Practical-based approach to teaching Meisner technique and scene study. Challenging yet supportive environment where Chris sees where a student is in terms of what they need to work on, then he gives them just enough work to prepare for class that is slightly beyond their comfort-level, and addresses key issues and growth areas as they come up in the process of working on material. From my experiences working with Chris, I have left his classes personalizing and feeling good about my work and progress on multiple monologues, as well as developing a progressive sense of confidence in my scene work. Typically, Chris will pair you up for scenes which will go through a table-read and then 2-3 run-throughs as needed. The class is also great because you get many opportunities to work on as much as you want. At one point, I was working on one monologue a week, and two scenes at various stages in the process at the same time. Chris is also flexible if you talk to him about your specific goals and how much work you can commit to. I can't recommend Chris enough. He will push you, but he cares deeply in seeing you grow in areas of your craft, so as to not waste your time. I highly recommend his studio if you want to seriously work on developing your confidence and craft through practice, practice, practice. read more

My first scene in Chris' class. Chris taught me to do an emotional preparation for the scene. I had never done that before. I didn't really get it, or see how that would affect my work. I'm pretty resistant and skeptical, but I figured I'd be open. I did the scene, and I'll always remember it. It was one of those moments when you feel and know and think, "This is why I act. This is how it's supposed to feel. I can bring life and reality to these words." So gratitude to the sky to Chris! He has made me a better, more present, more generous, more fun actor and every time I work in that class, I grow. Chris is an incredible teacher and director. He loves the work. He knows every play out there, and I'm not being hyperbolic. He is for actors, and creates a space for us to play and develop as artists. He pushes us hard, each of us specifically so it overflows into all aspects of our life. If you're ready to work and get deep in the work, because that's how you book work in this town, you must train with Chris! He also has a lot of stories. Most of them funny...I can't recommend him enough. read more

I have studied with some of the best teachers in town, and Chris Fields is the best of the best. He comes from a great lineage, having studied with Bobby Lewis (one of the original members of the Group Theatre), as well as Freddie Kareman (a famous New York acting teacher whose students have included Oscar winners), and Wynn Handman, co-founder and Artistic Director of the American Place Theatre, who trained Alec Baldwin, James Caan, Michael Douglas, Richard Gere, Joel Grey, Allison Janney, Raul Julia, Frank Langella, John Leguizamo, Christopher Walken, Denzel Washington, and more. First and foremost, Chris is a working actor and director. I grew up in Los Angeles, and I can't tell you how many acting teachers I've met who were never actors (!) Chris has successful on camera and voice over careers. You've seen him in several of David Fincher's films (including Fight Club with Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, and Zodiac with Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo) and in tons of TV shows. He's also been on Broadway in the play Homefront, Off Broadway at the Public Theater, Manhattan Theater Club, and in Orphans with Steppenwolf. He's Founding Artistic Director of the Echo Theatre Company, now in its 20th season, and founder of the Ojai Playwrights Conference, where he workshopped plays by Christopher Durang and David Ives (among others). I've gone to several plays that he's directed over the years, and all have been extraordinary. His production of Uncle Vanya was better than anything I've seen on Broadway. So what is class like? You'll be among serious actors. The work you'll see in class is excellent and a pleasure to watch / perform. The bar is high, but not overly intimidating. It is still a welcoming place for an earnest beginner willing to do the work. Chris' teaching style is gentle. Humorous. Class is an incredibly fun place to be. It's also effective. You'll do your best work when you're working with him. In particular, I really enjoy the way he approaches emotional preparation prior to a scene. If you want access to your emotions as an actor (and who doesn't?) Chris is my top pick for a teacher. He also has an uncanny ability to match you with the right monologues and scenes. I can't say enough good things about Chris Fields. But don't take my word for it. Call and see for yourself. read more

I studied with one of the masters of acting while a student in Manhattan. Freddy Kareman embodied all that was honest and brave and simple. I was on Broadway within a year. And when I moved to LA and when Freddy passed away, I thought - well, that is the end of an era. And in a sense it was. But when, through a very dear friend, I met Chris Fields, I was reminded of why I love studying. And scene work. and stretching myself. And being in the moment. Truthful. Simple. Brave. Because the work - is why we are actors. We love to delve into the lives of these characters. We love to live. Chris is the real deal in a city of so many imitators. He is deeply intelligent and cultured. He loves teaching. He pushes his actors. He loves good writing. He feels the scenes. And I believe that his work has given me back that golden confidence I discovered in Manhattan. And with that sense of self, of confidence in my craft and most importantly, with the knowing that listening and responding - coming from my own point of view is everything - how could I - or any of us - ever go wrong? Chris teaches these values that Freddy once taught him in the late 1980's. He is a prince. I feel very grateful to have found him. I highly recommend his class. read more

Chris Fields Acting Class is the absolute best. He teaches the Meisner Technique (which I really gravitate towards) and is all about getting down to the work, character and the foundation of acting. He has helped me grow so much in the past 2 years of taking class with him. 100% I have booked more since taking class with him. read more

