Jona and her team are just the BEST. I've taken several workshops with them (by the way - they do this for free to help fellow actors and artists?! Who does that?! - she even creates a workbook for everyone!!!) and I just LOVE my experience every single time. Jona is so smart and brights up the screen + with her energy and preparation she guides you through her methods and explains all the current industry tips. It's so helpful to know how it works, but what I love most about her workshops is that every time I sign off the session, I have this feeling that I can make all of my dreams come true. That everything is possible. That I do have all the tools that I need, I just need to be smart about how I'm using them until finding my own method. I will recommend Jona and her company forever and ever. Someone that teaches you and INSPIRES you? That's not common read more

I've gotten so much value out of working with Jona through Career Activate. The quality of the material is excellent, but what really sets it apart is the access--to real industry professionals, thoughtful masterminds every quarter, and a smart, supportive community of actors who are actually working and thinking strategically about their careers. The masterminds alone are worth it. Being able to hear directly from industry pros and then process that information alongside other actors has helped me sharpen my perspective and make better decisions, instead of just reacting out of anxiety or guesswork. I especially highly recommend Jona's "Getting Rich in Your Niche" module. Once I went through that work, I got headshots that genuinely worked for me and clearly told the industry how to cast me. It brought focus and alignment to how I present myself, and the results were tangible. Career Activate is practical, clear-eyed, and rooted in how the business actually works. I highly recommend Jona to any actor who wants smart guidance, strong community, and tools that lead to real momentum--not just inspiration. read more

Get Rich In Your Niche really opened up my understanding of branding. I used to basically only update my materials when I got new footage. But I applied the specific tips I got in this course to re-edit my reel without new footage, make it much more cohesive. After just a few months, a filmmaker did a deep search in my niche on IMDb, saw my newly edited reel and contacted me with an offer for a lead role in a feature film that he had struggled to find the right actor for. That's just one example of a tool I gained from this course that I'm still able to benefit from because I now review and refine my materials continuously - not just for the sake of shaking things up but with a clear strategy and direction in mind. read more

With the help of CareerACTivate (CA) I now feel I have complete control of my career. I've never felt so empowered in my life. Over the years CA has cultivated a Community of coaches and clients that shows nothing but love and support for one another that is beyond reproach. This Community is the reason why I've been in the program for several years. ANY actor/performer/artist, wherever they are in their career can benefit what CA has to offer. The Industry changes and thankfully CA changes with it. I love the CA Community. I love the CA Process. I love CA. read more

HIGH FEE for cancelling if you don't like it. The best way to learn about how to succeed in acting is to take an acting class where you actually work on the craft and talk with the actors in it who are good and/or are winning. They have loads of sage wisdom you can get at no extra cost. In Jona's class, a coach is assigned to you. They are paid to work with you and may not have good advice for you. It's expensive and takes a lot of time. Just strike up conversations with good actors and ask what is working for them. You don't need to join a program to do this. It was not a good experience and not helpful. A friend and I who were in it quit. read more

Career ACTivate is a fantastic place for actors to learn the business side of the film/TV industry. The way the program is structured lets you decide how much hands-on coaching you would like versus just attending group coaching sessions, which are equally helpful and instrumental in helping you succeed in an industry that is hard to pursue alone. The community of actors that Career ACTivate attracts is so wonderful fostering a go-giving attitude that makes you want to thrive together. It's a beautiful community to be a part of and I can't recommend it enough! read more

This is such an incredible resource for actors. It is the most fair & affordably priced coaching service I've been able to find and the value you get far exceeds the financial investment every time. The owner and coaches genuinely care about you and your success, and the community is truly so supportive! As the saying goes, I have no notes. read more

I freaking LOVE Jona! If you consider yourself an actor and are risking it all for this business then you better be in the KNOW. Many actors are so caught up in the art of it, that they forget that acting is first and foremost a business. Jona's class reminds you of that and teaches you ways to make your business more efficient. I'm so grateful for all the knowledge I have gained from her classes. I am a very skeptical person naturally, so I was at first thinking, "Okay, why don't I save the money and just google stuff" but I'm so glad I didn't because she tells you things you can't google and saves you SO MUCH time! As we know TIME = MONEY and after taking this class I'd say agents and producers are now more likely to look at me and think MONEY! Hahaha also did I mention she is adorable?! read more

