I recently joined another organization: First Take Acting. (Also in San Francisco). On the first class, I was already doing scenes, icebreakers, and getting feedback to prepare me for auditions. As stated in my previous reviews, with Beverly Hills Playhouse, all I did was basically sit and watch others perform their scenes. Not to mention, I was PAYING to sit and watch these other students perform their scenes. And I paid A LOT of money....compared to what I'm paying now. (Note: I was commuting to SF from Half Moon Bay twice a week, yet with my new acting class -- from Oakland to SF -- I'm only doing one class and more than I did with Beverly Hills Playhouse). Unfortunately, also as aforementioned, there was the case of being pigeonhole because I was a black male. I had to fit the 'vision' of what the instructor Robert Zimmerman (white male) had for me, whereas my instructor with First Take basically said: 'Be yourself, Joel.' With Beverly Hills Playhouse, I found myself leaving the 'class' feeling like I wasted time and money. With First Take Acting, I tend to leave with a smile on my face....happy I was able to perform on my own terms (with applicable coaching) and eager to eventually make it on the big and small screen. read more

If you want to learn how to become a working actor, I think this is hands down the best place to study acting in the Bay Area. All you have to do is audit one class (free) and you'll probably be sold immediately like I was. Here's why: 1. The teachers have created a class atmosphere that is truly magical. As long as you have the desire to act and put in the effort, you are automatically welcomed into this amazing family of wonderful, talented, enthusiastic, accepting, supportive people. The lengths students go to help each other out is really above and beyond any other group I've ever been a part of. This is also the only place that I've ever truly felt comfortable enough to show all my vulnerabilities. Why? I'm not sure. There's just something about the school's culture of acceptance and embracing our biggest flaws instead of hiding them (because that's what makes you better actors). It's pretty hard to describe and I think you need to be a part of it to truly understand it. The theatre that the class is held in has truly felt like a second home my time in San Francisco. 2. The rate your acting skills will improve is incredible. Robert Zimmerman's critiques are so on point and eloquently delivered, it still blows my mind sometimes. Since joining this school, my booking rate has significantly increased, I got my top choice SF talent agent, and have gained so much confidence in my acting abilities. 3. As this school likes to tell you, it trains professional actors, not professional students. Therefore the school starts kicking your ass if you don't put in the work to further your acting career. Every two weeks, the class has administration, which is where it checks in that you've completed the tasks you said you would do to further your acting career. If you know nothing about how to do this, the school gives you a great to-do list to jump start your career. Also, hearing the other students talk about what they did to grow their careers is both informative and motivates you to work harder. Ok I'm bored writing any more. Go audit a class for free. What have you got to lose? read more

In my year of study here, I got an agent and went from booking non-speaking/ensemble/supporting roles to booking leads on a regular basis. The technique taught here can have a profound impact on not only your acting, but your whole life. I'm now in LA, pursuing acting full time and loving every minute of it. I have BHP SF to thank for that. Be ready to work your a** off and be ready for your life to change. You've been warned. read more

BHP. Has change my life, this is my home. If you are serious about acting, if you want to make your dream come true!!! please get to work ,get to Beverly Hills Playhouse. read more

I've been a student for almost 2 years now. Prior to the Beverly Hills Playhouse, I had taken classes with American Conservatory Theater and various other studios in the San Francisco area, but I can honestly say this class has changed my life. What I like about the class is that the technique is very flexible with a non cookie cutter approach to acting. We are very different human beings with different ticks and quirks that make us special. Not to mention we are always changing. And so the teaching has helped me to embrace and garner everything about my individuality and hone it into my craft as an actor. Rob has been there with me from the beginning and has always been a positive figure in my career. I honestly don't know what I would do with my life without my Wednesday nights ;) Come stop by to audit the class if you're serious about getting to know what acting is all about. Monday and Wednesday classes start at 7pm at 414 Mason Street on the 5th floor. Teusdays we start at 7pm at 125A Hyde St. read more

