Acting Schools and Classes
This, the biggest and most broadly defined listing of all, includes all kinds of class types, sizes, and approaches, from Stanislavski nuts-and-bolts to cold reading and audition prep. What unites them is that while many offer specialized classes, all offer some class or other that could simply go under the heading of "acting." Many also offer private coaching; for a list of those who offer only or primarily private acting coaching, see "Acting Coaching."
BARBARA BRAGG
Bragg has an M.F.A. in drama from Yale, and has studied with Earle Gister and Kristin Linklater. She taught under Natsuko Ohama (designated Linklater teacher), assisted for Greg Wallace (American Conservatory Theater) and for Alfred Molina's Shakespeare class in Los Angeles. Bragg offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes in voice work and acting. Private tutorials and audition coaching are also available. (323) 876-6702.
BRENNAN GOULD ACTING STUDIO
This studio was founded by artists Jill Brennan and Eric Scott Gould to "fill a need in the L.A. acting training community." With an eye on the Hollywood aesthetic, they bring the "passion and integrity" of the New York stage to the work. Instruction is Stanislavski-based, predicated on the training taught at the Yale School of Drama. Brennan and Gould have worked extensively in theatre, film, and TV, and hold degrees in acting from Southern Methodist University and the Yale School of Drama. Credits include Ally McBeal, Another World, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Diagnosis: Murder, The District, The Drew Carey Show, Gilmore Girls, Judging Amy, If These Walls Could Talk, Law and Order, When Billy Beat Bobby, and Without a Trace. The studio offers scene study, on-camera audition technique, class showcases, career counseling, and industry invites. Four hours of twice-a-week instruction is $200 a month. Free audits. Interview required. Private coaching is available. (310) 284-3639.
BRENTWOOD ACTOR'S WORKSHOP/JACK LUCARELLI
Brentwood Actor's Workshop and director Lucarelli, who taught Quentin Tarantino and Jerry Seinfeld, bring acting classes to the Westside. Jack and Gene Lythgow teach classes Monday nights focusing on camera technique, scene study, character development, and cold reading. (310) 266-7790.
BRILLIANT LIGHT STUDIO
Brilliant Light offers acting classes with a holistic twist, as well as a Repertory Theater Company. "The focus is on developing the actor's instrument as well as personal power, success, and joy in life," said instructor Jennifer Corinna. Each class consists of an exercise, which may include freestyle dance, music, vocal work, meditation, or other means of "opening the actor and clearing blocks." The next part of the class is scene study—from theatre and film—as well as monologues, original student work, and, said Corinna, "any creation the student feels the need to express." Classes in West Hollywood and the Valley. Private coaching available. (323) 822-2671.
GENE BUA—ACTING FOR LIFE
Bua offers ongoing morning and evening classes at his Acting for Life Theatre in Burbank, specializing in deep emotional work for those who "dare to become more powerful in their art and in their lives." Bua doesn't place much stock in "techniques from the past that don't work. What I give is immediate and spontaneous, and has come from my work with actors, as a successful actor, teacher, and director." Associate instructors include Toni Bull Bua, Ruth Olaffsdottir, and Alan Feinstein. Bua is the award-winning director of the New York International Film Festival entry 348, and director/composer/co-writer of the award-winning musical Second Wind. Classes are filled mostly through industry recommendations or by interview and audition; private coaching when available.www.genebua.com. (818) 547-3810.
BOB BURGOS
An award-winning film/TV/theatre writer/director (Chicago Hope, Showtime, A&E) and a member of the Actors Studio Directors Unit, Burgos has worked on and Off-Broadway and in theatres across the country. He has taught at NYU, the Art Center, Loyola Marymount University, and Chapman University, and has been an on-set acting coach on numerous films. He currently offers classes and private coaching for all levels at the Complex Theatre. Classes cover basic technique, scene study, improv, theatre games, and auditioning skills. Audits are permitted. (323) 653-5947. See ad on page 25-A.
