​“Chris’s sense of text work is incredible. I have booked 3 major roles after working one on one with him.”
 
John Hickok, Broadway: Aida, Little Women, Parade, Law and Order.

“There’s a generosity of talent and of self with Chris. He is utterly giving of resources, support, and ways to reframe the work in his classroom, but more importantly methods to internalize and incorporate in any room. Which lends itself to the second area of generosity -- how much of himself he shares. Chris speaks openly about life in the arts, about the business highs and lows, confusions and quagmires. Chris allows space for his students to begin to think of themselves as mindful, working professionals.”
 
Kendra Mittermeyer, former student, PACE University/Actors Studio drama School MFA Program 

“He’s terrific. He knows just how to get to the action of the scene better than anyone in New York. His coaching’s are a revelation and I’m a huge fan.”
 
Kate Hampton, Broadway: Birthday Candles, The Best Man, Brooklyn Academy of Music, TV Law and Order

“He brings such joy to the work. He’s helped me book 2 jobs this season.”
 
Wynn Harmon. The Kennedy Center, The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Law and Order SVU.

"I loved working with Chris. He's so free in his process and open to any suggestion the actor might put forward. There is zero ego involved--if you come up with an idea that serves the play, Chris will adopt it without a moment's hesitation, even if it goes against something he had planned beforehand. I loved every moment of our time together in the room."
 
Max Roll: Broadway: Good Night Oscar, An Enemy of the People, The Hills of California

“Clavelli and I have been fellow ensemble members & collaborators for many years.  As a director, Clavelli creates a room that is warm and encourages spontaneous discovery. He leads by creating a team. When Clavelli is at the helm you know it is going to be an incredibly fun rehearsal environment that always delivers world class productions." 
 
Rachel Burttram, producer, Tiny Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, The Kitchen Theatre

“Chris is a wonderfully engaging and passionate teacher. He creates a safe, nurturing space for actors to try and fail, and ultimately succeed greatly. After studying the Linklater voice method, I was excited to find a way to bring that technique to my work. Chris completely opened up my way into Shakespeare and gave me the tools to approach any challenging text with confidence. Due to his success as a professional director, he also provides essential insights for actors as they transition into the industry.” 
 
Kathleen Simmonds, former student, PACE University, The Drilling Company

“I serve as Producing Artistic Director of The Florida Repertory Theatre. I have personally hired and worked with many directors over time in TV, Film and especially theatre. Chris is the finest. He’s Collaborative, fun to work with, extremely detail oriented and is a favorite among our production team.” 
 
Greg Longenhagen, Producing Artistic Director, The Florida Repertory Theatre

"Any opportunity to work with Chris on a project is an ideal environment for any casting director.  Chris is gracious and collaborative with the actors and always makes me and my input an active part of his process."
 
Scott Wojcik, Wójcik Casting Team, owner

“Chris Clavelli is one of the finest directors I have ever worked with, and that includes my over 150 productions and 5 decades as an Equity actress. He is calm, confident, creative, playful, continually accessible and extremely prepared. His productions are sophisticated, clever and first rate; he has a distinguished reputation in regional theatre among actors and audiences alike. It’s a privilege to work with Chris.” 

Viki Boyle, New York City, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Caldwell Theatre, The Florida Repertory Theatre.

“Chris Clavelli is an actor's director. He creates such a supportive and collaborative environment in which actors feel safe to explore and play. You really feel he trusts you and your impulses, and that he wants to help build upon and support your creative instincts. Our rehearsal process was one of the most rewarding of my career so far.”
 
Dani Nelson, The Riverside Theatre, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“He cares about his students, loves the craft, and brings such a level of joy and respect into the room because he truly knows what it’s like to work in this business.  Chris is someone who embodies the ethos of what it means to be a master in this industry.”
 
Gerrard Quincy Jones, LAMDA, Denver Center, Clarence Brown Theatre

“Chris runs a rehearsal process that is live, laughter fueled and brave.  He balances his own thoughtful vision of the play with input from his artists and collaborates to create choices that best serve the play. He leads with his own fierce intellect, humor, vulnerability and deep love of the craft and the artistic process. As an actor I felt supported, trusted, challenged and so proud of the work!”

Suzanne O’Donnell, Folger Theatre, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Theatre, The Arden Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre

​"I've known Chris for over 20 years, and he never fails to inspire me with his talent, his humor, and his great direction.  He always brings the best out of me in the rehearsal room. He is a brilliant!"
 
Carine Montbertrand, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Riverside Theatre, The Acting Company, The Alley Theatre

Chris facilitates a rehearsal room that welcomes creativity, bravery, and lunacy -- with heart. A production of The Importance of Being Earnest could easily become dusty, but Chris encouraged us to explore ways of storytelling that would appeal to our theatre's specific audience while still honoring the script and Wilde's intent. Current, but no cheap shots. Chris gave a framework and a vision, and then he let me us loose. When needed, he'd offer editing. In the end, many of my colleagues who came to see the show said it was the best production of it they had seen. 
 
Talley Gale, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Theatre, The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre Company