I've been taking scene study acting classes at the Beverly Hills Playhouse San Francisco for a little bit over a year and have nothing but great things to say about it. It took my acting skills to the next level. The teacher is very intuitive and personal to every student. He uncovers your specific issues, no matter how good you are at hiding them, and challenges/pushes you to reach your full potential. As a result, the students are amazingly committed, enthusiastic and supportive of each other. Worth noting is that when I first joined, I heard some warnings and rumors that this class may be affiliated with Scientology. After over one year there, I can say confidently that it is most definitely not. Scientology was never mentioned in any class critique, nor among students, except when talking about the validity of the rumor itself. read more

I moved to SF two years ago from Boston, and after learning about BHP from a student on set, went in to audit. I walked in to find Rob Zimmerman talking about the theme of existentialism in a play the students had read the prior week, and immediately knew I was at home. I have grown immensely in my two years of study at BHP, and plan to continue studying here for the foreseeable future. I went from being a shy girl not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, to a working actress with years worth of goals and aspirations that I had almost started to give up on. Your acting dreams and personal goals are all possible, with hard patient work, and BHP is the place to realize them. Rob Zimmerman is one of the most nurturing teachers I've had, and understands his students often much more deeply than we understand ourselves. The majority of the long-time students at BHP seem to have self-selected as some of the kindest, most supportive, and most intelligent people I have ever met. That being said, some students in class are more committed to becoming professional actors than others. The class is what you make of it. While the teachers and students are highly supportive, it is up to you to do the work and to challenge yourself to put up scenes in class. It is a lot of work: emotionally, physically, mentally, and in sheer hours spent in and outside of rehearsal. As long as you are prepared to work, and have the ability to push yourself, you will learn and grow in these classes, absolutely guaranteed. read more

So, you want to be an actor? It doesn't matter if you have 0 experience or decades of it, BHP will help get you there. BHP is more than just an acting school - it teaches students how to become artistic killers. I've been studying at BHP for nearly 4 years now (wow time has flown). I felt at home as soon as I walked in. Robert Zimmerman and Peter Allas are two teachers you just won't find anywhere else - challenging, celebrating, teaching, and keeping you accountable all at the same time. Their knowledge of the industry is invaluable to becoming a professional actor. It's an incredibly safe space to make hot choices that work gloriously....or fail miserably. It isn't "method acting" or Meisner -- The technique was founded by Milton Katselas and follows a checklist to help you be true to character and storytelling. Get ready to put "alcohol, razor blades" and tears of joy into your acting career at BHP. read more

I haven't been to any other acting schools or classes, but I don't see how they can get any better than this one. This class and the students in it are amazing! I've never been in a more supportive and uplifting environment that allows me to completely open up and work on my acting this freely. The teaching is down to earth and simple, and the teacher is intuitive and an amazing director, among many other things. The thing I like about it the most is that Rob doesn't hold back with his critiques. He's honest and this is the only way to learn and develop, especially in this field. I never had any previous training before and only worked on one short film prior to taking this class, which was my only experience with dialog. I audited this class and instantly knew this was the place to work on my acting and also work on my self as a person. I've been here now for about 9 months and both areas have grown tremendously. By my 6th month in class, I signed with Stars the Agency and booked my first two auditions with them. Since them I have booked several other jobs and I give all the credit to this class. Of course all of this came with a lot of hard work and dedication. This is not a place for bad attitudes and the lazy. Like anything you do, you only get what you put into it. Not only have I become a working actor, but I've made so many great friends as well. I can honestly say there isn't one person in class, old or new, that I don't respect and like to spend my personsal, and rehearsal time with. read more

