I've been in Andrew's class twice now, so I feel qualified to give this lengthy review. I hope it helps anyone considering taking his class. I love love love Andrew, his teaching style, everything. After taking tons of acting classes from all kinds of teachers, I would bucket Andrew's class into the category of "Foundational". This doesn't mean his class is for beginners -- far from it. I'd actually say his classes are for those who are serious about the craft of acting and want to grow and deepen their relationship with themselves as an actor. There are a lot of classes that are geared toward specific acting niches. Meisner, comedy, commercials, auditioning, etc. Personally, I don't find classes that focus on one methodology (like Meisner) to be helpful, because they make you take a specific avenue to get an end result. I don't think you ever get in tune with who YOU are as an actor when you're going this route. It's always about the methodology, which can be kind of culty. Specific classes for things like comedy or auditioning for tv/film are great, but they aren't foundational. They're skillsets you need if you want to be a working actor in LA, but those classes won't make you a great actor, and they won't get you more in touch with who you are as a human, which is so needed for this craft! Andrew's class focuses on the core principles of becoming a fine actor. If you are a beginner, you are in the right place. If, like me, you've been in 20 different classes with different teachers, and you don't even know what to do with a script anymore because your technique styles are all jumbled up in your brain, you'll leave this class with clarity AND inspiration. Andrew's class is going to get you really comfortable with a script and a scene partner and YOURSELF. In my opinion, we are our own biggest obstacles in becoming great actors, and Andrew's style of teaching will bring you home to YOU while simplifying your becoming and unfolding of finding the actor within. read more

I learned some valuable lessons from Andrew. But an adjustment that needs to be made in his commitment to his students careers. Acting class is expensive, many of us invest in it to grow as an artist to help our careers and hopefully make a living doing it. Many of us are struggling and work several jobs to make ends meet. I received a huge opportunity to go and read for a series regular role, it happened to land on Andrew's first day of class. Instead of being supportive and accommodating to move my start date to the next session, he threatened to keep my full deposit with no possible refund. I had to make a choice. I wish he didn't make choose. I've moved onto other wonderful acting studios and I'm a working actor now. None of these other studios have tried to put their class over my career. It's been years but I wanted to come back and share my experience because it really scarred me back when I was starting out and taking a chance on my first acting class. read more

Andrew Wood's acting studio is absolutely incredible. I've been a student for 28 weeks, and taken three courses -- two essential courses and one advanced course, and let me tell you this has been the best experience of my life as a 25-year-old actor in Los Angeles! These courses are a journey into discovering your true acting abilities, with Andrew as your director guiding you towards seeing things you'd struggle to find in yourself during a performance. My favorite part is collaborating with my scene partners! It's like uncovering new meanings within the script with every interaction!!! In all three courses, my scene partners have been professional and fully engaged! Andrew dedicates substantial time to help you connect with your character and scene partner. Andrew is, hands down, the most phenomenal teacher, director, and person! His experience at Yale School of Drama and his exquisite selection of plays show his deep understanding of literature and performance. In a city filled with dreams, Andrew Wood's acting studio stands out as a beacon of artistic growth and personal development! Highly recommend! read more

Andrew Wood Acting Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Andrew is a master teacher, coach, and mentor. His ability to guide you through your scene and develop a deep understanding of your character is impactful. I took Andrew's scene study course out of curiosity last year with no prior acting experience and that is where I discovered my love for acting. Since then, I have taken his class two times, begun my journey as an actor through small projects, and now I am enrolled in his Advanced Level Course. With each passing week, I see the improvements in my performance. The best part is being able to witness Andrew's notes change the energy/dynamic of my classmates' scene in real time Andrew's expertise is nothing to overlook. But what makes his acting studio stand out from others is he is truly passionate about the craft - better yet, he truly cares about each of his students. He is the best acting coach in LA and I encourage everyone I run into to sign up for his course! read more

