I love this studio! Jamar is an excellent teacher and coach. I specifically wanted to focus on…read moretelevision acting, and this studio provides current TV scenes that help actors develop their craft while practicing self-tapes in a realistic setting. The classes are upbeat, engaging, and incredibly informative. One week we work on scene study, and the next we focus on self-tape auditions, which creates a great balance of training and practical experience. What I appreciate most is how well this studio prepares actors for the realities of the industry...real auditions, real sets, and real-life expectations. I highly recommend it to any actor looking to strengthen their on-camera skills and build confidence in the audition process.

I think Graham is a wonderful teacher. However, my rating is due to this company's business ethics…read more I enrolled in a three-week intensive where students are evaluated and placed with a teacher. I made it clear from the start that my only goal was to train with Graham, which requires an invitation. When I asked about ongoing classes, I was told his classes were full, but that I would be placed just below his level and moved up after I completed the four week course with a different teacher. After completing the intensive, my card was charged without my knowledge for an additional four weeks of classes, and NOT with Graham. When I raised this with the office, they pointed to a "subscription" clause in the contract that allowed them to automatically charge my card. This was never clearly explained to me. I only enrolled in the initial program based on the understanding that I would be invited to train with Graham upon completion. Instead, I was unknowingly charged for more classes, with a different teacher, without consent. When I requested a refund, especially since I wouldn't even be in town to attend (which I explained to them) they refused... "No refunds". They told me I could take the classes when I returned to town, presenting that as a generous accommodation. However, they still would not guarantee placement with the teacher I originally requested. This experience felt misleading and very exploitative. Many actors are investing limited resources into their training, and transparency matters. Charging for services I did not knowingly approve, and could not attend, is unacceptable. I ultimately disputed the charge. After months of back-and-forth, they ruled in favor of the school based on the fine print referencing a subscription. That may be technically enforceable, but it was not clearly communicated, and it's disappointing. Mind you I paid for the intensive, additional classes with a teacher I didn't want based on a promise that wasn't fulfilled, and even booked private sessions with Graham.. all within two months. This company could have earned far more from me long term if they had acted with transparency and integrity. They were greedy and shortsighted. Do better.

Marylin Monroe, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Angelina Jolie, Will Arnett, Scarlett…read moreJohansson & even you can learn and use acting technique here. This school's open approach to The Method and one that is kind. A far cry from usual acting schools, these awesome teaching staff members create a great environment where we are in safe and supportive learning mode. There is a focus on the body being fully relaxed as to access anything they need. The culture is amazing at relaxation exercises that Lee taught specifically to the chair was awesome and I loved being taught it here. From day one the fantastic Holly Hart taught us levels of awareness and how to name things in terms of boundaries. My teacher Anne DeSilvio reminded us that we are just on a leaning journey and take the pressure off of 'nailing it' every time. The on Camera class with Chris Prinzo is upbeat and his notes are constructive and always help. No matter what he has your best interest in heart and wants to see you connect to the emotions within the relationship of the characters, the scene and the exchange between both actors. We were lucky to be taught by two family members related to Lee Strasberg himself here. The fun Sasha Krane took us through a very smart, sharp and dynamic scene study and would sharpen identifying factors to quickly break down these with the script. David Strasberg is great to work with and gives a session that is packed with information and new ways to use old tools we might not have remembered or knew how to use before. He teaches a monthly drop-in class which I look forward to being a part of as well. Jenny at front desk sets the kind tone from day one onwards and no matter what my question was I never felt dumb. I was grateful to her opening the door for me randomly as I arrived earlier than ever each day due to LA Metro transit. Laura Cromer Director of Administration makes schedules & pumpkin pie and amount other things, has the kindest dog. Ashanay at the desk was a wonderful entity and I am glad I got to meet her in her final days in this kind position and wish her the best int he future. Lee Strasberg Institute meets you where you are as an artist and only build up so the experience can remain open to adjust and adapt easier. Their intensive was the best decision ive ever made since living in LA. I am looking forward to my continued study with this school in the future.