RON BURRUS ACTING STUDIO
Burrus, the only technique teacher trained by Stella Adler, taught with her for 10 years in NYC and L.A. before opening his own studio here 19 years ago. Burrus offers a daytime foundation-to-performance class in a six-week, four-day-a-week, three-hour-a-day intensive format. Burrus also offers an evening foundation class, held twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, for 12 weeks. Admission is through interviews. Advanced classes include rehearsal/performance, character scenes, and on-camera cold reading. Leonard Salazar and Laura Leyva are also on staff. Like Adler, Burrus emphasizes imagination as an actor's primary tool and the releasing of talent through understanding and actions. Said Adler herself, "He is the best example of a teacher who can give you a technique for acting." Los Feliz Playhouse, 4646 Hollywood Blvd. (at Vermont) in Los Feliz. www.ronburrus.com. (323) 953-2823. See ad on page 6-A.
ESTELLE BUSCH
Busch, who is "89 years young," has been acting since she was 8 years old, and now serves as executive director of Synthaxis Theatre Company in the NoHo Arts District. She teaches improv based on the Viola Spolin technique, has a popular improv performing group called Collage, and teaches a life history program for seniors, relating to California. "I have actors delineate their life history and present it as a dramatization, and I help them in structuring it," explained Busch, who has years of experience performing her own one-woman shows here and around the world. $120 for 10 sessions; first class can be audited for free. All levels welcome. Synthaxis Theatre Co. at the Lankershim Arts Center. Interview required. www.synthaxistheatrecompany.com (818) 761-3974.
ANGELA CAMPOLLA ACTING STUDIO
Learn the secrets of audition acting from an experienced casting director with 20 years as an acting coach. Campolla teaches a unique audition acting class unlike any other in Los Angeles, and a scene study class designed to help you find your "acting voice." She pulls back the curtain to show you how the casting process really works. "Build confidence, reduce anxiety and ace your auditions!" Angela is available for private coaching and teaches workshops around the country. New sessions start in September 2003. Visit the site, call, or send an email for more info on her classes. www.auditionacting.com. angela@auditionacting.com. 818-761-4098.
MERILYN CARNEY
Carney's class focuses on improvised scenes, cold readings, audition practice, creating truthful characters on the spot, and taking direction. Said Carney, "These are some of the rewards I see from actors in this class: Their work improves dramatically. It becomes deeper, more truthful, more emotional, more fun, freer, and more specific. They're tapped into the parts of themselves that are entertaining. They become awake to the characters inside them. Directors want to work with them because they're pros—flexible, supportive, confident—and they bring in a total human being. They've learned to take their time so the nuances of the character can come through them and no longer get swept away by nerves and self-criticism." Classes are Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. in Burbank and Mondays, 7-10 p.m. in Hollywood. $40/class and private coaching $75/hr. MerilynCarney@earthlink.net. (818) 487-2844.
DIANA CASTLE
Artistic director of 2100 Square Feet, a creative space she established in 1995, Castle has been an actor nationally and internationally for 24 years, teaching and coaching actors for 15 years. Her ongoing scene study class emphasizes "a creative state of mind and the use of the imagination." Five classes a week are available, with four taught by Castle and one by Lora Zane; class size is limited to 28. An interview is required for admittance. Castle said her private coaching is "widely referred" by industry professionals. (323) 936-6818.
JUNE CHANDLER'S ACTORS WORKSHOP
This class has been teaching actors to launch careers and work up the "career ladder" for more than 20 years. Chandler and her staff of working professionals teach nearly 20 different classes allowing for individual training programs and the development of well-rounded actors. "The experience is detailed and comprehensive as well as uniquely personal with small classes, counseling, and focus on career administration, training, and guidance," said Chandler. Training is designed on a gradient beginning with the foundation classes: "Nuts and Bolts of Acting Technique, Actors Image, and Commercials A-Z." Both the intermediate and advanced levels offer ongoing classes in commercials, improv, comedy, acting for camera, cold reading, scene study, and musical theatre. Also available is a "Career Jump Start" class and a "Master Class Audit." The master acting and improv classes also comprise performing companies. Showcases and performances are also held regularly for commercial and acting classes. Classes are held on weekends, on-camera, at Zydeco Casting in Studio City, onstage at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, and at the Victory Theatre in Burbank. The young Actors Workshop Division has seven workshop choices, all on-camera, at Zydeco Casting. Classes are reasonably priced with special referral credit, discounts, payment plans, and credit card options. Free audits and career counseling is the first step. www.junechandler.com. (626) 355-4572. See ad on page 35-A.
