For more than two decades, Arizona Actors Academy has helped artists discover their voice, develop their craft, and pursue their goals both on and off the stage.

Our alumni can be found working in film, television, theatre, voice-over, writing, producing, and content creation in markets including Los Angeles, New York, and beyond. Their television work includes appearances on acclaimed productions for HBO, Apple TV+, Netflix, ABC, Fox, Paramount+, and other major networks and streaming platforms, including:

Yellowstone, SEAL Team, For All Mankind, 9-1-1, Station 19, Criminal Minds, Hollywood, The Orville, Insecure, Platonic, and Single Parents.

Their film work includes productions from A24 and major independent studios, including C’mon C’mon, Willy’s Wonderland, Pain Hustlers, Spinning Gold, Divinity, Frank & Penelope, Blood in Them Hills, and Land of Gold. Others have built careers as producers, writers, directors, voice artists, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders, while many continue to work extensively in professional theatre throughout Arizona, New York, Los Angeles, and across the country.

The Success We Value Most

While we celebrate professional accomplishments, credits and awards are only one measure of success.

Many Arizona Actors Academy alumni have gone on to become educators, directors, writers, producers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and lifelong artists. Our mission has always been larger than preparing actors for the industry alone. We strive to help artists live more fully, truthfully, creatively, and courageously, wherever their journey leads.

Featured Alumni

Caylee Cowan

Film Actor — Current Market: Los Angeles

Caylee Cowan trained at Arizona Actors Academy before launching a successful film career. Her credits include Willy’s Wonderland opposite Nicolas Cage, Frank & Penelope, Spinning Gold, and Divinity.

Aria Song

Film & Television Actor — Current Market: Los Angeles

Aria Song trained with Brandy Hotchner in Method Acting and Shakespeare before building a professional career in film and television. Her credits include Yellowstone, SEAL Team, For All Mankind, and Blood in Them Hills.

DeJean Brown

Film, Television & Commercial Actor — Current Market: Los Angeles

One of Arizona Actors Academy’s most extensively trained alumni, DeJean Brown studied Method Acting, Shakespeare, Sensory Work, Improvisation, Movement, and Camera Technique at AZAA. His credits include Yellowstone, 9-1-1, Hollywood, Station 19, and Criminal Minds.

Adrian Enrique Hernandez

Film & Theatre Actor — Current Market: Atlanta

Adrian Enrique Hernandez studied Method Acting and Scene Study with Brandy Hotchner before continuing his training in Los Angeles and London. His credits include Pain Hustlers, Bad Candy, and Shaded.

Emmanuel Beniamine

Film & Television Actor — Current Market: Los Angeles

Emmanuel Beniamine has publicly stated that his acting journey began at Arizona Actors Academy. He has since built a growing body of film and television work while continuing to train and work professionally in Los Angeles.

Jennifer Ball

Actor, Writer & Producer — Current Market: Arizona / Los Angeles

Jennifer Ball trained extensively at Arizona Actors Academy, studying Shakespeare, Scene Study, Acting Technique, Sensory Work, and Dream Work. Today she is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer whose work spans performance, filmmaking, and independent production.

Erica Mathlin

Film & Television Actor — Current Market: Los Angeles

After training with Brandy Hotchner at Arizona Actors Academy, Erica Mathlin established a professional career in Los Angeles. Her credits include HBO’s Insecure, Fox’s The Orville, and numerous independent projects.

Richelle Meiss

Actor, Voice Artist & Comedian — Current Market: Los Angeles

Television credits include Platonic and Single Parents, alongside extensive professional theatre, voice-over, and comedy work.

Crystal Hernandez

Film Actor — Current Market: Phoenix / Los Angeles

Crystal Hernandez studied extensively with Brandy Hotchner in Method Acting, Character Development, Sensory Work, and Scene Study. She has gone on to leading and supporting roles in multiple feature films including Demise, The Blue Drum, DUSTWUN, and King of the South.

Miah Gonzales

Film & Television Actor — Current Market: New York City

Miah Gonzales trained extensively at Arizona Actors Academy before pursuing professional opportunities in Los Angeles. Her work includes a speaking role in A24’s C’mon C’mon opposite Joaquin Phoenix, as well as ongoing film and television projects.

Additional Alumni

Kate Kugler

Actor, Writer & Producer — Current Market: Los Angeles

Kate Kugler has built a multifaceted career as an actor, writer, producer, and creative executive. Her work includes award-winning independent films and festival-recognized projects including Land of Gold, Dance Dads, and Intersect.

Annie Dutoit-Argerich

Performer, Narrator, Producer & Television Host — Current Market: International

Annie Dutoit-Argerich holds degrees from Princeton, NYU, and Columbia and has built an international career as a performer, narrator, producer, and television host. Her stage work has been presented at Suntory Hall in Tokyo, la Philharmonie de Paris, l’Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and Bozar in Brussels, among many others. She is the host of ARTE/ZDF’s Concert Privé and has recorded for Warner Classics alongside pianist Martha Argerich and conductor Antonio Pappano. Her acting training at Arizona Actors Academy with Brandy Hotchner is part of the foundation of her work in performance and theatre.