Speiser has coached Academy Award nominee Virginia Madsen in Sideways, Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J, the Wayans brothers, Shannyn Sossamon, Mandy Moore, The Rock, Brooke Shields, Jeff Foxworthy, and many more. He assists many directors (such as F Gary Gray, The Italian Job) and producers (such as Neal Israel, Finding Nemo), as well. "My approach is specifically designed for professional actors, or actors who want to be professional," says Speiser, now in his 25th year of teaching. "It's very specific and no-nonsense." His knowledge of working on-set for features and television is extensive, and he is asked to consult on many projects. His ongoing classes are divided into four levels: a beginning technique class (open to all), an intermediate scene study class, an advanced scene study class, and an invitation-only master class. Other teachers include Joseph Khouri (scene study), Pablo Marz (improvisation), Susan Rumor (voice), Fawnda McManhon (commercial/on camera), and Lisa Picotte (children/teens). One audit is allowed in most classes. He also offers career counseling, private coaching, and a resident theatre company, NC 17, which will open its first original piece in October. 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A. www.aaronspeiser.com. (310) 399-4567.
ACTING CLAN
Workshops and coaching of all levels are offered at reasonable prices in the heart of Hollywood by Aclan Bates, a working actor-director of TV, film, and theatre. Bates is conservatory-trained with a double MFA in acting and acting education, and is a directing graduate of AFI. Free evaluation. info@actingclan.com. www.actingclan.com. (818) 752-4884.
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 uses her own system of creating a role inspired by Stanislavsky and Meisner techniques. Adams says she teaches acting "mostly on a one-to-one basis, in a personalized, step-by-step approach." She encourages actors to write their own original character material, solo shows, monologues, and scenes. She offers a Writing Out Loud workshop ($180 for six weeks, including two private sessions), which encourages the actor to explore technique through storytelling, improv, and writing exercises. There is an On-Camera Audition Workshop offered, $180 for six sessions. Film, TV, and theatre casting sessions are simulated so that audition stress can be transformed into satisfying acting experiences. Sides are emailed 24 hours before class. Casting sessions are taped and played back for adjustments and notes. There is also a directing workshop available for actors and directors. Ongoing technique and scene study classes are $180 for six weeks. All classes are available in private or semiprivate sessions. Private coaching is $75 a session or four sessions for $240. 6128 Wilshire Blvd., #110, L.A. www.actorsart.com. (323) 969-4953.
ACTORS CREATIVE WORKSHOP
Actors Creative Workshop believes in fostering the growth of its students in their art and in their careers, led by two guiding principles: integrity and passion. It offers reel development, standup classes, and audition technique, among other specified courses. Its staff consists of highly qualified industry professionals that have worked both in front of and behind the camera, with an actor's perspective on the business. The coaches range from independent film directors to major network coaches. All levels taught. Free demo sessions. Private coaching available. 10523 Burbank Blvd., Ste 206, North Hol lywood, CA 91601. (818) 752-1922. www.trulyacting.com. info@actorscreativeworkshop.com.
ACTORS THEATRECRAFT WORKSHOP - RICK WALTERS
"In real life, we compromise and cover up our preferences in order to get along with others, going along with their 'social order' of things. Far too often, we let others 'have the stage.' It's time we use the theatre as our forum and not hide or cover up, but rather 'take the stage' back expressing our preferences and disagreements with unfair systems that create these compromises, and use the theatre's power to express our point of view. Once you've developed this skill, you will be recognized in this business," says acting coach-director Walters. According to an article in the L.A. Examiner, "Since 1961, successful actors in film, on TV, and on Broadway have used his direct approach to tap into their own unique experiences and quickly reveal the natural responses of the character." Walters has produced and directed more than 100 plays. Michelle Pfeiffer, Mariska Hargitay, Sharon Gless, Priscilla Presley, and Peta Wilson have been trained in Walters' technique, which has been featured on Entertainment Tonight and in Time magazine. Classes focus on cold reading, scene study, improvisation, audition scenes, and monologues. Every actor works every class. Private coaching and demo (DVD) reels are available. (323) 876-1100.
Fran Montano, an actor for more than 25 years and a teacher for 20, specializes in "troubleshooting actors' blocks." To that end, he says, 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., North Hollywood. www.actorsworkout.com. (818) 766-2171. See ad on page A10
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," says instructor Stephen Walters. "It focuses on the development of an actor's impulses, rather than relying on preplanned response." Limited to 15 students each, the classes are $250 a month for the first three months, then $150 per month. An interview or audition is required. Auditing is allowed. 5703 Oberlin Dr., Ste. 210, San Diego. www.actorsworkshopstudios.com. (858) 587-6666.
AIA STUDIOS
"AIA Studios is a career-development actor's studio focusing on the art and business of acting. We work hand in hand with top industry professionals to bring our members the guidance and training necessary to succeed in this industry," says Artistic Director Denise Smith. "As a member, our career consultants will work with you and show you the concrete steps you need to develop and manage your career. Our members repeatedly tell us about the incredible difference AIA Studios has had on their career. Over the past 17 years we have seen countless AIA members move on to highly successful television and film careers. The studio is proud to have an esteemed roster of working industry professionals who are committed to creating a difference in the careers of our members." Audition/interview required. www.aiastudios.com. (818) 563-4142.
AL ROSSI
Rossi, a veteran actor-director, is one of the most respected acting teacher-coaches in Los Angeles. Among those he has directed or coached: Martin Sheen, Scott Glenn, Paul Winfield, Cindy Williams, Ed Asner, Joan Van Ark, John Ritter, Faith Prince, Steve Allen, Louise Sorel, Hugh O' Brian, John Vickery, Justin Tanner, Laurel Green, and Sabin Epstein, among many others. He is head of acting at LACC's Theatre Academy, the oldest continuous actor-training program on the West Coast. His private classes have no more than 12 actors, and he does individual coaching for film, TV, and theatre auditions. His mentor was Sir Tyrone Guthrie in Minneapolis, when Rossi was a charter member of the theatre there. Acting Shakespeare is a specialty. (818) 902-1538 or (323) 953-4000, ext. 2975.
Feinstein and Tuerp, both veteran working actors, offer five ongoing classes which cover scene study from beginning to advanced, fundamental and emotional exercises, on-camera cold reading, and the newly added voice training. feinstein says of their 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. admission by interview only. www. feinstein-tuerpe.com. (323) 650-7766. See ad on page A11
ALBERT DAYAN
"Finally, an acting class in Los Angeles about acting," Dayan says of his scene study class. Placing an emphasis on craft and not industry concerns, Dayan directs his actors to unsentimentally address their bad habits and expand their range. Though familiar with all the major techniques, he prefers to not emphasize any one of them. Instead, he says, he addresses each actor individually, relying on a keen eye for honest work. Students are encouraged to work every session. "I don't teach you how to get the job," Dayan says. "I teach you to deserve it." Nine years' experience. Private coaching is also available. adayan@earthlink.net. (818) 314-7540.
ALEXIA ROBINSON STUDIO
Students can learn how to get results with award-winning actor Robinson. With more than 20 years of industry experience, this protagé of legendary coach Roy London has been teaching for more than 10 years. Film credits include The Nutty Professor, Candyman III, MacArthur Park, and Total Recall. Television credits include series regular roles on The Young and the Restless, Savannah, and Good News. This school offers scene study, commercial workshops, and cold reading/audition technique for adults and for teens and kids. A free audit of the scene study class is offered. www.alexiarobinsonstudio.com, www.arskids.com. (818) 779-1118.
AMERICAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
The Academy, directed by Dorothy Barrett, is a nonprofit organization chartered by the state of California. For the past 43 years, it has offered 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. The Academy also offers a children's workshop, which is an all-day weekend session for children ages 8-18. Tuition is $80 per month. Audition required. 10944 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 763-4431.
AMY LYNDON'S COLD READING/BOOKING CLASSES
Lyndon has six cold reading/booking classes that she says help the student break through into the 1 percent booking category by providing a 15-guideline map to booking. This season she has five students as series regulars and hundreds of film bookings. Some of her regular students include: The O.C.'s Adam Brody, Fashion House's James Black, The Game's Hosea Chanchez, and two-time Emmy nominee Christel Khalil, formerly of The Young and the Restless. Lyndon has three ongoing advanced classes, two technique classes, and one master class. No audits. www.cold readingclasses.com. (818) 760-8501.
ANDREW BENNE STUDIO
The studio specializes in developing professional actors, with a focus on each actor's individual training needs to book paid acting work. "Currently several of my students are series regulars on major network shows," says Benne, who has been coaching professional actors since 1989 and has a stable of celebrity clientele. The intense training process is rooted in moment-to-moment work with an emphasis on human behavior, realistic relationships, and emotional preparation. Classes offer film-style improv, "meaning custom improvs with detailed situations," written by Benne for his students' growth. Professional scene study, cold reading, progressive Meisner technique, private coaching, and industry shows. Free audit. New classes currently forming, beginning through professional levels. 4930 Lankershim Blvd., NoHo Arts District. www.andrewbenne.com. (818) 386-5867.
ANNE HULEGARD
Teaching one of the only "professional acting workshops of the South Bay," Hulegard is a professional actor, writer, director, and producer for stage, film, and television, with more than 14 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," says Hulegard. Workshops and private coaching are available. www.hulegard.com. (310) 621-6303.
ANTHONY MEINDL'S ACTOR'S WORKSHOP
With his holistic approach to the study of acting, Meindl provides ongoing classes to performers of all levels. Set in the Meta Theatre on Melrose (at Ogden), the Lab is a safe environment where regular casting director and agent workshops offer visibility and business education. Meindl says he strongly diverges from traditional techniques, requiring the actor "to use the totality of who he or she is-to first embody, then transform. The actor learns how to expand consciousness when approaching a character and simultaneously propels growth and healing through elevated self-expression." He has taught Los Angeles actors for the last eight years. Previously he taught in New York City, where he studied and worked with Circle Repertory Theatre and Sande Shurin. www.metatheatre.org. (323) 852-6963.
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 he has worked with is Academy Award winner Sean Penn, who said 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." Wolff's former students include Matthew Modine, Chazz Palminteri, and Kate Walsh. More recently he coached Dakota Fanning. In addition to private coaching, he teaches weekly acting classes in his West L.A. studio. Says Wolff, "My classes are ongoing, they're small, and they go from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Everybody works each week, with sufficient time to work and rework the scenes, which are from current TV, films, and plays-many of them now casting, being made or developed. And I teach all my classes. If you study with me, you are taught by me." About his approach to acting, he adds, "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 make every scripted moment seem unscripted, you have to act with 'controlled abandon.'" (323) 227-8363.
BASIL HOFFMAN
Hoffman is a character actor best known for his work with distinguished film directors, including Mario Monicelli, Richard Benjamin, Peter Medak, Alan J. Pakula, and Academy Award winners Blake Edwards, Delbert Mann, Stanley Donen, Steven Spielberg, Sydney Pollack, Ron Howard, and Robert Redford. Hoffman is a longtime private acting teacher and lecturer at colleges and film schools including USC, AFI, and the Academie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts in Beirut, Lebanon. The author of Cold Reading and How To Be Good at It, he offers classes on cold reading and professional acting. Private sessions by appointment. (818) 247-0302.
"The BHP is one of L.A.'s oldest and most respected acting schools," says executive director Allen Barton. The school is under the direction of renowned director and teacher Milton Katselas, a protegé of Elia Kazan and Joshua Logan. The BHP offers ongoing intensive scene study classes to instruct aspiring professionals in the areas of acting, career administration, and attitude. "Instruction focuses on identifying the goal of honest, authentic, moment-to-moment, behavior-oriented acting work, and finding each actor's individual way into that work, rather than on rote enforcement of a certain school of acting technique," says Barton. "High-quality, well-rehearsed scene study is emphasized, with exercises few and far between." No auditions, but an interview is required for admission. 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90211. interviewer@bhplay house.com. www.beverlyhillsplayhouse.com. (310) 855-1556. See ad on page A29
Long has worked in casting since the mid-1970s, and has worked as an actor, agent, and teacher. Probably best-known for her work with James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause and her recurring role on Father Knows Best, Long strongly believes in "being there for those she cares about." Classes-in improv, commercials, television, and film-are small, and everyone works on-camera two to three times each week. (818) 754-6222. See ad on page A2
BILL HOWEY - THE ACTOR'S MENU WORKSHOP
Howey's workshops offer straightforward, in-depth, and honest evaluations. He trains actors to bring their own personality to their characters. His work is designed to uncover acting problems and provide solutions to those problems. In his classes and his private coaching, he uses the principals in his book, The Actor's Menu: A Character Preparation Handbook. Every actor works every night on scenes or monologues that are handed out to the actors. Audits may be scheduled with Carla. info@billhowey.com. www.billhowey.com. (818) 737-7941.
BLACK NEXXUS STUDIO - TRAINING GROUND FOR THE STARS
Susan Batson, who created the Black Nexxus process, says it is aimed to prepare the actor for today's challenges in the workforce and to respect acting as a primary art form. "Black Nexxus was created by the actor, for the actor," she says. 6472 Santa Monica Blvd., 2nd fl., Los Angeles 90038. blacknexxus@sbcglobal.net. www.blacknexxusinc.com. (323) 467-9987.
BOB BURGOS
An award-winning film-TV-theatre writer-director and a member of the Actors Studio Directors Unit, Burgos has worked on- and Off-Broadway and in theatres across the country. He has taught at NYU, the Art Center in Pasadena, Loyola Marymount University, and Chapman University, and has been an on-set acting coach on numerous films and television shows. He currently offers private coaching for auditions and training. (323) 653-5947.
BRIAN REISE ACTING STUDIOS
Reise's acting classes specialize in cold reading 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. Ongoing classes are held in the afternoons and evenings. Reise offers bimonthly orientations for admittance into classes. www.brianreise.com. (323) 874-5593.
BRUCE GLOVER
You might remember this veteran actor as Bond villain Mr. Wint in Diamonds Are Forever, Duffy Jack's pal in Chinatown, or Grady in the three Walking Talls. He recently completed his 71st film, playing father to his son Crispin Glover, and his 74th film, Buffalo Bushido, in which he played three characters. Also a writer-director, he is preparing a film to star Crispin. "I've been there. I help actors break out," explains Glover. "I teach techniques, inner and outer, for the real world of professional acting without forgetting it's an art. Art should be scary and unpredictable. Great actors move and change even as the camera is rolling. They surprise as they allow themselves to be surprised. I will show you a way into dangerous acting." Former Newspaper Enterprise Association reporter Dick Kleiner wrote, "Glover may turn out to be the best, most original heavy of the '70s." Christopher Walken said of Glover, "Bruce helped me a great deal in my early days." Class or private coaching. Cold reading, auditions, tapes, accents, career counseling. (310) 398-2539.
BRUCE HERMANN
Formerly of the Neighborhood Playhouse and winner of the 2005 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching at Ohio State University, Hermann offers scene study classes. He is also available for coaching. Now interviewing students. (310) 229-5250.
CANDY KANIECKI (aka CANDY HERMAN)
Longtime celebrity coach 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) 656-7761.
CARMEN MARIA MILITO
Private coach, theatre director, and former Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute teacher Carmen Maria Milito began her career as an actor in 1970. Her work as a theatre director-coach began in 1990. Her objective is to work with each actor to create the inner life of the character through the actor's natural resources, i.e. life experiences. To prepare for an audition, a monologue, or a scene, she says, she guides the actor's performance away from generality and toward real, specific behavior. Milito says, "You will understand the script and what it is you are doing. You will develop your characters from the inside out, trusting your instincts and creating the moments onstage where those experiences are exchanged on a visceral level with an audience." Milito is a member of the Actors Studio Playwright/Directors unit. Rates begin at $50 per hour. coneyislandrides@sbcglobal.net. (818) 769-5055.
CARRIE ZIVETZ
Zivetz has relocated to Los Angeles after 20 years in Australia and Japan where, among other places, she taught acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney and master classes in Tokyo. She is conducting two workshops in Culver City: The Emotional Instrument, learning how to access that instrument at will, and The Personal Biography, an approach to creating character that ends in a one-person performance. www.carriezivetz.com.
Agents and managers refer most of her students, West says. She coaches many well-known working actors. Advanced scene study (co-taught with Jessica Kubzansky) is limited to 14 and by industry referral only. In West's 11-week audition skills sessions 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," and simulating all aspects for a real audition, not just reading the text. West, a working actor and director with extensive TV, Broadway, and regional theatre credits, has taught for 20 years in New York at Michael Howard Studios (and still teaches there twice a year). Her studio is in West Hollywood. Private coaching is $90 for 75 minutes and $75 per hour to current students. She offers classes in late Jan.-May, late Aug., and early Sept. carynwest@mac.com. groups.yahoo.com/group/carynwest-actorsla. (323) 876-0394. See ad on page A4
CATLIN ADAMS ACTING LAB
An award-winning director and actor, Adams teaches class for all levels on Mon. nights and Thu. mornings at the Elephant Theatre in Hollywood. 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. Students work in every class. Class size is strictly limited. Private coaching is available. www.acting lab.com. (323) 851-8811.
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS - THEATRE BY THE BLIND & PHYSICALLY DISABLED
Year-round program of drama workshops and performances serving visually and/or physically disabled adults ages 18-plus. Weekly workshops in basic acting technique, improvisation, theatre games, movement, voice, emotional strengthening and tuning, character analysis, and script interpretation are offered free of charge. Original works are developed and rehearsed by theatre company members in weekly rehearsals. Theatre company tours an original play designed to educate the public on disability issues; 20-30 public performances each year, some pay. Producing Artistic Director Christina Kokubo. changingperceptions@earthlink.net. www.changing perceptions.org. (323) 660-4607.
CHRISTINNA CHAUNCEY/ON-CAMERA CLASSES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL
Chauncey's Eight-Week Intensive On-Camera Audition Workshop focuses on developing strong cold-read, audition, and on-camera skills specific to television. She says she teaches "from an insider perspective on what to do and what not to do to achieve success in the audition." She has more than 15 years' professional experience in front of and behind the camera as an associate to a major casting office for pilots and series. Class sizes are limited to maintain a high quality of study. Private coaching is also available. info@oncameraclasses.com. www.oncameraclasses.com. (818) 209-1755.
CLAIR SINNETT
Sinnett has been an actor, SAG agent, casting director, and faculty member of universities and performing arts schools. She offers intensive two-day TV/film audition and marketing workshops, based on her book Actors Working-The Actor's Guide to Marketing Success. She also offers ongoing services in designing marketing plans, promotional tools, and strategies. info@actorsworking.com. www.actorsworking.com. (310) 606-5626.
CORONET THEATRE ACTORS' LAB
In 12-week cycles, 20 actors will test their mettle working scenes classical to contemporary, under the direction of H. Richard Greene. In addition to the ongoing work, twice a year the lab presents an industry showcase. "This is one of the most impressive and well-attended showcases in Los Angeles," says producer-director Joe Cacaci. For more information and testimonials, go to www.coronet-theatrela .com and click "Actors' Lab." www.coronet-theatrela.com. (818) 985-5435.
CRAIG WALLACE AUDITION TECHNIQUE
Wallace says he has parlayed his many years of experience as a producer, talent agent, and casting consultant into the creation of the Wallace Audition Technique, which he says 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.
CREATIVE COMBUSTION ACTING STUDIO
Director and acting coach Joshua Finkel, MFA, offers classes, as well as private and phone coaching, for actors and public speakers. All work is on-camera and audiotaped for later study. Classes and coaching are available for film/television acting, sitcom, cold reading technique, contemporary theatre, Shakespeare, musical theatre auditioning, and corporate speaking presentation. Private studio in Valley Village, classes in North Hollywood. coach4actors@aol.com. www.ccactingstudio.com. (310) 285-6777.
CYB BARNSTABLE
Barnstable, who has studied at Herbert Berghof Studio in New York, has been teaching for 15 years in Los Angeles. She offers a "positive, supportive, and challenging" program, as well as a "fun and practical approach to getting work." She teaches techniques applicable to commercials, cold reading, scene study, monologues, auditioning, marketing the actor, and improv, explaining, "I believe in finding your acting strengths, adjusting your weaknesses, and giving you a chance to work a lot in every class." You will have on-camera work and consultation on photo and r\u221a\251sum\u221a\251. She is recognized and recommended by top agents in the business. 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.
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 says she comes "highly recommended" by casting director Kerry Barden, whose credits include Boys Don't Cry, Shakespeare in Love, Peter Pan, and Sex and the City. Rehfeld is currently the executive producer of the television show Celebrity Autobiography on the Bravo Network and a talent consultant for the G4 network. She recently coached on the feature film Within. She also has a Pros and Kids youth division for children and teens. Private coaching is available. www.daleyclass.com. (818) 986-9733.
DANIEL CHODOS
Chodos is a veteran of regional theatre and Hollywood and has taught at Dartmouth College and Temple University. He offers traditional scene study focusing on stage technique and on-camera technique, with periodic showcasing. Competitive fee schedule includes instruction outside class sessions. (323) 422-5013. www.danielchodos.com. chodos@sbcglobal.net.
DANIEL HENNING
Artistic director-producer of the award-winning Blank Theatre Company, Henning teaches an ongoing scene study class at the 2nd Stage Theatre. He says, "This class focuses on unlocking your hidden potential through script and character analysis, voice and relaxation work, and applying the practicality of the work to get the job." Productions directed by Henning have been honored with numerous Ovation Awards, L.A. Drama Critics Circle Awards, Back Stage West Garland Awards, and L.A. Weekly Awards. His actors have won many of these honors, including Dennis Christopher (Breaking the Code), Susan Egan (Hello Again), Peter Van Norden (Loot), Marcia Mitzman-Gaven (Chess), Nora Dunn and Gregory Jbara (Precious Sons), and more. Henning has directed many other noted actors, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Noah Wyle, Molly Shannon, Richard Kline, Marcia Strassman, Nicholas Brendon, Daisy Eagan, Jeremy Sisto, Michelle Pawk, Douglas Sills, James Marsters, Kellie Martin, Sally Kellerman, Ricki Lake, and Edward Asner. classes@theblank.com. (323) 662-7734.
DAPHNE KIRBY SIX-WEEK COMMERCIAL INTENSIVE
Daphne Kirby has been an acting coach in Los Angeles for 19 years. She also casts commercials and works with her husband, Michael Kirby, a commercial director-producer. She says her classes are referred regularly by agents and casting directors. She has combined techniques, which she gained booking more than 100 TV spots, into a six-week on-camera intensive ($399), open to trained actors only and "designed to give actors a competitive edge in booking commercials." She says this weekly class refines skills needed to break through the barriers that sabotage actors during the audition process. Areas covered are: mastering copy, commercial improv technique, working with product, callbacks, delivering what the agency wants, inspiring confidence, successful marketing strategies, and fine-tuning your look. Class size is limited to 15. Classes meet weekly, 7-10 p.m., in the Studio City area. Kids on-camera classes Sat. mornings ($185 for 4 weeks). More information can be found in Larry Silverberg's book The Actor's Guide to Qualified Acting Coaches in Los Angeles. www.daphnekirby.com. (818) 769-9709.
DAVID GROH
Groh has more than 40 years' experience as a working actor, with 12 No. 1 TV shows and starring roles in film and on Broadway. He has been teaching for 11 years at the Strasberg Institute, in N.Y. and L.A., and privately for two years. He offers scene study, Method acting exercises, improvisation, and character work, based on Strasberg and Meisner as well as his own techniques. All levels welcome. Classes are ongoing, $200 per month. No auditing. Requirements for acceptance are an interview, open heart and mind, and the desire to work hard. Private coaching available. West Hollywood. dlgroh@aol.com. (310) 487-0399 or (323) 848-8471.
The Carnegie Mellon-educated Kagen has been teaching and coaching around the world and on movie sets for more than 35 years. His highly successful students include Ted Danson and Alec Baldwin. He now offers ongoing on-camera classes in which students are guaranteed to work twice every class. His teaching faculty includes experienced working actors with professional acting training from Carnegie Mellon, NYU's graduate program at Tisch School of the Arts, and Yale School of Drama, among other acting conservatories. 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, North Hollywood. www.davidkagen.com. (818) 752-9678. See ad on page A7
DAVID LeGRANT STUDIO FOR ACTING
LeGrant has spent 60 years in show business, 50 years teaching-28 in New York City and 22 in Studio City. He accepts students by interview only. www.davidlegrant.com, www.studioforacting.com. (818) 506-0717.
DAVID NATHAN SCHWARTZ
"Like any other muscle, the acting muscle has to be continually exercised or it atrophies," says Schwartz. "This actors' gym focuses on developing and honing a set of acting tools to get noticed, stay sharp, and most importantly get the job." Each week, students work on current TV and film scenes; by combining an eclectic mix of techniques, Schwartz says he helps the actor develop and define his or her own set of flexible and practical approaches to acting and the auditioning process. Past and current students include Emmy Award winners, working actors, theatre actors adjusting to film/TV work, and beginners. Past/present faculty member: L.A. County High School for the Arts, Santa Monica College, L.A. Theatre Sports, American Conservatory Theatre, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Hollywood Acting Corps, and others. Classes, private audition coaching, and on-set coaching are available. info@davidnathanschwartz.com. www.david nathanschwartz.com. (310) 435-4322.
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," says Watson, who 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 of and behind the camera has given me an honest perspective which I use in my teaching," she says. "I recognize actors as individuals and encourage them to work toward their fullest potential." Watson teaches a cold reading/improv class for adults several times a year on Tue. evenings. www.yellow rosesproductions.com. (310) 500-6727.
DENNIS LEE KELLY
Kelly says students in his audition workshop get the personal attention and feedback needed to improve their craft, allowing them to take risks in a supportive environment. Actors are onstage two times a night, and there's a new scene every week. All levels welcome. Ongoing classes. Private coaching available. www.renegadeactors.com. (818) 731-5559.
Warren, a film director-writer-actor, offers ongoing classes in audition and film technique, based on Michael Shurtleff's book Audition. "I am his designated L.A. teacher," says Warren. "I teach how to risk, how to rise above the crowd, and how to make exciting choices. I have directors and casting directors calling me to cast my students because they are so good. My class is recommended by the head of HBO casting, among others, and an article in the L.A. Times on the class said, 'Her comments are dead-eye accurate.'" The small classes include script analysis, improv, and cold readings, "So you work three times a night," she says. She currently offers an intermediate/advanced class in the Mid-Wilshire area. $210 for six weeks. She also coaches actors for auditions. "My students tell me to emphasize that this class improves much more than just your audition skills," says Warren. (323) 936-0195. deryn@sbcglobal.net. See ad on page A6
DIANA CASTLE
Artistic director of 2100 Square Feet, a creative space she established with producing director Steve Tietsort in 1995, Castle has been teaching and coaching actors for 15 years. Her ongoing scene study class emphasizes "a creative state of mind and the use of imagination." Five classes a week are available, with four taught by Castle and one by Tietsort; class size is limited to 30. An interview is required for admittance. No auditing. Castle says her classes and private coaching are "widely referred" by industry professionals. (323) 936-6818.
