In interviews, Howard Fine strongly recommends staying away from acting instructors who used to act because they usually teach students the way they'd do it. The one exception to this he said was Uta Hagen who was the most generous teacher he had observed as she brushed off how she had played the same parts to focus on the student. That's immediately how I felt about Caryn. While a lifetime working actress she's the best audition instructor/coach there is. I scratched my head when I saw this was a lower price than a lot of other audition classes - especially the cold reading ones - since I usually get what I pay for. But this is certainly one time the actors who enrolled got much much more. There's not much else I can add that hasn't been said in all these 5-star reviews already. I can also honestly say I didn't get any incentive to write this. The only other thing I can possibly list here is I took the Audition Intensive and it was just a wealth of information. Caryn's an intense but very caring teacher. Be prepared to work and you'll get a ton out of it. Not only do you cover all types of auditions -- including co-stars, which trip up even some of the best actors -- but she goes over the latest forms of self-promotion on social media platforms (and I don't just mean Facebook and Twitter). Believe me when I say she's on the cutting edge. She's a very moving speaker as well. Several times I noticed the class was on the verge of tears just listening to some of her stories (which were always relevant). I've never had 4 weeks go by so quickly and I'll really miss her and the rest of the students. But don't even take my word for it, check it out for yourself. You'll see what I mean. For me it was just one of those times I knew I was there for something special and I'm very thankful to have been a part of it. read more

I had the good fortune to attend Caryn West's Audition for Television and Film Class. This was a 2 day/all day intensive that started Saturday, December 10th and completed Sunday the 11th. To describe this class in a word, the word would be ESSENTIAL. I found this class to be invaluable for me, a working actor, with intentions of successfully moving forward in my career. Let's cut to the chase, shall we? Caryn's workshop gave me the tools and information to successfully BOOK THE JOB! Caryn, a well sought after acclaimed actor in her own right, provided us, the actors who attended, with individual coaching. Her focus was: ON CAMERA AUDITION TECHNIQUE. This is a technique she's perfected and mastered over the years. Sharing this wisdom is what she is most famous for as a respected coach and teacher. Did I say yet how comfortable and safe she makes the ACTORS SPACE? Well, she does and it is. In addition, the incalculable information she gave on 21century marketing and promotion was priceless. And I was most pleased with the lessons in positivity, inspiration and self supportiveness. The focus was on the discipline, MEDITATION, a method to help build the incredible inner strength needed to be a successful television and film actor. All in all, CARYN GETS IT! IT MEANING HOW. And you will too if you're lucky enough to attend her class. Richard E Harris read more

Caryn West is the real deal. I met Caryn over three decades ago, through a Shakespeare teacher we both studied with in NY. Cut to 2015, I went to a seminar in LA where she generously shared vital info on social media for actors. I mention Shakespeare and social media because it points up that she is incredibly well versed in all things actor. First and foremost, Caryn is brilliantly astute regarding the actual craft of acting including script analysis and the choices we make, the voice, the body, the human condition, what a character will and won't do and more. She also excels in her knowledge of working on camera and all the technique that goes along with that. I love having an acting coach who is a working actor. She stays on top of what's current. She is also super savvy about what happens in the audition room. She has great suggestions about what to do and what to avoid. Caryn also addresses the psychology of the actor; ways that we can prepare for auditions, and how as human beings we impact our careers with our thinking and life choices. Oh yeah, and in addition to being very smart she's so funny and supportive while shooting from the hip. I could go on. I'm just sad it took me so damn long to work with her. Do not pass up an opportunity to work with Caryn West. read more

Caryn's audition intensive class offers exceptional insight into the minutia of auditioning and what is necessary to standout. She highlights the importance of knowing your character's function in the story, as well as determining objectives in order for the best and most inclusive audition - that each character in the scene revolves around one another in order to tell the whole story. Additionally, Caryn also emphasizes the importance of setting solid foundations and treating your career like a business. Separate yourself from the rest by having a purpose and setting clear/concise goals in order to manifest that purpose. What makes it even easier, and I hate saying this, is using social media to your advantage. Not only was social media covered succinctly in class, but the importance of using it for networking and marketing oneself to directors, producers, casting directors, etc. Overall, I truly enjoyed Caryn's class and am grateful for the opportunity to have studied with her. The classes are also small (so you get to work every time) and I found Caryn's approach to be genuine - it is also rare to find someone who is able to combine the craft with solid business acumen = win-win! Thanks again! xoxo. read more