One of the best courses I've taken to help me with the business of acting. I took the Group Coaching option - it's very well structured, lots of actionable tactical advice esp in terms of positioning and pitching yourself, novel marketing collateral. But what stood out to me were the coach Ben Whitehair, who was great at giving very specific advice to my situation during the calls. And the community of fellow actors who have become friends and collaborators, ready to help out with an audition, refer to a project or provide support as needed. My only challenge was the price point - so make sure the budget works for you and to consider balancing spend here vs. say an acting class. read more

Career ACTivate teaches the business side of acting. The class I went to was taught by Jona a youthful and energetic Asian woman who has had a lot of experience in agency/management, casting, and producing industry. So far I've only taken one of Jona's classes, her intro, and it's the most I've ever learned about the business of acting, and it was only 90 minutes long, I was amazed at how much I learned. The RESULTS her students get is amazing! Using her techniques they have achieved national commercial bookings, auditions for major studio features, meetings with the top executives in the industry, etc. I'm surprised how cheap her classes are too. I've been to seminars for so many other things that were much more pricey and I don't even learn as much as I did in this 90 minute intro class. I think anyone trying to improve their acting career or break into the acting industry would be stupid not to take her courses. Her intro course is a MUST for anyone serious about their career in acting. read more

YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THIS WORKSHOP! I wish I came across anything close to Career ACTivate years ago. Everything from the JONA, resources she provides, to the atmosphere in class are extremely motivating. It's like you're surrounded by people that are serious about the business. They are motivated and most of all they are willing to help. I have taken many classes throughout the years and I feel like this one really changed my approach on my career and even my personal life. I recommend this workshop to everyone! read more

My career is YEARS ahead of where it would be because of Career ACTivate! If you are serious about making a long lasting career as an actor, Career Activate is more than worth it! First of all, I'd like to say that I have worked in commercial casting & have worked for theatrical producers in NYC. I am not some "young" uninformed actor and I have still learned SO MUCH about the business and how to get ahead. Within 3 months of working with my coach (who is not Jona, but he is AMAZING & so is she!), I signed with a great commercial agent and within 3 more months I was offered representation by 3 different management companies and got to choose who I wanted to sign with! I also know my brand, have an awesome website, have great commercial & theatrical headshots, a strong reel that I'm proud of, have created real relationships with TOP casting directors and producers, and have an amazing group of supportive actor friends. The year long program teaches you everything you need to know! They teach how to network (and you lose the icky feeling that word usually brings up), how to pitch yourself for roles, how to get an agent/manager, how to up-level if you already have reps, how to build your relationship w/ your current reps & casting offices, how to brand and market yourself, about social media and how to use it to your advantage, and so much more. They also teach you TONS of insider tips/tactics and also ways to use technology to support you - info that my non-acting corporate world friends have been blown away by! They personally work with you to determine what your goals are, what you need assistance with and what will work best for you! You meet with your coach in person and via phone. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a situation where I needed to talk something out with my coach and they've made themselves available that day to problem solve. It's great because your coach is so in the know about the biz that they can give you insight as to things like what agents they think you would personally click with, what casting directors often call people in from workshops, local hire, SAG rules, what classes look best on a resume in your city, etc. I have also made AMAZING FRIENDS from being a part of Career ACTivate. There is a network of people that support you and whom you can count on. If you need a last min audition reader or whatever - it's a community of giving actors that you can rely on. The information I've received and the relationships I've cultivated is truly priceless to me. read more

I can't express how grateful I am for Jona and her team. I am unbelievable grateful!! Many place claim to help actors in this industry, and I've taken many, but this one actually teaches you the business side of the industry...form working actors. The insider tips along changed my career in the 2 1/2 years since I moved to L.A. While great for Actors I would be lying if it didn't set me up for success in my desire to produce as well. With the skills I learned I was able to get an interview at Bad Robot Productions! (The Star Wars/Trek nerd in me geeked out). Which without there help and guidance would not have happened. I would not have even know how to start. My coach Ben suggested that I focus on ABC Casting. Well I did (with the help of my manager) and I was able to get a call back for ABC. Again, extremely grateful for my career activate team. But the biggest achievement for is the I just was able to land a job at CAA! A great place for me to learn even more about this industry and further my dream of producing my own content. I am extremely humbled by these events. Jona's team truly care about every actor in the program, they care more about you as a person then just about your career. You build friends and a support family that is truly amazing. The only thing I could say is I wish I had found this 10 years ago when I just graduated college. It's a safe place where artist can truly be themselves and be encouraged, empower and challenged to be not only their best selves, but exemplary, positive, loving, supportive, members of the Acting community...to their fellow actor and to society. read more