DIANE CHRISTIANSEN
Christiansen is currently acting/life coach on the TLC reality show Faking It and recently a guest director at CalArts. She is a master acting coach who offers professional classes and private coaching for kids, teens, and adults in North Hollywood and Valencia. If you are in and out of town, ask her about the "Pilot Hopping" package, designed to help you save while here for auditions. Christiansen says she has a dazzling list of alumni and also coaches on-set. She offers Biz Kidz, ScreenTeens, Reel Actors, and supportive life coaching sessions for actors and other artists. www.dianechristiansen.com. (818) 523-8283.
DON EITNER and JAYNE TAINI - SCENE STUDY CLASS
Don Eitner is the founder and artistic director of American Theatre Arts Conservatory Theatre and a member of the Directors Guild of America. Jayne Taini was a member of American Theatre Arts and an associate artistic director of Triad Ensemble in Seattle, and is a member of the Classical Theatre Lab and Circle X. She has been teaching for 24 years. Class work will emphasize the development and personalization of characters written by exciting and challenging playwrights. "Enrich your work by adding depth, economy, and truthfulness," they say. Ongoing classes are 7-11 p.m. at 5215 Lankershim Blvd., Studio B (upstairs), in North Hollywood. $125 per month; class limited to 16 students. Students are expected to work outside of class with their partner. Time is also spent on cold readings, play evaluation, and monologues. "We want to work with challenging material, so that your skills are honed up so that when you are given material with 'not a lot going on,' you can make it fly with your strong choices," they add. Eitner and Taini co-authored Symbols-Enriching Personalization for the Actor. Some experience required; students at similar levels will be partnered. Private coaching available. jayne.taini@gmail.com. (323) 661-7885.
DOUG WARHIT ON-CAMERA COLD READING AND SCENE STUDY
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-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. www.dougwarhit.com. (310) 479-5647.
DS DIRECTORS STUDIO
Daniele J. Suissa, an international writer-producer-director, has directed more than 30 stage plays and enjoys substantial credits and awards for both the large and small screen. Her teaching credits include USC, UCLA Extension, AFI, Canadian Film Center, and the CBC. She is a former dean of the Los Angeles Film School and has recently founded The Directors Studio for graduate directors and filmmakers from the recognized film schools, and for professionals seeking more practice. Led by the directors, this weekly meeting is held on Wed., 7-10 p.m., at CBS in Studio City. Suissa says she gives producer-directors, actors, and writers the platform to develop new ideas and hone their talent under her mentorship. info@danielejsuissa.com. (818) 509-1182.
DUANE WHITAKER'S FILM ACTORS WORKSHOP
Duane Whitaker is currently teaching a film-acting workshop at the Jeremiah Comey Studios in Studio City. He brings years of practical experience as a working actor-writer-director to this workshop. The class is designed to teach a realistic and usable approach to the craft of screen acting. His credits include Pulp Fiction, From Dusk Till Dawn 2, and the latest Project Greenlight movie, Feast. www.duanewhitaker.com. (323) 856-4767.
EDDIE KEHLER
Kehler, who has been acting professionally for 20 years from New York City to Hollywood, says the objective of his class is "to teach actors how to take their work to the next level by delving into the given circumstances. So often, the actor is unaware of what to do in the rehearsal process. As a result, the actor is left to the mercy of others to tell them what to do. This class hopes to give the actor tools and experiences from which to draw to fire their imagination and take command of their choices." He teaches the rehearsal process, including scene study, character development, and how to prepare for performance, based in Stanislavsky and Meisner. He believes this work strengthens audition skills. Each student is guaranteed to work every class. Ongoing class is Sat. 2-6 p.m. $150 per month at the Gardner Stages. Intermediate to advanced levels. (310) 792-1232.
EILEEN-IVY
For The Love of Acting, with Eileen-Ivy, combines the dogma of Meisner, Hagen, and Adler, all of whom she has studied with. She is a 30-year veteran of TV, film, and theatre, and was a regular on The Waltons. She holds a B.A. and MFA in acting from Adelphia University in New York. She describes her class as "upbeat, loving, and fun." John Spencer of The West Wing said, "She's simply the best there is." $80 per month. (818) 906-0935 or (818) 512- 5426.
ELEPHANT THEATRICAL - TRAINING LAB
Elephant Stageworks is home to five working theatres, providing a unique opportunity for a practical acting education. With instructors who are working actors and directors with years of experience in the L.A. theatre and entertainment scene, actors are offered a professional and thoughtful approach to learning their craft. Teachers of classes and workshops include Producing Artistic Director Dave Fofi, Patrick Pankhurst, Matt Huhn, Chris Game, and Debra De Liso, as well as guest artists and industry pros. www.elephant stageworks.com. (323) 962-1632.
ELIZABETH GAMZA
Gamza says, "I have never met a human being who wasn't magnificent. If you're not as magnificent, full, and rich 'onstage' as you are offstage, something's not right." She "provides a safe environment for you to take risks; learn powerful, personal script analysis, and to leave your mark on your work." Her goal is "confident, self-sufficient actors who can do their job; they might collaborate with a director or coach, but they don't rely on them. I teach actors to use all the stuff people tell them to 'leave outside the door' for strong, satisfying auditions that get the job." Classes focus on scene study, cold reading, and audition technique, and she offers private and on-set coaching for all levels of actors. Actors work every class. Auditing allowed. www.elizabeth gamza.com. (818) 481-2774.
ELIZABETH MESTNIK ACTING STUDIO
EMAS is a studio that offers a variety of coursework while maintaining personal attention to each acting student. Classes are kept small, and students work in every class. According to Mestnik, it is a vibrant community for serious acting students at any stage of their careers. Recommended by NBC Casting's Talent Development, this boutique studio offers ongoing classes in the Meisner technique, scene study, and beginning acting. Workshops are offered in on-camera auditioning, commercials, yoga, voice, and improv, taught by some of Los Angeles' top industry professionals. "It's for anyone who wants to invest in their craft to become a well-skilled, unique, exciting, and ultimately working actor," says Mestnik, an award-winning actor, director, and teacher who has coached such actors as Ed Asner, Fred Savage, and Sharif Atkins. Mestnik describes this as "a dynamic home for actors, directors, writers, and teachers, with an emphasis on personal attention and developing the actor from basic skills to career management." 6583 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Admittance to the studio is through interview only. www.emasla.com. (323) 528-6280.
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," says actor-writer-director-producer Gerstein, a member of the Actors Studio's actors unit and the writer-director unit. Her classes and coaching include acting technique, scene study, cold reading/auditioning, and in-depth script analysis. Her professional classes are kept small, and students work every week. Actors are encouraged to make strong choices and to take risks. Students are accepted by private interview. Gerstein also teaches a children's class and offers private coaching for all ages. (323) 852-0276.
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 says, "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, Emilio Borelli, and Alan Feinstein. Bua is the award-winning director of the New York International Film Festival winner 348, and director-composer and 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.
GEOFFREY OWENS
Best known as Elvin on The Cosby Show, as a director Owens started The Brooklyn Shakespeare Company. He has also taught acting and Shakespeare at the HB Studio, Yale University, Gene Frankel Studio, and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. He says his passion is Shakespeare, and he has started a workshop "dedicated to exploring, understanding, and enjoying" the Bard. (323) 420-4884.
GLORIA GIFFORD CONSERVATORY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
"We train professionals," says Gifford, who shares her 20 years of experience as a teacher and 30 years as a working actor with six years teaching directors and writers at the American Film Institute. Among her many successful students: Patty Jenkins (Monster), Brian Dannelly (Saved), Taboo (Black Eyed Peas), Carlos Bernard (24), Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Kyle Massey (Cory in the House), Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite), and Bianca Lawson (Save the Last Dance). The GGC offers advanced scene study, intermediate, beginner, voice production, speech, cold reading on-camera, musical theatre classes, and celebrity speakers and directors. The GGC Company also produces plays, weekly staged readings, films, and showcases. Private coaching is available. (310) 535-4999 or (323) 465-4427.
HARRY MASTROGEORGE - AMELIA PRODUCTIONS
The Harry Mastrogeorge Theatre offers a professional workshop, as well as courses for beginners and intermediate-level students. "Acting is a state of mind: innocence, imagination, and vulnerability," he says. (323) 343-9102.
HOLLYWOOD ACTORS STUDIO and THE ACTING PLACE - ERIC STONE-FOUNDER, PRIVATE COACH
The Hollywood Actors Studio says it is a complete professional training ground, preparing actors for film, television, stage, commercials, and offering special development programs in voiceovers. Stone has an extensive background as a professional actor and director in theatre and multimedia; he has been teaching actors professionally since 1983. He says he's a talent developer and that many of his students work and have gone on to successful careers, such as Cole Hauser (School Ties, Paparazzi). He studied with Uta Hagen, Herbert Berghof, Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, and William Hickey, and is well-versed in Michael Chekhov's approach to acting. "Helping individuals to get in touch with their talent and potential has become a passion and an essential part of my life. Freeing the artist-actor within is what my work is all about," he says. Open to all levels. Intensive private training and one-on-one workshops have become the course's main focus. Cold reading scene study, and performance, film and TV technique, in-depth character work, improvisation skills, scene study, self-expression, and creative freedom. 8879 W. Pico Blvd., Ste. 4, L.A. 90035. www.actingconnection.com. Studio: (310) 205-9219. Voicemail: (323) 460-2580. Toll-free: (877) 591-5400.
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, Laura Gardner, Ted Brunetti, and Marilyn McIntyre also teach classes. The curriculum includes Comprehensive Technique, Application to Scene Study, and The Relationship Between Homework and Rehearsal, then moves on to intermediate, advanced, and master scene study. The studio also offers Singing for Actors, with David Coury; Alexander Technique, taught by Jean-Louis Rodriguez and Kristof Konrad; Solo Performances, with Davis; Fade In: The Fundamentals of Screenwriting, with Laurence Rosenthal; Film and Television On-Camera Intensive: Being Directed on Set, with Brunetti; and Personalization: Emotional and Sensory Access Workshop, taught by McIntyre. An audit and industry referral are required. 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood. www.howardfine.com. (323) 962-1488.
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 50 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/DVD, The Method: Based on Stanislavski and Strasberg. Classes cover relaxation, concentration, improvisation, sense memory, affective memory, learning the role, motivating and justifying behavior, breaking down the script, cold reading, audition techniques, and scene study. An interview is suggested before or after a free introductory class. Classes are limited to 10 students. Daily private lessons, as well as private coaching, accents, and accent reduction are also available. lorriehull@yahoo.com. www.actors-studio.com/hull. (310) 828-0632. See ad on page A24
INSTONE ACTORS STUDIO - NORA STONE
Stone has been teaching since 1991. She was the director of NYFA Film Acting program, 2000-04. She offers technique, scene study, cold reading, and improvisation, using a method culled from a variety of techniques, "to offer students the opportunity to refine and create their own approach," she says. She teaches all levels in ongoing programs and says she specializes in respectfully challenging students to claim unique creative territory. A participatory audit is available with no further obligation. For acceptance she requires an interview, a strong commitment, and being coachable. Private coaching is available. Studio City, Woodland Hills, Santa Barbara. coach@instoneactorsstudio.com. www.instone actorsstudio.com. (818) 888-3867.
IRIS KLEIN
Klein, who studied with Sanford Meisner and Janet Alhanti, offers a scene study and technique class. She also coaches actors for theatre, film, and television auditions. Children's classes are now available. (213) 612-5224.
IVAN BORODIN
Borodin, who studied with Uta Hagen and Lee Strasberg and at NYU, teaches "intense acting" based in the Method, sensory work, etc., that, he says, "is identifiable by its uniqueness, not its homogeneity." Tue.-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," he explains. "Learning isn't a passive thing." He also offers private coaching, with a specialty in dialect and accent reduction. For Borodin, (323) 882-1268. www.ivanborodin.com. For a free Beverly Hills Adult School catalogue, call (310) 551-5150..
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 says he uses his training at the Actors Studio in NYC, combined with on-camera techniques, to allow the individual to bring 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.
JAMES BOLT
Actor and teacher Bolt describes his approach to coaching actors as "the actor honoring the character's experience." Bolt is currently available by appointment to coach actors for specific auditions and acting jobs. (323) 559-9466.
JAMES HONG
Hong played Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China and principal roles in Blade Runner and Chinatown, as well as appearing in hundreds of other films and TV shows over 51 years in the industry. He began his career as a standup comic and trained Joseph Sargent of the Stella Adler School in NYC, Jeff Corey, David Alexander, and Tony Barr. He offers what he calls "intense training and analysis of your acting," primarily Stanislavsky-based, including scene study and "acting technique breakdown and improv." He says his exercises and work will be aimed at students' specific needs, with at least one opportunity to work each session. Hong Acting Studios also offers private, English/accent reduction, and personal career coaching. Currently located in Hollywood. www.jameshong.com hongstudios@jameshong.com. (323) 938-1490.
JAMES LEVINE TYPECASTING INC.
Levine is a 20-year veteran of commercials and owner of Typecasting Inc., and is now working as a commercial director. He teaches an ongoing commercial workshop. The class is four weeks, meeting Mon. nights. Everyone works on-camera each class. The focus is on audition skills, improv technique, making better choices, and booking work. $200. Space is limited. www.typecasting inc.com. (310) 775-6616.
JANET ALHANTI STUDIO
Alhanti teaches a professional 20-week technique 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 offers private coaching. Children's classes are now available. Students must be recommended. www.janetalhantistudios.com. (323) 465-7511.
With more than 30 years of experience as an actor, director, and coach, Kent says she designed her "Life Coaching" approach to aid the actor in understanding and identifying the fears and processes that block making risky choices bold and playful. She says her combination of the Meisner, Adler, and Spolin Improvisation techniques, experience, and heart encourage confidence and growth in skills. Kent offers private coaching, ongoing classes, and periodic sitcom intensive workshops. www.janicekent.com. (818) 906-2201. See ad on page A24
JEANIE HACKETT: SCENE STUDY AND AUDITION TECHNIQUE
Hackett, the co-artistic director of the Antaeus Company, and the author of The Actor's Chekhov and Toward Mastery, teaches a variety of classes in contemporary scene study and audition technique, as well as classical acting technique at the Antaeus Academy. As an actor, Hackett has played leading roles on Broadway, film, and television; she teaches scene study and audition technique in New York and Los Angeles and intensive workshops on Chekhov's plays at colleges and universities across the country. As a private coach, her clients have booked jobs on almost every major network series, including ER, 24, Without a Trace, and Desperate Housewives; in films Sideways and Spanglish; and theatrically at the Mark Taper Forum, Pasadena Playhouse, South Coast Rep, and more. New clients are welcome, schedule-permitting. "When I work with actors, I want them to be fearless, having the courage and skills to access all they've got-sexuality, humor, intelligence, need, unpredictability, warmth, confidence, aggression, vulnerability, charisma-so as to reveal an inner life that's bold, authentic, and arresting to watch. It's all about how well the actor has learned to give him- or herself permission to tap into him- [or] herself and use all of it." Her scene study-audition technique class is held Wed. nights; classical theatre classes are Tue. and Sat., all in North Hollywood. Auditing is welcome. www.jeaniehackett.com. (818) 763-5933.
JEFF HARDWICK CASTING
Hardwick was an agent for 13 years in New York and L.A., and he has been casting features, TV, and commercials for eight years. He offers an intensive commercial workshop and theatrical privates. His methodology is his own, and he describes it as "empowering yourself, with heavy emphasis on script interpretation and advanced audition techniques." He teaches all levels, specializing in advanced. No auditing. Acceptance by referral. 12439 Magnolia Blvd. #296, Studio City, CA 91607 (no drop-offs). (818) 752-9898.
JEFFERY PASSERO
A casting director, producer, director, actor, and teacher, Passero offers scene study and audition technique classes and private audition coaching. He has a successful feature film casting career of more than 50 movies, including Nicolas Cage's Sonny, Poison Ivy, The Ballad of Little Jo, The Stoned Age, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Frankie & Johnny Are Married, and, most recently, Dark Honeymoon with Daryl Hannah, Eric Roberts, and Roy Scheider and The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang with Justin Long for Kevin Spacey's Trigger Street Films, which won the Audience Award at Slamdance 2006. Passero's New York casting credits include The Doctor and Bonfire of the Vanities. He began his acting career at the Roundabout Theatre before taking over the casting there for two seasons. He trained as an actor with Terry Schreiber and Larry Moss, studied at HB Studios, has a BFA in theatre from Catholic University, and studied musical theatre with David Craig. All levels. Ongoing classes. Now offering Sat. and Thu. morning classes at the Victory Theatre in Burbank and Sat. afternoon classes at the S&J Talent Network in Calabasas. Affordable prices. Auditing encouraged. bluntproductions@aol.com. www.jeffpassero.com. (818) 506-8400.
JEFFREY MARCUS
Marcus says, "There are no 'instant ways' to arrive at authentic and complex human behavior. I incorporate spirit-enriching methods to arrive at acting that takes you off the page and into your heart. Classes are a size that enables actors to work every week keeping their talent ready for the opportunities to arise." He assists actors on TV, features, and stage. He accepts referrals from agents, managers, and casting directors. $200 for every four classes. Audits available. Private coaching available. www.jeffreymarcus.com. (323) 965-9392.
JEREMIAH COMEY STUDIOS
Comey has been teaching film acting and training actors in Hollywood for the past 30 years. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to conduct a workshop for writers, directors, and actors in New Zealand, and in doing so worked with Niki Caro, the director of Whale Rider. Comey has been invited to teach a program for actors and directors in Singapore in April. He has taught at AFI and the New York Academy of Film and guest-lectured at Loyola Marymount and UCLA, he recently returned from teaching in Singapore, and he presently teaches at his own studio in Hollywood. All classes are on-camera. He teaches his own approach called "The Art of Film Acting," which is also the title of his new book. Classes are held Mon.-Thu. nights, and Wed. days. Beginning to advanced. Auditing is allowed with a fee that includes an opportunity for the actor to work in class and receive a videotape of their work plus a copy of the book ($23 value). jeremiahcomey.com. (818) 248-4104.
JILL JARESS
Jaress offers career consultations, private acting classes, and audition prep. (310) 828-7814.
JILL PLACE BRANDACT BRANDING FOR ACTORS - COACHING AND E-BOOKS
Place, recently featured in Us Weekly, helps actors create their own personal brand. "With this branded presence, actors can stand apart in showbiz and put the career in their acting," she explains. Place now offers this information in user-friendly e-books. She also does career consulting and headshot coaching. Because she is an acting coach and an intuitive, Place says she "helps actors make acting magic" and discover the best within themselves. She says she can "intuit exactly what training you need to break through your acting blocks quickly and easily," so that her actors work consistently in films, onstage, and as television series regulars. Place also publishes the e-zine Acting Magic and is a regular writing contributor to NowCasting.com. jill@actingintuitive.com. www.actingintuitive.com. (323) 225-9850.
JOANNE BARON/ D.W. BROWN STUDIO
The Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio offers a variety of programs for the professional and select preprofessional actor, writer, director, and producer. Previous president of the Directors Guild of America and Oscar nominee Martha Coolidge says the studio is "renowned for training preprofessional actors and creating stars." Preprofessional programs include a six-week intensive and others. The studio also offers continuing education programs, including a master class, vital acting, classical style work, audition technique, character interpretation and script analysis, and a 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 Postsecondary and Vocational Education. The studio also produces films using its talent (Perfume and Allie & Me) and offers on-set coaching for films, having coached Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Halle Berry. www.baronbrown.com. (310) 451-3311.
JOE PALESE
Actor-director-writer Palese teaches ongoing beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes at the Actors Space, 14106 Magnolia Blvd., Sherman Oaks. He focuses on scene study, improv, cold reading, and sensory work. Acceptance is by interview, and an audit is permitted. Private coaching is available. www.theactorspace.com. (818) 754-4442.
JOE SALAZAR
Salazar says he teaches because he wants his students to work. He offers ongoing beginning/intermediate and advanced classes. He is interested in working with only those actors who plan to start or continue their acting careers and are willing to put in the work required to do so. His classes focus on scene study, monologue work, character creation, improvisational skills, and audition techniques that are designed to create the environment of auditions. He also offers an on-camera class. Class size is kept small so that each individual is guaranteed three opportunities to act in each class. Salazar is an award-winning director with more than 20 years of teaching experience. He is the artistic director of the McCadden Place Theatre in Hollywood, where the classes are held. Private coaching offered. Auditing allowed. Rates are kept reasonable. (323) 882-6433.
JOEL ASHER STUDIO
Asher, who has been teaching and directing for 30 years, offers three ongoing on-camera scene study classes ($250 per month), a cold reading class ($225 for six weeks), and an improvisation class ($150 per month). Class size is limited, so everyone works in every class. "I work with actors between classes at no charge," says 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," says actor 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." www.joel-asher-studio.com. (818) 785-1551.
JOEL COLMAN
Colman says he doesn't teach Stanislavsky or Strasberg methods, but he teaches a method called "Getting Work." He adds that he "teaches acting from a working director's viewpoint" and emphasizes comedy, voice correction, character analysis, timing, and auditioning. He gears his teaching toward goal-oriented actors who want one-on-one personal direction. He works with only 8-10 students at a time. Critiques from agents and other directors are included. One of his current graduates is Masiela Lusha who stars as the daughter on ABC's The George Lopez Show. Audit appointments required. www.professionalactingclass.com. (310) 454-1959.
JOHN GEGENHUBER
Gegenhuber conducts intensive workshops in Spolin Improvisation, created by the visionary teacher Viola Spolin. Gegenhuber, a veteran of 20 years on stage, screen, and television, says, "Spolin's training has influenced virtually every serious acting system in America today and is a prerequisite for improv comedy. As film and TV projects continue to use more improvised material, a command of these skills is essential." Emphasis is placed on applying improvisational techniques to scene work and audition technique. All levels are welcome. An interview is required. (213) 248-9478.
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, E! Television, the Learning Annex, and ITV's Desperately Seeking Stardom. He says 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 as well as a new young professional's class 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 $525 for 12 weeks for adult classes and $600 for 12 weeks for youth classes. Private coaching is available daily, as are on-camera commercials. jkcoaching@ sbcglobal.net. (323) 467-7877.
JOHN SUDOL ACTING STUDIOS
Located in Studio City, this is an industry-recognized training and career development studio for actors. It provides commercial and theatrical training, career guidance, one-on-one coaching, and the opportunity to build relationships and network with fellow actors in an intimate setting. The studio offers a full commercial-training program that includes an online agent- and manager showcase. The theatrical program includes: on-camera theatrical audition technique with scene study, acting exercise classes, personal career development and private coaching. Free commercial and theatrical seminars available. www.john sudolstudio.com. (818) 505-1223.
JOHN SWANBECK
Director of The Big Kahuna, starring Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito, Swanbeck offers classes limited to five people. Instruction includes how to command the camera, and how to be more powerful onscreen. (310) 722-8463.
Jamie Rose has been a professional actor in film, television, and theatre for more than 25 years. Her teaching methods are eclectic and practical, drawing from her 12 years of study with renowned acting coach Roy London, extensive study of Meisner technique, and professional experience. She offers scene study, audition workshops, and private coaching to all levels. info@jrosestudio.com. www.jrosestudio.com. (323) 799-1183. See ad on page A11
JUDITH DOTY-MORSE
Directors Direct Actors, a class that defines this important creative relationship, is one among Doty-Morse's full slate of acting classes. A Stanford graduate and an actor with more than 150 roles on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in repertory, and in TV and film, she has been a teacher for 30 years and a coach on numerous TV series and MOWs. She offers an ongoing weekly workout for professionals to refresh and develop their craft. "This is a safe place to dare and to deepen techniques," says Doty-Morse. The cost is $180 per month, and an interview is required. Classes for adult beginners, and for teens and young people, are also available. She also offers private coaching. (818) 766-5424.
This school has been teaching actors to launch careers and work up the "career ladder" for more than 20 years. Chandler and her staff of working professionals teach nearly 20 different classes allowing for individualized training programs and the development of well-rounded actors. "The experience is detailed and comprehensive as well as uniquely personal, with small classes, counseling, and focus on career administration, training, and guidance," says Chandler. Training is designed on a gradient starting with the beginning foundation classes: Nuts and Bolts of Acting Technique, Actors Image, and Commercials A-Z. Both the intermediate and advanced levels offer ongoing classes in commercials, improv, comedy, acting for the camera, cold reading, and scene study. Also available is a Master Class Audit. The master acting class is also a performing company. Showcases and performances are also held regularly for commercial and acting classes. Classes are held on weekends, on-camera, at Zydeco Casting in Studio City, onstage at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, and at the Victory Theatre in Burbank. The Young Actors Workshop Division has two workshop choices: Step Into the Industry (commercial) and Step Onto the Set (theatrical)-all on-camera, at Zydeco Casting. Young actors meet agents and casting directors in these classes. Classes are "reasonably priced" with special referral credit, discounts, payment plans, and credit card options. Free audits and career counseling are the first steps. www.junechandler.com. (626) 355-4572. See ad on page A10
KATE McGREGOR-STEWART
McGregor-Stewart's acting technique and scene work (foundation and master classes) include style, characterization, script breakdown, and improvisation. She holds workshops in Denver, Vancouver, and New York, and is a sought-after media coach. She is a veteran Broadway-stage and screen actor, most recently seen in Failure to Launch, and has worked with Nicole Kidman, James Gandolfini, Marisa Tomei, Woody Harrelson, and Oprah Winfrey, among others. $250 per month. She also offers private coaching and will help select and direct monologues for auditions. www.katemcgregorstewart.com. (323) 939-3384.
KATHLEEN MAZZOLA
Kathleen Mazzola, artistic director at the Malibu Stage Company for eight years, says she is known for her simple, direct, and oftentimes hilarious method of teaching the art of acting. Her classes focus on improvisation, scene study, and preparing the actor for auditions and a professional career. Says producer-writer Michael Lansbury, "What Kathleen brings out of her students and actors is pure honesty in the moment." Class size and space is limited. kathleen mazzola@hotmail.com. (310) 924-9380.