Andrew Wood Acting Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Warning: This is a long review so in a nutshell I would say take this class. My fiancé and I took this 10 weeks essentials in-person workshop and we were very satisfied. We are both focused on our careers that have nothing to do with the film making industry but wanted to explore acting for fun and because we live by the saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do". This was first our acting workshop. So here goes. Before we signed up Andrew scheduled a zoom call for us where he described how the class is organized. We were given material to read before the start of workshop. We didn't do everything but we prioritized what we could and should do given how much time we had. Our group was given to read the play A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams and it's essential you understand what this play is about *before* the workshop begins. We didn't have time to read it but we listened to the audio book and watched the movie couple of times while we were on the road. Not ideal way to digest the information but better than nothing. I recommend reading but then again it adds time and inconvenience constraints especially if you are not a fast reader. Then we were given shorter plays to read. Our group was split in pairs and each pair was assigned 5 to 7 pages from the play. I only read my play and in hindsight I wish I had read all of them because I would have had more context and enjoy more watching other people act. Then there were books on acting. We didn't have time for those and I feel like Andrew did a great job explaining everything so it's not that you *need* to read them to understand the class but you will certainly get much more from this class if you do. Weeks 1 thru 4 Andrew had taught us the art of analyzing and dissecting the script to understand the character we were going to play. Examples were explained from "A streetcar named desire". So again. Very important you understand what this play is about. Every week you are expected to spend 90 minutes with your partner to rehearse your part and do the analysis of your play. Andrew is very rigorous about that and if you are not doing this you are most likely to get in trouble and if you don't correct you will have to leave the class.. You will also have to leave the class if you miss 2 classes (there were exceptions). Weeks 5 thru 9 we all groups were called on stage. Some did 2 times. Others were called 3 times. We also had some guests who are professionals in the film industry and were given an opportunity to learn from them and ask them questions. When we were called on stage we could call lines if we forget them but by week 9 each pair was expected to know the lines or they won't be performing the last week in front of the guests invited by the students (2 guests per 1 student). Week 10 is the final class and had one last rehearsal and performing in front of the audience. Now I had Covid and couldn't attend 2 classes and also couldn't rehearse 2 times and then my partner got a cold and missed 2 classes but I didn't have to leave the class. I was told that I couldn't make the final class until I had been called on stage twice which I have been called only once and couldn't get my last practice because my partner was out due to cold. So Andrew was accommodating and allowed me to use a new partner but under the condition that she learns her part by the final class which she did. read more

I have improved so much after taking his course. I'm currently taking it again only to improve even more. He has expert knowledge on the craft and has an open heart for his students. He wants the best for you and will find every detail on how you can improv. read more

I have taken many classes in Los Angeles trying to find the right fit. Andrew's pedigree and passion for the craft is tangible in his teaching and direction. He is a champion of his students and encourages egos to be left at the door so that work, and a positive environment, are the focus of every class. He does not feel the need to impress his students or hear himself speak, so when he gives you an adjustment, it's wise to take it. He is truly helping you become, a better actor. His approach to the craft works. If you are looking to hone your skills or try acting for the first time, I would recommend you try Andrew's class. read more

Andrew teaches an approach to acting and scene study that is used at Julliard. This approach has opened my eyes to greater ways to connect with my character and my scene partner by identifying key conditions and underlying psychological dynamics. Andrew has laser-sharp skills that hone into the actor's struggle. He then provides a path toward to greater truthfulness. Andrew holds all students in high regard and truly "sees" them. He may even be regarded as a Jedi-master. This class is available to actors of all experience-level. read more

I took Andrew's Essentials class twice, and it was such a great re-introduction into acting. I had taken a few years off and didn't know where to start and upon learning about Andrew's classes, I really liked the way he structured his teachings. He is very organized and straightforward in the readings and what's required for the class. He teaches you how to have a great foundation to build off of for your character, challenges you to be better and dig deep, and when it's your time to present your scene work he takes his time to focus on you and your partner. I learned a lot about myself and how to get out of my comfort zone and feel confident that I can take on a challenge. This is a class and a teacher you can take as many times as you want and you'll always learn something new (and hone your craft)! read more