I have been to the first 2 classes of her 6 week program so far and am highly impressed. This is exactly what I needed. I take acting class and improv classes- which are very very important, but there was a lot missing. I was not networking because I did not feel I knew how. Now I do, Jona's class taught me so many different methods and ways of meeting people, contacting people and keeping in touch with those in the industry. I also have learned so much about how to get those auditions I want without depending on my agent. Jona gives so many helpful tools that I doubt other teachers offer or even know about. I can't say enough about how awesome the classes are and how fun, enthusiastic and knowledgable Jona is. I am soooooo looking forward to class 3-6 and working with her in the future. I find her classes to be worth more then gold - especially if you apply all she teaches!! read more

The only reason I signed up for this three week intensive was because I'd been invited to a UTA party; the idea of socializing with agents rendered me speechless, and pathetically cowering in the corner with my tail between my legs. I really didn't know what to expect in the workshop, and I feared that I could be wasting my hard earned money. I moved here feeling I had strong connections with many actors, a few agents, and two casting directors whom I had studied with at theatre school. I really thought I already had all the resources I could get. I had no clue what I didn't know. What I knew was JACK SH*#. Jona was instrumental in my success at a meeting with the Executive VP of Casting at ABC FAMILY. I got the meeting using the tools that she teaches in her workshop. She helped me set goals for the meeting so that I left feeling confident, and with the ball in my court. She pinpointed what areas I needed to research in my preparation; and brought me information that I wouldn't have been able to find on my own. Also, I went from one audition a week to three or more auditions a week, sometimes three a day. All this without a theatrical agent. Jona is an energetic force of knowledge. She's peppy and quirky, but incredibly professional and super no nonsense. She brings all the dots to the front of the class, and then connects them for you one by one. Many times I thought, "Man, I should have known that!"; but most of the time I was just mind blown by the brand new tools she brought to the table. I felt like a kid at Christmas. She puts the power back in your hands, with step by step guidelines and inspirational mantras. I think what kills a lot of actors is the anxiety of waiting around for something to happen. Jona gives you PLENTY of work to do all on your own. You don't need to sit around and be the victim of "the business"- she teaches you how to run your own business. Finally, and perhaps most importantly- she demystifies the people who run the entertainment industry. When I go to this party- I'll be excited to jump in and have some great conversations. I won't be in the corner; I'll know exactly what to say. read more

I'm so glad I found Career ACTivate! I highly recommend doing a private if you can't make it to one of the workshops or webinars . If you are like me and always on a budget worrying about you the best way to spend your money; it is to invest in yourself always. You can't go wrong with Jona and Brian they really know what they are talking about because they've done it; and they are still doing it. Most importantly they have also been where you are today; wondering if this a scam or not.(about other programs). Trust me it is not! If that doesn't get you to try it out, they are really really nice! read more

Jona is AMAZING. Her classes are incredibly helpful. I took her 6-week course, and I was immediately gaining insights & inspiration to push myself and my career. I have now started a SAG-AFTRA project to get eligibility into the union. I am making contacts that I would have never thought possible. Acting is a business that many do not understand how to approach. Jona give you the tools to create a lasting impression. Before I took her class I had no representation, and few auditions. I now have representation and am WORKING as an actor. Trust me, by the time the 6-weeks is over - you will be very grateful for how much she changes your career by giving the tools to succeed. Jona is an inspiration and an awesome person. read more

Jona is amazing!!! So helpful and full of great information!!! Whether you are an experienced actor or if are just starting out and don't know exactly where to go or what to do, she is exactly the kind of guide you need!!! She is full of great information, energy and tips!!! Every private session I have had with her has been well worth it! She gets so much done in one hour! She is fantastic!!! A truly amazing person to work with!!! Highly recommended!! read more

