Choosing the Right Coach

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Conservatories

The following schools offer two-year acting programs. Many offer other shorter programs in a variety of plans and performing-related areas.

STELLA ADLER ACADEMY OF ACTING

Founded by the late Group Theatre giant, the Stella Adler Academy continues to offer a two-year program, as well as individual classes. The two-year program runs in eight sessions and includes classes on acting technique, movement, voice, dance, commercial skills, stage combat, improvisation, audition technique, dialect, scene study, comedy, script analysis, Chekhov, Shakespeare, theatre to film, directors workshop, accent reduction, and theatre styles, culminating in a play production. Also included are ongoing professional seminars with industry guests. The academy, under the direction of Irene Gilbert, also boasts one Equity 99-Seat and one 67-seat theatre. 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Fl., Hollywood. (323) 465-4446. See ad on page 29-A.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS

The oldest acting school in the English-speaking world, the Academy was founded in 1884 on the East Coast to train actors in the basics of their craft, and the West Coast branch (founded in 1974) continues the tradition with its two-year conservatory program, culminating in an associate of arts degree in acting. Among the many areas covered in the conservatory program are instruction in acting, voice and speech, movement, theatre history and styles, fencing, makeup, musical theatre, and Shakespeare. There's also an on-camera class in the second year to teach actors to apply what they've learned to the demands of filmed media. Around 20 students are accepted into a third-year company, which produces plays. There is no auditing, and an audition is required. A six-week summer school for ages 14 and older is also offered. www.aada.org. (323) 464-2777 or (800) 222-2867. See ad on page 19-A.

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER (A.C.T.)

The revered, Bay Area-based American Conservatory Theater offers a number of distinct training programs under the direction of Melissa Smith, including its advanced training program, A.C.T.'s full-time graduate acting program, which offers a master of fine arts degree upon completion of the third year. (415) 439-2350. A.C.T.'s Young Conservatory for ages 8 to 19, under the direction of Craig Slaight, offers classes in acting, musical theatre, voice, speech, audition, improv, movement, and more, taught by working theatre professionals. The New Plays Program commissions one new play each year from established playwrights, who are in residence during production. Students at the Young Conservatory are also the exclusive source for all young actors in A.C.T.'s annual production of A Christmas Carol. Class fees range from $315 to $545 per session. Financial aid is available to qualifying students. (415) 439-2444. Studio A.C.T. is the company's part-time and weekend acting program, recently expanded under the directorship of Bruce Williams, designed to provide affordable and convenient classes for beginning through professional-level students. (415) 834-3286. Finally, the summer training congress is a nine-week session of intensive, full-time professional actor training for high school graduates 19 and older with some prior acting training and experience. (415) 439-2405. A.C.T. is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. See ad on page 14-A.

LAURA HENRY STUDIO

This studio, which opened in 1992, offers a rigorous and comprehensive training program in acting, voice, movement, and performance. This is a two-year conservatory program culminating with an industry showcase at the Court Theatre directed by Laura Henry. Students are also eligible to participate in The Allison Project, the film and theatre production company that operates out of the studio. For advanced students, the studio offers Henry's eight-week audition technique class. Scene study is also offered for advanced students. Audition required. The core program consists of first- and second-year Meisner technique, Linklater voice work, and Alexander technique. Guest artists teach various classes throughout the year. www.thelaurahenrystudio.com. 1307 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405. (310) 399-5744.

THE MEISNER-CARVILLE SCHOOL OF ACTING

Founded in 1987 by the late Sanford Meisner with partner Jimmy Carville, the Meisner-Carville School is headed by Martin Barter, who originally studied with Meisner at Bequia, West Indies, then assisted Meisner for 14 years, at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse and on the West Coast. The technique is taught in a two-year program; students must be invited back for the second year. Five-week summer intensives are also offered, as well as graduate-level scene-study classes. Barter described his master's approach as a "reality-based technique based on the ability to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances." The school now also offers classes in screenwriting, taught by James Schmerer, an instructor in the professional program of screenwriting at UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television. All levels are welcome, and acceptance is by interview. Auditing is allowed. 5124 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hollywood. (818) 509-9651. See ad on page 22-A.

PACIFIC CONSERVATORY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS

PCPA Theaterfest (the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts), the professional regional theatre company of the Central Coast, has been producing professional theatre and training theatre professionals for nearly 40 years. PCPA's conservatory program is geared for serious students with professional aspirations. Each year 30 actors enter its two-year program. For most studio classes (acting, voice and speech, singing techniques, Shakespeare, movement, audition technique, etc.), classes are divided in half, so the average student-to-teacher ratio is 15-to-1. PCPA's theatre and training program is housed and accredited through Allan Hancock College, a California Community College. Its faculty of resident artists, who serve as both acting company and faculty, are all working professionals and dedicated educators. Students graduate with approximately 76 units of lower-division drama credit, useful for those students transferring on to B.A. or B.F.A. programs. PCPA has existing and developing articulation agreements with public and private universities around the country. www.pcpa.org. (805) 928-7731.

THE RUSKIN SCHOOL OF ACTING

John Ruskin was Sanford Meisner's apprentice, first studying with the master at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, continuing with him in Bequia, West Indies, then teaching with him at the Neighborhood Playhouse and privately during the 1980s. The Ruskin School is the West Coast representative of the Neighborhood Playhouse, and many of the teachers were trained directly by Meisner. Ruskin, who opened his school in Santa Monica in 1987, offers a two-year course of study in Meisner's technique, as well as a master class for those who have completed the two-year program either at Ruskin's school or at the Neighborhood Playhouse. Throughout the year, Anthony Hopkins has been teaching the master class and working with students on Chekhov, Shakespeare, and Pinter, as well as contemporary plays. The school also offers classes in Alexander Technique, voice, movement, and commedia dell'arté. The school also offers an introduction to the Meisner technique course at various times throughout the year. The Ruskin School has opened its own theatre company located across the street from the school in the Santa Monica Airport. The Ruskin Group Theatre Company offers ongoing plays, performances, and outreach programs titled Healing Through the Arts for the community at large. Theatre company members perform in childrens hospitals, retirement homes, and prisons, as well as teaching the Meisner technique to 14- to 18-year-old boys in a youth correctional facility. Admission to the school is by personal interview. info@ruskinschool.com, www.ruskinschool.com. (310) 390-4212. See ad on page 26-A.

THE SIDEWALK ACTING CONSERVATORY

For the past eight years, head instructor Marc Bossley has been teaching acting in the L.A. area, both in the classroom setting and privately, as well as providing on-set coaching for working actors. The Conservatory offers the following: a two-year Meisner-based program, cold reading classes, private instruction, as well as the Bossley A.C.P. (Audition/Callback/Performance) Technique. The ACP class is designed to help actors nail the audition, master the callback, and understand what is expected of them on-set once they book the job. All classes are held in a working Equity theatre. Students have the opportunity to perform in several showcases throughout the two-year program. New classes begin monthly, and prices start from as low as $80/month. Working audits or auditions can be arranged. (818) 846-3403. See ad on page 7-A.

THEATRE OF ARTS

The longest-running acting school in Los Angeles (est. 1927), Theatre of Arts offers a complete professional actor training program for film, TV, and stage. Now a part of Campus Hollywood, TOA has joined the Musicians Institute. Classes include cold reading, audition technique, scene study, commercial audition, stage combat, voiceover, Shakespeare, comedy improv, improvisation, as well as an actors demo-reel workshop and a voiceover workshop. Electives include dance, singing, and standup comedy. Facilities include an 80-seat theatre, a studio theatre, a dance studio, and access to professional television broadcast studios. The academy also offers showcase opportunities throughout the year (including stage productions, showcases, guest speakers, and singing recitals). 1621 N. McCadden Pl., Hollywood. www.theatre-of-arts.com. (323) 463-2500.

Acting Coaching

The following individuals or companies specialize in one-on-one acting coaching. Private coaching is also available from the majority of those listed in the "Acting Schools and Classes" category. Coaches in other specialties, like musical theatre or voiceover or young performers, are listed in those categories.

PHYLLIS APPLEGATE/ONE-ON-ONE

Emmy-nominated character actress Applegate offers ongoing individual performance coaching to actors, singers, and business professionals. Applegate coaches her students on audition techniques, cold readings, character creation, scene study, and how to "audition and perform with power." On-set coaching available. (323) 655-5167.

MICHAEL ARABIAN

After seven years at the Howard Fine Studio, Arabian now offers private coaching with a reality-based approach in which the actors work "moment to moment" from themselves to live truthfully in any given situation. Arabian's teaching uses a combination of Meisner's and Uta Hagen's techniques, integrating scene study, on-camera critiques, and audition technique. (310) 558-1132.

THE AUDITION DOCTOR

Casting director Dino S. Ladki (DotComedy, You Don't Know Jack, Undressed, The Lyricists Lounge Show, Sliders, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle) offers perspective from "the other side of the ropes." Ladki's coaching is designed to let actors in on not only what he would be looking for if he were casting the part but also what the producers are likely to be looking for. He specializes in audition coaching, helping actors, he put it, "perfect your auditions before you go in to read." Sessions are $39 per hour and may be videotaped upon request. First session is always free. (323) 654-8703. See ad on page 32-A.

LINDA BERRY'S BERRYWOOD

Berry, who has a marketing, management, and production company, offers one-on-one and workshop training for beginning and intermediate actors, which includes monologue work, on-camera cold reading, and scene study. Actors learn two monologues and perform their scenes three ways. The work focuses on getting actors ready for auditioning, getting auditions, and getting the role. Training sessions start at $35. Also offered to actors, "How To Master the Business Side of the Entertainment Industry," including a workable marketing plan and useful promotion materials. Training sessions start at $35. Special packages available. Berry teaches actors from ages 6 and up. www.berrywood.net. info@berrywood.net. (310) 410-1836.

SARA BOTSFORD

An award-winning actor, director, and producer, Botsford has taught in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles. She coaches all levels and puts actors' work on videotape. (818) 648-0891.

CHARLES CARROLL

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Carroll has been teaching for 30 years. He began acting in film in 1986's Robocop and has continued to work ever since. Currently he offers an ongoing on-camera class for small groups, focusing on scene study and auditions for film and TV, all aimed toward "developing an on-camera technique." Private coaching for auditioning in film and TV available. (323) 962-6736. See ad on page 7-A.

JANET CARROLL

Carroll, an award-winning actress, offers private coaching to selected students, teaching comprehensive acting based on her lifetime in the craft. Serious, dedicated actors only. (310) 459-1073.

SANDRA CARUSO

Caruso, a current professor in the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, offers private coaching and audition preparation. Caruso, who also studied with Meisner, Strasberg, and Hagen, graduated from the NYU Theatre Department and has a master's degree from UCLA. She's the author of three books, most recently, The Actors Book of Improvisation: Dramatic Situations from Shakespeare to Spielberg. Private classes are held from July through November. (310) 476-5113. See ad on page 20-A.

MARK CHAET

Chaet teaches business for actors through private instruction. He focuses on goal-setting and methods for organizing and advancing an acting career. (818) 547-9018.

CLASSIC COACHING

Daniel Chace, M.F.A. Yale Drama and former instructor at the Stella Adler Academy, offers "insightful and positive" coaching for actors and singers on every level. From one-time professional audition preparation to ongoing private training for beginners, sessions are held in a large professional studio in Hollywood. DV camera with large monitor is available for optional on-camera work or at-home review. A well-tuned piano stands ready. Reserved parking. Free initial consultation. (323) 851-4949. See ad on page 15-A.

LISA DALTON

Dalton, who has been teaching and working as a professional actress for more than 20 years, combines extensive training in a variety of acting techniques with psychology, spirituality, and metaphysics to provide private coaching that includes audition/role preparation, image/ headshot/marketing advice, on-camera scene study, and monologue development. Her career guidance is particularly suited for solving audition and performance anxiety, business frustrations, artistic blocks, and coping with success. She also consults with writers and directors on scripts. Currently a working actress, she is a retired stunt performer, clown, and comedienne. A renowned expert on Michael Chekhov acting techniques, Dalton has taught in Europe, Russia, and across the country. Private sessions, held in NoHo/Toluca Lake, are $70 for 90 minutes. (818) 761-5404. See ad on page 2-A.

NINA FOCH STUDIO

A working actor since 1941, Oscar and Emmy nominee Foch offers private consulting and coaching for directors and actors. Foch is a professor at USC and a director of documentaries and MOWs. She charges $200/hour. (310) 553-5805.

MARJORIE GAINES

Gaines is currently teaching acting for majors at Cal State Long Beach (CSULB). She trained extensively with Nina Foch, and at New York University's School of the Arts she trained with Lloyd Richards, Olympia Dukakis, and Kristin Linklater. She currently offers private coaching in audition preparation and basic technique. (818) 344-7115.

BETH GOLDSTEIN

A casting professional for more than six years who studied acting with major New York-based teachers, Goldstein offers private coaching for audition preparation and teaches a class incorporating technique, scene study, and audition skills for comedy and drama, as well as tips on the business of acting. (818) 316-9054.

HARRIET GREENSPAN, LIFE COACH

A casting director for the past 20 years, with credits including features, MOWs, features, pilots, and series, Greenspan is a freelance casting director most recently with Nickelodeon. She privately coaches kids and teens. (818) 386-2186

JEANIE HACKETT

Hackett coaches privately for auditions. Most actors are referred by agents and managers. "Audition coaching is entirely different from teaching acting," Hackett said. "Actors being coached need to get to full performance level in an hour, pure and simple. For television, it's almost never about creating a character, it's about using yourself to your absolute best advantage. If you know what to look for, in every audition there's one central moment that's the make-or-break event of the scene. And if you nail that, you get the callback and ultimately the job." Hackett is associate artistic director of the Antaeus Theater Company, the author of The Actor's Chekhov and Toward Mastery, and has worked extensively as an actor on Broadway and in television and film. Her ongoing private class in scene study and audition technique meets Wednesdays, 7-11 p.m., at the Antaeus Theater Center in North Hollywood. Private coaching is $75 per hour; the second session in the same week is $60 per hour. Coaching for non-paying theatre auditions is $50 per hour. Schedule permitting, Hackett also offers free 15-minute brush-ups for callbacks. (818) 763-5933.

JAMES HARPER

Harper, a multi-award-winning actor/producer/casting associate, has performed leading roles on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and with leading regional theatres. He has more than 300 appearances on TV and 25 feature films to his credit. A Juilliard graduate, a classically trained professional actor and teacher for more than 25 years, he has taught at universities across the country, including USC. Harper specializes in audition coaching, as well as in assisting the actor who has already landed the job. Rates vary depending upon project length and/or number of sessions. (818) 749-4678 (voicemail); (818) 801-6664 (pager).

HOLLYWOOD ACTING CLASS/ HELENE KRESS

Kress promises a "fun, upbeat class that includes unique and different improvisation exercises, cold reading, and practicing basic emotions." The class, held in Hollywood, includes scenes, monologues, commercials, and exercises. "We also practice basic stage manners," said Kress. Students have starred in commercials, music videos, TV, and film. Classes are Mondays: children, $10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; adults, $17, 7:30-9:30 p.m. (323) 225-1962.

HOLLYWOOD ACTORS STUDIO

At Hollywood Actors Studio, each private lesson begins by defining the student's objective, whether it is to quickly prepare for an upcoming audition or for a series of private lessons. Objectives may be to improve cold reading; to be more expressive, interesting, emotional, real, more at ease during auditions, or to develop an acting career plan. Head instructor Charley Smith has taught acting classes, seminars, and private lessons for more than a decade. (323) 465-1214.

DAVID LEHMAN

Lehman has been teaching for 24 years and studied under Charles Conrad. His classes are small, with a 12-person maximum. Classes cover cold reading and more. "I'm looking for spontaneity—the unexpected moment," said Lehman. Admission is by interview. (818) 845-1549. See ad on page 26-A.

ART MANKE

Manke, co-founder and former artistic director of L.A.'s acclaimed classical theatre company A Noise Within, offers private coaching for the professional stage actor, with an emphasis on the classics. An award-winning actor and director, Manke was trained at American Conservatory Theater. Audition preparation, role preparation/textual analysis, and individualized courses of study are available on an hourly basis. (323) 667-1231.

DAVID MARCIANO

Working actor/acting coach Marciano believes that making a living in show business is determined by finding your type, perfecting it, and selling it. He said, "My job as a coach is to inspire as well as help actors find the confidence necessary to walk into a room and nail the audition." (323) 935-7477.

LYNNE MARKS

Marks works one-on-one with actors to strengthen cold reading skills, sharpen audition technique, develop on-camera presence, and build their self-confidence. She has worked as a coach in both her native London, England, and in Los Angeles for many years. Marks is the L.A. casting contact for Disney's The Lion King and the former creative director of the Actors' Arena. She travels nationwide as a coach and periodically holds workshops in the L.A. area. For many years she held the position of head of talent development at Academy Management, where she coached and guided hundreds of young adults and children to success in film and television. Marks has limited private coaching available. Hour and half-hour sessions are available, and appointments need to be made in advance. (818) 980-7584.

ACTING ONE-ON-ONE/ CHARLES MAROWITZ

Private acting tuition in classical and contemporary styles is offered under the direction of Marowitz, formerly co-director with Peter Brook at the Royal Shakespeare Company, associate director of L.A. Theatre Center, and currently an instructor at the American Academy of Dramatic Art. Marowitz is also the author of The Other Way: An Alternative Approach to Acting and Directing, The Act of Being, and other texts. (310) 456-5060

FRANCO MASSIMO

Massimo, also known as Rik Martino, is an acting coach who works in Italian and English. He specializes in improvisation before the camera. Massimo is currently starring in the independent film La Mano Nera (The Black Hand). www.romafilms.com. (323) 850-8580.

MICHAEL McGEE

McGee, an actor/director/teacher for 20 years, offers private coaching for audition preparation and individual instruction. (310) 450-9832.

MARILYN McINTYRE

McIntyre, a multi-award-winning actor, has performed leading roles on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and with leading regional theatres. She has appeared in daytime dramas, primetime shows, and films. The classically trained actor has taught for more than 25 years, currently on faculty at USC and the Howard Fine Acting Studio. Now offering private coaching sessions, as well as scene study, she specializes in "personalization," using a variety of techniques (Hagen, Meisner, Stanislavski, etc.) "to help you find what works for you to manifest your most personal, authentic, and unique self in your work." Rates vary depending upon project length and/or number of sessions. (323) 951-1174 (voicemail); (818) 608-4643 (pager).

ROD MENZIES

A coach for more than 20 years, Menzies offers individual coaching and ongoing group classes in acting, voice, and solo performance. Combining technical mastery, creative courage, and artistic excellence, the approach, said Menzies, "enables you to take your acting to the next level." An interview is required. (310) 395-6616.

ANTHONY MONTES

For the past 15 years, Montes has been offering actors private coaching. This award-winning actor/director has produced 41 plays over the past 11 years, and has coached actors who have gone on to television series and starring roles in film. mattiedaisy@cs .com. (818) 705-4364.

TONI MOSS TRENTON

Moss Trenton taught Method acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute for four years. She said she produces "a very creative and supportive environment" for her students and comes from an extensive teaching background both in and out of the arts. Trained by Strasberg, John Lehne, Stella Adler, and Milton Katselas, she teaches Method techniques such as relaxation, sense memory, and scene study. She also imparts what she called a "very practical, objective dialogue on the business aspect of a career in Hollywood," with a focus on the new or beginning actor. Moss Trenton currently coaches privately only. (213) 252-0830.

MIKE MUSCAT

Muscat has acted for 30 years and coached for 25, and his private coaching concentrates on cold reading and film acting technique. Muscat works as an on-set film coach, with credits including Terminator 2, The Client, and The Patriot. He coaches on-camera for $75 an hour and offers a money-back guarantee. (818) 904-9494.

BRIAN MULLIGAN

Mulligan offers one-on-one coaching for TV, film, and theatre auditions. A former instructor at NYC's Riverside Shakespeare Academy and founder of NYC's Impro!, he studied acting with Uta Hagen and improvisation with Keith Johnstone. "My goal in coaching is to distill the scene into a simple, specific action, then give it an emotional punch," said Mulligan, who accepts both new and experienced actors. (323) 719-2545.

SHARON NEWMAN

Newman, owner of Inner Child Personal Management and former director of the American Conservatory Theater's Young Conservatory, has taught workshops for professional schools throughout Southern California for the past 20 years. She offers private instruction and audition coaching. She specializes in children, teens, young adults, characters, and seniors. Newman offers cold reading, career guidance, agent preparation, technique exercises, on-camera skills, image consultation, and monologue presentation. (818) 461-1363.

GARY OBERST

Oberst, who was an Artios-winning casting director for 12 years, brings to his private coaching a keen sense of what actors need to get the job. He works with actors who want one-on-one scene study or who need to prepare for a specific audition. Said Oberst, "Because of my background as a casting director, I know the mistakes actors make, and I'm able to help an actor find what makes an audition work. So much of an actor's job is getting the role, and I can help make the actor comfortable and confident in the auditioning process." (323) 463-7785.

JIM OTIS

Otis coaches actors, singers, and dancers privately. An actor for 31 years and a teacher for 16, he studied with Wynn Handman in New York. Otis has taught a wide range of talent, from Second City actors to Steppenwolf folk, and offers two private session courses: TV/film intensive, covering TV, film, commercials and business strategy, and a monologue intensive, covering contemporary and classical pieces for agents, managers, and theatre. He teaches a technique to his students to help them "put what's unique about themselves into the script." He has flexible scheduling and offers six private sessions for $125. (818) 543-7479.

PACIFIC FILM INSTITUTE

Golda and Bill David offer private coaching to actors, as well as ongoing screenwriting classes. Golda has taught at UCLA Extension and is also a producer—she was the first female producer to work at Disney Studios—and Bill is an actor, writer, and director. Golda described their one-on-one approach as "like a jumpstart on acting. It's getting right to the nuts and bolts of what makes an actor really effective in getting the job." (310) 826-4467.