I've taken Andrew's essentials course twice now, and I can't recommend Andrew and his method enough. I came to Andrew's class as a writer hoping to better understand how actors approach scripts and build their characters. After two cycles in Andrew's course, I've now fallen in love with acting. Andrew's expertise is undeniable. This comes across in his lectures and exercises for the actors. There's a reason for everything you read and everything you do in the course, and Andrew is fantastic at leading you to what you need to understand. What's most powerful about Andrew's teaching, though, is his keen eye. He's great at recommending the minor adjustments, or asking you the necessary pointed questions about your choices, that get you to unlock something in your performance that you did not know you were capable of doing. Andrew is a demanding teacher. But he demands out of a love for acting and appreciation of everyone's potential. I do not think I could have learned as much as I have learned with Andrew in 20 weeks with any other acting teacher. What I also love about Andrew's classes is the sense of collaboration and community in them. In both essentials courses I have done, my classmates have all been collaborative, hardworking, and generous people. There's a real sense of everyone being there together in a shared goal of creating something great as a community. This is only possible with the tone and standards that Andrew sets for his courses. I'll be back for more, and I recommend Andrew for anyone serious about learning acting. read more

Andrew is incredible. Hands down the best acting class I have taken in Los Angeles. I took his essentials class twice and I suggest doing the same. It is hard to find a class in Los Angeles where a technique and a process is broken down in a way that everyone can understand, and Andrew delivers. There are a lot of classes that will take your money, throw you up on stage every week, and say "great job". But Andrew spends his time with each student and gives feedback that will help the actor grow in the long term. The environment is a very safe space to grow and learn and make mistakes. With our class I left with so many lasting friendships and a wonderful community of people! Andrew sets the foundation for commitment, accountability to your partner and yourself, so if you are looking for a serious class where you can grow - this is it :) read more

I loved Andrew's class! His lectures, reading material and exercises were fantastic and not only extremely relevant at each stage of the cycle, but also helped me progress and develop as an actor. I 100% recommend this to anyone who is looking to dig deeper and really take the time to analyze a character and scene at length. Thanks Andrew! I hope to take another cycle in the future. :) read more

I am so thankful I decided to take classes with Andrew earlier this year. He is an incredible teacher and mentor to have. The class helped me to truly understand and embody a character. I enjoyed the essentials class so much that I ended up taking it a second time the following session. I plan on taking his advanced class as soon as he offers it again. You will not regret taking a class with Andrew. He is kind, professional, and extremely knowledgeable in this field. read more

Andrew's class was the first acting class I took in LA, and I'm glad to have found it. I've taken his 10-week Essentials class twice now and am starting his advanced class soon. What I found to be Andrew's biggest strength as a teacher is how he is always asking us to really think about our choices when acting out our scenes, looking beyond the dialogue and stage directions. I would think my scene was as close to perfect, and then I would get notes from Andrew that completely changed my perspective on how to do the scene or how to read the character. This kept me engaged and focused on honing my craft, when working on just one scene could have easily been a boring time. read more

Andrew is a fantastic teacher, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking to hone their craft. Andrew provides thoughtful, insightful direction to each student and creates an environment that is safe and supportive. If you're looking for a class to really get serious, this is the one. Andrew's instruction puts the onus on you, the actor, to understand the text and develop the character. This may sound daunting, but the framework provided by Andrew in his classes makes it easy to approach (even for beginners). So long as you show up to class prepared and ready to do your best, you stand only to gain. Personally speaking, I've seen a great deal of improvement in myself while working with Andrew and am so glad to have found his class. Can't recommend him enough! read more

Andrew is one of the Best Acting Coaches in LA, I highly recommend his classes, especially if you want to improve your craft

I can say sincerely and without hyperbole that Andrew Wood is the best acting teacher I've ever had. In the past year I've completed three workshops with Andrew (two Essentials, one Advanced) and I am already eagerly anticipating the next round. It's a real testament to the work Andrew does and the environment he's created that so many of his students (myself included) feel compelled to return for multiple cycles, and newcomers feel just as welcome too. Even though Andrew is a great actor, it's very hard to doubt that he genuinely cares about his students. If you're serious about putting the effort in and trusting the process, you will be amazed at what you are capable of under Andrew's guidance. Andrew and his classes strike that perfect alchemical balance where somehow work feels like play. One of the many consistent joys of Andrew's workshops is that feeling you get when Andrew's coaching helps you discover a previously uncharted territory that permanently levels up your acting. Take the class and it'll happen to you too! Don't get me wrong though. The benefits of taking classes with Andrew extend far beyond warm fuzzy feelings inside. You will gain invaluable experience and practical applications in both the craft and business of acting that will either help you move forward in your career or help you realize this is not the career for you. And fortunately, it is very reasonably priced. Seriously, take a class with Andrew ASAP! Sign up before one of us wins an Oscar and thanks Andrew in our speech and then his rates go way up and none of us can afford him anymore!! read more