I had a great experience here for the Pictures Up Film Festival 2024. The only drawback was parking…read morewas so hard to find! We circled around the area for quite a while until we found something and had to walk far, but hey, it's LA, comes with the territory. Bathrooms are nice and clean and the theater picture and sound were perfect. Staff were nice and friendly and it just overall went really well!

From the moment I stepped into the Howard Fine Acting Studio, I knew I'd found something…read moreexceptional. The quality of teaching, professionalism, and genuine care for each actor's growth is unmatched. Howard is a master teacher--honest, insightful, and deeply committed to helping actors do their best work. His feedback is always constructive, compassionate, and transformative. Marilyn brings such warmth, enthusiasm, and patience to her classes--she creates a space where you feel safe to explore and inspired to take bold risks. Mr. Coury delivers those incredible, applicable "aha" moments that connect the craft to real, grounded human behavior. What makes HFAS even more special is the variety of ways to learn and grow. Whether in the studio or through the many online courses, actors can continue to hone their craft from different angles, at any stage of their journey. The entire community--faculty, staff, and students--fosters an environment that's both challenging and deeply supportive. HFAS isn't just a studio--it's a true artistic home, and I'm endlessly grateful to continue growing here as both an actor and a human being.

I have been in Mr. Coury's ongoing scene study for over a year now, after taking the six-week…read moretechnique course with both Howard and Mr. Coury. Every week, I learn something. Every week, I grow as an actor. Every week, I imagine the alternate world in which I would be lost as an actor without this rigorous gym, and I shudder at the thought. Mr. Coury's critique is straightforward and can feel harsh when you don't know him well, but you quickly find that he does it out of his love for teaching, and it truly is in your best interest. His eye will get you where you want to be if you trust yourself--and trust him.

I have been working with Ellen for over a year and she is one of the sweetest and hardest working…read moreacting coaches I have ever met. She has a loving approach to the craft, and her family mentality really makes the performer feel at home. Great team behind her and excellent central location. 5 stars.

I work with Ellen Gerstein Wednesday nights at a Hollywood bungalow, where refreshments are…read moreavailable, skills are honed and her pug's antics keep the air light. Ellen is sweetheart with a contagious smile. It is truly a privilege learning under her tutelage. I'm gaining confidence weekly and only wish to employ these skills in my quest for artistic expression.

I've been working with Jen and Paolo since February of 2024. They are pros. I audited a class for…read morefree and immediately recognized the value of their expertise. The community of actors is the best. Many of my closest friends I have are from this studio. I'm in Jen's instinct class on Thursdays. Come check it out!

After a long time away, I have finally been able to find it in me to come forward. Krater is a good…read morestudio. I believe that Jen is a good teacher. However, I had to leave classes quite some time ago due to two traumatic incidences that I experienced within the Instinct Class. Firstly, I am an African American man. I was placed into a scene in which I was heavily interrogated by a Police Officer. I had an involuntary freeze in my Nervous System and could barely get through the scene. Upon the talk back, and being vulnerable about what I was experiencing, Jen dismissed this, telling me how I shouldn't feel this way because it's Acting Class and it's not real. Though I see her point, the Nervous System scientifically cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality. Regardless, the fear and freeze that I felt were real, regardless of the source. It was wrong of her to make me believe that I was in the wrong for feeling this way. The second incident, I was paired up with a much older Actress. The exercise was going well at first, but near the end of the scene, this older Actress pulled me into her and inappropriately touched me and aggressively kissed me. Her reasoning for doing this in the talk back was, "I felt his energy and knew it would be okay." This was a misread. I never gave consent for that. No one should ever have to be subject to that kind of interaction anywhere at anytime. This is why Intimacy Coordinating is important. Due to these two incidences happening in a period of a few weeks, I lost all trust and sense of safety within the Studio. Because of these losses, I felt that my growth would be stunted, so I made the decision to part ways. I do not wish ill will, but this had to be said. Objectively, I can understand and appreciate the good this studio has done for many Actors, a good few of which are friends of mine. And admittedly, I myself gained some valuable lessons in the months leading up to these events. However, this is my truth, and after quite some time of healing and mending my Nervous System, it needs to be spoken. Jen is a wonderful teacher, but far from perfect and I hope that these things never happen again to anyone else.

