The following is a list of Los Angeles-area stage and film acting schools, teachers, and coaches organized by category and alphabetically that was created by Backstage Staff and posted June 21, 2012 Each of the entries contains the following information, if applicable: name of teacher or school, address, phone and fax numbers, email address and/or website, average number of students per class, whether beginning, intermediate, or advanced students are taught, whether auditing is permitted, whether classes are ongoing or by sessions, any special emphasis used in classes or coaching, and whether a work/study program is offered. Descriptions of the class, school, or coach are provided by the instructor or institution and edited by Back Stage. It is a wonderful resource for beginning, intermediate and advanced actors.
There are a lot of choices and its hard to know where to start. My recommendations BOLDED below. I highly suggest you start with those, and audit each of them.
HERE IS A STRONG LIST TO GET YOUR STARTED. Train with each of them for 6 months.
Carolyne Barry Commercial
Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio- Acting
Doug Warhit Acting On Camera Coaching
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre Improvisation
Margie Haber Studios Cold Reading
Scott Sedita Acting Studios Multi-Classes
Judy Kerr Acting Workshop Private Coach
Howard Fine Acting Studio Study Technique
Kimberly Jentzen Multi-Classes
Los Angeles Acting Schools and Coaches
AARON MCPHERSON STUDIO Los Angeles, CA aaron@aaronmcphersonstudio.com www.aaronmcphersonstudio.com 323-445-4930 12 students max (audition class), 40 max (scene study); All levels; Auditing is not permitted; $25 consultations credited toward first month of class; Ongoing Actor, coach, and director Aaron McPherson offers classes in on-camera audition technique and scene study. He is recommended by Larry Moss and is profiled in his book "The Intent to Live." Other: On-Camera Technique; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
AARON SPEISER ACTING STUDIO 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 info@aaronspeiser.com www.aaronspeiser.com 310-399-4567 25-40 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 6- to 8-week sessions and ongoing Speiser specializes in 21st-century acting for film and television in his ongoing classes, which include a master class for the working professional actor, advanced and intermediate scene study, and basic technique for beginning actors. Specialty classes include actor voice training, dialects and accents, improvisation, and teen technique/scene study.
THE ACTING CENTER OF LOS ANGELES Amanda Rogers, consultant 5514 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 classes@theactingcenterla.com www.theactingcenterla.com 323-962-2100 20-50 students per class; Private coaching and career consultation by appt.; All levels; No auditing, no audition, but an interview is required; Scene study runs monthly; improv runs in eight-week sessions; Work study available by invitation only to dedicated students The Acting Center is an acting school that produces actors who are confident and certain in their ability to create any character, in any emotion, in any situation, instantly. Classes are composed of exercises, cold reading, scene study, and improv. Also acting and improv classes for kids & teens. Classes meet Mon. and Wed. 7-10 p.m., Tue. and Thu. 7-10 p.m., and Sun. 1-6 p.m. $280 per month for adult classes. Call for kids class pricing. Parking available for a small fee. See student bookings on Facebook (www.facebook.com/theactingcenter) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/theactingcenter).
THE ACTING CORPS Eugene Buica, founder and artistic director 5508 Cahuenga Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 info@theactingcorps.com www.theactingcorps.com 818-753-2800 Average 16 students per class; All levels; Interview is required for audit; Four weeks, six weeks, eight weeks, 12 weeks, and nine months; Work study/interniship offered from time to time. Serving actors who have embraced acting as their life's work and as a result have committed to a path of hard work that leads to becoming professional actors in less than a year.
ACTING FOR SITCOMS Todd Rohrbacher Actors Comedy Studio 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 202 Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorscomedystudio@gmail.com www.actorscomedystudio.com 323-302-9152 16 students max; Private coaching available; Intermediate and advanced; Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing Acting For Sitcoms addresses every element required of actors to audition effectively for comedy and build a career. This class seamlessly integrates cold reading, scene study, and audition technique into an ongoing workout opportunity that allows time for actors to develop the myriad skills required to compete in today's market place and book work. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
ACTING STUDIO AT EDGEMAR (FKA LARRY MOSS STUDIO) Michelle Danner 2437 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 info@edgemar.org www.theactingstudioatedgemar.com 310-392-0815, Fax: 310-399-2898 15 students per class; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted, free info sessions Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Ongoing The Acting Studio at Edgemar (formerly known as the Larry Moss Studio) provides professional classes for film, television, and stage, including on-camera, voice, improv, Actor's Golden Box with Michelle Danner, and sitcom intensives with Brad Garrett. Students work on challenging writing ranging from classics to contemporary, well-known authors to new original scripts. The Acting Studio supports the process of developing one's original work and believes strongly that every actor has an important personal story to tell. Edgemar is also home to Scene Bit, the multimedia evening of theater where students perform their best scenes on- and off-camera for agents, managers, directors, casting directors, and other entertainment professionals. Other: On-Camera Technique; Improv and Comedy
ACTOR MUSCLE WITH BEVERLY LEECH Beverly Leech NoHo Arts District/Toluca Lake, CA actormuscle@gmail.com www.actormuscle.com Private coaching available in person and online; All levels; Auditing not permitted; initial interview is gratis; Ongoing Bev Leech is a 30 plus-year veteran of stage, film, and television, and studied with the late, great Stella Adler. From Broadway to the soundstage, Beverly offers the full spectrum of techniques needed for actors of all skill levels to approach their work. She has taught at Stella Adler in L.A., The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and South Coast Repertory. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Commercials/Voiceover; Business of Acting
THE ACTOR SPACE www.theactorspace.com 818-754-4442 See Joe Palese.
THE ACTOR'S KEY 2019 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91506 actorskey@gmail.com www.actorskey.com 15-22 students per class; Advanced and professional actors only; Auditing is permitted for Q&A portion of workshops; Ongoing The Actor's Key hosts workshops with casting directors and other industry professionals. Workshops include group Q&A, as well as one-on-one performance of prepared scenes chosen by the actor from our library of sides ahead of time. Actors receive written evaluation sheets after their performances.
THE ACTOR'S LAB J.D. Lewis theactorslab@aol.com www.theactorslab.com 310-621-3900 20 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing J.D. Lewis, known for coaching many top-name actors in the industry, offers ongoing cold reading, scene study, and career guidance classes.
THE ACTOR/ARTIST GROUP WORKSHOP - PETER-HENRY SCHROEDER PHS Productions 8447 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 401 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 peterhenryschroeder@gmail.com www.actorartist.com 310-407-3530 or 310-277-2355 6 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Observation by invitation only; Ongoing; Internship available in some cases Peter-Henry Schroeder teaches progressive and unique workshops that focus on relaxation and concentration techniques, as well as audition preparation, cold reading, and scene study.
ACTORS ART THEATRE 6128 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 110 Los Angeles, CA 90048 info@actorsart.com www.actorsart.com 323-857-5891 12 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Free introductory session is given with interview/audition; Ongoing Jolene Adams and Actors Art Theatre teaches acting technique, script analysis, directing, play and solo show development. All classes are available in private or semiprivate sessions.
THE ACTORS CENTER Michael Butler arthousepictures@yahoo.com www.actorscenter.net; www.actorscenter.com 310-459-5064 Small class sizes; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Butler believes training is more than a matter of technique," and the center's goal is to get you working at a level of excellence.
THE ACTORS CIRCLE Marcie Smolin 4475 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230 workshops@theactorscircle.com www.theactorscircle.com 310-837-4536 8-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Offers television and film acting workshops for children, teens, and adults, in scene study, cold reading, improv, character development, and interview technique.
ACTORS CREATIVE WORKSHOP 2703 W. Olive Ave. Burbank, CA 91505 info@actorscreativeworkshop.com www.trulyacting.com 310-418-4229 10-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Free workshops for actors to meet the coaches; 4- to 6-week sessions as well as ongoing classes and 1-night workshops; Work study/internship programs available, email inquiries Offers audition technique, intensives on mastering the Internet, comedy, voiceover, on-camera techniques, and scene study. Staff consists of industry professionals.
THE ACTORS SANCTUARY West Hollywood, CA royhobbs1@sbcglobal.net www.dhtcb.com and www.theactorssanctuary.com 818-506-6194 No student limit; Private coaching available; All levels; Free one-time audit available; Ongoing Led by actor-director David Hall, Sanctuary offers scene-study/monologue classes that meet every week and emphasize cold-reading and audition technique exercises. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
ACTORS THEATRECRAFT WORKSHOP Rick Walters 7445 1/4 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 airfriend@aol.com 323-876-1100 10-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Since 1961 Rick Walters has taught actors to tap into their own unique experiences to reveal more natural responses of character. His classes include cold reading, scene study, improvisation, audition scenes, and monologues. Also produces video reels.
THE ACTORS WORKOUT STUDIO Fran Montano, artistic director 4735 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91602 info@actorsworkout.com www.actorsworkout.com 818-766-2171 16 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Offers individualized training where everyone works every class. Classes are based on Meisner technique and include exercises, improv, cold reading, scene study, open workouts, class presentations, play readings and productions.
ACTORS WORKSHOP STUDIOS 5703 Oberlin Dr., Ste. 210 San Diego, CA 92121 info@actorsworkshopstudios.com www.actorsworkshopstudios.com 858-587-6666 15 students max; Beginner, intermediate, and advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Established in 1989, the Actors Workshop Studio provides on-camera training in film and television acting and audition techniques based on the Meisner approach.
THE ACTORS WORKSHOP info@theactorsworkshop.com www.theactorsworkshop.com 949-855-4444 All levels; Auditing not permitted Under the direction of R.J. Adams and Rob Adams, workshops are held twice weekly with an emphasis on film and TV audition techniques, cold readings, on-camera scene work, and marketing and imaging guidance.
THE ACTORS' PRACTICE FIELD - KIMBERLY K. WILSON rainbowchaser27@msn.com www.maggieandannie.com 310-927-3119 Private coaching available; One free audit (call for interview) Writer-director Wilson has 15 years' experience as acting coach in the Meisner-Conrad-No Acting approach. Courses include TV/film audition workout, scene study, and cold reading/on-camera.
AIA STUDIOS 2210 W. Olive Ave., Ste. 320 Burbank, CA 91506 info@aiastudios.com www.aiastudios.com 818-563-4142, Fax: 818-841-7118 20-24 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted with audition; Ongoing; Limited internships available AIA Studio has spent more than 22 years guiding actors with professional excellence by providing industry instruction, career guidance, and the opportunity to build relationships with industry experts. Other: Business of Acting
AL ROSSI rossiaa@lacitycollege.edu 818-902-1538/323-953-4000, ext. 2975 12 students max; Private coaching available for auditions; Intermediate and advance; Auditing not permitted; By sessions Rossi, a veteran actor-director, is head of acting at LACC's Theatre Academy, the oldest continuous actor-training program on the West Coast. He does individual coaching for film, TV, and theater auditions. Periodically produces showcases for agents, managers, and casting directors.
ALAN FEINSTEIN ACTING STUDIO alfeinstein1@yahoo.com www.alanfeinsteinactingstudio.com 323-650-7766 Private coaching available; All levels Feinstein, a veteran working actor, offers five ongoing classes, which cover scene study from beginning to advanced, fundamental and emotional exercises, and on-camera cold reading. Feinstein says of his teaching: I call the classes 'emotion in action.' The classes emphasize freeing the actor's emotions for maximum creative results in a safe and supportive environment. Admission by interview only. Other: On-Camera Technique; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
ALBERT DAYAN albert_dayan@me.com 818-314-7540 8-14 students per class; Private coaching available; Intermediate and advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Dayan places an emphasis on craft and not industry concerns, and directs his actors to address their bad habits and expand their range.
THE ALEX TAYLOR STUDIO 2021 Bonita Ave. Burbank, CA 91504 themeisnerstudio@yahoo.com www.theactstudio.com 818-335-1140 Limited size classes; All levels; Interview required for acceptance, audit by arrangement after the interview; Onging intensives; traditional Meisner programs begin in January and in September A dynamic and inspiring acting center that gives students a clear, step-by-step approach to the craft of acting. The studio's pure Meisner training allows actors to gain confidence in their artistic choices and develop the complete freedom to express. Other: Conservatory/University
ALEXANDERTECH WORKS Jean-Louis Rodrigue, Kristof Konrad PO Box 3194 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 info@alexandertechworks.com www.alexandertechworks.com 310-443-4483, Fax: 310-443-4483 12-15 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing arranged by appointment; By sessions For more than 30 years AlexanderTech Works has provided courses in L.A., N.Y., and Europe by AmSAT certified teachers that help actors gain a fundamental awareness, control, and freedom of the self in performance.
ALEXIA ROBINSON STUDIO 13425 Ventura Blvd., 2nd Fl. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 info@alexiarobinsonstudio www.alexiarobinsonstudio.com; www.smartactors.com 818-779-1118 8-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Free audit of the scene study class is offered; Ongoing; Work study available Seen on E! Entertainment and in the L.A. Times, this celebrity coach offers scene study (TV and film training) and online training for adults, teens, and kids.
ALLAN RICH www.allanrich.com, www.aleapfromthemethod.com 323-465-4007 Private coaching only; Beginning, intermediate, and advanced Rich teaches any actor the same "organic technique" he uses in his own work. Rich's book A Leap From the Method is now on the syllabus at Cal State Northridge, where he teaches 15 times a year.
ALLEN NELSON scene2@earthlink.net 818-786-7154, Fax: 818-787-6375 Private coaching only; Beginner, intermediate, and advanced Nelson coaches privately for auditions and monologues, and works in-depth with actors who need to learn or strengthen their technique.
AMDA COLLEGE AND CONSERVATORY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS 6305 Yucca St. Los Angeles, CA 90028 info@amda.edu www.amda.edu 323-469-3300/866-374-5300 Fax: 323-469-5246 20 students per class; Intermediate and advanced; Auditing not permitted; By sessions with fall, spring, and summer semesters; Offers extensive scholarship opportunities AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts offers artists a chance to train with, and learn from, a premier faculty comprising accomplished actors, directors, choreographers, dancers, designers, and educators who inspire and work with students on an individual basis. AMDA is the only performing arts college that offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and conservatory studies programs with campuses in both New York and Los Angeles. The integrated program offers training in singing, acting, and dance. The studio program trains students in acting for stage, film, and television. The dance theater program is designed to give you the physical training expected in the professional world, while providing the opportunity for additional training in acting and vocal technique. AMDA also offers BFA programs in acting, dance, performing arts, and musical theater. AMDA New York is located at 211 W. 61st St., New York, NY 10023.
Other: Conservatory/University
AMERICAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS 10944 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604 818-763-4431 Auditing permitted in some cases; Ongoing The Academy is a nonprofit organization that offers classes in acting, ballet, modern jazz, tap-dancing, improv, cold reading, scene study, observation, pantomime, stage presence, and musical comedy.
ANDREW BENNE 4930 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 actorscoach@yahoo.com www.actingcoach.tv 818-521-5336 8-14 students per class; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Work study/internships are available Coaching working actors since 1989, Benne specializes in developing actors' uniqueness and authentic power, with a focus on individual training needs to book paid acting work, rooted in the Meisner Technique with Hagen and Adler disciplines.
ANDREW UTTER - MOTHER OF INVENTION ACTING SCHOOL actbetter@utteracting.com www.utteracting.com 18 students max; Auditing not permitted; 10-week sessions every 3 months Andew Utter brings the acting technique learned at the Yale School of Drama to his courses and workshops. Technique is presented through exercises, discussion, and scene work.
ANNE HULEGARD actsproductions@gmail.com 310-621-6303 15 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 7-to-9-week sessions Hulegard's workshops include scene study, improv, monologues, commercials, auditioning, the business of acting, marketing, technique, and the only class with a performances on YouTube and on stage at 2nd Story Theatre.
ANNIE GRINDLAY STUDIO 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 403 Los Angeles, CA 90036 info@anniegrindlay.com www.anniegrindlay.com 323-954-1200, Fax: 323-954-1200 14 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Free 90-min. workshop held twice a month; Monthly 4-week intensives and ongoing Annie Grindlay is an actress, teacher, and, most importantly, someone who nurtures the artist within the actor. She began teaching in 1988 and opened her own studio in 2009, The Audition Experience. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
ANTHONY MEINDL'S ACTOR'S WORKSHOP 7817 Melrose Ave., Ste. 3 Los Angeles, CA 90046 robin@anthonymeindl.com www.anthonymeindl.com 323-852-6963 10-24 students per class; All levels; Free audit available; Ongoing With his holistic approach to the study of acting, Meindl provides ongoing classes to performers of all levels. Set in the Meta Theatre on Melrose (at Ogden), AMAW is a safe environment where regular casting director and agent workshops offer visibility and business education. Meindl says he strongly diverges from traditional techniques, requiring the actor "to use the totality of who he or she is, to first embody, then transform. The actor learns how to expand consciousness when approaching a character and simultaneously propels growth and healing through elevated self-expression." He has taught Los Angeles actors for the last eight years. Last year he opened AMAW:New York so his studio is now bicoastal.
AQUILA/MORONG STUDIO FOR ACTORS 1680 Vine St., Ste. 303 Los Angeles, CA 90028 inquiries@aquilamorongstudio.com www.aquilamorongstudio.com 12-20 students per class; Advanced and professional; teens to adult; One free audit permitted; 8- to-12-week sessions Acting teachers Deborah Aquila and Donna Morong have opened a studio in the heart of Hollywood for the serious professional actor to hone their craft for film and TV using techniques developed by Stella Adler and Sanford Meisner.
THE ARCHIBALD STUDIO 115 1/2 N. Clark Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90048 archibald.craig@gmail.com www.craigarchibald.com 646-567-7210 12 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Free half-hour for new students; Ongoing A realistic approach to the art in the business and the business in the art. Classes and an actors' production workshop in which students produce a short film available. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Young Performers
THE ART OF ACTING STUDIO Johnny Yoder, administrative director 1017 North Orange Dr., Orange Square Los Angeles, CA 90038 info@artofactingstudio.com www.artofactingstudio.com 323-601-5310 Fax: 212-689-0087 16 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Available for conservatory students only Offers an acting technique intensive, script/character breakdown, on-camera film workshops, on-going classes, master classes and NY/LA business of acting seminar, a two-year evening conservatory program, and a ten-week summer conservatory.
THE ART OF THE ONE-PERSON SHOW Irene Pinn irenepinn@gmail.com www.irenepinn.com 323-424-3377 Private coaching available; All levels; Weekly workshops
THE ARTIST THEATRE GROUP Anthony Montes 3634 Coldwater Canyon Ave. Fireside Room Studio City, CA 91604 mattiedaisy56@gmail.com http://theartisttheatregroup.homestead.com 818-400-2270 or 818-705-4364 Auditing of the first class is allowed ATG offers acting technique and scene study, and encourages students to take the work out of the classroom and create their own opportunities.
THE AUDITION COACH West Hollywood, CA dslcasting@gmail.com www.audition-tape.com 310-289-4962 Private coaching only; Intermediate, advanced, and professional Dino S. Ladki is a working casting director who helps actors determine the best scene deliveries for them as individuals." He believes that each actor's unique qualities should be encouraged to shine through the character while also staying true to the role as written.
BARBARA GANNEN bgannen@hotmail.com www.margiehaber.com 323-793-6959 Private coaching only; All levels Gannen teaches at the Margie Haber Studio (visit website for more info) and at Santa Monica College. She is located in the West Hollywood area and is available for private coaching.
BASIL HOFFMAN basilhoffman@charter.net 818-247-0302 Private coaching only; All levels Hoffman, a character actor (appeared as The Auctioneer in the Academy-Award winning The Artist) and the author of "Cold Reading and How to Be Good at It" and "Acting and How to Be Good at It" (with a foreword by Sydney Pollack), teaches and coaches.
BERG STUDIOS 3245 Casitas Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90039 contact@thebergstudios.com www.thebergstudios.com 323-666-3382 20 students per class; Private audition coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Gregory Berger-Sobeck teaches the Yale School of Drama technique. Classes cover scene work, commercial and theatrical audition on-camera, and cold reading. Meets twice a week.
BERNARD HILLER ACTING STUDIO 14370 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 berniehiller@aol.com www.bernardhiller.com 818-625-8300 20-25 students per class; private one-on-one sessions held in Beverly Hills; Intermediate, advanced, and professional (some beginners); Auditing is not permitted; introductory private acting session required; Ongoing, plus international master classes year-round Bernard Hiller teaches the latest film acting and success techniques, helps actors overcome blocks and shows what might be stopping them, and also helps design a plan for success. Other: On-Camera Technique; Business of Acting
BEVERLY HILLS PLAYHOUSE 254 S. Robertson Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 interviewer@bhplayhouse.com www.beverlyhillsplayhouse.com 310-855-1556 Auditing permitted with special permission The BHP is one of L.A.'s oldest and most respected acting schools and offers ongoing intensive scene study classes to instruct aspiring professionals in the areas of acting, career administration, and attitude.
BEVERLY LONG Moorpark Studios 11425 Moorpark St. Studio CIty, CA 91602 818-754-6222 10-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; 6-week sessions; Interships available Long has worked in casting since the mid-1970s, as an actor, agent, teacher, and is best-known for her work with James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. Offers classes in improv, commercials, television, and film.
BILL HOWEY ACTING STUDIO Carla Howey, manager 855 N. Hollywood Way Burbank, CA 91505 info@billhowey.com www.billhowey.com 818-433-7445, Fax: 14 students per class; private coaching available; Beginner, intermediate, and advanced, age 18 and up; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Howey's workshops train actors to bring their own personality to their characters and are designed for actors to uncover acting problems and provide solutions. Both workshops and private coaching are based on the principles of his book, The Actor's Menu: A Character Preparation Handbook. Actors work on scenes or monologues that are handed out. No outside-of-class rehearsal required. Audition-style Scene Study.
