Comedy and Improv
This listing includes standup comedy workshops and coaches, as well as classes and teachers who use improvisation, comedic or not, as a tool to create characters and develop material. In general we have not included those that use improvisation primarily as an acting exercise, though this distinction is often hard to make definitively. Check other categories for more details.
ACME COMEDY THEATRE
Acme Comedy Theatre, a state-of-the-art 99-Seat theatre designed by renowned architect John Fischer, is host to a critically acclaimed professional sketch comedy troupe managed by producer/director M.D. Sweeney. The Acme Improv & Sketch Comedy School offers classes on five levels, beginning with an introduction to the basics of improvisation, progressing through advanced sketch comedy writing, and offering the potential of moving into Acme's professional performing company. In addition to sketch comedy, Acme also hosts a wide array of comedy shows, including improv variety and solo performance. Those who've performed on its stage include Wayne Brady, Ryan Stiles, Brad Sherwood, Fred Willard, Wil Wheaton, Adam Carolla, Alex Borstein, and Nia Vardolos, who performed her one-woman show My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Members who developed skills at Acme include Emmy-nominated writers of Saturday Night Live, Emmy-winning writer/ producers of Warner Bros. animation, writer/ producers of Friends, The Simpsons, Norm, 3rd Rock From the Sun, and more. 135 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. www.acmecomedy.com. (323) 525-0233. See ad on page 3-A.
BILL APPLEBAUM
Applebaum, a Chicago Second City alumnus, has more than 17 years of acting, writing, and teaching experience in film and TV. He leads an ongoing comedic improv workshop and cold reading class using Meisner techniques for actors and writers, designed to teach students to go "beyond the obvious choices" in their imagination. Auditing is permitted. (818) 790-3413.
BANG. IMPROV STUDIO
The studio, which houses both a conservatory and a performance space, offers a continuing, semester-based improv class, taught by Aliza and Peter Murrieta, Evan Gore, Ezra Weisz, Sabrina Hill-Weisz, Darrin Butters, and Theresa Mulligan, focusing on basics, character work, and long-form improvisation. The second half of the program is the master class, which includes a weekly class workout on Tuesdays and a performance every Friday evening for six months in bang's performance space. Aliza emphasized that bang offers a "non-competitive workshop, as opposed to showcasing," and "extensive stage time to our students to learn both onstage and off." Class size is limited to 14. 457 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A.. www.bangstudio.com. (323) 653-6886. See ad on page 31-A.
CHRIS BARNES' COMEDY DOJO
Named "Best of L.A." in Los Angeles magazine, this school offers an eight-week improv class for $250. Barnes' credits include the Second City comedy troupe, HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, a regular role on Saturday Night Live, an ensemble role on The Carol Burnett Show, and an appearance on Seinfeld (the Pez dispenser episode). Currently, he is a cast member of Life With Bonnie on ABC. Barnes also offers student performances and a live cabaret performance at Masquer's Theatre in Santa Monica. Two levels, intermediate and advanced, are offered. Private coaching is available for cold reading or auditions. An audit is allowed and no interview is required. www.comedydojo.com. (310) 393-6686.
ANNE BEATTS
Beatts, the Emmy-winning original Saturday Night Live writer, teaches sketch comedy writing/performing in an intensive five-week course of weekly three-hour sessions, plus Internet guidance culminating in a professional-level performance for an invited audience in a recognized comedy venue. "We keep doing it until it's funny," said Beatts. "You should take class with Anne Beatts," said Tina Fey. (310) 273-1637. See ad on page 10-A.
TERRY BOLO
Bolo was an original founding member of the Groundlings. "Gary Austin taught us very well, and in that tradition I like to stress the basics," she explained. Her half-day crash course in improv familiarizes actors with the rules and structure, and costs $40. The course is designed for actors at any level, and also to help writers and comics develop material. (323) 650-5968.
JUDY BROWN'S STAND-UP COMEDY WORKSHOP
Brown's workshop is designed to help students learn how to turn their "natural sense of humor into a professional comedy act," as well as to showcase their performance skills. Along the way, she said, they'll learn comedy timing, delivery, and joke writing, and graduate with a comedy monologue (also suitable for auditions) that they'll perform at the Improv in Hollywood. Semi-private classes are $250 for eight sessions and are limited to three students. Brown also offers private coaching. judybrowni@usa.net; (310) 396-8425.