If you want to take a course from someone who takes the profession of acting seriously and will give you the foundation you need to build your career, you've found the right the place. This studio is the best in LA. Andrew brings a high level of skill, professionalism, and expertise to his courses unlike no other. I've taken 2 cycles of his Essentials course and have learned so much! My acting has improved significantly and I can't wait to apply everything he's graciously taught. His insight and advice are so specific to every detail of your acting that it is impossible to leave his course without improving. Watching and listening to Andrew each week, is like attending a masterclass. So grateful to have learned from someone so uniquely skilled. Looking forward to my next course. read more

Andrew's class is amazing! It's packed with different techniques and constructive criticism. The curriculum he follows is the Yale University way and is multifaceted. If you are looking for a true acting class I highly recommend his Essentials course and move up to his Advanced course. read more

I took 2 sessions of Andrew's intro to acting class. Andrew is great; he provides lots of constructive feedback to all of his students and cares about their growth as an actor. I'd definitely recommend taking his class! read more

Having taken both his essentials and advanced workshops, I can say that Andrew gives you a robust and pragmatic framework to work from. Weekly rehearsals are made mandatory outside of class and the material is as rigorous as you're willing to hold yourself accountable for. Although he may not be as ostentatious as other acting instructors in his presentation, the knowledge he does dispense serves only one purpose: to make you a better actor. If you do choose to enroll in his class, my advice would be to take what he says seriously, work hard, and play to win! read more

...Andrew Wood teaches acting truth, from a place of deep calm and great humility, without anxiety or pretense... read more

Andrew Wood Acting Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Andrew's class is one of the best classes in Hollywood. I have just finished my second cycle of his Essentials Workshop and I couldn't be happier with how my acting skills have improved. Prior to taking the class, I had a bit of community theater experience but no formal training, and I usually felt as though I had no direction when preparing for a role. Andrew's class has provided me with concrete steps I can take to produce a great performance, both in the preparation stage and the actual, real-time presentation of the scene. The Essentials class is basically a scene study with a few lectures at the beginning, which introduce the techniques students should use in their rehearsals and preparation. There are also readings and written assignments given out each week, many of which are optional but still really worth doing. As with any class, the more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it. It's expected that you rehearse with your scene partner once a week, but you'll always have new things to try out given the concepts that are being introduced in each lecture. Even once the lectures have ended, there might be an exercise or conversation had in class that gets you looking at the scene in a different way. Studying a single scene for a 10-week period really affords you the time to master each step of the process. This is a great class for actors of any skill level. As a beginner myself, I felt that all the concepts were presented in a comprehensive way that didn't require any prior knowledge of established acting techniques, and I think the majority of my classmates were beginners as well. However, I also saw an experienced actress who studied the craft in school improve her scene tenfold through Andrew's teaching. Andrew has really cultivated an excellent environment where everyone is welcome; I always felt supported by both Andrew and my classmates and was able to fail without fear of judgment. Andrew is a wonderful teacher, being both extremely knowledgeable about the subject as well as able to guide students in their understanding. Instead of simply stating the answer, he asks thoughtful questions about your character's past and present that eventually lead you to a realization of what they want, and he won't move on without making sure that you really understand and agree with the choices you're making. I also appreciate how organized and thorough he is; he provides a syllabus with clear policies, he's very responsive to emails, and he meets with each student before taking the class to make sure they know exactly how the class works and if it's the right fit for them. These might seem like simple things, but they really stood out to me. The bottom line is that Andrew cares: about the class, about acting as a craft, and about each individual student. He's a true acting Jedi Master. read more