ZINA PROVENDIE

Formerly head drama coach at MGM and lecturer on acting in London, Paris, and Rome, Provendie now coaches actors in individual scenes and for auditions, sometimes in pairs. Most of her students come from agent referrals, but she also teaches teachers and some beginners. Rate: $60 per hour. (310) 394-5009.

ALLAN RICH

Working actor Rich offers private coaching. Former students include Rene Russo, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Sharon Stone. While Rich is open to working with new students, he noted, "I enjoy teaching people who are serious." Rich teaches actors the same "organic technique" he uses in his own work. Rather than prospective students being required to audition for him, Rich said he auditions for them. He can be seen working in An Evening of Shakespeare; call for information. Rich has recurring roles on the series C.S.I. and Judging Amy. He can also be seen in The Dog Walker and The Burial Society. (323) 465-4007.

ARTHUR ROBERTS

In his private coaching and audition preparation, Roberts said he teaches "how to turn nerves into excitement—how to be up and brilliant instead of down and scared." A 37-year veteran of Broadway, theatre, film, soaps, and series, Roberts studied acting in New York with Herbert Berghof, Uta Hagen, Philip Burton, Milton Katselas, and Lee Strasberg, and on this coast with Charles Conrad and Eric Morris. (310) 827-9661.

LENNY ROSE: NO FALSE MOMENTS

An experienced actor with more than 150 professional credits to his name, Rose has been teaching for more than 10 years using his "Nip it in the bud" philosophy and "Did you get it?" exercise. He uses his acting experiences, he said, to help actors "win the audition." He is currently teaching privately for $30 an hour. (213) 384-2638.

MEL RYANE

Ryane, who studied with Uta Hagen for 10 years, offers private coaching—that is, when she's not coaching actors on television shows. DreamWorks, Fox Television, CBS, NBC, and PBS' American Playhouse have all relied on Ryane's expertise. She can help actors, she said, with "anything to do with preparing for auditions, for general meetings, and for technique." Her coaching employs scene work and monologues. (310) 391-8542.

MARK SIKES

Casting director Sikes (L.A. Heat, Road Ends, Dark Realm, Shake Down, Executive Target, Cheyenne Warrior) has taught his ongoing on-camera audition technique/cold reading class for six years now, striving to "help actors make strong, confident audition choices and to pinpoint problem areas to focus on." Classes are sold in four-week increments and are limited to eight students, with industry nights every week. No audition is required; free auditing is allowed. Sikes now offers a special workshop for teens. Private coaching is also available. (310) 652-9599.

TIM SIMEK

A working actor and improv comic, Simek has more than 10 years of experience in film and television, along with an extensive improvisational background. He is founder and director of the L.A.-based comedy improv group Slow: Children at Play, as well as a regular performer. The group is now in its fourth year of performing shows in North Hollywood. Simek offers ongoing improv workshops, as well as private coaching for both dramatic and comedic roles, including character development and audition techniques. www.jcau.com/timsimek and www.slowchildrenimprov.com. (213) 212-9921.

ELENA K. SMITH

Smith, formerly Elena Katzap, has an M.F.A. from the Actors Studio in NYC and a post-graduate certificate in classical training from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She coaches adults and children. Her clients have booked roles on Alias, The Agency, American Dreams, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Drew Carey Show, Yes, Dear, Frasier, Family Law, and Chicago Hope, as well as in pilots and national commercials. She works with actors of all levels and backgrounds. In addition, as a multi-lingual coach (Smith speaks five languages), she helps actors to eliminate regional accents when necessary and master some foreign ones as well. Smith recognizes that every actor is unique, that different actors have different needs. Smith's goal is not only to share the skills, techniques, and insider tips she has acquired over the years, but also to instill self-confidence in every actor she coaches, no matter their level of experience. (323) 860-8735. See ad on page 31-A.

ELLA SMITH

Smith conducts one-on-one private coaching, covering film and television and specializing in cold reading. A teacher for more than 20 years, she received her M.F.A. in acting from the Yale School of Drama. She served as the acting coach on Star Search and has also taught at various acting schools and universities. Her acting credits are extensive, and she is a member of the Yale Connection. An interview is required for acceptance. (323) 650-0256.

JOHN SWANBECK

"If you've seen The Big Kahuna, with Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, and Peter Facinelli, you have a good idea of the performances I like to help actors achieve," said acting coach Swanbeck. "It is important to deliver the script as envisioned by the writer(s), but it is equally important to put a personal spin on your interpretation, or to apply an opposite, or to create a moment that is unexpected, so that you stand out from all the other actors somebody thinks are also the right type for the role. And it is important to develop the technical skills necessary to play to the camera. I view the camera like a cat: If you put too much pressure on it or put too much energy into getting its attention, it will go away. If you employ subtlety, reserve, and mystery, the camera will not be able to resist you." (310) 722-8463.

JAMES TUPPER

Tupper is a Meisner-based acting coach. He offers $20 drop-in coaching sessions for auditions. (323) 953-4727.

THOM VERNON

Trained at the Piven Theatre Workshop and Barbara Gaine's Shakespeare Co., Vernon has credits that include The Fugitive, Seinfeld, and others. Auditions, cold reading, and one-on-one private coaching are available. Sessions focus on problem-solving, are audition oriented, and emphasize focused play, character development, and discovering the actor's unique take on the work. www.classesforactors.com. (323) 466-0462, ext. 3.

CHARLES S. WAXBERG

Having worked at Stella Adler's side for five years in New York City, Waxberg offers private instruction and coaching in an intense collaboration with his students. His classes are based on the final teachings of Stanislavski, stressing imagination. Every session is tailored to the performer's needs, he said. (323) 845-9588.

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."

ACADEMY OF FILM ACTORS

The Academy of Film Actors aims to create a unique training environment for actors. The Academy has a six-level "Welcome to Hollywood" program as well as advanced acting classes. Through its accessibility to producers, directors, and casting directors, the academy provides many networking opportunities. The academy focuses on the one-on-one mentoring of actors in career development, including training, job finding, and submissions, and assistance in finding agents and managers. There are opportunities to be considered for parts in feature films. The academy also films each student's progress for constructive feedback at the end of each level. (323) 845-1206. See ad on page 14-A.

THE ACTING CORPS

The Acting Corps offers an intensive four-week "Actors Bootcamp" that includes daily classes in cold reading, Meisner technique, scene study, improvisation, on-camera scene study, voice and speech, as well as image consulting, private coaching, and industry seminars. Individual classes are also available, including commercial audition technique, and classes are kept small to ensure that every participant works extensively in every class. Instructors, all working professionals, prepare actors for the realities of working in today's film and television environment by addressing actors' specific needs and guiding their individual progress. Actor Corps faculty has taught Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and other working actors. Actors appear in industry showcases and productions at the two onsite theatres and participate in video and film projects. Admission is by interview and audition. www.TheActingCorps.com. 6425 Hollywood Blvd., 4th Fl. (323) 464-2228.

ACTING FOR REAL/SUANNE SPOKE

A multi-award-winning actor/producer/ coach, Spoke recently produced and starred in Napoli Millionaria at the Road Theatre, for which she won an Ovation for lead actress in a play. She has begun teaching her own acting class at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre in North Hollywood. She has been coaching privately for seven years while also cultivating her own TV and film career, guest starring in more than 100 TV shows. The class is geared toward the specific needs of the individual, focusing on character development, expanding one's instrument, and script analysis. Classes run in 10-week sessions, which include working seminars with casting directors, producers, and directors. Preliminary interviews are required; auditing is available. suanne@suannespoke.com. (818) 487-1860.

ACTING FROM DEPTH PERFORMANCE LABORATORY

This class is for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, designed to liberate the actor's imagination and develop confidence in his or her work. Through script analysis, in-depth scene and character study, improv, and exercises, actors learn to make strong choices, to interpret the script to convey the intentions of the characters, and to play the subtext instead of the dialogue. The class is small, informal, and dynamic. Entrance is determined by application, resumé, and available space. Westside location. (310) 823-9973.

THE ACTING LAB

Said Juilliard-trained working actor Mary Stein: "As an actress, I've found it imperative to continue to work out and play, so when the jobs come I am ready and flowing." In her class, she leads exercises to develop the right brain, trust, and focus, and she encourages "being in the body, out of your head, and in your impulse." The scene work revolves around 12 points to carving out the life of the event in the scene. The adults ongoing class is Sundays at 6:30 p.m., $240 per month. The 12 week workshop, which includes working through the 12 points, then taping it, is $800. The student leaves class with a fully rehearsed, fleshed-out scene directed on high-end digital tape. Very small select class is by audition/interview only. (323) 993-7140. See ad on page 17-A.

THE ACTING PLACE

The Acting Place is a place for people just starting out or who are returning after an absence from acting to "get a jump-start on their professional career." Besides on-going classes where craft is honed and developed, students start with one-day workshops where they learn techniques to overcome self-consciousness and stage-fright and jump right into the work of acting. "These workshops are fun, nurturing and highly informative," said Charlotte Gray, director of The Acting Place. Improvisation, scene study, advanced technique and cold-reading skills are taught in on-going classes. Performance classes and business seminars are also offered. Gray founded the studio four years ago, and combines her skills as a "life coach" to help her students develop not only as actors but as people living happy and productive lives. 8879 W. Pico Blvd., Suite 4, Los Angeles. www.ActingPlace.com. (310) 205-9219. See ad on page 26-A.

THE ACTOR/ARTIST GROUP WORKSHOP

Using his extensive directing, acting, and teaching experience, Peter Henry Schroeder teaches an ongoing workshop with innovative personalized training for actors of all levels. In addition to focusing on relaxation and concentration techniques, Schroeder works with actors on audition monologues, cold readings, scene projects, technique, and audition preparation. Private coaching is also available. The workshop meets twice a week and accepts new actors by recommendation or by audition only. "An Evening of Scenes," a professional industry showcase, is presented every three months. Observation is welcome. (310) 407-3530.

THE ACTORS ACADEMY AT ACTORS CO-OP

Actors Co-op Actors Academy offers classes for late teens to adults "in a safe and creative environment." Classes, taught by trained working actors who are also available for private coaching, include scene study, technique, movement, voice, improvisation, and auditioning. Classes typically run in eight-week sessions. Producing director is Marianne Savell. (323) 462-8460.

ACTOR'S ART THEATRE

The Actor's Art Theatre offers classes in rehearsal and performance technique and scene study work with instructor Jolene Adams, who studied with teachers from the Actors Studio and the Neighborhood Playhouse, and primarily uses Stanislavski and Meisner techniques. Adams said she teaches acting "mostly on a one-to-one basis, in a personalized, step-by-step approach." She also encourages actors to write their own original character material, solo shows, monologues, and scenes. She also offers a Writing Out Loud workshop ($175 for six weeks, including two private sessions), which encourages the actor to explore technique through storytelling, improv, and writing exercises. There is also a directing workshop available for actors and directors. Ongoing technique and scene study classes are $150 for six weeks. Private coaching is $60 a session or four sessions for $200. 6128 Wilshire Blvd., #110, L.A. www.actorsart.com. (323) 969-4953.

THE ACTORS CENTER

"Training is more than a matter of technique," states the website for this acting training facility, run by Michael S. Butler. "It involves understanding among people and a creative atmosphere that gives an actor the courage to explore his or her depth and range." Butler said he "employs many techniques to discover the best way of working for each individual." www.actorscenter.com. (310) 451-2999.

ACTORS FOR GOD

Director Clay Banks offers career counseling and personal coaching, as well as on-camera work, cold reading, and scene study classes, and film classes that include two-camera, split-screen, and ECU (Extreme Close Up) film work. Banks describes the classes as "a highly refined discipline in the art of relating truthfully. It's a spirit-filled environment with a serious Hollywood edge." Working audits allowed. www.godworks.tv. (323) 656-1098. See ad on page 32-A.

ACTORS FORUM THEATRE

The Actors Forum Theatre offers an ongoing acting/directing workshop conducted by Audrey Marlyn Singer; interested actors must audition. Workshop members are invited to participate in the theatre's productions. Monthly dues are $25 for the weekly workshop for professional actors. There is no auditing. 10655 Magnolia Blvd., N. Hollywood. www.nohoartsdistrict.com. (818) 506-0600.

THE ACTORS IN PROCESS STUDIO

Julie Osburn, an actor with more than 20 years of professional experience, incorporates techniques and exercises gleaned from her mentors, Larry Moss and Uta Hagen. The first half of class uses exercises that help students apply acting technique to their work viscerally, as well as audition skills to get the job. During the second half of the class, students perform assigned exercises, as well as scenes, monologues, and songs. Original work is encouraged. Osburn will be appearing in a feature film The Girl Next Door and has recently guest-starred on The Practice and ER. www.ActorsInProcess.com. (310) 989-2803.

THE ACTOR'S LAB

"Incorporation of the business of acting with the craft" is how working actor/director J.D. Lewis describes his training approach, which he offers in his ongoing cold reading, scene study, and career guidance classes. He also offers private coaching and is known for coaching many well-known working actors. He teaches beginning, intermediate, and master-class levels. Said Gary Dontzig, executive producer of Murphy Brown and Suddenly Susan, "If you get the chance to study at the Actor's Lab, it will change the course of your career." $175 per month. Acceptance is by interview/audition. 1514 N. Gardner St., Hollywood. www.theactorslab.com. (323) 878-2688. See ad on page 30-A.

THE ACTORS SANCTUARY

"Genius is the recovery of childhood at will," said essayist Baudelaire. Along those lines, coach David Arthur offers two adult classes, one a scene study/monologue/cold reading class and the other an all-exercise workshop dedicated to that recovery, which employs scripted material, improv, singing, dancing, drawing, and theatre games. The scene study class is geared toward film and television work. Interested students may audit the classes. Private coaching is also available. (818) 506-6194.

THE ACTORS SPACE

Theatre director, actor, and former Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute teacher Carmen Maria Milito challenges actors to "stop 'acting' and start listening" in this acting workshop. Milito provides intensive training in scene study, script analysis, and character development that derives as much from real-life knowledge and observation of human behavior as it does from Strasberg's techniques of relaxation and discovering moment-to-moment truth. Milito's objective, she said, is to see each actor "grow and develop an approach to acting that is not based on just learning your lines, cues, or blocking a scene, but on knowing and creating the inner life of the character." Classes meet on Thursdays on a month-to-month basis and run $150 per month. Showcase performances are provided periodically for the nominal costs of publicity and reception. (818) 769-5055.

ACTORS WORKOUT STUDIO

Fran Montano, an actor for more than 20 years and a teacher for 15, specializes in "trouble-shooting actors' blocks." To that end, he said, classes are small, "very individualized, and it's very much an intense workout—everyone works every class." His classes, based on Meisner technique, include exercises, improv, cold reading, and scene study. Montano is also the artistic director of the Actors Workout Studio, where class members regularly mount performances and industry-invited scene nights. His ongoing weekly workshops divide into beginning and advanced, and he requires an interview and audit. 4735 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hollywood. www.actorsworkout.com. (818) 766-2171. See ad on page 9-A.

THE ACTORS WORKSHOP

Now in its 25th year, this film/television workshop began in Hollywood in the early 1970s before moving to its present Orange County location in 1980. Under the direction of TV/film actor R.J. Adams, veteran actor and co-host of Back Stage West's radio show Back Stage Live, classes are ongoing for all levels, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Along with co-director Rob Adams and actors Rene Ratzlaff and Brian Krause (Charmed), 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. Showcases are also held on a regular basis with major L.A. film/TV casting directors. There are no audits, and acceptance is based on a personal interview. www.theactorsworkshop.com. (949) 855-4444. See ad on page 31-A.

ACTORS WORKSHOP STUDIOS

Established in 1989 the Actors Workshop Studio in San Diego provides on-camera training in film and television acting and audition techniques. The school offers weekly ongoing classes based on the Meisner approach. "The class teaches that the seed to the craft of acting is in the reality of doing," said instructor Stephen Walters. "It focuses on the development of an actor's impulses, rather than relying on pre-planned response." Limited to 15 students each, the classes are $225 a month for the first three months, then $140 per month. An interview or audition is required. Auditing is allowed. 5703 Oberlin Dr., Ste. 210, San Diego, CA 92121. www.actorsworkshopstudios.com. (858) 587-6666.

CATLIN ADAMS ACTING LAB

An award-winning director and actress, Adams teaches class for all levels on Monday nights. This intensive instruction focuses on developing the actor's craft. Adams employs diverse techniques that allow actors to learn how to direct themselves. Classes cover improvisation, sensory work, camera technique exercises, monologue, and scene study. All classes are taught by Adams herself. Students work in every class. Class size is strictly limited. Private coaching is available. (323) 851-8811. See ad on page 18-A.

AIA ACTOR'S STUDIO

AIA Actor's Studio has spent the last decade helping actors achieve professional excellence by providing dramatic instruction, career guidance, and the opportunity to build relationships with industry experts. The Studio has integrated the business of acting with both formal and practical training and offers a diverse array of classes and programs taught by working entertainment professionals. "The Studio's roster of professional teachers reflects the fourteen-year reputation of being the industry leader," said vp Emily Yost. Both Jason Alexander and Lou Diamond Phillips teach acting master classes. Many prominent CSA casting directors teach exclusively for AIA, offering audition technique intensives. The studio also hosts forums focusing on the "realities of the business." These forums have included Kevin Costner, Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Bay, and others. At the studio, students work directly with a career counselor to shape their curriculum tailored to their specific career strategy. In addition, the studio assists actors in developing a self-promotional plan that will empower the actor to succeed in a competitive marketplace. AIA offers "guidance and support, which represent a large part of the overall studio education." The studio has been a resource for the entertainment community and is proud to continue to produce actors who bring their training and talent to all aspects of theatre, film, and television. www.aiastudios.com. (818) 563-4142. See ad on page 17-A.

WILLIAM ALDERSON STUDIO

A successful New York actor who studied with Sanford Meisner, Alderson began teaching at Meisner's insistence and served as his assistant and associate director at the Neighborhood Playhouse for more than 20 years. Alderson, who came to Los Angeles in 1994 and now offers the Meisner technique in its intended two-year study period, described it as a "technical approach, teaching the actor technical tools so he can organically work out of himself. To act from the inside out is not easy, but once that is learned, it becomes like a religion to the talented actor, and he will not settle for less." Classes meet twice a week, and the price is $225 a month. Classes are limited to 16 students, and everyone works every class. There is also a graduate class, from which students are permitted to audition for shows presented at the theatre. 821 3/4 N. Fairfax, West Hollywood. www.thestudiotheatre.org. (323) 852-1816. See ad on page 24-A.

JANET ALHANTI STUDIO

Alhanti teaches a professional 20-week class twice a year, in January and July, that involves exercises and scene work. She also teaches a poetry class and a master class. Alhanti, who has been teaching for more than 25 years, studied with Sanford Meisner and Phillip Burton. She also offers private coaching. Students must be recommended. (323) 465-2348.

AMERICAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

The Academy, in existence for 40 years, offers year-round classes in acting, ballet, modern jazz, tap-dancing, improv, cold reading, scene study, observation, pantomime, stage presence, musical comedy, and auditioning. The faculty's seven teachers are professionals in their fields who offer their services without remuneration, as the Academy is a nonprofit organization chartered by the state of California. The Academy also has a children's workshop directed by Dorothy Barrett, which is an all-day weekend session for children ages 8-18. Tuition is $75 per month. Audition required. 10944 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 763-4431.

STEVEN ANDERSON

"I'm committed to developing each actor's individual, unique process experientially as opposed to conceptually," said Anderson. A student of Gordon Hunt, Anderson has been coaching for the past 10 years. "We create a safe space to help every actor discover and develop their own acting process through an ever-evolving exploration of games, exercises, tools, and techniques," he said, adding that his biggest concern is that students come with a commitment to the work and to "exploring the unknown." His weekly ongoing classes are designed to help students prepare for auditions, shape characters, and work on very specific elements of their craft. Actors write and perform original material. All levels are welcome, though an interview is required. Auditing is available by appointment only. The class costs $225 per month. www.actorswork.com. (310) 284-8282.

THE ARTIST THEATRE GROUP

Under the direction of Anthony Montes, the Artist Theatre Group has been teaching actors at the Chamber Theatre in N. Hollywood since 1987. Montes teaches acting technique and scene study. The students are encouraged to take the work out of the classroom and create their own opportunities. Over the years, the Artist Theatre Group has produced 43 plays with its members as well as several short films. Class is on Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Auditing of the first class is allowed. mattiedaisy@cs.com. (818) 705-4364.

JOEL ASHER STUDIO

Asher, who has been teaching and directing for 30 years, offers three ongoing on-camera scene study classes ($225/month), a cold reading class ($195/month), and an improvisation class ($150/month). Class size is limited, so everyone works in every class. "I work with actors between classes at no charge," said Asher. "There are no limits to the time you can spend learning and doing, getting help with your career, or the techniques we use to get results." Asher's Studio has produced the award-winning "Actors at Work" video series—Getting the Part, Casting Directors, Agents, Directors on Acting—and also produces state-of-the-art demo reels for actors. "I discover something new each time," said actress Nancie Rooney, a student of Asher's. "It makes sense to have many different tools. I am so eager to get to that next level." (818) 785-1551. See ads on pages 10-A & 29-A.

AUDITIONS L.A.

Facilitated by Mary Pat Gleason, Joel Brooks, and Bob Harbin, and taught at Hollywood's the Complex, this is "not another acting class," according to its organizers. They teach students how to prepare an audition scene and execute any adjustments; how to claim freedom and confidence to control the audition; how to use anxiety; how to make intentions clear, and how to handle any situation—cold reading, callbacks, or network test deals. (323) 969-4855. See ad on page 24-A.