KEN LERNER STUDIO
Lerner, who began teaching for his mentor, the late Roy London, 18 years ago, offers ongoing cold reading and scene study classes and private coaching in a challenging but nurturing style. Lerner's students work in TV and film. Students get the benefit of his knowledge from his own acting experiences, spanning from Happy Days to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and beyond, combined with techniques from his teachers: Stella Adler, Peggy Feury, and London. For the first time, Lerner has incorporated cold reading into his Monday night scene study class. He also has a Tuesday morning cold reading class. Classes mix beginner to advanced, and cost $200-250 a month; private coaching by appointment for $100 an hour. Free audits can be arranged. www.kenlerner.com. (818) 753-7744.
"Young people put so much of their energy into getting themselves in front of people, and they've got nothing to show," says Jentzen. "They need to invest in themselves." A coach for more than 19 years and an award-winning director, Jentzen incorporates Chekhov, Adler, and Meisner techniques along with insights from her own teachings. She says her style is tough yet encouraging, with on-the-mark specifics that build confidence in her students. Her classes offer professional training in cold reading, scene work, monologue work, on-camera training, and improv, with an emphasis on individual attention, using techniques to assist actors with their imagination, concentration, emotional range, choices, and performance consistency. Actors are accepted by interview only. Auditing allowed. Private coaching available. She also holds her Cold Reading Weekend Intensive regularly, as well as her Essence Weekend Intensive. Jentzen's book Acting With Impact will be available soon. jentzen@ yahoo.com. www.kimberlyjentzen.com. (818) 779-7770. See ad on page A7
LARRY BIEDERMAN - DIRECTING AND ACTING CLASSES
Biederman says his priority is to identify each theatre artist's unique skills, using and expressing that individuality more fully, then teaching them to objectively coach and evaluate themselves. For actors, he offers a scene study classes. His directing study is a favorite among actors who say they consider it a better acting class than an acting class. Directors and actors break down their crafts into new but basic principles that demystify the communication among director, actor, and audience. www.larrybiederman.net. (818) 486-6399.
LARRY MOSS & MICHELLE DANNER AT EDGEMAR CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced scene study and on-camera cold reading classes are offered Mon.-Sun. ($352 for six weeks, $450 for eight weeks.) Also offered are voice, improv, and movement classes. Kids and teens ages 6-17 can take eight-week ongoing on-camera or acting class on Sat. or Sun. Private coaching is available. Industry showcases twice yearly. www.edgemar center.org. (310) 392-0815.
LARRY MOSS STUDIO MICHELLE DANNER
Taught at Edgemar Center for the Arts' two state-of-the-art theatres, this program offers ongoing scene study classes (all levels), cold reading on-camera (on big screen), improv/voice/children, character technique breakdown, and script analysis. Industry showcases twice yearly. $195-450. Requirement for acceptance is a two-hour informational session, offered weekly. Private coaching is available. 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. mdannerca@adelphia.net. www.edgemarcenter.org. (310) 392-0815 or (310) 399-3666.
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 Acting 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 available. (323) 957-4764.LAURA JAMES' THE 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 explains 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, which 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'arte to Shakespeare, also directs and teaches at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Theatre West and works with students on-camera at AFI. Limited enrollment. laurajames100@aol.com. (818) 562-3075.
LAUREN PATRICE NADLER
Nadler is a bicoastal director, actor, and coach-teacher who has done casting, including Adrien Brody in his first lead role. She is actively directing independent films while teaching, directing, and consulting. She says she has assisted countless actors in making the transition to L.A. Nadler believes that "in this town you must be independent-thinking while standing out above the rest, and you must be ready before the calls start coming." Nadler holds classes at all levels and is available for private coaching and consulting, as well as to direct stage and film projects. lpnclass1@aol.com. (818) 202-0774.
LaVALLE ACTORS WORKSHOP
"Do his students work?" Dennis 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. He explains, "It is important to learn specific techniques, but no one school of thought will suffice in all situations." He 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. www.lavalleactorsworkshop.com. (818) 788-2183.
LENA HARRIS STUDIO
Lena Harris is an award-winning actor and author. She started her career as a dancer, working with such legendary choreographers as Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. She studied with Luigi and Martha Graham in New York and at the American School of Ballet in Los Angeles. Her modeling career for Ford Models in New York took her to locations all over the world for leading designers and advertisers, among them Revlon, Max Factor, Helena Rubinstein, and Esté Lauder. Harris also appeared in countless TV commercials. As an actor, she was honored with a Drama-Logue Award for her role as Elaine Nevazio in Neil Simon's Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Her Actors Workshop is an on-camera video workshop where serious actors may sharpen their skills. The school also emphasizes work in dialects, impediments, emotional preparation, and audition techniques. Her new book, 25 Five-Minute Power Scenes, was recently published by Smith and Kraus. www.lenaharris.com. (310) 226-7034.
LESLIE FLEMING-MITCHELL
Fleming-Mitchell has worked extensively in front of and behind the camera as an actor, director, and casting director as well as acting coach for actors preparing for film and TV roles. Students include Emile Hirsch, Hank Harris, and Michael Mantenuto. She is on the faculty of the International Film and Television Workshops. Private coaching and ongoing small group classes address audition skills and scene work, with an emphasis on optimizing each actor's creative power. Acting on-camera workshops, offered throughout the year, provide review of all monologues and scenes filmed. Fleming-Mitchell says she uses the Toolbox approach: "Actors need different tools at different times to unblock and open to the full reality of the character. Drawing from highly effective exercises and methods from Meisner to Stanislavsky, I tailor my approach to each actor to achieve the desired goal of truthful, compelling creations." Beginning to professional. $40 per hour for private coaching; $130 per four sessions. $100 per month for group classes (2-6 actors) with four-class commitment. Auditing allowed. Interview required. lesliefilm@yahoo.com. lesliefleming-mitchell.com. (310) 991-4162.
LESSAC SUMMER VOICE AND BODY TRAINING WORKSHOPS
For almost 40 years, these workshops have offered intensive training in voice, body, and text exploration. These programs are intended for those in performance, in education, in broadcasting, or in communications. Workshops range from one week to four weeks and are taught in an all-day format, 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m., with appropriate breaks. The next sessions will run in summer 2007. Undergraduate and graduate course credit is available. Applicants will be interviewed by the director of training, Sue Ann Park. deb.kinghorn@unh.edu. www.lessacinstitute.com. (603) 862-1963.
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. www.lightscameraacting.com. (714) 356-9800.
LILYAN CHAUVIN, DGA DIRECTOR
Chauvin, an actor, director, and writer who taught for 10 years at USC and two years 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 $225 per following four weeks, strives to create "as close to a real on-the-set environment as possible," she says. The theory class is $40 a week and concentrates on scene breakdown, scene analysis, physical action, accents, cold reading, interviewing skills, and commercials. Auditing of the on-camera class is permitted for a $10 fee (donated to Children's Hospital). Chauvin is former vp of Women In Film and currently heads Women In Film's directors workshop. Private coaching is available at $80 per hour. (323) 877-4988.
LINDSAY CROUSE
Crouse, an acclaimed star of film, television, and theatre, now offers acting instruction. (310) 573-6288.
LISA DALTON STUDIOS INC.
Lisa Dalton heads this studio based in Michael Chekhov's technique. She is an award-winning international actor, teacher, director, and producer. Dalton co-produced the documentary From Russia to Hollywood about Michael Chekhov, was an on-camera acting consultant for A&E's Spying on Myself pilot, co-founder of the International Michael Chekhov Association, and is on the teacher certification board of the National Michael Chekhov Association. She offers courses in technique, cold reading, on-camera commercials, dramatic and comedic scene study, career management, promotional skills, and soap opera. The studio is chaired by Jyl Shoaf and Matt Franklin. The approach is primarily founded in Chekhov, with strong body-mind-spirit holistic approach. Psychological Gesture, Imaginary Body and Centers, Atmospheres and other imagination-mind-body techniques created by Chekhov are merged with the Stanislavsky System of Analysis and Physical Actions. Private coaching, short-term, and ongoing classes for all levels, including acting teachers. Dalton splits her time between this studio and her new studio in Dallas. www.lisadaltonstudios.com, www.chekhov.net. info@chekhov.net, lisa@lisadaltonstudios.com.
LISA ROBERTSON
Robertson is a well-known coach in feature film and television, and has actors working on most major TV dramas and sitcoms. A protegé of Larry Moss, with whom she trained for nine years, she also enjoys a close association with British coach Patsy Rodenburg and produces workshops and plays, as well as working as associate director for Rodenburg's U.S. projects. Robertson is also guest faculty at the Michael Howard Studios in New York, where she teaches on-camera audition intensives. She offers actors a variety of tools and techniques to release their work. Intermediate to professional levels. Ongoing scene-study/technique class, emphasis on stage and film, $210 per month. Weekend on-camera audition intensives. Requirements for acceptance: commitment and passion for the work, assessed after phone interview and class audit. Audit is mandatory; headshot and résumé required on audit. Personal referral helpful. Studio: 8801 Cashio St., L.A. Private coaching available, price upon request, Brentwood location. info.lisarobertson@earthlink.net. www.lisa robertsonstudio.com. (310) 826- 7466.
LOS ANGELES ACTORS CENTER
LAAC has classes for all actors. These include foundation classes such as Meisner for beginning to advanced actors who are looking to build and maintain their acting instruments. They also offer industry nuts-and-bolts classes, such as "How To Book TV/ Film Jobs in Hollywood: Seven Simple Steps to Awesome Auditions" and "How To Be Captivating on Camera: The 4 Principles." A one-day workshop of the Industry Nuts and Bolts is also available. Free audit classes available. 14336 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. www.laactorscenter.com. (323) 445-3992.
LYNETTE KATSELAS McNEILL
McNeill offers classes "designed to meet a wide range of professional needs." Former clients include Anne Archer, Faith Ford, Adam Sandler, Jason Lee, and Giovanni Ribisi. Says 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, technique, private coaching, and audition preparation. www.lynettemcneill.com. (310) 274-1085.
MARGIE HABER STUDIOS
Margie Haber Studios offers on-camera audition technique and cold reading workshops. With more than 25 years of experience, Haber is an internationally renowned auditioning coach and has taught A-list Hollywood actors her technique that is based on her book, How to Get The Part Without Falling Apart. Among her clients: Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Vince Vaughn, Heather Locklear, Kristin Davis, Mariska Hargitay, and Molly Sims. All of the studio's instructors train in Haber's method, Stop Acting and Start Living the Life of the Character. Actors begin with taking an "intensive" course at their level, followed by an ongoing course. Intensives $500-$650, ongoing $250. Private coaching available. Before enrolling, students must attend orientations, held at the studio every Monday at 1:30 p.m.; bring a headshot and résumé. Margie Haber, www.margiehaber.com, www.myspace. com/margiehaberstudios. (310) 854-0870.
MARILYN FOX
Marilyn Fox, artistic director of Pacific Resident Theatre, offers classes. Beginning/intermediate concentrates on scene study, cold reading, improvisation, and strengthening imagination. Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $140 per month. Advanced focuses on strengthening technique and ease in scene work, audition technique, text analysis, and Shakespeare. Mon. 7-10:30 p.m., $140 per month. (310) 301-3971, ext. 10#, or (310) 820-7122.
MARK TILLMAN, CSA
From MacGyver and Stephen King's: It to MTV's Undressed and The Andy Dick Show, including award-winning indie films, Tillman has been casting for 25 years. He cast actors such as Cuba Gooding Jr., Hilary Swank, Brittany Murphy, and Adrien Brody early in their careers. Classes focus on understanding the character, freeing emotions, and strengthening communication to help his students in the audition. (310) 557-2565.
MARNIE SAITTA and DON PHILLIP SMITH
Saitta and Smith offer one-day workshops and ongoing scene study, cold readings, and on-camera technique. Private coaching available. (323) 654-8912.
MEGAN FOLEY CASTING
Foley offers one-day commercial intensives, for adults and for kids. www.meganfoleycasting.com. (818) 216-9350.
MELISSA SKOFF
Casting director Skoff teaches cold reading and audition technique classes for working and advanced actors. She has cast more than 100 feature films, MOWs, pilots, and series. In 2001 she was named among Hollywood's Top 20 TV Casting Directors by Ross Reports. Classes are purchased by the month; an audition is required. Skoff also specializes in private coaching. Her experience covers drama and comedy, including sketch comedy. There is an emphasis on improvisation in the class, and she has worked with many well-known comics. Skoff has been a casting executive at Warner Bros. and Fox Broadcasting, as well as casting independently. She says she has a keen eye for talent and has cast such stars as Jennifer Aniston, David Spade, Lauren Graham, Harry Hamlin, Vince Vaughn, and Michelle Pfeiffer early in their careers. She says she creates a positive environment that encourages actors to challenge their skills and make exciting choices. Several industry professionals visit and work with the class. Skoff holds a B.A. in theatre from UCLA. melissaskoff.com. (818) 760-2058.
MICHAEL D. NYE DYNAMIC ACTING
Actor-director Nye (Carnivale) says his acting class uses innovative warm-ups, exercises, and scenes to achieve more-dynamic, powerful, and consistent performances for film, television (including commercials), and stage. "Our basic tenet is that emotion cannot be forced, but rather it comes about through imagination, action, and discovery," says Nye. "Character is determined by what we do, not what we say." Nye says his approach dramatically increases the actor's chances to bring fresh insights into his or her work. He offers a "supportive class for committed actors." Author of the forthcoming book Dynamic Acting, Nye has small classes beginning now. (818) 509-1629.
MIKE POINTER CASTING AGENT
Pointer offers a free commercial class that will evaluate your skills, provide on-camera exercises, and discuss what CDs look for. www.heyisaw yourcommerical.com. (323) 939-4612.
MILLIE SLAVIN
Slavin says, "One of my strengths is the ability to quickly assess the needs of the actors in order for them to dynamically bring to life any given character, so that they don't settle for the predictable or the obvious. I then tap into each student's uniqueness so that he or she may achieve the skill and confidence necessary to set them apart and enable them to compete at the highest level." She is a veteran of New York theatre, television, and film. Among her achievements is a Cable ACE Award nomination for best actress for her work in HBO's series Sessions. Her training includes extensive study with Uta Hagen and Roy London. Slavin says she is regularly sought after as an acting coach for projects in all of the current media. She offers a variety of services for group or private instruction, including scene study, technique, cold reading, and preparation for auditions. She also coaches actors who are currently engaged in television, film, and theatre projects. Classes are available for children, as are seminars on acting for writers. www.millieslavin.com. (310) 582-3485.
NATALIA LAZARUS
Lazarus, founder of the Promenade Playhouse and Promenade Conservatory, is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYU film program, and the Sorbonne University in Paris, and has worked with some of Hollywood's top industry professionals as a private coach. She studied screenwriting under Syd Field and says she is the only person authorized by him to teach his technique. She has directed numerous theatrical productions, as well as several short films. She says her directorial skills assist actors in character interpretation and development, and sharpen audition techniques needed to book jobs. Lazarus co-developed the workbooks Character Preference and Character Expression, and is working on the textbook The Essentials of Acting. She has appeared on New York and Los Angeles stages; film credits include Across the Line, Touchstone, and Love It Is. On TV she has appeared on, among others, Passions, The Young and the Restless, You Be the Judge, and Port Charles, as well as national commercial and voiceover campaigns. She is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. (310) 656-8070, ext 14.
NATALIE FORD ACTING STUDIO
"So many acting classes cheat the actor, because all the teacher is doing is directing them," says Ford. "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." She offers scene study technique classes and specializes in private coaching for auditions or set support. "I teach actors how to make solid choices, to make them interesting, to tell the truth," Ford says. "After years behind the scenes in casting, I know how to give them the tools they need to create a competitive edge. I enroll career-minded students only. My students work hard onstage every class, and they make tremendous improvements very quickly." Class sizes are limited. Interview is required. Ford trained with Jean Shelton and at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. She currently casts independent films and has a background in casting theatre and network television. She was also creator and executive producer of an annual celebrity one-act festival for charity. nfactingstudios@aol.com. (310) 428-1840.
NATALIJA NOGULICH
An award-winning theatrical producer-director and Broadway, TV, and film actor, Nogulich has been teaching acting for 18 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 Stanislavsky approach to acting. She has performed opposite Val Kilmer, Jack Nicholson, Joe Mantegna, and William H. Macy, and recently appeared in Mamet's series The Unit. Her scene study class meets Tue. nights and costs $40 per class or $150 per month. Audits are available. Classes are held at the Egyptian Arena Theatre, a fully equipped 99-Seat theatre in Hollywood. www.natalijanogulich.com. (323) 464-1222.
NED MANDERINO
Manderino has been a post-Stanislavsky acting coach in Los Angeles since the 1970s. He combines total Method principles that he learned initially from Stella Adler and then, for six years, from his close friends and mentors Lee Strasberg and Harold Clurman, granting Manderino a privilege few acting coaches have experienced. Elia Kazan arranged for him to have complete participation in The Actors Studio, which Kazan rarely offered. Manderino says his emails are flooded with gratitude for his groundbreaking books and enable him to enjoy the effect of the knowledge he grants to thousands of actors worldwide, as well as hundreds of acting teachers. As a coach-director, he has, aside from Los Angeles, worked in New York, New Orleans, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Greece, Japan, Russia, and Italy. He has coached/directed actors who have among them won two Oscars, 20 Emmys, four Golden Globes, three Tonys, a Pulitzer playwriting prize, and a Kennedy Center Honor. His Hollywood workshop on Theatre Row is limited to 12 people for individual attention and at a reasonable fee. www.manderino.com. (323) 860-8790.
NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY
This academy offers one-year and short-term programs in: directing for film, acting for film, screenwriting, producing, and 3-D animation and special effects. Year-round, summer, and evening workshops available, as are hands-on total immersion workshops. The academy now offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degree programs. Located in Universal Studios; branches in New York and London. www.nyfa.com. (818) 733-2600.
NICOLAS COSTER STUDIO
Coster's credits include nine Broadway shows, 24 Off-Broadway, 35 feature films, three prime-time leads, 75 guest-star appearances, nine MOWs, nine leads on soaps, three Emmy noms, and a Soap Opera Digest Award. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Neighborhood Playhouse, and with Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Milton Katselas, and Frank Silvera. He is currently adjunct professor at the University of Georgia. Work includes cold reading, scene study, exercises, and improvs; modern, musical, and classical for all levels; career-management challenges. Eighty-five percent of students working in 2006. Class limited to 15 students. $300 for eight sessions. Interview and commitment required. Private coaching available. www.nicolascoster.net. (213) 952-5685.
NIKOLAI GUZOV
Guzov, a Russian acting teacher originally from St. Petersburg, says, "My intent is to make a teacher unnecessary for you-to provide you with tools to develop yourself within the profession as an independent artist, and to train you to perform on the set or stage with a strong, precise, and professional technique that consistently leads to inspired acting." Toward that end, he offers one private lesson and one group class per week for $250 a month. (213) 448-7648.
orange county pro
Klineman won a Tony Award as a member of the Broadway cast of Death of a Salesman, starring Brian Dennehy. He teaches at UCLA and has taught at many theatres and universities, including The Goodman School of Drama. He graduated from Princeton and then studied with Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse and with Kristin Linklater as a member of Shakespeare and Company. Klineman says, "The class is a safe, nurturing environment. I combine Meisner-based repetition and object work with Linklater voice work to enhance each student's creative impulses and produce truthful connection between scene partners." He also offers private coaching for singing, dialects, and accent reduction, as well as audition preparation. A free class audit can be scheduled by phone. www.kentklineman.com. (323) 665-6776.
Elizabeth Kent and Bob Edmiston teach young-actor classes 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 actor, casting director, and associate agent. (949) 675-3272. See ad on page A24
ORANGE COUNTY SONG & DANCE CO.
This company offers two summer sessions for ages 9 to young adult 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.
OTTO FELIX AT THE FILM ACTORS SHOP STUDIOS
Director, writer, producer, actor, and photographer Otto Felix has been teaching for more than 20 years. Film acting sessions for all levels include "lots of cold reading and memorization from feature film, TV, and cable movie scripts." Commercial workshops covering makeup, wardrobe, signing in, on-camera performance, personality, and self-confidence are also offered. Felix studied with Strasberg, Meisner, and Charles Conrad, and is the founder of Handicapped Artists, Performers and Partners Inc. He is currently producing and directing two of his scripted features. "The Film Actors Shop is the best place to 'jump-start' a career, make connections, and get work," says Dwight Yoakam. Free auditing with an appointment. Film Actors Shop Theater/Studio, 10835 Santa Monica Blvd., Westwood. (310) 470-1939.
PAUL SYLVAN
Sylvan leads an ongoing "no b.s." acting workshop in which he emphasizes "see the character, be the character" and "keep it simple, make it real." The workshop meets Thu. nights, and free auditing is welcome. Explains Sylvan, "I do not teach Method acting. Pretending you're a tree or a fish or glue has nothing to do with what happens between 'action' and 'cut.'" mail@paul sylvan.com. www.paulsylvan.com.
PIERO DUSA
Over the past 21 years, Piero Dusa has trained many well-known working actors. In 1985 he founded the Piero Dusa Acting Conservatory and the Duality Playhouse in New York City; in 1996 he co-founded the Piero Dusa Acting Conservatory and the Promenade Playhouse in Santa Monica. Dusa also created Character Preference, Character Expression, Character Pathology and co-created Character Matrix-techniques that teach actors, writers, and directors new tools and insights on how to differentiate the action of the character from the actor's personal preferences. He has studied with Sanford Meisner, William Alderson, Stella Adler, and Mikhail Tsoglin from the Russian Academy of Drama. In 2006 Dusa went on his own. He specializes in teaching actors how to get callbacks and how to be prepared when meeting an agent. His emphasis is on cold reading, film, monologue, commercial, and scene study technique. He works with all levels of actors. He co-wrote the feature Revenge Play, which is currently in development, along with The Return, which won first place at the Hollywood Film Festival Screenwriting Discovery Awards 2002. As a director, he directed the film No Promises, along with many other theatrical productions throughout the country. as well as in Edinburgh, Scotland. In winter Dusa is producing and casting the feature Parts Unknown. Next year he will be directing The Jackdaw, a film about 1934 Europe, that will be shot in Romania. Currently he is offering private coaching and an eight-week On-Camera/Film Audition/Scene Study class. www.pierodusa.tv. (310) 393-9378.
PLAYHOUSE WEST SCHOOL AND REPERTORY THEATRE
Robert Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum founded this school in 1981. The faculty members take an ensemble approach to teaching in the theatre's ongoing beginning, intermediate, advanced, and senior advanced classes. The playhouse, which has a second North Hollywood location, Playhouse West Studio Two, also regularly develops and stages plays with members of the senior advanced class. Free audit is required. 4250 Lankershim Blvd. and 10634 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. www.playhousewest.net (818) 881-6520.
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 student to come away with a usable, practical technique to book the job, and to know what to do once you've booked it." Her emphasis is on finding joy in the work, "getting out of the head and into the heart...and soul." She insists on a class environment that is supportive and nurturing, at the same time pushing each actor to take risks and go beyond perceived limitations. She draws on her varied training with Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Michael Moriarty, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Her most recent influence is noted Russian master teacher Leonid Anisimov, whom she says "has brought Stanislavsky's system back to life in a fresh, powerful, palpable way...an acting technique for a new century." Classes are small to facilitate individual attention. Every student works each session. Scene study class culminates in a two-night industry showcase performed at a reputable L.A. theatre venue. Randolph has been acting, teaching, and directing in L.A. and New York for more than 25 years. She has directed or coached such well-known artists as Bobby Costanzo, Bruce Davison, Julie Harris, Ron Perlman, Pamela Reed, Nancy Travis, Sherri Shepherd, and John Randolph. She also coaches privately for audition prep and/or monologue and scene work. She is seeking serious actors who are eager to learn and practice a craft. randolph studio4actors@adelphia.net. (323) 882-6669.
RICHARD SEYD ACTING STUDIO
"Richard Seyd knows what he's doing. You cannot do better," says Peter Coyote. "If you find you're often the best actor in a crowded class where you only work once every two or three weeks, make a change," says Seyd. "In our ongoing labs you will be able to work on every aspect of your craft. There are a maximum of 12 actors per class, so you work every week. We treat you like a professional and not like just another student. If you take your craft seriously, this is the studio you've been looking for." The studio hosts free orientations, led by Seyd, every six to eight weeks, which a studio spokesperson says provide a good way to meet Seyd and learn more about the studio. The next orientation will be Sat. Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Reservations required. Auditing class is also free. studio@seydways.com. www.seydways.com. (323) 668-1475.
ROB REECE ACTORS WORKSHOP
Rob Reece is a 37-year veteran of film, TV, and theatre. Based in Los Angeles with classes in San Francisco, Reece teaches Progressive Method Acting, which he describes as "in-depth instrument work, craft tools described and demonstrated, understanding tension, inspiration, character work, script analysis, and the unconscious creative process." Reece is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and has worked with Lee Strasberg, Jonathan Demme, Clint Eastwood, Sydney Pollack, Mark Rydell, Martin Landau, and John Sturges. Free audit. (310) 859-9696; in San Francisco, (415) 928-8929.
ROBERT D'AVANZO
D'Avanzo describes his acting class at the Underground Theatre as a "dynamic and thorough scene study class where the actor works every week in a prepared scene." D'Avanzo says he seeks out "blood-and-guts actors" who want the "stamp of truth on everything they say and do." Class size is limited. "I have received a great deal of top-management- and agency-referred clients for instruction. As a result, I've been able to work with some of the industry's newest upcoming stars and celebrities. It's very rewarding witnessing their growth as an artist and success in the industry," says D'Avanzo. Work is based on the teachings of Uta Hagen. D'Avanzo also offers his on-camera cold reading class that he says gets actors to the next level in their careers. Call to schedule an audit. Scene study classes are held at the Underground Theatre, 1312 N. Wilton Pl., Hollywood, and on-camera cold reading classes at the Actors Group, 4378 Lankershim Blvd., Universal City. Private coaching. rgd37@adelphia.net. (818) 508-0723.
ROBERT F. 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, Clea DuVall, Jason Dohring, and many others. Professional classes and private sessions offered. www.insideacting.com. (818) 766-6480.
RON BURRUS ACTING STUDIO
Burrus says he is the only technique teacher apprentice trained by Stella Adler. He taught with her for 10 years in NYC and L.A. before opening his own studio for film/TV workshops here 20 years ago. He offers a daytime foundation seminar in a six-week, Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. intensive. These intensives are conducted for eight months in L.A. and four months in NYC during the fall. Also on staff are Leonard Salazar for technique/directing and Laura Leyva for voice. Deb Aquila is guest teacher for the Business of Acting annual six-week seminar. Salazar conducts evening foundation seminars year-round. Advanced classes include rehearsal/performance, film character scenes, and on-camera auditioning. Business of Acting, held yearly, is conducted by Burrus, Salazar, and Aquila through Stella Adler Studio (NYC) and NYU. Like Adler, Burrus emphasizes imagination as an actor's primary tool and the releasing of talent through understanding and actions. Says Adler, "He is the best example of a teacher who can give you a technique for acting." Los Feliz Playhouse, 4646 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. www.ronburrus.com. (323) 953-2823.
