academy, and my method training from The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York into one clear, confident approach that actually fits me. Instead of feeling pulled in different directions, I finally felt like my craft was becoming unified. I started walking into auditions with more clarity, more control, and more trust in my instincts.
Dominick is the kind of coach who sees your potential, believes in it fully, and then gives you practical tools to bring it into the real world. He does not just help you “act better.” He helps you understand how to be an artist in this city, which is a completely different skill set. From choosing the right audition material to shaping a strategy, building consistency, and learning how to advocate for myself, Dominick has been an anchor. He is also unafraid of the unglamorous parts of the business. He has helped me with everything from audition prep and self tapes to organization, planning, and even my taxes (yes, my taxes), which sounds small until you are living it and realize how overwhelming those details can be. Having support in the parts of the industry no one teaches you is the difference between surviving and actually progressing.
As both a playwright and an actress, it means a lot to work with someone who genuinely supports me as a multidisciplinary artist. Dominick has consistently read every draft of my work and returned thoughtful, detailed notes that strengthen the writing while staying true to my voice and vision. His feedback is never vague or generic. It is specific, challenging, and deeply invested in expanding what the piece can be. He pushes me to dig deeper, sharpen the storytelling, and move the work toward production so it can actually live in front of an audience.
Most importantly, Dom has helped me feel less alone in a city that can be isolating for artists. He has been a steady source of support, community, and growth, and he has helped turn New York from an intimidating idea into a real home for my work. I truly do not think I would be the artist I am in New York without him.”
-Ashlyn Zunker, Actress and Playwright
Brooklyn, NYC
“Working with Dom and Blue Collar Artist Studio has completely transformed my confidence as an artist. I came in with a musical theatre degree and a growing focus on building my personal brand and business, while shifting more intentionally into screen acting. From day one, Dom has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible, helping me trust my voice, my instincts, and my abilities. His coaching is direct, supportive, and specific, so I always leave with clearer choices and a stronger sense of how to apply the work.
I’ve started writing my own projects, felt deeply inspired again, and truly empowered to take up space creatively. The connections I’ve made here are priceless, and the individualized coaching for auditions, self tapes, and scene work is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I’m endlessly grateful for Dom and this community. Being here has been a genuine game-changer for me as an artist.”
-Julia Damatin, Actor, Social Media Brand Management, Creative Executive
Hell’s Kitchen, NYC
“Praise be to Blue Collar Artist Studio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s nearly impossible to put into words how much Dominick LaRuffa Jr has helped me change for the better. Blue Collar Studios has been one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself as an artist and as a person.
My experience with Dom has been nothing but fruitful. I came in burned out, so close to walking away from acting entirely. I had absolutely no hope for myself, thinking I was a lost cause, even though I still loved the work. But after meeting Dominick LaRuffa Jr and working with him, I felt inspired to continue my journey not just as an actor, but as a full fledged artist.
With every session, I leave with a smile on my face and a deeper love for what I do. Dom creates a space that has both support and structure, which is rare. I’m able to embrace my original ideas instead of shrinking them, and I’ve learned how to let them grow without fear. To be able to call myself an artist is something I would’ve thought was impossible before. And overall, I genuinely love the person I’m becoming (and this is where Dominick LaRuffa Jr would humbly say it’s all thanks to me, but in reality, it’s thanks to him).
Dom meets everyone exactly where they’re at with their craft. He can see someone’s untouched potential and mentor them toward goals that once felt unreachable, no matter how big or small. In this fast paced industry, it’s so hard to feel allowed to exist simultaneously as a working artist and as a person. But with Dom, you are given that space, and you’re encouraged to take it.
Whether you want to spit out wild ideas for something you’re writing, sing songs for a cabaret you’re performing in, build materials for auditions, or simply talk to someone who is actively in the industry and also genuinely cares, Dom listens without judgment. He pushes you, grounds you, and reminds you why you started in the first place.
I have taken courses and masterclasses with other studios from different backgrounds in this industry, but I have only ever felt truly seen at Blue Collar Artist Studio. Know that when you have the privilege of working with Dom, you are working with a smart artist who deeply loves what he does. And at the end of the day, that is the key ingredient to any form of good art: love.”