CYB BARNSTABLE

Barnstable strives to offer a "positive, supportive environment for the serious newcomer, as well as a fun and practical approach to getting into the industry." She teaches techniques applicable to commercials, cold reading, improv, and scene study, explaining, "My philosophy is to find your acting strengths rather than focusing on your faults." She has filmed more than 100 TV commercials, including one as a Doublemint twin, and has worked in all aspects of the acting industry. Private coaching as well as classes. (818) 501-4734.

JOANNE BARON/ D.W. BROWN STUDIO

The Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio offers a variety of programs for the professional and select pre-professional actor, writer, director, and producer. Pre-professional programs include a six-week intensive and the "Straight Essential Acting Course." The studio also offers special continuing education programs including a master class, vital acting, classical style work, audition technique, character interpretation, and script analysis and scene study lab for working actors, providing an intensive opportunity for actors ready to commit to the pursuit of excellence in their craft. It is among a handful of acting schools registered with the California Bureau of Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education. The studio also produces films using its talent (Perfume and Allie & Me) and offers on-set coaching for films, having worked with Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award winner Halle Berry for her role in Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. www.baronbrown.com. (310) 451-3311.

ANDREW BENNE STUDIO

This studio specializes in professional actor development, with a focus on each actor's individual training needs to book paid acting work. Benne has been coaching professional actors since 1989 and has a stable of celebrity clientele. The intense training process is rooted in advanced moment-to-moment work (perfect for Meisner graduates) as well as new actors. Classes offer film-style original improv work, scene study, organic technique, emotional preparation, and industry showcases. "Nailed It" Professional Audition Lab meets on Tuesday evenings and is for actors who are currently auditioning. Free working audit is offered. Private coaching is also available. 4930 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. www.andrewbenne.com. (818) 386-5867.

THE AUDITION ROOM

The Audition Room is an ongoing audition technique class taught entirely from the casting perspective, held weekly at On Your Mark Casting in Los Angeles. Students experience the entire casting process: pre-reads, callbacks, booking the job, receiving "audition" material up to two days in advance. $180/month. All levels. www.marketingtheactor.com. (323) 860-8890.

THE BERG STUDIO

Gregory Berger-Sobeck teaches the Yale School of Drama technique, which has trained Meryl Streep, Edward Norton, Sigourney Weaver, Jodie Foster, and Frances McDormand. All students are offered free audition coaching outside of class, and classes are very small, giving individualized attention. Class covers scene work, commercial and theatrical audition on-camera, cold reading, industry showcases, and guest speakers. Class meets twice a week and every actor works every class. Berger has an M.F.A. from Yale and has worked many years in New York as a private coach. He has numerous Broadway credits as well as credits in film and television. The technique he teaches "is a systematic approach for identifying and personalizing a character's driving need/objective and engaging the actor—voice, body, mind, spirit—in its active pursuit. It is a repeatable step-by-step process ensuring results." (323) 822-0152.

THE BEVERLY HILLS PLAYHOUSE

Under the artistic direction of veteran director/teacher Milton Katselas, a protegé of Elia Kazan and Joshua Logan, this school offers beginning through advanced ongoing acting instruction based on moment-to-moment spontaneous work. The focus is on scene study, with exercises applied only as needed to address specific problems. An interview is required. 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. www.katselas.com. (310) 855-1556.

BEYOND IMPROVISATION

Coach Michael Nye said he uses the tools of improvisational exercises and scenes, along with character development, to train the actor to be focused and in the moment, and to react honestly in any given situation. "The skills developed in this course are designed to give actors a strong foundation they can take directly into auditions and performances," Nye said. "Our students are critiqued as individuals, according to their needs and goals. We have small, supportive classes where you are encouraged to take risks and do your best work." (818) 509-1629. See ad on page 11-A.

DAVID BLANCHARD ACTING STUDIO

Blanchard, who studied with Sanford Meisner, as well as Suzanne Sheppard, Vivian Matalon, and Sandy Dennis, offers a two-year Meisner program. He is currently accepting students. Classes meet twice a week and are limited to 10 students. Students must commit to a three-month session for $375. dblanch66@prodigy.net. (323) 465-6001.

MICHAEL BOFSHEVER

Having studied extensively with Michael Howard in New York, Bofshever has been teaching in Los Angeles since 1987. A working actor for 26 years, he's appeared on Chicago Hope, The Practice, Ally McBeal, Millennium, The Agency, and Six Feet Under, and is currently a series regular on The Jersey. His classes include an hour of exercise work, then move on to rehearsed scenes and exercises that address the individual actor's needs. Bofshever said he creates a "supportive, creative, and challenging atmosphere" for his students. He teaches an ongoing class and is an acting instructor at UCLA Extension. Acceptance to class is by interview. Private coaching is also available. Classes are Monday evenings, with auditing available the first Monday of each month. http://members.aol.com/mikebofact. (310) 281-9580.

JAMES BOLT

Actor and teacher Bolt described his approach to coaching actors as "based on the actor honoring the character's experience." His ongoing classes, under the title "Introduction to Acting," offer full instruction with an "emphasis on building a solid understanding of acting principles for deeper confidence." Classes cover scene study, camera technique, character immersion, audition skills, and career development. Bolt is also available on an on-call basis to coach actors for specific auditions. Serious students only. (323) 559-9466.

STEPHEN BOOK ACTING WORKSHOP

Book's famous workshop in Hollywood is tailored for professionals and teaches the use of improvisation while speaking scripted lines. Book was a longtime faculty member at Juilliard and USC, has taught in London and Moscow, and served as the executive director of the Spolin Theater Game Center. Students have included William Hurt, George Carlin, Maura Tierney, and Tate Donovan, who has been quoted as saying, "His work is invaluable. It helps you get out of your own way, and gives you a feeling of doing improv while using text." In the 2002-'03 TV season, 14 current or former students were appearing as regulars in primetime series, three of them in title roles (including David Boreanaz of Angel and Christopher Titus of Titus). His students have won Oscars, Tonys, and Emmys. He is the author of Book on Acting: Improvisation Technique for the Professional Actor in Film, Theatre & Television. (323) 461-4263.

IVAN BORODIN

Borodin, who studied with Uta Hagen and Lee Strasberg, and at NYU, teaches "intense acting"—based in the Method, sensory work, and the like—that, he says, "is identifiable by its uniqueness, not its homogeneity". Tuesday night quarterly classes, offered at Beverly Hills Adult School, are geared toward heightening actors' individual personalities, aiming for a fruitful blend of solid training and good instincts. "You learn the technique but nurture your talent first," explained Borodin. "Learning isn't a passive thing." Borodin also offers private coaching, with a specialty in dialect and accent reduction. (323) 882-1268.

BARBARA BRAGG

Bragg has an M.F.A. in drama from Yale, and has studied with Earle Gister and Kristin Linklater. She was a teaching assistant 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.

BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS

"Through a variety of exercises, you will be able to call upon any emotion at will for auditions and scenes," said acting instructor/ coach Fitz Houston, who teaches a weekly Meisner-based class. Houston's credits include Robbery Homicide Division, Watching Ellie, X-Files, and Seinfeld. Classes are $100 per month. No audition is required. Explode.to/theactingzone. (818) 920-6435.

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 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. Instructors, including Lia Sargent and Gene Lythgow, teach evening classes Monday nights focusing on camera technique, cold reading, improv, and private coaching for auditions. (310) 266-7790. See ad on page 14-A & 18-A.

BRILLIANT LIGHT STUDIO

Brilliant Light offers acting classes with a New Age twist: The "holistic 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. Private coaching available. (323) 650-7760. See ad on page 11-A.

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. See ad on page 11-A.

BOB BURGOS

An award-winning film/TV/theatre writer/ director (Chicago Hope, Showtime, A&E) and a member of the Actor's Studio Director's Unit, Burgos has worked on and Off-Broadway and in theatres across the country. He has taught at NYU, the Art Center, 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.

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 28-A.

ESTELLE BUSCH

Busch, who is "88 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. Classes are free. All levels welcome. Synthaxis Theatre Co. at the Lankershim Arts Center. Interview required. www.synthaxistheatrecompany.com (818) 761-3974. See ad on page 22-A.

ANGELA CAMPOLLA ACTING WORKSHOP

Campolla has been an acting coach since 1983 and a casting associate (Beggars and Choosers, Miracle on the Mountain, The Mole, Hidden Hills, and others) since '97. She's currently an independent casting director for film and television. Campolla has coached actors for film, TV, stage, on-set, in the classroom, and privately. Currently she teaches ongoing workshops on "audition acting," drawing on her casting experience to provide insight into the audition process. www.auditionacting.com. (818) 761-4098.

MERILYN CARNEY

Carney's class is for actors who need help keeping their creative muscles toned for auditions and who want to continually grow as artists. The class is focused on: improvised scenes, cold readings, audition practice, creating truthful characters on the spot, and taking direction. Said Carney, "These are some of the benefits I see from actors in this class: Their work changes dramatically—it becomes deeper, more truthful, more emotional, more fun, more free, more specific. They become the kind of actors who are tapped into the parts of themselves that are entertaining. They're tapped into the characters inside them. People want to work with them because they're strong, confident, and flexible. They take action and no longer get swept away by nerves and self-criticism." Classes are Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. ($35/class) in Burbank and Mondays, 7:30-10 p.m. ($25/class) in Hollywood. (818) 487-2844.

DIANA CASTLE

Artistic director of 2100 Square Feet, a creative space she established in 1995, Castle has been an actress nationally and internationally for 23 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 26. 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

Chandler has been a working actor since childhood and has more than 25 years of teaching experience. In addition to a degree from the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, she studied with such legendary teachers as Milton Katselas. Chandler teaches most of her classes alongside an exceptional staff of teachers and industry experts. Her school of 16 years specializes, she said, in developing a well-rounded actor and helping actors "to launch and climb up the career ladder." On-camera classes include the 16-week Nuts and Bolts of Acting Technique, the eight-week Nuts and Bolts of Cold Reading, ongoing intermediate and advanced acting and scene study, intermediate and advanced Commercials, and Comedy Improv. There are also basic six-week on-camera workshops in commercials and actors image, an "acting for the theatre" class at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, and a young actor's division for kids and teens. Classes are held at Zydeco Casting in Studio City. Class size is limited. (626) 355-4572. See ad on page 9-A.

VINCENT CHASE WORKSHOP

Studio coach Chase, along with Morgan Sheppard from the Royal Shakespeare Company, teaches around 50 classes per month for actors to choose from, including scene study, cold reading lab, improv, cold reading technique, commercials, comedy improv, speech, dialects, theory, and industry seminars. Prices are on a sliding scale, ranging from $200 a month for seven tech classes to $320 for the scene study program, which includes 40 classes available per month. (323) 851-4819.

LILYAN CHAUVIN, DGA DIRECTOR

Chauvin, an actress, 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 still heads Women In Film's director's workshop. Private coaching is also available at $80 per hour. (323) 877-4988.

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., N. Hollywood. (818) 506-0783. See ad on page 9-A.

DIANE CHRISTIANSEN

Christiansen is a master private coach who 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 "Screen Teens" and "Whole Actor" workshops and directs showcases at Open Stage West Theatre with special guest instructors. She is also available for pilot season prep. (661) 424-0877 or (818) 523-8283. See ad on page 3-A.

THE IVANA CHUBBUCK STUDIO

A former assistant teacher to Roy London, Chubbuck has taught such actors as Brad Pitt and David Arquette. Her book on acting is titled Script Analysis and is recommended reading before attending her class. Auditing is available on Thursday nights by appointment only. 7201 Melrose Ave., Ste. 206. (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. (818) 623-3282. See ad on page 24-A.

CIRCUS THEATRICALS STUDIO FOR THEATRE AND FILM

Circus Theatricals artistic director Jack Stehlin developed the Circus Theatricals Studio for Theatre and Film to be an affordable conservatory-style studio, providing professional actors a "one-stop shop" 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 & 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, voice and speech with Denise Woods, audition with casting director Anthony Barnao, screenwriting with screenwriter/playwright Shem Bitterman, and Alexander Technique with Debby Jay. Participation is by audition/interview only. www.circustheatricals.com. (310) 226-6144. See ad on page 18-A.

JOEL COLMAN

Colman says he teaches a method called "getting work." He told us that 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. 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. See ad on page 14-A.

JEREMIAH COMEY STUDIOS

Comey has been teaching film acting and training actors in Hollywood for the past 25 years. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to conduct a workshop for writers, directors, and actors in New Zealand. 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 heartening motto of this nonprofit arts advisory agency. The Guild provides low-cost acting training, coaching, and career guidance to professional and aspiring actors, taught by working industry professionals. Acting classes include such topics as voiceover, cold reading, film scene study, developing one-person shows, improvisations, and voice and diction. 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 29-A.

JEFF CONAWAY

Conaway has more than 40 years' acting experience (Taxi, Grease!, Babylon 5), and has also directed and produced. He offers a class that covers scene study, cold reading, and audition techniques. Classes are $135 per month. Interview required. Auditing is allowed. Private coaching is available. (818) 783-9580. See ad on page 9-A.

CHARLOTTE CORNWELL

A classically trained English actress 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. (310) 396-9202. See ad on page 30-A.

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 32-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 actress 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 18-A.

CRAFT WORKS/DAN SHORE

This scene study workshop is taught by Dan Shore, an instructor with 25 years of working experience in film, TV, and theatre. His philosophy: "The best preparation for an acting career is to know your craft." Every actor works every week, and class size is limited to 10. Ongoing workshops are offered Thursday nights in Studio City. (818) 953-8547.

THE CREATIVE CENTER

The Creative Center offers a variety of workshops and opportunities for both the novice and the experienced actor. Judi O'Neil, a former agent and manager, has been teaching acting and the business of the business for the last 15 years. The center has a scene study workshop on Mondays, 7:30-11:30 p.m. (or until finished; all actors work). Actors choose their own scenes. The intention is for actors to see how they cast themselves and to determine when they are ready to stretch beyond their "type". The cost is $200 for a four-week month. It is on ongoing workshop and a three-month commitment is required. The Thursday night workshop is a combination of cold reading, technique, and emotional work. Every actor works during the evening and the hours are 7:30 p.m. till done. The cost is $200.00 for a four-week month. It is on ongoing workshop and a three-month commitment is required. There are special weekend intensives that are conducted by Courtney Gains, a working actor with 20 years of experience. The cost is $125.00 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. 11223 1/2 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 763-0323. See ad on page 18-A.

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 $30 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. (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 16-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, a three-time Golden Globe nominee and two-time Emmy nominee best known for her New York Critics Circle Award-winning role in True Grit, teaches an ongoing technique class on a studio lot in West Hollywood. Classes are Thursday evenings and cost $215 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. (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 their existence, and urging him or her to deal with them 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 actress 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.

PIERO DUSA ACTING CONSERVATORY

"To be a good actor you must first know and be yourself. Once you've achieved that, you can move on to character work, which begins with identifying your natural preference, then playing only the preference of the character," said Dusa, who spent 13 years in New York City as the artistic director of the Duality Playhouse and the Piero Dusa Acting Conservatory East. Seven years ago, he opened the West Coast counterpart on Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade. Through a combination of Adler, Meisner, Stanislavski, and his own techniques (Dusa's Seven Levels of Acting and Character Preference), Dusa and his staff—Natalia Lazarus, Bryan Rasmussen, Anne Dremann, Doug Matranga, Jake O'Flaherty, and Fabio Serafini—teach actors to "connect their emotions, imaginations, and bodies so that everything works perfectly as one." Dusa offers Meisner Technique, Beginner Basics, Technique I and II, Scene Study, Intro and Advanced Commercial Technique, and Intro and Advanced On-Camera Technique. The newest courses on Dusa's schedule are Technique for Young Adults, Character Preference, Character Expression, Character Pathology, and the writing department now offers the Matrix of Character Preference with the legendary Syd Field, which is a workshop on how to create characters for actors, writers, and directors. Acceptance is by industry referral, interview, and audition only. www.pierodusa.com. (310) 656-8070. See ad on page 15-A.

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 29-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 will appear in the upcoming A Man Apart with Vin Diesel and the upcoming Matchstick Men for director Ridley Scott, and has appeared in Catch Me If You Can, 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 9-A.

EAST WEST PLAYERS CONSERVATORY

The spring term at this 12-year-old conservatory, part of the Asian-American theatre company East West Players, runs May 8-July 5. Classes this season include "acting for non-actors," scene study, and fundamentals of acting. There is a $25 one-time registration fee for new students. Classes run five days a week, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and include everything from acting, musical theatre, scene study, and voice. Classes culminate in a command performance at the end of the term. Marilyn Tokuda directs the conservatory. The summer term runs July 7-Aug. 16. (213) 625-7000, ext. 15.

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 10-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 25-A.

OTTO FELIX FILM SESSIONS

Producer/writer/actor of South of Heaven, West of Hell, Wheels, and presently directing his first screenplay The First Real Pirate, Felix also has numerous commercials, documentaries, videos, and plays under his directing and acting belts. A teacher for 22 years, he offers ongoing film cold reading classes and scene work on the Westside that focus on moment-to-moment acting with true feelings (Meisner/Conrad) and inspires confidence in actors. His students often appear in his productions. His classes are $100 per month, with a special rate for disabled performers. He teaches both film acting and commercial workshops. Auditing is permitted. Felix conducts biannual showcases hosted by celebrities and attended by producers, directors, agents, and casting directors.www.ottofelix.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 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.

FILM ACTOR'S BOOT CAMP

Dawn Wells (beloved as Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island) leads this intensive one-week summer workshop 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 intensive, 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. See ad on page 10-A.

FILM ACTOR'S STUDIO

Gregory Avellone and John Otrin began this workshop eight years ago as a response to what Otrin described as "the kind of workshop where you listen to your teacher expound on everything under the sun, watch several people work, and then go home thinking you've learned something." Avellone saw a disconnect between what an actor could achieve in class and what he could expect on an film set. Avellone and Otrin strive to prepare students to be "self-contained, well prepared, and ready for anything." Classes are held Thursday evenings at a North Hollywood studio. They also offer actors a rare opportunity to develop and star in their own short film, which Avellone and Otrin direct. Otrin has had 160 speaking roles on stage, TV, and features and has directed numerous plays and short films. Avellone is an award-winning film director and, as the vp of Development for Kevin Costner's Tig Productions, worked on Dances With Wolves, The Bodyguard, and Wyatt Earp. Costner is an occasional guest speaker. www.filmactorsstudio .com. (866) 798-4422.

HOWARD FINE ACTING STUDIO

Fine, who began his studio in 1985, is the former director of American Musical and Dramatic Academy's acting department, and he studied with the Moscow Art Theatre. Heidi Helen Davis, Karen Ludwig, Laura Gardner, Ted Brunetti, and Marilyn McIntyre also teach classes. The curriculum includes comprehensive technique and application to scene study, then moves on to intermediate, advanced, and master scene study. The studio also offers studies in Singing for the Actor with David Coury, Alexander Technique taught by Kristof Konrad and Jean-Louis Rodrigue, and a class called Personalization: Emotional and Sensory Access Workshop, taught by McIntyre. An audit and industry referral are required. 7801 Melrose Ave., L.A. www.howardfine.com. (323) 951-1221.

NATALIE FORD ACTING STUDIO

"So many acting classes cheat the actor because all the teacher is doing is directing them," said Ford, who trained at ACT and with Jean Shelton in San Francisco and has a background in casting independent film, theatre, and network television. "Although it's obviously important to learn to follow direction, every actor needs a solid foundation of craft to build from. I teach acting from the inside out, so that my actors come from a place of truth. I teach a foundation that gives the actor strength, courage and imagination." Ford offers scene study, on-camera workshops, technique classes, and private instruction in Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, and Westwood. "I teach actors how to make solid choices, make them interesting, to tell the truth," said Ford. "I give them the tools they need to create a competitive edge." She added, ""I enroll career-minded students only. My students work hard, on stage every class. And they make tremendous improvements, very quickly." Class sizes are limited. Auditing is welcome; all students are invited to audition for her annual fall showcase. NFActingStudio@aol.com. (310) 899-1896. See ad on page 5-A.

CHERIE FRANKLIN

An acting coach on film and TV sets and locations, Franklin, who also teaches at the American Film Institute and UCLA, offers ongoing on-camera classes from a directorial point of view for actors and directors at all levels. She also teaches a cold reading class focusing on the differences between situation comedy, episodic, and feature films, and on how to nail auditions in those different media. In addition, there is a similar class held specifically for teenagers. Franklin requests an interview with prospective students to discuss their needs before joining the class. She also offers private coaching. (818) 762-4658.

LAURA GARDNER

Gardner trained with Carol Rosenfeld and Uta Hagen. Her acting credits include Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, national tours, film, and TV. Gardner teaches scene study and basic technique at the Howard Fine Studio. Every few months she offers interview/audition intensive workshops. She also teaches actors with disabilities at Media Access in North Hollywood. Auditing is permitted. Private coaching is also available. (323) 957-4764.

ELLEN GERSTEIN ACTING WORKSHOP

"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," said actress/writer/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 popular children's class and offers private coaching for all ages. (323) 852-0276.

GLORIA GIFFORD CONSERVATORY FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Gifford shares her 17 years of experience as a teacher and 25 years as a working actor with her students. She works with actors, directors, and screenwriters. GGC offers advanced scene study, beginner ("tyro"), voice production, and cold reading classes. The company also produces six to eight showcases every year. Gifford said she offers the chance for students to "study, work, create, and take risks with other dedicated and ambitious actors in a challenging, supportive, and safe environment." (310) 535-4999. See ad on page 8-A.