I am currently taking Jona's Career ACTivate's Networking Program and my mind feels like it has been opened to so many new and awesome possibilities. This information is not just so useful for your Acting career but in life! NO JOKE! I feel like she really helps you get in the best frame of mind to be brave, creative and a good person! PS- using her techniques I just signed with a great VO Agent. Life's too short, what are you waiting for? read more

Jona. Is. Wonderful. I meant for a private consultation only a few days after moving to LA because a friend had convinced me to go with her. I had no idea that our hour meeting would inspire me and give me the confidence I would need to kick start my acting career in LA. I signed up for Jona's 6 week course that day knowing that I could not learn everything she could teach me in an hour. After completing the course I can honestly say that I am a million times more prepared to break into the industry than I was. Jona teachings you unique and innovative ways to make connections to industry professionals, stand out amongst the countless other actors in LA, and make a career out of acting. I would recommend her services to actors who are just starting out to the experienced professional. She has something to teach everyone! read more

Just did Jona's Bootcamp and man oh man was it good for me! There are so many "duh" moments that came from this workshop- just little tweaks here and there, that once Jona explained them, made me realize how easy they were for my to implement and was shocked I'd never thought to do it. From figuring out your type to acting as your own CEO, Career ACTivate knows the ins and out of the business, and gets you to understand jut how business oriented you need to be! Is it expensive? Yes. Absolutely. But it's an investment in you, and a worthwhile one. So next time you hear about one of these workshops- DO NOT make an excuse. Just go. read more

I got introduced to CareerACTivate and Jona through a mutual friend of ours, after having met her in person and having her talk about her class I felt inspired to join. Jona's so inspiring and the knowledge she passes on is invaluable to anyone starting out in LA. Not only starting out, I bet veterans in the industry have a lot to draw from Jona's class. It's been a pleasure for the past 6 six weeks and I'd recommend this class to anyone who struggles with the business side of showbiz! read more

If you're serious about working as an actor, do check out Career Activate. Unlike engineering, med school or other professions, in acting it's sometimes hard to find the "right way to do it" and succeed professionally. Jona has been doing this for many years and what she teaches through her programs is extremely helpful. I've been engaged in the Elite Program and have been having awesome results. Got representation (both manager and agent), lots of auditions and a better understanding of the business, thanks to the great and consistent feedback provided by the program coaches. read more

Jona left a message about her "SAG/AFTRA in 2 weeks" class with my acting coach. He spoke about it and I decided to go. Jaw dropping information, so easy, so straight forward, so simple. Once she talked about her 6 week class, I knew I had to go. Imagine sitting in a cubical which is your world of acting, you can guess what's outside of your walls and what direction you need to go in, but it's all a crap-shoot. Jona lifts you up so you can see above the cubical walls. Once you see it, the path is simply obvious. So if you're in a place in your career where you're not sure what's going on, where to go next, who to speak too, I highly recommend Jona. She's doesn't give you orders, just gives you the information that you don't have today. Inspiring to say the least, Thanks Jona! read more

I have found Jona's well structured approach to developing the business side to acting brilliant. The 6 week workshop is essential I believe, in giving a structured approach to marketing an actor as a brand. Their brand. Jona's approach is very friendly and effective. I recommend her to any new actor to LA or an established actor who is uncertain of having a coherent business package across all mediums, in an age where a creative artist must exploit all the market niches they can. Audit her workshop - she will NOT disappoint!!!! read more

This workshop was amazing!!! I just moved to LA to pursue my dream of acting and I will admit I didn't know much about the business side of the industry. After taking Jona's class I feel as if I've gained so much insight! All the misconceptions of not being able to get work unless you have an agent or are a member of the union, Jona makes you realize neither of these circumstances will hold you back! I look forward to taking more of Jona's classes and maybe doing a consultation with her! Thank you Jona!! Staci read more

