Discover Your Voice.
Tell Your Story.
You may be preparing for college auditions, stepping onto the stage for the first time, strengthening your public speaking, or hoping to grow as a performer. Wherever you are on your journey, BeckRidge offers personalized instruction in voice, acting, and public speaking.
Our goal isn’t to turn you into an imitation of someone else. It’s to help you become more fully yourself.
The first lesson isn’t really a lesson. It’s a conversation.
What We Believe
Every student who comes to BeckRidge brings a different story, different experiences, and different dreams. While every lesson is shaped around the individual, the values that guide our teaching remain the same.
Authenticity
We believe your greatest strength isn’t becoming someone else’s voice. It’s discovering your own.
Words Have Meaning
Whether singing, acting, or speaking, every word has meaning. Our responsibility as artists is to communicate that meaning with honesty, intention, and clarity.
Craft
We believe the arts are a lifelong craft. No one ever knows it all, and that’s what makes the journey so rewarding. Curiosity, disciplined practice, and a willingness to keep learning help artists continue to grow throughout their lives.
How We Help You Grow
Whether your goal is acceptance into a college program, a leading role, or speaking with greater confidence, every lesson is shaped around your individual journey. We meet you where you are and help you grow with purpose, curiosity, and confidence.
Find Your Voice
Build healthy vocal technique, deepen your artistry, prepare for auditions, and develop the confidence to communicate through song.
Tell Compelling Stories
Explore truthful acting, audition preparation, monologues, scene work, and character development rooted in authentic storytelling.
Speak With Confidence
Learn to communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity for presentations, interviews, meetings, and everyday leadership.
Who You'll Learn From
Teaching that transforms begins with a relationship. Every student brings unique goals, experiences, and challenges. Before lessons begin, we take time to get to know you because understanding where you are is the first step toward helping you become the artist, actor, or communicator you’re capable of becoming.
Different backgrounds. Shared values. One commitment to your growth.
Michael Gross
Voice • Acting • Public Speaking
I believe every student already has a voice worth discovering. Whether your goal is a college audition, a community theatre role, or becoming a more confident communicator, every lesson begins by understanding where you are today.
Over the past several decades I’ve had the privilege of helping students gain acceptance into outstanding university programs, prepare for auditions, elevate their performances, and discover greater confidence both onstage and in everyday life.
What excites me most isn’t creating performers who sound alike. It’s watching students discover their own artistry and learn that every word carries meaning. When every word has purpose, performances become honest, audiences listen differently, and confidence follows. That’s the kind of artist I hope every student becomes.
The best lessons begin with the right fit. That’s why every new student starts with a conversation rather than a lesson.
Richard Gilbert-Hill
Advanced Acting • Audition Preparation
Great acting begins with listening. Before an audience believes your performance, you have to believe the person standing across from you. That requires more than memorizing lines. It requires curiosity, vulnerability, and the willingness to let another person genuinely affect you.
Whether you’re preparing for a conservatory audition, a professional role, or your next performance, our work focuses on being fully present in the moment. Directors will challenge your choices. Scene partners will surprise you. The strongest actors aren’t the ones who cling to their original ideas—they’re the ones who can listen, adapt, and discover something more truthful.
What I love most about teaching is watching the moment a student stops trying to “act” and starts simply responding. That’s when performances become honest. That’s when characters become human. And that’s when audiences begin to care.
Every scene is a conversation. The best actors never stop listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every student’s journey begins with questions. Here are a few of the ones we’re asked most often. If you don’t see yours here, we’d be happy to talk with you.
Do I need previous experience?
Absolutely not. We work with students at every stage of their journey, from those taking their very first lesson to experienced performers preparing for college auditions and professional opportunities. What matters most isn’t where you’re starting. It’s your willingness to learn and grow.
How will I know which instructor is right for me?
Every new student begins with a conversation. We’ll learn about your goals, answer your questions, and help determine which instructor is the best fit for your needs. Finding the right teacher is an important part of the process, and we’re happy to guide you.
What ages do you teach?
We work with motivated students from middle school through adulthood. Rather than focusing on age alone, we look for students who are curious, committed, and wanting to grow.
Are lessons offered in person or online?
Lessons with Michael are offered in person at the BeckRidge Studio in Plymouth, Michigan and online. Richard teaches online, allowing students from across the country to work with him wherever they live.
Can lessons help prepare me for college auditions?
Yes. Many of our students have been accepted in respected college and conservatory programs across the country. Whether you’re preparing songs, monologues, or interviews, lessons are designed around the specific requirements of your auditions.
How long are lessons?
Lesson length depends on the type of instruction and your individual goals. Voice lessons are offered in 30 and 45 minute sessions. Acting and public speaking coaching are 60 minute sessions. During your initial conversation, we’ll help determine the lesson length that best supports your goals and experience.
How much do lessons cost?
Lesson rates vary depending on the instructor and the type of coaching you’re seeking. During your initial conversation we’ll discuss options and recommend the approach that’s best fits your goals.
What happens during the first meeting?
The first meeting isn’t really a lesson. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know one another, discuss your goals, answer your questions, and determine whether BeckRidge is the right fit for you. If we decide to move forward together, we’ll begin building a personalized plan for your growth.
Ready To Begin?
You don't have to know exactly where to start.
Whether you’re exploring lessons for yourself, preparing for an important audition, or simply wondering if BeckRidge is the right fit, we’d love to have a conversation. The first step isn’t a lesson, it’s getting to know one another.