SUSAN GIOSA

Award-winning stage actress and coach Giosa, who trained extensively with Larry Moss, offers classes focusing on scene study, script analysis, emotional memory work, sensory work, improv, and advanced character work. Geared to the serious professional, classes are kept small, creating an opportunity for students to work every session "in an unusually safe and supportive environment." Giosa believes the ability to tap into and use your complete, emotional instrument, on demand, is essential for achieving truthful and compelling work. She teaches a warm-up that removes all fears and inhibitions and releases one's full creative potential. Giosa has a B.A./M.A. in drama/theatre from NYC University, also trained at RADA in London, and worked with numerous award-winning playwrights, directors, and actors, including Neil Simon, Jack O'Brien, John Tillinger, Vincent Gardenia, Joanne Woodward, Jerry Seinfeld, Shelley Long, and Dennis Franz. Also a writer/producer, Giosa presently has a comedy series in development with her partner, comedian Glenn Hirsch. Some previous training and a participatory audit and/or audition is required. Classes are held at the Santa Monica Playhouse. (310) 828-8544. See ad on page 2-A.

THE GOBETTI-ORMENY ACTING STUDIO

Maria Gobetti is a working actor, producer, and director with more than 20 years of teaching experience who, with Tom Ormeny, is artistic co-director of the Victory Theatre Center, which presented as its opening show the world premiere of Beth Henley's The Miss Firecracker Contest when Henley was Gobetti's student. Ormeny is the 2001 Ovation Award Winner for Leadership in Theatre. Gobetti's ongoing classes include a beginning class on basic Meisner techniques, a film and theatre scene-study class for intermediate and advanced students, and an advanced character and comedy class with special attention to on-camera techniques. "With two working theatres in V.T. Center, the emphasis is on the ability to realize moment-to-moment relationships in-depth and quickly," Gobetti said. "The work is simple and truthful, and grounded in reality." Classes are limited to 14 students and cost $240 per month. A free audit is required. The Victory Theatre Center, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. www.thevictorytheatres.com. (818) 841-4404. See ad on page 7-A.

DAVID GOLDYN

Actor, director, and teacher Goldyn received his M.A. from NYU, and produced and directed the L.A. stage hit Stray Dog Story. He currently teaches an ongoing scene study and monologue class that incorporates a unique mixture of Method, Meisner, and Morris, leading to on-camera acting and auditioning techniques. Goldyn also runs workshops with casting directors. www.goldyngroup.com. (818) 988-7278.

BEN GUILLORY

Award-winning artistic director of the Robey Theatre Company (Bee-Luther-Hatchee, For the Love of Freedom, The Last Season) and former director of the American Conservatory Theater's Black Actors Workshop, Guillory has been teaching for 27 years. He currently teaches an ongoing advanced scene workshop Monday nights at the Raven Playhouse in North Hollywood for $400 per 12-week cycle. A consultation is required, then a working audit is allowed. Classes average 16 students per session. The approach, Guillory said, is an eclectic one using the various methods as applicable to individual actor needs. www.robeytheatrecompany.com. (818) 571-8668.

MARGIE HABER COLD READING WORKSHOPS

Haber, who for the last 20 years has taught many of Hollywood's rising stars and working actors, offers audition technique classes from introductory to advanced levels. Each of the three levels consists of a month-long class, held twice a week, and students have the option of continuing for another month on a weekly basis. Group interviews are held every other Monday. Said Haber, "You may get three jobs a year, but you're going to have 20 or 30 auditions. Why would you just wait to enjoy the job when you can enjoy the audition? The only the way to enjoy auditioning is through confidence." Haber is the author of the book How To Get the Part Without Falling Apart. She also started a new class recently called Reel Kids for children, ages 8-17. www.margiehaber.com. (310) 854-0870. For Reel Kids, call (310) 657-5218.

JEANIE HACKETT

Hackett, associate artistic director of the Antaeus Theater Company, actress and author of The Actor's Chekhov and Towards Mastery, coaches students privately for auditions. "Audition coaching is entirely different from teaching acting," Hackett said. "Actors being coached need to get to full performance level in an hour, pure and simple. For television, it's almost never about creating a character; it's about using yourself to your absolute best advantage. If you know what to look for, in every audition scene there's one central moment that's the make-or-break event of the scene. And if you nail that, you get the callback and ultimately the job." Hackett also runs the Antaeus Academy's classical theatre training program and has worked extensively as an actor on Broadway and in television and film. Her ongoing private class in scene-study and audition technique meets Wednesdays, 7-11 p.m., at the Antaeus Theater Center in North Hollywood. Private coaching is $75 per hour; the second session in the same week is $60 per hour, and schedule permitting, Hackett also offers free 15-minute brush-ups for callbacks. Most clients are referred by agents and managers. (818) 763-5933.

KAT HARRIS

Harris teaches what she terms a "totally cool, immensely fun" acting class, focusing on auditions and on-set work, cold readings, improv, and memorized scenes, but also offering "The Tummy Technique, tae kwon do, new languages, and fashion tips—all included at no extra cost." Actors can audit a first class for free. There are classes for children and for adults. (323) 876-2167. See ad on page 31-A.

LENA HARRIS STUDIO

An award-winning actress and dancer, Harris offers a six-month intensive program at her Beverly Hills studio based not only on the Meisner technique but also upon her entire body of experience in many facets of the performing arts. The program includes an ongoing audition technique class and a monologue workshop for students who have completed the six-month technique class. Harris teaches in a firm yet nurturing environment that encourages and elevates the student's uniqueness. Said longtime personal manager Fonda St. Paul: "Lena is inspiring. She delivers concise and effective training for the serious beginner, as well as the working professional." More information and student comments are available at www.lenaharris.com. (310) 226-7034. See ad on page 16-A.

BARRY HEINS

Heins, a Juilliard-trained actor with 25 years of experience on and Off-Broadway and in TV and film, is now forming acting classes covering scene study, monologues, improv, and audition techniques. Heins, who has taught at NYU, Playwrights Horizons, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and SUNY Purchase, conceived and initiated North Hollywood's award-winning Interact Theatre Company. Private coaching is available. (818) 784-3130.

MICHAEL HERBERTSON

Herbertson is a working screenwriter and novelist with an academic theatrical background and training: Meisner, London's National Theatre, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. He says, "If you can get to the core—the essence—of your truth, and strip away everything else, you will ignite a universal truth that connects us all and that, once you can control that power, that craft, that acting ability, will have and does have tremendous power." Classes are held at The Electric Lodge, Venice, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays. There's an industry showcase at the end of the three 12-week courses he teaches during the year. (310) 487-7224.

DARRYL HICKMAN'S ACTING WORKSHOP

"Out of Control, In Full Command," reads the copy line in Hickman's display ad. Explaining further, he said, "Letting go of conscious thought allows the actor to access his creative imagination, which flows intuitively through the 'character,' enabling him to live the role for the first time, every time." Classes also focus on the psychology of auditioning, goal setting, and building a career. Hickman teaches his comprehensive approach to the acting process in three ongoing scene-study classes in North Hollywood. He charges $500 for 10 weeks. (818) 344-5796. See ad on page 28-A.

THE BERNARD HILLER ACTING STUDIO

Hiller says that this studio will help you "learn the method that will change your acting and your life" in professional classes for actors and performers. Hiller has been a leading acting and dialect teacher for the past 29 years. After teaching in New York for many years, he moved to Los Angeles in 1990. He studied with Meisner and Lee Strasberg (Actors Studio), but soon developed his own unique style. He has started the careers of several film and television stars in Hollywood. He has worked with Cameron Diaz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Billy Crystal, and Richard Dreyfuss. He is currently coaching actors on movie sets in the U.S. and Europe. He also holds classes in London, Paris, and Rome. Intermediate and advanced/professional levels are available as well as monthly showcases and casting workshops. Private coaching is also available. Those interested must first meet Hiller before entering classes. www.bernardhiller.com. (818) 781-8000.

BASIL HOFFMAN

Hoffman is an American character actor best known for his work with distinguished film directors, including Blake Edwards, Mario Monicelli, Richard Benjamin, Peter Medak, Alan J. Pakula, and Academy Award winners Delbert Mann, Stanley Donen, Steven Spielberg, Sydney Pollack, Ron Howard, and Robert Redford. A longtime teacher and the author of Cold Reading and How To Be Good at It, he offers classes on cold reading and acting. Private sessions by appointment. (818) 247-0302.

MARLON HOFFMAN ACTORS INSTITUTE

Hoffman has taught acting for 16 years at numerous institutions, including the SAG Conservatory, the 92nd St. "Y" in New York City, and the Center of Contemporary Arts in St. Louis. He is an Equity/SAG actor and director and has coached privately on and off the set around the country. Having studied with Strasberg, Adler, Corey, and Morris, Hoffman has developed an eclectic technique designed to empower students to reach their full potential as performers. His students have gone on to study and/or perform at prestigious educational institutions and in theatre, television, and film. Hoffman customizes his work in class to meet the needs of individual students, so class size is strictly limited. Separate classes are offered for beginners and intermediate/advanced. A master class for professional actors is also offered. Call for a free class. (818) 878-0242. See ad on page 25-A.

HOLLYWOOD ACTOR'S THEATER

Paul Eisenhauer, Lisa Fredrickson, Julian Stone, Lee Purcell, Lee DeBroux, Chris O'Brien, Martin Pitts, William Sachs, Dennis Matalone, Mary Otis, and Madison Lewis are among the instructors at this brand new acting school. Courses will include commercial, film acting, acting for the camera, comedy and improv, acting for kids, scene study, and stage combat. Beginning through professional. Classes will be ongoing. www.hollywoodactorstheater.com. 14424 Van Owen Street, Van Nuys. (818) 340-8383. See ad on page 28-A.

MICHAEL HOLMES ACTING CLASSES

Actor/director Holmes, who studied with Uta Hagen and at the Actors Studio, offers an ongoing acting and scene study class at the Chandler Studio in North Hollywood. He also offers a Shakespeare class on Saturdays and has a theatre company that does regular productions at the Chandler space. He also offers private coaching. Among his former students is Michael Keaton. Indeed, claimed Holmes, "I can't turn on the damn television without seeing someone I taught." (818) 786-1045. See ad on page 9-A.

SANDRA K. HORNER

Horner worked and trained in New York for 10 years. Among the techniques she studied were those of Meisner and Robert "Bobby" Lewis, under whose tutelage she said she had "a powerful experience," adding that she's "pleased to offer his wonderful script analysis approach" to L.A. actors. From New York, Horner founded the Performance Studio in Minneapolis, where she taught for eight years. Now in L.A., she teaches a six-month study that culminates in a live industry showcase. Horner has produced and directed more than 30 such industry showcases, from which, she said, many of her actors get representation and work. (818) 997-6740.

THE HOTHOUSE

David Avcollie teaches at the Players Space. He has 30 years experience as a teacher, coach, and director in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. He is the former head of acting, head of voice, and artistic director of the Chicago Playworks at Chicago's Goodman School of Drama/The Theatre School, DePaul University. He currently teaches a four-week scene study class for $100; a four-week improv class for $100, and a six-week voice and speech class for $225. He also does private coaching. (818) 508-6612. See ad on page 11-A.

ANNE HULEGARD

The "only professional acting coach in the South Bay," Hulegard is a professional actor, writer, director and producer, and has more than 12 years experience teaching acting. Her workshops include: scene study, improvisation, monologue, commercial, stage and camera work, and the business of acting. "Develop your craft, follow your dreams, face your fears, and feed your soul," explained Hulegard. Workshops and private coaching are also available. www.hulegard.com. (310) 621-6303.

HULL ACTORS STUDIO

The mother/daughter team of Lorrie and Dianne Hull offers continuous classes and short-term workshops for all levels. Lorrie has been an instructor for the American Film Institute and a senior faculty member for Lee Strasberg, and has been teaching acting for more than 40 years. Dianne is a member of the Actors Studio and a working actor in film, TV and stage, including for director Elia Kazan. Their classes together are based on Kazan's techniques, as well as Lorrie's book, Strasberg's Method: A Practical Guide for Actors, Teachers, Directors, and her two-hour Method video, "The Method: Based on Stanislavski and Strasberg." Classes cover relaxation, concentration, improvisation, sense memory, affective memory, learning the role, motivating and justifying behavior, cold reading, and scene study. An interview is suggested before or after a free introductory class. Classes are limited to 10 students. Short-term private lessons, as well as private coaching, are also available. www.actors-studio.com/hull.loriehull@yahoo.com. (310) 828-0632.

CHERYL HUNTER

"I say that there's something that each of us was born to express, and that expressing our unique gifts not only fulfills us personally, but it fulfills something for each and every person on the planet," said Hunter. "And as an acting coach, my job is to empower you in expressing yourself in the fullest and biggest way you can," she continued. "My belief is: If you have a dream, you already have what it takes to achieve it." The Los Angeles Times called her "An actor's dream." www.cherylhunter.com. (323) 960-5534.

INSTITUTE OF INNERACTION

Instructors David Ihrig and Scott Kudia teach their techniques "to combine the cutting edge in human learning and change technology" with the Meisner Approach. In this way, they are able "to get to the core issues surrounding the actor, allowing him/her to achieve the results he/she desires." Classes include Removing Emotional Blocks, Conversational Reality, Actors Edge Audition Technique, Audition Secrets, and Self-Hypnosis for the Actor. At the institute, actors "learn to tap into greater amounts of potential, both professionally and personally. They learn specific techniques that allow them to communicate with both their conscious and unconscious minds, so that they can bring about the results they want, now." Ihrig has a M.F.A. in acting, and is a N.L.P. practitioner, and instructor Scott Kudia has a Ph.D., is a master practitioner, and certified trainer of N.L.P. and hypnosis. They offer a free one-hour introduction to these techniques. (888) 705-8540.

ITA WORKSHOP ACADEMY

The mainstay of this academy is Dorothy Lyman, who teaches an ongoing weekly scene study class, Mondays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lyman, who studied with Uta Hagen and Milton Katselas, focuses on sharpening and expanding artistic skills, cold reading, audition techniques, and "learning the power of communicating with other actors." Also offered is Jake O'Flaherty's ongoing on-camera commercial workshop. Van Epperson teaches a cold reading lab, Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. "The real feather in our cap," said ITA's Jean St. James, "is a rotating list of guest instructors who teach seminars running three to eight weeks." These include Eve Brandstein, CSA; Linda Phillips-Palo, CSA; Fern Orenstein, CSA, and Cathy Reinking, CSA. All levels. ww.itaproductions.com/academy. (310) 281-7772. See ads on pages 20-A & 30-A.

LAURA JAMES ONGOING ACTING WORKSHOP

Teacher/director/actor James, who has worked professionally around the world, conducts ongoing workshops and private sessions offering a technique meant to "empower the actor to communicate as specifically, effectively, and as powerfully as possible." She explained further, "To be instinctive is not enough. To be 'natural' is not enough. One must learn to be 'unsafe' to discover the deep places inside you that have a voice, that will inspire and surprise you, and are the dimensional, exciting 'true' you. An actor must learn, as a musician, to know and play his/her full instrument." James, whose training ranges from Strasberg to Hagen to commedia dell'arté to Shakespeare, also directs and teaches at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and works with students on-camera at AFI. Limited enrollment. (818) 754-4705. See ad on page 4-A.

JILL JARESS

Jaress specializes in teaching beginning students for film and television. She concentrates on getting results fast. Classes and private coaching are available. Also, Jaress offers one-on-one career consultation to teach you how to break in and move up in the business. www.actorsconsultations.com. (310) 828-7814.

KIMBERLY JENTZEN

"Acting is living in someone else's pain and revealing it as your own. The power of the actor lies in a willingness to be authentic," says Jentzen. "I help my students find their center, inspiration, and creativity. From that comes unlimited career possibilities, whether in film, theatre, or TV." Jentzen, a former actor and award-winning writer/director who studied at American Conservatory Theater and graduated from UCLA, offers professional classes covering cold reading, scene work, monologues, on-camera training and improv, with a focus on the individual. Tuition for all levels is scaled—the longer a student is enrolled, the lower the fee. With an M.A. in spiritual psychology, she runs an essence workshop, which supports actors with tools on handling the emotional roller coaster of the profession. As a longtime teacher of musical theatre performers, many of whom have made it to Broadway, Jentzen also offers a musical theatre workshop that allows actors to sing and focuses on the skill of acting. www.kimberlyjentzen.net. (818) 779-7770. See ad on page 11-A.

ANITA JESSE STUDIO

Jesse, who has been running her Los Angeles studio since 1978, is the author of Let The Part Play You and The Playing Is The Thing, which detail her practical approach. Jesse says, "This industry is hard on artists. You survive only if you accept the realities of the business. But why bother if, in the process, you abandon your creative essence? Ideally you should be acquiring the practical skills that help you get work in film and television, while celebrating and nurturing your creative spirit. It's a delicate balance. We welcome a limited number of fearless and determined actors who are willing to embrace the challenge." Ongoing classes include scene work, cold reading, monologues, and on-camera technique. Twice a year, the Studio hosts a film festival to showcase original short films produced by studio members. Limited enrollment guarantees that actors work every class. Placement is by audition only. Classes are available four days a week www.anitajessestudio.com. (323) 876-2870. See ad on page 16-A.

JUST BREATHE

Barbara Beneville instructs an ongoing class limited to 12 actors on Monday evening at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre in North Hollywood. The class is designed specifically to teach and enhance the success of each individual's rehearsal process, audition skills, and job performance. Monologues, cold reading, improv, scene study, and on-camera technique are taught, as well as "conversing with the industry." For the beginning to the working actor, a "unique technique is taught to find and deliver your emotional truth consistently getting the actor comfortable with silence, and taking their heart into every audition." Industry professionals occasionally drop in to check out the talent. Private coaching is available. Audit and interview is encouraged. (818) 969-4944. See ad on page 29-A.

DAVID KAGEN'S SCHOOL OF FILM ACTING

The Carnegie-Mellon-educated Kagen has been teaching and coaching around the world and on movie sets for more than 30 years. He now offers ongoing on-camera classes. His staff includes highly experienced working actors with degrees from Carnegie Mellon, A.C.T. and New York University's Graduate School of Theatre among others. He also offers private coaching. Acceptance is by a one-and-a-half-hour paid on-camera working session. 6442 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Ste. 208, N. Hollywood. www.davidkagen.com. (818) 752-9678. See ad on page 5-A.

KAREN KALENSKY

Kalensky teaches an ongoing scene study class for intermediate to advanced actors, with a beginning class to begin soon. Her classes concentrate on Uta Hagen's technique but include various others. She is a former casting director, faculty member at AADA and Cal State Fullerton, and has won a number of directing awards. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m., at the Secret Rose Theatre, North Hollywood. kkalensky@aol.com. (818) 754-1536.

CANDY KANIECKI (a.k.a. CANDY HERMAN)

Longtime celebrity coach Candy Kaniecki conducts audition technique and cold reading classes and offers private coaching. Semesters are 10 weeks, ongoing, with entry at any time. One free introductory class/audit is offered. The initial series is $375, and discounts are available for future 10-packs of classes. (818) 753-5393, or (310) 656-7731.

BRUCE KATZMAN

Katzman has been teaching since 1988, conducting workshops in New York, Los Angeles, England, Denmark, and Argentina. His work is founded in the techniques taught at the Yale School of Drama, where he earned his M.F.A., and in his earlier studies with Stella Adler. His classes are limited in size, and they focus on the major plays of Anton Chekhov and other great playwrights. The thrust of the work is script analysis, character breakdown, and Actions and Objectives. He also offers private coaching in Shakespeare, modern plays, preparation for auditions, and coaching for films. He directed the critically acclaimed production of Uncle Vanya, that played in Los Angeles in 2002. (888) 895-2166.

EDDIE KEHLER

Kehler teaches the rehearsal process, including scene study, character development, and how to prepare for performance, based in the Stanislavski method and Meisner technique. Kehler believes this work strengthens audition skills. Each student is guaranteed to work every class. Ongoing class is Saturday 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $150.00 per month at the Hollywood Court Theater. Intermediate to advanced levels. (310) 792-1232. See ad on page 9-A.

JANICE KENT

As an actress, director, and coach with more than 28 years of experience, Kent coaches from a combination of acting techniques, intuition, experience (in front of and behind the camera), and heart. Her emphasis, she said, is on "coaching the actor to understand and identify the fears that block him or her from taking the risks to make bold choices." And the objective of classes, through cold readings and strengthening audition skills, is quite simply "to book work." Kent offers private coaching, ongoing classes, and an eight-week sitcom intensive (four times a year). All other sessions are ongoing. (818) 906-2201. See ad on page 24-A.

JUDY KERR'S ACTING WORKSHOP

An acting coach for more than 20 years and the dialogue coach on many TV shows, including Seinfeld, Kerr has written Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles, now in its 10th edition. She offers one group class a year, in the spring, for actors and directors. The 12-week, $500 workshop focuses on acting and film techniques for the camera, and show business techniques to boost careers. Students keep a copy of their taped class work. Class size is limited and open to actors already on a career path. Audits are welcomed. Private coaching and career counseling are available for all levels; fees start at $80 per hour. www.actingiseverything.com. (818) 505-9373.

IRIS KLEIN

Klein, who studied with Sanford Meisner and Janet Alhanti, offers a scene study technique class. She also coaches actors for theatre, film, and television auditions. (213) 612-5224.

JOHN KIRBY

As one of Hollywood's most prominent acting coaches, Kirby has shared his expertise in all media, including interviews on A&E's Biography on Cameron Diaz, HBO, USA, Entertainment Tonight, Entertainment Weekly, the Learning Annex, and ITV's Desperately Seeking Stardom. He said he has "great compassion and respect for the actor, bringing out remarkable results without destroying the actor's spirit." He offers three intensive scene study classes that are "extremely disciplined and require strong commitment," and which use Uta Hagen's fundamentals, with emphasis on exploring a character, script analysis, and finding the human condition. Classes are held at the John Kirby Studio, designed to give the actor the sense of working on a film set. Fees are $450 every 12 weeks (one class a week). Private coaching is available daily, as are on-camera commercials. jkcoaching@aol.com. (323) 467-7877.

THE LAB

Patrick Pankhurst, a Harvard-educated in-structor with 15 years of casting experience, teaches a "character-driven technique" for stage and film in these twice-weekly classes for all levels. An audition is required. (626) 398-1815. See ad on page 16-A.