It took about a year but our schedule's finally meshed and I was able to take Caryn's Audition Intensive and I'm so grateful. Caryn skillfully weaves the craft and the business together giving a ton of useful social media promotion protocol, information on some of the latest social media trends, anecdotes, goal setting, preparation exercises, tips and analysis on remembering your function in the scene, along with honest, constructive feedback, support and encouragement. You are on-camera and get to take your work home to watch, allowing you to actually see your strengths and any habits you may be unaware of, not just listen to the feedback in class, take a few notes having no point of reference to reign it in later. Caryn's choice of scene for every person in class was spot-on. Taking a class with a working Actor, someone who is in the same trenches day in and day out, means the information they are imparting is CURRENT and useful. I not only learned a few new social media things but, also learned some fresh approaches to prepping for auditions and ways to be courageous when it's my time in the room. Highly recommend in LA & NYC. read more

Audition Skills is a must take class! I've done it in NYC and LA. Caryn is an extremely well-versed professional working actor. She knows the biz. Her explanation of the difference between auditioning for leads vs co-stars was so helpful. She is extremely well-prepared and so caring to all students. Take the class for her handouts! She coaches beginners to advanced and all ages. She is so up-to-date technically that when you do private coaching, she'll edit your clips for you - such a great service. Her social media savvy for actors was also helpful - especially to know which sites and what tactics. As a theatre professor, I was so impressed that I hired her as a guest artist (via teleconferencing) for my acting class at the University of North Texas. Caryn is a wise and caring teacher and will help you take your career to the next level!!! read more

Caryn West is and probably will always be the one Actor who knows all too well how to navigate the business of Acting. Now I am not talking about a person who knows how to tell you what works for her but what will work for you. She gives you the Blueprint on Social Media, Contacts, Websites, secrets you will NEVER discover on your own. Do you want to invest in your career and especially your business of Show? Get in touch with the Most Important Person in your Acting life! Also, a woman who is the leader in knowing how to guide your career! She is Amazing, Incredible, Confident, and knows what to do and will show you how to do it. Take her class, then take it again, then take it again!!! What am I trying to say? Take her class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Caryn, we love you and I will always stay in touch! GOD Bless you, Freddie Ganno read more

I highly recommend Caryn West as an acting teacher and coach. We are all familiar with the adage that "those who can't, teach" but Caryn is the rare exception balancing a thriving and award winning acting career while making the time to share her expertise and love for the craft with an every growing student base on both Coasts. She manages to distill the lessons she has learned through decades of training and performing into a readily employable technique that serves every audition scenario while layering in state of the art promotional ideas so important to the contemporary actor. For a balanced and comprehensive approach to the pursuit of a professional acting career, you will not find a better investment of your time and money than her Audition Intensive Class. Paul Bond 2015 Audition Intensive Student read more

Not only can Caryn teach you ever little thing about the business of acting, from figuring out your lighting to picking your best headshot to finding great representation, but more than that, she teaches you the gift of curiosity. You will learn to ask the truly important questions, the ones that bring you straight into the humanity of the story you want to tell, as well as the humanity of your own role as an artist in this world. You will laugh, you will cry, you will have a BLAST. Just check out what some of her students are up to in their careers and you'll get a sense of how much she gives as a teacher each and every time. Caryn will empower you to be a storyteller full of specificity, an artist full of imagination, and a human full of joy. Oh, AND you'll book the job;-) I cannot recommend her enough!! read more

I have never learned so much about the technique of auditioning. Now, I actually enjoy auditioning, but enjoying something and understanding how to do it and do it better are two different things. Caryn. Knows. Her. Stuff. Beyond the technique required to audition for camera, Caryn shows you ways to enhance your vocab as an actor, and finds a way into what YOU need, not just the same thing said a different way. Just when you think you've got it, there's always another layer to absorb, to apply, and that extra nuance is what makes greatness. Caryn understands this from her years of experience and application of her own talent and is so generous with her knowledge its like Christmas. Truly a gift to have worked with her, and I recommend her whole heartedly. read more