RUBEN MORENO FILM ACTING WORKSHOPS
Moreno is a longtime actor who has appeared in more than 400 films, as well as TV shows and specials, including Kung Fu, Banacek, Ironsides, The Flying Nun, Hill Street Blues, Sea Hunt, Bonanza, and The Fall Guy. He has 30 years of experience as a professional acting coach for film, TV, and commercial acting. He says his course is a comprehensive class on the art of acting, including character development, camera technique, cold reading, scene analysis, and auditions, as well as commercial acting technique, voiceover, and narration. Classes take place at the Shakespeare at Play Theatre in Burbank. Thu. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. (818) 845-5633.
SAM CHRISTENSEN STUDIOS
Christensen, a former casting director for M*A*S*H, teaches an ongoing class that features monologue work designed to give actors a working technique and enable them to put their personal stamp on any role. Classes are limited to 14 students. The cost is $240 per month, with an initial eight-week commitment required. Christensen has been teaching for 16 years and does not allow auditing. 10440 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 506-0783.
SANDRA K. HORNER PERFORMANCE STUDIO
Horner began her 25-year career in NYC, where she trained directly with master teacher from the Group Theatre Robert Lewis. From there, she founded the Performance Studio in Minneapolis, and she has taught there and in L.A. for the past 15 years. Horner says she creates a supportive environment, in which she demystifies the Method and helps students build confidence through a solid understanding of the acting craft. This intensive study includes Method, "laying down the foundation"; Meisner technique, "strengthening your emotional expression"; and Lewis Script Analysis, "putting you in command of any text." Private coaching/directing available for marketing the actor and important auditions; affordable hourly rates. Horner also gives her students the opportunity to perform live in Wide Variety Theatre, an L.A. industry performance. The 47th production of WVT is April 23 & 25, 8 p.m., at The Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; complimentary wine, cheese, and condoms. skhperformance@aol.com. www.sandrakhorner.com. (818) 997-6740.
SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE ACTORS' WORKSHOP
"To the actor," says 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 38th year as teacher of the workshop. Acceptance to classes is by interview. He also offers private coaching. 1211 Fourth St., Santa Monica. (310) 394-9779, ext. 673.
SARAH J. SIMMONS
Along with cold reading and scene study, Sarah teaches a "First Stop" class designed for actors new in town or actors who need to get on track with their career goals. A professional auditor and judge in the all-state school competitions, Simmons says you will be taught the specific guidelines required by CD workshops and how to shine. (818) 720-4318.
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.
SCOTT SEDITA ACTING STUDIOS
Sedita, the 2008 Back Stage Readers Choice winner for best acting coach, is the author of the book "The Eight Characters of Comedy" and "Scott Sedita's Guide to Making It in Hollywood." He says his studio is where "the actor's craft and career come together." He was a former agent and has developed the careers of Matt LeBlanc and Christopher Meloni, among others. As an acting coach for many years, he has worked with such talents as Josh Duhamel, Chase Crawford, and Brandon Routh. Although he teaches comedy and drama, Sedita is best-known for his on-camera sitcom classes. Students are required to first take his one-day comedy intensive and then are placed in an ongoing on-camera sitcom class with Todd Rohrbacher. Sedita's master class is a professional audition technique class, in which well known industry guests are invited to teach and share their insights about the auditing process. Patrick Munoz teaches Nuts & Bolts (an introduction to TV and film acting) and the intermediate on-camera TV and film class. Casting director Josh Rappaport teaches the on-camera commercial intensive. Deborah Quayle teaches the on-camera kids workshop, and Patrick Munoz provides training in voice and speech. Scott Sedita, www.scottseditaacting.com. (323) 465-6152.
SHARON CHATTEN
A member of the Actors Studio and the Ensemble Studio Theater, Chatten teaches ongoing classes for committed students looking for an acting class as a gymnasium for their craft. The five-hour weekly classes include relaxation, sensory work, scene study, improvisation, cold readings, and pilot-season prep. She also offers private coaching. Her high-profile client list is extensive: to name a few (alphabetically), Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Vincent D'Onofrio, Marg Helgenberger, Keri Russell, and Ben Stiller. www.sharonchatten.com. (213) 486-4229.
SIGNATURE STUDIOS L.A.
Signature Studios L.A. brings in casting directors from major networks, talent agents and managers, and TV and film directors. At the beginning of each class the industry guest offers a Q&A to educate students on his or her particular expertise. The students perform and then are critiqued and given redirection. Cold read audition is required for admittance. Audit allowed. Courses average $30-35. 3800 N. Barham Blvd., Ste. 101. L.A. www.signaturestudiosla.com. (323) 850-7717.
SONIA DARMEI-LOPES - AT EXCLUSIVE CASTING STUDIOS
Darmei-Lopes has taught for more than 15 years and has worked in casting with agents and managers, which gives her a unique insight into the business. She has worked as a professional actor 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 levels. Private coaching is available. www.screenactorsstudio.com. (310) 358-5942.
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
This respected Orange County theatre has an extensive education program through the Theatre Conservatory, directed by Hisa Takakuwa. The Conservatory includes a five-year Youth and Teen Program, with its introductory Summer Theatre Workshop. The adult program for those 18 and older offers weekly evening classes in beginning through advanced acting, improvisation, acting for the camera, musical theatre, and playwriting. The four acting levels take students from the fundamentals through advanced technique, including individual instruction in performance, scene work, characterization, and script analysis. The Professional Intensive Program is an eight-week summer course for serious career actors, who are accepted through audition. Classes include audition technique, script analysis, voice, Shakespeare, and physical characterization. The director of the Professional Intensive Program is LADCC winner Karen Hensel, who teaches alongside a staff of seasoned professionals. (714) 708-5577.
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 weekly scene study and cold reading class for television and film. Guest instructors include Clio Award-winning director Richard Goldstone, teaching improv-based commercial acting; actors Oliver Macready and Emmy Award-winning Jordi Vilasuso, teaching daytime drama acting; and casting director Lisa Pantone, teaching audition techniques. Also, Lloyd offers private coaching, industry showcases, and a class for children. (949) 497-8274.
STEPHEN BOOK ACTING WORKSHOP
Book's famous workshop in Hollywood is tailored for professionals and teaches improvisation technique, the use of improvisation while speaking scripted lines. Book is a former 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 Val Kilmer, George Carlin, Maura Tierney, David Boreanaz, Sanaa Lathan, Tate Donovan, Marg Helgenberger, Carla Gugino, and William Hurt, who has been quoted as saying, "Improvisation is essential to acting, and Book is a terrific teacher." Book's 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 and the new book The Actor Takes a Meeting: How to Interview Successfully With Agents, Managers, Producers, and Casting Directors. www.stephenbook.com. (323) 461-4263.
STEPPENWOLF WEST
Jeff Perry and Tom Irwin of Steppenwolf are forming classes for spring 2007. www.stepclasseswest.com.
STEVE EASTIN STUDIO
Eastin's studio in Toluca Lake offers evening and daytime ongoing classes for film and television actors with an emphasis on cold reading and audition technique. Classes are taught by veteran actor Eastin, who also teaches graduate directors at USC. In 2003 he appeared in Matchstick Men, Catch Me If You Can, and A Man Apart, and in 2006 he was in The Black Dahlia with Hilary Swank; he has appeared in Austin Powers, Con Air, and Field of Dreams. On television, Eastin has made more than 200 guest-starring appearances, most recently on Gilmore Girls and Without a Trace. He has 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.
STUART ROGERS' ACTING STUDIO
Rogers has taught for the last 10 years. Current and former students are network- and cable-television regulars, acting on Broadway and performing in big-budget feature films. His students have won Emmys, Golden Globes, and Tony Awards. He offers scene study for all levels. Classes are ongoing. Private coaching is available. 5267 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. www.stuartrogersstudios.com. (818) 763-3232.
STUDIO C-JOHN COPPOLA and MICHAEL SONNTAG
This all-encompassing acting studio offers a curriculum of acting classes, career-related seminars, and workshops. Teachers are industry professionals who use a formula that trains each actor to use and market his or her individual talents, assets, and personality. www.studiocartists.com. (323) 988-1175.
SUSAN GIOSA'S ACTING WORKSHOP
Award-winning stage actor and coach Giosa trained extensively with renowned acting teacher Larry Moss. Giosa is on Moss' list of recommended teachers. Geared to the serious performer, her ongoing classes focus on scene study, emotional memory work, sensory work, script analysis, and advanced character work. She believes the ability to tap into and use your full emotional instrument on demand is essential for achieving truthful and compelling work. She teaches a warm-up that "helps remove your fears and inhibitions and releases your full creative potential." Classes are kept small, creating an opportunity for students to work every session "in an intimate and supportive environment." She graduated magna cum laude with a B.A./M.A. in drama/ theatre from NYC University, 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. Some previous training is required. Audits are permitted. Classes are ongoing and held at the Santa Monica Playhouse. www.susangiosa.com. (310) 828-8544.
TAKE AFTER TAKE
Veteran actor-producer-director Dennis Sakamoto offers two one-day professional workshops to prepare actors for the reality of acting on a film set. The first workshop, "Take After Take," teaches actors to prepare their emotion and deliver their performance under a variety of pressures, including rapid and repeat takes, acting with nonactors, and the like. "Marks and Matching" focuses on teaching actors to hit marks and match action for continuity. Workshops are held in Los Angeles and New York City. www.takeaftertake.com. (310) 601-3088.
TED BRUNETTI STUDIO
Uta Hagen's protégé for 20 years in NYC, Brunetti was hand-selected and trained by Hagen to be a successor and placed on the faculty of the HB Studio in NYC. Brunetti Studio offers on-camera acting, audition, cold reading and commercial classes as well as coaching and tapings for auditions. Marilyn McIntyre now teaches an on-camera commercial class and audition class. Brunetti teaches scene study with his colleague Howard Fine at the Howard Fine Acting Studio. The Howard Fine Studio in association with the Ted Brunetti Studio announces the launch of Being Directed On-Camera Weekend Intensives (call for details). Brunetti is adjunct faculty at USC's School of Cinema and Television, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate directors; has been guest faculty for directors at the American Film Institute; and is an invited guest of The Actors' Studio, a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Award for teaching, an Ovation-nominated director, director for the company at the American Academy for the Dramatic Arts, the North Carolina School of the Arts, Carnegie-Mellon, Bennington College, and many others. Brunetti worked several years at ABC Prime Time Casting in NYC assisting Alexa Fogel and Bob Huber. He teaches master classes across the country at universities, colleges, and theatres. As a coach, Brunetti works with the major networks, studios, casting directors, agents, and managers, preparing their clients for roles on-set/on-location and for auditions. Enrollment is by interview/referral only. There is a limit of 8-12 actors per class to ensure individual attention. Classes focus on what Brunetti calls "practical professional skills and awareness" needed to build the bridges from the classroom to the professional workplace. Auditors are welcome. Brunetti also does extensive private coaching. tedbrunettistudio@ tedbrunetti.com. (310) 663-3331.
Berland teaches an on-camera technique workshop designed to enable talent to give the small commercial space multiple dimensions and reveal depth and layers of their personality in less than 30 seconds. She says, "Through becoming familiar with how to utilize space, beats, and moments, talent will then have control of their audition and be able to apply who they are and how they feel to any given situation. The end result will be a performance that is connected and involved in the scene, as opposed to a sell." Berland is a Cleo Award—winning casting director who has been casting commercials for more than 20 years, co-author of Breaking Into Commercials, and called on nationally to teach commercial acting. In L.A., she offers a six-week on-camera workshop. 2329 Purdue Ave, Los Angeles, 90064. Terry Berland, www.berlandcasting.com. (310) 775-6608. See ad on page A5
This short-term acting conservatory says, "To do anything well, you must do it every day. And you must do it extensively, guided by experts in that field." Favoring a daily concentrated approach, as well as the practical and effective over the self-serving and vague, The Acting Corps offers the original Actors' Boot Camp in its brand-new three-theatre facility in the NoHo Arts District. It is a four-week, every day, "in your face" Meisner-based acting program, which not only teaches this legendary technique but also applies it to cold reading and scene study. Classes are small so everyone works extensively in every class. All instructors are accomplished, currently working professionals with extensive on-set and teaching experience. After the Actors' Boot Camp, some actors are invited to the Actors' Boot Camp II, which concentrates on deepening acting technique as they learn about the industry and where they fit in, as well as what it's like to work in front of the camera on a film and television set. Actors are encouraged throughout to attend the Daily Acting Workout: an hour per day, morning or evening, of Meisner exercises, monologues, and whatever sharpens your instrument. For those working on specific career goals, there is the Advanced Program and the Professional Program, ongoing programs of study where you work with your instructors on achieving concrete creative and professional career goals. In the Professional Program, in addition to classes, actors work on a film specifically written for them-professionally shot, edited, and produced by The Acting Corps. The feature film Spirit is currently in preproduction, written and directed by Artistic Director Eugene Buica. www.theactingcorps.com. (818) 753-2800. See ad on page front cover and A18
Stan Roth teaches two-person cold reading/scene study classes and is also available to coach actors for auditions at his studio in the West Hollywood area. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. Actors are paired according to their level of ability, experience, and compatibility. "No sitting around watching others work; you work the entire time you're in class," says Roth. TV & film audition scenes are provided in every class, and classes can be rescheduled if time conflicts arise. No contracts or long-term commitments are required; students commit to a series of classes for six successive weeks and continue taking subsequent classes at their own discretion. Rather than adhering to one particular philosophy or method, Roth says, his approach is designed to teach reliable acting techniques that are applicable in any acting or audition situation. He prefers actors who are career-minded, goal-oriented, and willing to work. Admission is by preliminary interview and audition. www.stan roth.com. (323) 930-1050. See ad on page A24
"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 offers private coaching and is known for coaching many well-known working actors. He teaches master-class levels only. Says 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." "He is the guru of acting coaches in this town," says David Kirkpatrick, president of Paramount Pictures. "Studying with J.D. Lewis, you'll be most certainly on the road to success." $200 per month. Acceptance is by interview/audition. Classes are held at the Odyssey Theatres, in West L.A. (310) 621-3900. See ad on page A15
THE ACTOR'S PLAYPEN
The Actor's Playpen is a school of comprehensive acting instruction that includes technique development, working with a director, getting work, and classical training. It is a place for actors of all levels to practice, to polish, to stretch, to grow, and to play. The school believes in the combination of hard work, good times, community, and challenge, and offers the opportunity of studying and working with teachers who do not see themselves as gurus but rather as fortunate and hard-working survivors and colleagues, and who are highly visible in the entertainment industry, such as Gregory Itzin, who recently scored an Emmy nomination for his role as President Charles Logan on 24. The school features ongoing classes and is dedicated to remaining affordable while maintaining a positive philosophy of supporting artists, their work, and their dreams. 1514 N. Gardner St., West Hollywood, CA 90046 www.theactorsplaypen.com. (323) 874-1733.
THE ACTOR/ARTIST GROUP WORKSHOP
Using his extensive directing, teaching, and acting experience, Peter Henry Schroeder teaches an ongoing workshop with innovative personalized training for actors of all levels who are dedicated and committed. 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 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 periodically presented. Observation is welcome. www.actorartist.com. (310) 407-3530 or (310) 497-5930.
"Training is more than a matter of technique," states the website for this acting training facility, run by Michael Scott 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 says he "employs many techniques to discover the best way of working for each individual." www.actorscenter.com. (310) 459-5064. See ad on page A17
The Actors Circle offers television and film acting workshops for children, teens, and adults, in scene study, cold reading, improv, character development, and interview technique. Students have included four Emmy winners, nine Emmy nominees, and dozens in starring roles. Classes and private coaching are available. Professional demo reels and audition filming are offered. 4475 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230. workshops@theactorscircle.com. www.theactorscircle.com. (310) 837-4536. See ad on page A2
"Genius is the recovery of childhood at will," said essayist Baudelaire. Along those lines, coach David Hall offers two adult classes: one a scene study-monologue-audition techniques-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 available (818) 506-6194. See ad on page A26
THE ACTORS WORKSHOP
This film-television workshop, which began in Hollywood in the early 1970s before moving to its present Orange County location in 1980, is now in its 30th year. Under the direction of TV-film actor R.J. Adams, with co-director Rob Adams and actor Pete Pastore, classes are ongoing for all levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. 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 held on a regular basis with major L.A. film and TV casting directors. There are no audits, and acceptance is based on a personal interview. www.theactorsworkshop.com. (949) 855-4444.
THE ACTORS' PRACTICE FIELD - KIMBERLY K. WILSON
Writer-director Wilson has 15 years' experience as acting coach in the Meisner-Conrad-No Acting approach. Courses, taught in Hollywood, include TV/film audition workout, scene study, and cold reading/on-camera. All levels accepted. Classes are ongoing. $75 per month. One free audit. Call for interview. Private coaching available. rainbowchaser2758@msn.com. www.maggieandannie.com. (310) 375-2724.
THE ARTIST THEATRE GROUP - ANTHONY MONTES
The Artist Theatre Group, under the direction of Anthony Montes, has been teaching actors, writers, and directors since 1987. Montes teaches acting technique and scene study. 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 70 plays with its members, as well as several short films. Auditing of the first class is allowed. Montes is available for private coaching. Class is on Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the MB Studios, 26560 Agoura Rd., #111, Calabasas. mattiedaisy@sbcglobal.net. (818) 400-2270 or (818) 705-4364.
THE AUDITION ROOM
The Audition Room is an ongoing audition technique class taught entirely from the casting perspective, held weekly at the Marketing the Actor Studios (721-1/2 La Cienega Blvd., L.A.). Students experience the entire casting process-prereads, callbacks, booking the job-receiving "audition" material up to two days in advance. Classes include audition technique for film and television, as well as a two-day audition boot camp on Fri. and Sat. Classes are taught by casting director and marketing specialist Jason Buyer. All levels. www.marketingtheactor.com. (310) 922-6821.
THE BERG STUDIO
Gregory Berger-Sobeck teaches the Yale School of Drama technique, which has trained Meryl Streep, Edward Norton, Sigourney Weaver, Jodie Foster, Liev Schreiber, Paul Giamatti, 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 MFA 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." All levels. www.thebergstudios.com. (323) 666-3382.
Hiller says he has designed his classes to achieve acting success. He has been an acting and dialect coach for more than 30 years. He trains professionals at his studio in Los Angeles and teaches master classes in London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, and Tel Aviv. Recently he was the acting teacher on The Starlet and can be seen in a seven-part prime-time special for British TV, California Dreaming, based on his teachings. He says his techniques "teach actors to discover their unique quality and overcome any self-defeating behavior. I help actors to map out their strategy for a long and successful career. Actors will learn the latest acting technique using monologues, scene study, movement, and exercises." Hiller believes that success in show business is not an accident. He has started many careers in Hollywood including Cameron Diaz's, and he has worked with Billy Crystal and Richard Dreyfuss. He has also appeared in many Broadway musicals and films alongside Julie Andrews, George Clooney, Kate Hudson, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The studio offers beginning, intermediate, and professional levels, as well as film/TV casting workshops. An introductory private lesson is required. Private coaching and commercial classes are also available. www.bernardhiller.com. (818) 781-8000. See ad on page A11
THE CIRCUS THEATRICALS STUDIO FOR ACTORS
Jack Stehlin, Circus Theatricals artistic director and award-winning actor-director, teaches an advanced scene study workshop with performance showcase Mon. 7-10 p.m. This ongoing scene study workshop focuses on the preparation and presentation of two-character scenes from classic and modern plays. This workshop is designed to emphasize text analysis, rehearsal process, and performance technique. Using Stanislavsky's teachings as his guide, Stehlin's real-world approach combines his Juilliard School training with years of experience acting and directing. The intent of the workshop is to enhance the actor's ability to work anywhere; in theatre, film, or television. At the end of each term (spring or fall), the actors present their scenes in a public presentation for friends, family, and industry guests. Admission is by audition/interview only. www.circustheatricals.com. (310) 226-6144.
THE DEE WALLACE ACTING STUDIO
Wallace's acting career includes memorable roles in such films as E.T., Cujo, and 10, and work on such TV productions as Sons and Daughters, Crossing Jordan, Cold Case, and The Laci Peterson Story. She has been teaching acting for 10 years. Her classes have limited enrollment; loosely based on the techniques of Meisner and Charles Conrad, they focus on moving actors through blocks that stand in their way. www.dwsactingstudio.com. (818) 876-0386.
Morris' system is based on the Method, but, as Morris puts it, it "goes light-years beyond" the original Stanislavsky system. Indeed the process he teaches is of his own creation. A teacher for more than 45 years, Morris is the author of five books about acting. He teaches three classes each week; each is between five and six hours long. All classes are kept intimate and small so that every actor works in each class. Cost is $250 per month. A complimentary audit is offered. Morris also offers weekend workshops and private lessons. www.ericmorris.com. (323) 466-9250. See ad on page A29
THE GOBETTI-ORMENY ACTING STUDIO
Maria Gobetti is a working director, producer, and actor with more than 25 years of teaching experience. A well-known director, she has directed the majority of plays at the Victory Theatre Center-many of them garnering critic's choice reviews from the major critics. She is a member of the DGA, with film and TV directing credits. Along with Tom Ormeny, she is artistic co-director of the Victory. The Victory's opening presentation was the world premiere of Beth Henley's The Miss Firecracker Contest, written when Henley was Gobetti's student. Ormeny is the 2001 Ovation Award winner for leadership in theatre. Gobetti and Ormeny teach ongoing acting classes, including 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 attention to on-camera techniques. "With two working theatres at the Victory Theatre Center, the emphasis is on the ability to realize moment-to-moment relationships in-depth and quickly," Gobetti says. Ron Howard has said, "They do the finest work as coaches and in their theatres." Classes are limited to 16 students and cost $240 per month. A free audit is required. Victory Theatre Center, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. www.thevictorytheatre center.org. (818) 841-4404.
THE IVANA CHUBBUCK STUDIO
Chubbuck has taught such actors as Brad Pitt, Jim Carrey, Charlize Theron, Matthew Perry, Jon Voight, Garry Shandling, Elisabeth Shue, Eriq La Salle, Kate Bosworth, Eva Mendes, Terrence Howard, and James Franco, and she received special thanks from Halle Berry at the Academy Awards for her work with the actor on Monster's Ball. Instructors Deryl Carroll, Chris Holder, Michael Monks, Tasha Smith, and Rebecca Kitt teach the introductory and advanced classes, and Chubbuck teaches the master scene study workshop. Her newest book, The Power of the Actor, features her own technique and can be purchased in most bookstores. Auditing is available on Thu. nights by appointment only, but expect a four- to five-week waiting period. 7201 Melrose Ave., Ste. 206, L.A. (323) 935-2100.
THE LAB
Patrick Pankhurst, a Harvard-educated instructor with 15 years of casting experience, teaches a "character-driven technique" for stage and film in these twice-weekly classes for intermediate to advanced levels. An audition is required. ppankhurst@earthlink.net. (626) 398-1815.
THE LOS ANGELES REPERTORY COMPANY
Now in its 40th 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 ($100 for four consecutive classes). Class is limited to 14 students. Entry is by interview. 6560 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd fl., Hollywood. larep@ sbcglobal.net. www.larep.org. (323) 464-8542.
THE LOST STUDIO
Award-winning director Cinda Jackson offers scene study and sensory classes. Classes include a four-day-per-week intensive class of scene study, sensory, and improvisation. Daytime and evening intensives, all levels welcome. Classes are also available with artist-in-residence Donald Freed. Also home of the Les Enfants Magiques children's classical theatre workshop. For interview, call (323) 933-6944.
THE MET THEATRE
The award-winning MET Theatre, one of the longest-running Equity-waiver houses in Los Angeles, offers a selection of ongoing and semester-structured professional theatre and film labs for actors, writers, and directors. Labs are led by such working professionals as Steve Whitaker, Susan Emshwiller, Bo Crowell, Rob Tobin, Flint Esquerra, Paul Koslo, and Caroline Ducroq. Audits are allowed. Private coaching is available. 1089 N. Oxford Ave., L.A. mettheatre@sbcglobal.net. www.themettheatre.com. (323) 957-1152.
THE MICHAEL CHEKHOV STUDIO
The studio offers ongoing eight-week classes, which include lecture, physical application, and scene study. Lectures include archetypal gesture, atmosphere, qualities, centers, impulse, concentration, and more. Geared to actors with previous training and experience. www.themichaelchekhov studio.org. (818) 238-0501.
THE PINE CREEK BLONDE ACTING STUDIO - GENE DESROCHERS
Desrochers has studied and performed for more than 12 years. He has a background in the Strasberg method with Chuck Marra, and he has studied at the Chubbuck Studio in Los Angeles. In New Orleans he studied at Tulane University and the Southern Rep Theater. He offers a comprehensive, ongoing class that, he says, "fills the three basic needs of actors or people who want to become actors: audition technique, scene study, and career counseling. And you go up during every class." His methodology emphasizes relaxation and concentration techniques of Strasberg, but Desrochers also uses a combination of techniques for cold reading and scene study. All levels of study offered; classes are ongoing. Students should have a genuine desire and interest in the work. $175 per month, audits allowed. Private coaching available at $70 per hour. 10951 Pico Blvd., Ste. 203, West L.A. problemsolvergene@yahoo.com. (310) 709-6545.
THE RICHARD LAWSON STUDIOS AT THE BEVERLY HILLS PLAYHOUSE
Lawson is an award-winning actor-director with 30 years' experience, having appeared in more than 50 films, 100 TV shows, and 50 plays. He has taught at the Beverly Hills Playhouse for 25 years. He offers a course titled "The On-Camera Audition and Cold Reading Class," which provides DVD documentation to students by the course's end. All levels, taught in 12-week courses that must be started from the beginning; new classes are formed every four weeks. $900 per 12-week course. Also, 16-week Book Camp Course for advanced actors with industry experience, $1,200. Deposit required to reserve a place. No auditing. Private coaching available. 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. richard@richard-lawson.com. www.richardlawsonstudios.com. (310) 855-1556, ext. 30.