Jona was simply remarkable! Honestly, this is not just a simple review because Jona probably might have impacted my life overall. What's so great about her is that she communicates so well, and she's always really personable that when I first met her, she was able to build a connection straight from the get-go. After hearing through her networking session and how to connect with other professionals and individuals, I started to test out some of the advice she gave, and boy did it work wonders. As a business student, I've been surrounded with networking tactics within my business school and I've been surrounding myself in networking events for more than 2 years, yet when I first applied Jona's techniques, I found myself connecting with high-profile professionals at ease and even getting an invitation for a job offer! Boy was I surprised! So it's not the obvious techniques that you hear about or able to just simply search through the Internet for. They're hard-skills that really puts you above and beyond to build a connection with strangers from the beginning and I couldn't thank Jona more for that. Her great sense of humor and positive attitude are really bonuses that comes above that. She's so friendly and exudes positive energy that it's so hard not to smile when speaking with her. Trust me. She's great. Any hesitation, any doubts, just try it out! read more

Dude, if it's one person that can keep me out of trouble, it's Xiao (I call her by her last name). She's pretty awesome. With one of her workshops she managed to activate some of my goals and energize me more than all the coffee in Columbia ever could. Now I'm spending my energy into creative endeavors, rather than destructive ones. I highly recommend taking any of her foundation workshops. She'll set your life on the right track. She's the real deal. I'm recommending her to all my actor friends. She's one of the rare few that has perfect ratings on Yelp. read more

I have taken one single day workshop and two 3-week intensive workshops with Jona and in each workshop I learned new tools. She is amazing! Jona is the key you were looking for to get you through the door of success. She breaks all the myths you have heard about acting and gives you all the insider tools necessary to create your brand and your business as an ACTOR. Whether you have been acting for years or are a brand new actor to the industry, Jona gives you insights you may have been missing in order to really take control of your career. She has made me realize my fears and how to get past them in order to truly be the best actress I can be. Also, she is just a genuinely really and sweet person. She tells it like it is and she is very clear about her intentions. She is honest and has a great energy! I don't want her workshops to end! read more

2 words.....Jona Xiao I learned so much from her! She really knows the insider tips and tricks you need to apply to have a well rounded career! read more

Jona Xiao, the President of Career ACTivate reached out to me with respect, kindness and a diplomacy that achieved everyone's goals in a very tense situation. In a field of creatives where we face the highs and lows of acceptance and rejection, it's very important to have someone who can mediate fairly and effectively. Thank you Ms. Xiao for everything. Hollywood could use more people like you. read more

If you want to be successful as an actor in LA, taking Jona's course is one of the most beneficial and insightful ways to take control of your career. After attending a one night workshop, the amount of information I recieved was astounding. It opened my eyes to the how-to's of "getting in the room", networking, brands, headshots... so much so that I signed up for the next 6 weeks. I am able to book my own auditions for PAYING jobs, I'm getting meetings with agents and managers and knowing what to say, I've honed in on exactly what ways to market myself and get called in. I stand out from other actors which is an empowering thing to be able to say. In short, Jona really is amazing. Thank you Jona for all the amazing insight! I finally feel like I know what the hell I'm doing! read more

I originally had given this 5 stars, and in my previous review had stated that the private coaching program was a bit expensive, but that the content was fabulous: Excellent tools to help you take your career to the next level. The private coaching program is quite expensive, in my opinion, but the home study courses are fairly priced and offer up fabulous content. Well, I received an email from the company thanking me for the review, and then insinuating that the elite coaching program is only for a small subset of actors because it is "intense" and that if I don't want to move my career forward and reach my goals then it isn't for me. Keep in mind that I had JUST purchased another course. I am a current, paying customer. For a company that encourages and supports actors, this is very disappointing. I'm choosing to not pay $10,000, and am instead going with a coach that several of my friends highly recommend (Bonnie Gillespie). So, that means I'm not dedicated to my goals? I still stand by the statement that the home courses are excellent. I would recommend them to anyone, but their sales tactics are poor. Any business that tries to negate a customer's worth because that customer has decided to go elsewhere is not a business that supports its customers. UPDATE: Jona called me to discuss the situation. She was very kind and understanding, and said that she would take the proper steps to ensure that the team handles these situations with more finesse. I appreciated the call very much, and I felt like she really listened to my concerns. read more

