Cutest place ever!!!!! Has such local theater vibes that I love! I saw Telenovela here which was hilarious and had a great storyline!! All staff were super nice! Tickets were very reasonably priced, I believe with a discount code it was around $15 each. Street parking available. We went on a Saturday night. Will be back! read more

Actors Workout Studio - Superstar Tom Jones!!!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Not a good environment. Both the instructors and students are hostile and uninviting. Just a weird place.

As a woman I felt very belittled here. Classes were mediocre and instructors were condescending. Much better options in the area. I do not recommend. read more

I have been a student for 4.5 years. This is a class for actors who are dedicated to honing their craft for a long term career. Each class starts with repetition exercises as a warm up and leads assigned improv or scene work. Classes are small (less than 16 students) and everyone works several times. Fran is an excellent teacher and gives genuine feedback on performances. He is able to identify the areas that are preventing an actor from reaching their full potential. Sometimes the truth hurts so actors leave his class. Eventually most come back since there are no teachers like him. In my opinion, in order to improve in anything in life you have to be able to accept feedback. There are plenty of teachers in LA who will give you positive, sugar-coated feedback but you never know what you are doing wrong. Fran also gives great insight on script analysis and does private coaching for auditions. Highly recommended class. read more

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AWS is not just my studio..It is my creative "HOME"!!! Here I have stretched, grown, evolved..become braver, bolder all within a cocoon of safety and fellowship..You get every pennies' worth..if you miss a class, you can actually make it up..there are BONUS classes (all included) with different teachers on different topics all month long..there is the opportunity to cross talents and write, direct and then have your efforts produced and showcased..we are a FAMILY of artists, networkers, fellow travelers..AWS is HOME! read more

Actors Workout Studio - Joey Jupiter-Levin - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This review is long overdue. I've been taking classes here for about 4 months. I just completed Tanya's foundational class and it is absolutely amazing. Many people are hesitant on starting at the beginning because they feel that they might be too cool for school but I highly highly highly suggest that you start at the bottom because it really makes all the difference knowing that your core is solid so that you can elaborate and evolve more from that place. I have trained with all of the other coaches like Fran, Irene, Ricky, Greg and Stacy and they're all top-notch. Currently taking Irene's Intermediate. I look forward to completing all the levels and working with each of the instructor's classes. This isn't just a place where I train to study acting but this is also my second home with my fellow family members who are also in this field of work. I am very grateful for this school and if you're looking for a heartfelt home that will break you into your art-form then I recommend you give this place a shot to see it and believe it for yourself. read more

Fran seems like a good guy. Knows the ins and outs of the basics. But also has this immature side about him. Sometimes it's playful, sometimes condescending. As with the other instructor. They believe in the pain of the art. But there shouldn't be suffering in the instruction. Learning needs to be a safe space. It was discussed that he bragged about actresses who come on and every week they would cry or he would have her in tears. Is that the actor's struggle coming out or is he provoking her to get that response like they do with the disgusting technique where they tell you to bring a beloved item to class so they can hide it and pretend to tell you someone had taken it or lost and destroyed it and have you either cry or be angry. Personally that's emotional molestation to me. An unwanted advance to take advantage of someone. Be ready for that if you are going to take classes here. They do good with exercises but they do a lot of toxic antagonistic actions like this as well. If being abused is your thing, go here. If you have or had enough abuse in your life from work or school or personal, I suggest you know this before attending. The space inside is very cheap and outdated as well. You do some learning on improv and then each paired off group practice their skit and he critiques and you watch the others to learn supposedly. It's pretty long and exhausting. read more

Fran, Irene and Stacy really care about the progress of all the actors. They spend the time to ensure you get so much out of the classes. They go to the extent of having bonus classes so you can learn technique but also improv, comedy, scene work, solo performances and so much more! I highly recommend Actors Workout Studio. I've been acting for years and really am learning so much more from this school. read more

I can't say enough amazing things about this studio! I've been coming here for 6 months and its completely changed my approach to acting. Fran really gets it and his personality is just an added bonus! I am in the second level now with Rickie and things are just getting better! I am so happy I found this place. Everyone that works here is amazing! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

I'm not an actor by any means. But I have done some performing. Currently I can be seen in A Christmas Carol opening December 19th 2014. If you want to check out some great theater this is the place. The thing I love about North Hollywood is all of the tiny little theaters tucked around the city. This happens to be a really great one. They also just upgraded their chairs so it is actually comfy to sit through a show here. The stage is small and cramped but you feel like you are in the show, the actors are often traipsing through the audience. The reason I came here to write is currently a theater company, Young Stars Theater (YST), is housed here. The couple that produces and directs all of the shows, Jack and Gloria, are amazing people. They help everyone in there shows to be the best that they can be. They often mix all levels of acting together into one show so you not only learn from them but also from more experienced actors. I can't wait to see the next show they put on. Love this place!! read more