Made the right choice ! Join this workshop. Do yourself a favor and attend each class, do not skip any class and you'll be one step closer in achieving your goals. Cheers. read more

I've taken multiple rounds of Andrew's class and I'll definitely be back for more! In a city full of classes and schools that are often taught by egomaniacs who guide performances to their liking, Andrew's way of teaching is a breath of fresh air. His egoless and humble approach is founded in a deep love and respect for the craft. His feedback is concise and direct. He won't guide you to his preferred performance, but rather illuminate the path for you to discover what it is your character needs, giving you the tools to unearth your authentic vulnerability, what he calls "the secret sauce." Some of my biggest lightbulb moments have gone off in his classes and I can't wait to take another! read more

Andrew is pure magic. Without even a word of communication he automatically knows what parts of your scene you need assistance with. There have been multiple times where I have said to myself, "this line is going to be the death of me." Either by not knowing what my character meant in the scene or just how I should perceive it. And without doubt Andrew in all his glory comes and pulls me out of my mind and perplexity. Every time. So far I've taken the Essentials Class twice and then moved on to complete his Advanced Class. I will say head-on that I'd one hundred percent continue to take both classes again in the future. More than likely, more than once. I fully believe in everything that Andrew graciously shares with all of us. There is so much information to obtain and it's like a good movie, you realize new things that you didn't the first time around. Certain things start to click and you embed them into your muscle memory the more you do them and surround yourself with it. His technique is simple, yet it works your brain and has you thinking about details for your character and scene that you probably wouldn't think of otherwise. Simple does not translate to easy. You really have to dedicate yourself, time, effort, and give it your absolute all if you want to get everything you possibly can out of these classes. Put in the hard work and the magic starts to happen. You'll never feel more prepared about who your character is or what the scene in your next audition is about. After taking Andrew's classes I can confidently say that I've walked into every audition knowing who I was (as a character) and feeling more prepared than I did before. There's no better feeling walking out of an audition knowing that you came in prepared, gave it everything you have, and left with no uncertainty or doubt that you did the things necessary to make your character in that audition room come to life. Andrew teaches you to have a strong foundation and how to back that up. Even before I started my first Essentials class, I was already crazy excited to start training with him. I appreciate that he takes the time to meet each person before the start of class to see if they decide they want to join. Not a lot of teachers can say that and it makes it nice when class does start because you already know who you're learning from. Above all, Andrew is just an exceptional person. As a teacher he is phenomenal and there will always be something that you will learn from him. Some sort of Jedi way to help make you a better actor before you even knew you needed the help. But just as a person, he's the best. read more

Over the past year I have done two essentials cycles and two advanced classes with Andrew and I have learned more in this past year working with him than I have in all the other acting classes I have taken over the years combined. In the essentials class, based on his own education and training as well as with assigned books and articles, you'll gain knowledge to create a foundation to go off of in any acting roles that you take on in the future. Once you are in the advanced cycle - after completing two essentials cycles - you'll be able to apply everything you learned in the essentials cycle and Andrew will continue to challenge you. Knowing he would challenge us every week motivated me to give my all in every single class. In the two advanced classes that I've taken, we went up every week because of the small class size, which was amazing! I truly love Andrew's class and will continue to work with him! I can honestly say that my auditions have improved and I don't feel like I'm blindly going into them anymore. I've gone on many auditions but since taking his class I've actually gotten callbacks and better feedback. If you want to continue to improve and be a strong actor, I would definitely recommend Andrew's class! read more

I have taken two rounds of Andrew's essentials class and am currently taking his advanced class. Andrew's instruction and coaching are absolutely amazing. I can't recommend him enough. He has crafted his curriculum perfectly, guiding you step by step into your character and scene as you progress through the course. Andrew is considerate, concise, challenging and generous in his instruction. He is also very personalized in his coaching and feedback. Every comment is carefully considered for you and respectful of your approach as an actor. Andrew encourages and challenges you to fully construct and explore the reality of your character, then gives you the perfect feedback that transforms your understanding and performance. I have witnessed this transformation with actors in every class and experienced it myself. He is truly the Jedi master for actors. No matter what experience you have in acting, Andrew's instruction is an absolute game changer. If you dig in, you give it your all, you will leave his class a finely tuned instrument, a much better actor and quite possibly a better human being. Hands down the best acting class in LA! read more