THE SACRED ACTOR: THE UN-LA CLASS
Josh Galitsky, M.A., tells us he is a "vibrant, humorous, and empathetic acting teacher-director," who uses his 15 years of training and therapeutic skills to guide theatre artists in the mastery of their art and craft. He uses his own methodology, The Process, to help each actor draw on his or her individual strengths and realize full potential for creative freedom and expression in a safe, fun, nonjudgmental atmosphere. All levels welcome. One-on-one coaching available. The Lounge Theater, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Free orientation, which can be arranged through website. The Lounge Theater, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., Josh Galitsky, josh@sacredactor.com. www.sacredactor.com. (310) 392-8212.
THE TOTAL WORKSHOP FOR ACTING, CREATED BY MICHAEL SAVAGE
Savage is an alumni member of the Tony Award honoree The Acting Company, founded by John Houseman and Margot Harley. He is also a former star of General Hospital. Savage's workshop is designed to provide custom demo reels from original material that he writes. He also creates short films and full-length feature projects, and has won awards for best writer and best short film. His website showcases his actors 24/7. He casts each student in a role the student will be hired for, so students have the opportunity to work on many roles and have them archived and stored; they may order a custom reel that he says helps them sell their abilities as an actor. "I believe that millions of outstanding performances have never been seen. In my workshop all of the great work is on the website," he says. All levels, ongoing classes, with one free workshop. His requirements for admission are attitude and the ability to work well with others. Private coaching is available. The T.U. Studio Theater, 10943 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. www.thetotal workshopforacting.com. (818) 762-5769.
THE VALLETTA WORKSHOP - AL VALLETTA
Valletta has taught acting for film and TV for more than 30 years in the Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego areas. He has taught at the college level and privately, and formerly owned the Backstage Theatre in Orange County. He has coached actors for film and TV roles. His workshop offers ongoing 12-week programs on film and TV acting. Showcases will be presented at the end of the semester (36 weeks). Highlights of the program include cold reading techniques, commercial training, improvisation, auditioning, and camera techniques. Oceanside and Solana Beach. (760) 941-3208.
Former resident acting coach of MGM and Universal studios Vincent Chase, along with Royal Shakespeare alumnus and current working TV/film actor Morgan Sheppard, holds classes six days per week. Each student has 50-plus small-sized, mainly taped sessions available monthly at a current fixed rate of $360. These include scene study, cold reading labs and techniques, dialects and speech, commercials, comedy improv, camera techniques, acting theory, and industry seminars, plus private coaching for auditions and film assignments. (323) 851-4819. See ad on page A16
THE VISION ACTING STUDIO
Visone teaches an acting workshop with partner Kurt Sinclair, an actor-teacher, in association with Synthaxis Theatre Company, using the Meisner technique word games (the repeat), improvisation exercises, monologues, and cold reading on-camera to record progress. She works one-on-one as well. Actor-producer-filmmaker Visone trained in NYC under Sanford Meisner and Janet Alhanti, has more than 30 years in SAG, is an honors graduate from AMDA, and has a B.A. in TV and film production from CSUN. Sinclair has more than 20 years' acting experience and says he wants to help the actor gain confidence in the auditioning process. Workshops include professional guest speakers and a professional showcase. Three-hour classes, everyone works, evenings or Sat. $25 per session, audit free, scholarships available. "We are a unique duo that is suited for the actor's budget, very affordable," says Visone. Interview required. In association with the Synthaxis Theatre Company in the NoHo Arts District. Justine Visone, www.synth axistheatrecompany.com. (818) 506-4302.
THE WORKSHOP - ELIZABETH PAYNE
payne's practical approach to training helps actors identify their casting, play to their strengths for auditions, establish a professional game plan, and make their work stand out from the crowd. class time is devoted to a combination of group and individual exercises and scene study. she combines stanislavsky-based methods with improv theatre games and outside-in techniques to give the actor a variety of ways "in" to the text. payne is a professional actor and coach; she holds an mfa in acting from the american conservatory theater, where she was a company and faculty member. she has also taught at the american musical theater of san jose and the san francisco shakespeare festival. most recently she helped found, develop, and coordinate jeffrey tambor's advanced acting workshop. ongoing classes for all levels are held tue. evenings, 7-11 p.m., at the sidewalk studio theater in toluca lake. the cost is $250 every six weeks. auditing is encouraged, and an interview is required for acceptance. elizpayne@sbcglobal.net. (323) 644-3380.
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," "super objective," and "core" as defined by Stanislavsky. 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 WEST ASSOCIATE PROGRAM
This program provides a weekly three-hour class conducted by Laura James, professional director-teacher-actor. Theatre West has been a professional actor-membership theatre for approximately 45 years. As an associate member, in lieu of regular tuition, a work-trade of 10 hours per month plus a $10 monthly fee are required. Work-trade consists of chores around the theatre: mailings, cleaning, ushering, etc. Added benefits as an associate may include: eligibility for casting in main-stage productions, possible casting in readings for writers workshops and other workshops. The class is geared to develop actors at all levels, and the approach encompasses eclectic techniques and is primarily Stanislavsky oriented. An audition is required. 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Los Angeles (818) 562-3075.
TIGERTAINMENT STUDIOS
Director-producer Michael John heads an experienced staff of instructors. The studio offers acting workshops in cold reading, improv, scene study, audition techniques, and stage combat. There are also workshops with a certified personal trainer geared for the actor who wants conditioning or to lose weight. There is an in-house casting department for independent filmmakers, using the Tigertainment Talent Group. Free career guidance and consultations are offered for those enrolled. TS is also home to the "Game On" stunt team. create@tigertainment.com. www.tigertainment.com. (310) 287-1500.
TIM PHILLIPS STUDIO-L.A.
Phillips worked as an actor with Meryl Streep, Robert Duvall, and Klaus Maria Brandauer, and he ignited the careers of Wendy Malick, Nancy Travis, and Richard Schiff, to name a few. He was one of the acting teachers of famed five-time Oscar-winning coach Larry Moss, who said, "Tim taught me to be more specific than I ever knew I could be," in his book The Intent to Live. Phillips says his "Sherlock Holmesing of the text" is the foundation of his audition technique. It was developed through his 24 years of coaching actors and "grew out of Meisner technique but goes much further." He currently has three ongoing audition classes, monthly lectures, and a quarterly scene study class with an invited presentation at the end. More than 92 percent of his students have booked the auditions they brought into class in the last eight months. Interview or referral required for all classes. Private coaching sessions available. www.timphillipsstudio.com (310) 772-8262.
TOM TODOROFF STUDIO
"Are you ready to change your life?" asks Tom Todoroff. "Train with those who have manifested professional work themselves." He says his actor training will put you on track and provide you with a personalized road map to reach your highest potential. He has directed, coached, produced for, or acted with Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner, Helen Hunt, Samuel L. Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Liam Neeson, to name a few. Evening and daytime classes available. Actors work on scenes, monologues, audition pieces, cold reading, and on-camera technique. www.tomtodoroff.com. (310) 428-3388.
TONY TORRISI'S ACTING WORKSHOP
A member of the Actors Studio, having studied with Lee Strasberg in New York, Torrisi came West to work in TV. A 35-year acting veteran, he has been coaching fellow actors for 12 years and now teaches small ongoing classes in West L.A., covering cold reading, improvisation, scene work, and camera technique, for "a well-rounded approach." Classes are $125 a month or $35 per class, and audits are okay. He also offers private coaching for $30 an hour. Torrisi says, "I don't teach. I give tools." (310) 569-1439.
TVI ACTORS STUDIO
Founded in 1986, TVI Actors Studio is a nationwide resource and training center for professional and aspiring actors. TVI has studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, and conducts programs abroad at campuses in London and Sydney. TVI says it offers comprehensive and affordable acting classes, workshops, and seminars in all of its locations, including acting for film, television, and musical theatre, for all ages and skill levels. Programs for young adults include the five-day Young Adult Boot Camp and acting camps for children. Each TVI facility offers dramatic instruction, entertainment industry networking, professional career instruction, and marketing support. The faculty of more than 65 working industry professionals includes casting directors, agents, producers, directors, and working actors. Course content covers cold reading, audition technique, and acting in feature films, sitcoms, theatre, improv, prime-time and daytime TV, voiceovers, and commercials. The optional membership package includes a range of benefits: casting director workshops with TV/film casting directors, use of studio space, agent and casting cover letters and mailing labels, career consultations, and computer workstations with Internet access. www.tvistudios.com. TVI Actors Studio- Los Angeles: 14429 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 118, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423; (818) 784-6500.
UCLA EXTENSION DEPARTMENT OF ENTERTAINMENT STUDIES AND PERFORMING ARTS
This program offers a diverse and comprehensive acting curriculum taught by industry professionals. Courses cover all aspects of the business, from handling weaponry onstage to managing a career. Topics include basic techniques, scene study, camera work, auditioning, standup, voiceover, career advancement, and insider insight into how the business works. Participants can enroll in individual courses or a comprehensive certificate program, and enrollment is open. Fees vary. Classes are held on the UCLA campus, at UCLA Extension facilities in Westwood, and at local theatres. www.uclaextension.edu/ entertainmentstudies. (310) 825-9064.
VAN EPPERSON
Epperson has been a working professional actor for more than two decades, with extensive film, TV, and stage credits, as well as directing credits. He offers on-camera cold reading and audition technique classes most Mondays, 7-10 p.m., at the ITA Workshop Academy, 10820 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City. Ongoing classes for adults, open to all levels. Private coaching available: vanepperson@sbcglobal.net. (310) 592-8675, (310) 839-8311 for reservations.
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 more than 1,000 continuing roles (documented). Audits are free and required. (323) 650-8823.
Dvorak has been teaching for 20 years, has been a professional actor for 25 years, and holds a BFA and an MFA 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 $160 per month. This class, Dvorak explains, focuses on the "art of acting, as well as on becoming a business professional." And, he adds, "I teach all of my own classes." He accepts 12 new students each Sept. and 12 each Jan. An interview and free audit are required. www.actingcoachdvorak.com. (323) 462-5328. See ad on page A27
WEIST-BARRON-HILL ACTING FOR TELEVISION AND FILM
The first on-camera workshop in the country started as Weist/Barron 50 years ago in New York; Lyle and Andrea Hill opened the Burbank branch 29 years ago. Soap producer Lyle B. 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," says Andrea. The workshop culminates in an industry showcase. Lyle teaches an ongoing TV, film, and soap opera class. In the children and teen division, producer Tony Christopher and manager Doug Murphy teach workshops for kids. Auditing of classes is fine. 4300 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. (818) 846-5595.
WENDY HAINES IGNITE YOUR CAREER WORKSHOPS
"Launch your career and achieve the level of success and fulfillment you desire," says Haines (ER, The West Wing, Art School Confidential, The Island). She says she has developed a system to master the "inner game" of succeeding as an actor. "Discover what holds you back, effectively move beyond what keeps you stuck, and set goals to achieve what you want," she says. Haines offers a one-day Ignite Your Career workshop four times a year, one-on-one career coaching, and a home-study version of her workshop. www.wendyhaines.com. (310) 395-3246.
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, describes 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 $250 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. Acceptance into class is by interview only. 1103 N. El Centro Ave. www.aldersonstudio.com. (323) 466-0799.
WYNN MARLOW ACTORS WORKSHOP
In the tradition of Michael Shurtleff, Marlow offers 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. Marlow is also a director of theatre and has been casting for film and TV since 1997. Private coaching and audition preparation are available. New classes forming. (310) 470-7973.
ALLAN RICH
Working actor Rich offers private coaching. Former students include Rene Russo, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Larry Miller. While Rich is open to working with new students, he notes, "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 says he auditions for them. He can be seen in the soon-to-be-released Lies and Alibis with Sam Elliott and James Brolin, and in four other films in 2006. Rich has a soon-to-be-published book titled A Leap From the Method: An Organic Approach to Acting. Actor Jack Lemmon said of it, "The book presents an organic method that is filled with inside information. And there is an added plus: It's fun to read." Russo said, "Allan introduced me to the craft of acting. He inspired, educated, and encouraged me. I shall be forever grateful." Rich has appeared in scores of TV shows and films. He co-starred in the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation pilot, was recently seen in Curb Your Enthusiasm, and will soon appear in Rise, Man in the Chair and The Memory Thief. www.allanrich.com, www.aleapfromthemethod.com. (323) 465-4007.
ALLEN LEVIN - LIFEBOOK ACTING CLASS
Levin has been teaching acting for more than five years. His students have booked lead roles in mainstream film and television. He offers scene study, improv, cold reading, breaking in, showcasing for industry guests. Levin is a working producer, currently working with a multiple Emmy Award-winning director and power team launching a comedy series. Classes are currently at 7:30 p.m. sharp Tue. or Thu., in North Hollywood at the Chandler Studios, 12443 Chandler Blvd. $35 for one class (audit); $150 for one month; $300 for 12 weeks. Free class awarded for long-term referrals. www.myspace.com/ lifebookactingclass. (818) 557-7700.
ALLEN NELSON
Producer-director-actor Nelson was featured in two documentaries, one in Korea and one in England. He was coach-administrator for 21 years at the Tracy Roberts Actors Studio. Due to other commitments, Nelson has suspended classes. He continues to coach privately for auditions and monologues, also working in-depth with actors who need to learn or strengthen their technique and on creating the character. scene2@earthlink.net. (818) 786-7154.
ANTHONY MONTES
For the past 20 years, Montes has been offering actors private coaching. This award-winning actor-director has produced 70 plays over the past 20 years and has coached actors who have gone on to television series and starring roles in film. mattiedaisy@sbcglobal.net. (818) 705-4364 or (818) 400-2270.
ART MANKE
Manke is an award-winning actor and director, trained at the American Conservatory Theater, where he earned an MFA. His recent credits include work with South Coast Repertory, Pasadena Playhouse, the Mark Taper Forum, and directing for the UPN's sitcoms Eve and One on One. He is a co-founder and former artistic director of L.A.'s classical theatre company A Noise Within, and he has more than 20 years' experience coaching and teaching at some of the country's most prestigious schools. He is available for audition and role preparation for theatre, as well as on-set coaching for TV and film. (323) 667-1231.
BARBARA GANNEN
Gannen has taught at the Margie Haber Studio and at Santa Monica College. She is located in the West Hollywood area and is available for private coaching. (323) 793-6959.
BETH GOLDSTEIN
A casting professional for more than seven years and now working as a talent manager for the past two and a half years, Goldstein has studied acting with major New York-based teachers. She currently offers private coaching for audition preparation in comedy and drama. (818) 995-7868.
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," says Mulligan, who accepts new and experienced actors. (323) 719-2545.
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 MFA, 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 (2002) and King Lear (2003) at the MET Theatre. (818) 613-5252. See ad on page A24
CHAD McCORD
McCord offers weekly classes specializing in comedy for actors. All classes are on-camera, using current pilot, film, and TV material only. Classes are: $200 per month, coaching $100 per hour, reduced per fraction thereof. New client consultations are free. 2roomsstudio.com. (323) 467-3747.
CHARLOTTE CORNWELL
A member of the USC School of Theatre faculty, Cornwell is a classically trained English actor with more than 30 years of work in film, TV, and theatre. Cornwell says her experience has taught her to 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 emphasizes that she's the "devotee of no one method, school, or system," focusing instead on each actor's individual way of working. (310) 383-0910.
CHRIS JORIE
As a director, writer, and acting teacher, Jorie has worked with a number of distinguished talents in his 35 years of experience in television, film, and theatre. He has been an acting coach on shows for Disney, Nickelodeon, Buena Vista Television, and ABC, and has taught acting extensively throughout the United States. A native New Yorker, he has directed the regional premieres of Wit, Proof, The Guys, Having Our Say, and Picasso at the Lapin Agile, as well as the Off-Broadway premiere of Anne Nelson's new drama Savages. Academy Award-nominated actor Mary McDonnell (Dances With Wolves, Passion Fish) who currently stars in television's Battlestar Galactica, says, "Chris Jorie provides an avenue to the truth." Jorie has worked with Ryan Gosling, Christina Aguilera, Shawn Pyfrom (Desperate Housewives), and Nikki Deloach (Windfall). He is accepting a limited number of students for private coaching in Los Angeles. www.chrisjorie.com.
CHRISTINA CONCETTA
Concetta studied with Hagen in New York, learning a moment-to-moment approach, and she is a member of The Actors Studio. With 10 years' teaching experience, she offers private coaching in scene study, monologues, cold reading, and script analysis; finding special material to suit each actor; plus help in career guidance including finding an agent. Concetta is also a screenwriter and has sold her first script, Opa!, to Cinema 7 Productions. (818) 762-2062.
CLIFF WEISSMAN
Weissman is currently an audition coach for the management company, Strong/Morrone Talent, and teaches and coaches for Dennis LaValle and the LaValle Actor's Workshop. An actor and teacher for more than 25 years, Weissman's recent TV credits include CSI: NY, The Shield, 24, Veronica Mars, and Without a Trace. A New York-trained theatre actor, Weissman has studied with L.A. and New York's audition coaches including Margie Haber, Tim Phillips, and Caryn West. His student Paulina Olszynska, a newcomer to L.A., booked three jobs in less than two months with his guidance, including Grey's Anatomy. Rates are reasonable. (661) 803-5038.
DAVID LEHMAN
Lehman has been teaching for 26 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," says Lehman. Admission is by interview. Daytime and evening classes. www.filmactingcoach.com. (818) 845-1549.
FABIANA MEDICI
Medici has coached directors, theatre companies, and television casts, internationally and in the United States. She says she takes your studies and helps you develop your own method of work, giving you self-confidence so you become empowered. She also trains actors to work as an ensemble. "I work with music, sounds, literature, movement-whatever it takes to help you develop your own methodology," she says. fabianadmedici@yahoo.com. www.theactorstemple.com. (323) 930-8986.
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 working on the independent film Deadly Time. (323) 850-8580.
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, exercises, and auditioning technique. "We also practice basic stage manners," says Kress. Students have starred in commercials, music videos, TV, and film. Classes are Mon.: children, $10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; adults, $17, 7:30-9:30 p.m. aktorchick@yahoo.com. (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.
J. MICHAEL BLOOM
Bloom holds a BFA, M.A., and Ph.D. in theatre arts and has 17 years as a professional Broadway actor and director and 31 years as a talent agent with offices on both coasts, including a roster of talents who are nominees and winners of Academy Awards, Emmys, and Tonys. He offers career guidance and counseling for the professional actor as well as the novice, with individual instruction and coaching in cold reading, commercial copy, scene study, and any kind of audition material-including theatre, film, and television. He uses Stanislavsky, Boleslavski, Hagen, Meisner, and a mix of these, "combined with my 48 years of coaching and directing experience," he says. All levels. $100 for 90-minute session. He accepts students with a serious and dedicated commitment to the craft of acting. Hollywood. jmichaelbloom @comcast.net. www.jmichaelbloom.com. (323) 931-7070.
JACK HELLER
Jack Heller is an award-winning director and a working actor, now artistic director of Laurelgrove Theatre, which has won four Ovation nominations in its first three years of operation. He studied with Harold Clurman, Robert Lewis, and Uta Hagen. He has performed on television, Broadway, and in Los Angeles theatre. (323) 850-6328.
JAMES HARPER
Harper, an award-winning actor, producer, and 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 and 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.
JIM BONTEMPO
Bontempo is a graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre under Sanford Meisner, and he trained in Los Angeles with Nina Foch. He has performed on- and Off-Broadway, in national tours and dinner theatre. In L.A., he has acted and directed for the stage, as well acted on film and TV. He has privately coached actors, directors, and writers for numerous projects for more than 20 years. He has taught at the Nina Foch Studio Ltd. and in the directing and writing programs at USC School of Cinema-Television. He says he teaches a technique applicable to all areas of the work, from cold reading to performance. All levels welcome. He is available for private or semiprivate coaching: $125 per two-hour session. His requirements for acceptance are "a desire, dedication, and intelligence with a working knowledge of the craft." Auditing not usually allowed, but will make exceptions. Hollywood. jvb_coach@yahoo.com. (323) 383-4444.
JIM OTIS
Otis coaches actors privately. An actor for 31 years and an acting coach for 20, he studied with Wynn Handman in New York. Otis has taught a wide range of talent, from Second City actors to the grandmother auditioning for her first commercial. Two private courses are offered: a TV/film intensive, covering TV/film, commercial auditioning technique, cold reading, and business strategy; and a monologue intensive, which consists of developing contemporary and classical monologues for agents and theatre, as well as business strategy. "I take people at all levels, work at their pace, and put what's unique about them into the script," says Otis. Flexible scheduling. Each course is six private sessions. No auditing. (818) 543-7479.
JUDY KERR
An acting coach for more than 25 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 11th edition. She coaches privately, covering acting and film techniques for the camera, and show-business techniques to boost careers. She is on call to coach actors for their auditions. Students keep a copy of their taped work. Beginners are gladly welcomed. She occasionally teaches weekend seminars outside of Los Angeles. Coaching fees start at $100 per hour. Career counseling for all levels is $150 for a 90-minute session. www.actingiseverything.com. (818) 505-9373.
JULES AARON
Aaron is an award-winning director and acting teacher. He has won directing awards from the L.A. Drama Critics Circle, Back Stage West, Drama-Logue, and the Bay Area Critics. He is the former head of graduate programs at CalArts and U.C. Riverside. He coaches actors for specific auditions, develops appropriate monologues, and conducts cold reading sessions. He also coaches "imaging," which includes creating the best picture, résumé, audition pieces, and physical look to help the actor nail auditions and work steadily in the business. By audition only. (323) 660-7342.
JUST BREATHE
"Get comfortable with silence, and transcendence will follow," says Barbara Beneville, who teaches an ongoing Monday night class in Burbank for actors of all levels. The class size is kept to a minimum for quality teaching and actor participation. Class consists of all phases of study: auditioning, character development, cold reading, improv, Meisner exercises, monologues, scene study, and script breakdown. On- and off-camera work is mixed throughout the class. She says industry professionals and agents have been known to drop in. She also offers private coaching on and off the set for children as well as adults. Her one- or two-hour sessions are designed for the actor's personal needs. The session will be taped for your home reference and guide regardless of whether you are auditioning for Broadway, film, or television. An appointment is necessary. (323) 969-4944.
KAREN KALENSKY
Kalensky is currently an acting teacher at Cal State Long Beach and artistic director of the Lost in LA Theatre Co., and she has won a number of directing awards. A former casting director, she says she understands very well the audition process as well as what agents and casting directors are looking for. She will work on monologues, cold readings, and scenes; have them directed and ready to go. lostinlatheatre@aol.com. (818) 481-2244.
KEVIN McDERMOTT
McDermott has trained hundreds of young actors, dozens of whom are successful in television and film. He was the on-set acting coach for Buffalo Dreams, Haven, Dudley Do-Right, Angus, Beethoven, Beethoven's 2nd, Little Rascals, Free Willy, Kindergarten Cop, Rocky V, and All I Want for Christmas. His students have won five Emmys and have had 11 Emmy nominations. He has directed, edited, and produced short films, video and stage productions and many demo reels for actors. Private coaching is available at $60 per hour for The Actors Circle's students and $90 per hour for all others. www.theactorscircle.com. (310) 837-4556.
LENNY ROSE: NO FALSE MOMENTS
An experienced actor with more than 150 professional credits to his name, Rose has been teaching for more than 15 years using his "nip it in the bud" and "did you get it?" techniques. He uses his acting experiences, he says, to help actors "win the audition." He is currently teaching privately for $35 an hour. lennyrose@sbcglobal.net. www.lennyrose.com. (323) 988-5545.
MARCIE SMOLIN
Smolin began her acting career as a child actor and has been a regular on two TV series, as well as guest-starring in many other shows. She was a standup comic for 13 years, appearing in shows including An Evening at the Improv, Girls' Night Out, and a prime-time NBC comedy special. She has appeared in numerous commercials. She holds a bachelor's degree in theatre arts and a master's degree in screenwriting. She has been coaching children and adults for more than 17 years. Many of her current and past students are appearing as series regulars and in feature films. marcie@theactorscircle.com. www.theactors circle.com. (310) 800-5692.
MARILYN McINTYRE
McIntyre specializes in personalization, using a variety of techniques to "safely help the actor discover and explore what effectively allows them to access and bring their most personal, authentic, and unique self to the work." She has been acting professionally for more than 30 years, playing lead roles on- and Off-Broadway, regionally, and in Los Angeles where she has garnered many awards and nominations. She works extensively in television and film, and is currently playing a series regular on the upcoming nightly HD series for Fox, Watch Over Me. McIntyre trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts (BFA), Penn State (MFA), and with Uta Hagen and Michael Shurtleff, among others, and is featured on Uta Hagen's Acting Class video, Part 2. She has been teaching for more than 25 years in conservatories, universities, and private studios, including USC. She currently teaches a personalization workshop and an ongoing scene study class at the Howard Fine Acting Studio, (323) 962-3188; and on-camera classes at the Ted Brunetti Studio, (310) 663-3331; and coaches privately for theatre, film, and television-from the audition through finessing a role in production. Rates vary. marosemc@yahoo.com. (818) 601-1463.
MARJORIE GAINES
Gaines has taught acting for theatre majors at Cal State Long Beach and Pasadena City College. She trained extensively with Nina Foch and at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied with Lloyd Richards, Olympia Dukakis, and Kristin Linklater. She offers private coaching in audition preparation and basic technique. She is a 2006 Los Angeles Music Center Bravo Honoree. (818) 481-4466.
MARK CHAET
Chaet teaches business for actors through private instruction. He focuses on goal-setting and methods for organizing and advancing an acting career. chaetmark@sbcglobal.net. (818) 547-9018.
MARKETING THE ACTOR
Marketing the Actor was created by Jason Buyer, a former casting associate at MGM and UDK. Marketing the Actor is an audition coaching and consultation service specifically designed to provide actors with the fundamental career-building knowledge of the industry, and the only medium that combines the business of marketing with the talent of acting, all to better sell the actor's "product." Consultations are available by appointment only (starting at $195), as well as private audition coaching in front of the camera ($90/hour). 721-1/2 N. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, 90069. www.marketingtheactor.com. (310) 922-6821.
With more than 30 years of coaching and directing experience and almost 20 years of teaching at the university and high school levels, Gam-Hudson is currently teaching at LBCC, CSUF, CSUDH, and OCHSA, along with her private coaching at her studio and workshops in Orange, Calif. She specializes in emergency audition coaching but also offers small classes, energy work, reiki, headshots, and résumé building. atheatre director@yahoo.com. www.directormarla.com. (714) 771-5436 or (714) 501-8215. See ad on page A10
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, CBS, NBC, and PBS's American Playhouse have all relied on Ryane's expertise. She can help actors, she says, with "anything to do with preparing for auditions, for general meetings, and for technique." Her coaching employs scene work and monologues. www.melryane.com. (310) 391-8542.