BOB BURGOS bobburgos@ca.rr.com 323-653-5947 Private coaching only; All levels Burgos has worked on and Off-Broadway and in theaters across the country. He is currently an adjunct professor at UCLA and Chapman University, and has been an on-set acting coach on numerous films and television shows. He currently offers private coaching for auditions and training.
BRIAN MULLIGAN bam6161@yahoo.com 323-719-2545 Private coaching only; All levels Mulligan, a former instructor at NYC's Riverside Shakespeare Academy and founder of NYC's Impro!, offers one-on-one coaching for TV, film, and theater auditions.
BRIAN REISE ACTING STUDIOS 7954 Fountain Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 www.brianreise.com 323-874-5593, Fax: 323-874-5593 All levels; An orientation session is required for admission; Ongoing Reise's classes specialize in cold reading. The focus is on the reality of the acting business; teaching actors how to develop their skills so they can audition more effectively.
BRUCE DUCAT 1213 Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91506 studioactreel@gmail.com www.studioactreel.com 818-613-5861 7-14 students per class; Advanced and professional; Auditing is permittied by appointment; 11-week sessions The focus of concentration on the work we do is the development of a personal technique. While actors are routinely exposed to the techniques of Stanislavsky, Meisner, Hagen, and Adler, they are also introduced to the lesser-known but equally effective techniques of Keith Johnstone, Viola Spolin, Peter Brook, and, of course, Bruce Ducat. Actors are not one-size-fits-all cookies stamped from a single technique orientation. We strive to help them find their own unique voice--a technique that will serve their acting. They learn and grow from exposure to a variety of resources and experiences. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Young Performers
BRUCE GLOVER 310-398-2539 Private coaching available; All levels You might remember this veteran actor as Bond villain Mr. Wint in Diamonds Are Forever, Jack's pal Duffy in Chinatown, or Grady in the three Walking Talls. Glover offers classes on cold reading, auditions, tapes, accents, and career counseling.
BRUCE KATZMAN bkgondor@earthlink.net 818-613-5252 12 students max; Private coaching available; Intermediate and advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Katzman has been teaching since 1988. His classes, based on principles taught at the Yale School of Drama, focus on the major plays of Chekhov and other great playwrights. In addition to his private clients, he is on the faculty of Stella Adler Studio-LA.
CANDY KANIECKI HERMAN 13273 Ventura Bldv., Ste. 104 Studio City, CA 91604 candy@candykaniecki.com www.candykaniecki.com 310-508-7131 All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Longtime celebrity-coach Kaniecki Herman conducts audition technique and cold reading classes and offers private coaching.
CARMEN MILITO info@carmenmilito.com www.carmenmilito.com 818-760-2448 Private coaching only; Exceptions for scene study when partner is necessary; All levels Carmen is a theatre and film director who coaches auditions and monologues, teaches scene study, exercises, and script analysis. She is a member of the Actors Studio Playwright/Directors Unit, Women in Film, and the Lincoln Center Directors Lab West.
CARYN'S SPACE FOR ACTORS Caryn West 7506 Lexington Ave. West Hollywood, CA 90046 carynwest@mac.com www.carynwest.com 323-876-0394 (office); 818-693-4625 (cell) 8-14 students per class; Private coaching available; Intermediate, advanced, and professional; Auditing is permitted; Classes in late Jan.-July, late Aug.-Dec.; Scene Study is month to month with 8-week minimum. Audition intensives offered year round; Work study is sometimes permitted Emphasis is on preparation, in-depth genre-specific script analysis, tips for effective on-camera auditions, goal setting and passion, the essential uses of breath, eliminating self-sabotage and nerves, effortlessness, and the "freedom to play.
CATHLEEN LESLIE cathleenleslie@roadrunner.com 310-278-8113 Small classes; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Leslie's classes are part sense memory and part scene work, based on her studies with Strasberg, Adler, and her work with Elia Kazan. She teaches the membership of the Actors Studio West weekly, and looks for students who have a true passion and desire to learn their craft.
CATLIN ADAMS ACTING LAB Los Angeles, CA catlinadams@sbcglobal.net www.actinglab.com 323-851-8811 Limited class size; Private coaching available; All levels; Working audit permitted; Ongoing, Monday professional class; Thursday craft class Classes focus on developing the actor's craft and cover improvisation, sensory work, auditioning techniques, camera work exercises, monologue, and scene study. Specializes in taking the actor to the next level of their work.
CHEKHOV STUDIO INTERNATIONAL Hollywood, CA info@chekhovstudio.com www.chekhovstudio.com 213-509-5315 12 students max; Private coaching available; Intermediate, advanced, and professional; Auditing permitted in some cases; 1- to 2-month intensives year round and ongoing; Work study available in certain cases. Individualized and powerful actor training tailored specifically to your needs. On-camera cold reading, scene study, and technique classes.
CHRIS JORIE Burbank, CA cjdirects@earthlink.net http://home.earthlink.net/~cjdirects Private coaching only; All levels Jorie has worked with a number of distinguished talents in his more than 35 years of experience in television, film, and theater. He is currently accepting a limited number of students for private coaching.
CLAIR SINNETT 531 Main St., Ste. 1135 El Segundo, CA 90245 info@actorsworking.com www.actorsworking.com 310-606-0813, Fax: 310-414-0010 20 students per weekend intensive; 6-10 students per workshop; All levels; workshops for children and adults; Auditing is permitted except for weekend intensives; Ongoing Sinnett offers intensive two-day TV/film audition and marketing workshops, based on her book Actors Working-The Actor's Guide to Marketing Success" and ongoing TV/film acting and commercial acting workshops.
CLAY BANKS FILM ACTING STUDIO INternational 10061 Riverside Dr. Toluca Lake, CA 91601 info@claybanksstudio.com www.claybanksstudio.com 323-578-1936 12-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted by appointment; Ongoing; Work study/internships available, interview required What is a film director ultimately looking for? Do you have powerful and effective moments in your auditions? Do you deliver effective emotional intensity in an ECU (extreme close-up)? This on-camera, no-nonsense acting, and audition technique is geared specifically for film and TV acting. All students work every class. Recorded scenes placed on flash drives each class for maximum reinforcement.
CLIFF WEISSMAN actors_ed@yahoo.com 661-803-5038 A working actor, Cliff Weissman has taught and coached young actors for over 30 years. He is available for audition and on set coaching throughout Los Angeles.
CYB BARNSTABLE pbarnstable2@aol.com 818-501-4734 12 students max; private coaching available; Beginning and intermediate; Auditing not permitted; By 5-week sessions (with opt out afterward) and ongoing Barnstable, who has more than 20 years' experience teaching in L.A., has helped discover Kellan Lutz, and placed Ed Corbin (True Grit) with the right agent for him. She has extensive training at the Herbert Berghof Studios in New York and has worked in all aspects of the industry. She offers a very nurturing, supportive, and yet challenging environment.
DANIEL CHODOS chodos@sbcglobal.net www.danielchodos.com 323-422-5013 10-20 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; By sessions; Work study/internships available Chodos, a veteran of stage, screen and TV, was a dialogue coach for two decades in Hollywood and has taught at Dartmouth College, Temple University, and Pasadena City College. Class offers traditional scene study with a focus on stage technique,on-camera study, and periodic showcasing.
DANIEL HENNING at The Blank Theatre Company classes@theblank.com www.theblank.com 323-871-8018 All levels; Auditing permitted in some cases; By sessions Henning teaches an ongoing scene study class that focuses on unlocking an actor's hidden potential through script and character analysis, voice and relaxation work, and skill work to get the job.
DAVID KAGEN'S SCHOOL OF FILM ACTING 4854 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Studio City, CA 91607 davidkagenschoolinformation@davidkagen.com www.davidkagen.com 818-752-9678 12 students max; Private coaching available; All levels for children and adults; One-on-one session with Kagen for interested students; Ongoing Kagen has been coaching around the world for more than 35 years. His highly successful students include Ted Danson, Robin Wright, and Alec Baldwin, and he now offers ongoing on-camera classes.
DAVID NATHAN SCHWARTZ dnsactingclass@gmail.com www.davidnathanschwartz.com 310-435-4322 Private audition and on-set coaching only; All levels, teens and above; Offers free phone consultation Schwartz helps the actor develop and define his or her own set of flexible and practical approaches to acting and the auditioning process. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
DAVID S. ZIMMERMAN - MEET THE BIZ Los Angeles, CA dszproductions@sbcglobal.net www.meetthebiz.net 323-868-9913 Small class size; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing permitted by special permission; Ongoing Each class explores different areas of acting, including but not limited to: scene study, monologues, improv, connection, cold reading, and learning from the pros. Other: Business of Acting; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
THE DEE WALLACE ACTING STUDIO www.dwsactingstudio.com 818-876-0386 Limited enrollment and Private coaching; online classes available; All levels; By sessions and ongoing Loosely based on the techniques of Meisner and Charles Conrad, Wallace's lessons focus on moving actors through blocks that stand in their way. Master classes only.
DERYN WARREN deryn@sbcglobal.net www.derynwarren.com 323-936-0195 Small classes; Private coaching available; Professional; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Warren, a film director-writer-actor and author of the popular "How to Make Your Audience Fall in Love with You," offers ongoing classes in audition and film/stage technique. Says Warren, "I teach how to risk, how to use yourself in the situation and not a character, and how to rise above the crowd by making exciting choices. I have directors and casting directors calling me to cast my students because they are so good. My class is recommended by the head of HBO casting, among others." An article in the L.A. Times on the class said, "Her comments are dead-eye accurate." The small classes include script analysis, improv, and cold readings. "You work at least three times a night," she says. She currently offers an advanced class as well as a new beginner class in the Mid-Wilshire area - $270 for six weeks. "It is one of the less expensive classes in town because my students won't let me raise my prices," she says. She also coaches actors for auditions. "My students tell me to emphasize that this class improves much more than just your audition skills, as it teaches you to make exciting choices."
DIANA CASTLE The Imagined Life 5615 San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 dianacastle@sbcglobal.net www.theimaginedlife.com 323-936-6818 50 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; interview/audition required; Ongoing Castle's The Imagined Life philosophy and practical application: acting as the art of the empathetic imagination. Teaching ongoing scene study classes as well as coaching actors for 20 years.
DIANE CHRISTIANSEN North Hollywood and Valencia, CA actupdi@yahoo.com www.dianechristiansen.com 818-523-8283 6-30 students per class; Private and on-set coaching available; All levels; Auditing permitted at $20 per class only once; Ongoing in NoHo and by semesters in Valencia; We offer work study and have an annual scholarship at NoHo location Christiansen is an acting/life coach who offers professional classes for kids, teens, and adults and life coaching sessions for actors and other artists. Agent and casting director workshops for kids, teens and adults in two locations. Winner of Back Stage L.A. Readers' Choice Award 2011 for favorite acting classes for kids.
DIG WAYNE digwayne@gmail.com www.digwayne.com 213-793-1864 10 students max; Private coaching available; Auditing on a pre-approved basis Wayne is a former instructor at the Lee Strasberg Institute and a life member of the Actors Studio. His ongoing classes focus on the study and practice of the Method, stressing relaxation, animal work, and sensory exercises.
THE DIRECTOR'S PERSPECTIVE Elizabeth Payne The Pico Playhouse 10508 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064 directors.perspective@gmail.com www.thedirectorsperspective.com Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing The Director's Perspective is a different kind of acting class where you train with a master acting coach, rehearse and shoot with a professional director, then workshop your scenes with a monthly industry guest.
DOUG WARHIT ON-CAMERA COLD READING AND SCENE STUDY Castaway Studios 8899 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 dougwarhit@gmail.com www.dougwarhit.com 310-479-5647 14 students per class; Beginner, intermediate, and advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Doug's classes are specifically designed to prepare the actor for work in film and television. (Actors bring their own DVDs to record their work.) Each month actors showcase their work in front of an industry guest.
DUANE WHITAKER'S FILM ACTORS WORKSHOP Studio City, CA duanewhitakerla@yahoo.com www.duanewhitaker.com 323-856-4767 Advanced; Ongoing Duane Whitaker brings years of practical experience as a working actor-writer-director to his workshop. The class is designed to teach a realistic and usable approach to the craft of screen acting. All work is on camera.
EITNER AND TAINI - SCENE STUDY CLASS Don Eitner and Jayne Taini 5215 Lankershim Blvd., Studio B North Hollywood, CA jayne.taini@gmail.com 323-661-7885 10 students max; Private coaching available; Some experience required; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Class work emphasizes the development and personalization of characters, cold reading, play evaluation, and monologue.
ELEPHANT THEATRICAL - TRAINING LAB 6322 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 davefofi@yahoo.com www.elephantstages.com 323-962-0046 Elephant Stageworks is home to five working theaters, providing a unique opportunity for a practical acting education. Actors are offered a professional and thoughtful approach to learning their craft. Other: Stage Combat/Stunts E
LIZABETH GAMZA class@elizabethgamza.com www.elizabethgamza.com 818-481-2774 10-12 students per class; Private and on-set coaching also available; All levels; Auditing is required before joining a class; Ongoing Gamza provides a safe environment for you to take risks; learn powerful, personal script analysis; and to leave your mark on your work. Classes focus on scene study, cold reading, and audition technique. Actors work every class
ELIZABETH MESTNIK ACTING STUDIO 7600 Melrose Ave., Unit J Los Angeles, CA 90046 director@emasla.com www.emasla.com 323-528-6280 16 students per class; All levels; Auditing for some classes permitted; four-week workshops, 12-week classes, and nine-month programs; Work study available after six months of enrollment EMAS is a studio that offers a variety of coursework while maintaining personal attention to each acting student. Classes are kept small, and students work in every class. According to Mestnik, it is a vibrant community for serious acting students at any stage of their careers. Recommended by NBC Casting's Talent Development, this boutique studio offers ongoing classes in the Meisner technique, scene study, and beginning acting. Workshops are offered in on-camera auditioning, commercials, yoga, voice, and improv, taught by some of Los Angeles' top industry professionals. "It's for anyone who wants to invest in their craft to become a well-skilled, unique, exciting, and ultimately working actor," says Mestnik, an award-winning actor, director, and teacher who has coached such actors as Ed Asner, Fred Savage, and Sharif Atkins. Mestnik describes this as "a dynamic home for actors, directors, writers, and teachers, with an emphasis on personal attention and developing the actor from basic skills to career management."
ELLEN GERSTEIN - ACTING WORKSHOP luluproductions4@gmail.com www.ellengerstein.com 323-852-0276 Small classes; Private coaching available; All ages; Interview required; Ongoing "Actors need to make their work as specific as possible-to create what goes on before they say the line, as well as the subtext," says actor-writer-director-producer Gerstein, a member of the Actors Studio's actors unit and the writer-director unit. Her classes and coaching include acting technique, scene study, cold reading/auditioning, and in-depth script analysis. Her professional classes are kept small, and students work every week. Actors are encouraged to make strong choices and to take risks. Students are accepted by private interview. Gerstein also teaches a children's class and offers private coaching for all ages.
ERIC MORRIS ACTORS WORKSHOP 5657 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 ericmorris19@sbcglobal.net www.ericmorris.com 323-466-9250 20 students average per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Free audit available; Ongoing Morris' system is based on the Method, but, as Morris puts it, it "goes light-years beyond" the original Stanislavsky system. Morris is the author of seven books about acting and teaches three classes each week.
EUGENIA BUERKLIN Los Angeles, CA aura@eugeniabuerklin.com www.eugeniabuerklin.com and www.lumin8.us 818-290-1377 6 students max; private coaching available; Professional Eugenia Buerklin is an award-winning director, television series coach, and the developer of an innovative acting technique based on the Walking in Your Shoes mind-body process. Other: Young Performers
FABIANA MEDICI fabianadmedici@yahoo.com www.theactorstemple.com 323-930-8986 or 310-869-1891 15 students max; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; first class is free; Ongoing; Will work with actors who are struggling financially Medici has coached directors, theater companies, and television casts, internationally and in the United States. She helps actors develop their own method of work, aiding in their self-confidence and empowerment.
FAWNDA McMAHAN - COMMERCIAL BREAK 310 Casting Studios 2329 Purdue Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064 studio@commercialbreakla.com www.commercialbreakla.com 818-807-6939 Private coaching only; All levels Success in this industry comes from skill, confidence, and knowledge. Commercial Break focuses on improving all three, teaching you how to audition at your full potential and embrace an outlook for long-term success by consistently getting call-backs. Other: Commercials/Voiceover
THE FIGURA STUDIO Maria Louisa Figura CA marialouisafigura@gmail.com thefigurastudio.vpweb.com 310-487-7511 All levels; By sessions Aside from scene study and audition classes, Maria Louisa offers a variety of classes and workshops such as voice-over and commercial auditioning from some of the best agents, casting directors, and working professionals. Other: On-Camera Technique; Commercials/Voiceover
FIRST TAKE ACTING PROGRAM Nancy Berwid 11967 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604 firsttake@firsttake.org www.firsttake.org 310-876-2326 15-30 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Berwid's holistic approach prepares actors for work in film and TV by combining acting and audition technique, as well as instruction in the marketing and networking side of the business.
THE FRISCH STUDIO Peter Frisch c/o The Promenade Playhouse 1404 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 peter@thefrischstudio.com www.thefrischstudio.com 805-451-6789 12 students per class; Intermediate and advanced; Auditing is permitted; By sessions Peter Frisch's approach is specific, constructive, and imagination-based, culled from many sources but shaped into clear approaches to preparation, rehearsal, and auditions. Priority is on specific skills and individual progress. Everybody works every time. Audition and interview required.
GENE BUA - ACTING FOR LIFE 3435 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA genebua@aol.com www.genebua.com 818-547-3810 Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Bua offers ongoing morning and evening classes at the Banshee Theater in Burbank, that specialize in deep emotional work for those who "dare to become more powerful in their art and in their lives."
GLORIA GIFFORD CONSERVATORY (THE GGC) FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 287 S. Robertson Blvd. #124 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 ggcreate@aol.com www.gloriagiffordconservatory.com 310-535-4999 Private coaching available; Beginner, advanced, and professional; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Gifford has been teaching and rehabilitating careers for more than 25 years and has been a working actor for more than 30. Offers scene study, improv, cold reading, staged readings, business of the business, and showcases.
THE GOBETTI-ORMENY ACTING STUDIO c/o The Victory Theatre Center 3326 Victory Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 thevictory@mindspring.com www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org 818-841-4404, Fax: 818-766-7065 16 students max.; Beginner, intermediate, and advanced; Free audit required; Ongoing; Work study/internship available Classes include basic Meisner techniques, film and theater scene study, and an advanced character and comedy class with attention to on-camera techniques.
HARRY MASTROGEORGE PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP Los Angeles, CA amelia1@pacbell.net www.harrymastrogeorge.com 818-509-0789 25 students max; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted, free one-hour orientation held monthly; Ongoing Mastrogeorge, who has been teaching acting since 1956, believes acting is a state of mind: innocence, imagination, and vulnerability. Classes are held at the Hudson Theater in Los Angeles.
HELENE KRESS - HOLLYWOOD ACTING COACH aktorchick@yahoo.com http://helenekressactingcoach.weebly.com 323-225-1962 Private coaching only; All levels Helene Kress, star of VH1's I Know My Kid's a Star, offers private acting lessons that focus on fully understanding character, mastering an audition, and booking the job. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
HOLLYWOOD ACTING WORKSHOP Los Angeles/Orange County, CA info@hollywoodactingworkshop.com hollywoodactingworkshop.com 310-717-2181 12-16 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Internships available Provides casting director workshops, talent agent showcases and professional-level television, commercial and film acting classes for adults and teenagers. Other: Commercials/Voiceover; On-Camera Technique
HOLLYWOOD ACTORS STUDIO Eric Stone, founder 8879 W. Pico Blvd., Ste. 4 Beverly Hills, CA 90035 studio@actingconnection.com www.actingconnection.com 310-205-9219 10-15 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Develops actors of all levels including star performers for film, television, performance, stage, and voiceovers. Cold-reading, scene study, performance, film and TV technique, in-depth character work, and improvisation. Other: On-Camera Technique; Commercials/Voiceover; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
THE HONG ACTING WORKSHOP Hollywood, CA hongstudios@jameshong.com www.jameshong.com 310-246-9379 Private coaching available year-round; group sessions at certain times of the year; All levels; Interview before acceptance; Sessions at certain times of the year; Periodic internship program Empower yourself in interviews, jobs, and life. Learn the techniques of James Hong, actor in more than 500 TV and film roles, most recently celebrated for his role as Mr. Ping, father of Jack Black's Po in Kung Fu Panda 2.
HOWARD FINE ACTING STUDIO Lisa Rodriguez, administrative director 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028 info@howardfine.com www.howardfine.com 323-962-3188, Fax: 323-962-8332 All levels; An audit and industry referral are required; Year-round Fine, who began his studio in 1985, is the former director of American Musical and Dramatic Academy's acting department. The studio curriculum includes comprehensive technique and scene study.
HULL ACTORS STUDIO Dianne Hull, co-instructor Santa Monica, CA info@methodactingclassesla.com www.methodactingclassesla.com 310-828-0632 10 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Free introductory class; Ongoing; Work study available for students studying at least a year Dianne Hull (protégé of Kazan) and Lorrie Hull (author of best-selling book on acting and directing) offer classes, intensives and short-term study in relaxation, concentration, improv, sense memory, learning the role, cold reading, audition techniques, and scene study.