JUDY CARTER'S STAND-UP COMEDY WORKSHOPS
"I tell people, 'Your life doesn't suck, your life is a joke,'" said Carter, a veteran of 55 television shows and author of Standup Comedy (Dell Books) and the new Comedy Bible (Simon & Schuster). In her eight-week workshop on standup technique, co-taught by Diane Nichols (Tonight Show, Letterman, HBO), Carter teaches performers and writers to "turn their problems into punch lines. People learn that all the problems in their life are premises for a standup act, a one-person show, sitcom writing." And, she boasted, her students have had a high success rate in comedy clubs and on writing staffs. Her class is kept small, costs $445, and culminates in a performance at the Improv. It's also available on audiotape. www.comedyworkshops.com. (310) 915-0555 or (800) 4COMICS.
COMEDYSPORTZ LOS ANGELES
This approach to improvisation organizes teams of performers in athletic-style competition. L.A.'s own 15-year-old professional team offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced improv workshops, which run in eight-week periods for $250 each and are taught by Pat Dade, James Bailey, Phil Ward, Pablo Marz, and Kurt Scholler. There is a limit on class sizes. www.comedysportzLA.com. (323) 871-1193.
THE GAY MAFIA IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOP
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 Brothers Comedy Writers' Workshop. All levels are welcome. There are performance opportunities.. Sketch writing and standup instruction are also available. www.thegaymafia.net. (323) 634-2820.
ANDY GOLDBERG'S IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOP
A member of the Off the Wall improv group since 1975 and author of Improv Comedy, Goldberg has been teaching for 17 years. He offers an ongoing class applying improv techniques to character development. (310) 479-1498.
ED GREENBERG'S IMPROWORKS
Veteran Committee actor and Second City director Greenberg is now a TV director, voiceover actor, and a teacher of acting at USC Film School. ImproWorks brings the "playful" element to the actor's craft. Greenberg's approach to comedy: play the relationship, don't go for jokes, make active—not passive—choices, accept and justify other players' choices, work "at the top of your intelligence." Beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Auditors welcome. www.improworks.com. (310) 399-3654. See ad on page 35-A.
THE GROUNDLINGS SCHOOL
This 28-year-old sketch comedy institution, home of the famous Groundlings performing troupe, offers improvisation classes in a "safe, structured, supportive" atmosphere. Students must audition into a basic level, which teaches the fundamentals of improvisation, a guide to improvisational choices, and self-confidence through the use of theatre games and improv exercises, priced at $395 for the 12-class session. Students might also be recommended for the beginning level class (no audition required), which introduces the rules of improvisation, priced at $200 for six sessions. The second intermediate level, writing lab third level, and an advanced fourth level require instructor approval. The classes are taught by current Groundlings and alumni. Sessions begin every six to 12 weeks and specific registration dates are available on the website or telephone line. www.groundlings.com. (323) 934-4747, ext 38. See ad on page 35-A.
IMPROV OLYMPIC WEST
Begun in Chicago more than 20 years ago, the Improv Olympic is best known for its long-form improvisation "The Harold" (and for such alumni as Mike Myers, Andy Dick, Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Andy Richter, to name a few). The training center program offers six levels of improvisation and three levels of sketch writing. There are various additional workshops offered, including sitcom writing, one-man showcase, and standup. Stage time is guaranteed with showcase and performance opportunities from both the improv and sketch classes. www.iowest.com (323) 962-7560. See ad on page 25-A.
STEVE KAPLAN'S COMEDY INTENSIVE
Kaplan offers a weekly intensive designed for professional actors, writers, and directors that "moves beyond intuition and guesswork" and gives artists "the tools to understand why things are funny, how to adjust when things don't work, and how to make sure that your audition or performance succeeds," said Kaplan. Kaplan created the HBO Workspace and founded New York's famed Manhattan PunchLine, has developed writers such as Nia Vardalos, David Ives, Howard Korder, Peter Tolan, David Crane, Kenneth Lonergan, and Ted Tally, and has directed and coached actors Mercedes Ruehl, Lauren Tom, and Oliver Platt. He has taught comedy at Yale, NYU, and UCLA. www.comedyintensive.com. E-mail: skcomedy@aol.com (818) 728-6951.
KIP KING
One of the original Groundlings, King has been teaching his on-camera acting techniques since the 1980s. Sometimes called the "Zen of Acting," King's workshops strive to allow performers to realize their uniqueness as artists, and how to manifest that in their everyday lives. Groundlings partner and friend, the late, great Phil Hartman, said, "If you want to learn from the master, study with Kip King." He currently holds his class at Westside Casting Studios. Returning students can enroll at a discount price. Showcases are included. King's son is comedian Chris Kattan from Saturday Night Live. Email: kip81137@aol.com (818) 784-0544.
HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP
Emmy-winning director Michael Lembeck and his sister Helaine Lembeck took over these comedy classes 20 years ago, 19 years after the late Harvey Lembeck began the workshop. Now in its 39th year, the workshop has three levels but is aimed for the trained working actor who wants to specialize in comedy. The workshop 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. The students participate onstage three and four times each night. Audits by arrangement only. Critiques by teacher only. Former students include Robin Williams, Penny Marshall, John Ritter, Jenna Elfman, Bryan Cranston, Kim Cattrall, Alan Rachins, John Larroquette, and Sharon Stone. www.harveylembeckcomedyworkshop.com. (310) 271-2831.