Taking class with Caryn was the best way to start my 3rd winter in New York City. I wanted to make the shift to more film/TV work from Musical Theatre, but had no idea where to start. Not only did Caryn help me get more comfortable on camera, she gave me guidance on every aspect of my career. The most helpful tools she provided was the use of long term to short term goals. While in her class I got a significant amount of callbacks in musical theatre, was cast in a Cabaret, and a short film! I still use her meditation, reading, script analysis, and marketing tools everyday. I would suggest Caryn's class to anyone who needs some guided ass kicking. If you're ready to put in the work, she can definitely help you get the career you want! read more

Jody Lyn Flynn - In this town, it's not good enough to be a good actor! You need perseverance, strength and amazing people in your corner guiding you. Caryn is just the person you want in your corner. She is an amazing actor and coach and mentor and motivator and tells it like it is. She knows what actors need to do to #1...GET the audition, and #2...NAIL it when they're in the room. She understands that acting is a craft as well as business and helps you strategically navigate both sides to reach your goals. One class with Caryn and I was called in by Telsey for a new play at the LaJolla Playhouse! I can't speak highly enough of Caryn. What a gift she is to any actor!! read more

I have studied on both coasts with Caryn. She is the best resource to help you create or refine your home studio and to master self-tape and zoom auditioning. Coming from a professional competitive athletic background, Caryn brings a goal oriented discipline and energy to her class , and uses visioning and meditations to keep you focused on your dreams. She's an excellent acting coach who helps you bring your full relaxed self to your on-camera time. As a fellow working actor, she's in the trenches with you, and she has her finger on the pulse of the latest digital trends to best leverage social media to market and brand yourself. read more

It's so easy to be sidetracked by noise and nonsense and fear as an actor. I go to Caryn's class (three times) for clarity and getting back on track. She basically lays out for you the best approach to pursuing acting from both the craft and business perspectives. What is most important about Caryn West, beyond her passion, truthfulness and integrity, is that she is in the struggle with you. She is an auditioning and working actor (for many years), sharing her experience with you. To me there is no more invaluable lesson to be had than that. If you are an actor, TAKE THIS CLASS. read more

I just finished taking Caryn's audition intensive and I feel thankful and fortunate. Not only is she a brilliant and insightful teacher, but she is current with the times and does not shy away from the realities of being an actor in the age of social media. She taught us how to utilize it for our advantage. Amazing! She is as authentic as it gets. A true artist who knows how to teach us to do our best work and also love the business of show business. She is a force of nature. I want her in my life forever! read more

What a fascinating class! So beneficial I took it twice! Caryn West is a learned, perceptive and nurturing teacher. She demonstrates the power of social media to put your career in your hands. Next, through her vast knowledge of television, she clearly outlines various episodic formats so you understand your job. Then she brilliantly directs your audition so that your performance shines. Take this workshop to move your career ahead! I'm going to her when I need coaching! read more

I recently took Caryn West acting class, it was phenomenol! Caryn is such a gifted, talented actress with such a sweet soul. She brings this beauty and sensitivity to her class. This being said, she also challenges you in areas that you need to grow. She shed light on aspects of my art that I was indicating. I am now being much more honest and sincere with my acting. Caryn's class catapulted me into a higher level as an actress and I am forever grateful to her! read more

A firecracker of a woman. CARYN WEST: Truth, candid-natured, passion-filled/infused with determination to thrust you towards your best self. Hand-outs, lessons-learned, and 'shares' in class makes this course not only a learning experience for its actor participants, but a lesson on life; a lesson on how your should pursue your life goals, leaving no stone unturned. A very important class. GO. RUN to this class. read more

If you are an actor. Just take her Class. Simple as that. And when you are done. You will come here on Yelp and write a great review. She is smart, classy, tough and fair. And knows all the ins and outs of acting and the business of show. And she is always learning and when she does, she shares with her students. Caryn West ROCKS!!!! I have even had the pleasure of auditioning WITH HER...so I know... read more