I found AZAA from a friend. We had taken a few classes together at another studio but I felt like I couldn't grow anymore there, like I was just being pat on the back each time I put something up. I love azaa because brandy is challenging. She always finds something you can be working on and explains it in a way that gets you to problem solve, so you can apply it at home rehearsals. I love how it's not about performance, it's about discovering something new about your character, about how your whole instrument(body) brings truth to your work. I love class, I seriously sit at the edge of my seat soaking up all the lessons each of my peers is getting/working on and I can't get enough. Brandy really tailors her advice to each actors skill, understanding, goals and ever changing attitudes. She doesn't let you get away with not putting your all into each rehearsal and character development. I love how that motivates us to be constantly working and demands respect for the craft so I don't ever feel like I have to sit through a performance for someone's ego. My goal is to be a film actor. I always thought theatre was inapplicable to what I wanted to do but I couldn't have been more wrong. read more

I have only been taking classes here for a short time and this place has already changed my life. I signed up to audit a Monday night class after reading another Yelp review. Needless to say, I fell in love and stayed. If you are serious about the craft and want to be coached by one of the best acting coaches alive today, do yourself a favor, and at the very least, audit a class. Arizona Actors Academy and Brandy Hotchner have reminded me the timeless necessity an actor (artist) plays in society, stressing that the actor's task is not to act, but rather "to be". As such is the purpose of life. In this anxiety-ridden world, an actor must learn how to live moment-by-moment and by gaining his/her/their own understanding, he/she/they will consequently guide others back to their own centers. Brandy really sees you and always shows up for you and your growth. Whatever your acting aspirations may be, you will gain more self-awareness and begin to approach your life with greater creativity, grace and grit. And do it alongside other brave, brilliant, and kind human beings. Thank you, Brandy. A true gem. read more

Do yourself a big favor and don't wait any longer to start your artistical journey here! Being a student at Arizona Actors Academy means being trained by the best acting coaches in the states and being part of a wonderful loving family of artists who all strive for greatness in the craft and as human beings. I've been looking for an acting coach like Brandy for the past 6 years. I studied acting in Germany, took masterclasses in Italy, France, Greece, NYC and LA just to end up discovering that the real place for me to grow as an actor and as a human being is Arizona Actors Academy. I never met an acting coach before who's so committed to lovingly challenging her students in order to help them becoming the most expressive and most truthful artist they can be. You won't find a community and a program as respectful to the process of the striving actor and as rewarding as the one Brandy Hotchner built in this little corner in the desert. I consider myself incredibly lucky to learn from her. read more

I honestly do not know if I can articulate what being a student at Arizona Actors Academy under the instruction of Brandy Hotchner has meant to me. There is so much I would like to say that I feel like I could easily write pages upon pages, however, I will simply say this: When I first entered class I was a shy and scared being who honestly did not feel that I would ever be good enough. Through careful and dedicated instruction, Brandy helped me to realize my potential and gain the confidence within myself that was always waiting there to be claimed. My entire world came to life (both artistically and personally) after I began class with Brandy. I highly recommend this program to the serious actor who would like to take their craft to the next level. The type of training received in this program is comparable to the training at highly recognized conservatories in New York. Enrolling in classes at Arizona Actors Academy is one of the best decisions I have ever made. read more

I am thrilled with the improvement I have made through my professional coaching at Arizona Actors Academy. Brandy Hotchner encourages me every week to step outside of my comfort zone as well as prepares me for the industry at large. I feel very lucky to have found a coach who holds me to the highest standards. The results have been more professional acting jobs, confidence and a broadening of my skills. If you are looking to strengthen your repertoire, get 100% audition ready and/or prepare for the big move to LA, NY, Chicago, etc, Brandy is the coach to go to. Or even if you plan on living and working as an actor in the valley, this will take your acting to the next level. Its a very supportive and friendly environment where the training you receive is a direct investment towards your professional future. The Arizona Actors Studio is the place for serious actors! Come play with us! JC read more

Started this academy about a month ago and am currently in Rachel Grimes' intro class. This class is amazing and really allows people to stay comfortable throughout the duration of the class with the coach and the other actors. Support and feedback is crucial and the staff here does more and beyond with that! I also took a Second Circle class here and the experience was phenomenal! The coach Lauren Rohs and her assistant Tyler were tremendously talented as well as solid for coaching. That class also changed my perspective on connecting with people as well as build my relationship with many more peers. Second circle had a "family" feeling type of comfort where my vulnerabilities became my strengths. I highly recommend this academy and will be here for a long time! read more