L.A. CONNECTION COMEDY PRODUCTIONS
Artistic director Kent Skov, a member of the DGA and WGA, trained with the Committee and with Second City founder Paul Sills. His 27-year-old comedy institution, L.A.'s longest-running improv company, offers performance and training for all ages, including an adult improv repertory company that provides four levels of training and allows members to perform (with pay) before a live audience on a weekly basis. The group also offers three levels of sketch comedy performance groups with weekly shows on Fridays and Sundays. Dramatic improv, standup comedy, and comedy improv for kids by kids meets and performs Thursdays and Sundays. The company also performs long-form improv and "Improvision" (dubbing live comedy soundtracks at movie theatres). LAC has appeared at trade shows, corporate/private events, and in industrials and has produced two feature films, a Cable Ace-nominated TV special, numerous commercials, and the TV series Mad Movies. Alumni include Matthew Perry, Hank Azaria, Jon Lovitz, Will Ferrell, Sharon Lawrence, Victoria Jackson, Chris Kattan, Mindy Sterling, and Emmy award-winning producers, directors, and writers. Auditions are required. www.laconnectioncomedy.com. (818) 710-1320. See ad on page 34-A.
L.A. THEATRESPORTS
The Theatresports training approach is about telling stories, not competition The group is well known for longform shows in which they improvise full-length plays (such as Shakespeare Unscripted, Carnal Peaks, Triple-Play). They teach all levels of improv classes including an ongoing Character Class, and an ongoing Longform Class in which students study film genres, playwright styles and time periods and then improvise three-act plays based on these genres, styles, and time periods. The focus is on striving for good scene work, good acting, strong ensemble work with the writers/actors/ directors all collaborating to tell a story in the moment. Master Classes are also offered on a variety of subjects such as Using Improv in Auditions, Improvising Shakespeare, Improvising Musicals, and Physical Improv. An 8-week session is $290. Ongoing classes are $120/month. Classes are jeld at the Los Feliz location: 1727 N. Vermont. www.theatresports .com. (323) 401-6162.
JACQUIE LOWELL'S IMPROVISATION CLASSES
Lowell has taught improv in San Diego for the last 28 years and has performed with and directed several improvisational comedy performing troupes, which currently include Creative Urges (www.creativeurges.com) and Mission Improvible (www.improvible.com). She teaches creativity workshops for business and education. Classes are held in Mission Hills and San Diego, and cost $15 for the first class and $115 for a series of seven classes. www.jacquielowell.com. (858) 581-0050.
HOWARD MANN
Mann teaches standup comedy from writing to performing. He has been in the business for more than 40 years and has been on The Tonight Show, Seinfeld, Malcolm in the Middle, The Bernie Mac Show, and The West Wing. Classes or private training are offered. (310) 546-4451.
BARB & STEVE NORTH'S COMEDY WORKSHOP
Steve North ("the Comedy Coach") and his wife Barb's Comedy Workshops offer a complete comedy development environment from beginner to professional, including privates and three levels of workshop/performing groups via the Standup Rep Company at the L.A. Connection Comedy Theatre in Sherman Oaks. Comedians studying with the Norths perform regularly in their "Thursday Nite Live" show, also known as "Beyond Standup" for the road tours. The show and workshops are now in their 12th year and have been an ongoing home base for standup comedians since 1992. Four "Industry Nights" are offered each year. The workshops and privates teach the North's "Comedic Character" method of training performers to be comedians rather than comics—"a comic says funny things, a comedian is a funny person." Members and alumni of the group have appeared on The Tonight Show, Seinfeld, Rosie O'Donnell, The View, Conan O'Brien, and in clubs all over the world. (818) 347-5098. www.funnycoach.com.
PAUL RYAN'S COMEDY STUDIO AT CBS STUDIO CENTER
Ryan said he "stretches the actor in every way to become comedically free through innovative comedy/improv situations and revolutionary comedy scene techniques," thereby helping actors to hone their craft for sitcoms and comedy roles in TV and film. Ryan has been teaching at CBS Studio Center for seven years and worked as a comedy consultant and sitcom director in Europe. He performed regularly with Robin Williams and the late John Ritter, and his previous students include John Larroquette, Hal Sparks, and Bryan Cranston. Currently, Ryan hosts The Travel Guide With Paul Ryan in syndication and has produced 700 TV shows. He also teaches a two-day TV-hosting workshop once a month. www.paulryanproductions.com. (818) 788-2190.