In the early 2000s I audited several acting classes in and around the city of Los Angeles, most of which left me completely disillusioned with the concept of a class structure offering me anything new to learn or practice. Then I was referred to Chris Fields by an exceptional actress with whom I worked in a play. After observing her habits of work I was impressed enough to meet this man with whom she was studying. All I can say is what transpired in my first meeting with Chris convinced me that this was a man who knew more than I did, that he was someone for whom I'd work hard and trust, and that I could walk away from sessions with him confident that my money wasn't going to waste. I was right. What sets Chris apart from anyone else I've ever studied under is his ability to equip you to take care of yourself as an actor. I'd been in countless situations before where teachers knew how to agitate a performance/reaction out of me some afternoon, but I'd then be left with no idea how to make it happen again the next day. That isn't teaching and it isn't learning. Chris works with patience and great care, and his respect for acting as a PROCESS influenced my treatment of myself as an actor. I used to be very hard on myself if I hadn't nailed a performance or even a cold-reading, berating myself in private. Chris recognized this and addressed it pretty simply. Today that kind of self-punishment doesn't even occur to me. Chris taught me to opt for compassion and a focus on what needs to be worked on next, rather than damaging myself or wasting energy not feeling good enough. To this day Chris Fields is the man I credit as the one who granted me access to my art. I know when I receive positive feedback, be it from critics or contemporaries, it's due in no small part to what I gleaned from Chris' classes. read more

Excellent class, brilliant teacher - with an "There are no shortcuts" approach to the craft ( which having trained with some of the best in NYC and grown up in the theatre I wholeheartedly believe) . This is not a "how to book the job" acting class (as sooo many classes in LA are). This is a "how to be the most extraordinary and specific actor you can be" class, where I have seen tremendous growth from his students in a short period of time. This is the class that will enable to you to know what the fuck you are doing when have booked the job and actually have to act. Tools, Skill. Legit. Chris is both patient and challenging, and he drives the class with his great wit and enthusiasm which is infectious. He has studied with the greats ( seriously) in NYC - and brings an amazing wealth of knowledge and skill to the room. I have taken his class, I have acted with Chris, I have been directed by him. He is one of the best. read more

Having taken a major time-out in my acting career, I was so fortunate to meet Chris and find a home again. The lineage of this man's experience touches the roots of American acting from Stella Adler to Bobby Lewis to Wynn Handman. And while he is grounded in that remarkable New York history, Chris is also an exuberant, youthful spirit who has driven me past my own doubts and fears and into my own true artistry and creativity. Driving home one night from his studio in that sheer exhaustion that actor's know so well, I realized that I had finally manifested something that I'd set out to be twenty years before: an artist. There is so much laughter and joy in Chris's studio that sometimes you forget how challenging it all can be. And that's one of the many gifts. The work in this studio has positioned me to succeed in film, television, auditions, commercials and theater. read more

When I first moved to LA over 16 years ago, I did not know the first thing about what I was doing. I had a talent manager who told me NOT to take acting classes and after a few months of getting less than stellar feedback, it was suggested that I take a class or two. I went to a teacher who shall remain nameless and she basically tore me down to a shred of myself and I was lost. A talent agent of mine at the time suggested I go study with Chris Fields. Another client of theirs, Zoe McLellan (NCIS: NO) had had a similar journey to mine and he had helped her immensely. I was desperate and needed help. I was not sure what to expect, but I quickly realized that no one had really taught me how to act until I met Chris. I sat down with him and knew I was finally in the right place. He had a gentle way with me which made me feel safe and comfortable. He took me back to the basics and within a very short time I really started to fall in love with acting. I feel like I got an undergrad and a Masters in Acting from Chris. I studied with Chris off and on for more than 8 years and privately coached with him for auditions. My career started to take off and I always go back to the basics of what Chris taught me. I have worked with Chris as a teacher, a director, an artistic director and a person and my favorite role of his is that of teacher. Go take his class...he will teach you how to be gentle with yourself, stretch yourself, love yourself and love acting. read more

I am so honored to get to the be first review for this amazing teacher! If you are serious about becoming the best actor you can possibly be, you must train with Chris. This is a no BS acting class and Chris really takes the time to get to know you and help you grow as an actor and artist. He creates a safe space where you can really play, hone your craft, as well as fail (thereby learning the most.) His advice and training have been invaluable to me over the years. He is also the artistic director of the Echo Theatre Company, and is constantly putting out amazing shows and readings. I cannot say enough. This class is different from all the other Hollywood acting classes in the best way possible. read more

Chris Fields is the acting teacher who most deeply affected me and my work...run, don't walk to study with this man. His approach to Meisner technique completely changed the way I show up, such that I always feel my feet on the ground, know I have my soul present in the space and that I can trust it, myself, my preparation (whether it's extensive or a just a fleeting knowing) let go and be alive onstage/on location with my fellow performers...sometimes it feels like flying. Acting becomes an art of Practical Being - that you, your colleagues and your audience can trust and be inspired by. read more

Most acting classes in Los Angeles are interested in keeping actors on the hook and taking money. Chris is more interested in showing you who you are and finding your acting, than he is in creating a fast food acting class. He is honest, brilliant and utterly devoted to training you in to a fine tuned athlete. He loves actors, and that feeling permeates every molecule in the room. Simply put, You will get good. read more