INSTONE ACTORS STUDIO - NORA STONE PO Box 8982 Los Angeles, CA 91372 inquiry@instoneactorsstudio.com www.instoneactorsstudio.com 818-888-3867 16 students max; private coaching available in L.A., Ventura, and Santa Barbara; Beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional; Introductory audit permitted Stone offers technique, scene study, cold reading, and improvisation. For acceptance she requires an interview, a strong commitment, and coachability. Other: Improv and Comedy; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
IRIS KLEIN iklein2@mac.com www.actingclassnow.com 213-612-5224 10-15 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing Klein, who studied with Sanford Meisner and Janet Alhanti, offers an audition-to-film scene class, an eight-day acting intensive, and a moment-to-moment class. She also coaches actors for theater, film, and television auditions.
THE IVANA CHUBBUCK STUDIO 7201 Melrose Ave., Ste. 206 Los Angeles, CA 90046 ivanachubbuckstudio@mac.com www.chubbucktechnique.com 323-935-2100, Fax: 323-465-1900 Introductory, advanced, master; Auditing available by appointment only; Ongoing; Work study is available for enrolled students. Chubbuck has taught such actors as Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Jake Gyllenhaal, Charlize Theron, and James Franco. Her self-named technique guides actors to use their emotions not as an end result but as a way to empower a goal.
JAMES BOLT jamesbolt@pacbell.net 323-559-9466 Private coaching only; All levels Bolt describes his approach to coaching actors as "honoring the character's experience." He is currently available by appointment to coach actors for specific auditions, roles, and acting jobs.
JANET ALHANTI STUDIO PO Box 17920 Beverly Hills, CA 90209 msclock@aol.com www.actingclassnow.com 323-465-7511 Private coaching available; Sessions Alhanti teaches a professional 20-week technique class twice a year, in January and July, that involves exercises and scene work, as well as a 10-week children's technique class in April.
JANICE KENT janicekb@hotmail.com www.janicekent.com 818-906-2201 Private coaching only; All levels; One hour on tape With more than 30 years of experience as an actor, director, and coach, Kent designed her "Life Coaching" approach to aid the actor in understanding and identifying the fears and processes that block making risky choices bold and playful.
JEANIE HACKETT: PRIVATE COACHING FOR AUDITIONS, ROLE PREP, AND ON-SET NoHo Arts District, CA jeaniehackett@gmail.com www.jeaniehackett.com Private coaching only; All levels; Work study exchange available occasionally. Hackett, award-winning actor and director, and one of LA's busiest acting coaches, is the former artistic director of The Antaeus Company and author of The Actor's Chekhov." Other: Classical; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
JEFF HARDWICK CASTING 3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Ste. 1158 Studio City, CA 91604 info@jeffhardwickcasting.com www.jeffhardwickcasting.com 818-752-9898, Fax: 818-752-9890 10 students max; Private coaching available; Intermediate, advanced, and professional; Auditing not permitted; Sessions three to four times a year; Internship program available A veteran casting director and former agent with more than 20 years' experience, Hardwick offers intensive commercial and theatrical workshops that offer targeted techniques for auditioning actors to book the part.
JEFFERY PASSERO Studio City, CA bluntproductions@aol.com www.jeffpassero.com 818-506-8400 10 students max; private audition coaching available; All levels; Auditing encouraged; Ongoing; Work study available Passero offers scene study and audition technique classes. He has a successful casting career of more than 50 movies and began his acting career at the Roundabout Theatre before taking over casting there. Also teaches in NY and Boston. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
JEFFREY MARCUS Los Angeles, CA jeffrey@jeffreymarcus.com www.jeffreymarcus.com 323-965-9392 12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Marcus uses a heart-centered and practical approach to accessing your depths as an actor. He assists actors on TV, features, and stage and accepts referrals from agents, managers, and casting directors.
JEREMIAH COMEY STUDIOS 12215 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 111 Studio City, CA 91604 jeremiahcomey@charter.net www.jeremiahcomey.com 818-248-4104 16-25 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing permitted with a fee; Ongoing Comey has been teaching film acting and training actors in Hollywood for the past 35 years. He teaches his own approach called "The Art of Film Acting," which is also the title of his book. He teachs students how to master the close-up. JILL PLACE - ACT INTUITIVE COACH The Acting Intuitive 1122 Tierra Alta Dr. Pasadena, CA 91104 jill@actingintuitive.com 626-538-8538, Fax: 626-765-6137 6 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Place's new Act Intuitive ongoing classes blend big work to free expression with small work for the screen, combine Grotowski-inspired technique, physical, confrontive and limit-stretching with the best methods of Jill's teachers: Strasberg, Meisner, Spolin and, Hagen.
JIM OTIS 818-543-7479 Private coaching only; All levels Otis offers two private courses: a TV/film intensive, covering TV/film, commercial auditioning technique, cold reading, and business strategy; and a monologue intensive.
JOANNE BARON/D.W. BROWN STUDIO 320 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 200 Santa Monica, CA 90401 info@baronbrown.com www.baronbrown.com 310-451-3311, Fax: 310-451-1407 24 students max; All levels; By sessions and ongoing The studio offers a variety of programs for the professional and select preprofessional actor, writer, director, and producer.
JOCELYN JONES ACTING STUDIO 1107 N. Kings Rd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 jocelynjonesstudio@gmail.com 310-576-0545 50 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Ms. Jones is formerly of Milton Katselas' Beverly Hills Playhouse and a private coach to some of the best-known film and TV stars in the industry.
JOE PALESE 12265 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604 joepalese@theactorspace.com www.theactorspace.com 818-754-4442 Private coaching available; All levels; One audit permitted; acceptance by interview; Ongoing Actor-director-writer Palese's class focuses on scene study, improv, cold reading, and sensory work. Other: Improv and Comedy; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
JOE SALAZAR joe@theactingteacher.com www.theactingteacher.com 323-882-6433 Small class sizes; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Classes focus on scene study, monologue work, character creation, improvisational skills, on-camera, cold reading, and audition techniques that are designed to create the environment of auditions. Industry guests attend advanced class. Other: On-Camera Technique; Improv and Comedy; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
JOEL ASHER STUDIO 13448 Albers St. Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 joelasher@aol.com www.joelasherstudio.com 818-785-1551 12 students max; All levels; Auditing permitted after interview; Ongoing Asher, who has been teaching and directing for more than 30 years, offers on-camera scene study classes ($250 per month), a cold reading class ($250 for six weeks), and an improvisation class ($250 per month). Everyone works in every class.
THE JOHN KIRBY STUDIO Nathan Nesbitt, studio manager 1510 N. Las Palmas Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028 jkcoaching@sbcglobal.net www.thejohnkirbystudio.com 323-467-7877, Fax: 323-467-7897 25-30 students per class; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted by appt. only; Ongoing Hollywood's prominent acting coach, John Kirby, offers three intensive scene study classes as well as a young professional's class focusing on Uta Hagen's fundamentals with emphasis on exploring character, script analysis, and the human condition.
JOHN SUDOL ACTING STUDIOS - CENTER OF THE LANGUAGE OF THE FACE 11650 Riverside Dr., Ste. 11 North Hollywood, CA 91602 thejohnsudolactingstudio@yahoo.com www.johnsudolstudio.com 818-505-1223 10 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing permitted in some cases; 1-day intensives, 8-week programs, and ongoing classes; Work study available In addition to providing theatrical and commercial training, Sudol is the originator of The Language of The Face, the nonverbal means of communication that defines the difference between film and stage acting.
JOSEPH PEARLMAN 310 Casting Studios 2329 Purdue Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064 info@josephpearlman.com www.josephpearlman.com 917-754-2221 12 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Joseph Pearlman is a private and on-set coach for Hollywood's top actors, musicians, comedians, etc. He works with clients like Zooey Deschanel, and also coaches presenters for all the major award ceremonies including the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys. Joseph was recently voted one of L.A.'s favorite acting coaches in Back Stage's Readers' Choice Awards. Other: On-Camera Technique; Classical; Improv and Comedy; Young Performers; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
JROSE STUDIO North Hollywood/Malibu, CA info@jrosestudio.com www.jrosestudio.com 323-799-1183 Private coaching only; All levels Jamie Rose has been a professional actor in film, television, and theater for more than 30 years and has literally thousands of auditions under her belt. She specializes in private acting and audition coaching. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Private Coaching
JUDY KERR judy@judykerr.com www.actingiseverything.com 818-505-9373 Private coaching only; All levels; Work study or internship program available Kerr is the author of Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles. She covers acting and film techniques for the camera and show-business techniques to boost careers. Other: On-Camera Technique; Business of Acting
JULES AARON 323-660-7342 Aaron, the former head of graduate programs at CalArts and U.C. Riverside, is an award-winning director and acting teacher. By audition only.
JUNE CHANDLER'S ACTORS WORKSHOP Zydeco Studios/Sierra Madre Playhouse/Victory Theatre Studio City/Sierra Madre/Burbank, CA june.chandler@earthlink.net www.junechandler.com 626-355-4572 16 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing advanced classes plus 6-week intensives; Work study/internship program available For more than 20 years, Chandler and her staff have taught commercials, acting, improv, and image with top industry level techniques. Performances, showcases, and career counseling are part of the experience. Other: Commercials/Voiceover; Improv and Comedy; Business of Acting
JUST BREATHE Barbara Beneville Hollywood, CA info@justbreatheacting.com 323-969-4944 12 students max; also private and semi-private coaching; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing sessions split between L.A. and Atlanta, plus weekend workshops in N.Y., Dallas, and Nashville Beneville's class consists of all phases of study: auditioning, character development, cold reading, improv, Meisner exercises, monologues, scene study, and script breakdown. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
KAREN KALENSKY kkalensky@yahoo.com 818-481-2244 Private coaching only; All levels Kalensky currently coaches privately in acting, auditioning for film, TV, and theater. A former casting director, she understands what to look for in the audition, especially when scouting for an agent or manager. She also offers speech and dialect coaching. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
KATE McGREGOR-STEWART Los Angeles, CA actingwizard7@gmail.com www.katemcgregorstewart.com 323-939-3384, Fax: 323-939-3337 Intimate classes; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; Occasional work study available McGregor-Stewart's technique is a balance of mind, body and spirit: an active experiential approach which has actors working. Classes include improvisation, movement, emotional access, character development, exercises, script breakdown, cold readings and scene work.
KATT SHEA 13273 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 104 Studio City, CA 91604 classes@kattshea.com www.kattshea.com 661-268-8611 12 students per class; limited class size; Private and on-set coaching available; All levels; Private session/first class for $40; Year-round and ongoing Well-known Peabody award-winning Sundance Festival nominee and acclaimed writer-director Shea offers cold reading/audition prep classes that bring the joy back to acting, and private coaching. Also offered is the Bring It class, which teaches actors how to bring their prep to the set. Studio City and Santa Clarita locations.
KENT KLINEMAN ACTING STUDIO 7023 Melrose Ave. (at La Brea Ave.) Los Angeles, CA kentkline@aol.com www.kentklineman.com 323-665-6776 12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted and encouraged; Ongoing In this scene study class, Klineman combines Meisner-based repetition with Linklater voice work to enhance each student's creative impulses and produce truthful connection between scene partners.
KILLIAN'S COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP Killian McHugh classes@killiansworkshop.com www.killiansworkshop.com 323-645-6296 12-15 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Sessions year round Killian's workshops are designed to empower the actor and take the guessing out of the audition process. His technique puts the actor in control and provides the knowledge and confidence needed to book the job. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
KIMBERLY JENTZEN-THE JENTZEN TECHNIQUE info@kimberlyjentzen.com www.kimberlyjentzen.com 818-779-7770 16 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted, acceptance by interview only; Ongoing classes as well as special courses offered at certain times of the year, such as "Acting with Impact Cold Reading Weekend Intensive," "Directing for the Screen" for Directors and Actors, and Singing for Actors, Acting for Singers.; Work study available for long-term students With more than 20 years capturing the essence of artistry, incorporating Chekhov, Adler, Strasberg, and Meisner, Jentzen is an expert in artistic creation. She is the creator of the Jentzen Technique, a series of power tools designed to cultivate the master-level actor. Jentzen's approach helps build a necessary foundation, instilling within an actor the motivations and needs of authentic characters.
L.A. ON-CAMERA TRAINING CENTER 10545 Burbank Blvd., Ste. 105 North Hollywood, CA 91601 laoncameratraining@gmail.com www.laoncameratrainingcenter.com 323-687-6054 10 students per class; Intermediate and advanced; Auditing is permitted Founded by actor Jamison Haase, L.A. On-Camera Training Center specializes in training actors in real, easy-to-learn camera techniques and audition skills that create powerful and captivating performances in the audition room and on set.
LARRY BIEDERMAN - SCENE STUDY CLASSES & COACHING larry@larrysingerstudios.com www.larrybiederman.net 818-486-6399 8-12 students per class; Actors: intermediate and above. Directors: all levels; Auditing is permitted; sliding scale available; 8-12 sessions; some classes elect to continue Biederman identifies the artist's individuality and teaches students to invest and express that uniqueness in their work. His actors learn to speak their words with spontaneity and emotion, to express their characters in their entire bodies, and to invest and reveal their uniqueness in any role. Directing workshops also offered.
LAURA GARDNER laura18mae@aol.com www.lauragardner.org, www.howardfine.com 323-957-4764 12-25 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted Thursday nights; Varies; Work study available occasionally Gardner trained with Carol Rosenfeld and Uta Hagen. Gardner teaches scene study and basic technique at the Howard Fine Acting Studio as well as interview/audition intensive workshops.
LAURA JAMES' THE ACTING WORKSHOP laurajames200@gmail.com 818-562-3075 Private coaching only; All levels Teacher-director-actor James, who has worked professionally around the world, offers a technique meant to "empower the actor to communicate as specifically, effectively, and as powerfully as possible.
LAUREN PATRICE NADLER lauren@laurenpatricenadler.com www.laurenpatricenadler.com Limited enrollment; Private coaching and consulting available; Intermediate and advanced; Ongoing Nadler is actively directing independent films while coaching and teaching ongoing scene study and improvisation classes. Her students work on top TV shows, film, and national commercials. Other: Improv and Comedy
LaVALLE ACTORS WORKSHOP 4645 Van Nuys Blvd., Ste. 202 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 dlavalle19@yahoo.com www.lavalleactorsworkshop.com 818-788-2183, Fax: 818-788-6981 20 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Free audit; Ongoing LaValle teaches a way of "creating a character that draws from the vast experiences that each individual actor possesses."
THE LEE STRASBERG THEATRE AND FILM INSTITUTE - LOS ANGELES Marian Tomas Griffin, director of student 7936 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 losangeles@strasberg.com www.strasberg.com 323-650-7777, Fax: 323-650-7770 12-16 students per class; All levels; Auditing permitted in some cases; 1-to-2-year certificate program; full- or part-time programs, workshops, and intensives; Offers limited work study program The Strasberg Institute's Method acting classes and programs challenge actors to work on themselves as creative artists and at the same time work on the role, to leave behind conventional expressions and find their own unique voices. Classes in acting, voice, singing, dance, movement, and film and TV. Other: Young Performers; Audition Technique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Technique; Conservatory/University
LENA HARRIS ON-CAMERA WORKSHOP Lena Harris Beverly Hills, CA 90210 lenaharrisstudio@aol.com www.lenaharris.com 310-226-7034 Class sizes vary but are kept small; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Award-winning actor and author Lena Harris offers specific on-camera techniques and acting techniques based on The Stanislavsky System and Sanford Meisner exercises. Each actor is filmed at every workshop session using original material; resulting in 2-4 minute finished scenes that may be streamed online and emailed to the industry.
LESLY KAHN & COMPANY 1720 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 johnathan@leslykahn.com www.leslykahn.com 323-969-9900 14 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; Work study/internship offered infrequently and only after the actor has studied with us for a period of time Lesly's core classes are right-brain, thought-based "non-technique" classes designed to enhance your raw talent and/or prior training. They teach you to break down not only your text, and your instinct, but also the business itself as well, so that you can consistently and effortlessly perform at the peak of your ultimate ability. We offer individual audition and dialogue coaching as well as acting tutorials, on-set coaching and filmed coaching.
LESSAC SUMMER VOICE AND BODY TRAINING WORKSHOPS Tim Good, coordinator Los Angeles, CA tgood@depauw.edu www.lessacinstitute.com 765-658-4486 10-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Summer only; Work study/internships available for advanced students. These workshops offer intensive training in body and voice. Programs are for those in performance, education, broadcasting, communications, or other arenas where body and voice expressiveness and control is important. Contact coordinator for local workshop info.
LIFEBOOK ACTING ACADEMY Allen Levin Lifebook Playhouse 665 N. Heliotrope Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90004 winningactors@gmail.com www.lifebookacting.com 323-244-4620 or 818-415-9568 15-30 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Financial aid available Levin has been teaching for a decade and offers scene study, improv, cold reading, auditions, guest speakers, and career coaching. Classes are held Monday through Saturday. Second location: 4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA 91604
LINDSAY CROUSE lcwork@mac.com www.lindsaycrouse.org 310-573-6288 Private coaching available Crouse, an acclaimed star of film, television, and theater, offers classes that clearly define what the actor's job really is and show actors the high road that acting is at heart a spiritual profession.
LISA DALTON STUDIOS INC. info@chekhov.net www.lisadaltonstudios.com 818-761-5404 Private coaching only; All levels Lisa Dalton offers courses in technique, cold reading, on-camera commercials, scene study, career management, promotional skills, and soap opera. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Technique; Business of Acting
LISA ROBERTSON STUDIO lisarobertsonstudio@gmail.com www.lisarobertsonstudio.com 310-367-4136 15-20 students per class; Private coaching available; Intermediate, advanced, and professional; Auditing is permitted; headshot and résumé required for all audits, referral helpful; Ongoing; Work study available to students who have completed a year of training with Lisa Robertson has been a major acting coach for the past eight years coaching series leads and award-winning film roles. A protégé of Larry Moss, she teaches scene study and on-camera audition intensives.
THE LOST STUDIO 130 S. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 www.theloststudio.com 323-933-6944 20 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Call for interview; Ongoing Award-winning director Cinda Jackson offers scene study and sensory classes. Classes include a four-day-per-week intensive class and a master class. Also home of the Les Enfants Magiques children's classical theater workshop.
THE LYNDON TECHNIQUE Amy Lyndon, CEO Studio City, CA thelyndontechnique@gmail.com http://thelyndontechnique.com 818-760-8501, Fax: 818-760-2006 22-30 students per class; Advanced; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Amy Lyndon has helped thousands of actors learn how to break into the one percent by providing a 15 Guideline Map To Booking Technique.
LYNETTE McNEILL STUDIO 5636 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90038 lynettestudio@yahoo.com www.lynettemcneillstudio.com 310-274-1085 All levels; Auditing permitted by invitation only; Ongoing; Work study offered when available McNeill offers classes designed to meet a wide range of professional needs. Class offerings include scene study, technique, and audition preparation. Also have industry speakers, on-camera and in-house casting workshops.
MAKING IT ON BROADWAY jodie@makingitonbroadway.net www.makingitonbroadway.net 40 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Sessions in the summer and winter Making It on Broadway is a weeklong intensive where students explore the realities of what it means to be a modern Broadway professional. Classes are taught by Broadway professionals.
MARCIE SMOLIN 4475 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230 marcie@theactorscircle.com www.theactorscircle.com 310-837-4536 8-12 students per class; All levels; Reduced class fee; Ongoing; Work study/internships available Smolin, who began as a child actor and was a regular on two TV series, has been coaching actors for more than 18 years.
MARGIE HABER STUDIO Margie Haber 971 N. La Cienega Blvd., #207 Los Angeles, CA 90069 info@margiehaber.com www.margiehaber.com 310-854-0870, Fax: 310-854-0462 12-15 students per class; Fundamental, intermediate, and master; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Margie Haber Studio offers on-camera audition technique and cold reading workshops. With more than 30 years of experience, Haber is an internationally renowned auditioning coach and has taught A-list Hollywood actors her technique that is based on her book, How to Get the Part Without Falling Apart. Among her clients: Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Vince Vaughn, Heather Locklear, Kristin Davis, Mariska Hargitay, and Colin Egglesfield. All of the studio's instructors train in Haber's philosophy: stop acting and start living the life of the person. Actors begin with taking an "intensive" course at their level, followed by an ongoing course. Intensives $500-$650, ongoing $250. Before enrolling, students must attend an orientation, held at the studio every Monday at 1:30 p.m.; bring a headshot and résumé. Also has classes for kids and teens.
MARIA GOBETTI c/o The Victory Theatre 3326 W. Victory Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 thevictory@mindspring.com www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org 818-841-4404 All levels; Free audit required; Ongoing Working closely with her students, Maria Gobetti teaches the Meisner basics technique on a group and individual basis while also employing available video facilities. Her classes are small, allowing only the best and most dedicated actors. This exclusivity is advantageous in that it gives all the actors an opportunity to work in every class. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Commercials/Voiceover
MARILYN FOX P.O. Box 568 Venice, CA 90294 marilynfox@earthlink.net www.pacificresidenttheatre.com 310-822-8392, Fax: 310-301-3907 All levels; Auditing by permission; Ongoing sessions; Volunteers for general help accepted Marilyn Fox, artistic director of Pacific Resident Theatre, offers classes on scene study, cold reading, improvisation, strengthening imagination, and Shakespeare. Classes are held Sundays and Mondays.