MICHAEL E. RYAN ACTING CLUB
"My club was formed for actors who love the craft of acting," says Ryan. He "facilitates" the members of his club with the tools, techniques, and Method approaches he has gained from decades of working as an actor with some of the top directors, actors, and coaches throughout the world. His group gathers in a theatre to work on a variety of projects "to promote multidimensional acting." All levels are welcome to ask about membership, and actors work on-camera at all times. www.michaeleryan.com. (323) 839-5461.
MICHAEL McGEE
McGee, an actor-director-teacher for 20 years, offers private coaching for audition preparation and individual instruction. (310) 450-9832.
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 graduate film school teaching directing. She is a director of documentaries and MOWs, and charges $200 per hour. , P.O. Box 1884, Beverly Hills, 90213. (310) 553-5805.
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 jump-start 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.
PHYLLIS APPLEGATE/ONE-ON-ONE
"Audition and perform with power," says Emmy-nominated character actor Applegate, who studied on scholarship at the Lee Strasberg Institute. She offers ongoing individual performance coaching combining Strasberg's methods with her own professional experience to actors, singers, and business professionals. She coaches individuals on audition techniques, cold readings, character creation, scene study, and text interpretation. On-set coaching available. (323) 655-5167.
ROBERT BEECHER
Beecher's Stage 13 offers four weeks of coaching in scenes or commercials for $60 whether you are starting out or an actor for 20 years. "You will learn a technique that will get you work, taught by a working actor," says Beecher. www.stage13.com. (818) 768-3686.
SANDRA CARUSO
Caruso, a current professor in the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, as well as director and producer of Art Alive: Nine Wanted Women, offers private coaching and audition preparation. She 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. (310) 476-5113.
STEVE TRUITT, TALENT COACH ADVANCED COACHING PARTNERS
Truitt is a working host on such shows as Dream Decoders, Ground Rules!, The Human Edge, Cybernet, Trivia Bingo!, The American Chart Show, and more. He is also a certified life coach and NLP practitioner. He coaches actors in hosting standup, copy interpretation, and discovering the keys to success "by letting go of what's holding you back." His methodology is to "clear out what's in your way of having what you really want." He says, "All levels are advanced.... Life is the beginner course." $150 per hour for private coaching. No auditing. His requirement for acceptance is, "Be willing and ready to accept that you might actually get what you want." stevetruitt@verizon.net. www.stevetruitt.com. (310) 463-9056.
THE AUDITION COACH
Casting director Dino S. Ladki (former head of casting, scripted series/MTV, independent/Carsey-Werner, indie films) 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, as he puts it, "perfect their auditions before they go in to read." Sessions are $50 per hour. West Hollywood, www.myspace.com/ dlcasting. (310) 289-4962.
TIM SIMEK
A working actor and improv comic, Simek has more than 14 years 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 eighth year of comedy shows in North Hollywood. Simek offers ongoing improv and scene study classes, as well as private coaching for dramatic and comedic roles, including character development and audition techniques. www.jcau.com/timsimek, www.slowchildren improv.com. (213) 212-9921.
TONI MOSS-TRENTON
Moss-Trenton has been teaching Method acting for the last 10 years. She has an extensive background in theatre and film, and she trained directly with Lee Strasberg and Donna Drew Roman. She is familiar with other techniques and training philosophies from studies with Stella Adler, Ivana Chubbuck, and Milton Katselas. She has a B.A. in theatre and diverse teaching credentials. She taught Method acting at the Strasberg Institute in Hollywood for four years and for one year at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios. She says she is excellent with beginning actors, and she accepts private students on a sliding scale. (213) 252-0830.
A NOISE WITHIN
A Noise Within is one of only a handful of theatres in North American that maintain a resident company performing in rotating repertory on a year-round basis. The company's resident and guest artists, directors, and designers have trained at Yale School of Drama, Juilliard, CalArts, and American Conservatory Theater. According to Dawn Kellogg, education director, "The company offers conservatory and internship programs that provide focused, personal attention from skilled, working professionals in a welcoming environment that seeks to develop the whole artist." Conservatory classes include Speaking Shakespeare, Acting Shakespeare, and the Young Actor's and Teen Actor's Workshops. Co-founder- Artistic Director Julia Rodriguez Elliott presents the Sat. Morning Workout for serious actors each weekend and is also available for private coaching. The internship program, offered in fall and spring, provides an opportunity for developing actors and technicians to immerse themselves in every aspect of repertory theatre and to work side by side with professionals to hone their skill. Interns are cast in understudy and supporting roles in the company's rotating repertory season. education@anoisewithin.org. www.anoisewithin.org. (818) 240-0910, ext. 5.
JENIFER PARKER - NO FEARE SHAKESPEARE
Parker offers private coaching for auditions, workshops, and classes in classical acting. She received her training at American Conservatory Theater, Shakespeare & Company, and with Patsy Rodenburg. She has received numerous awards playing leading roles in regional theatres and in Los Angeles. She has taught at South Coast Repertory, Theatricum Botanicum, Idyllwild Arts Academy, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, American Musical & Dramatic Academy, A Noise Within, and Stella Adler Academy of Acting, and is a member of Classical Theatre Lab and L.A. Women's Shakespeare Company. For more than 15 years, she has taught techniques designed to help the contemporary actor become more confident in handling Shakespeare, including scansion, text analysis, historical context, characterization, vocal techniques, and period customs and mannerisms. nofeare@aol.com. (626) 398-6301.
The Antaeus Academy offers advanced training in the classics to actors ages 18-35. A project of the Antaeus Company, the academy trains actors in classical styles in a series of 12-week scene study workshops. Classes meet Tue., 7-11 p.m., and are moderated by a rotating group of Antaeus Company members, directors, and acting teachers. Moderators include: Andy Robinson, Daniel Sullivan, Dakin Matthews, Alfred Molina, Annette Bening, Gregory Itzin, Stephanie Shroyer, Tom Moore, Olympia Dukakis, Brendon Fox, Jonathan Lynn, Art Manke, Sabin Epstein, Jessica Kubzansky, Jeffrey Nordling, Andrew Barnicle, and Kate Burton, among others. Antaeus co-Artistic Director Jeanie Hackett hosts each session. Fall-winter session (Sep. 19-Dec. 12) will feature Shakespeare, the Greeks, and Shaw. Each workshop culminates in a scene presentation for invited guests, and actors who complete two 12-week sessions become eligible for promotion into the Antaeus Academy Company. All actors participating in the classical styles are eligible for casting in Antaeus Company readings, workshops, and productions. Admission to workshop by audition only; will consider professionals and beginners with strong potential. $400 if paid in full; $150 per month. Auditors welcome. 4916 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood. antaeusacademy@sbcglobal.net. www.antaeus.org. (818) 506-5436.See ad on page A11
WILL GEER THEATRICUM BOTANICUM ACADEMY OF THE CLASSICS
This summer repertory company and 300-seat outdoor amphitheater in the Santa Monica Mountains is also home to a professional theatre training program that was launched more than 30 years ago by actor-director Ellen Geer. For adults, offerings include a five-week, 90-hour summer Intensive Shakespeare Seminar; a four-weekend, 65-hour winter Intensive Shakespeare Seminar; spring and summer eight-week Shakespeare scene study and monologue workshops; a winter eight-week master class in classical theatre (taught by Ellen Geer); a variety of technique workshops (improvisation, fencing, Alexander Technique, rhetoric, text analysis, period movement, voice, and speech), as well as an Equity-candidacy Acting Internship Program. All instructors are working professionals in the theatre world. Youth and teen classes and summer camps are also offered. 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. academy@theatricum.com. www.theatricum.com. (310) 455-2322, ext. 222.
ACME COMEDY THEATRE
ACME Comedy Theatre offers five levels of improv/sketch-comedy classes. The basic level ($350) deals with fear issues in relation to performing or public speaking. Intermediate ($350) focuses on scene work and group dynamic. Advanced ($375) looks at individual character work. In the writing lab ($475) students write 10 sketches that culminate in a performance. Classes meet weekly for three hours for 10 weeks. The fifth level is a 12-week performance lab ($575) focusing on performance skills. It also has monthly audition/placement classes. 135 N. La Brea, L.A. 90036. acmecomedy.com. (323) 525-0233.
ACTORS IMPROV STUDIO
Bill Applebaum, founder of Actors Improv Studio, is a Chicago Second City alumnus with more than 20 years of teaching, direction, acting, and writing experience in stage, film, and TV. Actors Improv Studio offers ongoing improv workshops helping actors and writers become more creative, spontaneous, and relaxed. They also offer an ongoing cold reading class using Meisner-based techniques. All classes emphasize improvisation as a tool to strengthen actors' creative processes to go beyond the obvious choices. A free audit is permitted. (818) 790-3413.
ANNE BEATTS
Beatts, the Emmy-winning original Saturday Night Live writer, teaches sketch comedy writing-performing in an intensive five-week course of weekly three-hour sessions, plus Internet guidance, culminating in a professional-level performance for an invited audience in a recognized comedy venue. "We keep doing it until it's funny," says Beatts. "You should take a class with Anne Beatts," said Tina Fey. beattsclass@aol.com. (310) 273-1637.
BANG COMEDY THEATRE
L.A.'s oldest home of long-form improv, Bang's conservatory has been training Los Angeles actors (including some of the stars of Desperate Housewives, The Producers, Quinceañera, and more), writers, and innocent bystanders for more than a decade. Bang is known for bringing truth to actors' comedy. Its continuing semester-based improv classes take students from basics through complex character work and long-form improvisation in a little over a year. The program culminates in the master class, which includes a weekly class workout on Tuesdays and performance every Friday evening for six months in Bang's theatre space. Class prices decrease each term, starting at $275 for eight weeks. Class size limited to 14. No audition required. Audits available, or free admission to the Fri. night student show. 457 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. www.bangstudio.com. (323) 653-6886.
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 private lessons 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 "Beyond Standup" show. The show and workshops are now in their 13th year and have been an ongoing home base for standup comedians since 1992. Four industry nights are offered each year. The workshops and private lessons focus on 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. A well-known comedy team, the Norths have performed on more than 30 network, syndicated, and cable TV shows. www.funnycoach.com. (818) 347-5098.
BOBBIE OLIVER
StandUp Academy graduates have gone on to appear on The Tonight Show, Bravo, E!, at the Aspen Comedy Festival and more. Comedian Bobbie Oliver teaches three ongoing standup comedy classes in eight-week sessions on Saturdays and Sundays (all levels, noon-2:30 p.m.) and Monday (advanced, 7-9:30 p.m.); $350 per session. Private lessons are $100. Class ends with a graduation show in the main room. Auditing is allowed. Ice House Comedy Club Main Room, 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Ice House Comedy Club Main Room, 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, Bobbie Oliver, bobbie@bobbieoliver.net. www.standupacademy.net. (323) 697-8287.
COMEDYSPORTZ LOS ANGELES
This approach to improvisation organizes teams of performers in athletic-style competition. L.A.'s own 18-year-old professional team offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced improv workshops, plus a Sunday Team that performs for the public. Workshops run in eight-week cycles for $295; discounts are available. Limit on class sizes. www.comedysportzla.com. (323) 871-1193.
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. www.improworks.com. (310) 399-3654.
Emmy-winning director Michael Lembeck and his sister Helaine Lembeck took over these comedy classes 21 years ago, 19 years after the late Harvey Lembeck began the workshop. Now in its 41st year, the workshop has three levels but is aimed at 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 or four times each night. Audits by arrangement only. Critiques by teacher only. Private coaching available. Former students include Robin Williams, Penny Marshall, John Ritter, Kim Cattrall, Bryan Cranston, John Larroquette, Jenna Elfman, Ted McGinley, Marilu Henner, Mary Kay Place, Lenny Clark, Alan Rachins, Scott Baio, David Leisure, Sally Kirkland, and Sharon Stone. www.harveylembeck comedyworkshop.com. (310) 271-2831. See ad on page A10
IMPRO THEATRE
The focus of this nonprofit improv company, home of LA Theatresports, is telling stories. The group is well-known for shows in which it improvises full-length plays (such as Shakespeare Unscripted, Carnal Peaks, and Triple-Play). The company teaches all levels of improv classes, including an Improvising Plays and Films class in which students study film genres, playwright styles, and time periods, and then improvise from there. Ensemble is encouraged, with the actors being the writers-directors collaborating in the moment to tell a story. Master classes are also offered on a variety of subjects such as character, using improv in commercial auditions, improvising with your emotions, improvising musicals, and physical improv. An eight-week session is $299. 1727 N. Vermont, Ste. 211. www.improtheatre.com. (323) 401-6162.
IMPROV COMEDY WAY WITH ANDY GOLDBERG
A member of the Off the Wall improv group since 1975 and author of Improv Comedy from Samuel French Press, Goldberg has been teaching for more than 20 years. His ongoing classes emphasize character development through exercises, games, and scene work. He also offers private coaching. www.offthewallcomedy.net. (310) 283-4027.
IO WEST
Born in Chicago 25 years ago, IO is best known for its long-form improvisation, including the signature form "The Harold" (and for its alumni: Mike Myers, Andy Dick, Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Andy Richter, to name a few). IO West offers six levels of improvisation classes and three levels of writing classes. Improv and writing classes meet once per week for eight consecutive weeks. Additional workshops include sitcom writing, musical improv, and audition workshops. Stage time is guaranteed with showcase and performance opportunities in the improv and writing classes. New classes begin every eight weeks. www.iowest.com. (323) 962-7560.
JACQUIE LOWELL'S IMPROVISATION CLASSES
Lowell has taught improv in San Diego for the last 30 years and has performed with and directed several improvisational comedy performing troupes, which currently include Creative Urges (www.creativeurges.com) and Mission Improvible (www.missionimprovible.com). She teaches creativity workshops for business and education. Classes are held in the Mission Hills area of San Diego, and cost $20 for the first class and $150 for a series of eight classes. www.jacquielowell.com. (858) 581-0050.
JODI MILLER
Miller is a veteran of standup at venues such as The Improv, the Comedy Store, and the Ice House for more than a decade. She offers a standup course separate from the curriculum at the ACME Comedy Theatre, 135 N. La Brea, Hollywood. The class consists of four group classes, three private lessons, and a final performance, after which the student receives a DVD of his or her five-minute routine. Tuition for the course is $325. (323) 525-0202.
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 says, they'll learn comedy timing, delivery, and joke writing, and graduate with a comedy monologue (also suitable for auditions). Advanced coaching for comedians is also available. Private coaching is $75 per hour or five hours for $250. 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, and you can make money from being funny,' " says Carter, a veteran of 55 television shows and author of The Comedy Bible (Simon & Schuster). She teaches how to transform life experiences into a standup comedy act, a one-person show, or a sitcom script. She says her former students have achieved a high success rate in comedy clubs, TV, and on writing staffs. She offers three levels of standup classes, and she produces the California Comedy Camp in Palm Springs, where comics and comedy actors can network, learn, and showcase for top Hollywood VIPs. www.comedyworkshops.com. (310) 915-0555.
KIP KING
One of the original Groundlings, King has been teaching his on-camera improv 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, while "having lots of fun in the process," says King. His motto is: "Leap and the net will appear." Groundlings partner and friend Phil Hartman once said, "If you want to learn from the master, study with Kip King." Returning students can enroll at a discount price. Showcases are included. King's son is comedian Chris Kattan of Saturday Night Live. King's classes are on hiatus until 2007. He is currently offering private coaching. kip81137@aol.com. (818) 784-0544.
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 30-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 has levels of sketch-comedy performance groups, with weekly shows on Fri. and Sun. Dramatic improv, standup comedy, and comedy improv for kids by kids meets and performs Fri.-Sun. L.A. Connection now offers teens a comedy improv class. The company also performs long-form improv and "Improvision" (dubbing live comedy soundtracks at movie theatres, including Cinespace). LAC performs and has training camps all over Southern California and has appeared at trade shows, corporate/private events, and in industrials, and has produced two feature films, a Cable Ace-nominated TV special, numerous commercials, and the TV series Mad Movies. Alumni include Matthew Perry, Hank Azaria, Jon Lovitz, Will Ferrell, Sharon Lawrence, Victoria Jackson, Chris Kattan, Mindy Sterling, and Emmy Award-winning producers, directors, and writers. Skov also teaches a class in scene-based dramatic and comedic improvisation. Auditions are required. www.laconnectioncomedy.com. (818) 710-1320.
MERILYN CARNEY: BUILD YOUR CRAFT AND CAREER - CLASSES AND PRIVATE COACHING
Improvisation, cold reading, scene work, monologues, audition practice, career guidance-Carney specializes in guiding actors to trust their instincts, overcoming nerves and anxiety. Actors learn to give a full performance in a cold reading, to create truthful characters on the spot, to not judge themselves, to follow their impulses. This kind of work gives actors tremendous freedom. Classes are $40 per class or $140 for four classes, and are held at Third Stage Theatre, 2811 Magnolia, Burbank. Call for an interview. www.merilyncarney.com. (323) 620-1689.
MUSICAL IMPROV WITH MICHAEL POLLOCK
Pollock, author of Musical Improv Comedy: Creating Songs in the Moment-a book and CD now in use at the Second City Training Centers-is music director of Second City Los Angeles, as well as IO West's Opening Night: The Improvised Musical. He teaches musical improv classes. (323) 466-1714.
PAUL RYAN'S CBS ACTING ACADEMY AND TV HOSTING STUDIO
Ryan says he "stretches the actor in every way possible to become comedically free." Through his innovative comedy improvisations and revolutionary comedy scene techniques, he helps actors hone and fine-tune their craft for sitcoms and comedy roles in TV and film. In his 13th year at CBS Studio Center, he has also worked as a comedy consultant and sitcom director in Europe. He performed in the past regularly with Robin Williams, and his previous students include Emmy winner John Larroquette and Emmy nominee Bryan Cranston. Ryan cast his students in a comedy TV show, Hollywood Alive, and recently produced three new TV shows: Feel Good TV with Paul Ryan & Friends, The Art of Comedy, and Shmooze!. Now in his seventh year with the studio, he teaches the CBS TV Hosting Intensive once a month, as well as periodically shooting footage on location for the TV-hosting demo tape, hosting agent and comedy showcases and conducting Hollywood conversations with top industry professionals. paul@paulryanproductions.com. www.paulryanproductions.com. (818) 788-2190.
SANDI C. SHORE'S STAND UP COMEDY WORKSHOP
Shore offers four- and eight-week sessions. A textbook is required: Sandi Shore's Secret to Standup Success ($17.99), available at online bookstores or wherever books are sold. Workshops are held at the Comedy Store at 916 Pearl St., La Jolla. (858) 454-9176. Class fees for the four-week class in La Jolla are $215 for new students and $195 for repeat students. The eight-week class is $390, which culminates with a showcase at the Comedy Store in La Jolla. A new class is forming at the Comedy Store at 8433 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. sandi@sandishore.com. www.sandishore.com.
SCREAMING FROG PRODUCTIONS
Screaming Frog offers group private and customized corporate improv workshops. It specializes in one-day workshops that "help unleash creativity, inspire confidence, and are just plain fun. Rediscover your sense of play." The company is helmed by seasoned improviser-actors Leslie McManus and Jonathan Browning. www.screamingfrog.com.
STEVE KAPLAN'S COMEDY INTENSIVE
The Actors Comedy Intensive is a two-day comedy workshop designed specifically for actors and solo performers. With a limited enrollment (so everyone has a chance to get up and work), the workshop is designed as a hands-on performance workout where the tools and techniques of the course are explored through exercises, improv, and theatre games. On the second day, those techniques are applied to scripts, scenes, and solo shows, with an emphasis on sitcom script analysis, performance, and sitcom audition tricks and techniques. Kaplan has taught at UCLA, NYU, and Yale, and is a consultant for DreamWorks Animation. He created the HBO Workspace and the HBO New Writers Program and helped develop writers such as Steve Skrovan (Everybody Loves Raymond) and David Fury (Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and taught performers such as Oliver Platt and John Leguizamo. skcomedy@aol.com. www.kaplancomedy.com. (818) 718-7570.
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 explains. 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.
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 Bros. Comedy Writers' Workshop. All levels are welcome. There are performance opportunities. Sketch writing and standup instruction are also available. www.thegaymafia.net. (323) 634-2820.
This 30-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 $450 for the 12-class session. Students may also take a beginning-level class as part of the Groundlings Extension courses (no audition required), which introduces the rules of improvisation, priced at $225 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; specific registration dates are available on the website or telephone line. www.groundlings.com. (323) 934-4747. See ad on page A27
THE SECOND CITY TRAINING CENTER
The Los Angeles Training Center offers classes in improvisation and sketch comedy year-round for actors of all ages. Called the "Ivy League of Comedy," the Second City has trained many of the country's leading comedy actors, writers, and directors. Its alumni include John Belushi, Bill Murray, Alan Arkin, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Sean Hayes, Steve Carell, Harold Ramis, and more. 6560 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd floor, Hollywood, training.la@secondcity.com. www.secondcity.com/tcla. (323) 464-8542.
CAROLYNE BARRY'S COMMERCIAL, IMPROV, AND ACTING WORKSHOPS
In her 30-plus years in the commercial business, Barry has been an audition teacher since 1982, appeared in more than 400 national TV commercials, done the casting for hundreds of commercials, directed an Off-Broadway musical, has two published tape programs for actors on the market, and currently is a contributing writer of the Commercial Break column for Back Stage. Barry's programs offer commercial, improv, and acting workshops. Each division has separate workshops for the beginning, intermediate, and professional actor. She also offers specialized classes for improv for commercials, personal packaging, and a multimedia audition technique workshop. Barry and her staff of professional teachers offer 14 workshops. Classes range between six and 12 weeks; fees range from $355 to $495, and she offers payment programs and use of credit cards. Class sizes are limited, and an interview is required. www.carolynebarry.com. (323) 654-2212.
FAWNDA McMAHAN COMMERCIAL BREAK
McMahan offers classes and coaching for commercial auditions. She has been teaching commercial acting for six years, also working as a commercial actor and casting assistant to commercial casting directors. She offers an on-camera class for up to 10 actors working weekly on-camera with current audition copy. She focuses on the current trends and changing acting styles. "I work on every possible situation that the actor would get in a commercial audition," she says. "In commercials you have to able to adjust quickly and confidently. We work together to find tools that work specifically for each actor individually." Ongoing class classes start every four weeks, $200 per month. Auditing allowed upon interview. Private coaching available. commercialbreak @sbcglobal.net. www.youarebooked.com. (818) 807-6939.
JEFF GERRARD CASTING INTENSIVE FOUR-WEEK COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP
Jeff Gerrard Casting has been offering this commercial intensive class for the past 25 years. This four-week workshop is offered only four 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. Private theatrical coaching also available. (818) 782-9900.
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. (323) 655-9020.
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.
SANDRA MERRILL COMMERCIAL CLASS
Merrill teaches on-camera commercial classes 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. Emphasis is on developing improvisational skills-the cornerstone, Merrill believes, of most commercial bookings. Classes are small, and each student is guaranteed to work on-camera every class. www.sandramerrill.com. (323) 662-7720.
STUART STONE CASTING
A casting director for commercials, voiceovers, film, print, and television, Stuart Stone has created a commercials workshop to teach actors how to audition for the audition and excel in booking jobs, with a variety of techniques designed to help forward your career through your auditions. He is the author of Acting Out: Your Personal Coach to a Money-Making Career in Television Commercials. The workshop-an intensive taught over four weeks, one class per week-is designed to help students learn what advertisers and directors are looking for, how to get callbacks and turn the callbacks into bookings, find the inside understanding of what makes a successful working commercial actor, and more. He usually has a waiting list. www.commercialacting.info. (323) 866-1811.
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
Founded by artists for artists, the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, School of Motion Pictures & Television/Acting continues to improve and expand its accredited AA, BFA, and MFA programs. Recent classes have been added under the supervision of department director Diane Baker: Advanced Acting for Performance; Advanced Voice: Speech and Singing; Advanced Movement: Alexander Technique; and Modern Dance. These classes assume a love and dedication to the acting craft. All classes are taught in world-class facilities with top industry professionals. www.academyart.edu. (800) 544-2787.
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 Los Angeles 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 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 repertory company, which produces plays. There is no auditing, and an audition is required. A six-week summer school for ages 14 and older is offered. www.aada.org. (323) 464-2777 or (800) 222-2867. See ad on page A20
A consistent leader in actor training according to U.S. News & World Report rankings, ACT graduates participate and provide leadership at all levels of the entertainment industry. The Conservatory trains actors of all ages and levels. Its Master of Fine Arts program is for individuals who, after serious consideration and self-evaluation, have chosen acting as a profession. This highly selective graduate program offers a rigorous three-year course of training designed to educate and stimulate the most creative, promising young actors, selected through nationwide auditions. The Summer Training Congress offers professional training to students ages 19 and older with prior theatre training or experience. The STC consists of one eight-week intensive and one two-week classical studies course, ending in a class presentation for fellow students, conservatory faculty, and staff. Studio ACT is the company's part-time evening and weekend acting program designed to provide affordable and convenient classes for beginning through professional-level students. ACT's Young Conservatory for ages 8-19 offers classes in acting, musical theatre, voice, speech, audition, improv, movement, and more. The STC, Studio ACT, and Young Conservatory teaching staff consists of members of its regular conservatory faculty and distinguished guests. All instructors are working professionals. ACT is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. ww.actactortraining.org. (415) 439-2350. See ad on page A9
CALARTS SCHOOL OF THEATER
The California Institute of the Arts School of Theater is one of the nation's leading professional training programs. The training environment is designed to support the creation of new work and original interpretation. Productions and class work complement each other, challenging students to redefine performance on the basis of an appreciation for theatre traditions. In all aspects of its work, the school encourages students to develop skills, to take risks, and to commit fully to the collaborative process. (661) 291-3027.
EAST WEST PLAYERS ACTORS CONSERVATORY
East West Players, the nation's premier Asian Pacific American theatre, offers year-round Actors Conservatory classes that provide professional training for the stage. Scene Study focuses on character and script analysis; intermediate and advanced students only, audition required. Fundamentals of Acting II is a continuation of Fundamentals of Acting I. This beginning class provides a firm foundation for those with little or no acting experience and will continue to explore sensory and character exercises, as well as monologue work. Beginning scene study will focus on, and bring to life, the poetry of the classics such as Shakespeare and the Greeks. Enrolling in both the fundamentals class and beginning scene study class series will culminate in a studio project. Some scholarships are available to those who qualify, and discounted enrollment fees are available to EWP ACTS members. Marilyn Tokuda, mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org. (213) 625-7000, ext. 15.
