Instructors
A GROUP OF INTERNATIONALLY WELL RESPECTED PROFESSORS
Our acting teachers are actors and directors with a long acting career, multiple awards and with pedagogical experience that exceeds thousands of students.
They are responsible for several stars that we see on our TV .
Miguel Sahid
Actor, Director y Acting Coach/ Fundador de la Sociedad Actoral Hispanoamericana (SAH)
Profesor desde 2007
Miguel Sahid is an actor, director, acting coach, and author of El Poder de Actuar, a book distilling decades of expertise in craft, stage presence, and truthful performance. With more than 30 theatrical productions directed and extensive work in film and television, Sahid has mentored thousands of artists since 2006. His teaching blends classic acting techniques with contemporary methodologies for stage and screen.
As founder of Sociedad Actoral Hispanoamericana (SAH) and creative force behind SAH Films, he has led projects to international festival success and built a legacy of artistic excellence recognized across South Florida’s cultural landscape.
Andres Mejia, MFT
Actor, Director & Profesor, Co- Fundador de La Sociedad Actoral Hispanoamericana (SAH)
Profesor desde 2010
Andrés Mejía is an actor, director, and educator with over 15 years of performing arts experience. As co‑founder of SAH, he now serves as President of the School of the Arts and Media Institute of Miami, where he leads associate degree programs in Professional Acting, Film & TV Production, and Digital Cinematography. The institute’s bilingual, industry‑focused curriculum prepares students for careers in a global entertainment landscape.
Alongside his academic leadership, Andrés has worked across television and film in the U.S. and Latin America, bringing practical industry insight to aspiring performers and creators. His commitment to cultural diversity and professional excellence anchors the institute’s mission.
Matthew Maness
Music director
Matthew Maness is an award-winning tenor, vocal coach, and music director, praised for his expressive voice and clear diction. He has performed over 25 leading operatic roles, including North American and world premieres, with companies and young artist programs across the U.S., Europe, Mexico, and Canada.
As an educator, he serves as Music Director for the Miami Dance and Music Academy and the Sociedad Actoral Hispanoamericana, and is the creator of The Total Singer Academy online vocal program. His students have performed at Radio City Music Hall and appeared on major platforms such as Telemundo, America’s Got Talent, and The Voice, as well as winning top prizes at “Young Talent Big Dreams.”
Matthew proudly serves as our Musical Director, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Laura Rosguer
Dancer
Laura Rosguer is a Cuban-American dancer, choreographer, and performing artist based in Miami. She is a trained dancer with experience in ballet, hip-hop, and Latin styles, and brings a strong background in both performance and movement direction.
In addition to her work in choreography, Laura has an established on-screen career in television and film. Her acting credits include Jenni Rivera: Mariposa de Barrio, Sangre de mi tierra, Club 57, where she portrayed Maca, Sugar Plum Twist as Vivi Serrano, as well as appearances in Vuelve a mí and 4 Ever.
As SAH’s Choreographer, she leads creative movement and performance direction, blending technical precision with expressive storytelling. Her work focuses on elevating performances through dynamic, culturally inspired choreography and a strong cinematic approach to movement.
Betsy Rodríguez
Educator
Betsy Rodríguez is a Cuban actress, singer, improviser, director, and educator with over 20 years of stage experience. She specializes in physical theatre and expressive storytelling, bringing creativity, imagination, and technique into every class.
With an extensive international career across theatre, film, radio, and television in Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Spain, and the United States, Betsy has worked with institutions such as Telemundo, Microtheater Miami, Arts for Learning Miami, and the International School of Film and Television in Cuba. She is also the founder and artistic director of Aguafuerte Teatro. As SAH’s Kids Acting Coach, she creates a fun, supportive space where young performers can build confidence, creativity, and stage presence.
Genesis Diaz
Vocal instructor
Genesis Diaz is a dynamic singer, performer, and vocal instructor with over 10 years of experience in live performance, studio recording, and vocal coaching. Known for her powerful voice and vibrant stage presence, she blends pop, Latin, and R&B influences into a unique and expressive sound.
Featured on The Voice and La Voz, Genesis continues to inspire audiences worldwide while mentoring the next generation of singers. As SAH’s Vocal Instructor, she brings passion, technique, and heart to every class—helping students find confidence in their voice and their artistry.
Frank Ledesma
Vocal instructor
Frank Ledesma is a Cuban countertenor and vocal instructor with a strong background in classical and contemporary vocal performance. Known for his exceptional range and expressive artistry, he brings both technical precision and musical sensitivity to his work as a teacher and performer.