I've been going to BHP for the past couple months and I really like the style of teaching. I audited a class (it's free) after a girl I met at a gig told me about it. Classes are very organized and usually involve a production of 5-7 pre- rehearsed scenes. The teacher Rob critiques the actors after the scene, and even if you aren't on stage, you still learn a lot because we all make the same mistakes. Classes seem expensive, but when you break down the per hour rate its like $10 an hour (compared to other playhouses/classes in the area, that's pretty competitive). My number one concern was that classes would be too big, but new students get priority when it comes to getting stage time, and the most proactive people get the most stage time, so it all depends on the student. Going to class is a real commitment, so if you're interested in an acting career it's a great place to learn, network, and grow as an actor. Like I said, I've only been in class for a few months, but I feel like I've already grown tremendously and with my hard work and the help of my classmates, I just signed with an SF agency :D read more

I've been a student at BHP since the school opened in SF in 2009. I don't plan on getting my training anywhere else. I love that the teaching covers not only acting, but the business side of acting and the professionalism that's required in this career as well. The teaching is also extremely individualized and all about finding out what works for each specific actor. It's definitely the most supportive community of actors I've ever met and I always leave the room excited and on fire to get to work (even if I didn't put a scene up that night). If you're hungry for a class and a teacher that will really kick your creative ass and push you to be the artist that this industry needs and is looking for, then I suggest you come and check out this class. read more

The Beverly Hills Playhouse in San Francisco, under the tutelage of Robert Zimmerman, is in my humble opinion, the best acting school in the bay area. I am a working actor in Los Angeles. I got my start studying acting in Berkeley and San Francisco, with multiple disciplines ranging from Meisner to Uta Hagen. I love and respect these different acting techniques, but they were too restrictive and singular for my personal taste. The BHP and Milton Katselas's teachings are an incredibly down to earth, individual, and 'real person' approach to acting. I have been studying this technique for three years and had the pleasure of working with some of the most talented actors and teachers the bay area and Los Angeles have to offer. If you are looking for a safe environment filled with talented and hard working artists, to train your acting technique, learn the attitude and professionalism it takes to be a working actor and administrate your career, the BHP is the place for you. read more

Where to begin... The Beverly Hills Playhouse can change your life, if you let it. The teaching allows you to delve into the deepest recesses of your personality and mind. You aren't merely playing at characters in this class, you are doing research and background work that allows you to give the most realistic portrayal of them possible. The teachings from the text are a step by step to properly prepare for any character scenario that you may come across. Your fellow classmates make it hard to think about a life without class. They are honest, talented, supportive, and caring. I can't say enough good things about the environment this class creates, and the magic that is created as a result. When you feel that you are fully supported, the possibilities are endless. The teacher, Robert Zimmerman, has an uncanny ability to root out your deepest insecurities so that you can face them head on with the support of teacher and class. His no bullshit style of teaching is very refreshing because you can always count on whatever he says as the truth. You won't get sugarcoated critiquing here, it is honest, heartfelt advice with the aim of improving your acting abilities. My goal is to become the greatest actor of my generation. With that in mind, there is no better place to study than the Beverly Hills Playhouse. If you are serious about improving your acting skills and becoming a working actor, there is simply no where else to be. read more

I did a short stint here while living in San Francisco, and before I set out on my own trying to get gigs. I've never taken an acting course before enrolling in BHP. Most of it is scene study, which begins at the beginners level and the instructor determines when you are ready for the more advanced levels. In the course, we were assigned readings of some of the great playwrights for lecture and discussion. We were also assigned scenes from some of the great film classics, with the instructor giving us constructive feedback at the end to critiquing our understanding of the story, the effectiveness of our preparation and our performance. I dropped the class to focus on the financial aspects of my life, mainly to focus on making money and saving it for my own personal well-being and also, the further pursuit of the craft of acting. Since I've been pursuing acting actively for the past four years since enrolling in BHP, I can see in retrospect all the benefits of the class. I wasn't particularly close to the instructor, Rob, but I observed that many of the students were. It was almost a cult following, with a very high regard for him as a good teacher and mentor. In my pursuit of the craft and it as a business since then, I saw that there were many things he said during our lectures that are spot-on with regards to the industry. All in all, I'd say the class is very helpful for scene study and insight into the business. The class emphasizes the importance of administration in being a working actor. Of course, the practical scene study aspect is also very helpful, as are the readings of some of the classics assigned. read more