VINCENT CHASE WORKSHOP
Former resident acting coach of MGM and Universal studios, Vincent Chase along with Royal Shakespeare alumnus Morgan Sheppard holds classes in a workshop environment. Prices are on a sliding scale ranging from $200 per month for any seven technical classes to $320 per month for the full program (which includes about 40 classes). Actors may choose from classes that include scene study, cold reading lab, improv, cold reading technique, commercials, comedy improv, speech, dialects, theory, and industry seminars. Private coaching is also available. (323) 851-4819. See ad on page 2-A.
SHARON CHATTEN
A member of the Actor's Studio and the Ensemble Studio Theatre, Chatten teaches ongoing, month-to-month classes that include relaxation, sensory work, scenes, improvs, and cold reading. The class runs for four weeks at $200. She also offers private coaching for beginners, as well as one-day audition workshops. Her high-profile clients include Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, Keri Russell, Marg Helgenberger, and Vincent D'Onofrio, among others. (213) 486-4229. See ad on page 2-A.
CHRISTINNA CHAUNCEY
Chauncey's eight-week intensive on-camera audition workshop includes instruction in cold-reading and script analysis specific to television. Taught from an "insider" perspective that success in the audition is based on how you handle the read and how you handle the room. Ideal for the actor with previous training in cold-read and/or scene study, but also open to the beginner wanting to learn the ropes. Instructor has read hundreds of actors for a major casting office for pilots and series. Class sizes are limited to maintain quality of study. Private coaching is also available. cchauncey@msn.com. 818) 209-1755. See ad on page 12-A.
LILYAN CHAUVIN, DGA DIRECTOR
Chauvin, an actor, director, and writer who taught for 10 years at USC and two at UCLA, offers an on-camera class for actors and directors, as well as a theory class. The on-camera class, which runs $275 for the first four weeks and then $225 per following four weeks, strives to create "as close to a real on-the-set environment as possible," she said. Included in the class is a three-hour videotape. The theory class is $30 a week and concentrates on scene breakdown, scene analysis, physical action, accents, cold reading, interviewing skills, and commercials. Auditing of the on-camera class is permitted for a $10 fee (donated to Children's Hospital). Chauvin is former vp of Women In Film and currently heads Women In Film's director's workshop. Private coaching is also available at $80 per hour. (323) 877-4988.
THE MICHAEL CHEKHOV CONNECTION
The Chekhov Connection offers classes in Michael Chekhov's imagination based techniques including the famous "Psychological Gesture," Radiation (star quality development) and dynamic characterization. Training emphasizes how to integrate your script analysis into the physical body and understanding the human energy system to transform yourself into the character. Short-term courses in the Foundation of the technique are required before moving into the Chekhov-in-Action Classes ($175/mo.) where skills for industry oriented applications are honed. These include cold reading, on-camera commercial, soap opera and sitcom, film technique and classical theatre. Classes are small (limit 10) to provide strong personal coaching in a group environment. Students having completed the Foundation are also invited to join the Chekhov Connection Ensemble for $25/mo. Ensemble participation includes weekly actors workouts, career support, film and stage production, and cultural events. Teacher Certification programs are offered in Los Angeles, Maine and France for acting teachers who wish to include Chekhov technique in their classes. The Chekhov Connection welcomes new actors and experienced actors who wish to renew their love of acting. www.chekhov.net. (818) 220-3074. See ad on page 29-A.
LISA CHESS
Chess' class covers technique, improv, script analysis, sensory work, and scene study. It is ongoing and is organized in eight-week sessions. Tuition is $275 and meets Saturday mornings at the Empty Stage in West L.A. (310) 821-5014.
SAM CHRISTENSEN STUDIOS
Christensen, a former casting director for M*A*S*H, teaches an ongoing class that mixes monologue and scene study work designed to give actors a working technique and enable them to put their own personal stamp on a role. Classes are limited to 14 students. The cost is $225 a month, with an initial eight-week commitment required. Christensen has been teaching for the past 12 years and does not allow auditing. 10440 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 506-0783.