MARILYN McINTYRE Los Angeles, CA marilyn@marilynmcintyre.com www.marilynmcintyre.com, www.howardfine.com, www.tedbrunettistudio.com 818-601-1463/323-962-3188/310-403-0213 14-16 (scene study), 10 max (personalization); Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing required (except for personalization classes); Ongoing (scene study) and limited (personalization); Work study available Teaches at the Howard Fine Acting Studio and the Ted Brunetti Studio, specializing in personalization, safely helping the actor effectively discover and explore what allows them to access and bring their authentic and unique self to the work. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Technique
MARJORIE BALLENTINE STUDIO 6470 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 meact@mac.com www.marjorieballentine.com 323-877-5038 15-25 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; interview required for technique class; audition required for scene study; Ongoing; Call regarding internships Stella Adler's protégé and a critically acclaimed theater director with over 20 years of experience, Marjorie Ballentine believes in the craft of acting, not in chance. Since arriving in L.A. in 2003, Marjorie has successfully coached and taught Gary Oldman, Nelsan Ellis, Krysten Ritter, Victor Rasuk, Amaury Nolasco, Nadine Velazquez, and others.
MARJORIE GAINES margiegaines@sbcglobal.net 818-481-4466 Private coaching only; All levels Gaines has taught acting for theater majors at CSU Long Beach and currently teaches at Pasadena City College. She offers private coaching in audition preparation, public speaking, and basic technique.
MARK TILLMAN, CSA www.marktillmancasting.com 310-557-2565 Tillman has been casting for 25 years. Classes focus on understanding the character, freeing emotions, and strengthening communication to help his students in the audition.
MARLA LADD - MYSTERIUM Marla Ladd, artistic director/owner 19211 Dodge Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92705 atheaterdirector@yahoo.com or marla@mysteriumshop.com www.mysteriumshop.com 714-505-3454 Small class size for individual attention; Private coaching also available; All levels; Auditing permitted with advanced permission; Ongoing; Work study possibly available Ladd specializes in audition preparation and last-minute coaching in Orange County. Mysterium offers an on-camera class and an afterschool program along with dance and acting classes. Jay Wallace teaches acting for the camera on Wed. evenings and Gregory Cohen teaches beginning acting for the stage on Sat. mornings.
MATTHEW BARRY TEACHES class@matthewbarryteaches.com www.matthewbarryteaches.com 818-759-4425 14 students max; All levels; ages 18+; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Casting director Matthew Barry helps actors develop a game plan where Hollywood is the business and the actor is the product. Auditioning techniques, character study, cold reading techniques, and scene study. Other: Improv and Comedy; Business of Acting
THE MET THEATRE 1089 N. Oxford Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029 mettheatre@sbcglobal.net www.themettheatre.com 323-957-1152, Fax: 323-957-1831 Private coaching available; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing and by semesters The award-winning MET Theatre, one of the longest-running Equity-waiver houses in Los Angeles, offers a selection of ongoing and semester-structured professional theatre and film labs for actors, writers, and directors.
MICHAEL COOKE ACTING SCHOOL 1507 Seventh St., Ste. 172 Santa Monica, CA 90401-2605 cookie444@verizon.net www.soundfeelings.com/best_acting_schools.htm 310-482-8720 Private coaching available; All levels With more than 25 years' experience, Michael offers classes on acting technique, audition preparation, script analysis, on-camera technique, vocal control, stage presence, and improvisation. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Technique
MICHAEL D. FREDERICK 1526 14th St., Ste. 110 Santa Monica, CA 90404 michaelfrederick@earthlink.net www.alextechworkshops-international.com 800-260-5133/310-880-7700 10-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing These Alexander Technique classes will guide you to a dynamic experience of kinesthetic lightness, wherein thinking becomes clearer, feelings balanced, sensations livelier, and movement more pleasurable. Michael D. Frederick taught for more than a decade at the Old Globe Theatre's MFA program in San Diego and for over 25 years at the renowned Sanford Meisner-based Baron/Brown Acting Studio in Santa Monica. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
MICHAEL D. NYE DYNAMIC ACTING Valley Village, CA acreativitycoach@aol.com www.askanactingquestion.com 818-509-1629 6 students max; Private coaching available; Intermediate, advanced, and professional; Auditing is permitted; phone interview required; Ongoing Actor-director Nye ("House, M.D.," "Heroes," "Big Love," "Priest," "Torchwood," and "Eagleheart") uses innovative warm ups, exercises, and scenes to achieve dynamic, powerful, and consistent actor performances for film, television, and stage.
MICHAEL KNOWLES 1531 S. Bedford St. Los Angeles, CA 90035 info@michaelknowles.com www.michaelknowles.com 646-489-1126 Private coaching only; All levels Writer-director-producer Knowles feels that teaching is not much more than providing an environment for students to develop trust in themselves, which develops confidence. Each actor's journey is his/her own.
MICHAEL WOOLSON STUDIO 8801 Cashio St. Los Angeles, CA 90035 michael@michaelwoolson.com www.michaelwoolson.com 323-933-7133 Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted Woolson, author of The Work of an Actor and Emotion on Demand: An Actor's Workbook for Mastering Emotional Triggers, teaches advanced scene study, on-camera/auditioning, and technique classes.
MICHELLE DANNER at The Acting Studio at Edgemar 2437 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 info@edgemar.org www.michelledanner.com 310-392-0815, Fax: 310-392-0815 15 students per class; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted, free info sessions Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Ongoing Acting coach and director Michelle Danner has worked with a wide range of notable talent including Gerard Butler, Seth MacFarlane, Penelope Cruz, Michael Pena, Salma Hayek, James Franco, and Christian Slater. Her classes include on-camera, scene study, and the Golden Box intensive. Other: On-Camera Technique; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
MILLIE SLAVIN STUDIOS 310-582-3485 Private coaching only Slavin's training includes extensive study with Uta Hagen and Roy London. She offers private instruction including scene study, technique, cold reading, and preparation for auditions.
MOJO ACTOR'S WORKSHOP Diana Brown mojoaw@hotmail.com 323-821-4362 12-18 students per class; Private coaching available; Intermediate to advanced only; Scheduled audit available; 3-month sessions and ongoing An actor, director, and coach with more than 30 years' experience, Michele Martin Gossett teaches advanced and intermediate acting. Her workshop covers technique, scene study, and auditioning. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Technique; Business of Acting
NATALIA LAZARUS Promenade Playhouse and Conservatory 1404 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 info@promenadeplayhouse.com www.promenadeplayhouse.com 310-656-8070, Fax: 310-656-8069 12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 10-week sessions Lazarus, founder of the Promenade Playhouse and Promenade Conservatory, is a private and international coach for Hollywood celebrities on sets and in institutions throughout the world.
NATALIE FORD, PROFESSIONAL PRIVATE ACTING COACH Santa Monica, CA nfactingstudios@aol.com www.nataliefordactingcoach.com 310-428-1840 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not permitted but private interview/meeting suggested; Ongoing Ford specializes in on-camera coaching for audition preparation and technique for actors in L.A. and N.Y. She brings to her teaching her background of more than 20 years of casting, directing, and acting expertise. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Technique
NED MANDERINO PO Box 27758 Los Angeles, CA 90027 ned@mandarino.com www.manderino.com 323-665-0123 12 students max Manderino, a post-Stanislavsky acting coach, combines total Method principles that he learned initially from Stella Adler and from his close friends and mentors Lee Strasberg and Harold Clurman.
THE NEW AMERICAN STUDIO FOR ACTORS/THE NEW AMERICAN THEATRE P.O. Box 586 Culver City, CA 90232 info@newamericantheatre.com www.newamericantheatre.com 310-701-0788 6-20 students per class; Beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional.; Free studios to meet teachers at times; admission by audition/interview only; By sessions and ongoing Led by artistic director Jack Stehlin, the studio offers scene study, technique, TV/film, commercial, voice and speech, and movement classes. Class address: The New American Theatre (formerly Circus Theatricals) meets at the Elephant Theatre: 1076 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038
THE NEW COLLECTIVE LA Greg Braun 6440 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 info@newcollectivela.com www.newcollectivela.com 323-871-1376 15 student max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing The New Collective LA is a monthly membership organization for actors. We are the only studio in Los Angeles that offers a conservatory atmosphere for an affordable monthly rate.
NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY Dan Mackler 100 Universal City Plaza, Building 9128, Ste. 179 Universal City, CA 91602 film@nyfa.edu www.nyfa.com 818-733-2600, Fax: 818-733-4074 12 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing This academy offers one-year, two-year, and short-term programs in acting for film as well as directing for film, screenwriting, producing, photography, game design, and 3-D animation. Year-round, summer, and evening workshops available, as are hands-on total immersion workshops. The academy now offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degree programs in acting. Located at Universal Studios; branches in New York and Abu Dhabi, and Queensland, Australia
NICOLAS COSTER STUDIO nicolascoster@yahoo.com 213-952-5685 10-15 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; By sessions Coster ia an adjunct professor at University of Georgia, on the faculty at NY Film Academy, LA, trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the Neighborhood Playhouse, and with Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Milton Katselas, and Frank Silvera.
NIKOLAI GUZOV 12360 Hesby St. Valley Village, CA 91607 guzovclass@gmail.com www.guzovactingstudio.com 213-448-7648, Fax: 818-753-5203 2-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing permitted in some cases; Sessions depend on the need of the student; Work study available upon request Guzov, a Russian acting teacher originally from St. Petersburg, specializes in the Chekhov technique and offers private, group, and semiprivate classes.
THE ORCHARD ACTING WORKSHOP Cristen Kauffman 1745 Warnall Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90024 cristenrob@aol.com www.theorchardactingworkshop.com 310-284-8166 All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing The Orchard Acting Workshop offers a healthy and balanced environment for creativity and collaboration that cultivates, nurtures, guides, and supports your talent as well as helps you discover your own unique truth. We provide you with helpful technical tools to ensure you gain the confidence you need to develop your special acting abilities.
ORGANIC ACTING Andrea Tate andreatate@me.com www.organicacting.com 818-802-2620 10-15 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels Organic Acting is taught by award-winning director and teacher Andrea Tate. Andrea teaches an acting technique that combines Meisner and the Method with a focus on following your own impulses and instincts. She uses Improvisation skills as well to bring out your unique take on a character. Andrea's clients have played lead roles in theater, film, and TV.
PHYLLIS APPLEGATE 323-655-5167 Private coaching only; on-set coaching also available; All levels The Emmy-nominated Applegate studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute on scholarship and offers ongoing individual performance coaching combining Strasberg's methods with her own. She coaches individuals on audition techniques, cold readings, character creation, scene study, and text interpretation.
PIERO DUSA Piero Dusa Creative Studio 1453 3rd St. Promenade, Ste. 503 Santa Monica, CA 90401 info@pierodusa.com www.pierodusa.com 310-393-9378, Fax: 310-209-8502 Private coaching only; All levels; Interview by phone required for audit; Ongoing client specific syllabus. Since 1985, Dusa has coached and directed a distinguished list of well-known actors. Dusa offers exclusive coaching for actors and writers on On-Camera & The Character Preference System by referral only.
PLAYHOUSE WEST SCHOOL AND REPERTORY THEATRE 4250 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91602 www.playhousewest.net 818-881-6520 Free audit required Founded in 1981, the playhouse, which has a second North Hollywood location, Playhouse West Studio Two, regularly develops and stages plays with members of the advanced technique class.
RANDOLPH STUDIO FOR ACTOR TRAINING Kate Randolph, director 2700 Cahuenga Blvd.. Ste. 3107 Los Angeles, CA 90068 randolphstudio4actors@adelphia.net www.belletheplay.com 323-356-5051, Fax: 323-851-1454 Small classes; Private coaching available; Beginning, intermediate, and advanced; Auditing is permitted upon request; Ongoing Randolph teaches concrete, universal tools, with an emphasis on finding joy in the work. Her class is supportive and nurturing while pushing each actor to take risks and go beyond perceived limitations.
RAW ACTING STUDIO Guy Camilleri The Lounge Theatre 6201 Santa Monica Blvd. (corner of El Centro) Los Angeles, CA 90038 rawactingstudio@gmail.com www.rawactingstudio.com 323-533-9263 14-16 students per class; private/on-set coaching available; All levels; Working audits permitted; Ongoing; Sliding scale for those financially in need RAW Acting Studio is an ongoing scene study-audition technique workshop providing actors a safe, exciting, and focused environment to cultivate their imagination and craft. Actors work in class, every week.
RICHARD SEYD ACTING STUDIO 4949 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 203 Los Angeles, CA 90027 studio@seydways.com www.seydways.com 323-668-1475 12 students per class; Intermediate to professional; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Voted by readers of Back Stage for the last three years as one of the top four acting schools in Los Angeles. "Richard Seyd knows what he's doing. You cannot do better," says Peter Coyote.
ROB REECE ACTORS WORKSHOP robreece.method@gmail.com www.methodacting.com 310-497-0611 15 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Free audit available Rob Reece is a 42-year veteran of film, TV, and theater. Based in Los Angeles with classes in San Francisco, Reece teaches Progressive Method Acting, which he describes as "in-depth instrument work, craft tools described and demonstrated, understanding tension, inspiration, character work, script analysis, and the unconscious creative process.
ROBERT BEECHER Stage 13 10749 New Haven St., #15 Sun Valley, CA 91352 info@stage13.com www.stage13.com 818-768-5574 Private coaching only; All levels Robert Beechers Stage 13 offers one-on-one coaching for one hour for $20. It can be scenes, commercials, monologues, cold reading, or interview material.
ROBERT D'AVANZO 2811 Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 rgd37@roadrunner.com www.robertdavanzo.com 818-508-0723 16 students per class; Intermediate, advanced, and professional; Auditing is permitted by appt.; Ongoing and by sessions D'Avanzo describes his classes as "dynamic and thorough scene study classes where the actor works every week in a prepared scene." Based on teachings of Uta Hagen. Teaches 6-week on-camera cold reading class.
ROBERT F. LYONS www.insideacting.com 818-766-6480 4-5 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Ongoing Lyons is a working actor-teacher who wants his students to "learn what to apply and how to apply with actual workable technique." Students who have studied with Lyons include Juliette Lewis, Heather Locklear, Danny Masterson, Clea DuVall, Laura Prepon, Jason Dohring, and many others. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
THE SACRED ACTOR Josh Galitsky 3017B Second St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 josh@sacredactor.com www.sacredactor.com 310-392-8212 6-10 students per class; All levels; Auditing by appt. only; Sessions start each month; Work study may be available through accompanying theatres A safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment. "Devised Theatre" approach uses challenging, fun, exploratory process to conquer fears and create dynamic, original material for production.
SAM CHRISTENSEN STUDIOS 10440 Burbank Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 scsimage@aol.com www.samchristensen.com 818-506-0783, Fax: 818-506-8941 14 students max; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; Work study available Christensen, a former casting director for M*A*S*H, teaches ongoing classes that assist actors in becoming the most confident, powerful, and compelling individuals they can be.
SANDRA CARUSO 11916 Saltair Terrace Los Angeles, CA 90049 scaruso@tft.ucla.edu 310-476-5113 Private coaching only; All levels Caruso, actor/director and professor in the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, studied with Meisner, Strasberg, Hagen, and Katselas, graduated from the NYU theater department, and holds a master's degree from UCLA.
SANDRA K. HORNER PERFORMANCE STUDIO 468 Camden Dr., Ste. 349B Beverly Hills, CA 90210 skhperformance@aol.com www.sandrakhorner.com 818-997-6740, Fax: 818-997-6740 6-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Free monthly demo classes; Ongoing; Barters are available Horner teaches a pure form of Robert Lewis' script analysis that empowers your auditions and puts you in command of any text.
THE SANFORD MEISNER CENTER 5124 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 meisnercenter@aol.com www.themeisnercenter.com 818-509-9651 20 students max; All levels; Auditing allowed after interview only; By sessions Now headed by Martin Barter, Sanford Meisner's assistant for more than 12 years, the center teaches the Meisner technique in it's original 2-year program the way Sandy taught it. Accelerated 5-week intensives are also offered, as well as graduate-level scene-study classes and screenwriting classes. Other: Conservatory/University
SANTA CLARITA SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS 23502 Lyons Ave., Ste. 105 Santa Clarita, CA 91321 info@scsopa.com www.scsopa.com 661-222-7910 Class sizes vary; Private coaching available; All levels; Ongoing Offers a wide variety of classes for all levels of experience, including dance, voice, modeling, improv, scene study, audition techniques, and classes catering to young performers. Other: Young Performers
SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE ACTORS' WORKSHOP Serena Dolinsky, director of education 1211 Fourth St., Ste. 201 Santa Monica, CA 90401-1391 education@santamonicaplayhouse.com www.santamonicaplayhouse.com 310-394-9779, ext. 673, Fax: 310-393-5573 15 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; 6-to-12 week sessions; Internships available "It's about learning to make powerful and immediate choices for auditions and performance. Make the text come alive in your own voice," says Chris DeCarlo, co-artistic director. The workshop trains actors to conquer their inner critics and overcome fear of competition.
SCOTT COLOMBY WORKSHOP management@scottcolomby.com www.scottcolomby.com 323-650-6472 Auditing is encouraged Colomby's workshop was originally conceived as a class geared toward the actor's personal growth within the confines of a scene study group, but now includes showcasing and production of plays.
SCOTT SEDITA ACTING STUDIOS Scott Sedita, Tony Rago 526 N. Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004 scottsedita@gmail.com www.scottseditaacting.com; www.sitcomacting.com; www.makingitinhollywoodbook.com 323-465-6152, Fax: 323-465-6202 16 students per class; Private coaching available.; All levels; Limited auditing permitted; contact the studio for specifics; Ongoing The Scott Sedita Acting Studio is where the actor's craft and career come together. Scott teaches the One Day Sitcom Intensive, and On-Camera Sitcom class with Tony Rago. Scott also teaches the Professional Audition Technique class. Deborah Quayle teaches the On-Camera TV/Film Drama class. Patrick Munoz teaches Nuts & Bolts, Introduction to TV/Film Acting, and provides training in voice and speech. Elizabeth Bauman teaches the on-camera kids workshop.
SHARON CHATTEN Venice, CA sharonchattenstudio@gmail.com www.sharonchatten.com 213-486-4229; 310-650-4030 Private coaching available; All levels; Ongoing Ongoing classes include scene work for film and TV, relaxation, sensory work, and improv. See website for testimonials and client list.
SHAWN NELSON FILM ACTING MASTER CLASS Studio City, CA 91602 shawnnelsonusa@yahoo.com www.shawnnelson.info 818-762-8439 8 students max; industry referral only; Intermediate, advanced, and professional; Free audit required in most cases; Ongoing, most Tuesday evenings Shawn Nelson, coach to stars and working actors for more than 25 years, teaches weekly on-camera classes. Work and notes are recorded on the actor's mini-DVD or memory stick. Actors work on new, current material from film and television each class.
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY PO Box 2197 Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2197 education@scr.org www.scr.org 714-708-5577, Fax: 714-708-5529 18 students (youth and teen class); 20 (adult class); 30 (professional intensive); All levels; Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing; Work study permitted on a case-by-case basis This respected Orange County theater has an extensive education program through the Theatre Conservatory, directed by Hisa Takakuwa. The conservatory includes a progressive multiyear youth and teen program, with its introductory summer theater workshop. The adult program, for those 18 and older, offers weekly evening classes in beginning through advanced acting, improvisation, acting for the camera, musical theater, screenwriting, and play writing. The four acting levels take students from the fundamentals through advanced technique, including individual instruction in performance, scene work, characterization, and script analysis. The Professional Intensive Program is an eight-week summer course for serious career actors, who are accepted through audition. Classes include audition technique, script analysis, voice, Shakespeare, and physical characterization. Other: Young Performers
STACIE CHAIKEN WHAT'S THE STORY? STUDIO 2nd St. and Main St. Los Angeles, CA info@whatsthestoryla.com www.whatsthestoryla.com; www.staciechaiken.com 310-450-1312, Fax: 213-625-1025 12 students max; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing, with evening and weekend intensives; Work study available Stacie's expertise is solo performance. She works within a group process with writers/artists who are wrestling with personal material for the stage, the page, and the screen.
STAGING COURT ACTORS LAB Cheryl Lubin at The Complex Hollywood 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 clubin@earthlink.net 818-317-0140 15 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Staging Court offers a unique, nurturing, and rigorous approach to improvisation and scene study for actors in the heart of Hollywood. A renowned nationwide speaker on courtroom drama, Lubin uses techniques from the courtroom to help students recognize nuance, passion, and sense of place.
STAN ROTH West Hollywood, CA sandbroth@att.net www.stanroth.com 323-930-2424 2 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Ongoing Stan Roth teaches two-person cold reading- and scene study intensive classes and offers private audition coaching at his studio in the West Hollywood area. Admission is by interview and audition. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
STEINLEIN PRODUCTIONS INSTITUTE Iris Steinlein 5405 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 273 Los Angeles, CA 90036 info@steinleinproductions.com www.steinleinproductions.com 323-934-6280 15 students max; Private coaching available; Beginner and intermediate; Auditing not permitted; By sessions; All participants will undergo an audition for a short film shot in August Young actors receive intensive training on the international level. Learn innovative techniques for your craft and gain new perspectives during this individualized program.
STEPHANIE LLOYD ON CAMERA ACTORS' WORKSHOP 1170 North Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651 stephanielloyd@cox.net 949-497-8274 Private coaching available Billed as "the L.A. Workshop in Orange County," Lloyd's actors training center focuses on talent development, career coaching, and establishing connections in the entertainment industry. Classes also available with Richard Delancey and Jeff Gerrard.
STEPHEN BOOK ACTING WORKSHOP stephenbook@stephenbook.com www.stephenbook.com 323-461-4263 Private coaching available; Must attend a free seminar to be eligible to apply; Ongoing Book, an author and former faculty member at Juilliard and USC, teaches a technique for improvising performances while speaking scripted lines.
