Linda is the owner/founder of Waymire Studio. She has combined her expertise in the performing and healing arts to share with students her philosophy of “holistic” acting. Her knowledge of the arts, performing and otherwise, has given her the opportunity to offer a wide range of classes for all ages.
“There is so much to teach and  even more to learn.” Linda’s philosophy is that we must all be constantly learning and training, including the trainers.  She remains true to her commitment of excellence and continues to provide  instructors who share in the same philosophy of life long learning. She has also  developed and Trademarked her GUT REACTING ™ class. “There was a time when  Stanislavski’s technique was groundbreaking. I don’t believe we’ve discovered  all there is to discover about acting as we have not discovered all there is to  know about our universe. We need to always be thinking outside the box. I  believe in rules, of course. But sometimes rules are made to be broken.” …She says with a smile.

Although advanced in years, Al has only recently become involved in theater and performing. After early retirement and relocating to Arizona from Northern Virginia he became involved as a comic entertainer at a local western theme park  where he met Linda Waymire. He landed an ongoing role in a dinner theater production and decided that it was time for acting classes. Where else would 
anyone looking to learn the craft of acting go but to Waymire Studio with Linda.  While at the studio he heard Linda comment so often that “Roz would take care of  that if he was here” that he decided that he would (with much assistance and  advice from his wife, Carol) help fill in for Roz. Linda decided to give him Roz’s title but Al claims he is not taking Roz’s place, he’s just holding the  slot for him until he returns.

Mike James , a child of the 70’s is thrilled to be performing in the valley’s best funniest and most badly behaved improv troupe He is okay with the fact that he is here, with “inappropriov” as well. Mike is the father of three and husband of one. If high energy and quick wit were a color, Mike would be a 5. Often referred to as a mix between Chris Farley, A shihitsu and a celery stick, Mike can be seen performing around the Phoenix area…. No, really, he is not a small man, he can literally be seen from almost any point in the valley.  Mike graduated from Julliard with a doctorate in awesomeness.

Cavin Gray Schneider came to Arizona the start of his freshmen year in high school and grew up like any normal kid, except for the fact that a passion for acting and multiple characters were beginning to develop inside. He discovered these characters inside of him when he began performing improv in 2006. Since then, he and his “friends” have had a party going on in his head 24/7. However, 
he has learned to balance these characters in order to pursue his dream of acting in film and television at the same time as performing improv as often as he can. Most recently Cavin has starred in full length motion pictures and several commercials.  He is as comfortable working behind the scenes as producer and director as he is in front of the camera.  Cavin is extremely blessed to have an amazing family with parents who are supportive, amazing friends who continually encourage and enrich his life, and a God who opens doors, puts those people into his life and allows him to pursue his dreams. Currently, he performs with “Wayward Comedy” and with the "Improvonauts".  Besides his acting career, Cavin has established the Waymire Name in Southern California. He is the director for Waymire Studio West in CA. Cavin is currently teaching Improvisation at our Phoenix location. Take advantage of his coaching while he's in town!

Amber Y Ryan…mother, wife, daughter, business owner, friend, sister, survivor, actor, improviser, hair stylist, team player, perfectionist, manager, student, teacher, dreamer, leader, chocoholic, giver, lover, Cubs fan, Hockey fan, 
winner, performer, listener, believer, achiever, extraordinaire, loner, crier, risk taker and Volunteer Coordinator…truly a woman of many hats. Amber developed  a love for the performing arts at an early age. She also believes in
the power  of giving back to the community. In 2004, she organized an event that raised over $20,000 for local charities. She is inspired by this opportunity she has  been given at Waymire Studio. “When you can take something you love" doing, your  own personal passion, and then use it to touch the life of someone else…that is  a beautiful thing.”  Amber has become one of Waymire Studio's MVP's, directing several plays and working with children as acting instructor and mentor.  Waymire Studio is proud to call her one of our own!

Matthew “Roz” Rosario first joined Waymire in March of 2004 as a student brand new to the world of acting. From that moment on nothing would ever be the same, 
because it was then that he discovered his life’s passion. He continued to study  at Waymire Studio and elsewhere over the next year, fanning the flames even  higher. In the summer of ’05 he was involved with Waymire’s (Matlin’s)
first  ever full length play production, at which point he officially became a part of  the Waymire ‘team’. It was full speed ahead after that, and he became heavily  involved in all studio activities including teaching classes which were well  received. He also was the recipient of Waymire Studio’s Leadership Award. Roz is  extremely grateful to Linda for all her love, loyalty, friendship and support.  He is also grateful to all the members of the Waymire team for their time and  dedication to our collective dream of being ‘Steppenwolf West’. We’ll get there!  Roz is currently residing in upstate New York as he continues to train (currently in Esper Studio's 2 year Meisner Program) and build his  acting resume.  He expects to bring back all he’s learned – and we can’t wait  for that to happen!  “I’ll be back.”

Karen is General Instructor Certified by Arizona POST (Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board). She is a court certified mediator and has been a representative of Phoenix police officers for 15 years. Currently, Karen serves as a member of the Phoenix Law  Enforcement Association Board of Trustees. She has formal training in vocal music and performance and holds a Master s Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. As a working entertainer, Karen has recently been honored to sing the National Anthem at the Phoenix Coyotes Game. She has been a guest soloist with the Phoenix Police Honors Chorus and various other professional choirs. Karen works as a full time instructor and facilitator with school children of all ages. She is a National Trainer of adults for the Federal Government s Institute for Intergovernmental Research worldwide. She provides motivational workshops for businesses and nonprofit organizations. Karen plays several musical instruments including trumpet, piano, guitar, French horn, baritone, ukulele, and kazoo (hehe). She attended Concord College in Athens, WV on a full music scholarship (Benedum Scholarship for Music Performance). Karen  continues to sing and perform professionally around the Valley and is available for private functions, as well.

Love is like a butterfly; it goes where it pleases and pleases
wherever it goes. 

As you danced in the light with joy, love lifted you. As you
brushed against this world so gently, you lifted us.

Rick Waymire and Elayne Stein... They made a difference!




"I am grateful for having been blessed with the gift of these two wonderful people.  Without Rick, there would be no Waymire Studio.  He was, and remains, my inspiration - to be all that I can be.  When I didn't believe in me, he believed for me.  When I had a dream he was the first to encourage me and give me the tools and inspiration I needed to follow and achieve it.  I've never met a man who was loved and respected by so many people in so many walks of life.  I've not met a man, other than my "daddy", who loved so unconditionally and gave so much of his heart so that others could live in peace and harmony.  Rick was one of a kind and generous beyond belief.

When I decided I wanted to teach and believed that I had the capabilities, Elayne Stein opened her doors, invited me in, encouraged me and said, "Take what you need to get started."  I can't imagine another person in our industry who would have opened that door  for me in such a trusting and generous manner.  As she prepared me to take over the "Elayne Stein" classes once she retired, I would spend hours upon hours - discussing the business and other related matters.  More importantly, though, were the discussions about life itself.  Elayne became my mentor, friend and confidant.  I learned more about life than about acting, after class, in those late night / early morning hours between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.  I am blessed and honored to have been able to share stories and learn so much from such a vibrant and talented lady.

Rick Waymire and Elayne Stein will forever remain DIRECTORS at Waymire Studio.  It was their love, vision, trust and generosity that made our mission possible.  It is because of them that we continue to "Touch one life at a time through the Arts" .

Rick Waymire and Elayne Stein - You are missed.  You are forever loved."

......Linda Waymire