If you want to be a better actor, come here. Point blank. But there's a caveat. You have to be ready to put in the work and be ready to learn. When I first came here, I was confused. Some acting classes try incredibly hard to entertain or boost up their own ego rather than give you a chance to listen and learn. Andrew doesn't entertain, he teaches. You will not perform every week and there may be times where you're just sitting down watching other actors perform the entire class. I know some students may be frustrated with that aspect. But let me tell you as someone who's taken his Essentials 3x and recently his Advance class. Simply watching other students perform and see the transformation of their performance from Andrew's direction has made me a better and more aware actor. And when you do perform, the direction he gives you is INVALUABLE. SO My advice to you before taking the class? The 5 questions, do it to the best of your ability. Don't skip that. Put you ego aside that you deserve to perform each week and give you fellow actors the attention they deserve. You don't need to be a perfect actor from the get go, you're there to learn and it's okay to make mistakes. I am not naturally gifted in acting, let me you that. I have more to learn, trust me on this. But I have chosen my acting technique and teacher, and that is Andrew. (Additionally, I am a POC actress. Andrew is one of the only acting teachers I have met that will give you a fair shot and fair roles. A rarity in my experience of taking classes) read more

Moving to L.A. means facing a million different options of classes, and it can be overwhelming. I'm glad I started here with Andrew, as I wanted to relearn the basics and lay down a strong foundation for my craft. Before you even sign up, he chats with you about the class, managing expectations, and about your journey/background as an actor. The first couple weeks of classes are mandatory, and for good reason as that is where you get the essential blocks of knowledge including script analysis and body work in order to strengthen and build your assigned scene and skills. Over the weeks, he makes sure you actually apply all that knowledge in class as you present your scene so that you fully understand why and how these techniques work. This is where a lot of the magic happens. His critique is always very thoughtful, detailed, and thorough and if you truly listen to what he says and really apply it to your rehearsals and work hard, it's really amazing to see the leaps and bounds by which you and your classmates improve over a course of a mere 10 weeks. The ability to bring out potential in others is a result of amazing teaching, and it's an ability Andrew demonstrates every week. If you want to seriously hone your craft and skills as an actor, and you apply yourself, you will greatly benefit from Andrew's class. read more

If you need an acting foundation, Andrew Wood is the best place to study at. It's a comfortable environment for people at all levels and out of all the acting schools in Los Angeles, it's the only one where every part of the technique truly resonated with me. I took the foundation level twice (although both sessions were a couple years apart) and there was a marked difference in my performance after them. He's also a really good person and very supportive. I can't imagine him not ever being there for his students. The books he requires and recommends are great and I always like the scenes he assigns. He was a graduate directing student at Yale University so his approach is different than former actors, which is a good thing. I seriously can't recommend his class enough, it was my absolute favorite! read more

Okay, so this was my first acting class ever. And... I'm not an actress. I wanted to take an acting class because I wanted to try something outside my comfort zone. Let me tell you, this was a great, fabulous experience. I found myself appropriately challenged as a performer and person. It is an intellectually rigorous course, which I loved. We got to read great plays and learn a theory for acting. I overheard other classmates state that this was a unique quality of acting classes which shocked me! How can an actor be expected to act without direction?! Anyway, the first three classes teach you Andrew's theory of acting and you get to do a couple of exercises. After that, it's the scene study section of the class. Andrew assigns you to a scene partner and a scene, based on... who knows, but in my case, it was a great match. Each pair gets to go up in class two times and Andrew gives each pair direction on their character and their interpretation in the scene. During my times up, I found that Andrew pushed me to a good limit. I found his direction to be very helpful in the development of the scene and the development of my character. At the end, I was very happy with the finished product of the scene. Honestly, I was very nervous taking an acting class especially in LA since most of the other classmates were actual working actors. But Andrew assuaged my fears during the first coffee date (when you meet with him before the class starts) and I found him to be correct. I would recommend taking advantage of the coaching sessions if you (and your partner) could afford the time and cash. I found them to be extremely helpful and Andrew was very open with me and my partner during these sessions. Andrew was a great instructor and I am definitely planning to take another cycle and I would definitely recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn about acting or improve their craft. read more

