testimonials and reviews
"WHAT'S DONE IS VERY WELL DONE....
Vecchio highlights the dark mysteries of the plays with violent panache....
Macbeth is a solid, sometimes exceptioinal production of one of Shakespeare's greatest plays."
Review of directing work for "The Tragedy of Macbeth" with Invictus Theatre
-CHICAGO SUN TIMES
The new production of Macbeth at the Invictus Theatre Company is beautiful. With incredible lighting, costumes, and scenery, it is clear that director Sarafina Vecchio had a vision for what she wanted and she made it come to fruition with the help of a talented team.
-ENTERTAINING CHICAGO
"BLOOD AND BRILLIANCE...Under Vecchio’s direction, the production maintains a taut, relentless pace. The play feels almost claustrophobic in its intensity, with each scene building steadily toward the tragic climax. Vecchio’s staging highlights both the psychological turmoil of the central characters and the brutal violence that punctuates their journey... In many ways, Vecchio’s direction echoes the grandeur and darkness typically associated with larger, more established theaters, making it clear that Invictus Theatre is a force in the storefront theatre community.
-BUZZ CENTER STAGE
"...hats off to Sarafina Vecchio who ably coached this ensemble into revealing Shakespeare's language as modern sounding as your favorite political podcast. You have heard these speeches before but never like this.
This is a Caesar for everyone."
Review of text coach work with Invictus Theatre's JULIUS CAESAR,
Angela Allyn, Chicago Stage and Screen
"...Thank you, Sarafina Vecchio, your reputation precedes you.
You've made the text accessible for everyone to enjoy."
Review of text coach work with Invictus Theatre's JULIUS CAESAR,
Wesley David, Buzz Center Stage
"Sarafina's compassion, grit, and determination to help her students is one of her highest traits. Her euphoric smile and presence make for a relaxing but challenging experience in class. She assisted me in picking choice monologues that has propelled my career. I could not be where I am without her help, and I am eternally grateful to her. She assisted me in my URTA...in which I beat out over 1000 students to land a full ride scholarship to Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory. I currently am a first year MFA student at FSU...would always go back to Sarafina for Classical and contemporary training."
Rueben W, MFA student, Florida Sate University
"Sarafina never fails to let you down!!! The day I first met her, she had this really bright aura that made me feel confident with anything I could achieve from there on forth :) She helped me find parts of myself in acting that I never thought I could find & thanks to her, she got me accepted into DePaul’s acting program within the span of only 4 months of her training!! By the way, this year was the most amount of people who applied to DePaul’s acting program yet.. so this is me telling you to go book her now!"
Tiffany C, BFA Student, DePaul University
"Outside of being a phenomenal coach, teacher, and actor - Sarafina also has the warmest heart. She is an absolute pleasure to work with and I look forward to every coaching session, which ranges from audition prep to the business of acting and everything in between (Fun fact: every audition I’ve ever prepped with Sarafina, I’ve booked!). Sarafina’s knowledge of the business is endless and there is no question too big or too small for her to tackle with you. She is 100% in your corner and it’s clear that she wants you to succeed. The business side of our craft can be daunting, however Sarafina makes it feel so manageable... and dare I say even fun?"
Angelika Giatras, Chicago/LA based Actor
"Because of Sarafina's coaching, I've never walked into auditions feeling
as prepared and confident as I did when auditioning for BFA Acting and Musical Theater programs. She has allowed me to grow so much as an actor and present my skill set with confidence and ease when auditioning. Sarafina creates a safe space in which you're able to take risks and explore different sides of yourself. I left every coaching session feeling more determined than ever about my abilities."
Emma B, BFA student
"Sarafina is a director that knows what she wants and communicates that clearly and concisely. In times of collaboration, she effortlessly navigates the discovery of joint vision. This results in a creative, satisfying,
and professional experience."
Jennifer Cupani, Choreographer
"I started reading Shakespeare at 6, studying it at 10, and performing it at 19, yet never really understood it at all until Sarafina’s method uncovered it for me. She has an amazing way of illuminating the material for the actor, so that the interpretation seems inevitable and the task less daunting. I cannot wait to learn more from this wonderful teacher and director!"
Alicia Berneche, Chicago actor and Opera singer
“Sarafina is an absolute pleasure to work with. As a working actor, she brings real life experience to her coaching sessions. She has given me and my two teenagers valuable tools to take into the audition rooms. I know without a doubt that what she has taught me has helped me book gigs. I would highly recommend Sarafina as a coach for both adults and children!”
TJ Karam, Chicago producer and actor
"I've been taking classes with Sarafina since September 2021, from Acting Studio Chicago and also through private coaching, to help me prep for my MFA auditions, and it has been great working with her. She adapts to your learning style as we all learn differently. She's aware of your areas of improvement and will challenge you. I've worked with many acting coaches, and Sarafina is a master at Shakespeare. As Shakespeare is like learning a foreign language, and it can be terrifying learning a new language, Sarafina helped me lean in and embrace it like every new language. I would not have been confident in my MFA auditions without her help. I look forward to continuing working with Sarafina."
Javier F, MFA student, DePaul University
"...She helped me find Specificity in my Movement, and CONNECT my thoughts to those movements. I feel far more confident. Additionally I came away with new tools to help me prepare for auditions in the future.
Not to mention she’s got a bright and sunny disposition that instantly puts you at ease..."
JJ Smith, Chicago actor and musician
"Sarafina was my teacher for my very first acting class, and she has helped me grow so much as an actor! I've had the pleasure of also taking private coaching sessions with Sarafina, where we focused on my on-camera work. With her help, I became more vulnerable in my scenes and was able to better tap into the mindset of my characters."
Mikayla, High School acting student
"I went to Sarafina after an audition that did not go well. She helped me find a language that helped me a lot! Later that week I had an audition and booked it."
Rachelle, Chicago actor and artist
"I have worked with Sarafina as both her cast mate and under her direction. She has a flare for improv and the dedication of a strong director. She knows what she wants and will work with you to discover it. Her talents are strong and intuition even better as a director. I would stand by her on stage or for her on stage any day. She is a true talent on both sides of the stage."
Terry A. Christianson, actor
After taking Sarafina’s Scene Study class at Acting Studio Chicago, I felt like I had a strong foundational skill set I could use to approach any side/script/audition/character. Sarafina’s feedback style is conversational, and she gives you actionable takeaways. She is charismatic and makes you feel comfortable no matter where you are in your career. Which is why I reached out to her for my on-camera audition for Claire Simon Casting. Sarafina has a way of making you feel like you are a part of the process and shares her notes with such positivity and encouragement you can’t help but feel empowered. Reaching out to her for my audition was the best decision I could’ve made and I’m so excited to continue working with her in the future!
Alyssa H, Chicago actor
Sarafina has made one of the most lasting impressions on me and my acting journey. I have taken multiple classes with her including Scene Study, Beginning Monologue, Shakespeare, and even one on one coaching. She is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate coach with a great enthusiasm for acting. I have gained character development skills, better listening skills, and the ability to make strong choices. Overall, I left her classes with more proficiency and would recommend her to anyone looking to hone in on their craft!
Kiara W, Chicago actor