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John Murray, another one of the Actor's Workshop students, came into acting after 23 years in the Army as a helicopter pilot. He currently tests helicopter simulations for Rockwell Collins. "This is definitely outside my box," says Murray.

Ed Westwick and Jessica Szohr have already taken PDA-filled vacations in Miami and L.A. They've even shared a double date with Westwick's parents in New York's Chelsea neighborhood. Now, it seems like they've gotten the seal of approval from their Gossip Girl castmates as well.

VanCort described herself as a "proud parent" when assessing her former students' myriad of accomplishments. "There is nothing more rewarding for a teacher than seeing students you adore go out into the world and succeed."

Under the direction of the workshop’s founder and director, Eliza VanCort, [Amanda] Setton studied the Meisner Technique, which helped her gain the vital acting skills she would need to enter a career in film...

The idea of bringing this high-end New York City studio program to teens in Ithaca who might not otherwise have that opportunity was enough to keep VanCort bubbly and energetic...

... the Workshop seems to stay with a student long after the classes end ... each semester is geared to equip students with skills for their acting "toolbox," which will prepare them as a musician, actor, comedian, model ...

Spallone says that she finds teaching the class rewarding. "I love the energy of my students, the pure joy that they get onstage. I also love the fact that I'm teaching a widely diverse group..."

Van Cort is clearly a serious and dedicated teacher, and the students seem to thrive on her nurturing approach. "I want everyone to have a growth curve," she insists. "Everyone is looked at individually in this class - this isn't a cookie-cutter program. We tailor the teaching experience."

Not all students are new to acting--some are returning after taking a break. David Romm hadn't acted in 30 years before enrolling in VanCort's class. "The class got me started again," he says.

At the Actor's Workshop of Ithaca, students who've been learning the Meisner Technique under the direction of Eliza VanCort over the last three years have gone on to Hollywood and television sets, New York and California playhouse stages - some have even been cast on their first auditions.