STEPPENWOLF CLASSES WEST info@steppenwolfwest.com www.steppenwolfwest.com Small class sizes; All levels; scene study and advanced classes require audition; Free introductory workshops several times a year; 8- to 12-week sessions, special workshops vary Offers exclusive scene study, viewpoints, and improvisation classes as well as audition, on-camera, and Shakespeare workshops. Classes are taught by members of Steppenwolf Theatre's acclaimed ensemble and award-winning professionals in an environment where actors' work is respected and practicing craft is paramount.
STUART ROGERS STUDIOS 5267 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 info@stuartrogersstudios.com www.stuartrogersstudios.com 818-763-3232 Private coaching available; Ongoing Rogers has taught for the last 15 years. His students have won Emmys, Golden Globes, and Tony Awards. The studio offers classes in scene study and audition technique for all levels. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
STUDIO C ARTISTS John Coppola and Michael Sonntag 6448 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 info@studiocartists.com www.studiocartists.com 323-988-1175, Fax: 323-988-2144 20 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Internships are available Offers a curriculum of acting classes, career-related seminars, and workshops. Teachers are industry professionals who train each actor to use and market his or her individual talents, assets, and personality.
STUDIO FOR ACTING - BASED ON THE TEACHINGS OF DAVID LeGRANT Eddie Singletary, class admin. 8228 Sunset Blvd., Ste. 209 West Hollywood, CA 90069 gwynn@studioforacting.com www.studioforacting.com 323-786-2846 10 students max; All levels; Ongoing; Work study/internships are available LeGrant has spent 60 years in show business with 50 years in teaching (28 in New York City and 22 in Studio City). He accepts students by interview only.
SUSAN GIOSA ACTING WORKSHOP Susan Giosa, master teacher 1211 4th St. Santa Monica, CA susan@susangiosa.com www.susangiosa.com 310-828-8544 20 students max, Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted and mandatory; Ongoing Award-winning actress Susan Giosa, who trained extensively with Larry Moss, teaches a unique emotional technique. Classes focus on scene study, emotional exercises, script analysis, advanced character work, and auditioning.
TED BRUNETTI STUDIO 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028 tedbrunetti@me.com www.tedbrunettistudio.com 310-403-0213 8-10 per class; private coaching available; All levels; Call for free audit, enrollment by interview and referral only; 12-week sessions and ongoing; Work study available Uta Hagen's protégé, producer, director, coach, and actor, Ted Brunetti is faculty/guest faculty at the most prestigious directing and acting programs/institutions across the U.S. Brunetti Studio offers on-camera acting, audition, scene study, cold reading, and commercial classes, as well as coaching and tapings for auditions.
THE COACHING STUDIO daleypack@aol.com 818-986-9733 Private coaching available; limited enrollment Rehfeld combines a cold reading/acting class with a hands-on showcase in an effort to create "a supportive, intimate workshop setting," taught by television and theatrical producer/directors. Adults, teens, and children.
THEATRE GROUP STUDIO Los Angeles, CA 90034 faculty@theatregroupstudio.com www.theatregroupstudio.com 310-839-9771 Private coaching only; All levels Theatre Group Studio teaches Method acting using the technique of objective-problem-action, along with emotional memory, imagination, communion, and inner creative state.
THEATRE WEST ASSOCIATE PROGRAM 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W. Los Angeles, CA 90068 staff@theatrewest.org 323-851-4839 6-20 students per class; All levels; Audition is required; Ongoing; Internship program available with $10-per-month fee and a work requirement of 10 volunteer hours per month. This program provides a weekly three-hour class conducted by Laura James, professional director-teacher-actor. Theatre West has been a professional artistic cooperative for actors, writers, directors and designers for almost 50 years.
3-DAY DEMO AND THE TOTAL WORKSHOP FOR ACTING, CREATED BY MICHAEL SAVAGE sirtony@3daydemo.com www.3daydemo.com; www.thetotalworkshopforacting.com 818-762-5769 Private coaching available; All levels; By sessions Savage is an alumnus of the Tony Award honoree The Acting Company, founded by John Houseman and Margot Harley, and a former star of General Hospital.
TIGERTAINMENT STUDIOS Westwood, CA create@tigertainment.com www.tigertainment.com 310-287-9809 12 students max; All levels; Auditing permitted with RSVP; Classes periodically throughout the year; Work study available Director-producer Michael John's studio offers acting workshops in cold reading, audition techniques, and stage combat.
TOM TODOROFF STUDIO 1323-A 3rd St. Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 lastudio@tomtodoroff.com www.tomtodoroff.com 310-428-3388 15-25 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted, interview or audition required depending on program; Ongoing The training is all-encompassing and prescriptive, based on each individual's specific needs, and designed to help you achieve your highest potential as an actor and an artist. The work includes scenes, monologues, auditioning, cold reading, on-camera technique, and original material. Also has NY studio.
TONY TORRISI'S ACTING WORKSHOP 310-569-1439 Small class sizes; Private coaching available; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing A 35-year acting veteran, he now teaches classes covering cold reading, improvisation, scene work, and camera technique, for "a well-rounded approach."
TVI ACTORS STUDIO 14429 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 118 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 laadmissions@tvistudios.com www.tvistudios.com 818-784-6500, Fax: 818-784-6533 16 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted for some courses; By sessions and ongoing TVI offers comprehensive and affordable TV/film acting classes and workshops taught by casting directors, agents, producers and directors.
THE VALLETTA ACTORS STUDIO Al Valletta info@vallettaworkshop.com www.vallettaworkshop.com 760-941-3208; 760-271-0501 20 students max; All levels; One audit permitted; Ongoing Valletta has taught acting for film and TV for more than 30 years. His workshop offers 8-week programs on film and TV acting, with showcases presented throughout the year. Classes for adults, teens, and kids.
THE VINCENT CHASE WORKSHOP 1206 N. Detroit St. West Hollywood, CA 90046 vincentchase3@yahoo.com www.vincentchaseworkshop.com 323-851-2685 2-8 students per class; Private coaching available for auditions and film assignments; All levels; Auditing is permitted and recommended The workshop is geared to teach the actor how to make his audience give the best performance of its life through him.
THE VISION ACTING STUDIO Justine Visone, Kurt Sinclair East Valley Family Y 5142 Tujunga Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91601 myspace.com/visionacting 818-506-4302 12-15 students per class; Private coaching available; All level Visone teaches an acting workshop with partner Kurt Sinclair, an actor-director, using the Meisner technique word games (the repeat), improvisation exercises, monologues, and cold reading on camera to record progress. Workshops include professional guest speakers and a professional showcase at the end of each semester. Three-hour classes, everyone works. Interview required.
WAYNE C. DVORAK 1949 Hillhurst Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027 www.waynedvorak.com 323-462-5328 12 students per class; Private coaching available; Beginner, intermediate, and professional; Free audit required; Sessions twice a year Dvorak has been a teacher for more than 20 years and holds a BFA and an MFA in theater. He teaches a full two-year professional-level Meisner program. Other: Business of Acting
WCI STUDIOS-BILLY COWART 7542 Collett Ave. Lake Balboa, CA billy.wcistudios@mac.com www.wcistudios.com 310-230-5358 8 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; serious students only; adults and children; Two-hour intro session and one free class; Ongoing The studio of working actors specializes in realism, overcoming the right/left brain battle, and the physiology of feelings. Classes are on-camera and in audition format, with industry guest teachers in addition to staff, and a 13-hour marketing intensive.
WILL WALLACE ACTING COMPANY The Complex Theater 6472 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 willwallaceactingcompany@gmail.com www.willwallaceactingcompany.com/ 323-364-2911 15-20 students per class;; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Auditing is free for all classes except master classes, for which there is a $20 fee; Ongoing; No The Will Wallace Acting Company offers a unique opportunity for actors to study with working directors, producers, and casting directors, as well as be trained by professional coaches. Many of our students book several jobs a year from class alone. We offer classes to students at all levels and offer lots of room to advance within the company. We pride ourselves on the supportive environment that we provide for our actors. This is a place to learn and grow. Other: On-Camera Technique; Classical; Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Business of Acting
THE WILLIAM ALDERSON ACTING STUDIO 1103 N. El Centro Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90038 actmeisner@aldersonstudio.com www.aldersonstudio.com 323-466-0799 12-16 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing William Alderson has been teaching the Meisner technique for more than 40 years. Through various exercises and scene study students are professionally trained to use their instinctive and intuitive approach to character. The nature of the work is difficult. We are task masters. Work outside of class is an absolute necessity.
Audition Technique/Cold Reading
BERRYWOOD Linda Berry, instructor 4710 Hillcrest Ave. La Mesa, CA 91941 info@berrywood.net www.berrywood.net 619-507-6395/310-410-1836 Private and on-set coaching only; All levels; specializes in beginner and intermediate, kids/teens Berry offers training at her San Diego center and workshops in L.A. for actors. Training includes on-camera cold reading and scene study monologue work, preparing actors for auditioning and getting the role. Also offered: How to Master the Business Side of the Entertainment Industry - personal one-on-one training and consultation, which includes a workable marketing plan and useful promotion materials. Other: On-Camera Technique; Acting Technique/Scene Study
THE CASTING PLAYHOUSE Raleigh Studios 650 N. Bronson Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004 thecastingplayhouse@gmail.com www.thecastingplayhouse.com 310-922-6821 14 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing;Created by CD Jason Buyer,the Casting Playhouse offers kids, teens, and adults group and private audition technique classes, all on camera with honest and direct feedback. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
CHARLENE TILTON AND BOB RUSCH T.U. Studios 10943 Camarillo St. North Hollywood, CA 91602 tiltonruschacting@gmail.com www.tiltonruschacting.com 323-229-2753 12 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing On-camera audition technique for half-hour comedy, hour long drama and film roles by putting the actor in a professional audition setting. Helps the actor make strong choices, improve their cold-reading skills, and develop better "in the room" presence, which enables them to audition with more confidence. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; On-Camera Technique
COMEDY CAST INTENSIVE Ryan Garcia Actors Comedy Studio 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 202 Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorscomedystudio@gmail.com www.actorscomedystudio.com 323-302-9152 16 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; By sessions The Comedy Cast Intensive is taught by ACS co-founder Todd Rohrbacher, and one of the industry's top comedy casting directors. In this dynamic, one day event, you will learn specific techniques for sitcom acting and auditioning, inside information about how the industry works, and, most importantly, you'll understand more about who you are in today's competitive marketplace.
DAVID LEHMAN STUDIO Julia Huffman, teacher and director 1819 W. Verdugo Ave. Burbank, CA filmactingcoach@yahoo.com www.filmactingcoach.com 818-749-3628 12 students max; All levels; Free audit available; Ongoing After studying with David for 8 years, Julia Huffman is now the studio director and teacher of David Lehman's Studio. Classes cover cold reading and on-camera memorized scenes. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
HOLLY POWELL STUDIOS 11650 Riverside Dr., #3 Studio City, CA 91602 hollypowellcasting@yahoo.com www.hollypowellstudios.com 818-377-4588 12 students max; Professional; admission to class is by referral or a picture and résumé must be submitted; Auditing not permitted; 4-week sessions Emmy Award-winning former casting director Holly Powell teaches 4-week audition workshops that demystify the audition process. Other actors "act as" producers as the actor travels through the preread with the casting director, the "callback" for producers, reading for studio executives, and "testing" at the network. Other: On-Camera Technique
JACK HELLER 323-850-6328 Private coaching only; All levels Jack Heller is an award-winning director, working actor, and lifetime member the Actors Studio. He studied with Harold Clurman, Robert Lewis, and Uta Hagen.
JAMES HARPER jamesharper_actor@yahoo.com 818-749-4678 Private coaching only; All levels A Juilliard graduate, an award-winning actor/producer, and casting associate/consultant, he has taught master classes at numerous universities and colleges throughout the United States. Mr. Harper specializes in audition coaching and ongoing once the job is secured. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; On-Camera Technique
KEN LERNER STUDIO 11006 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA kenlernerstudio@kenlerner.com www.kenlerner.com 818-753-7744 20 students per class; private coaching available; Beginner to advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Lerner offers cold reading and scene study classes in a challenging but nurturing style. Students work every week in class. He has been teaching for 25 years, acted steadily in movies, TV shows, commercials, plays, and shares his on-set experiences to his students. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
LESLIE FLEMING-MITCHELL Altadena/Pasadena/La Canada, CA lesliefilm@yahoo.com www.lesliefleming-mitchell.com 310-991-4162 10 students max; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 4- to 8-week sessions and ongoing; Workstudy/internships available Fleming-Mitchell has worked extensively in front of and behind the camera as actor, director, casting director, as well as acting coach for actors preparing for film and TV roles. Students include Emile Hirsch, Hank Harris, Michael Mantenuto. Refine audition skills and scene work, with an emphasis on optimizing each actor's creative power. Sessions simulate auditions; scenes are taped, redirects given if needed and work is reviewed. Other: On-Camera Technique
MARCI LIROFF PRIVATE COACHING liroffcasting@sbcglobal.net www.marciliroff.com 818-784-5434 Private coaching available in person and via Skype; All levels; Offers small group classes at certain times of the year; Visit website for announcements Liroff teaches actors what they need to know before, during, and after their auditions. She uses her skills as a veteran casting director to prepare them to win the part…before they even enter the room. Your audition should not feel like a visit to the doctor! It is your time to show us what you've got. Liroff will help you feel more in your body than you've ever felt before. Her coaching is for working professionals for upcoming auditions or jobs, and actors who need guidance in self-taping and/or working on scenes for a class. Other: Business of Acting
CD MELISSA SKOFF'S PROFESSIONAL LEVEL COLD READING CLASSES melissaskoffacting@gmail.com www.melissaskoff.com 818-760-2058 Private coaching only for actors of all ages; Advanced and professional; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing classes for adults; New ongoing teens and kids classes Casting director Skoff teaches cold reading and audition technique classes for working and advanced actors and has cast more than 100 feature films, MOWs, pilots, and series. In 2001 she was named among Hollywood's Top 20 TV Casting Directors by Ross Reports. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
PAUL GUTRECHT info@auditionandactingcoach.com www.auditionandactingcoach.com 888-732-3257 4-6 students per class; Intermediate to professional; Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing;Small classes, semiprivate and private coaching that focus on the work-life realities of actors. Use ongoing audition simulations to prep for any upcoming auditions. Learn to handle anything that throws you off, from a distracting waiting-room environment to on-the-fly adjustments to your work at auditions or on-set. Other: On-Camera Technique
THE RICHARD LAWSON STUDIOS Morgan Martin, registrar 4450 Tobias Ave. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 richard@richardlawson.net www.richardlawson.net/studio/index.html 818-793-8767, Fax: 818-990-0369 Scene study: 50 students; on-camera: 20 students; ongoing audition: 15 students; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted but there is a free open class once a month; 16-week sessions (on-camera class) and ongoing Lawson is an award-winning actor-director with 40 years experience and 30 years experience as a master teacher, offering scene study classes, improv classes, on-camera auditioning classes, on-camera classes (acting for film, filmmaking and career concept development). Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
RISA BRAMON GARCIA MASTER CLASS Los Angeles, CA risa@risabg.com risabg.com 818-986-9777 15-20 actors per master class; Professional; Auditing not permitted; By monthly sessions A full-day workshop that focuses on the audition and acting for the camera: interpreting the text, making the best choices for the scene and the character, connecting with the other character(s), staying truthful, authentic, relaxed, confident while making the boldest choices for oneself. Class is by invitation, with professional references. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study WALLACE AUDITION TECHNIQUE Craig Wallace Castaway Studios info@wallaceauditiontechnique.com www.wallaceauditiontechnique.com 323-960-7852 8 students max; All levels; Auditing on a case-by-case basis; Classes run in 6-week cycles Voted favorite audition teacher in the 2010 Back Stage Readers' Choice Poll, Wallace's technique gives actors the tools to relax, own the room, and book the job.
Business of Acting
ACTING BUSINESS BOOT CAMP Peter Pamela Rose, certified life/career coach for actors 13924 Panay Way, Ste. 601 Marina del Rey, CA 90292 actingbusinessbootcamp@gmail.com www.actingbusinessbootcamp.com 310-712-5655 Group intensives; Private coaching available; All levels; Free phone and live seminars; free MP3 by email request; Ongoing Peter Pamela Rose, PCC, uses her extensive experience and skills as a certified coach to motivate actors, empowering them with the courage and opportunity to show their talent with honesty and confidence without fear. Recommended by top agents and casting directors. Also coaches in NY.
THE ACTOR'S JOURNEY PROJECT Stanley Livingston, CEO/instructor Studio CIty, CA school@theactorsjourney.com www.theactorsjourney.com 323-656-4275, Fax: 323-654-0326 15 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; By sessions The Actor's Journey is not about acting or performance skills. The Actor's Journey is a powerful new program developed to teach aspiring actors the industry-specific business and career-development skills needed to launch, advance, and sustain careers. These are skills not taught at any of the schools, colleges, universities, or academies that teach acting. Why spend years, if not decades, down in the trenches? Learn everything about the industry and how to function in it from 100 distinguished and award-winning entertainment-industry veterans who have already traveled down the road you are about to take. These are not teachers far removed from the processes that lead to work, these are professionals who have been there, done that and succeeded. Come to this powerful 4-session program, then hit the ground running. Learn from the ultimate authorities how to make all the right decisions and career moves from day one.
MARK CHAET chaetmark@sbcglobal.net www.markchaet.com 818-693-3455 Private coaching only; Beginner and intermediate Chaet teaches business for actors. He focuses on goal-setting and methods for organizing and advancing one's career.
WENDY HAINES IGNITE YOUR CAREER WORKSHOPS mk@wendyhaines.com www.wendyhaines.com 310-395-3246 30 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing; Work study available upon request Haines developed a system to master the "inner game" of succeeding in your acting career. "Discover what holds you back, effectively move beyond what keeps you stuck, and set goals to achieve what you want."
Classical
THE ANTAEUS ACADEMY Deirdre Murphy, artistic associate 5114 Lankershim Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91601 academy@antaeus.org www.antaeus.org/theacademy.html 818-506-5436, Fax: 818-506-5436 26-28 students per class; Intermediate to advanced; Auditing is permitted; Classical Styles and Advanced Classical Styles meet in fall and spring; Shakespeare Workout is ongoing; Limited work study internships available A project of the Antaeus Company, the academy trains actors in classical styles in a series of 12-week scene study workshops. All actors participating in Classical Styles are eligible for casting in Antaeus Company readings, workshops, and productions. Admission to workshop by audition only; will consider professionals and beginners with strong potential.
JENIFER PARKER - NO FEARE SHAKESPEARE PO Box 92299 Pasadena, CA 91109 nofeare@aol.com 626-660-8818 Private coaching only; All levels 20 plus years' experience training contemporary actors to successfully handle Shakespeare, European, and American classical styles of acting with confidence & technical proficiency.
KATE GEER'S SHAKESPEARE SURVIVAL SCHOOL Kate Geer shakespearesurvival@mac.com www.shakespearesurvival.com 310-455-4295 15 students max; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Geer is a founding member of both the Will Geer Theatricum and the Carousel Stage. She offers Shakespeare workshops that stress solid foundational work. Ms. Geer is building a small repertory group to perform free Shakespeare for the public.
MARTIN JAGO Los Angeles, CA jagomartin@aol.com www.martinjago.net 323-590-2865 15-20 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Classes by appt. only Jago's special emphasis is on classical theater, focusing on Shakespeare. Author of To Play or Not to Play, an acting Shakespeare how-to book. He adopts a practical, on-your-feet working method to the Bard. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction; On-Camera Technique; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
A NOISE WITHIN 3352 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 education@anoisewithin.org www.anoisewithin.org 626-356-3104, Fax: 626-356-3120 5-20 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels, including children; Working audits are permitted; Ongoing; Acting and production internships offered in fall and spring This repertory company offers conservatory and internship programs that provide focused, personal attention from skilled, working professionals in a welcoming environment that seeks to develop the whole artist. Conservatory classes include Speaking Shakespeare, Acting Shakespeare, Movement, and Classical Scenes.
WILL GEER THEATRICUM BOTANICUM ACADEMY OF THE CLASSICS D.J. Hamer, adult programs manager 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA 90290 academy@theatricum.com www.theatricum.com 310-455-2322 ext. 222, Fax: 310-455-3724 10-16 students per class; All levels; Ellen Geer's master class limited to professional actors and directors, audition required; Auditing is not permitted; 6-10 week sessions for most classes; Acting and production internships available as well as a limited number of professional training packages Offerings include a five-week summer intensive Shakespeare seminar; a three-weekend winter intensive Shakespeare seminar; spring and fall eight-week Shakespeare scene study and monologue workshops; a winter eight-week master class in classical theater; and a variety of technique classes. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
Commercials/Voiceover
BUDDY POWELL'S COMMERCIAL ACTING FOR SENIOR PERFORMERS www.buddypowell.com 818-220-0875 15-20 students per class;; All levels; Specializes in beginners; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Enrollment open September through June Actor Buddy Powell teaches weekly on-camera skills necessary to pursue a career in television commercial acting. Classes offered in Hollywood, North Hollywood, Pasadena, and Culver City.
CAROLYNE BARRY'S COMMERCIAL, IMPROV, AND ACTING WORKSHOPS www.carolynebarry.com 323-654-2212 14-18 students per class; All levels; Interview required for auditing; By sessions and Ongoing; In her 30-plus years in the business, Barry has been an audition teacher, appeared in more than 400 national TV commercials, cast hundreds more, published tape programs for actors on the market, and directed an Off-Broadway musical. Barry's programs offer commercial, improv, hosting, and acting workshops.
COMMERCIAL ACTING WITH ADRIENNE OMANSKY Westside Community Adult School 11800 Texas Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-914-3565 25 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; By sessions This course provides students with the fundamental skills necessary to pursue a career in the field of commercial acting, as well as the opportunity to apply competencies learned in this course by performing in industry and community showcases. Only $15 per semester for student over 60; $45 for under 60.