Let's cut to it. If you want to make money Acting, LISTEN to Jona. I started with student film projects. On my SECOND night with Jona, I booked a TV show LEAD 'guest star' role just "trying" her methods. WOW. I am leaving 6 weeks later with COMPLETE control of my career. Not to mention I lost 23 lbs of fat from sheer shock and pure motivation to excel to become better and look better! Acting is a business! When you hire a teacher, you should walk away with personal experiences. Here are mine from Jona: - a STRONG mental know-how of who the fck I am in this industry and how I WILL stand out to book the job -- YES IT IS. I am confident, unique and about to make a killing out here! (YES THAT CONFIDENT!!) - better MARKETING, stronger MARKETING, killer MARKETING, smarter MARKETING to book the job YES IT IS (see where I'm going with this...THAT STRONG!!) - T.I.G.H.T. and effective way's to tailor your Resume's & Reel's to specific jobs. Its all about booking the job YES IT IS!!! - Networking at it's FINEST strategies that will get you in the RIGHT door, in the front of the RIGHT people, in the RIGHT corner, booking the RIGHT jobs, making the RIGHT money. Let's get it RIGHT!! YES IT IS! I really enjoyed my Tuesday night's with Jona and look forward to more future Workshops. This is one investment every actor should make in their career that is rare to find. Jona keeps it real. She won't B-S you or waist your time. Unlike most "coaches" out there, here at Career ACTivate you GET results. You SEE results. You ACHIEVE results. When I got a check in the mail from a method I used, its like, well damn...ok then, Career ACTivated!!!!! Thank you Jona!!!! Onward! read more

I signed up for Career ACTivate's coaching program to help further my acting career and gained something I never expected. Jona and all the coaches have been extremely kind, caring, open, and relatable. They've driven home how important it is to take care of ourselves as a whole. Yes, it's important to train, have the right marketing materials, know how to build relationships/network, and take care of all the other business aspects of acting, (and in the past few months I've learned so many new tools and gained the courage to do things I wouldn't have imagined doing otherwise), but mindset & getting out of our own way is equally as important. My coaching sessions and Mastermind experiences have brought to light certain personal issues that I've been shoving under the rug for quite some time, but being in such a supportive environment helped me realize I had to accept and acknowledge these issues, and more importantly, forgive myself for them. I'm very grateful for this opportunity because I'm not sure how this experience would have come about otherwise. I am certain that after processing and removing these blocks everything else will fall into place. read more

If I could I would no star but 1 star will have to do, I completely agree with Lindsay A. review and assessment of Jona Xiao. Lindsay, however, was smart and could see through the BS at the free seminar I on the other hand payed $397 to attend the day long "marketing" seminar at which point it came to my realization Career Activate is a complete and utter SCAM! Funny how she opens her seminars about being scammed as a child and now she is doing the exact same thing! Here is how the scam works: Yes she does offer a few great tools to help you in the industry, yes she does provide you with lunch but that is her rapport building tool to get you to trust her. Then she slams you with her ongoing training network, they come in three packages starting at $7000-$10,000! What she offers is a personal career councilor (one of her struggling actors that too don't have a clue how to become a successful working actor) whom will have telephone conversations with you to guide you in your acting career and help with writing emails to industry folk. But wait there is more! She will tell you "this isn't right for everyone" and I got the sense that she targets people to join her 'network' that can only help advance her career. So not only am I paying her an absurd amount of money but she would like to take advantage of a skill I might have and not pay me for it! Delirious! More over she will tell you her Private Acting Coach as she puts it "let's call him Paul" she pays him $3000/month for coaching to make you believe her year long network is worth the amount! Stop lying to people Jona I have the same private coach as you real name: Chris G. charges only $70-80/hr so are you trying to tell me you see him more than once a day? Notice how all her 5 star reviews were back in 2013... People like myself and Lindsay will continue to speak out. FYI I have changed my name to protect myself, hoping anyone who is serious about their career will read this first and then find out for yourself if you don't believe! read more