With a foundation rooted in vocal excellence and stage experience, Frank is dedicated to helping singers develop healthy technique, control, and confidence across styles. As SAH’s Vocal Instructor, he creates a focused and supportive learning environment where students can strengthen their voices, expand their range, and grow as expressive performers.
Melissa Cárdenas
Choreographer
Melissa Cárdenas is a Miami-born dancer, choreographer, and educator trained at the Vladimir Issaev School and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She has performed principal roles with Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida and appeared in European productions, including the Polish National Opera. She has also represented the U.S. at international festivals and performed in multiple productions of A Chorus Line.
A versatile artist, Melissa has earned national titles and scholarships from American Ballet Theatre and Joffrey Ballet, with expertise in Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Ballroom, and Contemporary. She currently serves as our Tap Coach at our Doral location and Choreographer for our Weston location.
Vanessa Elise
Multi-disciplinary artist
Vanessa Elise is a dynamic multi-disciplinary artist, SAH’s Weston Coordinator, and an exceptional Acting, Singing, and Dance Coach. A BFA Musical Theatre graduate from New World School of the Arts, she is a Silver Palm Award winner and Carbonell Award nominee whose work spans stage, screen, and major platforms including HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Telemundo.
With nearly a decade at SAH, Vanessa brings passion, precision, and creativity to every class. She is dedicated to inspiring young artists, building confidence, and creating a space where students can truly shine.
Nia Skyfer
Vocal instructor
Nia Skyfer is a recording artist and vocal instructor based in Miami, known for her expressive voice and contemporary sound as a performer. As a recording artist, she brings real-world studio and stage experience into her work as an educator.
As SAH’s Vocal Instructor, Nia focuses on vocal technique, performance development, and artistic identity. Her teaching style is supportive and modern, helping students build confidence, refine their sound, and connect authentically with their music on stage.
Cindy Rojas
Pilates trainer
Cindy Rojas is a dancer, choreographer, and certified Pilates trainer with over 30 years of experience. Born in Venezuela, she trained at IUDANZA (UNEARTE) and has been a founding member of leading contemporary dance companies. She has taught and performed internationally across the U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, and Chile, earning multiple awards, including gold medals at the All Dance International Festival (2019).
She is the founder of ConciertaArte Studio and ConciertaDanza Proyecto Coreográfico, and a fourth-generation Pilates instructor in the Joseph Pilates method. Cindy currently serves as our Contemporary Dance Coach, bringing her extensive expertise in movement and performance to our team.
Gaby Fernández
Storyteller
Gaby Fernández is a vibrant storyteller, director, and Improv Coach who brings heart, humor, and global perspective to every class. Trained in Dramatic Arts at the Laboratorio de Teatro William Layton in Madrid, she is the founder of Front Yard Theatre Collective and the creative force behind immersive Bicycle Theater experiences like History on Wheels and Tales of the Magic City Tower.
A nationally touring storyteller and host of Miami StorySLAM with The Moth, Gaby teaches improv in both English and Spanish. Her work is fueled by culture, connection, and a passion for helping students find their voice, take bold risks, and have fun doing it.
Francisco Porras
Acting teacher
Francisco Porras is a Mexican actor, director, and acting teacher with over 27 years of experience in theatre, film, and television. Known for his versatility and strong stage presence, he brings both passion and precision to his work as a performer and educator.
He has trained at UNAM, the Universidad del Valle de México, and the Instituto de Liturgia, Música y Arte Cardenal Miranda, and has worked with institutions such as the Compañía Nacional de Teatro and the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes. He was awarded Best Leading Actor in 2016 by the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors for his role in Cuando duerme conmigo.
As SAH’s Acting for Film & TV Instructor, Francisco brings a warm, disciplined, and creative approach to the classroom, helping actors develop truthful, confident performances on camera and on stage.
Sandra Portal-Andreu
Choreaographer
Sandra Portal-Andreu is a Miami-based interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, performer, and educator.
With a strong background in dance, theatre, and movement-based storytelling, she has built a career creating and performing work that blends cultural identity, physical expression, and narrative performance. She has collaborated with arts organizations and educational programs throughout Miami, contributing to both stage and community-based creative projects.
As one of SAH’s Movement Coaches for adult classes, Sandra brings an embodied, expressive approach to training, focusing on presence, technique, and authentic movement. Her teaching emphasizes connection, creativity, and confidence, guiding students to explore movement as both an art form and a personal practice.