My son has been attending this studio with Max for 2 years now. Given that my little 12 year old is…read morenever really into anything, this amazing teacher turned our world aroun. My son is now passionate about the art of acting. He has met a great group of pears who share the same love for performing arts, as well as, has gotten signed by a prominent agency. He has blossomed into a great young actor and now is proud to show off his resume that includes several great accomplishments, including being SAG e We thank Max with all our hearts!

(I re-read my review below just prior to posting it and realized it may come off as excessively,…read moreunrealistically enthusiastic. The reason for that is simply because I wish so very badly I had found this school sooner and am having a hard time reconciling how much money I threw away paying teachers who just loved listening to the sound of their own voice). I have gone to almost 20 different acting schools both in England and the United States and I can say, with total confidence, that Max Decker at MAD Acting Studio is the most brilliant teacher with whom I have ever had the pleasure of studying. It took one evening in class with Max for me to instantly mourn all the money I realized I had honestly wasted studying under teachers who, at the end of the day, just spent endless hours pontificating nothing more than their love for the sound of their own voice. Teachers who, if they worked as actors at all, had maybe had one or two jobs in their entire "careers" and felt that was enough for them to call themselves teachers. Max has not only worked in this industry a long time and accrued an enviable resume, he really knows how to teach others to do this thing really, really well. He won't blow smoke up your skirt and always say how great you to keep you spending money to stay in his class. He will actually -teach- you to be a better actor. He will call you out on what's getting in your way and offer invaluable, constructive help. He offers a wide range of classes including: * Dramatic improvisation (not going for the joke, but giving you invaluable tools you can use for your scripted work), * Script analysis, and * How to successfully audition and self-tape If you currently find yourself in a class where you feel you're spending a bunch of money to not really learn anything new or, if you're looking for a place that will finally teach you the tools you need to be a better actor, MAD Acting Studio is the place you need to go.

I've been training at TAC for over a year now, and I can't recommend it highly enough. I've taken…read moreboth the commercial and breakthrough intensives, as well as their ongoing scene study program. Every class I've attended has been completely worth my time and money. The instructors are excellent, and the vibe of the place is flawless. I feel emotionally and physically safe here, and have become a better performer under their tutelage. It's a wonderful community in a nice space, which also offers practical career coaching. You will get to perform in some capacity every class, without draining critiques. All the drama stays on the stage where it belongs.

I've been attending The Acting Center in Sherman Oaks for over a year and a half now, and I've got…read moreto say, it's truly something special. It's located right on Ventura Boulevard with its own parking (which is a big plus in L.A.), and the class sizes are just right--not too big, not too small. Tuesdays and Thursdays Scene Class helped me a lot more efficiently to discove my character in auditions. Plus people in the class are all auper talented working actors. What really makes it stand out is the instructors. They're working actors--people with real experience in the industry--and you feel that in every class. The approach they use? I like to call it "Stanislavski on steroids." They've developed their own method, and as someone who's trained in traditional Stanislavski, I can tell you it's faster, sharper, and incredibly efficient. If you're serious about honing your craft, give this place a shot--you won't be disappointed. Every one from the staff to the fellow class mates are so welcoming. Lastly, this school is always checking on us if we weren't booking anything for sometimes to help and guide us. Every time you will actually book something they like to share it on their special wall as well as Instagram stories. Bcz your success is their success.

Love love love this studio. Close-knit group of artists where it's safe to play. Love love love.read more

I just finished Joe's workshop and I'm just blown away. I've took many classes in LA, but nothing…read morelike this. I've had many classes where I got a bad vibe or I felt like the teacher was getting off with their power. Joe is the complete opposite of this. He has created such a great place that you can be vulnerable and grow as an actor. Joe leaves his ego at the door, so when he's direct, you know he's only saying something to help you grow. Thank you Joe for helping me grow as an actor and a person!

Bill Coelius is a unicorn. He is very much a working actor (you will recognize his face…read moreimmediately) who is also an intuitive, organized and highly effective teacher. He is one if the most gifted teachers I have had the pleasure to work with. I have taken two classes with Bill: Mindset and Commercials -- and both have been some of the best of my acting career. Don't take either if you are not willing to work hard; Bill gives lots of targeted homework. However, if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work, Bill will gently lead you to be the best actor you can be. Can you tell? I HIGHLY recommend his classes. Do yourself a solid and signup.

Bill's commercial class is truly special. He not only delivers the fundamentals of commercial…read moreauditions (like script breakdown, slating, etc.), but he covers the more subconscious elements happening in the audition room. Plus his feedback is specific and he's a joy to spend time with. Highly recommend!

The Show: Definitely entertaining. I'm very impressed how they changed the set with different props…read moreso many times in such small stage! Love the Bobby character, very funny guy. I like to support the local small theaters and those hard working actors. Good entertainment with very affordable ticket price. The Venue: Very small theater around 60+ seats. A little bit outdated and not much leg room. The stage is super close to the audience. The Parking: Street parking on the side street.

I have been a student at Playhouse West since January '25. And have grown so much as an actor and…read morean artist. In my almost year at PHW, I have worked with many inspiring teachers. I have learned so much from each. Unfortunately, the school has decided to let go of one of my favorite teachers and mentors, Wolfgang Bodison. He has been an inspirational force in my and many other student's acting careers. He is passionate and takes his work very seriously. We students of his are shaken by the news, as this is a terrible loss for the school and its patrons. Every year Wolf organizing a One-Act festival and a Film festival for students to showcase their work. Both are top-knotch. Without Wolf these events would not take place. I am one of many asking that the school reconsider their decision, and search for other options. Wolf is too valuable ti this school, its students, and the community.