LAURELGROVE THEATRE

Jack Heller is an award-winning director and a working actor, now artistic director of Laurelgrove Theatre, who studied with Harold Clurman, Robert Lewis, and Uta Hagen. He has performed on television, Broadway, and in Los Angeles theatre. Beginning and advanced classes will be given at the Laurelgrove Theatre, with guest directors and actors moderating. Private coaching is available. (323) 850-6328. Laurelgrove Theatre now also has an educational arm called Dawn Wells Film Actor's Boot camp (see listing).

DENNIS LAVALLE ACTORS WORKSHOP

"Do his students work?" LaValle believes this is the question actors should ask when looking for a teacher. LaValle teaches an eclectic technique melded from more than 20 years of experience in stage, film, television, and commercial work. Explained LaValle, "It is important to learn specific techniques, but no one school of thought will suffice in all situations." LaValle teaches a way of "creating a character that draws from the vast experiences that each individual actor possesses." Five-hour classes of between 12 and 15 students ensure that every student works every week. New students are required to participate in a free class audit during which they will work on a monologue. (818) 788-2183.

KEN LERNER

Working actor Lerner, who taught with the late Roy London, has been teaching for more than a dozen years and now offers ongoing cold reading and scene study classes. As a working actor in TV and film, Lerner said, "I give people the benefit of my experience." He mixes beginners along with advanced actors, and allows auditing. He also offers private and on-set coaching. www.kenlerner.com. (818) 753-7744.

CATHLEEN LESLIE

"I'm interested in teaching actors who are open to taking risks and discovering their instruments in a safe environment," said Leslie, who studied with Lee Strasberg, Kim Stanley, and Stella Adler, worked with Elia Kazan, taught in Paris and at the School of Visual Arts New York, and currently teaches at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in Los Angeles and at the Actors Studio West. Her classes consist of sense memory work, improv, and scene analysis. Acceptance is by interview only. Leslie also offers private coaching and classes, and is seeking not only working actors but directors and writers, as well. The one requisite for all her students, Leslie said, is passion. Leslie is on the Board of Governors of the American Film Institute Associates. (310) 278-8113.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTING!

LCA offers on-camera acting classes in Orange County for children, teens, and adults, taught by visiting professional actors from Los Angeles. Students learn audition and cold reading skills and basic acting techniques for commercials, TV, and film. Private coaching is available in L.A. and Costa Mesa. LCActing@aol.com. www.LightsCameraActing.com. (714) 356-9800.

JOANNE LINVILLE STUDIO

Linville co-founded the Stella Adler Conservatory West. She is also a moderator at the Actor's Studio West, as well as a board member of The Actor's Studio. Linville guest starred in more than 100 TV shows, including The Twilight Zone, Star Trek, Columbo, and Charlie's Angels. Her classes focus on technique. She offers beginning and advanced technique, a master class, and private coaching. Former students include Mark Ruffalo, Salma Hayek, and Michael Richards. (310) 248-4825. See ad on page 10-A.

STEPHANIE LLOYD ON CAMERA ACTORS' WORKSHOP

Billed as "the L.A. Workshop in Orange County," Lloyd's is an actors training center focused on talent development, career coaching, and establishing connections in the entertainment industry. Casting director Richard DeLancy teaches the scene study and cold reading class for television and film, Clio Award-winning director Richard Goldstone teaches improv-based commercial acting, director/actress Lilyan Chauvin teaches acting, actor Cal Gibson teaches comedy improvisation, and Lloyd teaches acting and offers private coaching. Also, private coaching and kids' classes are now offered in L.A., taught by Stephanie Lloyd and Pamela Murphy. (949) 497-8274 or (310) 429-4030.

THE LOS ANGELES REPERTORY COMPANY

Now in its 37th year, the award-winning theatrical production company behind such acclaimed productions as Assassins, Rocket to the Moon, A Doll's House, and The Chosen offers a changing variety of classes designed to give continuing professional training to the serious actor. Currently there's a scene study class taught by veteran actor John Herzog ($150 for four consecutive classes). Robert Ellenstein, founding director of the company, is also teaching a Shakespeare performance class. All classes are limited to 14 students. Entry is by interview. 6560 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd floor, Hollywood. www.larep.org. (323) 464-8542.

AMY LYNDON'S COLD READING/BOOKING CLASS

The focus of Lyndon's class is on discipline, respect for the work, extreme specifics, breaking down the scene into three parts, understanding the emotional transitions, putting your special "spin" on it and achieving intimacy in the work. This technique, she explained, helps separate the student from "the masses and puts them in the 1 percent callback/booking category." Lyndon has been coaching actors on how to book feature films, guest starring, recurring, and series regular roles for more than 11 years. Private coaching/career consultations and evaluations available. Classes are offered Monday and Thursday nights, and on Saturday mornings. (818) 760-8501. Ddreambig@aol.com. www.odessaproject.com/new_aboutamylyndon.shtml.

ROBERT LYONS

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 and many others. Professional classes and private sessions offered. (818) 766-6480.

NED MANDERINO

Manderino, the author of All About Method Acting and Stanislavski's Fourth Level ("all-time No. 1 best-selling acting book at the Bodhi Tree, L.A.'s spiritual bookstore frequented by actors"), teaches a Method technique blending Strasberg, Adler, and Stanislavski. Each class begins with a technique exercise, followed by an improv scene to quickly experience the results of the exercise. "I believe an acting talent should first be technique-honed," Manderino said, adding, "This is of enormous value for CD and industry workshops." Classes are ongoing and by interview. He's coached/directed many actors who have received Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, and every other acting award. www.manderino.com. (323) 860-8790.

JEFFREY MARCUS

Of his ongoing basic to advanced classes on scene study, Marcus said, "There are no instant ways to arrive at authentic and complex behavior. I stress soul-enriching methods to arrive at acting that takes you off the page and into the heart. Demand to work every week to get your talent on track and your career in full swing." Marcus was profiled on E! Entertainment's "Actors Who Teach" segment, and he assists actors on TV, features, and stage. His rates are $150 for every four classes. Audits are available. Private coaching is also available. www.jeffreymarcus.com. (323) 965-9392.

BILL MARGOLIN'S PROFESSIONAL ACTORS WORKSHOPS

Classes are offered on the CBS Studio Center lot in Studio City, where students perform monthly in a theatre before live audiences. Also featured are industry-only showcases on the lot. Classes include improvisational comedy, auditioning training, character development for sitcom, cold readings, and more. Classes are taught by guest artistic directors including John Bedard and Andy Goldberg. Classes now forming. All major credit cards accepted. (818) 999-1956. See ad on page 6-A.

MARKETING THE ACTOR

Marketing The Actor was created by Jason Buyer, the former casting associate at MGM & UDK. It claims to be the only consultation and coaching service specifically designed to better sell an actor's "product." One-day, three-day, and five-day consultations are available (starting at $135), as well as private audition coaching in front of the camera ($60/hour). www.marketingtheactor.com. (310) 922-6821.

WYNN MARLOW ACTORS WORKSHOP

In the tradition of Michael Shurtleff, Marlow conducts ongoing scene study and cold reading classes based on the 12 Guideposts laid out in Shurtleff's acclaimed book, Audition. A former student of Shurtleff, Marlow says she teaches actors at all levels how to ask the questions and make the choices that produce the truest, fullest, and most compelling work. She has many years' experience teaching Shurtleff's technique, as well as directing for theatre and casting for film and TV. Private coaching and audition preparation are available. Class size is limited, and a free audit is encouraged. (310) 470-7973.

KATE McGREGOR-STEWART

McGregor-Stewart said she teaches "an approach that balances mind, body, and spirit" in her ongoing acting technique and scenework classes for all levels. An actress from the Broadway stage and the screen, McGregor-Stewart, who also serves as a private coach to many celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, James Gandolfini, Marisa Tomei, and Oprah Winfrey, charges $250 per four classes at all levels. She also offers private coaching and intermittent workshops on such subjects as cold reading, career goal planning, audition skills, body aliveness, and emotional access, and will help choose and prepare monologues to perform for agents. www.katemcgregorstewart.com. (323) 939-3384.

LYNETTE McNEILL

McNeill announces the opening of The Studio, offering classes "designed to meet a wide range of professional needs." Former clients include Jim Carrey, Anne Archer, Jane Leeves, Faith Ford, and Adam Sandler. Said Archer, "Lynette's teaching has always been rich and clear, finding depth, color, and humor way beyond the printed page." Classes offered include scene study, tools of the trade, private coaching, and audition preparation. (310) 274-1085. See ad on page 18-A.

ELIZABETH MESTNIK ACTING STUDIO

This studio, a.k.a. EMAS, is for serious acting students at any stage of their careers who want to "invest in their craft to become a well-skilled, unique, and exciting actor," said Mestnik, an award-winning stage director, actress, and teacher who has coached such actors as Ed Asner, Fred Savage, and Sharif Atkins. Classes are offered in the Meisner technique, scene study, and basic technique, with weekend workshops that include on-camera technique, commercial audition, voice, and movement as well as private coaching. Mestnik calls her studio "a vibrant community" of actors, directors, writers, and teachers. Class size is kept small and students work every class. Evening, daytime, and weekend classes are offered at the Elephant Theatre in Hollywood. Interview required. (323) 528-6280.

ALLAN MILLER

Acting and coaching veteran Miller, the author of the popular A Passion for Acting and the instructional video Auditioning, as well as an award-winning director, offers ongoing classes on Tuesday evenings in techniques to help actors use themselves practically and creatively at his North Hollywood studio. Miller has been the teacher of many successful actors, including Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, and Peter Boyle, among many others. Enrollment is by interview only. The cost is $150 per month; Miller's private coaching runs $125 an hour. (818) 907-6262.

RUBEN MORENO FILM ACTING WORKSHOPS

Moreno, a longtime actor who has appeared in more than 400 films, TV shows, and specials, has taught film and commercial acting for more than 30 years. The award-winning drama coach now teaches "film and commercial acting classes, voice acting, and narration." The workshops include: adults (18 and older), Saturdays, 6-8 p.m.; young students (10-12), Mondays, 4-6 p.m.; young adults (12-18), Fridays, 4-6 p.m. (818) 845-5633.

MORE THAN AN ACTING CLASS

Independent film director and actor Larry Eudene has taught Advanced Acting Scene Study for Film at the Screen Actors Guild Conservatory in New York and Los Angeles, and now offers workshops, private coaching, and an eight-week seminar primarily in Malibu. His main focus is his "screenplay reading group" intensives, basically an on-going Master Class, after students have finished the Acting in Film classes, where actors read a "full screenplay in a day. It's an amazing workout," said Eudene. www.EFWorks .com/signup.htm or www.screenplayreadinggroup.com (click on "actors"). (800) 607-4942.

THE ERIC MORRIS ACTORS WORKSHOP

Morris' system is based on the Method, but, as Morris puts it, it "goes way beyond" the original Stanislavski system. Indeed the process he teaches is of his own creation. A teacher for more than 40 years, Morris is the author of five books about acting. He teaches three classes each week; each is between four and five hours long. All classes are kept intimate and small so that every actor works in each class. Cost is $250 per month. A free audit is offered. Morris also offers weekend workshops and private lessons. (310) 645-1712. See ad on page 5-A.

JOY MORRIS

(818) 760-4712.

THE LARRY MOSS STUDIO

An L.A. institution for 12 years, the studio is run by respected acting coach Moss, who trained with Sanford Meisner and taught at Juilliard and Circle in the Square. He teaches a professional class and an intermediate/advanced class. His partner, Michelle Danner, teaches a master scene study class, a technique breakdown class, and an on-camera cold reading class. John Cirigliano teaches several beginner and intermediate scene study classes. There is no auditing. Acceptance is by interview. The studio is newly ensconced in the Edgemar Center for the Arts, a brand new state-of-the-art two-theatre complex in a building designed by Frank Gehry in Santa Monica. 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 399-3666.

LAUREN PATRICE NADLER

Nadler has been an actress, teacher, casting director, and director for 18 years. For the past five years, she had been teaching, directing, and consulting on both coasts helping actors make transitions from New York and other regions to Los Angeles. "It's all you," said Nadler. "I just help you tap in deeper for a more dynamic and enhanced performance, and in this town you must stand out." Nadler holds classes at all levels and is available for private coaching, and consulting, as well as to direct projects. (213) 217-8226. See ad on page 32-A.

ALLEN NELSON

Actor/director/producer Nelson—featured in two documentaries, one in Korea and one in England—spends his nights teaching at Theatre Unlimited in North Hollywood, in addition to offering private coaching during the day. His four classes—basic technique (a three-month class), sensory (ongoing), and intermediate and advanced scene study (ongoing)—meet once a week and cost $165 per month. Nelson allows auditing after an interview. (818) 786-7154.

NICHOLAS NICHOLAS

An actor for the past 20 years and an award-winning poet, Nicholas offers private coaching for scene study, monologues, audition preparation, and poetry performance. Nicholas' approach to teaching actors is that the most interesting character you could ever create is yourself. He elaborated: "I'm in favor of people using their own lives and their own emotions and experiences as the basis for the character, as opposed to imposing something externally." Nicholas offers coaching in his home studio or makes house calls for an additional fee. Interview required. (818) 769-3188.

NATALIJA NOGULICH

An award-winning theatrical producer/director and working TV and film actress, Nogulich has been teaching acting for 17 years. She is the founder and artistic director of the Grace Players Theatre Company in Los Angeles. A former student of Stella Adler and David Mamet, Nogulich offers private coaching and scene study classes focusing on the Stanislavski approach to acting. Her scene study class meets Tuesday nights, costs $40 a class or $150 a month, and requires a preliminary audition. Audits are available. Classes are held at the Egyptian Arena Theatre, a beautiful, fully equipped 99-Seat theatre in Hollywood. (310) 826-3865. See ad on page 2-A.

KATHERINE NOON

Noon offers an intensive workout for actors focusing on scene work, physical and vocal work, and improvisation. The class is designed, she said, for actors at all levels who want to increase their range and flexibility and to expand their "world of creative possibilities." Noon said every actor works every session and "walks away a more confident and stronger actor, able to play a greater variety of roles with ever-increasing depth." Noon, an actor and director, has taught extensively for the past 10 years in Los Angeles at California Institute of the Arts and Loyola Marymount University, as well as master classes in the U.S. and Europe. She is artistic director of the Ghost Road Company. Classes are ongoing and a 10-week session is $275. Private coaching at an hourly rate is also available. (323) 293-3729.

ORANGE COUNTY PROFESSIONAL ACTORS' WORKSHOP

Elizabeth Kent and Bob Edmiston teach an ongoing class designed to prepare the actor to compete on a professional level. The class covers all aspects of the acting process, including cold reading, scene study, emotional instrumental work, commercials, comedy, and improvisation, as well as career development. Edmiston has been in the industry for 45 years as a casting director and owner of First Artists Agency. Kent has worked in the industry for 25 years as an actress, casting director, and associate agent. Children's classes are now available. First class is always free. (949) 675-3272.

ORANGE COUNTY SONG & DANCE CO.

This company offers ongoing classes in 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. (714) 897-4475.

DAVID J. PARTINGTON

Partington, a working actor and coach for more than 25 years, has done extensive acting in TV, film, commercials, and regional theatre, and has taught acting at several university and regional theatres. Partington offers traditional Method acting training, with all work done on-camera. He said he's focused on "maintaining an environment of trust where actors can takes risks and explore their creative potential." His program emphasizes improvisation, text analysis, character development, cold reading skills, acting for the camera, audition preparation, and career guidance. He offers both private coaching and classes. Class size is limited to 10. David offers of free one-hour audition/interview session in lieu of auditing. (818) 360-9695. See ad on page 21-A.

PASSION FOR ACTING

Actor/director/writer Geoff Hoff teaches what he calls an "ongoing class for actors who love what actors do." Hoff studied acting for many years under Bob and Joan Welch, Matt Chait, and Harry Mastrogeorge, and in his own weekly scene study sessions he offers exercises "designed to encourage actors to access and engage their imagination, and to gain a sensual connection with the circumstances of the script." Classes are $150 a month, and Hoff also offers private coaching. (310) 839-7033.

SUSAN PERETZ STUDIOS

Actor/director/producer Peretz offers intensive classes in scene study, sensory exercises, cold reading, and improvisational work. Classes range from beginning to professional levels and focus on each actor's individual work and growth process. Peretz is a moderator and member of the Actors Studio. All classes are held at Peretz's Third Street Theater, a fully equipped Equity 99-Seat Plan theatre. An interview is required for admission. Private coaching is available. (323) 852-0614.

JILL PLACE, THE ACTING INTUITIVE

Place said her classes are designed to "add a little magic to your acting" and help each student "become the actor you always imagined you could be." Place, who spent years with Lee Strasberg and was an original Groundling, blends Method, Grotowski, improvisation, and other acting techniques with her intuitive talents to create what she calls "a whole new type of acting coaching" in which she "intuits exactly what training you need to break through your acting blocks quickly and easily." The competitive edge her students develop, she said, "always gets [them] noticed at auditions!" Classes are kept small and prices "reasonable," she said, and there's "lots of support for the beginning through the advanced actor." artnplay@ earthlink.net. www.actingintuitive.com. (323) 225-9850. See ad on page 12-A.

PLAYHOUSE WEST SCHOOL AND REPERTORY THEATRE

Robert Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum founded this school in 1981. The faculty takes an ensemble approach to teaching in its ongoing beginning, intermediate, advanced, and senior advanced classes. The playhouse, which has a second North Hollywood location called Playhouse West Studio Two, also regularly develops and stages plays with members of the senior advanced class. A free audit is required. 4250 Lankershim Blvd. and 10634 Magnolia Blvd., N. Hollywood. (818) 881-6520. See ad on page 11-A.

PROFESSIONAL ACTING WORKSHOPS IN THE SOUTH BAY

Coach Anne Hulegard describes her workshops as "an inspiring, supportive, and safe environment in which to develop your craft, overcome fears, and follow your dreams." Actor/director/producer Hulegard has more than 20 years of experience in theatre, film, and television. Her workshops include scene study, monologue work, improvisation, theatre, film, television, and commercial techniques as well as the "business" of acting. All levels are welcome. Private coaching is available. (310) 621-6303.

RANDOLPH STUDIO FOR ACTOR TRAINING

Kate Randolph runs her own studio in Hollywood, teaching classes at all levels: beginning, intermediate, and pro. Concrete, universal tools are taught, "enabling each actor to come away with a usable, practical technique." Her approach is an eclectic one, drawing on her varied background with Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Michael Moriarty, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She adjusts her teaching style and approach, however, to the needs of the individual student, sometimes working from the outside-in with emphasis on the physical, and sometimes from the inside-out with emphasis on the emotional and/or cerebral. Classes are small to help facilitate individual attention. Every student works each session. Once a student has mastered the basics, Randolph teaches ways to enable the actor to access the "creative state, through exploring the higher self." Randolph has been acting, teaching, and directing in L.A. and New York for more than 25 years. She has directed such well-known artists as Bobby Costanzo, Bruce Davison, Julie Harris, Ron Perlman, Pamela Reed, Nancy Travis, and John Randolph. She also coaches privately for audition prep or monologue and scene work. She is seeking serious actors who are eager to learn/practice a craft. (323) 882-6669. See ad on page 9-A.

ROB REECE ACTORS WORKSHOP

Reece, a 30-year veteran of film, TV, and theatre based in San Francisco, and a lifetime member of the Actor's Studio, teaches "progressive Method Acting," which he described as "in-depth process work on emotional availability, exposure to specific craft tools to stimulate behavior and emotional life for characters, understanding tension, inspiration, and unconscious creative process." Reece has worked with Lee Strasberg, Jonathan Demme, Clint Eastwood, Sydney Pollack, Martin Ritt, and John Sturges. Free audit. (415) 928-8929. See ad on page 4-A.

DALE REHFELD

Rehfeld combines a cold reading/acting class with a hands-on showcase in an effort to create "a supportive, intimate workshop setting." Invited guests include top filmmakers, producers, and casting directors from television and feature films. Rehfeld said she comes "highly recommended" by casting director Kerry Barden, whose credits include Boys Don't Cry, Shakespeare in Love, and Chocolat. She also has a Pros and Kids youth division for children and teens. Private coaching is available. (323) 782-8537.

BRIAN REISE ACTING STUDIOS

Reise's acting classes specialize in cold reading and scene study for beginners through professional levels. The focus of the classes is on the reality of the acting business, teaching actors how to develop their acting skills so they can audition more effectively, book jobs, get agents, and guide themselves in their careers. Actors work on scenes geared toward film and television. Classes are ongoing and are held in the afternoons and evenings. Reise offers bi-monthly orientations for admittance into classes. (323) 874-5593.

ALEXIA ROBINSON STUDIO

This award-winning actress wants her students to "learn how to get results." With more than 20 years of industry experience, this protégé of legendary coach Roy London has been teaching for nearly 10 years. Film credits include MacArthur Park, The Nutty Professor, Candyman III, and Total Recall; television credits include series regular roles on Aaron Spelling's Savannah, Ed Weinberger's Good News, and most recently The Young and the Restless. The studio offers ongoing scene study classes with an emphasis on script analysis for all levels. Classes meet once a week four times per month in the NoHo Arts District. A free audit is required. Class admittance is limited to those accepted by the instructor. www.alexiarobinsonstudio.com. (818) 716-5399. See ad on page 5-A.

AL ROSSI

Rossi, a veteran actor/director, was a charter member of the Guthrie Theater and authored two books on his former mentor, Tyrone Guthrie. He teaches a private scene study class, limited to 12 students, and an ongoing audition and cold reading class. He also offers private coaching. Rossi is head of acting at the L.A. City College Theatre Academy, the oldest professional training program on the West Coast. (818) 902-1538.

