Sayaka Yamamoto

"Sayaka is not only an extraordinary performer, but also an exceptional director and acting teacher. They have an extraordinary ability to balance multiple demanding responsibilities, from directing a cabaret while serving as an assistant director for a musical, to working with actors under intense time constraints. They are particularly gifted at helping actors step into new roles quickly and confidently, including preparing understudies to take on roles with very little notice. Their mentorship has had a tremendous influence on my son’s growth as an actor, and we are incredibly grateful for all they have taught and continue to teach him."

"The perfect mix of sternness and kindness, a wonderful person to learn from"

"Sayaka is a professional who knows how to handle a room. As well as assessing situations and people, critiqing , and offering support."

"Sayaka has been such a bright presence throughout my theatre journey and I would reccomend them every single time for anything!"

"Sayaka is an incredibly professional and talented teacher and counselor. They are incredibly supportive, kind and welcoming while still shaping young people to become more talented performers"

"Sayaka is a great teacher and I learned a lot from them!!!"

"Sayaka is one of the most influential teachers I’ve ever had, they have helped me grow so much as an artist and as a person. They bring incredible care, encouragement, and professionalism to everything they do and their support has made a lasting difference in my confidence and growth. During the intensive summer program that I’ve worked with Sayaka, they are always ready to jump in, help us stay on time, and offer guidance whenever we need it. They always encourage us to challenge ourselves while making us feel supported throughout the process. Their dedication is a huge part of what makes the experience so meaningful each year. I’ve also had the opportunity to see them perform in two productions, and they were absolutely incredible in both. Seeing their talent onstage makes learning from them even more inspiring I am incredibly grateful to have learned from them, and I wholeheartedly recommend them."

"When is highly skilled and very professional in many aspects of her job. Pleasant under any circumstances and self motivated. Knows her expertise and approaches her work with positive attitude, making everyone around her happy."

"I had the opportunity to work with Sayaka at The Theater Lab, where she served as a cabaret director and worked alongside the directer on multiple productions. She was a wonderful collaborator who brought a strong understanding of performance, storytelling, and the creative process to every project. She is genuinely invested in the performers she worked with. She is supportive, communicative, and consistently helpful in creating a positive production environment throughout the rehearsal and performance process. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a dedicated mentor."

"Sayaka is a lovely person and mentor! They have been so kind and are a wonderful person and performer. I’ve loved working with and getting to know them and would 100% do it again!"

"Sayaka is a pleasure to work with. They are always prepared, ready to help with anything, and flexible when changes occur. Sayaka thinks on their feet well and always comes with an idea to share. I'd work with them anytime."

"Sayaka is a wonderful person to work with and learn from. I have performed in 2 cabarets that they have directed, and I can say that they always have put so much effort into understanding each student and their song. They always give amazing advice and are just a brilliant person to be around."

"i’ve never learned more while feeling constantly safe and supported because of them"

"Every time I have worked with Sayaka at The Theatre Lab, I come out of it with so much joy. They are so much fun to collaborate with, and are so kind and caring for every single student. Sayaka is so patient and understanding, and always finds a way to bring out the best in everyone they teach. I happily endorse them!"

"Incredibly thoughtful, organized, and knowledgeable stage manager. Always super kind, but also instructional when someone needs to do better."

"Sayaka is someone so great to work with I first work with them in my first production doing feeder lab and they really made me feel welcome there. They’re such a sweet person and give great feedback on things you need to improve and how you can be a better actor. They also were great at controlling the environment of backstage, making sure everyone was OK and comfortable. They also just had a great dynamic with everyone which made our company feel so much more connected. they always helped out in any way that was needed and was just a great stage manager to have!"

"One of the kindest yet most hard-working and professional people I've ever met"

"They are always so professional and great to work with. They are such a kind and wonderful person"

"Sayaka is extremely supportive and encouraging!!"