Looking to be a serious actor? Are you ready to be tested? If not then find a studio that'll feed your ego, tell you have the "look" for film, and hold your little hand...BUT If you are looking to be challenged and have a true passion for the craft then Arizona Actors Academy is exactly where you need to be. Here you'll get what's close to a full acting conservatory experience (monologues/scenes/improv/Shakespeare and much more) that allows you to dive deep into the art of acting as soon as you're ready. Brandy doesn't sugarcoat anything. She works with the true artist to coach them to their fullest potential. She is raw, extremely passionate about the craft, and ready to work with individuals at the their pace. read more

I've been Brandy's student since 2015 and came with no experience When I started I couldn't be heard, follow blocking, take direction, I was confused about what to DO. I was frustrated not being able to communicate myself. I did my required audit with Brandy. I witnessed actors WORKING and being coached HOW TO GET TRUTH IN THE WORK. In 2016, I was cast in 2 lead roles. I now have a resume and portfolio I work on and audition with. Brandy has an unbreakable patience with beginners and will always make you feel like a student and will never make you feel incompetent or untrainable or unworthy to be an actor or anything that we all fear at the beginning. read more

I love this school!! Its a transformative place. I had this idea of what an acting school would be and when I started, the first 5 five minutes, I realized it was nothing like what I thought it would be and it was exactly what I needed. This school is special. The creative director, the coaches, the atmosphere, the work done there, its beyond words. It will touch your soul. I cannot say enough about this school. Even if you do not want to be an actor professionally, this school can help you, if you choose to help yourself. Come and try it out, they welcome everyone, no matter your age, background, experience. You'll fall in love as I have. Thank you AZAA!! read more

I am forever grateful to AZAA and how they have changed my life. Rachel brings enthusiasm and joy to each class. You can't leave without feeling this contagious energy and an eagerness to learn more. Improv with Jacque is so much fun and it definitely helped me to loosen up a bit, to be brave and to make bold choices. Brandy has taught me more than I can even put into words. I almost get teary-eyed when I think about how her teaching transformed me as both an artist and a human soul. The work is challenging but rewarding beyond measure. Thank you to the AZAA family and also to the students who share their gifts...such a magical place!! read more

I just want to put in a plug for Randee Messersmith and the great class he taught us about combat for the camera. In addition to learning the physical skills of the stunt work for staging fight scenes, he taught us a ton about how to stay safe on a movie set, how different kinds of camera angles and camera work and editing and foley would enhance or detract from the finished product. It was bunches of fun and I learned a lot. I hope we have more workshops like this. read more

I came to AZAA with no acting experience, I was just looking for some ideas to add to my elementary school teaching. I quickly fell in love with this place, with the teachers and with the process. It's been a year now, and I am still excited about what I am learning. It is challenging, humbling, inspiring and life-changing. If you stick with it, you will be transformed - there is no other possible outcome. read more

I have been at AZAA and taken all the classes offered there. All the teachers are top notch and it's just amazing to see and experience the wealth of knowledge been shared. I would like to specially appreciate how fast the class has adapted to getting their classes online in times like this, starting newsletter and giving so many community sessions on zoom. Big thank you to the AZAA team for all the efforts. read more

My daughters have been taking voice lessons with Rachel for almost 1 year. Rachel has many valuable qualities in a teacher with her care, compassion, patience and of course talent and passion for signing. She has been an excellent teacher and wonderful role model for my daughters! read more

Amazing. Brandy is one of a kind. The virtual classes and workshops that are being offered currently are of the highest quality and bring so much joy. Kristen Cerelli recently brought to us her boxes and crayons workshop - eye opening way to work!! AZAA is the best place to play! read more

My daughter has only been going to AZ Actors Academy a short time, seeing Rachel. It has been an awesome experience for her. She is more outgoing and speaks clearer. Voice lessons has helped just come out of her shell & prepping her for auditions that she really wants to do. read more

I highly recommend this business. The staff are excellent and certainly dedicated to their work. I have never had anything but exceptional service from this company and I really appreciate their professional demeanor in all of our dealings! 5 stars for sure! read more

We have done a couple privates with Rachel Grimes and it was absolutely awesome!!! Inspiring to may daughter and so easy to work with. We hope to continue to work with Arizona Actors Academy. read more