DIANE CHRISTIANSEN
Christiansen is a master private coach who also offers classes for kids, teens, and adults. Christiansen works with the "whole actor." Success coaching is a huge part of the dynamics in her work with actors. She gives "Biz Kidz," "ScreenTeens," and "Whole Actor" workshops and directs showcases at Open Stage West Theatre and at the ESI Network with special guests every session. Christiansen is always available for private coaching at a moment's notice. (818) 523-8283. See ad on page 5-A.
THE IVANA CHUBBUCK STUDIO
Chubbuck has taught such actors as Brad Pitt, Jim Carrey, Charlize Theron, Matthew Perry, John Voight, Garry Shandling, Elisabeth Shue, Eriq La Salle, and Rob Schneider, and she received special thanks and from Halle Berry at the Academy Awards for her work with the actor on Monster's Ball. Her book on acting, available at Samuel French, is titled Script Analysis Handbook and is recommended reading before attending her class. She is currently writing The Power of the Actor, which features her own special technique and will be released in Fall 2004 on Penguin/Putnam Books. Auditing is available on Thursday nights by appointment only, but expect a four- to five-week waiting period beforehand. (323) 935-2100.
CINEVISION/TV PRODUCTION & SPIRITWORKS
Anthony Logan heads these courses, which allow the student to work on-camera at least once each class, "in order to discover what the decision makers are really looking for." Says Logan, "Learn in one class what it takes months to learn in other classes, secrets about characterization and how to unleash your inner power, how to sell yourself, and expert marketing advice." Beginner through advanced, private coaching available. $150 for four classes. n2spirit@hotmail.com.
CIRCUS THEATRICALS STUDIO FOR THEATRE AND FILM
Circus Theatricals artistic director Jack Stehlin developed the Circus Theatricals Studio to be an affordable conservatory-style studio for actors, providing professional actors a safe place to study and tune-up the tools necessary to develop and/or maintain a long-lasting career. The instructors are working professionals with a laundry list of professional theatre, film, and TV credits, as well as training credentials from some of the leading performing arts schools in the world. Classes and workshops offered are modeled after these classic programs, with the addition of specialty classes unique to Los Angeles. Classes include: scene study and performance showcase with Circus Theatricals artistic director Jack Stehlin, Shakespeare workshop with stage and screen actor Alfred Molina, on-camera TV and film technique with actor/director Casey Biggs, scene work and improvisation with actor/director Robert Cicchini. Occasionally the studio offers additional classes. Participation is by audition/interview only. www.circustheatricals.com. (310) 226-6144. See ad on page 6-A.
JOEL COLMAN
Colman said he teaches a method called "getting work." He told us he "teaches acting from a working director's viewpoint" and emphasizes comedy. He gears his teaching toward goal-oriented actors who want one-on-one personal direction. He works with only 12 students at a time. Critiques from agents and other directors are included. One of his current graduates is Misela Lusha who plays the daughter on ABC's The George Lopez Show. www.professionalactingclass.com. (310) 454-1959.
SCOTT COLOMBY
Colomby's workshop has expanded its horizons. Originally conceived as a class geared toward the actor's personal growth within the confines of a scene study group, it has now added showcasing and production of plays. Colomby said his reasons are multifaceted: In his opinion, scene study class can limit an actor's spheres of concentration to himself, while working in a class on a play, then producing it, challenges an actor to explore his role from a larger perspective. Actors who appreciate this will start to understand the arc of their characters within a piece of writing—an awareness that should open up opportunities, in Colomby's view, because actors will better appreciate the intent of the writer, director, producer, and casting director. Auditing is encouraged. (323) 650-6472.
JEREMIAH COMEY STUDIOS
Comey has been teaching film acting and training actors in Hollywood for the past 26 years. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to conduct a workshop for writers, directors, and actors in New Zealand, and in doing so worked with Niki Caro, the director of "Whale Rider." He has taught at AFI and the New York Academy of Film and guest lectured at Loyola Marymount and UCLA, and he presently teaches at his own studio in Hollywood. All classes are on-camera. He teaches his own unique approach called "the Art of Film Acting," which is also the title of his new book. Classes are held Monday through Thursday nights. Beginning to advanced. Personal interviews, no auditing. (818) 248-4104.