JOE SALAZAR

Joe Salazar is interested in working with serious committed actors only. Salazar teaches ongoing beginning/intermediate and advanced classes and will accept only actors who "have the drive and passion to be great actors." His classes focus on scene study, monologue work, audition technique, cold reading, script analysis, and improv. He also offers an on-camera class. The class environment is "challenging and geared toward the individual," he said. Class size never exceeds 12 students, and everyone works at least twice every class. Salazar has his own theatre in Hollywood and offers student showcases. He also offers private coaching and allows auditing. (323) 882-6433.

THE DIANE SALINGER STUDIO

"The greatest gift you have to offer is yourself. Bring yourself to the work and become fearless" is actress/director Salinger's motto. Currently a series regular on the new HBO show Carnivale, Salinger is an award-winning actress and coach who has worked with Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, and Tim Burton. She brings in top industry professionals as guest teachers and for showcases and offers intensive classes in technique, scene study, on-camera, improvisation, and cold reading from beginning to advanced levels. She also encourages her actors to perform their own material. Private coaching for all ages is also available. (323) 654-0937. See ad on page 32-A.

SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE ACTORS' WORKSHOP

"To the actor," said Chris DeCarlo, "'class' is that special environment we create for ourselves in which we may practice the ritual of discovering our creative being." That's the kind of environment DeCarlo strives to create at the Santa Monica Playhouse (where he is co-artistic director) in this eight-week workshop that uses improv to teach actors to make powerful and immediate choices for auditions, as well as performance work, by unleashing creativity, developing exciting characters, and conquering the critic within. He is entering his 33rd year as teacher of the workshop. Acceptance to classes is by interview. He also offers private coaching. 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. (310) 394-9779, ext. 673. See ad on page 31-A.

SCENE STUDY WITH ANTHONY MEINDL

In what he calls an "extremely holistic approach to acting," actor/teacher Meindl offers ongoing classes for all levels to improve cold reading and scene study skills. His is a technique, he said, that "requires the actor to use the totality of who he or she is to first embody, then transform, into character. The actor learns how to expand his consciousness in approaching a character and simultaneously hastens his own healing through his own self-expression." Meindl has been teaching for eight years, three in New York, where he studied and worked with Circle Repertory Theatre and Sande Shurin, and for six years in Los Angeles. He offers his classes at the Third Street Theater in Hollywood. (323) 461-4792.

SECRET ROSE THEATRE

This company offers seminars and acting classes, which include basic technique ("acting from the imagination") and a professional-level scene study. Class acceptance is by interview only. Children's class (ages 4 to 8) is held on Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. A youth program (ages 8 and up) is held on Saturdays. A two-day course in commercial acting is taught every three months by Keisuke Hoashi. 11246 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. info@secretrose.com. (818) 766-3691, ext. 4.

SCOTT SEDITA STUDIOS

Sedita, a former agent and casting director, has been an acting coach for 20 years and has worked to develop the careers of such talents as Courteney Cox and Christopher Meloni. Sedita offers classes in on-camera cold reading, film and TV acting, and professional audition technique. He also directs "The Showcase Company" for invited industry three times a year. Scott Tiler teaches scene study and a 10-week comprehensive technique workshop called "Nuts and Bolts," focusing on the work of Adler, Hagen, and Boleslavsky. Patrick Munoz teaches "Acting Through Voice & Speech," designed to train actors in articulation, verbal agility, and accent reduction. Todd Rohrbacher and Carolyn Hennesy cover the elements of improvisation in the Comedy Improv Class. How To Audition for & Book Commercials is taught by commercial casting director Josh Rappaport. The studio recently formed an in-house theatre group that performs one-act plays every month for invited industry. www.scottseditaacting.com. (323) 465-6152

GAIL SHAPIRO

For this actor, teacher, and voice coach, it's all about "putting the thought into action." Working with texts of Chekhov, Ibsen, and Shakespeare as well as contemporary playwrights, she emphasizes "structured techniques to play a scene or monologue," honing in on imagery, breath, and analysis of the written word. Her vocal coaching, she said, uses an approach that works on the "intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual sides of the person to tap into the power, scope, and possibility of their voice." (818) 553-1722.

CANDACE SILVERS STUDIOS: THE FOUNDATION CLASS, SCENE STUDY, YOUR LIFE—AN OWNER'S MANUAL

Silvers, who currently works with many respected directors, writers, and actors in the industry, encourages the discovery of "truthful, high-risk choices" through an active method of analyzing the script and seeing the character based on the actor's personal emotional experience. "I help my students stop focusing on the outcome and begin to build their own process for choosing the highest, most imaginative stakes that let their characters come alive. I also help my students to learn about their own human behavior, so that they can access that information in their scene study classes." Silvers was a 10-year student of Roy London and working actor of 20 years. Her tools are endorsed by Gary Oldman, Richard Dreyfuss, Michael Lembeck, to name a few. A free audit is offered any Tuesday, 6-9 p.m., to all first-time students. Silvers also offers private coaching for auditions. (818) 755-4609.

MELISSA SKOFF

Casting director Skoff teaches ongoing scene study and audition classes. The cost is $150 a month, and an audition is required. "I have a proven method that teaches the actors how to break down every scene and understand it, every time," claimed Skoff, who also offers private coaching. (818) 760-2058.

MILLIE SLAVIN

Slavin is proud of her ability to "recognize and connect with the individuality of each student." She said, "I work to help the actors tap into this uniqueness so that they can gain the confidence to risk their best in a highly competitive market." She is a veteran of New York theatre, television, and film, and a Cable Ace Award nominee for HBO's Sessions. Her training includes study with Uta Hagen and Roy London. In addition to her many other accomplishments, Slavin has worked as an acting coach on various TV series. She offers scene study classes, private coaching, cold reading, group and individual technique training, as well as an eight-week intensive technique course. (310) 582-3485. See ad on page 30-A.

MARCIE SMOLIN

Smolin has been training working actors for more than 17 years. A working actor, she brings to her classes her experience in front of and behind the camera, having worked in television, feature films, and as a standup comic. Smolin holds a bachelor's and master's degree in theatre and film, and she is accomplished in theatre. Her methods are geared toward the individual, targeting strengths and weaknesses of the actor. Classes combine improv, scene study, cold reading, film technique, and lots of stage time. Classes, held at the Complex Theatre, are small; students work numerous times every session. She also teaches classes for children and teens at Centerstagela. (323) 650-5979. coachactors@aol.com.

RON SOSSI

"I'm not banging a drum for any one specific acting technique. All have strong points as well as significant blind spots," said director/teacher Sossi. "My approach is both eclectic and intuitive, from Stanislavski through the Europeans to Grotowski/Brook, the sole criterion being: What's working for a particular actor?" Sossi's pragmatic approach comes from his diverse background directing everything from episodic TV/film and commercial theatre to his avant-garde work, both internationally and at his 32-year-old, multiple-award-winning Odyssey Theatre Ensemble. Sossi, awarded the L.A. Drama Critics Circle's Ron Link Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing, teaches an ongoing intensive scene study/monologue class. He looks for long-term working relationships and asks for an initial eight-week trial commitment. (323) 650-2412 or at Odyssey Theatre, (310) 477-2055. See ad on page 26-A.

SOUTH COAST REPERTORY

This respected Orange County theatre has an extensive education program, including a four-year young conservatory and a neighborhood conservatory. Its Theatre Conservatory offers nine-week classes in specific areas of advanced acting technique, from performance and scene work to characterization and script analysis. The professional conservatory is an eight-week summer program with classes on audition technique, script analysis, voice, Shakespeare, and physical characterization. The director of the adult professional conservatory is actor/director/playwright Karen Hensel, who teaches alongside seasoned instructors Martha McFarland, Hal Landon Jr., Greg Atkins, and Laurie Woolery. (714) 708-5577. See ad on page 13-A.

AARON SPEISER ACTING STUDIO

Film director/coach Speiser has coached Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J, Jack Wagner, the Wayans brothers, Mandy Moore, and Jeff Foxworthy. "My approach is specifically designed for professional actors, or actors who want to be professional," Speiser explained. "It's very specific and no-nonsense." His ongoing classes are divided into three levels: a beginning technique class, an intermediate scene study technique class, and an invitation-only advanced scene study class. Other teachers include Fred Tucker and Jay Convente. Speiser also offers an improvisational class on Sunday afternoons. An interview is required, and one audit is allowed. Speiser also offers career counseling, cold reading classes, and private coaching for auditions. www.aaronspeiser.com. 463 S. Robertson Blvd. (310) 399-4567. See ad on page 22-A.

STAGE 13 PRODUCTIONS

After 45 years of acting and coaching, Stage 13's Bob Beecher has learned, and shed, "all the wrong ways to do things," he said. "Now my approach is to try the simplest solution rather than the most complicated." Beecher, who has been serving as director of the SAG Conservatory's scene program for two decades, teaches an ongoing class on commercials and scene study. The two-hour class is limited to four students, and costs $60 every four weeks. His private coaching runs $30 an hour. Audits allowed. (818) 768-3686.

JOHNATHON STORM STUDIOS

Storm, an actor, director, and independent filmmaker, teaches a variety of classes and workshops. Storm focuses on teaching actors "to stop acting and to let themselves get out of their own way—to overcome any fear, insecurity, mental blocks, or restrictions that prevents them from truly living in the moment as the character." Storm also offers a on-location film acting class in which students learn the nuts and bolts of film acting by first-hand experience. Students must create, write, cast, block, rehearse, direct, and shoot a short film every 30 days. Storm also offers improv, scene study, commercial acting, and cold reading classes. All classes are ongoing and all students work in every class. Classes available in L.A. and the Inland Empire. (909) 542-1212 or (909) 89-2770.

THE LEE STRASBERG ACTING STUDIO

Founded by the legendary creator of "The Method," Lee Strasberg, the institute trains actors in a practical environment fostering individual creativity, imagination and control. Training includes techniques unique to Lee Strasberg's teaching, as well as camera and audition work, voice, and dance. Actors benefit from access to industry professionals during seminars and film screenings, visits to film sets, auditions for in-house video projects and professional theatrical productions in one of three Strasberg Theatres. Full- and part-time programs available. 7936 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (323) 650-7777. See ad on page 30-A.

JOHN SUDOL ACTING STUDIOS

With more than 25 years in the business—from actor, writer, and artistic director to independent casting director—Sudol said he believes in the smart actor. "Being truthful is just not enough," he said. "You not only have to be alive in the moment but it has to make sense and be interesting." His ongoing scene study class focuses on script analysis, keeping it real, and making it look good. Sudol also teaches an on-camera cold reading class, which blends cold reading skills with film technique. All classes are small, usually filled by agent/manager referral or by interview. Sudol also offers an on-camera commercial workshop, a six-week class focusing on finding the actor's quality, fine-tuning it, then showing the actor how to bring it to the copy. (818) 753-5334.

PAUL B. SYLVAN

Sylvan leads an ongoing "no bullshit" acting workshop in which he stresses, "See the character, be the character" and "Keep it simple, make it real." The workshop meets Monday nights, and free auditing is welcome. Explained Sylvan, "I do not teach Method acting. Pretending you're a tree or a monkey or bacon has nothing to do with what happens between 'Action' and 'Cut.' " www.paulsylvan.com. mail@paulsylvan.com.

TALENT STUDIOS OF OC

(949) 951-5010. See ad on page 3-A.

THEATRE GROUP STUDIO

Theatre Group Studio Los Angeles teaches Method acting using the technique of objective, problem, and action, along with the "inner creative state" and "core" as defined by Stanislavski. The three-course program includes the use of emotional memory, concentration, communion, adaptation, and restraint. Beginning to advanced levels, day and evening classes offered. Interview required. 2653 S. Robertson, L.A. www.theatregroupstudio.com. (310) 839-9771.

THEATRE SHED/ GREGORY SERRAO BACH

Bach teaches a film acting workshop, including ongoing scene study, live productions and showcasing. Bach has 35 years' experience and is the author of Simple & Direct, in bookstores this summer. Small classes so everyone works every class. Free orientation. www.thetheatreshed.com. (818) 735-0853. See ad on page 2-A.

CARTER THOR STUDIOS

The studios offer ongoing scene study classes and on-camera classes with an emphasis on acting for film. The goal, according to instructors, is to make you "a master of intention, language, and the tools of script analysis," and to create "a safe space for the actor to aggressively and actively use them." This is an intense professional-level class for the creative artist with a focus on both the technique and the principles that drive it. There is usually a wait to get in. www.cameronthor.com. (818) 501-4395.

TOM TODOROFF

Todoroff directs classical and modern texts in an "unusually safe and supportive studio," as he describes. He also directs audition material. His teaching strives to combine the art, spirituality, and business of being an actor. He specialized in speech and voice production for many years, and he believes that vocal freedom and variation is essential for authentic powerful acting. Students include Liam Neeson, Roma Downey, Jimmy Buffett, Robert Wagner, Alicia Witt, Tony Goldwyn, Sasha Alexander, Lolita Davidovich, and Bob Hoskins. He trained at Juilliard and with Stella Adler and Cicely Berry (Royal Shakespeare Company), among others. Todoroff also produces films and has made nine of them in the past six years. Classes meet Wednesday and Thursday evenings in Santa Monica, and admission is by referral and/or audition. www.tomtodoroff.com. (310) 281-8688.

TONY TORRISI'S ACTING WORKSHOP

A member of the Actors Studio in New York who came West to work in TV, 35-year acting veteran Torrisi has been coaching fellow actors for five years and now teaches small ongoing classes in Torrance, covering cold reading, improvisation, scene work, and camera technique, for "a well-rounded approach." Classes are $100 a month or $25 per class, and audits are OK. He also offers private coaching for $25 an hour. (310) 335-2834.

TOTALOOK YOUNG ACTORS CLASSES

For students ages 5-16, classes are offered for the experienced or prospective young actor, as well as for students interested in further developing their communication skills, creativity, and self-esteem. Three professional teachers—Didi DeStefano, Jean English, and Coral Leigh—teach a one-and-a-half-hour class, Saturdays and Sundays, limited to four to six pupils, with individual on-camera time for audition preparation skills, plus classes in improv, scene study, cold reading, and commercial work. $25 one-time registration fee includes workbook plus $25 for each selected class. TotaLook Private/Semi-Private Family Workshops for infants through teens and their families, as well as TotaLook Audition Coaching for young actors and adults, are also available. leigh31106@aol.com. (818) 763-8063.

TERI TUNDER STUDIO

With 12 years of experience as a film and network TV casting director in Los Angeles and 20 years as an actress in New York and San Francisco, Tunder brings a unique perspective to her teaching and coaching. She said, "Having been in those rooms and experiencing the process firsthand, I know that you can be a very talented and skilled actor, but unless you know how to present yourself, you will not get work." Tunder teaches small, individualized classes "geared to refining your craft and developing a career. One can't really function without the other." For advanced actors Tunder offers showcasing with directed scenes tailored for the industry, as well as classes in scene study, cold reading class, and audition technique. All classes are on Tuesday evenings. The showcase class presents scenes for industry every eight to 10 weeks. Classes are offered at the Complex Theatres in Hollywood, and admission is by interview only. Tunder also offers private coaching by appointment. (323) 969-0795 or (213) 683-3776. See ad on page 12-A.

TVI ACTORS STUDIO

Founded in 1986, TVI Actors Studio is one of the nation's largest resource centers for actors, offering dramatic instruction, entertainment industry networking, professional career consultation, and marketing support for actors. With full-service centers in Los Angeles and New York, weekend programs conducted in many U.S. cities and abroad, TVI aims to set the standard for merging traditional actor training with the realities of the business. Classes for all levels, taught by a faculty of 35 working industry professionals, cover cold reading technique, acting in feature films, sitcoms, theatre, improv, primetime and daytime TV, voiceovers, and commercials. Auditing is permitted in some classes. A range of free member benefits—including use of studio space with cameras and lights, computer workstations with Internet access, and TVI's Workspace, an in-house theatre company—is offered. 14429 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 118, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. www.tvistudios.com. (818) 784-6500 or (800) 884-2772, ext. 1. See ad on page 21-A.

UCLA EXTENSION: DEPT. OF ENTERTAINMENT STUDIES, PERFORMING ARTS

This program offers a comprehensive acting curriculum taught by industry professionals. Workshops address all aspects of the craft and business, such as basic techniques, scene study, camera work, auditioning, standup, voiceover, career advancement, and insider insight into how the business works. Participants enroll on a course-by-course basis, and enrollment is open. Fees vary. Classes are held on the UCLA campus, at the UCLA Extension facility, and at various theatres. www.uclaextension.org/ entertainmentstudies. (310) 825-9064. See ad on page 27-A.

VAN MAR ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION ACTING

Van Mar Academy offers a full-service curriculum, and "specializes in getting careers started" for beginners and for actors who are not working. The school proudly claims to have helped students book 500 regular and continuing and recurring roles. Audits are free and required. (323) 650-8823. See ad on page 25-A.

THE VINE

Acting workshops are offered weeknights, and private coaching is available on weekends. One class is described as being based on "animal exercises," while another "works with symbols to access the subconscious." (310) 587-2714.

JUSTINE VISONE

Visone teaches an acting workshop/seminar with Synthaxis Theatre Company using the Meisner technique word games (the repeat), improvisation exercises, monologues and memory, cold reading on-camera to record progress, and the "business of showbiz." Visone is a NYC-trained actor/producer under Philip Burton and Sanford Meisner, and an honors graduate from AMDA. Seminars include professional guest speakers and networking surprises. Three-hour sessions, everyone works, once a week or Saturdays. $75 per month, first class free. Synthaxis Theatre Co. in the NoHo Arts District. Interview required. www.synthaxistheatrecompany.com. (818) 506-4302. See ad on page 22-A.

WALLACE AUDITION TECHNIQUE

Craig Wallace has parlayed his many years of experience as a producer, talent agent, and casting consultant into the creation of the Wallace Audition Technique, which Wallace claims is a "rock-solid technique that ensures confidence and consistency in high-pressure audition situations, and allows you to convey your distinctive energy, own the room, and book the job." The six-week class, created by agents, producers, and casting directors, takes students through the entire audition process. (323) 960-7852. See ad on page 2-A.

THE DEE WALLACE STONE ACTING STUDIO

Wallace Stone's acting career includes memorable roles in such films as E.T., Cujo, and 10, and work on such TV productions as Ally McBeal, Touched By an Angel, and JAG. She has been teaching acting for nine years. Her classes have limited enrollment; loosely based on the techniques of Meisner and Charles Conrad, they focus on giving a "positive approach to fearless acting." www.dwsactingstudio.com. (818) 876-0386, ext. 3#.

DOUG WARHIT ACTING WORKSHOPS

Warhit's classes are specifically designed to prepare the actor for work in film and television. All classes are videotaped and audits are welcome. Once a month an industry professional (i.e. agent, casting director, manager) is invited to observe students' work and sit for a Q&A. Classes for beginner through working professional include scene study, cold reading, technique, improvisation, and commercial preparation. In addition to group classes, a four-week one-on-one camera workshop is offered that covers cold reading, camera technique, prerequisites for a great audition, and marketing of the actor. Warhit is the author of Book The Job: 143 Things Actors Need To Know To Make It Happen, The Actor's Audition Checklist, and Warhit's Guidebook for the Actor. (310) 479-5647. See ad on page 17-A.

DEBRA WATSON

Watson, a private coach for adults, teens, and kids, teaches in the Beverly Hills area. "My passion as a teacher is to provide students with a supportive and energizing environment where they learn to combine their natural instincts with practical audition techniques for film and television." Watson offers basic cold reading techniques for beginning and advanced actors, which include character development and script analysis. "The specific exercises I teach will help the actor learn how to quickly lift their eyes off the page, and connect with the casting director while staying in the moment." Sessions are often videotaped for immediate constructive and practical critiques. "Working both in front and behind the camera has given me an honest perspective which I use in my teaching. I recognize actors as individuals and encourage them to work towards their fullest potential." www.yellowrosesproductions .com. (310) 273-7608. See ad on page 3-A.

CLIFF WEISSMAN

Weissman has been teaching and coaching young actors for more than 20 years. He has worked with Tony Randall's National Actor's Theatre, Theatre for Young Audiences, Circle Rep, Moongate Management, and Laura Henry Studios. He currently teaches classes at Vibe Performing Arts Studio in Santa Clarita. He is available for private coaching (ages 6 through adult) throughout the Los Angeles area. (661) 803-5038.

WEIST-BARRON-HILL ACTING FOR TELEVISION AND FILM

The first on-camera workshop in the country started as Weist/Barron 46 years ago in New York; Lyle and Andrea Hill opened the Burbank branch 26 years ago. Soap producer Lyle Hill and former commercial casting director and psychologist Andrea Hill teach an array of on-camera classes, but the centerpiece is the duo's 10-session commercial TV workshop. "We use our own cold reading technique, devised over the years," said Andrea. The workshop culminates in an industry showcase. Lyle teaches an ongoing TV, film, and soap opera class. Other classes, including those for children, are available, and auditing is fine. 4300 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. (818) 846-5595. See ad on page 25-A.

CARYN WEST

Agents and managers refer most of her students, West said. In her eight- to 12-week classes in audition skills and in her private coaching, the emphasis is on preparation, in-depth script analysis, understanding different theatre and camera genres, goal setting, professionalism, creative risk-taking, the essential uses of breath, and the "freedom to play." All students perform for a working professional in the final class. West, a working actor and director with extensive TV, Broadway, and regional theatre credits, has taught for 15 years in New York at Michael Howard Studios (and still teaches there twice a year), and formerly taught at the School for Film and Television and at the Stella Adler Academy in L.A. Her studio is in West Hollywood. Private coaching is $75 for 75 minutes. She offers classes in late March/early April, late August/early September, and in January. (323) 876-0394. See ad on page 28-A.

JUDITH WESTON ACTING STUDIO

Weston is the author of Directing Actors and has been teaching for 18 years. She teaches ongoing scene study classes at intermediate and advanced levels, and an advanced Actor/Director Laboratory. An interview is required. (310) 392-2444.

