I've tried several well-known acting studios, but Graham Shiels Studio has been my favorite so far…read more One thing I really appreciate is the no-phone policy. It keeps everyone fully present and engaged instead of getting distracted between exercises. The classes are very interactive, fast-paced, and immersive. I never found myself getting bored or waiting around. Every exercise felt purposeful and pushed me to stay in the moment and take creative risks. The atmosphere is supportive, and Graham creates an environment where you feel comfortable trying new things while still being challenged to grow. I always leave class feeling energized and like I've learned something valuable. If you're looking for an acting studio that keeps you engaged from beginning to end, I highly recommend Graham Shiels Studio.

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.

This is my first time taking an acting class. The sport , the attention to detail ,…read moreThe warmth of her personality, is amazing!!! Ellen is an excellent teacher! She give us in the class so much! She is so talented, pushing us to achieve more! At the end of the class I don't want to go home!

I have worked with len many times. Each time I atte d her class I feel encouraged by the expertise…read moreshe transmits to her students. We have all blossomed and many are currently working actors..me included! Her technique is brilliant and the support created by her energy is beyond reproach. Anyone who gets to work with her is lucky. Highly recommended!

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.

Everything from start to finish. Food and drinks was amazing. The shows that I was able to watch…read morewas amazing as well.

I was somewhat skeptical at first of the young magicians. Boy was I wrong! I have never seen…read moreanyone command a room and take total control like Shoji. He is only 14! He is going to be a superstar. The second close-up gallery show we saw was Skyler Jade. She is deadly beautiful and an extremely talented magician. Our experience was unforgettable. Kudos to the Magic Castle, they are on top of their game.

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!

I love this studio. I've taken the 1-day commercial workshop with Annie and the Advanced Intensive…read morewith Diane, and both have been incredible! The training and acting methods, the teachers, and the students all challenged me to grow as an actor in a safe and supportive environment. I highly recommend both Annie and Diane and their classes. Commercial Workshop with Annie: Even though the workshop is one day, Annie fills the day with such great advice and on-your-feet work. She gives great general audition tips and specific feedback to each person to help you grow. She helps to demystify the types of commercial auditions so you can focus less on "did I do it right" and more on having fun with the audition (which is why we do it!). Advanced Intensive with Diane: Diane is a gem. In a month, she was able to pull out such emotional depth in my performances. She is kind and nurturing in a way that is constructive without being judgmental or mean. You can tell Diane is a teacher for all the right reasons and really believes in all her students. Every student gets different notes and redirects, which also exposes the entire class to so many different tools to use when auditioning or preparing a scene at home. The students in the class also brought such a warmth and generosity to the class, which I think speaks volumes to the types of students that the studio attracts. After this class, I have a clear method for preparing for an audition and feel more confident in myself as an actor!

Fantastic place to get a professional self tape done. I booked last minute because my home…read moreequipment failed. I was able to get in quickly with no problem. The lighting is great, the tape looks amazing. The coaching services are clutch, too. Highly recommend.