This is truly the best group. It helped me not give up on acting when I hit a wall. I just didn't know what else to do after taking all these business courses and applying what I learned but it STILL not working! I didn't realize this program would not only help me discover better and more effective techniques to further my career, it emotionally gave (and continues to give me) the pick me up I really needed (and still need now and then). It really empowers me and makes me feel good about moving forward. I mean, you do have to put in the work, and it's WORK- they don't just hand you a career (dose of realism for skeptics), but for those of you a bit lost or just feeling emotionally drained by this tough industry, it's like a fantastic personal trainer and community of people in the same boat as you and working just as hard as you. Even for people who are new, this is a great group to start with. I wish I knew about it years ago. Jona is amazing because she not only has created a fantastic program, but she leads it in such an effective way. No one's ego gets in the way in this group, people are really working together and supporting each other and all credit goes to Jona for setting the tone that way. She is so hard working, approachable, and incredibly smart. It's so important to have a great leader and she is a great leader. read more

I love Jona! LOVE LOVE LOVE! As a brand new actor, found out about her through The Acting Studio at Edgemar in Santa Monica. After going to her "Breaking Into the Industry" seminar, I did a private consultation with Jona. I knew right away how much I could learn from her, so I immediately signed up for her 6-week course. Not only did I learn things that my private coach had NEVER mentioned, but I received support and confidence to just get out there and break in! Acting is art, but its also a multi-billion dollar business industry, and Jona gives her students the tools to be savvy while negotiating the crazy world of Hollywood. Within weeks of working with Jona, I had a full resume, was submitting myself for auditions, and booked a couple of films. Within a couple of months, I was getting tons of auditions, a great amount of callbacks, I booked 2 commercials, several more films, AND did a screen test for the lead in a film by Sony pictures! This was all without representation. You can do all this for yourself! Jona teaches you how. Its been about 6 months now since I first met Jona, and I'm so grateful I did. She's funny, sweet, and best of all, KNOWS WHAT SHE'S TALKING ABOUT! I am just beginning my hunt for great representation, and she's given me the best tips to go about doing that. I have a manager meeting this week with one of the top managerial agencies in LA. I know with the knowledge I gained in Jona's class I can go in there and rock it! So listen to everything this woman says, get out there, make the most of the business techniques she teaches, and I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

I found the program to be very motivational, informative and actionable. Jona will teach you strategies and tools that will open up doors and opportunities, but more then anything you will gain from this program the confidence and motivation to fight for the roles you want and are right for. Following foolproof tactics and tried and tested successful scripts for pitching and cover letter is very empowering and you will also learn little tricks on how to track what you've sent gaining feedback even if you did not get a response. In the webinar, she goes over successful pitches and strategies that are proven to work and then analyzes what made them work and how you can apply and translate that to your pitch. You will learn ways to know about projects before they hit the breakdowns. With the fast past of casting from the moment they hit the breakdowns this would be extremely powerful. It's the combination of the qualities of a motivational speaker with the wealth of insight about the industry that makes this a real 5 star program in my opinion. I also loved how good Jona is with getting back to emails with any question or concern. I completed 2 webinar programs and now that I'm done with those I miss that boost of motivation!! I think that if there was a general life couching program about becoming more effective I would have done that as well!! read more

Jona provides a good high energy "motivational" approach. Her seminars have a lot of positive energy, similar to high end motivational seminars. She provides a lot of exellent information regarding ways to market yourself and get your foot in the door to agents and managers. --- Some of the good: A lot of good focus on method of self promotion, how to generate marketing materials, cover letters, generating referrals, staying motivated, using internet tools to track access to your materials, some handouts that cover the course subject matter to be used as reference (such as sample cover letters, sample agent questions,Mac.) ---- what they offer There are "tiers" of their classes are similar to Robert Kiyosaki (or other motivational) course format: * A free short (90 minute) seminar ($0) and/or some free materials which provides good information, and promotes a more in depth seminar. If you were to just take a free seminar, you'd be surprised at the information you'd get. * A more in depth "intensive" seminar (I paid $247). this is a one-day course that is well developed and targeted to a specific goal (such as getting an agent or manager). Jona packs a lot of information into the course. * Year long coaching programs that cost between $5000 and $11,000, which provides one-on-one coaching, and a number of courses. ---- the upshot The courses are slick and well prepared. If you like motivational speakers and motivational "Tony Robbins" type seminars, you'll absolutely love Jona. There are some here on Yelp that used the term "scam" and I don't agree with that. Jona is incredibly giving with her time and information. She is dedicated to ensuring that you get the most from her courses. read more