Ever since the drama teacher at my High School begged me to join the drama club, which I didn't because I was too shy, the seed had been planted to take an acting class. Let's just say a lot of time has passed and I'm at the age where I don't want to have any regrets. So that being said, I decided to overcome my fear. I moved from Chicago so I really didn't know where to start, this being L.A. So I googled "Acting Classes" and of course I had an abundance of choices. Then I turned to yelp to help me with the weeding out process. I narrowed it down to two classes; "Andrew Wood Acting Studio" and one other. I was invited by Andrew to have coffee with him while the other class I spoke to an assistant who emailed me general information. This made my decision fairly easy as my meeting with Andrew lasted almost an hour and a half, during which time all of my questions were answered and some of my fears allayed. My other concern was that I wanted a class that the teacher and students were serious about the craft because I feel as if my time and financial resources are extremely valuable to me. Andrew has a strict policy of only one absence which requires his students to be dedicated. I have completed three classes with Andrew, he is an extremely intelligent, perceptive and demanding teacher. He allows the students to improve their acting abilities in a safe and supported environment. I have sat in another acting class, where I witnessed the acting teacher barking orders at the students and being extremely critical in a very negative way. I feel fortunate that this was not my experience, as I feel Andrew's methods of coaching allow the students to achieve the same results but from a more positive perspective. Andrew has such a talent for understanding the complexity of the characters and the writing. He uses that to open up your perception of the scene, which enables you to give a more genuine and connected performance. I would recommend Andrew Wood Acting Studio to beginners and to accomplished actors as well. read more

I am a working actor and have taken many different acting classes. Andrew Wood's Acting Studio is at the top of my list. Working with Andrew I have developed a deepened sense of artistic integrity with regard to my craft and a higher standard of professionalism rooted in a fluid and structured approach to bringing characters to life. I have taken three cycles, and am currently enrolled in the advanced class. Unlike many other studios, Andrew's methodology is not just highly intelligent and intuitive, but tangible. You can learn it, and if you put in the work, the quality of your performance will reach new potentials. Stemming from his years at Yale, Andrew's Stanislavsky based method, asks the actor to "live truthfully under imaginary circumstances" by connecting to the character's deepest need(Stella Adler's "Underlying Objective"). This class will definitely have you flexing your imagination and deepening your empathy in an inspired safe and welcoming environment. Most importantly, every class you find yourself exploring what it is to be human. Andrew also offers excellent coaching services, he coached me on my first lead in a feature. His constructive criticism is the perfect balance of intellect, no BS, and sensitivity toward the actor. We spent hours developing a juicy character history to heat up my character's relationships, and it made all the difference. read more

I've taken two cycles of Andrew Utter's acting class and am quite happy to recommend it to others. The class combines reading, lecture and scene study, and weekly exercises to provide a comprehensive exploration of the techniques that Andrew has collected and developed. For those of you who have taken acting classes before, you may find that some of what the class offers is familiar, however, Andrew brings a unique approach to actor/character development and objective which is unlike anything I have experienced in my travels through the acting world. And hey, the price is right! This class is suitable for beginning and experienced actors alike, but it is not for the faint of heart. The reading is voluminous, the scenes are challenging, and the instruction can at times be intense. But I assure you that if you are willing to put in the work you will be rewarded! If you are interested in taking up acting, or learning some new methods for thinking about your work as an actor, Andrew's class may be the way to go. Think about it... read more