THE SANDBOX IMPROVISATION FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ACTOR
Doreen Calderon has performed with Steppenwolf, The Second City Touring Company, ImprovOlympic, Boom Chicago, and Upright Citizens Brigade. She hosts her own stand-up night twice a month and is a member of Theatre Neo and Playwrights 6. She said she teaches "honest improvisational comedy without the 'get the laugh/be competitive' mentality, an alternative to the major institutions that often intimidate or turn off many competent actors." The class provides a different focus each week: environment, scene work, games, the group mind, etc. Her methodology is her own blend of theatre, long-form improvisation, sketch comedy, and audience pleaser games that teach students how to replace fear with fun. There are no levels; small class size allows for individual attention. The course is ongoing, but a new session begins Sept. 23. $150 for 4 weeks. Auditing allowed. Previous stage experience required. Classes at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. Dohead@netzero.com. (323) 662-3988. See ad on page 7-A.
AVERY SCHREIBER'S IMPROV WORKOUTS
Classes in Spolin Technique at the basic, intermediate, and advanced-performance levels are now being taught by Avery Schreiber's protégé Karly Rothenberg. Learn the games as Schreiber taught them for more than 35 years. These workshops are designed for actors and non-actors alike. "Whether you want to enhance your acting skills, improve your audition technique, create characters for scene study or voiceover, or just have a great learning experience, all classes are designed to cater to individual needs," said Rothenberg. karfus@aol.com. www.averysimprov.com.(818) 767-5625. See ad on page 36-A.
SCREAMING FROG PRODUCTIONS/LESLIE MCMANUS AND JONATHAN BROWNING
Screaming Frog offers Chicago-style improv classes and workshops for all levels and types of performers: actors, non-actors, kids, and teens. "Experienced instructors focus on the individual, making sure each class is as unique as the students," said instructor McManus. "We pride ourselves on moving away from the class mill." www.screamingfrog.com. (213) 353-0660.
SECOND CITY
This Chicago staple has opened its newest training center in the Improv on Melrose, offering classes in beginning to advanced improv, as well as programs for sitcom-writing and musical improvisation. It's $325 for an eight-week course. From its historic Chicago and Toronto headquarters, Second City played key roles in the careers of Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Chris Farley, Jerry Stiller, and Shelley Long. www.secondcity.com. (323) 658-8190.
SPLIT.ID
Improv Ludicrous, a style of improv created by instructor Jon Artigo combining drama, musical, and sci-fi genres, is taught Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m., $10 per session. Young Improv (ages 6-16) goes beyond performing: youngsters develop teamwork and self-esteem, in Saturday classes, $10 per session. Writing for Actors: Monologue or One-Man Show, helps develop pieces that showcase the writer/actor's stories and talents, taught by Joe Keys. Classes held at the Split.Id Theater at the Complex in Hollywood. www.splitid.com. (323) 462-2662.
LEARN IMPROV FROM J. PAUL ZIMMERMAN
Zimmerman, an acting veteran of 12 years who has appeared in various films (Disney's Halloweentown and Halloweentown II), as well as on television shows, and commercials, offers a class for children that focuses on improv technique and games, with room for showcase-type pieces such as monologues, scenes, or musical performances. All levels are welcome and given needed attention. The program is month-to-month, consisting of four workshops plus one showcase at the end of the month, to which industry guests are invited. New students will be accepted at the beginning of every month. Returning students are welcome at any time. $200/month. Parents or their children may audit the class at any time but may not be enrolled until the following month. Classes taught in Anaheim. jpaulzimmerman@sbcglobal.net. (818) 903-1986
CYNTHIA SZIGETI
Former head of both the Groundlings and the Acme Comedy Theatre schools, Szigeti teaches improv workshops and privately coaches actors and standups for $50-75 an hour. Students have included Lisa Kudrow, Conan O'Brien, Mike Hitchcock, and Julia Sweeney. Basic improv is 10 sessions for $350. Ongoing intermediate classes are $130 per month. (818) 980-7890.
Speech/Voiceover/Dialect
The following institutions and individuals specialize in training for voiceover, vocal production, or dialect training. Many acting schools and coaches also offer training in this area; check other categories for details.
ACCURATE ENGLISH
Lisa Mojsin, M.A., speaks five languages, has an acting background, and has taught at the college and university level. She said she aims to help her students learn to speak accurately and clearly, and to "gain confidence to go after the roles they really want." She teaches groups, as well as one-on-one private sessions. Instruction includes out-of-class practice, and discounts are given to students who pay for a bulk of 10 sessions. www.accurateenglish.com. (310) 226-2996.