COMMUNITY ARTISTS GUILD
"Our community is our commitment" is the motto of this non-profit arts advisory agency, which provides low-cost acting training, coaching, and career guidance to professional and aspiring actors, taught by working industry professionals. Acting classes include cold reading, film/TV scene study, on-camera acting fundamentals, and dramatic improvisation. Private coaching is also available by appointment. Regular industry showcases are produced. Admission is by interview only, and class sizes are limited. (323) 295-7611. See ad on page 25-A.
JEFF CONAWAY
Conaway has worked consistently for 40 years as an actor, and among his hundreds of credits, includes Grease!, Jawbreaker, Man on the Moon, Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, and his TV series credits include Taxi and Babylon 5. He will be starring in the upcoming Night Fever as well as Grease 3, and he has also worked as a producer, director and writer. He offers a class that covers scene study, emotional exercises, cold reading, and audition techniques. The ongoing classes are held Sundays, 5-8 p.m. at $200 for each four-week period. Private coaching is available. For admittance into Conaway's acting class, a phone interview is required as well as an audit/audition class. (818) 783-9580.
CHARLOTTE CORNWELL
A classically trained English actor with more than 30 years of work in film, TV, and theatre, Cornwell said her experience has taught to her value "a direct and simple approach to the craft of acting. Clear, in-depth character work, emotional clarity, and a healthy respect for the text are the essential skills every actor must continually work to develop. They provide us with the courage to make honest and fearless choices." She also stressed that she's the "devotee of no one method, school, or system," focusing instead on each actor's unique, individual way of working. Classes and private coaching are available. www.fearlesschoices.com. (310) 383-0910.
CORONET THEATRE ACTORS' LAB
The Coronet Theatre Actors' Lab is designed for the actor who is passionate about his work, strives to be challenged, and wishes to discover ways to make "fresh, exciting, bold choices in his work." After 12 weeks of intense scene development, class members perform scenes before an invited audience of industry guests. Classes, offered at the Coronet Theatre in Los Angeles, are described as being "for actors who feel they are not working up to their capability and want to be." Classes are geared toward intermediate and advanced levels. (310) 652-9602. See ad on page 20-A.
GERRY COUSINS— IN THE MOMENT
In the Moment, a state-of-the-art, multi-camera acting studio, was specifically fashioned as a direct segue into the professional world of film and television. As Cousins explained, the marketplace is about getting the part—and while actors can do the work if they can get the work, the audition is the test. In the Moment, said Cousins, is all about learning a technique that incorporates training and skill and applying it so that the actor can compete in "the unnatural process we call the 'audition,'" thereby allowing the actor to present himself honestly with the stakes and sensitivity of a scene. Classes begin with a meditation and cover cold reading/audition technique, monologues, scenes, and the business of the business. Each month an industry professional is invited to address/team-teach the master class. Placement is based on skill level. Cousins is a working actor with a special affinity for teaching. Trained in New York and Los Angeles in various techniques and "methods" from Stanislavski to Meisner, she incorporates them all into her approach. "Actors are individuals and learn at their own pace—there's no one technique for everybody," said Cousins. Film/television actor Jad Mager is also on staff. New to In the Moment is a sitcom class taught by sitcom director Phil Ramuno. Coaching is available. (818) 728-6740. See ad on page 34-A.
THE CREATIVE CENTER
Judi O'Neil, a former agent and currently a manager, has been teaching acting and the business of the business for the last 17 years. The workshop, held in North Hollywood, is a combination of cold reading, technique, and emotional work. The workshop is on Mondays, 7:30-11:30 p.m. (or until finished; all actors work). The cost is $200 for a four-week month. It is on ongoing workshop and a three-month commitment is required. Special weekend intensives are conducted by Courtney Gains, a working actor with 20 years' experience. The cost is $125 and the hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. These workshops are available every other month. The center also is a theatre, and all students are given the opportunity to audition for the theatre group. Private coaching is available. (818) 763-0323.