Plain and simple: This class is one of the main reasons I am now a full time working actor in San Francisco. They taught me everything I needed to achieve my dreams in this tough industry. And now I am in the process of doing just that! They teach Acting- Attitude- Administration. My acting skills have greatly improved, my attitude is remains positive even in extremely demanding and strenuous situations, and my administration skills are outstanding. (I do at least 2 hours of admin every single day.) There are no off days. These are the keys to success in this career and it all starts with the Beverly Hills Playhouse in San Francisco. I feel so blessed and fortunate to have been part of this group of supportive and uplifting artists! Thank you Rob Zimmerman and everyone else who has pushed me to be the artist that I am today! read more

When I first (re-)discovered acting as an adult I tried a couple classes before auditing at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, San Francisco; suffice to say, I didn't need to go to any more. The quality of work done in class is, as far as I can tell, second to none. While there's definitely a core component to the instruction (a 20 item Checklist laid out in the Acting Class book written by the school's founder, Milton Katselas), there's also a great deal of emphasis on finding Whatever Works. At the end of the day, Rob and Peter, the instructors, care about producing Professional Working Actors, not robots. Not only has my acting progressed magnificently in the past year and half that I've been taking classes, but also a great deal of mental and emotional baggage has been left by the wayside. I find that being in class is half therapy session, half acting class; you might think I'm being facetious, but listening to critiques and being critiqued myself has opened up my eyes to all kinds of emotional deadweight that I either hadn't known existed or hadn't had the courage to exist. They'll push you to succeed, there's no doubt about that - there's no beating around the bush, no hand holding (well, maybe a little at first, when you're first starting out), and no sympathy for anything except 100% effort...If there's a class out there that better simulates what it's like to be a professional actor, I haven't heard of it. read more

If you want a career as a professional working actor, BHP SF will offer you the tools and the discipline necessary to make that a reality. Our scene study class is led by Robert Zimmerman, who is as sharp and knowledgable as he is gracious and kind. While he runs a tight ship and expects a lot from his students, he whole heartedly invests his time and energy getting to know each student so that he can effectively guide everyone down their own unique path. Week to week, you will put up scenes that you've rehearsed outside of class, participate in various exercises, and be expected to read and watch specifically selected plays and films. This is to create well-rounded, educated actors who know their craft as they should-historically and contemporarily. Utilizing Milton Katselas's checklist, you will have the creative freedom to explore the technique and find what works best for you. Come prepared to get your head in the game and work hard. This class is a great learning environment and a second family to many of the students. We laugh, learn, grow together and proudly watch one another succeed. Come audit! :) read more

Teachers Rob Zimmerman and Peter Allas are forces of nature with an undying passion for storytelling. They have decades of combined experience in the business in major markets, so they know what they're talking about. They've cultivated a group of about 80 passionate, welcoming, and supportive students who inspire each other to develop their craft and move their careers forward. The stage at BHP is a safe space to explore, have fun, get wild and out there, and fail. Really, the sky is the limit. You just have to put the work in. I came in with a bit of acting experience under my belt (few plays in college). Within a year of study, I got an agent and worked on a good number of commercial, television, and film sets in the Bay Area. Sooo I guess BHP was helpful ^__^ read more

The current play, Emmitt and Ava is extraordinary in so many ways! It's thought provoking, makes you uneasy and relieved at the same time, it's funny and endearing, it's personal and present. Don't miss this great work of art, closes Aug. 14: http://www.bhpsanfrancisco.com/current-show read more