ALISO CREEK PRODUCTIONS
William Williams has been producing commercials for 20 years. His six-week classes in commercial and animation voiceover meet in a recording studio under actual performing conditions. Classes are limited to three to six students so each student gets plenty of mic time, and his voiceover demo tapes emphasize each actor's unique abilities. A free studio visit with consultation is available. www.alisocreek.net. (818) 954-9931.
BONNIE BIZOZA
Through her company Accent on Accent, Bizoza offers accent/dialect training and accent reduction for beginners and established professionals. She is a licensed speech therapist and an experienced dialect coach. She provides private training using a "multisensory approach" adapted to the student's learning style in order to achieve authentic, natural speech patterns. Individual classes, as well as on-set coaching, are available. (818) 783-0473.
LUCILLE BLISS
"Working legend" Bliss teaches acting, commercial, and voice acting workshops and seminars. Her work focuses on career training, interpretation, mic techniques, audition procedures, and animation. In short, Bliss works to develop a "sound that sells" and gets each student to produce a voice tape. The March 1999 issue of Animation magazine named Bliss as one of the best teachers in her field. (415) 824-8188 or (323) 667-1169.
SUSAN BLU
Blu—actor, director, and author of Word of Mouth—teaches voiceover workshops to all levels. Blu also does animation and voiceover demos. (818) 501-1258. See ad on page 28-A.
BREATH
Natsuko Ohama, a teacher of Kristin Linklater's approach, conducts private coaching and group classes. She uses exercises that involve breath, sound vibration, physical work, emotions, thought, and text. She said she works with actors to "undo habits and inhibitory blocks that limit them." breathnatsuko@aol.com. (818) 754-2400.
BEVERLY BREMERS' VOICERCISE
Working voiceover professional Bremers offers voiceover classes in San Diego and Orange counties, and also produces voiceover demos. Bremers also offers accent reduction, singing, songwriting, and cold-reading coaching. www.voicercise.com. (949) 874-0616. See ad on page 11-A.
ELIZABETH BURNETTE
Burnette teaches Standard American English based on the Classic Skinner Method to actors who want to speak English without an accent or regionalism for film, television, and stage. Private sessions: 1.5 hours. Small classes: 2.5 hours. 18 years experience. Coaching in L.A. for eight years. Reasonable rates. elizburnette@aol.com. (310) 967-4405.
WALLY BURR VOICEOVER
Casting director and voice director on more than 2,000 TV episodes (GI Joe, Jem, Transformers, Inspector Gadget, My Little Pony), and commercial producer/director for Kellogg's, Pillsbury, and Green Giant, Burr offers voiceover instruction and demos. (818) 845-0500.
BEATRICE CARROLL
A graduate of Northwestern University with a B.A. in speech and music, Beatrice teaches vocal production, how to increase power and range, diaphragmatic breathing and placement, and self-confidence for auditions in all styles. She has appeared on television with Janet Jackson, Steve Allen, and Melissa Manchester. Private coaching is available. (310) 273-5940. See ad on page 28-A.
LOUISE CHAMIS
Chamis' workshop, she said, is 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. Work on dialogue copy is included for timing—and for fun. "The classes are small, so there is generous mic time," said Chamis, and everything is recorded. Cartoon copy is also worked on to help students create a repertoire of various characters. Chamis discusses demo CDs, how to audition, and how to get work (she also creates demo tapes, separate from the class). Chamis has been teaching for 24 years and believes that "all things are possible." Classes are at night; she also teaches privately during the day. Children and adults are welcome. Recommended by agents. Chamis is the voice of the Queen in Snow White in all current Disney projects. (818) 985-0130.
BOB CORFF
Veteran performer and voice/performance coach Corff is author of The Bob Corff Speakers Voice Method on CD or tape, The Bob Corff Singers Method on CD or tape, and along with his wife Claire (with whom he has a new CD and workbook, Achieving the Standard American Accent) offers private and group lessons on how the voice works and how to make your voice work for you in the best possible way. He gives breathing and vocal exercises for power, range, and stamina. Corff works on songs and performances. Corff also continues to teach accents and accent reduction. www.corffvoice.com. (323) 851-9042.
BILL DEARTH, THE SPEECH MECHANIC
Dearth, who has more than 20 years of experience, works privately to prepare actors for unique auditions and parts dealing with accents, dialects, and character voices. Dearth also works with improving diction, accent elimination, and dialect reduction. www.Speechmech.com, Speechmech@aol.com.
JESSICA DRAKE
The Juilliard-trained Drake has been coaching actors in dialect and speech for more than 20 years, with credits that include Catch Me If You Can, L.A. Confidential, Forrest Gump, The Green Mile, HBO's Band of Brothers and Six Feet Under, and the upcoming The Cat in the Hat. She also coaches actors for Shakespeare. (323) 662-1831.