DAN BALESTRERO - MASTERINGVOICEOVER.COM Agua Dulce/Santa Clarita, CA 91390 dan@masteringvoiceover.com www.masteringvoiceover.com 661-450-6004 or 310-827-3500 10 students max; private coaching available; All levels; Free introductory seminar; Ongoing; Work study/internship program available Dan Balestrero has taught vocal technique for voiceover artists and actors for over a quarter of a century. Balestrero's classes and workshops emphasize cold reading skills, breath and voice development, voiceover styles, naturalness of delivery, home studio setup, and business networking skills. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Business of Acting
SECRETS OF VOICEOVER WITH DAVID H. LAWRENCE XVII Actors Comedy Studio 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 202 Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorscomedystudio@gmail.com or davidlawrence@gmail.com www.actorscomedystudio.com or http://vo2gogo.com 323-302-9152 or 818-326-7700 14 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted David H. Lawrence XVII was chosen favorite voiceover teacher by Back Stage's 2011 Readers' Choice Awards for this series of ongoing weekly classes, training actors in both voiceover skills and voiceover career management. Each class includes a worksheet, a lecture, and actual on-mic work, with the audio given to participants in MP3 format. Other: Business of Acting; Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
FOLEY/MARRA CASTING Megan Foley Marra and Chuck Marra, casting directors 13425 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 sendtomegan@charter.net www.meganfoleycasting.com 818-216-9350 10-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing for the ongoing class only; Ongoing; Work study available Megan and Chuck Marra offer a weekly class as well as their famous one-day audition intensives for adults and for kids. They also offer online mentoring and coaching.
JEFF GERRARD CASTING INTENSIVE FOUR-WEEK COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP 13425 Ventura Blvd., 2nd Fl. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 jeff@jeffgerrard.com www.jeffgerrard.com 818-782-9900 10-12 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; By sessions only four times per year Jeff Gerrard has been offering this commercial intensive for more than 25 years. The four-week workshop is offered four times a year and covers the business and technical side of commercial acting, including specific kinds of commercial demands: eating, singing, m.o.s., props, cue cards, dialogue-driven spots, and improvisations with fellow actors.
KALMENSON & KALMENSON VOICE CASTING Donna DuBain, director of education 105 S. Sparks St. Burbank, CA 91506 education@kalmenson.com www.kalmenson.com 818-377-3600, ext. 111 8-10 students per class; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing The owners of Kalmenson & Kalmenson commercial voice casting service have spent over 25 years educating actors. Voiceover classes are available for all levels and are taught in the same full-service recording studios where auditions are held daily. Improv and scene study classes also offered. Other: Improv and Comedy; Acting Technique/Scene Study
L.A.'S BEST COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP Ryan Garcia, administrator; Bill Bailey, instructor Actors Comedy Studio 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 202 Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorscomedystudio@gmail.com www.actorscomedystudio.com 323-302-9152 12 students per class; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; By sessions LA's Best Commercial Workshop offers you the most current information on the art of commercial audition technique. This six-week, comprehensive class will familiarize beginners with every aspect of commercial auditioning, challenge veteran actors with a new perspective, and provide all students with the resources and knowledge to audition and book commercials with complete confidence.
MARC CASHMAN-CASHMAN COMMERCIALS: THE CASHMAN CACHE OF VOICE ACTING TECHNIQUES cashcomm@earthlink.net www.cashmancommercials.com 661-222-9300 8 students per class; Beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional; Audits encouraged, payment plan available; Ongoing This Clio-winning casting director and producer instructs beginning, intermediate, advanced, and professional actors on the tricks of the trade in developing a successful radio/TV voiceover career.
ORANGE COUNTY COMMERCIAL ACTING WORKSHOP Ron Michaelson info@occaw.com www.occaw.com 714-832-1895 5-6 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 6-week sessions (beginning), 5-week sessions (advanced) Ron Michaelson, the "Ditech Guy" and a working actor for more than 20 years, teaches beginning and advanced on-camera commercial classes. His school, based in Tustin, also offers an improv class, a cold reading technique class, and a scene study sitcom class. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Improv and Comedy
SANDRA MERRILL COMMERCIAL CLASS sm@sandramerrill.com www.sandramerrill.com 323-662-7720 3-6 students per class; Private coaching available; Ongoing A former casting director and talent agent, Merrill teaches on-camera commercial classes and offers an insider's perspective into the casting process and successful audition techniques. Prior acting experience recommended.
SANDY HOLT/VOICECASTER sandyloops@aol.com 310-271-8217 Private coaching available Sandy Holt, leading voice caster for film and TV, loop group leader and Chicago Second City alum, teaches a voiceover workshop for commercials & animation that covers sharpening your audition skills, making the copy your own, being original, and creating great characters using improv as a tool. Sandy produces VO demos custom made for the actor's talents Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
STUART STONE CASTING stuart@commercialacting.net www.commercialacting.net 323-645-4433 Students per class varies; private coaching available; All levels; kids and adults; Work study/internship available periodically Stuart Stone has created a commercials workshop to teach actors how to audition with his proven audition techniques. He has helped actors book commercials and learn what advertising agencies and directors are looking for, understand their type and develop what makes a successful working commercial actor. His students become working actors.
TERRY BERLAND - BERLAND CASTING Terry Berland c/o 310 Casting Studios 2329 Purdue Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064 info@berlandcasting.com www.berlandcasting.com 310-275-0601 14 students max; All levels Berland teaches an on-camera technique workshop designed to enable talent to give the small commercial space multiple dimensions and reveal depth and layers of their personality in less than 30 seconds. The end result will be a performance that is connected and involved in the scene, as opposed to a sell. Berland is a Cleo Award winning casting director who has been casting commercials for more than 20 years, co-author of 'Breaking Into Commercials,' and is called on nationally to teach commercial acting technique in a weekend format.
VOICEPRINT WEST c/o 310 Casting Studios 2329 Purdue St. Los Angeles, CA 90064 info@voiceprintwest.com www.voiceprintwest.com 310-275-0601 Small class sizes; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Seminars, workshops, one-day workouts and events. Special home reads and self direct, and marketing seminars offered. Up-to-the-minute training with working industry professionals Terry Berland, Nick Omana, Allen Lulu, and others.
Conservatory/University
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY 79 New Montgomery St., 4th Fl. San Francisco, CA 94105-3410 www.academyart.edu/ep/acting-school/index.html 800-544-2787 Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Founded by artists for artists, the Academy of Art University offers expanded and accredited A.A., BFA, and MFA programs, with classes that assume a love and dedication to the acting craft. All classes are taught in world-class facilities with top industry professionals.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS - LA 1336 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028 admissions@ca.aada.org www.aada.edu 800-222-2867, Fax: 323-464-1128 12-16 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; Work study positions available America's first and foremost acting conservatory, The Academy was founded in 1884 and the Los Angeles branch opened in 1974. Located in the heart of Hollywood, The Academy continues the tradition of excellence with its fully accredited two-year conservatory program, culminating in an Associate of Arts degree. Areas covered in the conservatory program include acting, voice and speech, movement, theater history and styles, fencing, makeup, musical theater, and Shakespeare, among others. Classes in working on camera are offered in the second year, where students apply what they've learned to film media. A select group of students are accepted into a third-year repertory company. In addition, The Academy offers four- and two-week summer intensives in acting for the camera, audition technique, and youth theater. The Academy in New York is located at 120 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, 800-463-8990. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
CALARTS SCHOOL OF THEATER 24700 McBean Parkway Valencia, CA 91355-2340 admissions@calarts.edu www.calarts.edu and http://theatercalarts.com/home 661-253-7853 8-15 students per class; Auditing not permitted; Fall entrance only One of the nation's leading professional training programs with an environment designed to support the creation of new work and original interpretation.
EAST WEST PLAYERS ACTORS CONSERVATORY Marilyn Tokuda 120 N. Judge John Aiso St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org www.eastwestplayers.org 213-625-7000, ext. 15, Fax: 213-625-7111 8-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing permitted with permission of the instructor; By sessions; Limited number of full and work-study scholarships available The nation's largest producers of Asian-American artistic work and the longest-running professional theater of color in the country, they offer classes for emerging and professional artists.
ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 1010 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92701 admissions@ocsarts.net www.ocsarts.net 714-560-0900, Fax: 714-664-0463 20-30 students per class; Must have min. 2.0 GPA; Auditing not permitted; Aug.-June with summer, weekend, and evening classes available; Varies by conservatory Nationally recognized as a premier arts school, OCHSA encourages artistic creativity and academic excellence while providing students with a environment focused on individual growth, opportunity, and diversity. Other: Young Performers
PACIFIC CONSERVATORY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS Gloria Lopez at Allan Hancock College 800 S. College Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93454-6399 conservatory@pcpa.org www.pcpa.org 805-928-7731, Fax: 805-928-7506 12-18 students per class; Admission by audition; All levels; Auditing by permission only; By sessions; EMC Program PCPA's conservatory program is geared for serious students with professional aspirations. Each year, 30 students train as members of the professional equity company and also graduate with approximately 76 units of lower-division drama credits, useful for those students transferring on to B.A. or BFA programs.
PROMENADE PLAYHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY 1404 3rd St. Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 info@promenadeplayhouse.com www.promenadeplayhouse.com 310-656-8070, Fax: 310-656-8069 10-15 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Four quarters a year with customized programs available monthly; Work-study program available Since 1995, founder and artistic director, Natalia Lazarus has been at the helm of the Conservatory, which includes an Equity-approved theater, renowned 3rd Street Comedy & The Promenade Players Theatre Company. The Conservatory helps actors with customized programs through Meisner, Adler, Strasberg, on-camera, and screenwriting.
THE RUSKIN SCHOOL OF ACTING 3021 Airport Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405 info@ruskinschool.com www.ruskinschool.com 310-390-4212, Fax: 310-397-4920 Class size varies; Private coaching available; Auditing is permitted; interview required; By sessions and ongoing John Ruskin was Sanford Meisner's apprentice, studying with him in New York and teaching for him at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. The Ruskin School offers a two-year course of study in the Meisner technique, as well as a master class for those who have previously completed the two-year program. Other: Young Performers
STELLA ADLER ACADEMY OF ACTING - LOS ANGELES 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Fl. Los Angeles, CA 90028 theadler@stellaadler-la.com www.stellaadler-la.com 323-465-4446, Fax: 323-469-6049 10-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Work study available Founded by one of the world's most respected acting teachers, the Stella Adler Studio offers a two-year conservatory program and individual classes. With six terms each year, classes include: acting technique, film/stage scene study, script analysis, theater to film audition technique, styles of acting, voice, movement, improvisation, Shakespeare, Chekhov, stage combat, dance, dialects, accent reduction, and commercial skills, all culminating in a play/film production. Ongoing professional class instructors include Benicio Del Toro, Holland Taylor, Mark Ruffalo, Kate Mulgrew, and Anthony Zerbe. Not associated with the Stella Adler Studio in New York.
THEATRE OF ARTS - COLLEGE FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ACTOR Hollywood Plaza 6755 Hollywood Blvd., #200 Los Angeles, CA 90028 lizm@toa.edu www.toa.edu 323-463-2500, Fax: 323-463-2645 6-10 students per class; Application and audition required for entry into the program; 12-week trimesters, 2-year associate degree program; Limited work study and scholarships up to $5,000 available Theatre of Arts opened in 1927 and has evolved through the leadership of outstanding directors like Max Reinhardt and Michael Chekhov into today's accredited college for the contemporary actor.
UCLA EXTENSION DEPARTMENT OF ENTERTAINMENT STUDIES AND PERFORMING ARTS entertainmentstudies@uclaextension.edu www.uclaextension.edu/entertainmentstudies 310-825-9064 This program offers a diverse and comprehensive acting curriculum taught by industry professionals. Courses cover all aspects of the business, from using props on set to managing a career.
Improv and Comedy
ACME ACTORS STUDIO at ACME COMEDY HOLLYWOOD Dan Kane 7122 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorsstudio@acmecomedy.com www.acmecomedy.com 323-525-0202 6-12 students per class; All levels; some classes require an audition; Auditing with permission; Ongoing; Work study/internship available ACME offers improv, sketch, and stand-up classes for all levels. The Elements and Advanced Improv course consist of a series are four-week blocks that can be taken at any time. Students are encouraged to take the full series, but transfer credit from training at other recognized improv schools is negotiable. The improv performance class teaches ACME's signature Soap Opera format, including character development and pitching, costume selection, and format structure. The sketch-performance course is ACME's most intensive class. Students write, pitch, and perform three sets of three-week shows in an 11-week period. Students can perform every week, but not all sketches are approved, so collaboration is encouraged. The sketch comedy writing course is a collaborative class series that includes a show on the ACME stage, using sketches written in the class. ACME also offers a sketch comedy writing course, a four-week stand-up comedy course, and a 12-week performance lab, which requires an audition.
ACTORS IMPROV STUDIO 10707 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 actorsimprovstudio@earthlink.net www.actorsimprovstudio.com 818-790-3413 16 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Bill Applebaum, former member of Second City Chicago and founder of Actors Improv Studio, offers ongoing improv workshops that help actors and anyone who wants to become more creative, spontaneous, and relaxed.
BANG COMEDY THEATRE AND CONSERVATORY 457 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 bang.improv@gmail.com www.bangstudio.com 323-653-6886 14 students max; Auditing is permitted; By session Bang Comedy Institute and Theatre offers a comprehensive comedy program, including classes in improv, sketch comedy, stand-up, web series development, sitcom acting and writing, screenwriting, musical improv, and more. Bang has long been well-regarded for its offbeat and experimental brand of comedy, fostering such talents as Jeff Garlin, Jane Lynch, and Sarah Silverman.
BARB & STEVE NORTH'S COMEDY WORKSHOP 22647 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 422 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 steve@funnycoach.com www.funnycoach.com; www.comedynorth.com 818-347-5098 12 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Steve North ("the Comedy Coach") and his wife Barb's Comedy Workshops offer a complete comedy development environment from beginner to professional. The workshops focus on the North's "comedic character" method of training performers to be comedians rather than comics, students regularly perform in the "Beyond Standup" show.
BOBBIE OLIVER - STANDUP ACADEMY Bobbie Oliver Ice House Comedy Club Main Room 24 N. Mentor Ave. Pasadena, CA bobbie@bobbieoliver.net www.standupacademy.net 323-697-8287 12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Four sessions per year Comedian Bobbie Oliver teaches three ongoing standup comedy classes in eight-week sessions. Class ends with a graduation show in the main room.
THE COMEDY ACADEMY Craig Anton comedyacademy@gmail.com www.thecomedyacademy.com 310-413-6633 Limited class size; Private coaching available; All levels Comedy Academy emphasis is on comedy scene study. Classes show actors how to bring more of themselves to each role and how to dig out and discover the funny. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
COMEDYSPORTZ LOS ANGELES James Thomas Bailey, artistic dir. 733 N. Seward St. Los Angeles, CA 90038 mail@comedysportzla.com www.comedysportzla.com 323-871-1193, Fax: 323-871-1192 10-20 students per class; All levels; Auditing permitted in the beginner class; 4-to-8-week workshops throughout the year; Internships available Teaches the building blocks of improv to entry-level students then, at higher levels, organizes teams of performers in athletic-style competition. Since 1988, L.A.'s own professional team has offered improv workshops to students of all ages.
CYNTHIA SZIGETI bigsind@hotmail.com www.talenttogo.net 818-389-6485 16 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; beginners especially welcome; Auditing not permitted; Sessions at certain times of the year Legendary improv teacher (formerly ran the schools at The Groundlings and The ACME Comedy Theatre) whose former students include Conan O'Brien, Lisa Kudrow, Joel McHale, Adam Carolla, Michael Hitchcock, Will Forte, Julia Sweeney, and Alex Borstein teaches not only the fundamentals of improv but how to apply it to auditions, scene work, writing, and the creation of content in the digital media age.
FLAPPERS UNIVERSITY Shannon Gettins, dean/stand-up teacher & coach 102 E. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91502 classes@flapperscomedy.com www.flappersuniversity.com 818-845-9721 6-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; By sessions and ongoing At Flappers University we believe that comedy is truly an art form, a combination of raw talent and technique. Talent can be lost without technique, so we first teach joke structure and the basic language of comedy. We provide a safe and fun environment where you can be authentic, inspired, and successful.
THE GAY MAFIA IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOP thegaymafia@yahoo.com www.thegaymafia.net, www.mikeplayer.net 10-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Work study is available This workshop is led by Mike Player, director and head writer for the improv/sketch comedy troupe The Gay Mafia and a graduate of the Warner Bros. comedy writers' workshop.
GERRY KATZMAN'S STANDUPCOMEDYCLASS.COM Venice, CA 90291 comedyclass@gmail.com www.standupcomedyclass.com 323-251-1286 10 students max; Beginning, intermediate, and advanced; Auditing permitted in some cases; By sessions; Work study/internship program in some cases Voted favorite comedy class in L.A. by Back Stage magazine, Gerry Katzman has an amazing talent for coaching people into being hilarious, personal, unique, and confident on stage. His students have appeared on Oprah, Ellen, Last Comic Standing, and Chelsea Lately.
THE GROUNDLINGS SCHOOL 7307 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 school@groundlings.com www.groundlings.com 323-934-4747, ext. 21 16 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; Email résumé and cover letter for internship opportunities available for college credit This 30-year-old sketch comedy institution, home of the famous Groundlings performing troupe, offers improvisation classes taught by Groundlings and alumni in a safe, structured, and supportive atmosphere. Students with previous acting or improv experience are recommended to audition for Basic, the first level of the core program which teaches the fundamentals of the Groundlings's world-renowned form of improv. Extension workshops for beginners are also offered that do not require an audition. Visit school.groundlings.com for current schedule of available classes and auditions.
HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP Helaine Lembeck, Artistic Director lembeckworkshop@sbcglobal.net www.harveylembeckcomedyworkshop.com 310-271-2831 20-22 students per class; Private coaching also available; Beginning, intermediate, and advanced; Audits by arrangement only; Ongoing The workshop has three levels and is designed to teach the actor how to play comedy legitimately in a scene. It uses improv as a tool to enhance comedic skills for sitcoms, TV, and film. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
IMPRO THEATRE 1727 N. Vermont Ave., Ste. 211 Los Feliz, CA 90027 improlosangeles@gmail.com www.improtheatre.com 323-401-6162 15 students per class; Nonactors to professional; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing and workshops; Internships programs available The Impro Theatre School teaches the skills necessary to improvise full-length plays. They focus on truth in the moment and allow comedy to arise out of that.
IMPROV COMEDY WAY WITH ANDY GOLDBERG Andy Goldberg Avery Schreiber Theatre 11050 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 www.offthewallcomedy.net 310-283-4027 Private coaching available; Ongoing Goldberg, author of Improv Comedy, has been teaching for more than 20 years. His classes emphasize character development through exercises, games, and scene work.
IO WEST James Grace, artistic dir. 6336 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 laclasses@ioimprov.com http://west.ioimprov.com 323-962-7560 Varies; Beginning, intermediate, and advanced; Auditing for improv teams permitted with special permission; New sessions every 7 weeks; Internship program available Born in Chicago more than 30 years ago, IO is best known for its long-form improvisation, including the signature form "The Harold" (and for its alumni: Mike Myers, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Andy Richter, to name a few). IO West offers seven levels of improvisation classes as well as writing and acting classes. Stage time is guaranteed with showcase and performance opportunities in the improv and writing classes. New classes begin every seven weeks.
JACQUIE LOWELL'S IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY CLASSES Jacquie Lowell San Diego, CA j@jlowell.com www.teachmeimprov.com 858-581-0050 8-16 students per class; All levels; Sample class available for $20; Ongoing Lowell has taught improv in San Diego for more than 35 years and has performed with and directed multiple improvisational comedy performing troupes. She leads creativity communication, and team-building workshops for schools, organizations, conferences, and events.
JODI MILLER 323-525-0202 Miller offers a standup course separate from the curriculum at the ACME that consists of group classes, private lessons, and a final performance, after which the student receives a DVD.
JUDY BROWN'S STAND-UP COMEDY WORKSHOP Santa Monica, CA judybrowni@usa.net 310-663-7019 Private, intensive coaching; All levels; Ongoing Brown helps students turn their natural sense of humor into a professional comedy act. Along the way, she says, they'll learn comedy timing, delivery, and joke writing, and graduate with a comedy monologue.
L.A. CONNECTION COMEDY PRODUCTIONS Kent Skov, artistic director 13442 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 kentskov@aol.com www.laconnectioncomedy.com 818-710-1320 All levels; Auditing permitted in some cases; Ongoing; Work study opportunities in office and theatre. L.A.'s longest-running improv company, in its 35th year, was voted "Best Place to Laugh Until You Cry" 2011 by Cityvoter. The company offers performance training and an adult improv repertory company that allows members to perform before a live audience on a weekly basis.
LESLEY WOLFF'S STANDUP COMEDY WORKSHOP Actors Comedy Studio 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 202 Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorscomedystudio@gmail.com, lesleywolff@gmail.com www.actorscomedystudio.com 323-302-9152, 310-927-4125 16 students per class; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; By sessions Lesley's hands-on standup class consists of four group meetings, a private consultation, and a class showcase. In five weeks, you'll be taken through the paces of joke writing, storytelling, honing material, developing an act, performing onstage, and having fun. The class culminates in a showcase at Actors Comedy Studio, where you'll most likely become hopelessly addicted to applause and/or standing ovations.