HILLER ACADEMY
Hiller is a fully accredited private school designed to meet the needs of the young actor. After morning academic education, three hours of performing arts training are given. www.hilleracademy.com. (818) 385-1800.
ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
This year the Orange County High School of the Arts is celebrating 20 years of excellence. Nationally recognized as one of the premier arts schools in the country, the Orange County High School of the Arts embraces and encourages artistic creativity and academic excellence. Serving grades 7-12, this innovative public charter school provides bright and talented students with a nurturing environment focused on individual growth, opportunity, and diversity. Students study in one of 11 arts conservatories and participate in one of the top academic programs offered in Orange County. (714) 560-0900.
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 more than 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 acting company and faculty, is made up of 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 BFA programs. PCPA has existing and developing articulation agreements with public and private universities around the country. www.pcpa.org. (805) 928-7731, ext. 4115.
PROMENADE ACTING CONSERVATORY
The Promenade Conservatory offers full- and part-time programs for actors and industry professionals, as well as individual private consultation. The conservatory has worked with professionals such as Gary Busey (Lethal Weapon, The Buddy Holly Story), John Savage (The Thin Red Line, Deer Hunter), Nick Mancuso (Stingray, Ticket to Heaven), Teresa Ruiz (Bordertown), Alfred Molina (The Da Vinci Code, Spider-Man 2), and James Gandolfini (The Sopranos, All the King's Men) toward establishing successful careers in Hollywood, and globally, since 1985. Its American International Program for Film, Television, and Stage Artists is a member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre and is registered with the Bureau for Private Post Secondary Education. The facility is fully equipped with an Equity-approved theatre for classes and productions, such as 3rd Street Comedy and West of Broadway, where students benefit from some of the top training techniques available. The school provides guidance on the business aspects of acting, writing, and directing along with the artistic training necessary to book the job and continue to work in this highly competitive industry. Classes include auditioni for film and television, on-camera dynamics, Sanford Meisner Technique, Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg Techniques, commercial audition technique, Character Preference (the Conservatory's signature course), improvisation, and intensive workshops such as Writers Becoming Directors. Industry professionals from some of Hollywood's most active agencies appear frequently in class curriculum schedules to guide students through the auditioning process and to share insights into current trends in areas such as résumé format, headshot styles, and job opportunities for the working actor. The Conservatory says its programs go beyond the obvious and train the actor to develop all the emotional colors that exist within a character's life, resulting in a performance that is interesting, specific, and emotionally alive. School policy is to provide a warm and supportive atmosphere that encourages risk-taking, commitment, and discipline, which helps put actors to work in the theatre, film, and television industry. Free sample classes offered. Admission by interview only. 1404 Third Street, Santa Monica, 90401. www.promenadeplayhouse.com. (310) 656-8070.
Founded by one of the world's most respected acting teachers, the Stella Adler Academy offers a two-year program and individual classes. With four terms each year, classes include: acting technique, film/stage scene study, script analysis, theatre to film audition technique, styles of acting, voice, movement, improvisation, Shakespeare, Chekhov, stage combat, dance, dialects, accent reduction, and commercial skills, all culminating in a play/film production. Ongoing professional class instructors include Benicio Del Toro, Holland Taylor, Mark Ruffalo, Kate Mulgrew, and Anthony Zerby. Stella Adler Los Angeles is an 18,000-square-foot facility located at 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd fl., Hollywood. (323) 465-4446. See ad on page A3
THE MEISNER-CARVILLE SCHOOL OF ACTING
Founded in 1987 by Sanford Meisner, this is the only school founded by Meisner and authorized to use his name. The school is headed by Martin Barter, Meisner's protegé, who originally studied with Meisner at Bequia, in the West Indies, then assisted him for 14 years at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse and helped found the present school on the West Coast. The technique is taught in a two-year program; students must be invited back for the second year. Classes are taught by Barter and Alex Taylor, who was in the last class to work with Meisner and is one of only a few teachers to be taught how to teach the technique as Meisner intended it to be taught. Four-week intensives are also offered, as well as graduate-level scene-study classes. Barter described his master's approach as a reality-based technique focusing on the ability to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances. The school now instructs actors on the business of acting and helps students develop business, marketing, and PR and media campaigns. All levels are welcome, and acceptance is by interview. Auditing is allowed. 5124 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, (818) 509-9651.
John Ruskin was Sanford Meisner's apprentice, first studying with him in New York, continuing in Bequia, then teaching for him at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. Ruskin then founded the Ruskin School of Acting in Los Angeles in 1986 as the West Coast representative of the Neighborhood Playhouse. Acting teachers here were trained directly by Meisner and/or Ruskin. The school in Santa Monica offers a two-year course of study in the Meisner technique, as well as a master class for those who have completed the two-year program at either Ruskin's school or the Neighborhood Playhouse. Professional actors from outside the school are considered as well. Anthony Hopkins has taught the master class and worked with students on Chekhov, Shakespeare, and Pinter as well as contemporary plays. Other guest teachers and lecturers include Anthony Franciosa, Dylan McDermott, Carol Burnett, and Eve Ensler. The school offers classes in Alexander technique, commedia dell'arte, voice, and movement, as well as an introduction to the Meisner technique at various times throughout the year. Additionally the school offers classes for young adults and children. The Ruskin Group Theatre produces a season of plays with its company members and includes outreach programs in the community. Admission to the school is by interview with Ruskin. www.ruskinschool.com. (310) 390-4212. See ad on page A28
AUDITION SUCCESS WITH MICHAEL SARTOR
L.A./NYC vocal coach and frequent audition pianist for shows such as Seussical, Mamma Mia!, The Producers, and Bombay Dreams, Sartor has coached thousands of performers seeking to develop musical theatre performance skills. Students explore all aspects of performing musical theatre material by developing their skills in voice, acting, and movement. He maintains a library of musical scores and special material, and he says he selects songs that are a perfect match for each client's specific needs. He helps students prepare a book of musical theatre songs that will allow them to succeed at any audition. He accepts adults, teens, and children as students for private coaching throughout the year at his Studio City studio. He is currently the chair of musical theatre and production at the new American Musical and Dramatic Academy L.A. campus, a job he performed at the NYC branch for 14 years. He says he has present and past students appearing in almost every musical on Broadway, including Tony winner Marisa Winokur in Hairspray and Christopher Sieber in Spamalot. He offers all musical services, arranging, transcription/ transposing, and digital recording. musicinla@msn.com. (818) 763-4898.
BILL HALLER-VOICE TEACHER
Bill Haller trains singers in pop/Broadway belt technique. He was named one of the top private coaches in Back Stage West's 2006 Best of L.A. readers' poll. (818) 780-8240.
BOB GARRETT
Garrett offers private voice classes and musical theatre workshops. Techniques focus on breath control and support, expanding range, voice placement, calming nerves, and preparation of audition-technically, emotionally, and presentationally. He offers a nine-week master class with an industry showcase. His clients include Drew Barrymore, John Travolta, Judy Davis, Janet Jackson, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Tyra Banks, Gerald Butler, Judith Light, and Tammy Blanchard. Rates are "very reasonable." www.broadwaynow.net. (818) 506-5526.
CAROLE D'ANDREA
D'Andrea's 50-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. She offers a course on singing performance, as well as an acting class on scene study, cold reading, monologues, and exercises. She says she is one of the top personal acting coaches in L.A. who continues to work with many well-known names in TV and film. Audits allowed. www.caroledandrea.com. (310) 281-7116.
DAVID RISHTON
Rishton offers private piano and voice coaching with an emphasis on musical theatre, "to capture the heart of the audience." He trained at McCune School of Music in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was a member of Utah Opera Company in the 1980s. He has taught music in Los Angeles since 1992. All levels, tailored to student's interests. $20 per hour. drishton@att.net. (323) 461-5204.
AFTRA-SAG FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
ASFCU focuses solely on the financial needs of professional performers. Members receive products and services also found at for-profit banks but with low or no fees, including free checking with no minimum balance, free ATM and Visa debit card access at more than 25,000 locations worldwide, free 24-hour Internet home banking, and toll-free bank-by-phone. ASFCU also offers lending policies designed with the income irregularities of the working performer in mind, Coogan account experts, and a Financial Services Group providing noncommissioned retirement planning and investment services. www.aftrasagfcu.org. (818) 562-3400 or (800) 826-6946.
MAKE-UP DESIGNORY
Make-up Designory was formed in 1997 by a group of school administrators and instructors to bring excellence to makeup education. The school is a nationally accredited (ACCSCT) private postsecondary institution that provides makeup training, studio hairstyling, and portfolio development for those who wish to have a career in the film, television, and print industries. Programs and classes are taught year-round, and evening classes are available. Auditing allowed. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. Private instruction is available. The school is located at 129 S. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank. information@makeupschool.com. www.mud.edu, www.makeupschool.com. (818) 729-9420.
OVATION EARPROMPTER TRAINING AND SALES
The Earprompter allows you to deliver your lines without memorizing or notes, and with minimum preparation time. Actor, public speaker, and consultant Brian Collins has been conducting his one-day Earprompter seminar for actors and corporate speakers for 20 years, and he says, "Never memorize another line. The Earprompter takes the anxiety out of auditioning, acting, and public speaking." www.earprompter.com. (888) 327-7766.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACHING
Morgana Rae is a certified master results coach, published author, and seminar leader with more than 10 years' experience helping entertainment professionals leverage their strengths and thrive in the business. Her client base is international. She co-leads workshops with transition coach and talent manager Heather Rem titled "Take Command of Your Career: Mastering the Inner and Outer Game for Success in the Entertainment Industry." www.charmedlifecoaching.net. (310) 704-9566.
SINGING MADE EASY
A two-hour video workshop (DVD or VHS) offers tips on stage presence, confidence and ease, body language and hand gestures, audition skills, camera technique, creative song delivery, and the like. www.stagesingingsecrets.com.
THE LEARNING ANNEX
Premier producer of seminars, lectures, workshops, and expos for adults. One-night classes offered on a variety of subjects. Showbiz classes include: Make $$$ Using Your Voice; Screenwriting; Become an Extra in Film/TV; Producing; Power Networking; Get on TV as a Talk Show Guest or Expert; and Strengthen Your Singing Voice. Special events include: An Evening With Tommy Chong; Health, Beauty & Wellness Day; The Swan Makeover Panel; actor Lindsay Crouse; Hollywood publicist Stan Rosenfield; horror screenwriting panel; Psychic Day; Hollywood producer Arnold Rifkin; casting directors Janet Hirshenson and Jane Jenkins. www.learningannex.com. (310) 478-6677.
THE STUTTERING FOUNDATION
As this organization says, "Stuttering hasn't stopped actor Nicholas Brendon (Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) from making his mark in Hollywood." www.stutteringhelp.org. (800) 992-9392.
BODY SPACE
Through visionary impressions, imagination, voice, tantra yoga, and movement improvisations, Anita DeFrancesco teaches her students to "learn to characterize presence and form, while exploring 'in the moment' consciousness through sensation, breath, emotion, intuition, and the 'thoughted motion.' " www.kinepathics.com, www.tantrawisdom.com. (310) 471-2934.
MIME THEATRE STUDIO
In the only year-round mime classes in Los Angeles, MTS teaches actors, dancers, comedians, singers, and storytellers how to "make the invisible visible," using the body to express thought and emotion, and how 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 15 years, including work for Cirque du Soleil, Disney, DreamWorks, and Sony Animation Studios, and feature films and television. www.mimetheatrestudio.com. (866) 444-6463.
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 A5
STACIE CHAIKEN WHAT'S THE STORY? STUDIO
What's the Story? Solo Performance Workshop is designed by Chaiken as an opportunity to develop solo work in a group process-with a devoted and talented bunch of writer-performers-and to try things out in front of a friendly audience on a regular basis. Every six weeks each student meets privately with her for an intensive look at his or her project. She says the class is useful for actors who want to create solo work (autobiographical or not); writers who are wrestling with autobiographical or historical material; and storytelling artists (filmmakers, songwriters, poets, directors) who want to bring greater depth and immediacy to their work. Chaiken teaches acting and solo performance at the USC School of Theatre and teaches master classes in personal story across the United States and abroad. Her solo play Looking for Louie has been performed in L.A. and N.Y., as well as abroad. whatsthestory2@mac.com. www.whatsthestory.us. (310) 450-1312.
TRAVIS-JOHNTZ
For the past 16 years, Mark Travis and Frederick Johntz have been involved in the development of solo shows for hundreds of actors and performers, including Chazz Palminteri, Paul Linke, Justine Moore, and Judi Brandwein. Solo shows developed at Travis-Johntz have played in Los Angeles, Montreal, San Francisco, New York, and Edinburgh, as well as in national and international tours. They offer workshops, seminars, and private coaching, geared toward the development of solo shows. solo@travis-johntz.com. www.travis-johntz.com. (323) 848-9800.
TRUTH, LIES AND MEMORY: CREATING THE ONE-PERSON SHOW
This workshop is led by Terrie Silverman, artist-in-residence, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, whose work has been presented at the HBO Workspace, Highways, MO Beyond Baroque Literary Arts, KPFK Radio, and theatres in L.A. and New York. Her program is designed to guide actors through the process of developing and performing a solo play, whether the actor is looking for a way to begin, continue, or polish material in a supportive, safe environment. Spontaneous writing exercises, movement, music, and drawing allows students to write and create organically. The student 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. www.creativerites.com. (310) 281-3175.
ACCURATE ENGLISH
Lisa Mojsin, M.A., speaks five languages, has an acting background, and has taught at the college and university level. She says 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 primarily offers one-on-one courses that she says are intensive and information-packed. She says she has successfully worked with people who are "very advanced," and she doesn't pressure students to pay for a number of lessons in advance; they pay as they go. www.accurateenglish.com. (310) 892-3556.
ACCENT ON ACTING - ADAM LeGRANT
LeGrant trains the non-native English speaker in speech and drama, including accent reduction and speech training in Standard American English, audition preparation, and cold reading techniques. He also offers monologue and scene work, "so that one's acting technique can be simultaneously developed with a clear, attractive speaking voice." Group classes and private sessions are available. Admission is by interview. www.accentonacting.com. (323) 878-2288.
ADELE CABOT
Cabot is a designated Linklater voice teacher and acting coach. Her other specialties include audition coaching and acting Shakespeare. She teaches at Whole Actor Training Center. (818) 368-1365.
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.
ALISO CREEK PRODUCTIONS - WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Williams has been producing commercials for 20 years. His six-week classes in commercial and animation voiceover meet in a recording studio under real-life performing conditions. Classes are limited to four to six students so each student gets plenty of mike time, and his voiceover demo tapes emphasize each actor's abilities. A free studio visit with consultation is available. www.alisocreek.net. (818) 954-9931.
An accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, and record producer, Jan Linder Koda creates radio-ready recording packages for motivated singer-songwriters. She specializes in artist development, writes or co-writes songs with clients, and records songs in her state-of-the-art Pro Tools studio. Artists may sell their songs on her label/website. www.angeldivamusic.com. (818) 888-5885. See ad on page A5
BEATRICE
A graduate of Northwestern University with a B.A. in speech and music, Beatrice teaches vocal production, how to increase power and range, diaphragmatic breathing and placement, and self-confidence for auditions in all styles. She has appeared on television with Janet Jackson, Steve Allen, and Melissa Manchester, and she is the teacher of two winners of the Heroes and Legends Scholarship Awards. Private coaching is available. (310) 273-5940.
BEVERLY BREMERS' VOICERCISE
Working voiceover professional Bremers offers voiceover classes and pro workouts in Orange and San Diego counties and also produces voiceover demos and house minutes. In addition, Bremers offers classes in accent reduction, singing, songwriting, and cold reading, and private consultations for all. www.voicercise.net. (949) 874-0616.
BOB CORFF
Veteran performer and voice/performance coach Corff is author of The Bob Corff Speakers Voice Method on CD or tape and The Bob Corff Singers Method on CD or tape, and along with his wife, Claire (with whom he has written and produced the CD and workbook Achieving the Standard American Accent), offers private and group lessons on how the voice works and how to make your speaking 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. The Corffs recently created their New Accent Series workbook and CD. English, Southern, French, Irish, and more. www.corffvoice.com. (323) 851-9042.
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 to achieve authentic, natural speech patterns. Individual classes, as well as on-set coaching, are available. (818) 783-0473.
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 says she works with actors to "undo habits and inhibitory blocks that limit them." breathnatsuko@aol.com. www.natsukoohama.com. (818) 754-2400.
CARLA PEREZ
Carla Perez has a master's degree in voice performance and has been teaching and singing for...a very long time. She teaches beginners through advanced students a "full-body presence" technique-singing from head to toe-addressing vowels, breath, support, musicianship, interpretation, and stylistic nuance. Students often refer to her teaching style as freeing and nonthreatening. cjperez-gtn@charter.net. (818) 409-9619.
CAROL TINGLE VOICE STUDIO
Tingle, a performer and voice teacher for almost 40 years, works with singers of all ages, levels, and styles. She offers private instruction and performance workshops in her Santa Monica studio. Emphasis is placed on the development of the voice within the style of the singer, as well as safe, healthy vocal production, audition preparation, and alleviating performance anxiety. Tingle has completed her CD series, Centering For Performance. With degrees in voice and music education, she also has a California teaching credential. www.caroltingle.com. 310-828-3100.
CORFF VOICE STUDIOS
Claire Corff teaches voice/speech/dialects and accent reduction. She is the co-author, with her husband, Bob Corff, of the Achieving the Standard American Accent book and CD. She has also written books and produced CDs on the Southern, English, and French accents. www.corffvoice.com. (323) 969-0565.
DARLENE KOLDENHOVEN
With a master's in music education and voice, Koldenhoven offers vocal coaching and techniques for projection, diction, breathing, pitch, and rhythm. She teaches all styles, levels, and ages. Her new book with 7 CDs, Tune Your Voice, is a new program to teach students how to sing by training the mind's musical ear along with vocal exercises. She also offers kids' classes, work in a professional recording studio, and vocal demos, as well as in-studio coaching. It's a "very fun, creative environment," Koldenhoven says. darlene@darlenekoldenhoven.com. (818) 980-2840.
DAVE & DAVE INCORPORATED
Publisher Dave Sebastian Williams of www.VoiceOverResourceGuide.com offers "One Stop for Everything Voice Over": recording studios, website design, home studio installation, VO studio equipment, and graphic design for DVDs, CDs, packaging, post cards, and stationery. In the business "for good" since the 1970s, "we care about our industry," says Williams. www.everythingvo.com. (818) 508-7578.
DEBORAH ELLEN VOCAL STUDIOS
Deborah Ellen has been involved with the Seth Riggs Speech Level Singing Technique for more than 11 years. She offers private lessons in vocal technique and artistry. DEVS is designed to develop flexibility, consistency, vocal strength, and individualized stylization. "We create a supportive, open environment where it is safe to take chances and discover your true potential," she says. All levels welcome. info@deborahellen.com. www.deborahellen.com. (310) 422-9166.
DEREK GRAYDON
Graydon is a Juilliard-trained star of Broadway and opera. He offers bel canto technique. "Unsurpassed," says Dame Judi Dench. "He's magic," exclaims John Travolta. (323) 656-9356.
DIAMANTE VOCAL STUDIO
Edward Diamante teaches a speech-level technique that has supported 112 Grammy Award winners while they were recording. "My students don't have 'cracks' or 'breaks' when they pass from their chest coordination into their head voices," says Diamante. "If you don't sing with an evenly produced voice, your style will suffer because you'll sing with two different voices." He says he can also help actors who don't sing professionally but who want to learn to control their voices through exercise, or who have injured their voices through laryngitis or other vocal illness. (323) 466-7881.
Voiceover Connection, Inc., offers workshops, workouts, and seminars in the areas of commercials, animation, narration, audiobooks, audio drama/comedy. Levels are basic through pro. Courses are directed by Diehl and taught by voiceover agents, casting directors, publishers, and producers. "Individual feedback from every director." Located at sound studios in Hollywood, Valley Village, North Hollywood, and Santa Monica. Offers make-ups for sessions missed. www.voconnection.com. (213) 384-9251. See ad on page A24
ELISABETH HOWARD'S VOCAL POWER ACADEMY
Howard, founder of the Vocal Power Academy, is an internationally acclaimed vocal technician and vocal stylist. A Juilliard graduate and on the vocal staff at Pepperdine University, she has conducted vocal technique workshops in 10 countries. She and her Vocal Power associates offer training in vocal technique and style for musical theatre performances, songwriters, and all blues, jazz, rock, R&B, country, and opera. Performance workshops teach mike technique, choreography, acting, and image. Singers showcases are presented at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. Clients: Paige O'Hara, voice of Belle in the film Beauty and the Beast, new Warner recording artist Lalaine of Disney's Lizzie McGuire, American Idol semifinalist and MTV-Pantene Pro Voice winner Hadas, performers on Broadway and national tours, screen celebrities, 10 Star Search winners. Studio locations: Glendale, Moorpark, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Hills, Topanga, and in April a branch in Las Vegas. Howard is co-author of the Born to Sing DVD, and author of SING! book and four CDs, and ABCs of Vocal Harmony book and four CDs, on sight-reading, ear-training, and singing harmony. www.vocalpowerinc.com. (800) 829-7664.
ELIZABETH BURNETTE
Burnette specializes in teaching Standard American English to actors who need to speak English flawlessly without any detectable accent for film, television, and stage. Private sessions: 1.5 hours. Small classes: 2.5 hours. She has been coaching in L.A. for 10 years. elizburnette@aol.com. americanenglishforactors.com. (310) 967-4405.
ELOCUTION SOLUTION
Elocution Solution's speech pathologists offer individual or group sessions in voice and diction for actors, including breathing, relaxation exercises, pitch adjustment, projection, resonance, and voice care. They also work with actors on reducing or acquiring accents and learning specific speech patterns such as those associated with hearing difficulties, strokes, and stuttering. Free evaluation. www.elocutionsolution.com. (800) 597-9691.
GODEANE GRACE EAGLE, M.A.
Eagle teaches singing, speech, pitch training, and stage voice. (310) 450-5735.
HOWARD AUSTIN'S VOCAL POWER SCHOOL
Howard Austin, creator of the Vocal Power Method, says training with him will develop your voice control (breath control, support, focusing tone, vibrato pulse, resonance control, eliminating register breaks); personal style (phrasing and creative improvisation in any style); and performance power (mike techniques, lyric interpretation, and dynamic staging). Songwriting instruction is also offered. Vocal Power Method, also available in the Born to Sing home-study course, has brought singers to American Idol, MTV, Broadway, Capitol Records, Sony, and more. Students have included Brandon Adams, Jason Keating, Stephen Dorff, Melora Hardin, Nancy McKeon, Demi Moore, Priscilla Presley, and Tanya Roberts. vocalcoach@borntosing.com. vocalpower.com. (800) 929-7464 or (818) 895-7464.
JEFFREY ALLEN VOCAL STUDIO
Allen offers professional voice-strengthening and problem-solving for speech or singing, onstage and in the studio. "All methods customized to your needs and instrument," he says. He offers audition/demo preparation. All ages, levels, and styles. "Not a typical coach but a teacher developing voices, attitudes, and new concepts," says Sandy Feldstein, former president and CEO of Warner Bros. Publishing. www.vocalsuccess.com. (818) 782-4332.
JESSICA DRAKE
The Juilliard-trained Drake has been coaching actors in dialect and speech for more than 20 years, with credits that include Memoirs of a Geisha, The Pink Panther with Steve Martin, Catch Me If You Can, L.A. Confidential, Forrest Gump, The Green Mile, HBO's Band of Brothers, and Six Feet Under. She also coaches actors for Shakespeare. (323) 662-1831.
JULIE OSBURN'S VOICE RE-TRAINING
Osburn teaches a combination of body work: breathing exercises with Pilates and Alexander to strengthen support muscles and release tension in the body. She then teaches vocal therapy exercises together with singing exercises that use the body's relaxed strength to center and focus the sound. "The contemporary sound found in pop and rock recording artists, as well as in today's Broadway musicals, demands performers be in command of their speaking/singing voices, for they are the same," says Osburn. She also teaches musical theatre performance, audition preparation, and voice intensive technique for actors. www.actorsinprocess.com. (310) 989-2803.
KALMENSON & KALMENSON VOICE CASTING
The owners of Kalmenson & Kalmenson commercial voice casting service have spent 25 years educating actors and say the work begins from the 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. Improv and scene study classes also offered. www.kalmenson.com. (818) 342-6499, ext. 11.
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.
LISA POPEIL'S VOICEWORKS(r)
Training in "all things voice," is how Popeil describes her work. Students can get private coaching in jazz, belting, legit, pop, and rock. She works on vocal control, range, power, creating emotional magic, speech improvement, vocal projection for acting, vocal health, sight singing, demo recording, performance coaching, audition preparation. Located in Sherman Oaks, Popeil is a voice researcher, international lecturer, pianist, recording engineer, and voice expert. lisa@popeil.com. www.popeil.com. (818) 906-7229.
LOUISE CHAMIS
Chamis' workshop, she says, 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, and there is generous mike time. Everything is recorded. She also works with students to create a repertoire of various cartoon characters. Chamis discusses how to audition and how to get work, and she also creates CDs, separate from the class. She has been teaching for 26 years. Her credo is "all things are possible." 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.
LUCILLE BLISS
"Working legend" Bliss teaches private voice-acting lessons. Her work focuses on career training, interpretation, mike 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.
M.J. LALLO
Award-winning voiceover artist Lallo has worked for Disney, Universal Interactive, Fox Kids, TV Guide, GNC, and has done more than 100 commercials, CD-ROMs, and feature film ADR. She has been teaching commercial and animation voiceover for 12 years. The classes for adults and children, held at her recording studio, are limited to 10 people per class. Advanced classes are directed by professionals in the voiceover industry. Lallo also directs and produces commercials and animation projects, as well as voiceover demo tapes. www.creatingvoices.com. (818) 980-6576.
MARC CASHMAN-CASHMAN COMMERCIALS: THE CASHMAN CACHE(c) OF VOICE ACTING TECHNIQUES
This Clio-winning casting director and producer instructs beginning, intermediate, and advanced actors on the tricks of the trade in developing a successful radio/TV voiceover career, through his 20 years of audio production with Cashman Commercials, one of the top VO production companies in the country. Students can audit a class for free (he encourages it) and pay in installments when they sign up. www.cashmancommercials.com. (661) 222-9300.
MARJORY TAYLOR'S VOICE MASTERY
Marjory Taylor has operated her own voice school, The House of Voice (now known as Voice Mastery), for more than 18 years. She teaches voice building, diction, (Standard Broadcasting American English), commercials, cold reading, accent correction, and other aspects of communication and performance. Her students are appearing on commercials and on ABC, CBS, and NBC, as well as KRLA, KWKW, and Super KQ radio. They're also appearing onstage in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Connecticut, NYC, and Minneapolis. Other students include executives, sales personals, attorneys, civil leaders, television hosts, ministers, and seminar leaders. (310) 246-1743.