KATHLEEN DUNN
Dunn is a certified Lessac instructor in the areas of voice development, speech, accent reduction, and body expressiveness. She has taught for 14 years, from the beginner to the professional with specific needs. Explained Dunn: "We all are capable of having a naturally creative and expressive speaking voice." (310) 306-5332.
GODEANE GRACE EAGLE, M.A.
Eagle teaches singing, speech, and stage voice. (310) 450-5735.
ROBERT EASTON
Easton is best known as the "Henry Higgins of Hollywood Inc." for his extensive and highly specialized dialect coaching, which has resulted in many nominations and awards, including Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG, and Cannes Film Festival awards. In addition to his dialect workshops, Easton has also taught more than 2,600 students comedy improv, characterization, and cold reading classes. (818) 985-2222.
DEBRA GANGALE, MA, CCC
Gangale uses techniques that are "visual as well as auditory," as she believes this helps actors learn more quickly. She brings her experience as a speech pathologist to her teaching, working on vocal enhancement, accent reduction, phrasing skills, and polishing of diction for film, theatre, broadcasting, and everyday communication. gangale@aol.com. (310) 930-9009.
LEIGH GILBERT
Gilbert provides voiceover coaching in private lessons and group classes, bringing 25 years of experience directing top voiceover talent in animation and commercials. She began as a producer, then took her advertising expertise to the agenting side of voiceover, largely contributing to the development of the voiceover department at Sutton, Barth & Vennari. She was an agent at ICM and William Morris' commercial division. Gilbert also produces demo tapes. leeleethevoguru@aol.com (323) 692-5704.
JOEL GOLDES
Joel Goldes offers a physical approach to dialects and accent reduction that, he said, offers fast results. He helped Mike Myers with his New York accent for The Cat in the Hat and dialect coached Mamma Mia in Las Vegas. His clients have appeared in Finding Nemo, Ali NBC's War Stories, The Shield, Still Standing, CSI: Miami, The Agency, and many others. Private coaching and telephone coaching available. Complete information and free dialect tips on the web at www.thedialectcoach.com
SANDY HOLT
A Second City alum, Holt is a voice caster for TV and films. Her credits include the Disney series Scrubs and NBC's Boomtown, as well as About Schmidt, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Sinbad, Antz, Holes, Prince of Egypt, Ali, and many more. She teaches a weekend voiceover/looping seminar that covers how to break into looping, make money having fun playing different characters, improvising and matching who you see on screen, and learning recording techniques. She brings in high-powered agents to describe what they are looking for. She produces demo tapes custom-tailored to the actor's unique talents. She conducts an on-camera comedy/improv workshop that prepares actors for pilot season and current film auditions. Private coaching is also available. (310) 271-8217.
LIBBY JORDAN, AMERICAN DIALECT COACH
An Australian formerly living in Melbourne, Jordan is now based in Los Angeles. She works almost exclusively with Australian, English, and Irish. She teaches the importance of placement over impersonation for those actors who require an authentic American dialect. Clients have included Jacqueline McKenzie from Australia and Rena Owen from New Zealand. Private, on-set, and audition preparation classes are also available. (310) 428-2992.
KALMENSON & KALMENSON VOICE CASTING
The owners of Kalmenson & Kalmenson commercial voice casting service have also spent 25 years educating actors and say the work begins from moment the actor makes his or her first contact with any member of the Kalmenson Education Department. "Actors deserve the truth" is the Kalmenson credo. "We ask the actor to deliver with honesty. We demand no less from ourselves as teachers." Voiceover classes are available for all levels and are taught in the same full-service recording studios where auditions are held daily. (818) 342-6499, ext. 11. www.kalmenson.com. See ad on page 27-A.
KICK ASS VOICE OVER/KEYTHE FARLEY NUMBER NOT IN SERVICE
Farley, an animation voice director for Klasky Csupo Inc., has directed five seasons of Rugrats, both seasons of As Told By Ginger, and dozens of CD-ROM projects. He has also appeared as the voice talent on Aahhh!!! Real Monsters, Rugrats, and in many commercials. He said, "I teach characters, not voices, and work individually with each actor in class to give them the tools they need to succeed in animation voiceover." (323) 924-5977.
PHILIP KING (KROOPF)
King, formerly with Joseph Papp NY Shakespeare Festival, director of the New York School of Announcing and Speech, and founder of AMAS Repertory Theater, with years of teaching experience in New York and Los Angeles, offers private coaching in speech, dialect, and acting. (310) 276-7587.
STEVEN KLEIN
Klein's teaching now focuses on the acting of Shakespeare, which he teaches privately through the Firefly Theatre and for several other theatre companies. Klein has also been studying Linklater for 10 years and has been assistant teaching and teaching it for six. Linklater made an impact on Klein's acting during his second year at Yale when he first studied with Shakespeare & Company, with he has worked and studied on and off since 1996. (323) 309-6556.