DUANE WHITAKER

Whitaker brings years of practical experience as a working actor/writer/director to this workshop in Hollywood, designed, he said, to teach a "realistic and usable approach to the craft of screen acting." Whitaker has appeared in more than 30 feature films as an actor, including Pulp Fiction, Tales From the Hood, and the title role in Eddie Presley. He has also had four screenplays produced, including Together & Alone, which he also directed. (323) 856-4767.

JØRN WINTHER

Winther, who served as executive producer and director of All My Children for eight years, teaches this 36-hour intensive acting workshop followed by eight performances before industry professionals and the public. Winther has also directed Santa Barbara, and One Life To Live, and executive produced Generations and Ritual. His workshop includes scene study, auditioning, on-camera work, improv, and the business aspects of the industry. Space is limited. www.directorsnet.com/winther. (818) 787-8202.

ART WOLFF

As a teacher, Wolff spent seven years on the faculty of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. As a director, he's helmed 15 TV pilots (including Seinfeld) and five Broadway plays (including Penn & Teller). Among the many actors Wolff has directed is Sean Penn, who said that Wolff "has a special gift for getting the best out of an actor's talent. He has the understanding of craft to build on the talent and the generosity of spirit to encourage the confidence an actor needs to apply his craft to his talent." His former students include Matthew Modine and Chazz Palminteri, and more recently he coached Dakota Fanning for her performance in I Am Sam. In addition to private coaching, Wolff teaches weekly acting classes in his Hollywood studio. Said Wolff about his approach to acting: "If you want to glow like a star, you have to walk through the fire, which means you have to work without a net to make bold and exciting choices. You have to act with what I call 'controlled abandon.'" (323) 227-8363. See ad on page 20-A.

JOHN WOLLNER

Wollner conducts Spolin Theatre Games, created by the visionary teacher Viola Spolin. Wollner has 15 years of teaching experience and encourages each actor to access the rich potential of his own imagination. Emphasis is placed on applying improvisational techniques to text and scene work. All levels are welcome. An interview is required. Classes are offered free of charge, students share cost of studio rental. (323) 257-8910.

www.hollywoodactorsworkshop.com

This entity offers weekly two-hour acting workshops at Sidewalk Studio Theater, 4150 Riverside Drive, Burbank. For $100 per month, it says it offers "cutting-edge material that Abiather Films shoots into movies." The package includes an Internet headshot, resumé, and reel. "If you don't have a reel, we'll shoot it at no extra charge." (818) 896-5121.

Classical

This listing includes coaches and institutions that almost exclusively teach approaches to classical work, especially but not exclusively Shakespeare. Many conservatories listed above under "Acting Schools," as well as in other categories, also offer specialized classes in classical work. Check other categories for details.

THE ACTOR'S SHAKESPEARE ACADEMY

Geoffrey G. Forward knows his Bard. The founder and artistic director of the L.A. Shakespeare Company, Forward is also a scholar at Huntington Library and has been published in Shakespeare Quarterly. Unsurprisingly he said he takes "the classical approach" to Shakespeare in his eight-week monologue and 12-week performance workshop. "I approach it from the Elizabethan point of view; I feel if you can do that, then you can branch out into anything else you might want to do." Forward allows only 12 people into the monologue workshop. Some acting training and experience are required; the class is for serious actors who aren't familiar with the classics or who simply want to brush up. Classes are held on a full, Globe-style stage in Topanga Canyon. (310) 455-9927. See ad on page 7-A.

THE ANTAEUS ACADEMY

The Antaeus Academy, a project of the acclaimed Antaeus Theater Company, offers 12-week workshop sessions in classical theatre for actors ages 18-35. Tuesday night's Classical Styles workshop features a variety of moderators who work with actors in scene study in all areas of classical technique. Moderators include Alfred Molina, Dakin Matthews, Nike Doukas, Jeanie Hackett, Brian Cox, Andy Robinson, Sabin Epstein, Philip Proctor, Jeffrey Nordling, Austin Pendleton, Olympia Dukakis, Kristofer Tabori, Paul Lazerus, Sheldon Epps, and Alan Mandell, and topics include Shakespeare, Shaw, Chekhov, Style, American classics, Pinter, Beckett, Molière, and commedia. Classical Styles culminates in a presentation in which Academy members are evaluated for Academy Company membership. The Advance Academy workshop, a 12-week program that meets Saturday mornings, is made up of students who have completed the Tuesday program. Participation is by audition only. The Academy also offers periodic "intensives"—eight-week programs with a master teacher on a specific play or writer, which are open to actors of all ages with extensive professional theatre experience. Pictures and resumés can be sent to The Antaeus Academy, 4916 Vineland Ave., N. Hollywood. (818) 506-8462.

A NOISE WITHIN

Classes offered include Shakespeare Textual Analysis, Shakespeare Monologues, Shakespeare Scene Study, a Voice Workshop, and a Young Peoples' Workshop (ages 10-12 and 13-18), as well as a Summer With Shakespeare program (ages 10-18). All classes are taught by resident artist faculty. Private coaching is also available with artistic directors Geoff Elliot, Julia Rodriguez Elliot, resident director Sabin Epstein and A Noise Within resident artists. The intent of the Professional Acting Intern program is for each intern to immerse him/herself in every aspect of a professional classical repertory company. Each intern will gain acting experience, training, and technical experience alongside distinguished theatre professionals. www.anoisewithin.com. (323) 953-7787.

KATE GEER'S SHAKESPEARE SURVIVAL SCHOOL

An actor with extensive theatrical credits, Geer is also a founding member of both the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum and the Carousel Stage. Under her new Rogue Shakespeare Company, Geer recently directed Taming of the Shrew in Griffith Park, in which four of her students were cast. The production was free to the public, and the troupe will continue to present Shakespeare free of charge to its audience. Her Shakespeare workshop includes beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, and stresses a solid technical foundation in the classics. Students leave with two contrasting monologues for audition purposes. Geer summed up her approach: "After you conquer the classics, the rest is easy." The workshop requires a minimum two-month commitment. Enrollment is limited. Private coaching is available. (310) 455-4295. See ad on page 31-A.

THE WILL GEER THEATRICUM BOTANICUM ACADEMY OF THE CLASSICS

Begun in 1973 as a 300-seat outdoor amphitheatre by the late Will Geer and his family, the Theatricum Botanicum is also home to the Academy of the Classics, a full-service, all-ages educational program begun by Geer's daughter Ellen in 1975. There's a five-week, 90-hour intensive Shakespeare seminar for adults, as well as one for teens; an eight-week Shakespeare scene study and monologue class; a winter eight-week professional master class taught by Ellen Geer; a variety of eight-week technique classes (fencing, rhetoric, text analysis, period movement, voice & speech), and various youth classes, including a children's youth drama summer camp and a high school drama workshop. 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. (310) 455-2322.

Young Performers

The following institutions and individuals train young people exclusively, or nearly so, but many schools and coaches in all fields, listed elsewhere in this issue, also offer programs for young people. Check other categories for details.

ACTING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

Elizabeth Bauman is an actor, teacher, writer, and drama therapist. She graduated NYU with a bachelor's degree in fine arts in theatre, a master's degree in educational theatre, and a master's in drama therapy. She said she specializes in developing students' natural abilities by carefully guiding them to their full potential. She has taught privately, as well as at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, both in New York and L.A., for the past six years. She says she credits her success to "a naturalistic, here-and-now approach that combines the integration of each student's unique self into the imaginary world of the character and the patient nurturing required for this simple yet effective process," which, she says, "becomes our launching pad for trust, growth, creativity, and untapped potential." All levels, beginners to professionals. Bauman also makes house calls for private coaching. (323) 656-0552. See ad on page 22-A.

ALL ABOUT KIDS PERFORMING ARTS CONSERVATORY

Felecia Scott, who has more than 15 years of experience working in the entertainment industry and producing children's theatre, founded All About Kids in 1996. Honored with the 1996 NAACP Community Award, All About Kids offers year-round training for ages 5-18 in acting, voice, dance, as well as the commercial agent series. Also offered is an all-day summer camp. An interview and audition are required for admittance. www.aakperformingarts.com. (213) 389-7287.

BB's KIDS ACTING WORKSHOP WITH BELINDA BALASKI

Balaski has been acting since the age of 5, which gives her more than 40 years experience in the business. For the past 18 years, she has been teaching youngsters in a variety of eight-week classes: a commercial workshop for ages 4 and up; beginning (8 and up), intermediate, and musical theatre (8 and up); tots acting (4-8); a sitcom class (10 and up); dialect and voiceovers, and "how to market the actor" seminars. Classes are limited to 10-16 students. All classes are taped, with live/taped showcases at graduation for parents and agents. Balaski said what keeps her going is "the never-ending surprise of each unique spirit and the gift of watching their individual potential rise like cream to the surface." BB's Kids offers its eight-week session in January, April, July, and October each year. www.BBsKids.com. (323) 650-5437. See ad on page 16-A.

CLASS ACT— THE YOUNG ACTORS' STUDIO

Class Act offers coaching and training for young actors, age groups 4-17, through the basics of the Stanislavski system, teaching young actors to learn to use their own unique qualities in their acting. Available are either a full conservatory day or a choice of individual classes, including stage combat, comedy improv/voice, acting technique, and production. Students are given the opportunity to act in a variety of productions, including new original plays at the Noho Actors' Studio in North Hollywood. The full faculty includes Jeff Alan-Lee and Kerry Muir, who taught kids and teens at Lee Strasberg in New York and L.A. for six years. Auditing is allowed. www.youngactorsstudio.com. (310) 281-7545.

MARNIE COOPER SCHOOL OF ACTING, INC.

An acting teacher and coach with more than 13 years experience, Cooper offers advanced classes (ages 3 to 21), private coaching, on-set coaching, and weekend workshops. She specializes in audition preparation. Commercial casting director Stuart Stone also does workshops at the school. Cooper's students have appeared in film, television, theatre, soaps, and commercials, have won Emmys, and have been nominated for Cable Ace and Tony awards. Cooper most recently served as acting coach on Touched By an Angel. Cooper also coached young actors on the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, as well as Cradle 2 the Grave. Raved Grinch's director, Ron Howard: "Marnie is passionate, knowledgeable, and a wonderful teacher. Her integrity and enthusiasm are exemplary and, in the most positive way, infectious." (818) 760-8009.

SONIA DARMEI-LOPES AT WESTSIDE CASTING

Darmei-Lopes has worked with kids for more than 15 years. She was a drama consultant for the Santa Monica Board of Education, as well as a director of productions for the LAUSD and the NYC board of education. She has worked in casting with agents and managers, which gives her a unique insight into the business. She has worked as a professional actress in television, film, and theatre, and has coached hundreds of kids, many of whom have gone on to work professionally. Classes include commercial and theatrical, and are geared toward "turning the creative potential of the individual student into a successful audition." All classes include camera work, and Darmei-Lopes teaches all ages and all levels. Private coaching is available. (310) 358-5942. See ad on page 3-A.

FAIRY TALE CHILDREN'S THEATRE PROGRAM

This after-school program for children presents its spring/summer Broadway Musical Camp 2003, "Into the Woods." Ages range from 4 to 16. The 10-week course features a show at the end of camp. Classes run Tues.-Thurs. in the afternoon. Children are taught voice, choreography, acting, props, set design, scenery, and costuming. Tamarind Theatre, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. (323) 461-1047.

DIANE HILL HARDIN'S YOUNG ACTOR'S SPACE

Since 1979 founder Diane Hardin has taught children, teens, and adults her own in-depth scene study and truth-oriented improvisation. She has 23 years of industry experience and recently taught a master class at the School for Film and Television in NYC. Many Y.A.S. students have gone on to become high-profile actors, and Hardin is proud to have influenced such talents as Leonardo DiCaprio, Molly Ringwald, Robin Wright, Kellie Martin, and Jessica Biel, among others. Hardin and faculty offer a 10- to 12-week session with age-appropriate classes of limited size. Instructors include Nora Eckstein, Carol Locatell, Patrick Day, Bruce Ducat, and Jaime Donnelly. Private coaching is also available at 5918 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys. http://young-actors-space.com. (818) 785-7979.

THE KYER WORKSHOP FOR ACTORS

Kristopher Kyer and his staff established this school in Burbank nearly 10 years ago, primarily for young actors. Kyer was the acting coach on the sets of Boy Meets World, Grace Under Fire, and Maybe This Time. Classes are four-week sessions covering on-camera commercial audition techniques, scene study for film and TV, and improvisation. Classes are grouped by age and limited in size. Advanced registration is required. Kyer is also available for private coaching. 850 Hollywood Way, Burbank. www.kyerworkshop.com. (818) 845-5578.

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

This acclaimed regional theatre offers ongoing classes for youth from ages 6 to 18 years. A variety of acting and creative drama classes are taught by theatre professionals in 10-week sessions after school. The summer institute program, called Summer Stars, offers month-long classes in music theatre and acting each July. The Laguna Playhouse Conservatory and Repertory accepts students by audition once a year for its yearlong Resident Theatre Training program that includes classes, performance, and technical theatre experience. Contact Donna Inglima, (949) 497-2787, ext. 202.

L.A. ACTORS CHILDREN'S WORKSHOP

L.A. Actors Children's Workshop is now interviewing for its children's workshop, for kids ages 6-17. The workshop is a fun, exciting, and safe environment that gives kids the confidence and knowledge to succeed. The program includes: on-camera commercial techniques, scene study, improvisation, audition technique and cold reading, theatre games, showbiz tips for moms and dads, agent showcases, and bi-monthly plays. Sherman Oaks. (818) 754 5754.

TRACY MARTIN

Since these classes began five years ago, more than 20 agencies and managers have been referring young students to Martin, she said. Some of her students have become series regulars, guest stars, and co-stars on TV, or leads and co-leads in films; some have been seen in national and regional commercials. Martin works one-on-one, she explained, "to get your child to where he or she needs to be quickly." She also offers an 8-week semi-private professional audition technique class. Same-day audition coaching is available. Classes in Toluca Lake. mstracyco@aol.com. (818) 752-8487.

(QUIT) ACTING

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 small classes and private coaching emphasize on-camera and audition training, "because the audition is the job." (818) 623-8830.

VIBE PERFORMING ARTS STUDIOS

VPAS offers a variety of acting and musical theatre classes designed for all levels and ages, including choosing an agent, on-camera basics, and theatrical training. Industry instructors specialize in creating a "relaxed and fun atmosphere," said organizers. Students are encouraged to perform in showcases, productions, and other performances held several times a year in VPAS' own theatre. Private instruction is also available. 24460 Lyons Ave., located just off the 5 Freeway in Santa Clarita. www.vpasonline.com or (661) 255-7464.

DAVID WELLS and SALLY PIPER

Wells, an experienced actor and instructor who studied with Wynn Handman, Peggy Feury, and Jeff Corey, shares his studios with Piper, who has worked in casting, management, and as an on-set coach for a popular daytime drama. The duo teaches a class for kids on cold reading, audition techniques, improv games, and business advice. Classes are offered at West End Studios in Studio City. Auditing is allowed, and private coaching is available. (818) 753-5393.

YOUTH ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS

YADA offers instruction in acting, dance, voice, and full-scale productions. All ages and levels of talent are welcome. Said its leaders: "From the most shy to the consummate professional, YADA has something for every young performer." www.yada.org. (323) 655-9232.

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 7-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. See ad on page 12-A.

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., Los Angeles. www.bangstudio.com. (323) 653-6886. See ad on page 10-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. See ad on page 6-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 14-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. See ad on page 24-A.

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. Performance opportunities are available. Classes and performances are held at the Cavern Club Celebrity Theater in Silverlake. 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 and is currently teaching at the CBS Studio Center. He also 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 taught. Auditors welcome. www.improworks.com. (310) 399-3654. See ad on page 15-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 11-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.

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, 18 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.harveylembeckworkshop .com. (310) 271-2831.

MARK LONOW'S ACTING AND STAND-UP WORKSHOPS

Lonow—actor, producer, writer, director, and co-owner of the Improv Comedy Clubs—teaches two 10-week courses four times a year. The master class is for seasoned standups to fine-tune their act and take it to another level. The second class is for beginning and intermediate students. Lonow's teaching philosophy: "I help the student to find that place inside themselves where more than enough talent and creativity reside. After it's found, I teach them a solid technique to give that talent shape and purpose." There is a free seminar before each session to introduce students to the classes. Taught at the Complex in Hollywood. (323) 936-9550.

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 26-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, 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 29-A.

L.A. THEATRESPORTS

In performance this narrative-based comedy improv technique has teams of performers square off in improvisatory battles for audience approval, but the Theatresports training approach is about storytelling structure, not competition. Theatresports is also well known for its long-form format shows, which include Shakespeare Unscripted, Carnal Peaks, and Improvised Soap Opera. Faculty includes Tracy Burns, Floyd Van Buskirk, Lisa Fredrickson, Robert Covarrubias, Brian Lohmann, and Dan O'Connor. Foundation and intermediate classes are available, as well as an invite-only advanced class that performs every Sunday night. An eight-week intensive workshop runs $290. Classes are offered at the Ivar Theatre in North Hollywood. www.theatresports.com. (323) 401-6162.

JACQUIE LOWELL'S IMPROVISATION CLASSES

Lowell has taught improv in San Diego for the last 25 years and has performed with and directed several improvisational comedy performing troupes. 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, and Merv Griffin. Classes or private training are offered. (818) 780-4457.

THE NAIADS COVEN/ BROOK SYLVANN

A graduate of the UCLA Film School and trained by alumni from The Second City, Sylvann offers improvisational comedic acting training in conjunction with The Naiads Coven, "An improv comedy and nude performance art company." Basic levels I & II (clothed) are ongoing classes held 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sundays, at 4350 Wilshire Boulevard. Tuition is $224 per eight-week session, with one free audit. Class size is limited to two to seven students. http://naiadescoven.tripod .com. (800) 699-2466.

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.

BOBBY POLLACK, A.K.A. THE JOKE MACHINE

Comic, writer, actor, and aspiring guru Bobby Pollack has been performing standup/improv for more than 20 years, while at the same time presiding as chairman of the board of his own swap meet. Quipped Pollack: "I have studied with every comedy/acting coach conceivable as well as some that were inconceivable. I have assimilated bits of knowledge from all of them. Basically I am a comedy composite. I have taken all that I have learned and combined it with my unique perspective, and am offering it along with my beautiful wife and partner Belle (I want to make it clear that I'm not literally offering my wife Belle) in the form of comedy/ standup, improv/writing classes, both group and private, to other aspiring artists, coaches, and gurus." Pollack has performed with Jerry Seinfeld, Howie Mandell, and Chris Tucker and has written for The Tonight Show and Rodney Dangerfield. Beginning/intermediate levels. Showcase included. www.wackywolf .com. (818) 992-4509.

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 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. (323) 936-9524.

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. See ad on page 31-A.

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 television and film writing. It's $300 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) 668-0071. See ad on page 26-A.

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. See ad on page 20-A.

DANNY WOODBURN

Woodburn has worked as an actor and standup for more than two decades. He offers private coaching and classes focusing on what he feels are three essentials of standup: technique, voice, and persona. But can he make anyone funny? "I can't do that, but I can guide what they have into a structure," he said. His six-week class may culminate in a performance at the Improv Olympic in Hollywood, where the course will next be taught starting April 6. (213) 212-3415. See ad on page 2-A.

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.

LAUREN ADAMS VOICE L.A. WORKSHOP

Formerly of voiceover agency Sutton, Barth, and Vennari, Adams teaches this commercial voiceover workshop covering audition techniques and featuring industry guest speakers. www.voicela.com. (323) 953-3617. Affiliated with Voice Box Studios at (310) 659-3260.

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.

BEATRICE CARROLL

A graduate of Northwestern University with a B.A. in music and speech, 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 32-A.

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) 783-9130.

RICK BOGGS

Boggs has worked as a radio personality, commercial announcer, and musical performer in the national print and broadcast media; as the spokesperson for Airtouch Cellular, Boggs, along with his guide dog, Jake, appeared in dozens of ads. Boggs has coached voiceover, public speaking, and singing artists since 1987 and has offered classes through the Learning Annex. With degrees in music and broadcasting, Boggs incorporates multiple voice techniques into his coaching. In addition to voice coaching, he offers demo-recording services through Sound Adventures. www.rickboggs .com. (818) 782-7733.

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

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.beverlybremers.com or www.voicercise.com. (949) 874-0616. See ad on page 29-A.

LINDA BRENNAN

Brennan, M.A., M.F.A. coaches speech and dialects, is currently on the faculty of South Coast Repertory, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and Theatricum Botanicum, and is associated with David Alan Stern, Ph.D. She has extensive individual and production coaching experience. Private coaching is done on an hourly basis. (310) 444-9147.

ELIZABETH BURNETTE

Burnette specializes in the teaching of the Classic Skinner Method of Standard American English to actors who want to speak English without an accent or regionalism. Classes and private coaching available at reasonable rates. Foreign dialects and American regionalism are also taught. 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.

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. See ad on page 15-A.

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.sqlman .com/speechmech. speechmech@aol.com. (818) 761-1051.

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 12 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 2,000 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. (323) 692-5704.

JOEL GOLDES

Joel Goldes offers a physical approach to dialects and accent reduction that works quickly. He helped Mike Myers with his New York accent for The Cat in the Hat and dialect-coaches the Las Vegas production of Mamma Mia; his clients have appeared in NBC's War Stories, the CBS sitcom Still Standing, CSI: Miami, Ali, The Agency, and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Private coaching and telephone coaching available. Complete information and free dialect tips on the web at www.thedialectcoach.com

MARY GROVER, M.A.

With 26 years experience teaching voice, Grover offers voice and speech training, accent/dialect removal, and voice therapy (medical insurance accepted). Grover presents workshops internationally on her U.S.-patented voice techniques, designed to provide quick results for actors. Clients include Academy Award and Grammy winners. Grover is on the faculty of Los Angeles City College, and also serves as a guest lecturer at the USC School of Voice and School of Medicine, and at California State Northridge. www.marygrover.com. (800) 787-7731.