My wonderful friends were able to get us an invitation and it was a night I'll never forget!…read more The most memorable part of the night for me, was Greg Van Holsbeck's act. There was never a dull moment through out. He engaged the whole audience, making everyone feel included, and truly set the vibe for the room. In the middle, I scanned the room and really, all eyes were locked in on him. He was also absolutely hilarious and there really was never a silent moment - the room was brought to life with the roaring of laughter. However, don't be fooled as he is a master of his craft. His act was mind blowing and we left wondering how he did it all! 10/10, he is so amazing. Venue wise, it is absolutely beautiful inside and you truly feel like you've been transported to another world, or perhaps time. Everybody was dressed to the to the nines and the vibes were immaculate. I had the prime rib with truffle butter, ordered a side of their macaroni and cheese with bacon, then ended the meal with their banana crème pie. The prime rib was cooked to perfection and melted in your mouth.. paired with the truffle butter? Perfection. The Mac and cheese was creamy with a great depth of flavor. THE BANANA CRÈME PIE?! Must be what heaven feels like. It was legitimately the BEST pie I've had in my life. Everything was balanced perfectly and gosh, that graham cracker crust. Perhaps the food is also part of an act, as one moment it was there.. then it was completely gone! The drinks from the bar were also excellent. You can tell they take hospitality here seriously. Such a great night and so grateful to have been able to experience it all

The good: magicians where so great, definitely had a blast watching the shows! Specifically a…read moremagician who was at the bottom level in a secret little room, he was so funny, amazing show!! The dinner part of our night was fantastic as well (the service/ waiter). The bad: the bartender in the bottom level ( a lady with a side buzzcut) was the rudest person. I pay tips in cash and so when I paid the drink with my card and pressed no tip she snatched the pay machine and yelled "gratuity is not included". I understand she didn't know I was going to pay in cash but omg her attitude was so vile and ugly. My friend also had asked her for recommendations on scotch which she said they didn't have any scotch but the way she said it and her attitude killed the entire vibe down there. Another thing too is the rules.. I understand the no hoot rule but if they're going to be strict with that rule they should be strict with the attire rule as well, I saw a man dressed in a t shirt and tennis shoes and then another dressed in a Hawaiian shirt? Overall it was a cute night but a one time kind of thing to do. If you have the chance def go!

So fun! I took a beginner salsa class with Rodrigo who was a fun, nice, and approachable teacher…read more We learned basic steps for the first 20-25 mins of class, and then rotated partners for the remainder of class. I thought the class was a good pace and easy enough to follow (although, I've taken beginner salsa at another place before so I had some experience). It was my boyfriend's first time learning salsa and he thought the class was fun but I little too fast, so took off a star for that. Also, the class felt a little big.

The professor Craig was fantastic and created a fun,positive space for us to learn . By the end of…read moreclass I was dancing a style I had never tried before . Can't wait to go next week!

Bt is well versed in so many acting techniques! His classes are immersive and transformative! You…read morewill learn and grow as an actor at every level in his course. His style of teaching reaches beyond your career. He will help you grow in confidence and become a more resourceful person! I cannot brag enough about the impact of BTS and the community of students (some of which have become my very good friends). There's also quarterly showcase for the students!

This is a great acting studio for new and experienced actors. I've learned a lot from BTS and can…read moreconfidently say enrolling will be one of the best decisions you'll make! At this studio you get an acting coach that truly wants to see his students win. Brandon will always push and support you beyond the acting class. I've been able to learn different techniques and approaches to character breakdowns and scene work. I also love the fact that each class is its own and never feels redundant because you're always learn something new! Another bonus is getting to hear from people in different corners of the industry. For example: makeup artist, stunt coordinators, directors, etc.