DARLENE KOLDENHOVEN
With a master's in music education and voice, Koldenhoven offers vocal coaching and vocal techniques for projection, diction, breathing, pitch, and rhythm. She teaches all styles, levels, and ages, including early music readiness. She offers classes with an accompanist, work in a professional recording studio, and vocal demos, as well as in-studio coaching. It's a "very fun, creative environment," Koldenhoven said. Darlene@ArtofSinging.com. (818) 980-2840.
M.J. LALLO
Award-winning voiceover artist Lallo has done more than 100 commercials, CD-ROMs, and feature film looping projects. She has been teaching commercial and animation voiceover for eight years. The classes, which are held at her recording studio, are limited to eight to 10 people. She also brings in guest directors from the voiceover industry. Lallo is on the board of directors for the L.A. Women in Animation Voiceover Division, and directs and produces commercial and animation demo tapes. www.creatingvoices.com. (818) 980-6576.
MASTERINGVOICEOVER.COM
Master vocal coach Dan Balestrero teaches classes that range from mastering the art of voiceovers and how to break in, to making a demo. CD home study course now available. Balestrero has 25 years' teaching experience and has taught at Robert Redford's Sundance Institute. His clients have worked for virtually all the major advertising agencies and motion picture studios. Classes are limited to 10 students and are $525 for six weeks. Private vocal coachings are also available for $150 an hour. masteringvoiceover.com. (310) 575-4321.
SANDI MASSIE
Massie is a coach for voice, speech, dialects, and accent reduction. She has been teaching and coaching theatre, television, and film for the past 20 years. She teaches relaxation, breath support, resonance, diction, and many other aspects of voice. (818) 903-4016.
MARY McGREGOR
McGregor teaches techniques in singing and speech, and combines them with acting in both private and group lessons. She spends a lot of time working to understand what each student's body does for him or her with respect to the voice, she said, and she works to "free the students' sound" so that they can succeed in reflecting their feelings when they are speaking or singing. (818) 762-0309.
BARB NORTH THE KIDZ KOACH
With 25 years' experience, North works privately with children and their parents in what she calls "a fun and nurturing environment." She has taught school, worked with children in scouting, and raised her own daughter. She is a working writer, producer, performer, and manager. She teaches children acting and audition strategies, and she works with parents "to help navigate the business." 22647 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 422, Woodland Hills. www.comedynorth.com. (818) 347-5099.
NOVA PRODUCTIONS
Voiceover veteran Nicholas Omana offers workshops at Nova Productions, as well as private coaching in voiceovers, in addition to producing demo tapes. Instructor Joyce Costellanos also teaches voiceovers. novaprods@aol.com. (323) 969-0949.
NOW HEAR THIS
Network writer/producer/directors Burt Harris and Jodi Gottlieb offer voiceover workshops in a recording studio, covering all types of voiceover and all areas of the field, including craft and career issues. All sessions are taped. (818) 783-9605.
ORIGINAL VOICE BANK
George Crowell has run this coaching and training facility since 1980 under the name Voice Bank (later changed to Original Voice Bank). Crowell is a veteran voiceover performer with more than 20 years' experience. His credits include Budweiser, Chrysler, Toyota, Datsun, Pream, and an NBC Movie of the Week. Crowell also managed KFRC San Francisco for RKO General. Teaching is one-on-one and proceeds on two tracks: first, the basics ("good, intelligent interpretation of the written material"), and second, characterization, which, Crowell said, is "essential to achieving voiceover acting excellence." He's also equipped with a state-of-the-art studio for making voiceover digital demos. (818) 846-2002 or (800) 500-6661.
JULIE OSBURN'S VOICE RE-TRAINING
As the exclusive West Coast instructor of Joan Lader's Broadway Voice Technique, Osburn teaches a combination of body work (breathing exercises with Pilates and Alexander to strengthen support muscles and release tension in the body) and vocal therapy, plus singing exercises that use this relaxed strength while learning how to center and focus the sound. "The contemporary sound found in pop and rock recording artists, as well as in many Broadway musicals today, demands performers be in command of their speaking/singing voices, for they are the same," said Osburn. She also teaches musical theatre performance, audition preparation, and acting technique for singers. www.actorsinprocess.com. (310) 989-2803.
PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING WITH JULIE DANIELS
Professionally Speaking offers private coaching in voice, speech, accent reduction, and voiceover. Demo tape production is available. Emphasis in training includes proper breathing techniques, articulation, projection, and interpretation, with the goal being "a fully textured voice that sells your strengths as an actor." All ages welcome. (818) 623-8960.