Beverly Hills Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I have been going to BHP for nearly 3 years (the second longest relationship I've ever had.) This is THE PLACE for actors. I had been looking for a decent acting school for 3 years, sadly, it was not a great selection. Many teacher's techniques weren't for me and career wise, I felt I wasn't going anywhere. I decided to give BHP a try and I'm glad I did. I admit, when I went to audit, my nerves were a bit high. It was intimidating and everyone was in such a good mood. I got to meet the teacher Rob Zimmerman, a teacher who is very down to earth and direct, but encouraging to his students. You can tell he cares about every student that walks through that door. I decided to give it a shot. NUMBER ONE: I love that this is a WHATEVER WORKS FOR YOU-type approach. They do have a book that gives you ways to prepare, but the teachers here really focus on developing your own personal style. SECOND: HEALTHY AND SUPPORTIVE ATMOSPHERE: Remember how I said everyone was in such a great mood? It seemed strange at first, but it's actually nice to be around so many people that are supportive of each other and everyone there is so unique and different; lawyers, tech developers, surfers, ect) They really make an effort to create a healthy camaraderie here, something very rare. In the hardest of times, I sometimes slip into a class just to be around good people. LAST: CAREER BLAST OFF: Ever since I joined, so many things have clicked for me in my career. I've never been great at networking, but now I am friends with multiple casting agents. They also helped me get an agent with the annual Agent Showcase. (something I never thought would happen). My booking rate has been slowly rising and seeing the other students grow and thrive makes it all the better. I've seen so many head off to LA and see them on some of my favorite shows *cough CSI *cough There are two teachers now, Rob and Peter, both dedicated to their students and their careers. Thank you BHP for helping me get to where I wanted to go. You truly are a gem in the Bay Area. read more

Definitely the first place I'd recommend for an Acting school in the Bay Area. You get trained and motivated to be a working actor in the industry. Check it out by auditing a class- see for yourself. read more

I spent almost two beautiful years at BHP SF. First of all, this is not your average, random, bizaare, "let's learn how to be a tree" acting class. This class/school has its roots in the original Beverly Hills Playhouse in Los Angeles & has the focused objective of turning its students into professional working actors. This idea may be daunting & intimidating to many who are just playing around with the very notion of being a working actor, but that's OK! Come audit a class to see it's something that could turn into something bigger. I am a passionate proponent of dreaming big & chasing your dreams. I audited this class almost 5 years ago when I first flirted with the idea of acting professionally. I grew up doing church plays, community theater, musicals, and even auditioned for an agency at 15 (which I ultimately shied away from despite a callback). I always wanted to pursue acting seriously, but I had a million and half reasons why it'd be a terrible/irresponsible/selfish/impractical idea. But a little voice inside kept me going. I dipped my toe into the water by auditing one of the first classes in SF & I immediately fell in love. At that time I was still too scared to take the plunge. Fast forward 3.5 years of excuses & procrastinating & learning... I finally took the leap & never looked back. This place became my home, my family & my exploratorium. I've been transformed through the people and process of pushing myself as a human being to understand story, relationships, pyschology, emotion, behavior, choices, purpose, trust, honesty, courage, professionalism, the list goes on. I am grateful for everyone I met at BHP SF & I've learned so much from their stories & work. Rob Zimmerman is an incredible teacher & my classmates challenged & supported me to take my craft seriously with their dedication & growth. read more