M.i.'s WESTSIDE COMEDY THEATER 1323-A Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 classes@westsidecomedy.com www.westsidecomedy.com 310-451-0850 14 students max; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; Work study/internship program available Offers a full calendar of shows and classes every night. Recently named one of the best places to scout talent in L.A. by Variety and as L.A.'s favorite comedy club by About.com. Committed to fostering a down-to-earth, supportive environment to create opportunities for talent to gain exposure and further their careers.
MERILYN CARNEY: "DON'T LOSE YOURSELF IN AUDITIONS" merilyncarney@earthlink.net www.merilyncarney.com 323-620-1689 8-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing every Wednesday afternoon; Scholarship program available Through improvisation, transform nerves and anxiety into creative energy. Learn to create truthful characters that stand out in auditions.
ONE-PERSON SHOW START-TO-FINISH MASTER CLASS Terrie Silverman PO Box 35404 Los Angeles, CA 90035 terrie@creativerites.com www.creativerites.com; www.facebook.com/creativerites 310-281-3175 Limited class size; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is not permitted, but potential students can sign up for one pro-rated class; 10-week sessions Terrie Silveman, artist-in-residence at Beyond Baroque and Creative Rites founder, offers a six-month intensive leading you through the process of creating a one-person show, culminating in a full-length solo show for an invited audience. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
PAUL RYAN'S TV HOSTING & COMEDY STUDIO Sherman Oaks, CA ryan-paul@sbcglobal.net www.paulryanproductions.com 818-788-2190, Fax: 818-788-0706 8 students per hosting intensive; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Sessions are scheduled; Possible work study available TV hosting intensives and comedy workshops scheduled by Mr. Ryan, author of "The Art of Comedy: Getting Serious About Being Funny. Paul ran his own comedy studio at CBS Studio Center and was on the Emmy ballot co-starring as Bruce on "Desperate Housewives.
SANDI C. SHORE'S STANDUP COMEDY WORKSHOP The Comedy Store 8433 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90069 sandi@sandishore.com www.sandishore.com 323-650-6268 Auditing is permitted; By sessions Shore offers seven-week sessions culminating with a showcase in final week. A textbook is required: Sandi Shore's Secret to Standup Success. Also offers the same workshop at the Comedy Store in La Jolla: 916 Pearl St., La Jolla, CA 92037.
THE SECOND CITY HOLLYWOOD TRAINING CENTER Carrie-ann Pishnak, communications manager 6560 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Fl. Los Angeles, CA 90028 training.la@secondcity.com www.secondcity.com/hollywood 323-464-8542, Fax: 323-464-1861 16 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Work study/internships available The Los Angeles Training Center offers classes in improvisation and sketch comedy year-round for actors of all ages. Called the "Ivy League of Comedy," the Second City has trained many of the country's leading comedy actors, writers, and directors. Its alumni include John Belushi, Bill Murray, Alan Arkin, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Sean Hayes, Steve Carell, Harold Ramis, and more. Youth program available for ages 8-18, along with summer boot camp and intensives.
STEVE KAPLAN'S COMEDY INTENSIVE steve@kaplancomedy.com www.kaplancomedy.com 818-718-7570 10-16 students per class; Advanced to professional; Auditing not permitted; Fall and spring sessions; Work study available Day One: The hidden tools and techniques of comedy are explored through exercises, improv, and theater games. Day Two: You apply the tools to text TV, theater and film.
TIM SIMEK hotczech1@earthlink.net www.slowchildrenimprov.com 818-410-7529 10-12 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Occasionally will have interns help at improv shows Founder-director of the comedy improv group, Slow ... Children at Play (14th season), Simek offers ongoing improv and scene study classes, including character development and audition techniques. He has 20 years' experience in the entertainment industry as an actor, director, producer, and instructor. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
On-Camera Technique
BRAD'S CLASS! FILM ACTING WORKSHOP Brad Greenquist The Promenade Playhouse 1404 Third St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 brad@bradgreenquist.com www.bradsclass.com 12 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Actor Brad Greenquist teaches students to deliver shots: long, medium, two-shot, close-up, walk and talk, handheld, dolly, etc. Students are taught to think in shots, to understand editing as it affects the actor and how to use the technology to their advantage. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
CHAD McCORD ACTORS STUDIO Hollywood Media District Los Angeles, CA 90038 chad@chadmccord.com www.chadmccord.com 323-868-9225 1-2 students per class; private coaching available; Beginning, intermediate, and advanced; Auditing not permitted; must do consultation before enrolling; Ongoing Chad McCord offers audition coaching and private classes specializing in script analysis, organic preparation, audition technique, and the business of acting. All classes are on-camera, using current pilot, film, and TV material only. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Business of Acting
CREATIVE COMBUSTION ACTING STUDIO Studio City, CA coach4actors@aol.com www.ccactingstudio.com 818-824-8284, Fax: 315-222-1727 12 students max; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing permitted if contacted in advance; Classes: Sept.-May; Summer sessions: June-July; Private coaching/masterclasses: ongoing Director and acting coach Joshua Finkel offers classes for actors and public speakers of all ages and levels. All private work is on-camera and taped. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Acting Technique/Scene Study
JD FERRANTINO See Screen Actors Studio.
ON-CAMERA CLASSES WITH CHRISTINNA CHAUNCEY 3575 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Ste. 125 Los Angeles, CA 90068 info@oncameraclasses.com www.oncameraclasses.com 818-720-3052 10 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; interview required; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing classes as well as seasonal; Work-study program available Focuses on developing strong audition, on-camera and cold-read skills specific to television. Chauncey has more than 20 years' professional experience in front of and behind the camera. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Acting Technique/Scene Study
PUPPET SCHOOL Roberto Ferreira, CEO/GM 13440 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 108 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 info@puppetschool.com www.puppetschool.com 818-986-9944, Fax: 818-322-3889 12 students max; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Puppet School is comprised of a group of creative artists with a passion for puppetry. Teachers are primarily who we are, but we also love to share our gifts and talents through puppet making and performance. Puppetry is a thriving art form, both in the U.S. and abroad, that we at Puppet School are privileged to perpetuate and preserve.
THE SCIENCE OF ON-CAMERA ACTING Los Angeles, CA class@andreamorris.com www.thefilmandtvactor.com 323-744-1253 6 students max (by invite only); private and on-set coaching available; All levels; Ongoing Coaching focused on detailed on-camera work, developing original characters before an audition, and ‘acquired photogenia' by unlearning certain neuromuscular habits and conditioning new ones, according to the camera's perspective. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
SCREEN ACTORS STUDIO Sonia Lopes, JD Ferrantino Los Angeles, CA 90048 sonia@screenactorsstudio.com www.screenactorsstudio.com 310-358-5942 12 students max; Private coaching for auditions available; All levels; Free class audit and audition; Ongoing; Work study/internship program available Lopes and Ferrantino teach on-camera workshops at Exclusive Casting for all levels. They offer film and commercial classes for kids and adults. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; Commercials/Voiceover
SENA-SERIES HOSTING CLASSES Suzanne Sena, Shannon O'Dowd Exclusive Casting Studios 7700 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 carolyne@carolynebarry.com www.carolynebarry.com www.suzannesena.com 323-654-2212 17 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted in level-one course; Ongoing On-camera industry classes focusing on becoming a working host. Level one is an eight-week course focusing on entertainment reporting, talk shows, infomercials, industrials, reality, game shows and teleprompter. Level two is a four-day weekend intensive featuring individualized curriculums, that also explores news and sports broadcasting.
STEVE EASTIN STUDIO 10107 Camarillo St. Toluca Lake, CA 91602 steve@eastinstudio.com www.eastinstudio.com 818-980-9828 Private coaching available; Free audit provided Steve Eastin Studio offers ongoing on-camera instruction to small classes of working actors and actors starting out. Eastin, who has been teaching for 20 years, is known for his lead roles in Field of Dreams, Con Air, Catch Me If You Can, Up in the Air, and Matchstick Men. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
TAKE AFTER TAKE dennis@takeaftertake.com www.takeaftertake.com Take After Take, teaches actors to prepare their emotion and deliver their performance under a variety of pressures, including rapid and repeat takes, acting with nonactors, and the like. "Marks and Matching" focuses on teaching actors to hit marks and match action for continuity. Workshops are held in Los Angeles and New York City.
TIM PHILLIPS STUDIO - LA/NY 2124 S. Redondo Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 assistant@timphillipsstudio.com www.timphillipsstudio.com 310-772-8262 (LA); 212-505-5593 (NY) 10 students per class; Private coaching available; Advanced and professional; Interview and audit required for all classes; Ongoing Phillips currently has three ongoing On Camera audition classes and monthly Sherlock Holmesing the Text lectures.
WEIST-BARRON-HILL ACTING FOR TELEVISION AND FILM 4300 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 wbhillacting@aol.com www.weistbarronhillacting.com 818-846-5595 10 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; By sessions and ongoing Offers an array of on-camera classes, but the centerpiece is the 10-session commercial TV workshop. They use their own cold reading technique, devised over the years. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Acting Technique/Scene Study
Physical Theater/Movement
MIME THEATRE STUDIO info@mimetheatrestudio.com www.mimetheatrestudio.com 310-494-MIME Private coaching also available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; 2-day intensive workshops, ongoing weekly classes Actors learn how to "make the invisible visible," using the body to express character, thought, and emotion, and how to better understand and use their movement. MTS director Lorin Eric Salm is a graduate of the Marcel Marceau Paris International School of Mimodrama and has been teaching for more than 20 years.
Singing/Musical Theater
BILL HALLER - VOICE TEACHER 818-780-8240 Private coaching only; All levels Bill Haller trains singers in pop/Broadway belt technique. He was named one of the top private coaches in Back Stage West's 2006 Best of L.A. readers' poll.
BOB GARRETT bahbeeg@aol.com www.bobgarrett.net 818-506-5526 Master class available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; By sessions, six times per year Garrett offers private voice classes and musical theater workshops. His techniques focus on breath control and support, expanding range, voice placement, calming nerves, and preparation of audition, technically, emotionally, and presentationally.
CAROL WEISS MUSICAL THEATER WORKSHOP 1249 N. Lodi Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90038 carolstage9@sbcglobal.net www.carolweissmusic.com 323-460-6006 Class size varies; All levels; Fall, winter, and spring Carol Weiss is an accomplished musical director and vocal coach. Her classes prepare students for musical theater the way singers train for opera, by defining which roles you're right for, and learning them in advance. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
CAROLE D'ANDREA caroledandrea@yahoo.com www.caroledandrea.com 310-281-7116 15-20 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing D'Andrea's 50-year career includes the original Broadway West Side Story (also the film) and Gypsy. She has directed productions of Company, Guys and Dolls, and Damn Yankees and offers courses on singing performance, scene study, cold reading, monologues, and exercises.
ACTORS VOCAL @ ACS WITH CORINNE DEKKER Actors Comedy Studio 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 202 Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorscomedystudio@gmail.com www.actorscomedystudio.com; www.cdekker.com 323-302-9152 All levels Private, one-on-one lessons that include warm-up and technical exercises. Corinne can assign you songs or work with material you provide. You'll work on vocal and performance technique with material geared towards pop and musical theater. Perfect for beginning singers, working actors and artists, kids and teens! Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
DAVID COURY'S SINGING FOR ACTORS The Howard Fine Acting Studio 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028 david.coury@davidcoury.com www.davidcoury.com 323-962-3188 Private coaching available; Ongoing David Coury is an international voice expert and teacher who works with leading professionals across industries, from consumer products executives, Top 40 recording artists, and management consultants to actors and broadcasters. His proprietary voice and presentation method has transformed everyone, from his corporate to celebrity clients, into powerful and engaging professionals with potent vocal capabilities in their fields. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
HOWARD AUSTIN'S VOCAL POWER SCHOOL North Hills, CA austin@music-world.com; vocalcoach@borntosing.com www.borntosing.com 800-929-7464 or 818-895-7464 Private or shared coaching; All levels; Introductory half price session; Ongoing; Workstudy and internships available Howard Austin, creator of the Vocal Power Method, says his training will develop your voice control, personal style, and performance power. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
MARY McGREGOR 818-762-0309 Private coaching only; All levels McGregor works to combine the necessary techniques to help you "free your sound." Says McGregor, "In acting and in singing it is necessary to understand what your instrument can do for you. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
MUSIC1ON1 geraldwhite@music1on1.com www.music1on1.com 310-430-4802 20 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Sessions every quarter at AFTRA/SAG Music1on1, a studio run by Gerald White, strives to build the singing community and provide opportunities for singers to excel in all aspects of the music industry. We offer sightsinging classes, vocal coaching, audition prep, singer workshops, and studio recording. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
RICHARD FREDRICKS: I TEACH ANYONE HOW TO SING! 3520 Hughes Ave. Culver City, CA 90034-7558 metbariton@aol.com www.richardfredricks.com 310-838-3355, Fax: 310-838-0505 Private coaching only; Master classes upon request; All levels, all styles; Auditing of a friend's lesson is permitted Fredricks, who performed with the Metropolitan Opera as a leading baritone, the NYC Opera,as well as lead roles in over 20 musicals and light operettas. He teaches the Fredricks Technique of proper breathing and flexible breath pressure on demand, the technique he has used for more than 40 years Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
SINGING WITH CHERIE VALARAY 4872 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 342 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 cherie@soundfeelings.com www.hbr2.com 818-712-0103 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing permitted with special permission; Work study available Valaray specializes in advanced vocal technique, operatic training, performance skills, stage presence and many other professional skills for all singers. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
THE STEVEN MEMEL STUDIO www.stevenmemel.com 818-789-0474 Private coaching only; All levels Memel has had a multifaceted career as a singer, actor, and director, as well as an internationally acclaimed teacher. He has helped everyone from beginning singers to Grammy Award-winning recording artists such as Maroon 5, actor Drew Barrymore, and Tony Award-winning Broadway performers. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
VALERIE FAHREN Glendale, CA fahrenproduction@aol.com www.valeriefahren.com 818-815-8584 Private coaching only; All levels Taking an actor/singer to the next level of his/her career, tailor-made programs for each person, voice coaching, cold reading prep, audition prep, scene study, studio coaching, recording studio coaching, how to do a meeting, industry showcasing. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
VOCAL TRAINING WITH DAN CALLAWAY 4922 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91601 dan@mylavoiceteacher.com or info@ourlearningspot.com www.mylavoiceteacher.com or www.ourlearningspot.com 818-760-1964 8 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Acting, singing, and dance training in a professional, safe, and encouraging environment. Work one-on-one with working industry pros who give students the tools for success as a musical theater performer. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; Audition Technique/Cold Reading
Solo Shows
MARK W. TRAVIS 10322 Mary Bell Ave. Shadow Hills, CA 91040 mark@markwtravis.com; jen.markwtravis@gmail.com www.markwtravis.com 818-273-9273/818-679-7077 10 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Work study is available For the past 22 years, Mark W. Travis has been involved in the development of solo shows for hundreds of actors and performers. His Write Your Life weekend workshop teaches a revolutionary short cut to develop and write an autobiographical story for a one-person show, memoir, article, or speech.
Stage Combat/Stunts
ACADEMY OF THEATRICAL COMBAT c/o Swords Fencing Studio 2115 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504 info@theatricalcombat.com www.theatricalcombat.com 818-364-8420 Students per class varies; All levels; Auditing by permission; introductory fight class held at beginning of month; Ongoing Dan Speaker and Jan Bryant offer several levels of fight scene training that cover safety and the primary techniques of hand-to-hand combat, broadsword, quarterstaff, and cutlass plus slaps, punches, kicks, falls, and throws. Advanced training includes double cutlass, rapier, dagger, theatrical saber, French classical smallsword, and a variety of exotic weaponry.
COMBAT AT BEVERLY HILLS FENCERS' CLUB combat@robertabrown.com www.swordcombat.com 310-266-5151; 310-204-0085 Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing by permission Instructors are professional fight directors and swordmasters. They provide classes, workshops, and private coaching for actors in combat for screen and stage, with a particular focus on swordplay.
DAVE LEA'S MOTION PICTURE STUNT/FIGHT TRAINING Burbank, CA davelea7@earthlink.net www.davelea.com 818-603-9696 Unlimited students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted, but you are given a 10-minute assessment; Ongoing; call for appointment Actors advance your on-camera fighting skills including weapons, dynamic styles, flashy kicks. Fight audition prep. Choreographed routines created and filmed for your show reel. Not to make you fit in but stand out.
FILM FIGHTING L.A. Robert G. Goodwin bob@filmfightingla.com www.filmfightingla.com, www.stuntfightingworkout.com 310-447-8438 14 students max; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing with new classes starting on the first Sunday of each month Learn how to fight for contemporary films from Robert Goodwin. He has worked on Sherlock Holmes, WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011, and trained Christian Bale for Batman Begins.
SAMURAI STAGE COMBAT Los Angeles, CA info@samuraistagecombat.com www.samuraistagecombat.com 310-849-1466 All levels; By sessions and ongoing Michi Yamato, a former member of the original Power Ranger stunt team and stunt coordinator, teaches Japanese stage combat, karate, sword fighting, gymnastics, and trampoline techniques.
SWORDPLAY FENCING STUDIOS director@swordplayla.com www.swordplayla.com; www.timweske.com 818-566-1777 20 students max; Private coaching available; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Teaches all edged weapons, including Olympic-style fencing. Ongoing film and stage-combat classes focus on extreme detail to safety, balance, footwork, and confidence in memorization of choreography.
Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction
ACCURATE ENGLISH 13101 Washington Blvd., Ste. 114 Los Angeles, CA 90066 accurateenglish@aol.com www.accurateenglish.com 310-568-0077 Private coaching only Lisa Mojsin, M.A., speaks five languages, has an acting background, and has taught at the college and university level. She helps her students learn to speak accurately and clearly.
ADELE CABOT acabot@lavoicejoy.com www.lavoicejoy.com 818 800-0301 10 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Cabot is a Designated Linklater Voice Coach, specializing in acting, voice, speech, acting, general American dialect, and audition prep.
ALAN SHATERIAN shaterian1@aol.com 310-824-2720 Private coaching only Shaterian has a Ph.D. in linguistics and phonetics, and offers private coaching in speech and dialect, foreign languages, and character preparation.
ALISO CREEK PRODUCTIONS - WILLIAM WILLIAMS 4106 W. Burbank Bl. or PO Box 10006 Burbank, CA 91510 www.alisocreek.net 818-954-9931 4-6 students per class; Free studio visit with consultation available Williams has been producing commercials for 20 years. His six-week classes in commercial and animation voiceover meet in a recording studio under real-life performing conditions.
ANGEL DIVA MUSIC www.angeldivamusic.com 818-888-5885 Workshops and private coaching available; All levels, ages 5+; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Jan Linder-Koda is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter/actor who produces and has worked with over 20 Grammy Winners. She specializes in artist development and teaches artists to access their inner feelings and bring out their best performances.
BEVERLY BREMERS' VOICERCISE PO Box 333 Lake Forest, CA 92609 contact@voicercise.net www.beverlybremers.com www.voicercise.net 949-874-0616 6 students max; Private consultation available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Working voiceover professional Bremers offers voiceover classes and pro workouts in Orange and San Diego counties and also produces voiceover demos and house minutes. Bremers additionally offers classes in accent reduction, singing, and songwriting.
BONNIE BIZOZA - ACCENT ON ACCENT 818-783-0473 Private coaching only; on-set coaching available Ms. Bizoza offers accent/dialect training and accent reduction for beginners and established professionals. She is a licensed speech therapist and an experienced dialect coach who uses a multisensory approach adapted to the student's learning style to achieve authentic, natural speech patterns.
BREATH Natsuko Ohama breath@natsukoohama.com www.natsukoohama.com 818-754-2400 Private coaching available Natsuko Ohama, a teacher of Kristin Linklater's approach, uses exercises that involve breath, sound vibration, physical work, emotions, thought, and text.
CARLA PEREZ imaginesinging@gmail.com www.imaginesinging.com 626-482-8648 All levels Carla Perez has a master's in voice performance. She teaches a "full-body presence" technique-singing from head to toe, addressing vowels, breath, support, musicianship, interpretation, and stylistic nuance.
CAROL TINGLE VOICE STUDIO 2918 #C Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404 info@caroltingle.com www.caroltingle.com, www.centeringforperformance.com 310-828-3100 Private coaching available; All levels and styles Tingle works with singers placing emphasis on the development of the voice within the style of the singer, as well as safe, healthy vocal production, audition preparation, and alleviating performance anxiety.
CORFF VOICE STUDIO Bob Corff www.corffvoice.com 323-851-9042 4 students max; Private coaching available; Auditing permitted with student invite; Ongoing Veteran performer and voice/performance coach Bob Corff is author of The Bob Corff Speakers Voice Method and The Bob Corff Singers Method available on CD or as a download. Along with his wife, Claire (with whom he has written and produced the CD and workbook Achieving the Standard American Accent, also downloadable), Corff offers accent courses for actors on CD and download, and private lessons in L.A. or via Skype on how the voice works and how to make your vocal instrument work for you in the best possible way. Remember, Your voice is your other face.
DARLENE KOLDENHOVEN Studio City, CA darlene@darlenekoldenhoven.com www.darlenekoldenhoven.com, www.tuneyourvoice.net, www.artofsinging.com 818-980-2840 Six to 18 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Experience healthy techniques for projection, diction, breathing, pitch, rhythm, range, stamina, and more. Support your studies with Darlene's book, "Tune Your Voice: Singing and Your Mind's Musical Ear.
DEBORAH ELLEN VOCAL STUDIOS Simi Valley, CA info@deborahellen.com www.deborahellen.com 310-422-9166 Private coaching only; All levels Deborah Ellen is one of the top vocal coaches in L.A. and Ventura Country. She teaches a technique that can be applied to all styles of music. She is also a published songwriter with contacts at major labels and in film and TV.