One of the issues finding a class in LA is the teachers who sting along their students after giving them a 45 minute critique for a 5 minute scene. Then they ask you come back with that same scene in a few weeks incoriprating their notes. Plus they ask you to sign a contract ad pay a month ahead for classes you might not even mesh with. What I love bout this class is that it feels like a real workout spaces, you come to get better and are told very upfront what works and what doesn't, as well as challenges you on accepts you should consider. In addition Fran is very open to communication when you have questions or issues that arise. In my 8 years of being in class in Los Angeles, this has been one of the best environments to truly sharpen you actings skills as well as improve in aspects you need work on. read more

Best place in all of Los Angeles to take acting classes. Fran Montano is a brilliant coach who will help you open up, get over your blocks and become a much better performer. Plus, you get to work EVERY class, can make up a class if you miss, AND attend extra bonus classes. I honestly don't know why every actor in LA isn't clamoring to get into this brilliant acting studio. read more

This review is waaaay overdue!! AWS was my creative home for years, and even though I moved to a different market, my craft and passion are still strongly defined by my experiences with Fran Montano, and my Wednesday night family. I first audited Fran's class right out of college (which was 12 years ago!!), his kind, but challenging teaching styles spoke to me. However, I had come from a college where we did Meisner, and never really connected with it, so opted to study at a different school. About 7 years later, after seminars, workshops, technical on-camera training classes, comedy intensives, essence building work, and bookings-- I felt myself super stuck in my art. Looking for a way back to my "feeling side" of the business, I was drawn again to Fran at The Actors Workout Studio. Ever consistent in his teaching styles, I jumped into class. Fran allowed me to enter the space where I was at- "in my head", in my own blocks, but he cared enough to not let me stay there. He let me be my stubborn self, and butt heads with him, but he always encouraged me to find my voice in my work, and invited me to look at things in a different manner. I additionally love how Fran ties the creative arts together. Writers/directors/producers/actors are all encouraged to work as a lovely unit in the on-going, self-produced projects happening at the space. To this day when I get asked what is my most favorite project I worked on (and I've worked on big-budget feature films, indie films, tv shows and commercials), I always say "Tell Me My Secrets", an improvised, audience-suggestion based drama. If you don't know the show, ask Fran-- because it was AMAZING, to both see and be a part of! When you work with AWS, you aren't just another actor, but you are invited into a creative family. It's why I see Fran on my trips back to LA. He's not just a great teacher, or mentor-- but he's part of my creative family. read more

I went to Fran Montano's business of acting class.....I was skeptical having been in and around the business my whole life. I am not a young woman. I sat and watched as the actors in the class were transformed. Fran has such a wonderful intuitive knowledge of what the actor need to get out of their own way. I was very impressed. It was not until the next day that I realized that a powerful shift had also occurred in me......the jaded actor.......Watch for me soon on my utube channel or in a storytelling show around town. If you get a chance to take this class at the Actors Workout Studio ....DO IT read more

They're okay as far beginner acting classes go. However, sometimes Fran can get uncomfortable with racial stereotypes if you're an ethnic minority. There's no need to "push social boundaries" when it's racist caricatures in the media and "that's how you get jobs." As artists, true artists, we should work to change perceptions rather than enact them in workshops. Take an audit and see if it's for you. read more

First and foremost I have been working with Fran Montano every week for the past 6 weeks and have seen more personal progress in myself than I have with any other class in such a short time. It really feels like a safe space and community. Fran is such a fantastic teacher who provides genuine feedback that isn't sugar coated. I love that the class is tailored to the needs of the individual student. There is a generous amount of time on stage, and Fran really takes the time to create exercises that will push you to make break throughs and getting down to what really blocks you from connecting as an actor. We focus primarily on repetitions as a warm up and is incorporated throughout class during improv or scene work if you are stuck. There are several weekly bonus classes offered to continue sharpening your craft. It truly is a great environment and I am happy to have found such a great community to explore and work! read more

I like the work that we got done in class. It's interesting because I am a Meisner trained purist, and while I was trained in method as well, mixing the two IN CLASS is not something I haven't seen a lot of. Fran "the coach there" has a philosophy all his own in that the people in our class "the advanced class" are there for one reason, to find whatever it is getting in their individual way at that particular moment and dealing with it. Because of this, he has students whom are just coming in for pilot season to brush up, or just coming in for scene study, some are there because there is a specific block that has surfaced...no two people are there for the same reason. I cannot judge his beginner or intermediate classes as I tested past those do to my resume and experience, but if he handles beginning actor's with the same care that he does us, then I can only assume you should definitely go in and audit that class if you are a beginner or intermediate level actor. If you are advanced, already have a few tv shows, commercials, films under your belt, and you are looking to fine tune your instrument, this class is for you. I give the Actors Workout Studio a 5 out of 5 stars. read more