I've always had a love for the theatre and being on a stage but life and work pulled me away for years. I finally decided it was time to go back to what I love. I was looking for a class that would challenge me, broaden my knowledge, and most importantly be fun. I spent a lot of time searching classes when I finally came across MOI. I love all the reviews and figured this would be a great place to start. Not only is this a great place to start its a great place if youve been acting for years. Andrew is such a great teacher. His insights to the the characters and to the scene you are performing are so enlightening. There were a lot of aha moments by everyone. It's refreshing and inspiring to be guided to open your mind and think in a new way. Be forewarned, this is not a class where you walk in and perform a different scene every week. Acting isn't easy and if it was everyone would do it. It takes dedication and constant energy to keep pushing yourself to the next level. Andrew teaches you the tools you need to better understand your character and just when you think you got it Andrew shows you one more thing to keep pushing you to those next levels. Andrew has a weekly blog which I highly recommend as well. The title of his latest blog is "You've got to love the sweat more than the light" (a quote from Bette Davis). Which I think sums it up quite nicely! I've already taken two cycles of this course and am looking forward to a third. Andrew has taught me to step out of my head and start viscerally living the scene. I highly recommend this class for all. Beginner, advanced, writer, director, or someone who is looking for a fun and an eye opening experience. "Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions" read more

Andrew Wood is definitely one of the best teachers in LA. I took Andrew's essentials and advanced class and can honestly say that I improved every time, and enjoyed each class. I like that Andrew meets with each student individually before they take the essentials class in order to give students a breakdown of what the class is going to be like to make sure students are ready to commit for what they're signing up for. My favorite thing about Andrew is that he gets the best possible performance out of every student. His style of teaching allows students to reach a level of specificity that only allows for a great performance. When acting with Andrew, you are never guessing, he will work with you until you 100% certainty what it is your character wants, and you discover that through his assignments and working with him when it's your turn to go up. And when it is your turn to go up, especially the first time around, Andrew will work with you and your scene partner at least 45 mins to an hour and will give you detailed notes in order for you and your scene partner to apply them in your rehearsals and come in even more prepared the second time around where you'll probably work for the same amount of time but with Andrew giving more direction. Being an experienced director himself, Andrew knows and understands how to work with actors regardless of the actor's level of experience. When addressing the students, Andrew is extremely respectful of each student and always gives his feedback in the most encouraging way possible. Andrew is always happy to help answer questions outside of class and gives as much of himself as possible to every student. Whether you're new in LA and are starting your career or you've been acting for a few years and have some experience, I recommend you take Andrew's class because you will come out a better actor. read more

Andrew is a phenomenal teacher to learn from. He brings years of knowledge from both the directing (he attended the Yale School of Directing) and acting side of the industry. You will leave this class feeling like you have a secret weapon in your back pocket and ready to tackle any audition. That being said, this is not "fluff" class. It takes dedication, commitment, and hard work. But, if you're in the acting industry, this should be no surprise. You definitely get out of the class what you put into it, but if you're a dedicated student who really wants to learn you will not regret taking this class and learning from Andrew. I've taken 2 cycles with him already and and signing up to take the next class in the fall. I highly recommend learning from Andrew at Andrew Wood Acting Studio. read more

I've taken Andrew's Essentials Workshop twice now, and I'd highly recommend it. For beginners like me, it was a great opportunity to understand the fundamentals of acting. Some major components of this include warm up techniques, how to break down a scene, and doing character studies. This class has Stanislavsky based curriculum. The reading assignments are very insightful and help define what is the craft of acting and how to hone your skills. Do the readings! Although there are quite a few, each are valuable and have practical wisdom. In the course you don't get the opportunity to work every week, but you still can get a lot out of watching fellow classmates in their performances. The emphasis is the work you will do outside of class with your scene partner. Andrew gives us the freedom to be creative in taking ownership of our characters, while simultaneously guiding us to a deeper understanding of role we're creating. Overall, this course is truly what you make of it. There is so many opportunities to learn and improve. Put in the work and you will see results on the friends and family night performance! read more

After taking a cycle of Andrew Wood's essentials course, I felt as though I had finally found the Acting Teacher who could help me realize my potential. What I appreciate about the course is just how challenging it is. Andrew will provide you with the tools and techniques to help you analyze a given scene and connect to the character. The REAL magic happens when you do the scene work and are able to put those tools to the test and see exactly how it all works. Andrew will help you along the way with insightful questions and comments to get you to reach a visceral level of performance, which is the goal. If you respect and love Acting as a craft, and have an unquenchable passion for it, Andrew Wood Acting Studio would be my first recommendation. It is a no frills, no bull, MEATY ACTING CLASS. I am currently in my second cycle of the essentials course and look forward to taking more classes. read more