I have trained several places for acting. I came to BHP to sharpen my professional game as an actor: the logistics of auditioning and getting an agent, focusing on training for roles I really want, on the acting career I envision for myself. The core of the class is scene study. Also, depending on the student and the class, there are exercises like song & dance (no actual singing or dancing skill required), improv, stand-up comedy, monologues that can be brought in when prepping for auditions, etc. There are play and movie assignments to make you a more knowledgeable actor (so if you run into Francis Ford Coppola at a party, you have something intelligent to say). And every other week is an "Admin" check-in with classmates to see what progress you are making on your career. Have you taken those new headshots? Did you email that director? And my favorite part: "How can we help?" And they really do help--shooting or editing a reel, making referrals for bookings or agents, recommending a photographer for headshots, showing up at your play, or just sending you a text to encourage to take whatever scary next step you are trying to take. And at the beginning of every class, they celebrate wins, so if you booked a great job or had the audition of a lifetime, you have people who are genuinely super happy for you. Also, when I go to auditions now, I usually see my classmates there, which makes every casting office feel less intimidating. There are separate classes for voice training, dance and other skills and productions and agent showcases that are cast exclusively with BHP students. I booked my agent through a BHP showcase and last weekend I saw a show at BHP with casting directors in the audience. BHP SF is also still connected to Beverly Hills Playhouse in LA, so I have visited them for workshops and classes when I've been in LA (again, depending on the student/level and the class). There are also several online resources and databases that are part of the benefit of being connected to a school bigger than SF. It's an ongoing class every week of the year. Parking is easier than I thought it would be and it's very Bart-accessible. Two notes: 1. It is a time commitment. Plan on 8-12 hours a week of rehearsal/reading/movie watching time outside of class. 2. This is not an on-camera class, though some students do shoot scenes that they and/or the teacher have liked if they want it for their reel. read more

I have been attending BHP in San Francisco for 2 years and could not be more pleased with my experience. I started with zero acting experience, but was booking acting work within a few months and had an agent within a year. I have shot many short and feature indie films as well as several commercials and industrials, and have performed in several plays. What's great about BHP is that there are two components. First, there is the scene work in class where you perform scenes from plays or movies and get feedback from the teacher. That helps your improve your acting. The approach is student specific, and teachers hone in on what each individual student needs to improve to become a better actor. The 2 San Francisco teachers are both great! Second, there are the required administrative meetings where you learn how to get proper head shots, to use tools to submit for acting work, and to expand your contacts within the industry. BHP very much wants students to dive in and start seeking work right away, and that has been pivotal to my success. Highly recommended! read more

I've studied at various studios in NYC but have found my home at the Playhouse in SF. After auditing one class I knew that I found a teaching style and acting philosophy that resonates with me. I've never studied at a studio that was as encouraging and supportive as this one. Over the past year in class, I've surprised myself many times over and have been captivated by the remarkable transformations of classmates into confident, skilled and working actors. Hands down, Rob is an excellent teacher. He's direct, articulate and encouraging. Every student is treated individually and with care. His critiques are spot on and give results. Be prepared to work. It takes time to memorize lines, research and rehearse scenes. The more work you put in, the more you get out of the the teaching. In addition to learning about how to act, you learn about the business and what steps to take to build your career. Important stuff. Audit a class and see if you like it! I've had a great experience, and maybe you will too. :) read more

BHP has proven to be the right place for me! I don't want to over hype anything but here is what has been true for me - I was referred to BHP by a good friend after a recent discovery that I wanted to pursue acting. I remember when I first audited BHP I sat through a class and watched students put up really great scenes. One even made me cry! Even though I was only auditing, I felt welcomed and found the class to be very respectful, fun, and full of people who were committed to their craft. I left inspired and knew that if I was serious about acting, the practical scene-study approach was right for me. I started with ZERO training was slightly intimated because the last time I did any acting was in a 4th grade play but that seemed like a non-issue for the teachers. They encouraged me to get started and have continued to help me develop my talent. I feel very fortunate to have amazing teachers with a ton of experience and love what they do. Just as much as the teachers are committed to the students, they expect the students to be committed to their craft and to each other in fostering a supportive environment as well. BHP has also helped me navigate the industry and prepare for the real world. They keep you accountable and celebrate each step you take towards your career. It has been such an amazing experience to have teachers and classmates that inspire you, support you and want to see you succeed. I couldn't have asked for a better place to become an artistic killer. read more