KELLY REITER: REEL ENGLISH
Standard American dialect specialist Reiter has been coaching actors in L.A. since 1989. Her character study approach gives her students the tools, confidence, and professional American voice they need, from getting an agent to getting the part. Her clients are from overseas and out of state. She taught at UCLA for 11 years. Assessment interview required. www.reelenglishcoach.com. (323) 957-4758. See ad on page 11-A.
ALAN SHATERIAN
Shaterian has a Ph.D. in linguistics and phonetics, and offers private coaching in speech and dialect, foreign languages, and character preparation. He has a studio in Westwood. (310) 824-2720.
ELISABETH HOWARD'S VOCAL POWER ACADEMY
Howard is an internationally acclaimed vocal technician and vocal stylist, co-author of the million-seller book Born to Sing, CDs, and the Born to Sing video and ABCs of Vocal Harmony reading-music and ear-training course. A vocal coach and Juilliard graduate, she has conducted workshops for Vocal Teachers National Conferences in 14 countries and is on the vocal staff at Pepperdine University. She and her seven associates offer training in vocal technique and style for musical theatre, blues, jazz, rock, R&B, country, and opera. Performance workshops include mic technique, choreography, acting, and image. Showcases in pop, musical theatre and classical are presented three times per year. Clients include Priscilla Presley, Tony Danza, Demi Moore, Tanya Roberts, Tracy Lords, Lalaine, Stephen Dorff; 10 winners on Star Search, one finalist on American Idol, four "Miss Saigons," more than 30 leads on Broadway and national tours. Six studio locations: Glendale, Silverlake, Hollywood, Granada Hills, Santa Monica, Topanga. www.vocalpowerinc.com. (800) 829-7664.
VOCAL POWER SCHOOL
Director Howard Austin is an author of vocal training courses, Born To Sing CDs, videos, audiotapes, and books sold worldwide. Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Vocal Power, established in 1980, offers singing and performance training the experienced professional. Will accept talented beginner. Training is offered in all music styles including rock, blues, country, gospel, jazz, musical theatre, and classical. Clients include 18 leads on Broadway, three "Miss Saigons," Priscilla Presley, Tony Danza, Demi Moore, Stephen Dorff, Paige O'Hara (the voice of Belle in the film Beauty and the Beast), and 10 Star Search winners. Free introductory sessions and scholarships are available. VocalCoach@BornToSing.com (818) 895-SING or (800) 929-SING.
THE VOICECASTER
Established more than 27 years ago, the Voicecaster offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced workshops. Classes are taught by owner Huck Liggett. Also offered is an animation workshop taught by veteran animation actors Jim Ward and Kat Cressida. Classes are limited to 10 and auditing is not allowed. www.voicecaster.com. (818) 218-2342.
THE VOICEOVER CONNECTION INC.
Voiceover commercials, animation, narration, audiobooks, and audio drama/comedy, basic through advanced, are taught in workshops, workouts, and seminars, directed by Dolores Diehl and VO agents, casting directors, publishers, and producers. Locations include Bell Sound Hollywood, North Hollywood Recording, and Valley Village Recording. Tuitions up to $395. Individual feedback is provided for every student from every director. Make-ups offered for sessions missed. All mic work and director's remarks recorded for each student. doloresdiehl@earthlink.net; www.voconnection.com; (213) 384-9251.
MARTA WOODHULL
Woodhull, a working session singer for 20 years, teaches vocal projection and delivery, diction, rehabilitation for the injured voice, and vocal performance on mic in a recording environment. She also specializes in the singing repertoire of many languages, such as French, Spanish, and Italian. Her clients have included Lea Salonga, Paula Abdul, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brian McKnight, and Supreme Beings of Leisure. She offers private instruction from her Studio City studio. She has produced CDs and videos on voice instruction, which are available on her website, www.singingforaliving .com. (818) 752-0833.
YOUNG VOICES
This voiceover training class for performers ages 7-17 incorporates TV and radio commercials, animation, improv, theatre games, and technical exercise to create this marketable craft. Classes are taught by casting director Alison Stuart (Academy Award-winning animation short The ChubbChubs!, Cartoon Network's animated series SD Gundam Force, Felicity, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, etc.). (323) 651-1666.
RICK ZIEFF'S UNBELIEVABLY FUN VOICEOVER CLASS
Zieff teaches mic technique for TV and radio commercials, animation, narration, and audiobooks. As a busy voiceover artist and casting director, he emphasizes the importance of character development, text analysis, and making strong creative choices at the microphone. He guides actors through preparing a demo that will be their "calling card" to the voiceover world. He cast the Academy Award-winning animated short The Chubb Chubbs! and directed all 26 episodes of SD Gundam Force, currently on the Cartoon Network. Group classes or private lessons are available to adults and children at his studio in West Hollywood. (323) 651-1666. (323) 876-0394. See ad on page 8-A.