MARY McGREGOR
McGregor works to combine the necessary techniques to help you "free your sound." Says McGregor, "In acting and in singing it is necessary to understand what your instrument can do for you. I help guide you through that realization." (818) 762-0309.
MASTERINGVOICEOVER.COM
Dan Balestrero teaches classes that range from beginner to pro, how to break in, and demo production. Four-hour CD home-study course now available. Balestrero has 25 years' teaching experience and has taught at Robert Redford's Sundance Institute. His clients have worked for virtually all the major advertising agencies and motion picture studios. Classes are limited to 10 students and are $525 for six weeks. Private vocal coaching is also available for $125 an hour. masteringvoiceover.com. (310) 575-4321.
MENTOR LANGUAGE INSTITUTE - MICHAEL BUCKLIN
This institute offers accent reduction for actors, taught by Bucklin, who is a graduate of Neighborhood Playhouse taught by Sanford Meisner and a professional voiceover talent from New York. His workshop combines the Meisner technique with original accent reduction exercises to help non-native speakers of English learn basic acting technique while improving their language skills. Ongoing classes are held Tue. and Thu., 2:30-4:30 p.m., for students who speak English at an intermediate level or above. His introductory price is $150 for eight classes (16 class hours). Prospective students may audit a single two-hour class by appointment. Private coaching is available. 9744 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 445, Beverly Hills. mail@ mentoresl.com. www.mentoresl.com. (310) 887-0777.
MUSIC 1 ON 1
Vocal coaching, sight singing, and group classes. Eight-week sight singing class starts Sept. 25, open to union and nonunion singers. Eight-week chord analysis class starts Sept. 25, open to all. geraldwhite@music1on1.com. (310) 430-4802.
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 says, 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.
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 one-on-one coaching in cold readings, interp, dialect, speech. (310) 276-7587.
PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING WITH JULIE DANIELS
Professionally Speaking offers private coaching in voice, speech, and accent reduction. 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. www.teechspeech .com. (818) 623-8960.
RICHARD FREDRICKS: I TEACH ANYONE HOW TO SING!
Fredricks' career started in a Santa Monica nightclub, moving to musical comedy, the New York City Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera as a leading baritone; he's sung in several media, including on TV and live with the Boston Pops; he's appeared in musical theatre such as The Music Man, Man of La Mancha, Carousel, and Carnival. Fredricks says he has brought back the voices of Andy Williams, Howard Keel, Pat Boone, Renata Scotto, among others. He teaches the breath support/breathing technique he has used for more than 40 years, noting, "It's the engine that drives the voice, the voice being a wind instrument. I routinely double the size of your voice and add about a third to your top-in the first lesson." He says he coaches everything, from pop to musical comedy to opera. metbariton@aol.com. (310) 838-3355.
Zieff teaches mike technique for TV and radio commercials, animation, narration, and audiobooks. As a busy voiceover actor, director, and casting director, he emphasizes the importance of character development, text analysis, and making strong creative choices at the microphone. He guides actors through preparing a demo that will be their "calling card" to the voiceover world. He cast the Academy Award-winning animated short The ChubbChubbs! and directed the animated feature Steamboy (starring Patrick Stewart and Alfred Molina). Rick coaches adults and children at his studio in West Hollywood. (323) 651-1666. See ad on page A5
ROBERT EASTON
Easton is best-known as the "Henry Higgins of Hollywood Inc." for his extensive and highly specialized dialect coaching, which has resulted in many nominations and awards, including Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG, and Cannes Film Festival awards. In addition to his dialect workshops, Easton has also taught more than 2,600 students comedy improv, characterization, and cold reading classes. (818) 985-2222.
ROWENA BALOS
Balos offers short-term and ongoing workshops and private coaching in voice production, speech, accent reduction, and Shakespeare. She has taught at many acting studios, universities, and theatre companies around the world, including, NYU, UCLA, CalArts, the Howard Fine Acting Studio, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, the Sydney Theatre Company, American Conservatory Theater, and Antaeus Classical Theatre Company. "I focus on helping you reveal, in your voice and body, all of what you are thinking and feeling," says Balos. "I concentrate on freeing the breath, connecting to sound, expanding emotional and tonal range, releasing tension, and developing verbal commitment." Her former students include Amy Brenneman, Paul Reiser, Peter Coyote, Mariska Hargitay, Judy Davis, Joanne Woodward, and Heather Locklear. www.rowenabalos.com. (310) 285-8489.
ROY SAMUELSON
THE VOICE OVER WORK OUT LOUNGE (VOWOL)
VOWOL offers a playful and positive gym for actors to work on recordings at a recording studio, learning from guest hosts. www.vowol.com. (310) 439-9036.
SANDI MASSIE
Massie is a coach for voice, speech, dialects, and accent reduction. She has been teaching and coaching theatre, television, and film for the past 20 years. She teaches relaxation, breath support, resonance, diction, and many other aspects of voice. (818) 903-4016.
SANDY HOLT/VOICECASTER
Sandy Holt, a Chicago Second City alum, is giving a commercial/animation class focusing on characters and copy. She is a voice caster for TV and films. Credits include: TV series Scrubs, the pilot So NoTORIous, the DreamWorks animated feature Over The Hedge, Antz, Prince of Egypt, Holes, Boogeyman, About Schmidt, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, and Ali. She teaches a voiceover workshop that covers: how to sharpen your audition skills and book the job, making the copy your own and being original, making money, having fun playing different characters, improvising and learning recording techniques. She produces demos custom-made to the actor's talents. The workshop is for actors who want to book work in commercials and animation. Private coaching is available. (310) 271-8217.
SUSAN BLU and CYNTHIA SONG
Susan Blu, voiceover actor and voice director, and Cynthia Song, casting director at Blupka Productions, voice actor, producer and director of VO demos, teach classes in voiceover for commercial and animation. Classes are small, all levels. They say students get "tons of booth time." The two recently authored the rewrite of Word of Mouth, a tool of voiceover technique and information. voiceoverworkshops@gmail.com. www.blupka.com. (818) 763-8500.
THE GARCIA METHOD - RICCARDA WATKINS, AKA THE VOICE WHISPERER
Watkins offers a 200-year-old singing technique that deals with diaphragmatic breathing, specialized tone-shaping technique, and what she calls "astounding vocal projection," all without vocal strain. She says you will achieve results in a matter of seconds, using a technique that works for novices to professionals, in any music style. She teaches private individual and group classes, as well as master classes. www.thevoicewhisperer.com (310) 924-7888 or (310) 924-4500. riccardaw@yahoo.com.
THE STEVEN MEMEL STUDIO
Memel has had a multifaceted career as a singer, actor, and director, as well as being an internationally acclaimed teacher. He has experience in all areas of the arts and has worked onstage, in film, on television, and in the recording studio. He has developed The Memel Method for Voice and Performance, with which he has helped everyone from beginners to Grammy Award-winning recording artists such as Maroon 5 and Tony Award-winning Broadway performers.
The Voicecaster is celebrating its 30th year casting for radio and television commercials, as well as industrials, animation, narration, CD ROMS, voices of toys, and more. Huck Liggett, owner and head of casting, and his staff work on voiceover skills from microphone technique to translating and breaking down copy, as well as introducing the most current trends in advertising. Says Liggett, "Our approach is focused on exploring and discovering the strength of each individual so that he or she would have a better idea of how to approach VO professionally. We meet each student at the level they bring to a class and help them build from that point." Courses meet in four- and six-week sessions, $300-550. No auditing. No requirements for admission to beginning levels; higher-level classes require prior professional VO training. Private coaching available. 1832 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank. casting@voicecaster.com. www.voicecaster.com. (818) 218-2342. See ad on page A27
VANESSA MIZZONE
Mizzone offers private voice and speech coaching for actors. She holds an MFA and is a Santa Monica College Theatre Arts adjunct faculty member and former voice and speech instructor at UCLA. Her vocal technique is based in the Linklater method with a Skinner approach to speech. "Coaching sessions are designed for the individual's needs, whether it be accent reduction, breath support, projection, classical text, learning an accent, etc.," she says. All levels. vmizzone@hotmail.com. (310) 968-7631.
VOCAL POWER SCHOOL/MUSIC WORLD
Providing personal training and coaching in the Greater Los Angeles area, Howard Austin's Vocal Power School, established in 1981, offers professional guidance in singing, performance, and songwriting for the experienced professional. Will accept talented beginners. Training is offered in all music styles including R&B, rock, blues, country, gospel, jazz and musical theatre. Vocal Power singers include 18 leads on Broadway, three Miss Saigons, winners on Star Search and American Idol, Priscilla Presley, Demi Moore, Stephen Dorff, Paige O'Hara (the voice of Belle in the Disney film Beauty and the Beast). Director Howard Austin is an author of vocal training courses, Born To Sing CDs, DVD, and books sold worldwide. Free introductory sessions and scholarships are available. vocalcoach@borntosing.com. www.vocalpower.com. (818) 895-7464 or (800) 929-7464.
VOCAL STYLINGS
Vocal Stylings offers private singing lessons and in-studio vocal production to free the artist in you, helping you perform with greater passion, power, emotion, and energy. Styles include rock, R&B, pop, Broadway. Areas of specialization include vocal power, breathing techniques, extension of range, and style development. All levels welcome. Four-lesson discount package. Culver City. lisa@vocalstylings.com. www.vocalstylings.com.
VOCAL YOGA
Vocal Yoga offers technique for singing, acting, and public speaking; vocal yoga; Fitzmaurice Voicework; Standard American Dialect; and jazz. Up next,a one-day speech workshop, July 12. Heather Lyle, www.vocalyoga.com. (310) 200-0506.
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) 763-2618.
Meyers teaches techniques for a successful career in voiceovers. He has 25 years' experience hiring and directing voiceover talents for national and local radio and TV spots, narrations, promos, books on tape, and interactive CD-Roms. Meyers is now accepting a limited number of talented beginners (adults and children), as well as working professionals. Sessions are available by appointment only. Meyers offers a free introductory meeting, affordable rates, in Valley Village. wbmvo@aol.com. www.wbmvo.com. (818) 985-1359. See ad on page A16
YOUNG VOICES
This voiceover training class for performers ages 7-17 incorporates TV and radio commercials, animation, improv, theatre games, and technical exercise to create this marketable craft. Classes are taught by casting director Alison Stuart (Academy Award-winning animation short The ChubbChubbs!, Cartoon Network's animated series SD Gundam Force, Felicity, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek). (323) 651-1666.
COMBAT AT BEVERLY HILLS FENCERS' CLUB
Instructors are professional fight directors and swordmasters whose screen credits include Charlie's Angels, Master and Commander, Troy, Scorpion King, The Last Legion, Warrior Queen, La Femme Musketeer, ER, Holes, Power Rangers, Queen of Swords, and Richard III. They provide ongoing classes, workshops, and private coaching for actors in combat for screen and stage, with a particular focus on swordplay. Weekly conditioning and choreography classes offer professional standard physical training for film, using armed and unarmed techniques with a focus on timing, performance, and creativity. Regular workshops focus on specific weapons and on-camera skills through choreographed fights that are rehearsed to performance standard. Periodic one-day workshops feature sword and stunt professionals sharing their on-set skills and experiences. All levels. Single class is $30; six-week workshops are $155. Auditing by appointment. Private coaching available. 3639 Eastham Dr., Culver City. combat@ robertabrown.com. www.swordcombat.com. (310) 266-5151 or (310) 204-0085.
DAVE LEA'S MOTION PICTURE STUNT/FIGHT-TRAINING
The level of screen fighting has been raised. Students can advance their on-camera fighting skills in various fighting styles-including weapons, basic to advanced; fine-tune hand combat and kicks, including kickboxing. Lea has worked with Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Affleck, Colin Farrell, Sylvester Stallone, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Tom Cruise, Michael Keaton, and Will Smith, among others. Credits include The Island, Daredevil, Batman, Batman Returns, Wild Wild West, Get Carter, Demolition Man, and more. Member of the American Choreography Committee. Salsa dance classes also offered. 6318 San Fernando Rd., Burbank, CA 91201. daveleastunt@ earthlink.net. www.davelea.com. (818) 603-9696.
FILM FIGHTING L.A.
The Film Fighting L.A. club is a group of people learning to safely but realistically act action scenes for film, television, and theatre. Classes include a stunt fighting class on Sunday evenings. Monthly workshops include European swords, Asian weapons, Filipino weapons, Shao-lin and Hong Kong fighting. Robert G Goodwin, founder, trained Christian Bale for Batman Begins, is sword master for Kristanna Loken, Ron Perlman, Illeana Douglas, and Jason Lewis. He was fight coordinator for Phat Girlz, plus seven other SAG films; stunt coordinator for Jennifer Tilly, Crispin Glover, and Patrick Warburton; and has coached Ving Rhames, Charles Dutton, and the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Goodwin's film credits include co-starring in and sword master for Little Hercules in 3-D. Theatre credits include work Off-Broadway and at the Mark Taper Forum, Utah Shakespearean Festival, regional theatres, and universities from Syracuse to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles. Goodwin has taught Tai Chi for the 25 years. www.filmfighting la.com, www.taowesttaichi.com. (310) 447-8438.
LOS ANGELES FIGHT ACADEMY
One 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-specialize in theatrical and cinematic combat and weapons work. But the academy's emphasis 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.
SAMURAI ACTION STUDIO
Michi Yamato teaches Japanese stage combat include karate, sword fighting, gymnastics, and trampoline techniques. He is a former member of the original Power Ranger stunt team and coordinated more than 100 episodes as a stunt coordinator. www.samuraiaction.com. (310) 849-1466.
SWORDPLAY FENCING STUDIOS
Tim Weske's SwordPlay, with locations in Burbank and Reseda, teaches all edged weapons, including Olympic-style fencing. Ongoing film- and stage-combat classes and private lessons focus on extreme detail to safety, balance, footwork, and confidence in memorization of choreography. Each class is taught in Weske's privately owned studios. With 20 years of experience, Weske has taught thousands of students and choreographed thousands of fight sequences. Recent projects include Master and Commander, Princess Diaries II, Peter Pan, Old School, Center of the Universe, and Gilmore Girls. Actors such as Sir Ben Kingsley, Sandra Bullock, Natalie Portman, Matthew Perry, Jeremy Piven, Brad Pitt, Anne Hathaway, Bruce Campbell, and Verne Troyer have wielded a weapon under the guidance of SwordPlay. www.sword playla.com or www.timweske.com. (818) 566-1777.
ACTING FOR CHILDREN & TEENS AT EDGEMAR CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Edgemar, made up of two state-of-the-art theatres in Santa Monica, offers on-camera, cold reading, and acting and improvisation classes for ages 6-17. Students will perform in a showcase for parents and agents at Edgemar at the end of the eight-week session. Private coaching is available. Fantastical Story Hour for ages 3-6: Children create through costume character, storytelling, and music an enchanted magical kingdom and explore their creativity and dramatic flair. 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. www.edgemarcenter.org. (310) 399-3666.
ALL ABOUT KIDS PERFORMING ARTS CONSERVATORY
This conservatory specializes in training kids ages 5-18 who are interested in entering the entertainment industry and/or performing onstage. Workshops are offered in: acting, dance, voice, comedy, and on-camera commercial training, with the opportunity to meet top talent agents. Workshops are taught by a staff from the entertainment industry. Rated A by the Better Business Bureau. www.aakperformingarts.com.
BARB NORTH THE KIDZ KOACH
With 25 years' experience, North works privately with children and their parents in what she calls "a fun and nurturing environment." She has taught school, worked with children in scouting, and raised her own daughter. She is a working writer, producer, performer, and manager. She teaches children acting and audition strategies, and she works with parents "to help navigate the business." 22647 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 422, Woodland Hills. barb@funnycoach.com. www.funnycoach.com. (818) 347-5098.
Balaski has been acting since age 5. She has more than 40 years of experience in the business and has earned an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award, two Robbies, and several Emmy nominations. For the past 18 years she has been teaching kids and teens in a variety of eight-week classes: Commercial Workshop (5-18), Adult Commercials (18 And Up), TV & film acting (9 and up), music video/theatre (7 and up), tot's acting (4-8), monologues (8 and up), Shakespeare classics (10 and up), sitcom (10 and up), dialects & voiceovers (8 and up), teen improv (10 and up), modeling: print & runway (8-25), auditions with casting director (10 and up), and parent seminars. Classes are limited to 10-16 students. All classes are taped, with live/tape showcases at graduation for agents and parents. The eight-week sessions start in January, April, July, and October. www.bbskids.com. (323) 650-5437. See ad on page A24
CARTER THOR STUDIO "ON THE MARK" YOUNG ACTOR CLASS
After 15 years as a professional studio in the industry, the studio now offers a class for young actors, 9-18, that it describes as "revolutionary." The goal, according to instructors, is that young actors develop confidence and fluidity in front of the camera through the understanding of scene study, script analysis, and cold reading. The studio strives to create a safe space for young actors to freely and profoundly express their individuality. All levels of experience are welcome, although placement in class is determined upon enrollment. 12417 Ventura Ct., Studio City, CA 91604. www.carterthorstudio.com. (818) 760-9426.
CLASS ACT-THE YOUNG ACTOR'S STUDIO
Class Act offers coaching and training for young actors, ages 4-18, plus a new advanced adult class meeting on Wed. evening. The course uses the basics of the Stanislavsky system, teaching young actors to learn to use their unique qualities in their acting. A full conservatory day or a choice of individual classes-including stage combat, comedy improv/ voice, audition technique, acting technique, and production-is available. 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 Artistic Director Jeff Alan-Lee and Kerry Muir, who taught kids and teens at Lee Strasberg in New York and L.A. Some of Alan-Lee's students include Scarlett Johansson and Shia LeBeouf. Auditing is allowed. www.young actorsstudio.com. (310) 281-7545.
HARRIET GREENSPAN
A casting director for the past 20 years, Greenspan is currently casting Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Unfabulous on the Nickelodeon network. Past credits include features, MOWs, pilots, soaps, and series. Greenspan offers private coaching and intensive workshops for kids, teens, and young adults. (818) 266-6698.
JOY THEATRE - JOSH and JANIECE JARY MINNICK
Joy Theatre offers classes in comedy. "Our program is geared to give you the tools and talent to be confident and funny onstage and in the world," says Minnick. The company has ongoing weekend and after-school programs, as well as an on-camera class. The theatre offers weekly comedy shows for all ages, Sat.-Sun. at 2 p.m. (kids ages 4-11) and 5 p.m. (teens ages 12-18). The shows are a mixture of all things comedy: improv, sketch, standup, characters, music, and more. Held at the Raven Playhouse, 5233 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. www.joytheatre.com. (818) 505-9355.
KIDS ON CAMERA
Phil De Champlain's coaching is based on his own experience as an actor, writer, and director for more than 15 years. Students discover what makes them unique inside. Ongoing kids and teens classes are offered in Studio City and Simi Valley. The focus is on on-camera auditioning, cold reading, improvisation, and film and TV scene study. "Students will master the invaluable 'eye to brain' line-reading technique," says De Champlain. Classes help children build self-confidence and strengthen reading comprehension, and they are designed to be fun. "This on-camera class will unleash your child's creativity and develop the acting skills needed to perform in film and TV. Each child will be challenged individually to reach their full potential," he says. "Giving the child confidence is our goal." Private tutorials are also available. www.stopdreamin.com. (818) 500-0037.
K12
K12 is an online curriculum provider for students in grades K through 12. It has a patented system for virtual schooling that includes online lessons, built-in assessments, planning tools, and traditional materials such as books, art supplies, and scientific equipment. "If you need a school or learning program designed to meet the needs of young professional performing artists, K12 can provide you with one, no matter where you live or how often you travel," say the folks at K12. Full-time and part-time programs available. Courses, which meet or exceed state standards, include honors and AP and can include certified teacher support. Tuition-free options in certain states. www.k12.com. (866) 968-7512.
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
This acclaimed regional theatre offers ongoing classes for youth ages 6-18. 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 two-week 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. donna@lagunaplayhouse.com. www.lagunaplayhouse.com. Contact Donna Inglima, (949) 497-2787, ext. 202.
MARNIE COOPER SCHOOL OF ACTING INC.
An acting teacher and coach with more than 20 years' experience, Cooper offers advanced classes (ages 5-21), private coaching, on-set coaching, and weekend workshops. She specializes in audition preparation. She recently published a how-to acting book for children and their parents (available at www.howdoiact.com). 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 coached young actors on numerous film sets including How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 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.
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.
SEAN HOWSE
Howse has been teaching acting to teenagers for nine years. He trained under Joanne Linville and Stella Adler and incorporates those techniques. Classes run in three-month semesters, and each semester ends in a performance. According to Howse, affordable rates are offered. Classes are held in Los Feliz. Auditing is allowed. All levels. Private coaching is available. sean@actingforteens.com. www.actingforteens.com. (323) 309-7718.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHILDREN'S THEATRE
Southern California Children's Theatre offers musical theatre for children, teens, and adults. Newcomers work with professional actors. Mo Caudell, www.childrenstheatre.tv. sc.childrens theatre.com. (310) 456-1763.
STACY REED
Producer of the award-winning Blank Theatre Company, Reed teaches an ongoing class for children and teens at the 2nd Stage Theatre. These classes combine professional training with creative dramatics in an environment that is challenging and nurturing. Some of the topics covered include: slating and interviewing (focusing on vocal clarity, energy, and personality), mock auditions, listening and memorization, self-expression, commercial skills, hitting marks, working more effectively with props and partners, set etiquette and vocabulary, taking direction and adjustments, script analysis, making strong and unique choices, taking risks, presenting yourself with confidence, improvisation, character development and character dynamics, and scene study. reed@theblank.com. (323) 662-7734.
TERENCE ROTOLO LIFEBOOK KIDS AND LIFEBOOK TEENS
Rotolo, who was a series regular on such children's shows as Power Rangers, Beetle Borgs, and Masked Rider and had recurring stunt roles on VR Troupers, is no stranger to acting for children and teens. Originally from New Orleans, Rotolo has taught all over the country, including with Cold Comfort Theater Company in New England, Harrodsburg Theater Company in Kentucky, and the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum and Theaterquest in L.A. He currently teaches theatrical movement classes in Beverly Hills for adult students and continues to work as a professional actor, staying sharp in a scene study class he stage-manages there. Classes are Sat. 2-4 p.m. for ages 5-11, and 4-6 p.m. for ages 12-17 at the Chandler Studios, 12443 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood. $160 for one month; $360 for 12 weeks. Discounts offered for multiple students signing up together. Call first. (818) 557-7700.
THE KYER WORKSHOP FOR ACTORS
Kristopher Kyer and his staff established this school in Burbank more than a decade ago, primarily for young actors. He was the acting coach on the sets of Boy Meets World, Grace Under Fire, Maybe This Time, and That '70s Show, and the on-site coach for the feature film Hostage. 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. Advance registration is required. He is also available for private coaching. Students are mostly referred by industry agents and managers, but classes are open to the public. The workshop limits the number of students per class. The Kyer technique develops self-esteem and uses legitimate techniques to create a character for the camera. 850 Hollywood Way, Burbank. www.kyerworkshop.com. (818) 845-5578.
This conservatory, now in its 46th year, offers extensive training for actors from beginners through professionals, year-round. A variety of workshops for all ages, preschool through adult, focus on audition technique, communication skills, musical theatre, character development, movement for the stage, voice, and performance, with a new Theatre Skills Crash Course. Alumni bring their youngsters so that they can share in the process. "I could not wait until tomorrow came so I could go again," says Jeffrey, age 9. "I made my stage debut at Santa Monica Playhouse," says Kate Hudson. theatre@santa monicaplayhouse.com. www.santamonicaplay house.com. (310) 394-9779. See ad on page A9
TOTAL IMPROV FOR KIDS
Premier improv school for children, ages 8-21. Teaches children the art of improvisation from beginning to adult level. Students have successfully performed in some of L.A.'s hottest comedy clubs and national festivals, and are scheduled to appear Off-Broadway in 2007. (818) 481-8072.
TOTALOOK ACTORS
Students of all levels, ages 5 to adult, receive individual on-camera time in very small classes. Free, no obligation, two- to three-hour family workshops offered initially for families with young actors. Longtime industry experienced teachers are noted for getting the students up to consistent callback and booking levels. Offering intensive audition/acting/interview prep for on-camera work with commercials, TV, film, cold reading; Imagineers for the youngest beginners. Free classes with six-week signups, sibling discounts, digital pics, lending library. To help the parents of young actors, TotaLook offers its workbook, How To Get in, Stay in & Succeed in ShowBiz +101 Ways To Avoid Being a Stage Parent!. Private coaching and over-the-phone audition prep available at a moment's notice. totalookcares@aol.com. (818) 364-9947.
TRACY MARTIN/ COACHING KIDS & TEENS
Since these classes began in 1998, more than 20 agencies and managers have been referring young students to Martin, she says. Many of her students are series regulars, guest stars, and co-stars on TV, or leads and co-leads in films; many have been seen in national and regional commercials. Martin works one-on-one, she explains, "to get your child to where he or she needs to be quickly." She also offers a teen cold reading class, a beginning-to-intermediate acting class for ages 12 and up, and acting classes for 8- to 11-year-olds and 5- to 7-year-olds. All are eight-week classes. One-day intensive voiceover classes are offered, as well as private lessons and same-day audition coaching. Classes in Toluca Lake. mstracyco@aol.com. (818) 752-8487.
YOUNG ACTORS SPACE
This school for young professionals, started in 1979, offers weekly classes for students, ages 5-adult, in scene study, improvisation, audition techniques, and sensory work. Private coaching and career consultation is also available. Nora Eckstein, director, has coached hundreds of actors in starring roles in television, film, and stage. Other instructors include Patrick Day and Gilmer McCormick. "Explore the joy of acting" is the school's motto. A list of successful students is available on the website. info@youngactorsspace.com. www.youngactorsspace.com. (818) 785-7979.
YOUNG ACTORS SPACE
This school for young professionals, started in 1979, offers weekly classes for students, ages 5 to adult, in scene study, improvisation, audition techniques, and sensory work. Private coaching and career consultation is also available. Nora Eckstein, director, has coached hundreds of actors in starring roles in television, film, and stage. Other instructors include Patrick Day and Gilmer McCormick. "Explore the joy of acting" is the school's motto. A list of successful students is available on the website. info@young actorsspace.com. www.youngactorsspace.com. (818) 785-7979.