I have been a student here for a few months now, and I feel that I have enough of an opinion on this school now that warrants a review. This class will change your life. The teaching primes you to become the best working actor you can be, and that extends to all aspects of your life, including your work ethic, your attitude, and your approach to your carrer. And we haven't even got to the "improving your acting" bit yet! I am a very successful actor (for the bay area), and I can attest to the fact that this school will rapidly improve your acting. The teaching is incredibly direct, intuitive, and most of all, practical. The teaching is also tailored for each individual, as well, and you literally gain just as much as you pu in. The class sizes are not big, usually about 15 people, but because the teacher is teaching everyone on an individual basis, it is easy to get lost if you don't work for it. Will yourself to succeed and you'll get there. read more

I took classes at BHP San Francisco with Rob a few Months before moving to BHP in Los Angeles. I Love Rob!He's prepared me and gave me the confidence to move forward and follow my dreams in LA. Rob isvery straight forward and really wants to see you become the best you can. His critiques are insightful and direct. Ive had other teachers be very vague and i feel as i wasn't progressing. But Rob doesn't like to waste time! They teach Acting, Attitude, and Administration which all go hand in hand when you want to make it in this industry. the students are wonderful to work with as well and they helped me jump start my career. read more

I've been attending weekly classes at BHP for over a year, and I cannot believe how much I have grown as an actor, as well as a person. The school's focus on creating real, working actors has benefitted my career outside the theater, and the emphasis on supporting your fellow actor has introduced me to creative collaborations and solid friendships. If you are serious about your career, BHP is the place to be! read more

The only reason that BHP SF exists is to develop professional working actors. This is not an 8-week workshop but a continuous development of the acting trade that focuses on three facets of the industry: acting, attitude and administration. I've been studying here for 9 months already and I couldn't be happier with my development. Highly recommended. read more

I have been attending the agent showcase at BHP SF for about 2 years now and every time the agents of MDT and I attend, we are blown away by the caliber of talent. BHP is the real deal, and Robert Zimmerman is just amazing. We are very grateful to have BHP here in SF as it is very difficult to find GOOD QUALITY acting training if you're not in LA or NY. Some of our biggest success stories from MDT are talent that we scouted at BHP SF :) BHP prepares their students to excel not only in the SF market, but develops them to not only feel ready for the LA market, but to become BOOKERS in the LA market. Highly recommend to actors of all experience levels & backgrounds to check out BHP - They're the best in the Bay Area. MDT Agency loves BHP! read more

From the moment I stepped through the doors of the Beverly Hills Playhouse, I immediately felt at home. I was very shy and quiet, but that didn't stop people from approaching me to make sure I felt welcome. I showed up the very next day to make sure that I didn't waste any time not being a student there. As inviting as this class is, the structure and the teaching are very serious; the teachers, Robert Zimmerman and Peter Allas, make sure to equip you with all the tools necessary to improve as an actor and hold you accountable when you're not reaching your full potential. Milton Katselas's books, the teaching materials, are extremely insightful and, in my opinion, give you everything you need to improve as an actor. I couldn't imagine studying anywhere else. read more

I audited a few other places before coming to BHP and the first thing that struck me as soon as I walked in was the high level of energy and professionalism in the room. I am from India and am a hardcore fan of the Indian Film Industry, which is often perceived as being at odds with Hollywood. I had no prior acting experience within the US. My english is very good but has a thick accent. Inspite of all these differences I was surprised at how well both Rob & Peter were able to instruct me, and challenge me as an actor. This is not a cookie cutter school and they have a gift of being able to tell you exactly what you need to do to become the kind of artist you want to become IFF you are willing to listen. Coming to BHP has been a life altering event for me to say the least. This place offers a really good support system to get you out in the market & working professionally. And having people around you with similar goals drive also helps a tonnee!! read more

I love his class! I've studied at two different acting schools in San Diego and LA and I finally found the right acting school that's helped me grow as an actor and in my career. This class focuses on Acting, Attitude, and Administration. We work on the craft of acting but were also being taught having the right mental attitude and how to administer our acting careers. Robert is a fantastic teacher! It doesn't matter if you've had a lot of acting experience or none at all. He brings out the best performer in you. I highly recommend this class! read more