FRANK CRIM
Actor Frank Crim—a busy film, TV, and commercial actor also acclaimed for his stage work at Theatre of NOTE—offers private one-on-one coaching sessions for $40 an hour. His focus is on both the craft and business of acting, covering everything from the elimination of "self-sabotage" to tools for strengthening focus and concentration. www.frankcrim.com. (818) 985-1846.
LINDSAY CROUSE
Crouse, an acclaimed star of film, television, and theatre, now offers acting instruction. (310) 573-6288. See ad on page 5-A.
KIM DARBY
"The heart of my class is based on a listening process," explained Darby, meaning "always honoring the author by learning the words, but not playing the words or playing the emotion, but instead playing the action. You're not just listening to words but listening to the implication of what you hear." Darby is a three-time Golden Globe nominee, two-time Emmy nominee, receipient of the New York Critics Circle Award for her role in The Porcelain Years and National Association of Theater Owners of the Year award for her starring role in the film True Grit. She is currently filming the thriller Storyteller. Darby teaches a specific on-camera technique in West Hollywood. Classes are Thursday evenings and cost $200 a month. www.kimdarby.com. (818) 985-0666.
ROBERT D'AVANZO
D'Avanzo describes his acting class at the Tamarind Theatre as a "dynamic and thorough scene-study class where the actor works every week in a prepared scene." D'Avanzo said he seeks out "blood-and-guts actors" who want the "stamp of truth on everything they say and do." Class size is limited. Work is based on the teachings of Uta Hagen. D'Avanzo also offers a cold reading class. Auditing is free. Rgd37@adelphia.net. (818) 508-0723.
ALBERT DAYAN
"What makes you a good actor can also hold you back," said acting teacher Dayan. Seeing limiting habits in an actor, respectfully making the actor aware of his or her existence, and urging him or her to deal with those habits is Dayan's primary focus. He offers weekly scene study for advanced and intermediate actors. Work every week. Auditors are welcome. Private coaching is also available. adayan@earthlink.net. (818) 709-5583.
DEBRA DE LISO
At the Fremont Center Theatre in South Pasadena every Saturday, De Liso teaches practical techniques in voice and movement, character development, scene study, audition monologue technique, improvisation, and playwriting. She has earned critical acclaim as an actor, director, and choreographer, holds two master's degrees in theatre, and teaches at USC, Cal State L.A., and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. (323) 769-5842.
JUDITH DOTY-MORSE
Directors Direct Actors, a class that defines this important creative relationship, is one among Doty-Morse's full slate of acting classes. A Stanford graduate and an actor with more than 150 roles on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in repertory, and in TV and film, she has been a teacher for 30 years and a coach on numerous TV series and MOWs. She offers an ongoing weekly workout for professionals to refresh and develop their craft. "This is a safe place to dare and to deepen techniques," said Doty-Morse. The cost is $120 per month, and she encourages actors to come and interview. Classes for adult beginners, and for teens and young people, are also available. She also offers private coaching. (818) 766-5424.
WAYNE DVORAK
Dvorak has been teaching for 20 years and is a working actor with a B.F.A. and an M.F.A. in theatre. He teaches the full two-year Meisner program, which is also a professional level for graduates. In addition to the Meisner technique, Dvorak emphasizes image packaging and business. Classes start at $135 per month. This class, Dvorak explained, focuses on the "art of acting, as well as on becoming a business professional." And, he added, "I teach all of my own classes." He accepts 12 new students each September and 12 each January. An interview and free audit are required. www.actingcoachdvorak.com. (323) 462-5328. See ad on page 31-A.
STEVE EASTIN STUDIO
Eastin's studio in Toluca Lake offers ongoing classes for film and television actors with an emphasis on cold reading and audition technique. Classes are taught by veteran actor Eastin, who also teaches graduate directors at USC. He is appearing in Matchstick Men from director Ridley Scott, and has appeared in Catch Me If You Can, A Man Apart, Austin Powers, Con Air, and Field of Dreams. He boasts 20 years of teaching experience. Free audits are allowed, but admission to the classes, which are $195 a month, is by interview only. www.eastinstudio.com. (818) 980-9828. See ad on page 25-A.
