Monica McCarthy holds her BA in Theater from Pepperdine University (where she was awarded the Mary Pickford scholarship for Acting) and her MA in Creative Writing & Literature from Harvard University. She also studied with Shakespeare & Company, John Basil of the American Globe Theater, The Barrow Group, and with Tony Greco.
Her many on-screen credits include: FBI (CBS), The Blacklist (NBC), The Noel Diary (Netflix, directed by Charles Shyer of Father of the Bride and Home Again), and Mildred Pierce (HBO, directed by Todd Haynes). A veteran stage actress, Monica has performed across the U.S. and in London, Scotland, and Japan. She made her Broadway debut understudying Laura Linney and Alicia Silverstone in the Tony-nominated world premier of Donald Margulies’ Time Stands Still under the direction of Daniel Sullivan.
Monica is a frequent guest lecturer at Columbia University, Barnard University, and Independence Community College. Monica also co-teaches the popular Drop The Act: Building Professional Relationships in the Industry workshop with casting director Brette Goldstein and is a guest speaker at Cinematography For Actors events. She also created and teaches her popular Decoding Shakespeare Workshop, as well as her Shakespeare Power-Hours. Monica has nearly a decade of coaching actors of all experience levels.
Monica is also a multi-award winning director and emerging screenwriter and playwright. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, AEA, WIF, NYWIFT, the New Dramatists Guild, and The Hollywood Radio Film & Television Mentorship Program.
Coaching & Consulting
TESTIMONIALS
“Monica’s Decoding Shakespeare class is brilliant. Not only is she extremely talented as an actress, but as a teacher she is patient and shows compassion for those of us learning anew. Whether you are new to Shakespeare or retooling your instrument, class with Monica is fun!”
“ Monica found two pieces that fit perfectly for me and broke them down in ways that I could understand and she made it so much fun. I felt so confident and I still work my monologues and use the tools that she taught me to help with other pieces. I would absolutely recommend studying Shakespeare under Monica. Working with her was truly a gift. ”
“I can’t say enough how much I appreciate Monica’s coaching. Over spring break I received really great news! I’ve been accepted to the Pepperdine University Screen Arts Program. Thank you! I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity! ”