I have been studying at BHP-SF under Rob Zimmerman for 3 years. I started in the orientation class with no experience and I now have an agent and book acting jobs regularly. There is no way I would be pursuing this career without the support, kindness, ass-kicking and intelligence of the school. Not only am I a better actor, but I am a better person because of BHP. It's just a great place. I started with almost 0 knowledge, but through the integration of reading plays and watching movies into the curriculum, I am able to better collaborate on set. It's a well rounded, on-going education. read more

Whether you have aspirations of having a career in acting or have been in the business for over 20 years, The Beverly Hills Playhouse of San Francisco provides a safe, fun, and professional environment for all levels of acting. Having been acting in the bay area for over 10 years, I have and continue to discover new elements to my acting thanks to Robert Zimmerman's teaching. read more

I was first introduced to the Beverly Hills Playhouse when a family member started studying there almost 2 years ago. In addition to watching their personal growth, I've gotten to know the Director and other actors who study here. I can honestly say that this unique school has a profound impact on both the professional and personal lives of the actors. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to attend their inaugural stage production, Engagement. The theater is warm and engaging. Their choice of material was challenging, relevant and entertaining. The characters are hilarious! Most important, the performance was exceptional. I suggest this school to any professional actor, and recommend any of their future shows to anyone! read more

- beware-. i had a terrible scientology-like experience recently at beverly hills playhouse sf!!! stay away from these weird people! it is well-known that milton katselas the founder of beverly hills playhouse was deeply involved with scientology (. i applied to the playhouse in beverly hills in 1984 i was accosted with scientology pamphlets!) recently i audited the class on a monday nite. at bevery hills playhouse san francisco. i liked what i saw so i decided to join. a nasty robotic girl informed me that i had to pay only with a credit card. i don't use plastic i told her "i don't support the banks!" i'll write you a check. no it has to be plastic she droned. ok i'll give you the cash no we don't accept cash! she said won't accept cash?!!! it's against against federal law i said! they wanted me to get a pre-paid credit/debit card and keep a separate account so i could pay them on an on-going basis.finally they agreed to accept a debit card. i phoned in with my debit card numbers. they didn't run the numbers for a few days. by the time they ran the numbers the funds were gone! yesterday i deposited over $3000 in my account. i deposited it in cash to avoid a seven-day hold. my credit union put a hold on it anyway! i called beverly hills playhouse and told them to run the numbers again. i received an email welcoming me to beverly hills playhouse. enclosed was a class assignment. i was to perform it tomorrow night as i started my classes there. this afternoon i get a call from the teacher rob zimmerman. he tells me "frankly you're not giving us much to go on!!!" beverly hills playhouse is accusing me of being a deadbeat because they won't accept cash, check or run a debit card in a timely fashion. i told him how offensive his comment was and i cancelled my application. absoltutely outrageous. again, stay away from these weird scientology-like people! beware read more

Saw "Four Dogs and a Bone" last Sunday. It was a scream!!! Can't wait to see the next production.

I came and audited a class about 6 months ago, and fell in love with the place immediately. The class itself is very diverse in terms of race and age, something not true of other acting classes I have been in. The instructor, Robert Zimmerman, is excellent. He is direct and to the point, but customizes his approach to work with each student's particular needs. The main class consists of scene work, but the program also has you doing stand-up, song and dances, portrait exercises, film and script discussions, and they have recently started offering voice, dance and all kinds of other classes that basically gives you everything you need to be an artistic killer. The program also addresses the business of acting, how to get into it, how to get better gigs, and how to have the right kind of attitude. This school is not for the faint of heart, I spend 15 hours a week easily and really wish I had more time to give it. They have become my second family, so I would give 6 stars if I could. read more