I love this place. I've been a student on and off now for around 3 years. Fran was the first teacher i found when I moved to LA, then I left and moved around to some other teachers, and in the end I've consistently stayed here to study with Fran. He's the founder of AWS and has a background training with respected acting teachers of this generation. Sometimes our classes are 5 people, sometimes 12. No matter how many show up, Fran is always there 100% to teach with full commitment. I also appreciate that as a monthly member, there are frequent bonus classes which are available if you want to take advantage. I've found a home and a community here at AWS and I know I'll be here for a while. read more

They were nice, it is always nice for me to have somewhere to perform. I have fine two workshops here. Send like most agents nowadays are jaded and hate what they do, petty she they weren't paying attention to the actors, nor did they care very much. Much such is life and showbiz! It is a weird industry, but I love acting so I would come back. read more

Fran is a first class instructor. Very specific in what he expects or wants of the students and about as passionate as they come(the best in the field all have that trait in common). Even on those occasions when he gets tough, the students will benefit because they've been given the chance to see where there's a need for improvement. And having periodic showcases affords students the opportunity to display what they've learned and their level of progress. Since leaving The Actor's Workout I've come to see the limitations in the Meisner approach perhaps with the exception of the repetition exercise which might have some value for beginning students (suggesting then that once it's served its purpose, there shouldn't be any need to continue but that isn't the studio policy). The improvisations there were quite often complicated and time and again I saw no correlation between good performances at that and subsequent scene work results. This isn't to fault Fran personally since he's likeable and an excellent director, just pointing out the drawbacks to this approach. read more

Fran is a great coach that pushes his students to reach their highest potential. He my fumble you name here and there, because he operates on "another plane," but he always knows what your specific block is. The students that he attracts are some of the most vulnerable and motivational artists I have ever had the pleasure of surrounding myself with. I highly recommend Fran's classes. If you are someone who wants to stand out from the crowd, and truly be seen as an artist and thinking actor this is the place for you. read more

Such a great place to learn/train that wont break the bank compared to other schools. Also there are always bonus classes cycling in and out regularly. read more

I had been taking a break from Acting before I came to study at Actors Workout Studio. The small classes, and community are amazing here. I had studied quite a bit of Improv before which was perfect, they focus on Meisner techniques, Improv, scene study and just pushing you to grow as an actor - eliminating any of your blocks to push you forward in your development. I am having a blast in all of the classes and training so far. I have worked with Fran and Irene, both of them are incredible instructors, so much experience, passion and they really care about pushing you to develop further in your craft. This is a great training place for any level of acting, I'm so happy I found my way to this acting school. read more

Fran's classes don't just teach you how to act. He teaches you how to be human.

I recently moved to Hollywood to advance my career as a film actor. Part of that process was finding some good acting classes to hone my skills and get back into the swing of things. I did plenty of Googling and went and audited 4 different "schools". One of these was Fran Montano's Actor's Workout Studio in Noho. Meisner based, Fran quickly figured out what was missing from my skill set and started giving me exercises to open and flex parts of my emotional make-up that had gotten shut down but good. I didn't have a clue what he was trying to get at at first and even thought of moving on to a different class after my first month. By the third class though, he clued me in to a hugely important area that I had neglected completely. I had a certain natural talent in this area and thus had not considered it an area that needed any work...lol. Survey says?.....EAAANNNGGGHHHH! I can now see how his training will help me immensely. I am in an advanced class and I can tell you that he will be able to coach me and help me to improve my acting for years to come. I recommend his classes wholeheartedly to anyone interested in becoming a better actor. His rates are right in the middle of the range available and well worth it. He has started offering his students a "free bonus" class weekly and is beginning to open up his studio to Improv showcases and a Sunday Brunch Theater and lots more....call and ask, you'll be glad you did. read more

I audited a bunch of classes when I first came to LA. Each class has a different feel and I'd definitely recommend auditing a few to see where you fit. For me I knew instantly that AWS was the perfect fit. First it's a free audit, I can't stand any class that makes you pay for audits or worse doesn't allow you to audit in the first place. Fran actually lets auditors get up on stage and work! In my opinion A lot of Meisner bases classes are poorly done which gives the Meisner technique a bad rap. Fran has distilled this technique down to utilize only what works. The reps are strong and emotionally full. There's no bullshit allowed you can't hide on this stage. He'll hone in on your blocks and put you up against them over and over until you have a break through. And when you do, you'll feel on top of the world. AWS is like the gym in rocky, straight forward and real. You will get results and since you work every class multiple times you'll get your 10,000 hours quicker ;) My experience here has been a game changer. I've grown so much personally and I'm much more confident in my acting not to mention all the amazingly talented people I've met through AWS. I hope you come and audit, it's free! And you get to work! read more

AWS is the best kept secret in Hollywood ! Fran Monotano is an Emmy award actor/teacher that has created a gem! The Actors Workout Studio is like a university for actors. There are beginners classes, advanced classes, working actors classes, writers workshops, director opportunities . You name its there! If you are a in the business at least audit the class and or speak with Fran. It's worth your time! read more