DEBORAH SHULMAN VOICE STUDIOS deborah@deborahshulman.com www.deborahshulman.com 323-851-7344 Private coaching available Shulman teaches performing strategies, how to find your own performance personality, and, most importantly, she helps you increase your self-confidence as a complete performer.
DEREK GRAYDON derekgraydon.sing@yahoo.com www.derekgraydon.com 323-656-9356 Graydon is a Juilliard-trained star of Broadway and opera. He offers the bel canto technique. Dame Judi Dench says he is "unsurpassed," John Travolta calls him magic."
DERRA HUXLEY ACCENT REDUCTION NOW Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 derrah@pacbell.net www.accentreductionnow.com 818-385-1716, Fax: 818-385-1796 Individuals and small groups of 2-3; All levels; Auditing not permitted; free screening/demonstration offered; Ongoing Derra Huxley, M.A., is a Calif. state-certified speech pathologist, who helps actors reduce foreign accents and regional dialects, speak more clearly, become more easily understood, widen their professional options, and build self-confidence. Classes tailored to fit your schedule.
DIALECT UP WITH SAMARA BAY West Hollywood, CA dialectup@gmail.com www.samarasworld.com 646-831-0404 Private coaching only; All levels Samara Bay is a fun, fast, phonetics coach whose long list of successful clients includes Broadway, television, and film actors in N.Y. and L.A. Bay offers coaching at her studio, on-set, or via Skype if you've booked a dialect-heavy role, you have an audition tomorrow, you're looking to master accents that match your type, or you keep hearing you need to reduce your foreign or regional accent and learn standard American.
DIAMANTE VOCAL STUDIO Edward Diamante 605 N Beachwood Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90004 diamantesings@yahoo.com 323-466-7881 Private coaching available or two students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Edward Diamante teaches a speech-level technique that has supported 112 Grammy Award winners while they were recording. He helps actors who don't sing professionally but who want to learn to control their voices through exercise, or who have injured their voices through laryngitis or other vocal illness. Students are recorded and a CD is provided after the lesson. Other: Singing/Musical Theater
DR. CAROLE MOSKOVITZ, M.A., D.S.S. Marina del Rey, CA 90292 carole@singingfromtheheart.com www.singingfromtheheart.com 310-821-SONG Private coaching available; All levels Moskovitz draws upon a wide range of traditional and creative modalities to help her clients expand vocal range, broaden communication skills, develop inner listening and dialogue rhythms, and strengthen breath work. Other: Empowerment Coach
VOICE AND SPEECH WITH DWIGHT BACQUIE Actors Comedy Studio 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 202 Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorscomedystudio@gmail.com www.actorscomedystudio.com 323-302-9152 Private coaching only; All levels Dwight has been training actors in voice and speech for over 20 years. He offers ongoing private lessons in accents, dialects, and accent reduction/expansion.
ELISABETH HOWARD'S VOCAL POWER ACADEMY elisahoward@gmail.com www.vocalpowerinc.com 800-829-7664 Private coaching available Elisabeth Howard, founder of the Vocal Power Academy, is an internationally acclaimed vocal technician and vocal stylist. A Juilliard graduate and on the vocal staff at Pepperdine University, she has conducted vocal technique workshops in 11 countries. Vocal Power instructors are located in Topanga, Woodland Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Camarillo.
ELIZABETH BURNETTE elizburnette@aol.com 310-480-6377 4 students max; private coaching available; All levels but mainly works with professionals by referral; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Burnette specializes in coaching foreign actors to speak standard American English (no region) for film, television, and stage. She has been coaching in L.A. for 16 years.
ELOCUTION SOLUTION info@elocutionsolution.com www.elocutionsolution.com 800-597-9691 4 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted, but free 30-minute evaluation is offered; Ongoing Elocution Solution's speech pathologists offer individual or group sessions in voice and diction for actors, including breathing, relaxation exercises, pitch adjustment, projection, resonance, and voice care. They also work with actors on reducing or acquiring accents and learning specific speech patterns such as those associated with hearing difficulties, strokes, and stuttering.
JESSICA DRAKE 323-662-1831 Private coaching only; All levels The Juilliard-trained Drake has been coaching actors in dialect, speech and Shakespeare for more than 20 years, with credits that include the upcoming "Rock of Ages," W, "Milk," "L.A. Confidential," Forrest Gump, AMC's "The Walking Dead," ABC's GCB, and HBO's Luck and Six Feet Under.
KELLY REITER: REEL ENGLISH details@reelenglishcoach.com www.reelenglishcoach.com 323-957-4758 Private coaching available; All levels; Assessment interview required; Ongoing Standard American dialect specialist Reiter's character study approach gives her students the tools, confidence, and professional American voice they need, from getting an agent to getting the part.
LEIGH GILBERT leeleethevoguru@aol.com 323-692-5704 Limited class sizes; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Gilbert offers privates and group classes.
LISA POPEIL'S VOICEWORKS 14431 Ventura Blvd., #200 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 lisa@popeil.com www.popeil.com 818-906-7229 Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Popeil teaches vocal control, range, power, creating emotional magic, speech improvement, vocal projection for acting, vocal health, sight singing, demo recording, performance coaching, audition preparation.
LOUISE CHAMIS 818-985-0130 Private coaching only; All levels Chamis' workshops are a place for voiceover actors to learn, to work out, and to stretch. Students analyze copy to find out what they are selling and how best to sell it. She has been teaching for over 36 years and is the voice of the Queen and the Crone in Snow White in all current Disney projects.
MARJORY TAYLOR'S VOICE MASTERY 310-246-1743 Dr. Marjory Taylor, Ph.D., Ed.D. teaches voice building, diction, broadcast English, commercials, cold reading, accent correction, and other aspects of communication and performance.
MJ LALLO 4020 W. Magnolia Blvd, Ste. K Burbank, CA 91505 mjlallo@creatingvoices.com www.creatingvoices.com 818-749-5255 10 students max; All levels; Auditing not permitted; By sessions and ongoing; Work study/internship available for those with audio engineering experience. Award-winning voiceover artist/casting director/director Lallo has worked for Disney, Universal Interactive, Fox Kids, TV Guide, GNC, and has done more than 100 commercials, CD-ROMs, and feature film ADR. She has been teaching commercial and animation voiceover for 12 years.
PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING WITH JULIE DANIELS voicegal@aol.com www.teechspeech.com 818-623-8960 Private coaching only; All levels and ages Voice, speech, accent reduction, dialects, proper breathing techniques, articulation, projection, and interpretation, with the goal being "a fully textured voice that sells your strengths as an actor. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading
RICK ZIEFF'S UNBELIEVABLY FUN VOICEOVER CLASS yellowbirdcasting@yahoo.com www.rickzieff.com 323-651-1666 8-10 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; By sessions Rick Zieff teaches mike technique for TV and radio commercials, animation, narration, and audiobooks. As a busy voiceover actor, director, and casting director, he emphasizes the importance of character development, text analysis, and making strong creative choices at the microphone.
ROBERT EASTON 818-985-2222 Easton is best-known as the "Henry Higgins of Hollywood" for his extensive and highly specialized dialect coaching. Easton has taught more than 2,600 performers. Recent Oscar-winning coaching sessions include Forest Whittaker, (The Last King of Scotland), Helen Hunt, ( As Good as It Gets), and Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting).
ROWENA BALOS rowvoice@gmail.com www.rowenabalos.com 310-285-8489 Private coaching available; All levels Balos offers short-term and ongoing workshops and private coaching in voice production, speech, accent reduction, and Shakespeare. She has taught at many acting studios, universities, and theater companies around the world, including, NYU, UCLA, CalArts, the Howard Fine Acting Studio, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, the Sydney Theatre Company, American Conservatory Theater, and Antaeus Classical Theatre Company. Other: Classical
SANDI MASSIE smassie00@earthlink.net www.sandimassie.com 818-903-4016 2 students per session; masterclasses and private coaching available Massie is a coach for voice, speech, dialects, and accent reduction. She has been a coach of theater, television, and film for the past 20 years and teaches relaxation, breath support, resonance, diction, and many other aspects of voice.
THE STUTTERING FOUNDATION info@stutteringhelp.org www.stutteringhelp.org 800-992-9392 Offers information on stuttering and referrals for speech therapists that specialize in the disorder.
VANESSA MIZZONE vmizzone@gmail.com 310-968-7631 Private coaching only; All levels Mizzone is on the theatre arts faculty at both Santa Monica College and East Los Angeles College. She offers voice and speech coaching for actors, including accent reduction, based in the Linklater voice method with a Skinner approach to speech.
VOCAL STYLINGS Lisa Cushing, owner lisa@vocalstylings.com www.vocalstylings.com 310-737-9387 Private coaching only; All levels Vocal Stylings offers private singing lessons and in-studio vocal production to give you the freedom to perform with greater passion, power, emotion, and energy.
VOCAL YOGA Heather Lyle voice@vocalyoga.com www.vocalyoga.com 310-200-0506 Private coaching and group instruction available; All levels Vocal Yoga offers technique for singing, acting, and public speaking.
THE VOICECASTER VOICEOVER WORKSHOPS Huck Liggett 1832 W. Burbank Blvd. Burbank, CA 91506 casting@voicecaster.com www.voicecaster.com 818-841-5300, Fax: 818-841-2085 10-12 students per class; Private coaching available; Beginner, intermediate, and advanced; Auditing not permitted; 4- to 6-week sessions The Voicecaster workshops, headed by owner Huck Liggett, focus on exploring and discovering the strength of each individual so that he or she has a better idea of how to approach VO professionally. Animation classes available.
WALLY (NO B.S.!) BURR - VOICEOVER WORKSHOPS Hollywood, North Hollywood, and Burbank, CA wallyanimation@roadrunner.com www.wallyburr.com 818-732-5736 10 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; One visit permitted; Ongoing six-week cycles; one session per week Voice director and casting on over 2,000 animated cartoons (Transformers, GI Joe, Jem, Conan), six features, and hundreds of commercials for Kellogg's, Pillsbury, StarKist, Green Giant, etc. Member of SAG/AFTRA and DGA.
Young Performers
THE ACTING CAMP Erik Lingvall 11560 Calle Real Santa Barbara, CA 93117 info@theactingcamp.com www.theactingcamp.com 424-265-0022 64 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; By sessions The Acting Camp (TAC) is an all-inclusive three-day experience for young performers and their parents. At TAC, the young talent work with and learn from L.A.'s best acting coaches, while their parents interact with experienced industry professionals and parents of working actors. The event culminates in a showcase performance in front of top casting directors, agents and mangers.
ACTING FOR CHILDREN & TEENS AT EDGEMAR CENTER FOR THE ARTS Alexandra Guarnieri, managing director 2437 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 info@edgemar.org www.theactingstudioatedgemar.com 310-392-0815, Fax: 310-399-2898 15 students per class; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted, free info sessions Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Ongoing Edgemar, made up of two state-of-the-art theaters and an art gallery complex in Santa Monica, offers on-camera, cold reading, and acting and improvisation classes for ages 6-17. Students will perform in a showcase for parents and agents at Edgemar at the end of the eight-week session. Fantastical Story Hour for ages 3-6: Through costume, storytelling, and music, children create an enchanted magical kingdom and explore their creativity and dramatic flair.
ACTORSITE http://www.actorsite.com/ actorsite.support@gmail.com Over 100 Series Regulars got their start at Actorsite. Actorsite offers classes 6 times per week so young actors make three or four times the skill progress of other programs.
ACTOR TRAINING IN LA http://actortraininginla.com/ 11335 Magnolia Blvd, Suite #2C North Hollywood, Ca 91601 (818) 505-0264 Specializes in helping actors improve on: Audition Technique, On-Camera Technique, Script Analysis, Confidence, Self Respect, Manners and most importantly how to success in life. Our teachers consist of Casting Directors, Casting Associates, Casting Assistants, Agents, Managers, and Acting Coaches and Life Coaches.
AGOURA CHILDREN'S THEATRE Ellen Marano and Susan Elton, directors 28240 Agoura Rd. #202 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 ellen@agourachildrenstheatre.com; susan@agourachildrenstheatre.com www.agourachildrenstheatre.com 818-389-1799 or 818-225-1459 8-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing plus summer camps Agoura's first children's theater. Improv and cold reading classes for teens ages 13-19, and theater and improv classes for ages 6-14. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; Improv and Comedy
BARB NORTH THE KIDZ KOACH 22647 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 422 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 barb@comedynorth.com www.funnycoach.com 818-347-5098 Private coaching only North works with children and their parents in what she calls "a fun and nurturing environment." She teaches children acting and audition strategies, and works with parents "to help navigate the business."
BB'S KIDS ACTING WORKSHOP WITH BELINDA BALASKI Belinda Balaski, owner Santa Monica, CA bbs4kids@aol.com www.bbskids.com and www.belindabalaski.com 323-650-KIDS (5437) 10-16 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Three 8-week sessions per year, one 6-week summer session; Work study/payback system available Balaski has more than 40 years of acting experience in the business, and 25+ years of teaching kids and teens, as well as her invaluable parent seminars.
BOBBY GENE'S ACTORS CLUBHOUSE Stacey Y. Gonzales, Bobby Gene 6472 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 210 Los Angeles, CA 90038 bobbygenefree@yahoo.com www.actorsclubhouse.com 323-463-8655 7-12 students per class; Private coaching available; All levels; Ongoing Our goal is to build up confidence and strengthen the self-esteem of kids and teens. Positive energy is what we work on. Enhancing and advancing the true and real individual within oneself through practice, persistence, patience, and prayer. Class is offered free of charge. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study
CARTER THOR STUDIO "ON THE MARK" YOUNG ACTOR CLASS 12417 Ventura Ct. Studio City, CA 91604 carterthorstudio@gmail.com 818-760-9426 20 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Per class, month-to-month basis, and ongoing; Work study and scholarship offered The studio now offers a class for young actors, 9-18, that it describes as "revolutionary." The goal is to help young actors develop confidence and fluidity in front of the camera through the understanding of scene study, script analysis, and cold reading.
HARRIET GREENSPAN 818-266-6698 All levels; Once per month A casting director for over 20 years, Greenspan currently casts for the Nickelodeon network and offers private coaching and intensive workshops for kids, teens, and young adults.
HOLLYWOOD YOUTH DIVISION Lauren Bertoni Actors Comedy Studio 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 202 Los Angeles, CA 90036 actorscomedystudio@gmail.com www.actorscomedystudio.com 323-302-9152 12 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Lauren's Hollywood Youth Division encompasses cold reading, audition technique, script analysis, character development and much more. Lauren instills confidence in all her students and understands that when a young actor begins a career in TV and Film, the whole family is involved. Lauren also teaches a foundational course for adult actors. Other: On-Camera Technique; Acting Technique/Scene Study
JOY THEATRE - JOSH and JANIECE JARY MINNICK The Raven Playhouse 5233 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 jnj@joytheatre.com www.joytheatre.com 818-505-9355 15 students max; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Work study/internship program available All things comedy, sketch, standup, characters, improv etc. A fun way for kids of all levels to get up on stage and build confidence for the future. Our encouraging style of teaching is designed to nurture the creative side using the tools of comedy. Other: Improv and Comedy
KIDS ON CAMERA Phil De Champlain 10944 Ventura Blvd. Studio CIty, CA 91604 stopdreaminactors@yahoo.com www.hollywoodwantsyou.com 818-500-0037 10-14 students per class; All levels; One time free audit; Ongoing; Internship available with film school Phil De Champlain's classes focus is on on-camera auditioning, cold reading, improvisation, and film and TV scene study, helping students discover what makes them unique inside. Other: On-Camera Technique; Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Improv and Comedy; Acting Technique/Scene Study
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE - YOUTH THEATRE Donna Inglima donna@lagunaplayhouse.com www.lagunaplayhouse.com 949-497-2787, ext. 202, Fax: 949-497-3287 10-14 students per class; Beginner, intermediate, and advanced; Auditing not permitted; 1-year audition based conservatory, ongoing non-audition workshop classes, and summer theater workshops; Unpaid intern/work study opportunities occasionally exist This acclaimed regional theater offers a variety of acting and creative drama classes ongoing for youths ages 6-18. Classes are taught by theater professionals after school and in weekend workshops.
THE LARRYMORE-KELLY PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY Warren Center Towers 21550 Oxnard St., Ste. 300 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 larrymorekellyent@gmail.com 818-723-4699 All levels Critically acclaimed actress Rae'Ven Larrymore-Kelly iand her mother, veteran entertainment and literary manager and acting coach Phyllis Larrymore-Kelly, have founded the Larrymore-Kelly Performing Arts Academy. They aim to provide youth a solid foundation in the performing arts through a cathartic and nurturing educational process. The academy offers instruction in scene study, improvisation, and audition technique, among other subjects, for both kids (4-12) and teens (13-18).
MARNIE COOPER SCHOOL OF ACTING INC. marnie@marniecooperschool.com www.howdoiact.com 818-760-8009 20 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing An acting teacher and coach with over 20 years of experience, Cooper specializes in audition preparation and currently has five children working as series regulars on major TV series.
ORANGE COUNTY PROFESSIONAL ACTORS' WORKSHOP WITH ELIZABETH KENT edmiston4778@roadrunner.com 949-675-3272 10 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Ongoing Kent has over 18 years experience as an acting coach for film, TV, and theater. Her students have found professional representation through her coaching in Los Angeles.
ORANGE COUNTY SONG & DANCE CO. 5860 Westminster Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683 ocsdc@aol.com www.orangecountysonganddance.com 714-897-4475, Fax: 714-899-9675 This company offers acting for the camera, addressing script reading, camera presence, cold reading, and audition techniques. Character analysis and portrayal will be presented in an on-camera environment. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; Singing/Musical Theater
QUIT ACTING!! 5312 Radford Ave., Ste. 5 Valley Village, CA 91607 quitacting@yahoo.com www.quitacting.com 818-437-1911 Private coaching only; All levels Laura Lasky's ongoing monthly sessions for kids and teens are designed to help her students "find out what's holding [them] back and quit it." Her one-on-one classes/coaching emphasize individualized training including audition techniques and specialty workshops including "crying on cue.
THE SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE EDUCATION CONSERVATORY Serena Dolinsky, director of education 1211 Fourth St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 education@santamonicaplayhouse.com www.santamonicaplayhouse.com 310-394-9779, ext. 673, Fax: 310-393-5573 10-15 students per class; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Sessions in each season; Internship program is available The conservator offers extensive training for actors from beginners through professionals, year-round. A variety of workshops for all ages, preschool through adult, focus on audition technique, communication skills, musical theater, character development, movement for the stage, voice, and performance. Alumni bring their youngsters so that they can share in the process.
WAW TALENT TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE STUDIOS 6924 Shadygrove Street, Tujunga,Ca 91042 On-Camera Audition techniques, cold reading, improvisation, singing and live performance training for kids, teens and young adults. Teacher (myself) Wendy Alane Wright http://www.talenttrainingandperformancestudios.com (818) 203-6080
TEEN ACTORS LAB Los Angeles, CA info@teenactorslab.com www.teenactorslab.com 310-428-7055 30 students max; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Teen Actor's Lab has skillfully guided hundreds of tentative, timid newcomers to become confident, technical, risk-taking artists.
TOTAL IMPROV KIDS The Avery Schreiber Theatre 11050 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 linda@totalimprovkids.com www.totalimprovkids.com 818-481-8072 12-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Possible work study available Total Improv Kids uses the art of theatrical improvisation to offer children a means of tapping into and expanding their imaginations, nurturing important life skills, and allowing children to find the greatest potential in themselves and each other. Other: Improv and Comedy
TRACY MARTIN/KOACHING KIDS & TEENS Toluca Lake, CA tracy@koachingkids.com www.koachingkids.com 818-752-8487 10 students max; Private coaching available in person or via Skype; Intermediate and advanced; Auditing for agents and managers only; Classes offered four times a year; Possible work study available Since Martin's classes began in 1998, her students have worked as leads in major films, as series regulars, and guest stars in TV series, commercials, voiceover s, and animated series. Martin offers classes for ages 6-18 and audition koaching in film, TV, and voiceover.
THE YOUNG ACTOR'S STUDIO 5215 Lankershim Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 91601 www.youngactorsstudio.com 310-281-7545 15 students max; Adult classes also available; Auditing is not permitted; Set up interview to learn more about studio; By sessions Offers coaching and training for young actors, ages 5-18, and uses the basics of the Stanislavsky system to help them learn to use their personal, unique qualities in their acting.
YOUNG ACTORS CAMP Nichelle Rodriguez, education director Azusa Pacific University Los Angeles, CA request@youngactorscamp.com www.youngactorscamp.com 909-982-8059, Fax: 909-482-2011 10-12 students per class; All levels; Summer only We are largest and most well-rounded residential child/teen acting program in the U.S. YAC was named a top 5 camp by the Travel Channel, a distinction owed to the great celebrity guest and iconic companies that help teach our young actors about the Hollywood film industry. The training is second-to-none as we bring in award-winning teachers to challenge the most experienced young actor.
YOUNG ACTORS SPACE Patrick Day, director 5918 Van Nuys Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 info@youngactorsspace.com www.youngactorsspace.com 818-785-7979, Fax: 818-989-0172 15 students max; Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Fall, winter, and spring sessions; summer conservatory Established in 1979, this school for young professionals offers weekly classes for students, ages five to adult, in scene study, improvisation, audition techniques, and sensory work. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE!
Get 3 FREE chapters of my new book "Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager." It includes my secret list of the most important casting directors that you should meet! Just sign up below.
If you liked this information leave a comment! Visit and "like" me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WAW-Entertainment/108466172546413 or follow me on Twitter @WAW_wendy Wendy Alane Wright Smith Talent Manager WAW ENTERTAINMENT wawentertainment@yahoo.com