Cannot tell you how many girls have said Jessica is an absoulte nightmare to them. My experience…read morewas awful. I booked two things at once right after i signed up, and Jessica screamed at me via email, so unhinged i canceled my other job and messed up a really important relationship that is impacting me to this day. Additionally, she gave out the completly incorrect location for a shoot-- it was REALLY far away, so I made plans around that. Then got the callsheet the night before-- actual locaiton was like 100 plus miles away from what she said. EVERYONE ELSE knew the right locatation AND got a prelim with the location info as well way before the actual callsheet went. Jessica did not send out a prelim. She messes up left and right, yet doesn't understand when you need accomadation. She was AWFUL to work with and honesly most ppl I spoke with agree. Also everything tended to be a night shoot and almost all the sets were beyond toxic. I guess that's who wants to work with her, other awful people.

SCAM! Terrible calling service. Jessica is an expert at getting a job on the 1st with a covid test…read moreon the 30th, and charge for both months. She also charges you for the month if you sign up on the LAST day of the month. January: 1 covid test February: 1 job March: 0 Jobs April: 0 jobs May: 1 covid test June: 1 job July: 1 covid test August: 1 job September: 0 jobs October: 1 covid test November: 1 job December: 0 jobs Others have identical experiences. This is unfortunately normal for Jessica. Horrific statistics for this type of service. Jessica likes people who don't question her so she can take advantage of them. AVOID. Good riddance.

I've taken improv with a few different instructors before and Jay is the top! He encourages you to…read moretake risks and never make the safe decision in your storytelling. I appreciate how smart he is in his improv and how he encourages his students to be the same. I am definitely more confident after taking improv with him. I trust that I am enough and that has freed me to be more creative than ever! Plus my booking/callback ratios especially for commercials (since they are mostly improv) have drastically improved. Thanks Jay!!!

Side note, before this I've already taken improv classes, talked with other knowledgeable…read moreimprovisers, and studied books for years. Now... The sign of a truly top tier class is that is doesn't simply repeat the common and thorough list of ideas other great classes also teach, but it brings up new or overlooked ideas. Jay brought ideas to my attention I hadn't heard before and addressed developing areas of my improv I've never even considered developing further. And not just for myself. And he did so humbly and with the gracefulness of Mr. Miagi. This guy wins friends and influences people! He also has the class summarize things gone over to help us retain and remember what he taught which is very helpful. If you're looking to round out your education, get ANY possible question answered (Ex. Q: Can I have a dollar, Jay? A: No!!! Ex. 2 Q: Pleeeeeeeease?! A: No!!! Ex. 3 Q: .... A: No!!!), have ongoing support via email and messaging (it's really mentoring if you think about it), or see the greatest cow impression ever performed in a sober state (Cheers to sobriety! *Clink*).... You've gotta do this class. Find a cheap AirBnb near the heart of Hollywood -- there's a great spot in Culver City with a Japanese chick hosting for instance either for a one bed or two bed. Uber-ing over was $5-6 per way total for two people. I forgot to, but remember to take pictures including with your classmates and Jay and his friends for nostalgia's sake. Also, there was an awesome improv performance by Jay and his pro friends at the end. Haven't seen it that good in person! Don't sneeze or you'll be begging for a replay.

This was by far one of the best classes that I have taken in L.A. I have taken numerous classes…read morehere since I was a child since my dream has almost always been to be an actress. I also took Improv classes at the Groundlings which were VERY expensive. When I took classes at the Groundlings, it was very apparent that they basically anyone in the lower classes were just a number. They fill the lower level classes just to keep the money flowing. I found Actors Improv Studio through my agent. No it's not in the fanciest building or the best neighborhood. But that's not what you go to class for, and he usually has some licorice or candy that you can snack on during class. That definitely sweetens the deal. :) I took classes here for about a month. Bill was EXTREMELY helpful and it was very apparent that he cared about each student individually. He takes the time to critique and praise you after each exercise. He even videos during each class, and after some exercises you can watch your work. The best part of his classes was his encouraging nature. All I can really remember from taking classes at the Groundlings is all the rules they give of what you are not supposed to do. Bill presented the rules of Improv, but not in a way that makes an improvisor feel stifled and held back. I left his class feeling much more confident thanks to him. The only reason that I haven't been able to go back is b/c I can't afford the extra expense at this time. But I would recommend him to anyone who really wants to know what it takes to become a great Improvisor. Yes CDs and such are mildly impressed when they see the name of a big name Improv Studio on your resume. But that won't book and keep a job. You have to be able to deliver much more than that. Bill will help you get to a place where you can consistently deliver.

This is what improv is all about and I am so relieved to have finally found it in North Hollywood…read moreunder the instruction of Bill Applebaum! Improv intimidates me but when I audited the class, it all melted away and we just had fun. I especially appreciated the relaxed and natural manner in which the class unfolded. Bill was in tune with what every performer brought to the table, his feedback was constructive, and it was obvious to me just how much he enjoyed sharing his passion for improv to anyone willing to listen. As it turns out, it's fun to learn from someone who enjoys what they do. Audit the class and see for yourself.