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, Dreamcatcher, Antz, 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 23-A.

KICK ASS VOICE OVER/KEYTHE FARLEY

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 says, "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. See ad on page 14-A.

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

In the last year, Klein has focused most of his teaching on acting Shakespeare. Klein has also been studying Linklater for nine years, and has been teaching and assistant teaching it for six. The Linklater progression made an impact on Klein's acting during his second year at Yale and thereafter while working with Shakespeare & Company, and he has been pursuing it since. He is the founder and artistic director of the Firefly Theatre Company. (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, and now teaches voice for animation with an emphasis on character development work and range. Lallo also teaches commercial voiceover. The classes, which are held at her recording studio, are limited to eight to 10 people. 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.

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.

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. novprods@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. Osburn 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 14-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.

MARK STENDER

Stender said he enjoys working with beginner and intermediate students who are working toward making a demo tape. Previous acting experience is helpful. $75 per hour. (310) 293-6275.

KAREN STRASSMAN ACCENT REDUCTION

Strassman has 15 years experience in America and Europe coaching actors to reduce or completely lose their foreign or regional accents and gain more freedom and versatility in their acting and their careers. She said she emphasizes techniques that allow the actor to fully embrace the new speech patterns and placements as their own. One-on-one sessions are designed to be tailored to individual needs. Strassman is also available for on-set coaching, role development, and audition preparation. (323) 933-6463.

GRANT TAYLOR STUDIOS

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Taylor offers vocal coaching and teaches singers the craft of acting—anything a singer needs to know to work onstage or on-camera. He teaches the "One-Voice Method," created by Judy Davis, which was designed to eliminate vocal problems and rehabilitate the voice. (310) 659-1401.

MARJORY TAYLOR

Veteran coach Taylor offers a voice improvement program to eliminate the register break and establish breath support and control, projection, vocal power, resonance, diction, clarity, posture, tools of interpretation, health and longevity, accent correction, and special-problem resolution. Taylor also teaches voice pitch lowering. (310) 246-1743.

CAROL TINGLE VOICE STUDIO

Tingle, a performer and voice teacher for more than 30 years, works with singers of all ages, levels, and styles. She offers private instruction, as well as performance workshops in her Santa Monica studio. She has a state of California teaching credential, and degrees in voice and music education. Emphasis is placed on the development of the voice and safe, healthy vocal production. She works with performance anxiety and audition preparation and has completed a cassette-tape teaching series. www.caroltingle.com. (310) 828-3100.

Elisabeth Howard'S ORIGINAL VOCAL POWER ACADEMY

Established in 1980, vocal coach Elisabeth Howard and associates offer training in vocal technique for musical theatre, blues, jazz, rock, R&B, country, and opera, as well as performance workshops that include mic technique, choreography, body language, acting, and image. The Academy presents three different showcases three times a year. Vocal power instructors offer classes in studios in five locations, including Glendale, Silverlake, Granada Hills, Santa Monica, and Topanga. www.vocalpowerinc.com. (800) 829-SONG (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 for the beginner to the experienced professional. 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 VOICE OVER CENTER

Complete voiceover instruction, coaching, and demo CD production for beginners to working pros is offered at this company, where actors may train or advance their careers in state-of-the-art classrooms and recording studios. Instructors and coaches are all working professionals in the field of voiceover (including casting directors, agents, directors, producers, and talent). (310) 659-3259.

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 & Burbank and North Hollywood Recording. 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 18 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.

WORLDWIDEVO.COM

Instructor Dan Balestrero teaches classes that range from mastering the art of voiceovers to making a demo. Balestrero has 25 years' teaching experience and has taught for Robert Redford's Sundance Institute, and his clients have worked for all the major advertising agencies. Classes are limited to 10 students and begin at $525 for six weeks. Private vocal coaching and demo evaluations are also available for $150 an hour. www.worldwidevo.com. (310) 575-4321.

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. Zieff guides actors through preparing a demo that will be their "calling card" to the voiceover world, on his own and at Studio 5109 Productions (see ad on page 2-A). A recent casting credit is the Oscar-nominated animated short The Chubb Chubbs! Group classes or private lessons are available to adults and children at Zieff's studio in West Hollywood. (323) 651-1666. See ad on page 30-A.

Musical Theatre

The following teachers and schools offer training and coaching primarily for musical theatre. Other organizations and individuals throughout this issue also offer training that applies to musical theatre; check other categories for details.

AUDITION SUCCESS WITH MICHAEL SARTOR

Pianist, arranger, and Equity and ASCAP member Sartor has coached thousands of performers seeking to develop musical theatre performance skills. Sartor is a former chair of musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, where he developed his "Approach to a Song" technique. Students explore all aspects of performing musical theatre material by developing their skills in the areas of voice, acting, and movement. He maintains a library of musical scores and special material and helps students select and prepare a book of musical theatre songs. Sartor accepts adults, teens, and children as students for private coaching throughout the year at his Sherman Oaks Studio, and currently has students appearing in every musical on Broadway and most regional tours. musicinla@msn.com. (818) 981-2995.

CAROLE D'ANDREA

D'Andrea's 40-year career includes the original Broadway West Side Story (also the film) and Gypsy. She has directed productions of Company, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, and Damn Yankees, and taught musical theatre/acting classes at New York's Carnegie Hall for 15 years. She currently teaches acting and musical theatre performance in L.A. Currently she offers a course on singing performance, as well as an acting class on scene study, cold reading, monologues, and exercises. Audits allowed. (310) 281-7116. See ad on page 14-A.

MUSICAL THEATRE AND CABARET WORKSHOP

Kirby Tepper's credits include performing everywhere from the Groundlings to Broadway and Carnegie Hall. He's an award-winning composer/lyricist who co-wrote Highballs Ahoy!, Back Home, The Gay '90s Musical in L.A., and his new show (co-written with Cheers composer Craig Safan), LOLA, will have its premiere in a regional theatre in the spring. Recently he wrote special music and lyrics ("Robin Hood's Song") for the Academy Award-winning feature Shrek for Dreamworks. He uses the methods of his mentors Uta Hagen and Charles Nelson Reilly, bringing acting skills into the world of singing. Weekly classes. Free class offered. kirbytepper@attbi.com. (323) 460-5139. See ad on page 4-A.

NORRIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS' NEGRI LEARNING CENTER

The Negri Center offers training in all areas of the performing arts, including acting, voice, and dance. Classes include monologue and scene study, musical theatre audition, vocal master classes, and instruction in various techniques of acting. Musical theatre dance is also taught. The center will offer a musical theatre summer camp. Class series range in price from $60 to $550 depending on teachers and length of series. www.norriscenter.com. (310) 544-0403.

TONYA PINKINS/ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE MASTER CLASSES

Tony Award winner for her featured role in Jelly's Last Jam, Tony nominee for Play On!, Pinkins also appeared on Broadway in The Wild Party, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, and Merrily We Roll Along, as well as Off-Broadway, in films, and on TV. Pinkins works with students at all levels on singing performance. Private coaching available. (323) 874-6775.

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

This 12-year-old facility run by Lisa Matsko Hamilton is mainly for triple-threat musical-theatre performers, but it also offers ongoing classes on acting technique, on-camera acting, and Shakespeare. Auditing is allowed, but classes are kept small. Private coaching is also available from Charles Kanganis and Gerard Babb. Among the school's visiting master-class instructors are Karen Morrow, Carol Swarbrick, Jon Engstrom, and Steven Smith. 1329 Sartori Ave., Torrance. www.psarts.com. (310) 328-7664.

Commercial Acting

The following institutions and individuals specialize in training for commercial work. Many of the larger institutions listed under "Acting Schools and Classes" and "Acting Coaching" also offer commercial training; check those listings for a complete look at training in this area.

CAROLYNE BARRY'S COMMERCIAL ACTING WORKSHOPS

In her 30-plus years in the commercial business, Barry has appeared in more than 400 national television commercials, and she's been an acting coach for the past 20 years. Barry and her staff of coaches teach 12 separate commercial workshops, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced acting, as well as specialized classes for improv for commercial and packaging. Classes are between six and 12 weeks long; fees vary from $355 to $495. Class sizes are limited, and an interview is required. Barry also accepts private students on a very limited basis. www.carolynebarry.com. (323) 654-2212.

TERRY BERLAND'S COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP

"The commercial is actually the purest form of film," Berland told Back Stage West. "It tells a story and evokes an emotion in a very short time." Berland should know: She's been casting commercials for more than 20 years, co-authored Breaking Into Commercials (Penguin USA), and is now called on nationally to teach commercial acting. In L.A., she offers a six-week on-camera commercial workshop, limited to 12 students, for $350, as well as voiceover workshops. In her workshops, Berland wants actors to "learn on-camera how to create dimensions in this one-minute commercial medium." She also has a new voiceover class called the Voiceover Center. www.terryberlandcasting.com. (310) 571-4141. See ad on page 18-A.

MICHAEL DONOVAN CASTING COMMERCIAL CLASS

Busy film, television, theatre, and commercial casting director Michael Donovan teaches a three-week commercial technique class. Classes are small and taught on-camera. Donovan, whose background is as an actor/director, also offers private coaching both commercially and theatrically. www.michaeldonovancasting.com. (323) 655-9020.

JEFF GERRARD CASTING INTENSIVE FOUR-WEEK COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP

Jeff Gerrard Casting has been offering this commercial intensive class for the past 22 years. This four-week workshop is offered only five times a year. Class size is limited to 10 so Gerrard can work one-on-one with his students. The workshop 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. (818) 752-7100.

HEY, I SAW YOUR COMMERCIAL!

According to instructor Michael Pointer, this four-week commercial workshop is considered the "No. 1 course in Hollywood for actors looking to learn all the important aspects of the commercial audition process." Some students, he said, book jobs after only one or two classes. That may be because the class instructors are currently active in the commercial industry auditioning and are booking commercials themselves. (877) 835-9809. See ad on page 11-A.

BEVERLY LONG

Long has worked in casting since the mid-'70s, and has worked as an actress, agent, and teacher. Probably best known for her work with James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause and for her recurring role on Father Knows Best, Long strongly believes in "being there for those she cares about." Classes are small and everyone works on-camera two to three times each week. (818) 754-6222. See ad on page 10-A.

SANDRA MERRILL COMMERCIAL CLASS

Merrill teaches on-camera commercial classes out of Westside Casting for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. A former casting director and talent agent, she offers actors insight into finding an agent and into successful audition techniques. Areas of focus include comedy dialogue, spokesperson, personal interview, and working with other actors and product. Special emphasis is on developing improvisational skills—the cornerstone, Merrill believes, of most commercial bookings. Classes are small, and each student is guaranteed work on-camera every class. www.sandramerrill.com. (323) 934-5477.

ORANGE COUNTY COMMERCIAL ACTING WORKSHOP

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. Private coaching is also available for kids/teens and adults. Audits are allowed. www.occaw.com. (714) 832-1895. See ad on page 4-A.

STUART STONE

Stone—a casting director for union and non-union commercials, as well as voiceovers, film, print, and television—has created a commercials workshop teaching you how to audition for the audition in order to excel in booking jobs. He is the author of the newly released book Acting Out: Your Personal Coach to a Money-Making Career in Television Commercials. The workshop usually has a waiting list. It's four weeks, one class per week, and costs $325. It's an intensive, not an ongoing class. He said his class is "one of the best available." www.actingoutinfo.com. (323) 866-1811.

Physical Theatre/Movement

This listing includes groups who use markedly physical approaches to performance, to create material and or/to hone the acting instrument. You may perceive an overlap with the "Comedy and Improv" or "Combat" listings; make sure to check those, too, to be sure you find what you're looking for.

BODY SPACE

Through visionary impressions, imagination, voice, and movement improvisations, Anita DeFrancesco teaches her students to "learn to characterize presence and form, while exploring 'in the moment' consciousness through sensation, emotion, intuition and the 'thoughted motion.' " www.kinepathics.com. (310) 471-2934.

LOS ANGELES FIGHT ACADEMY

You might think a company with this name belongs in the "Stage Combat/Stunt" category, and indeed, the academy's instructors; Julia Rupkalvis, Payson Burt, Charles Currier, and Greg Dolph do specialize in theatrical and cinematic combat and weapons work. But the academy's emphasis, Dolph said, is "primarily on the physical craft of communication through movement." The academy offers ongoing workshops and classes, as well as weekend intensives, all in the San Fernando Valley. www.4lafa.org. (818) 446-0246.

PRACTICAL MIME FOR THE SERIOUS ACTOR

Anna Dresdon (formerly Havre von Lambach) will offer eight-week workshops at the Rachel Rosenthal Studio, covering four main points: strong movement, clear image, precise gesture, and commanding presence. Said mime master Marcel Marceau: "I encourage this fine teacher and performer with all my heart." She also offers private coaching. (310) 559-8414 or (310) 839-0661. www.annadresdon.com.

RACHEL ROSENTHAL COMPANY

Rosenthal, the renowned interdisciplinary artist, whose Artaudian concept of "Total Theatre" combines improvisation, visual art, movement, breath and voice work, offers a 35-hour intensive performance weekend called D.b.D. (doing by doing), as well as an eight-week class for more seasoned performers that meets Monday nights. The class includes exercises, assignments, and improvisation. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and concepts and work toward public performance. www.rachelrosenthal.org. (310) 839-0661.

MIME THEATRE STUDIO

In the only public, ongoing, weekly mime class in Los Angeles, MTS teaches actors, dancers, and comedians how to "make the invisible visible," using the body to express thought and emotion, and to physicalize the actor's interaction with his environment. MTS director Lorin Eric Salm is a three-year graduate of the Marcel Marceau Paris International School of Mimodrama and has been teaching for 13 years, including work for Disney and DreamWorks Animation Studios, feature films, and TV commercials. www.mimetheatrestudio.com. (866) 444-MIME.

KIM WEILD

Weild teaches classes in the Suzuki Actor Training Method and the Viewpoints. She has trained with Anne Bogart and the SITI Company and has worked with both methods for more than 17 years. She has performed in Europe and the U.S.A. The training is designed to "regain the perceptive, expressive abilities and power of the human body in a theatrical context." Besides Bogart and Suzuki, she has worked with Tina Landau, Robert Wilson, George Balanchine, Andre Gregory, Paul Sills, Edward Gorey, Beatrice Lees, Mike Nichols, Abraham Pulido, Andrea Haring, and George Morrison. Suzuki/Viewpoints training is offered throughout the year with various intensives led by members of the SITI Company. Weild will offer her next series of classes beginning with an intensive April 12-13. www.burningwheel .net. (800) 348-7619. See ad on page 31-A.

Solo Shows

The following programs specialize in developing one-person or solo shows for performers and writer/performers.

LANCE ANDERSON'S STORYTELLING WORKSHOP

Anderson's workshops and private sessions are designed to teach actors to write, perform, and showcase their own one-person shows. Specializing in short monologues. Initial consultation is complimentary. la@lanceanderson.com. (818) 623-7220.

THE ART OF THE ONE-PERSON SHOW

Weekly classes in writing and performing your own solo show are taught by Emmy- and Theatre World Award-winning director/producer Irene Pinn. Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner have said, "Any artist wishing to explore and refine to completion a one-person piece for theatrical performance should begin here with Irene." (323) 650-2391. See ad on page 3-A.

TRUTH, LIES AND MEMORY: CREATING THE ONE-PERSON SHOW

This workshop is led by Terrie Silverman, whose work has been presented at the HBO Workspace, Highways, LATC, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts, KPFK Radio, and theatre festivals throughout Southern California. Her program is designed to guide you through the process of developing and performing a solo play, whether you're looking for a way to begin, continue, or polish your material in a supportive, safe environment. Using spontaneous writing exercises, movement, music, and drawing, allows you to write and create intuitively. The actor crafts the work through feedback, improvising, writing, and performing. Ten-week sessions, private coaching, and script consultations are available. Classes are small and culminate in a works-in-progress performance. (310) 281-3175.

Stage Combat/Stunt

The following institutions and individuals train performers in stage combat exclusively, but other schools offer combat classes, as well. Check other categories for details.

ACTION ACTOR'S ACADEMY

The Action Actor's Academy is a company of actors learning to tell stories through action and acting techniques. Classes include martial arts, T'ai Chi, European, Asian, and Filipino weapons. Robert Goodwin, sword master of the academy, has choreographed the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Illeana Douglas, Ving Rhames, Eric Roberts, Ron Perlman, Crispin Glover, and Jennifer Tilly. Goodwin's film credits include sword master for The King's Guard and stunt coordinator on the films Fast Sofa, Circuit, Sex and Violence, and Uh-Oh. His theatre credits include Off-Broadway, the Mark Taper Forum, regional theatres, universities, and the popular "Shakespeare Kung Fu" for the Gascon Theatre. www.ActionActorsAcademy.com. (310) 558-1143.

TODD LOWETH

Loweth has been a teacher and choreographer of stage combat for more than 20 years. His techniques include various unarmed forms and European weapons such as broadsword, rapier and dagger, smallsword, and an assortment of other medieval and renaissance weapons. Private and group classes available. Recognized by The Society of American Fight Directors. toddloweth@mac.com. (818) 760-4712.

MEECHEE

Loweth has been a teacher and choreographer of stage combat for more than 20 years. His techniques include various unarmed forms and European weapons such as broadsword, a four-DVD/VHS, five-and-a-half-hour video he says is "everything you need to know to make it in Hollywood." He quotes rapier and dagger, smallsword, and an assortment of other medieval and renaissance weapons. Private and group classes available. "Recognized by The Society of American Fight Directors." toddloweth@mac.com. (818) 760-4712.

SAMURAI ACTION STUDIO

Michi Yamato teaches Japanese stage combat include karate, sword fighting, gymnastics, and trampoline techniques, as well as battle combat for television and film. www.samuraiaction.com. (310) 849-1466.

SWORDPLAY FENCING STUDIOS

Tim Weske's SwordPlay has been responsible for coordinating fight sequences in film and television for more than a dozen years. Recent projects—such as Far Side of the World, The X-Files, Angel, Firefly, Young Blades, The Gilmore Girls, and Disney's Cinemagique—demonstrate Weske's style. Ongoing classes and individual lessons focus on "extreme detail while blending balance and the actor's intent to the throughline of the story." SwordPlay focuses on the safety and excitement of acted violence, both on-camera and onstage. Actors such as Matthew Perry, Brad Pitt, Robert Patrick, Melissa Joan Hart, and Verne Troyer have wielded a weapon under the guidance of SwordPlay. Also offered at SwordPlay's working fencing studio are Olympic-style fencing classes taught by world-class fencing coaches. www.swordplayla.com. (818) 566-1777.

This is a brief grab bag of various performance training-related teachers and programs that didn't seem to belong squarely in any of the previous categories.

BRAINSPROUTS

Actress, author, and memory specialist Vicki Mizel has been training others since 1980. In 1996 her own agent suggested she train other actors and thus was born her program "Off Book in Minutes," using a language of visual images to anchor key phrases and help the actor learn lines with agility and powerful recall. "This frees up the actor to act and be able to fully develop the character, subtext, and experience deeper levels of the work reducing strain and anxiety," says Mizel. Indeed, since she gained her Master's in psychology, Mizel's work has expanded, with her recognition in the field for her work increasing memory retention among Alzheimer's patients. Private classes and tutoring are available; her one-day class, Remembering Names, will be offered Mar. 22. www.brainsproutsmemory.com. (213) 963-1275

THE DRAMA GARAGE SCREENPLAY SERIES

Each month the series workshops new screenplays, in which actors are cast and work closely with the writer and a moderator. Intensive work is done on scene study, dialogue, motivation, and character development. Guest directors drop in from time to time for feedback and Q&A. The fourth week of the workshops is a staged reading for invited guests. By interview and audition only. www.dramagarage.com (click on the Lab). (323) 993-5700.

EARPROMPTER SEMINAR AND SALES

The Earprompter allows you to deliver your lines without memorizing or notes, and with minimum preparation time. Actor/consultant Brian Collins has been conducting his one-day Earprompter seminar for actors and corporate speakers for 15 years, and he says, "The Earprompter takes the anxiety out of auditioning, acting, and public speaking." www.earprompter.com. (888) EARPROMpter 327-7766.

EAR PROMPTER WITH LINDA SCHAEFER

Linda Schaefer, Earprompter specialist and former TV news anchor, offers private coaching, teaching actors to audition with confidence, use full eye contact, and "compete with an edge" so that they won't have to memorize late scripts. Actors are also taught a "narration" technique for on-camera or trade show appearances, using a special micro-cassette. (818) 802-0497.

ALLEN FAWCETT SOUND STAGE

Broadway (Joseph) and television (General Hospital) star Allen Fawcett teaches film actors' performance labs and cold reading workshops as ongoing classes at his demo reel production and editing facility where actors learn to transition from stage acting to film acting. The company's Demo Reel Production Workshop culminates with the students' work edited into a finished demo reel to submit to agents. Free seminars are available; an audition is required for admission. www.killerreel.com. (818) 763-7399.

THE LEARNING ANNEX

This alternative adult education organization offers short courses in a wide variety of subjects, including voiceover and entertainment industry courses such as How To Succeed in Show Business, How To Break Into Modeling, and How To Get Cast as an Extra. www.learningannex.com. (310) 478-6677.

LIFE AND RELATIONSHIP COACHING

Morgana Rae is a certified professional coach who strives to help clients "close the gap between where they are and where they want to be in their lives." She said she typically coaches "bright, ambitious entertainment industry professionals who want to enjoy greater success without sacrificing their humanity." Personal and relationship coaching—from the relationship with an agent to relationships with significant others—are available. Call for a free chat. www.taprootcoach.com. (310) 657-5340.

LINE RUNNERS ON CALL

This company, created by working actors, provides a professional actor, on call 24/7, to run lines with actors. There is no coaching, critiquing, or judging—just line readings, for those times when your spouse or best friends are unavailable. (323) 356-0950.