DAPHNE ECKLER-KIRBY ACTING WORKSHOP
For the past 15 years Eckler-Kirby has enjoyed a reputation as one of the most popular and well-respected coaches in Los Angeles. Her weekly on-camera scene study and cold reading class works from current TV and film scripts using techniques designed to "break the emotional barriers that sabotage actors during the audition process." Various methods, such as Meisner exercises, mock interviews, and "producer reads," are used to give actors inspiration and a competitive edge. Acceptance is by personal interview, and classes are kept small. Eckler-Kirby said she also helps actors with marketing on an individual basis. Eckler-Kirby and her husband, Michael (a commercial director), teach a one-day commercial intensive each month on a Sunday, designed to empower the actor to book more commercials, and includes marketing qualified actors to the top commercial agents. She is included in Larry Silverberg's book The Actor's Guide to Qualified Acting Coaches in Los Angeles. Daytime and evening classes available in Studio City. (818) 769-9709. See ad on page 4-A.
EMPOWERMENT FOR ACTORS
Christina Kokubo offers an ongoing workshop in what she calls "a powerful one-on-one conditioning exercise, freeing actors from the emotional blocks as well as increasing emotional power to create dynamic performances through monologues, improvisation, and scenes. It is the actor's 'tune-up.'" She also offers a 36-week intensive in-character analysis and script interpretation, as well as private coaching. (323) 660-4607.
EVIDENCE ROOM
This award-winning theatre company (Saved, The Berlin Circle) offers ongoing small classes in scene study for actors and directors, taught by artistic director Bart DeLorenzo, and occasionally by resident director David Schweizer. Classes focus on an imaginative behavioral approach to building a character and on defining and heightening conflict within scenes of classic modern plays. Everyone works every class. Private coaching is available, as well. (213) 381-7118.
ALAN FEINSTEIN and PAUL TUERPÉ
Feinstein and Tuerpé, veteran working actors both, offer six ongoing classes, which cover scene study from beginning to advanced, fundamental and emotional exercises, and on-camera cold reading. Feinstein, who taught for two years at the Beverly Hills Playhouse before breaking out on his own in 1994, said of his teaching: "I call the classes Emotion Into Action. The classes emphasize freeing the actor's emotions for maximum creative results in a safe and supportive environment." Private coaching is available, and a working audit is permitted. The teaching duo offers classes at Gerry Cousins' In the Moment Studios. www.feinstein-tuerpe .com. (323) 650-7766. See ad on page 4-A.
OTTO FELIX FILM SESSIONS
A writer/director/producer/actor whose credits include national theatrical releases and TV productions, Otto conducts film-acting sessions at the Film Actors Shop. Beginning to advanced classes cover cold reading and memorization from feature film, TV, movies, and cable movie scripts. Having appeared or directed more than 300 commercials, he also conducts commercial workshops covering on-camera performance, personality, building a career, and self-confidence. Sessions are shot on digital or VHS. He is the founder of HAPPI (Handicapped Artists, Performers & Partners, Inc), which has sessions open to and always have disabled talent in attendance. He frequently hires session members for his productions. Classes are ongoing, with entry at any time. There are annual showcases. Film Actors Shop, 10835 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A. FilmActorsShop.com. (310) 470-1939.
J.D. FERRANTINO
Ferrantino combines the Method with his own technique, which he has developed by working as a professional actor and teacher for 15 years. He said he uses his training at the Actors Studio in NYC, combined with on-camera techniques, to allow the individual to bring a unique creativity to the audition process. Ferrantino offers evening and weekend classes for adults and teens at all levels. All classes include on-camera technique, cold reading, improv, sensory work, and scene study with a focus on booking the job. Private coaching is available. www.screenactorsstudio .com. (310) 358-5942. See ad on page 26-A.
FILM ACTOR'S BOOT CAMP
Dawn Wells (beloved as Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island) leads these intensive one-week summer workshops held in Idaho's Teton Valley Territory, designed "to help the trained actor who is serious about a career in film and television make the transition from being an amateur to being a professional." A wide variety of skills and subjects are covered in the intensives, and students leave with a videotaped reel of scene work. Groups are small—a maximum of 20 students are accepted per session—and room and board is provided for a "true Western experience." (818) 840-6919.