San Diego draws crowds for its beautiful weather and laid-back vibes, but it’s also provided the backdrop for Hollywood magic, from the news desks of “Anchorman” to the dogfights of “Top Gun.” If you dream of being the next Ron Burgundy or Maverick, it’s time to hone your skills by taking acting classes at one of the best acting studios and schools in San Diego (such as the six compiled here!).
While you train, start finding and applying to roles by checking out our comprehensive San Diego casting call database.
1. Los Angeles Acting Studio SD
Originally located in Los Angeles, the studio opened a second location in San Diego in 2016. This is where founder Andrew Benne, who’s been in the business for over 30 years, now helps actors reach their full potential and find success.
What to consider:
- It offers small class sizes with a maximum of 14 people, which provides students in-depth lessons with faculty.
- Benne’s studio focuses on a hybrid Meisner technique, which is described as “primarily rooted in the Meisner technique yet strongly influenced by the disciplines of Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Eric Morris and legendary filmmaker John Cassavetes.” If you have an interest in the Meisner technique, but also want to explore other styles, the Los Angeles Acting Studio SD could be a great option.
- Its classes highlight three areas for actors:
- Working to discover what may be blocking an actor’s potential
- Foundational training in its hybrid Meisner technique
- Building presence via branding and image
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Classes are all 4.5 hours long, except on Saturdays, when classes are four hours, so make sure you can commit to long blocks of time.
2. Actors Workshop Studios
With a history dating back to 1989, the Actors Workshop Studios’ comprehensive acting education includes “on-camera training in film and television acting, audition techniques, improvisation, industry knowledge, and on-going career opportunities.”
What to consider:
- It has a range of in-person classes for beginners, intermediates, kids, and teens, as well as online courses. The adult programs are offered in three-month or two-month intervals, depending on your needs and availability.
- Students can do audition workshops and in-house auditions with directors and producers in its fully equipped studio.
- Yet another fantastic opportunity is the Actors Workshop Studios Agent Showcase, where agents visit to keep an eye out for new talent.
The Rehearsal Room focuses on Method acting, something founder Carey Scott learned first hand from acting great Konstantin Stanislavsky. Scott also studied with Stella Adler, which means he’s well versed in how an actor can imagine their character to life.
What to consider:
- Actors at the Rehearsal Room learn about auditioning, cold reads, and improv, with a particular focus on onscreen performance.
- To take a class, you must audition, which consists of an interview with Scott and a cold read—no need to prep anything ahead of time.
- Classes are only held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m.
- Regular students are invited to showcases with agents, managers, directors, producers, and established actors. These showcases are meant to provide students with time to learn from professionals.
4. La Jolla Playhouse’s Spotlight On Program
The La Jolla Playhouse has a long history that includes an incredible founding trio—Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer—and producing award-winning plays and musicals.
What to consider:
- This is a great program for someone looking for theater performance training instead of film and television.
- The Spotlight On program is only available during the summer. Get notified of the next round of classes by signing up here.
- Classes are limited. This year it only offered three courses: Intro to Acting, Contemporary Scene Study, and Musical Theater Cabaret.
- Each course is two hours long and offered once a week for seven weeks. Classes have a maximum of 18 students.
- Anyone looking to take a summer course must start with Intro to Acting.
5. Shiley Graduate Theatre Program
For those seeking a foundational education, the Old Globe and University of San Diego offer an MFA called the Shiley Graduate Theatre Program. This is a two-year commitment to studying classic and contemporary theater, so it’s best suited for those dedicated to live performance.
What to consider:
- With an acceptance rate of seven students per year, this is a highly competitive program—which also means students are given an incredible amount of individual attention.
- Because this is an MFA course with an accredited university, you will need a bachelor’s degree to apply.
- The direct link to the Old Globe makes this program an incredible way for actors to work professionally while also learning.
- Full-tuition scholarships are provided to accepted students, along with small scholarships from the Old Globe.
- It’s a rigorous program with full course loads of four classes per semester, except for the final summer semester, which is spent working on Globe productions.
6. UC San Diego Acting MFA
Another higher education option for those looking to complete formal education in theater, UC San Diego’s MFA degree is a three-year program that covers a range of topics including voice, movement, and speech.
What to consider:
- This is an MFA program at an accredited university, so you will need a bachelor’s degree.
- Since this is a three-year program, it is a significant time commitment.
- To apply you’ll need:
- Transcripts or official copies of academic records from all post-secondary institutions attended
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation, along with the email address of each recommender
- A statement of purpose
- 8 x 10 headshot
- Résume
- After applying, you are required to audition. Auditions are held in three locations—New York, Chicago, and San Francisco—and cost $65.