I cannot say enough great things about LA Actors Institute. This place has wonderful instructors…read morewho take the time to help you develop and improve your craft as an actor. LA Actors Institute sets themself apart from the rest by providing genuine instruction that shows how important they view developing the actors that take their courses. They take the time to get to know the students here to better identify areas for improvement and to pinpoint strengths that can be nurtured to be even stronger. Whether you are just starting out or if you are an avid actor, this is a great place to start or to refresh & improve your skillsets. Please take the time and check this place out! A big shout-out to Holli & Amelia, you ladies are phenomenal!

The commercials class was great- I gained a lot of insight on the whole process from receiving the…read morebreakdown, to researching the brand, to character work, to recording a slate/self-tape, to what the casting directors/brand might think & want, & more... the class gave a lot of depth! It definitely challenged me as we worked with various types of commercials, some solo and some with partners. I feel better equipped now with the tools that the class gave me! Shoutout to Doug Bailey for the referral!

Cutest place ever!!!!! Has such local theater vibes that I love! I saw Telenovela here which was…read morehilarious and had a great storyline!! All staff were super nice! Tickets were very reasonably priced, I believe with a discount code it was around $15 each. Street parking available. We went on a Saturday night. Will be back!

Not a good environment. Both the instructors and students are hostile and uninviting. Just a…read moreweird place.

G. Charles Wright's acting technique class is the real deal. He has this rare ability to make you…read morefeel immediately comfortable while still pushing you to be better, and that combination is gold. His feedback is honest, and incredibly helpful, and always comes from a place of wanting to bring out the best in every actor. What really stands out is how much G clearly knows, his knowledge of the craft and how generously he shares that knowledge. He breaks things down in a way that actually clicks, and makes perfect sense, like "wow how could I have not thought about that ?" And you walk out of class feeling more confident, more focused, and genuinely inspired. On top of all that, he's got a seriously handsome, charismatic presence that makes the whole experience even more memorable. A true five-star class and an easy hands down YES recommendation !

Love G and his technique - he helped me feel more confident in audition rooms and learn how to…read morebreak down sides to quickly and effectively prepare my audition. Plus it's a great community of other like minded actors. G is positive and uses humor to help you feel upbeat about the work!

Alex and Steve Polinsky are two super-veterans of the industry and recently started a Thursday…read morenight acting studio at the Neon Venus Art Theatre. I met Alex 2 years ago doing a music video gig and he is hilarious! He has a unique combination of incisive comments, delivered with humor and compassion. As an acting teacher, he is, hands down, one of the best in the city (and I've been to A LOT of classes -ReelPros, Groundlings, etc). Alex has been doing film and voiceover his whole life, while Steve seems to have more experience directing and teaching theater. In any case, it's cool to see an 'integrative' approach to the acting discipline. Classes are really reasonably priced, and they recently did an industry deal that made it even better. I've already recommended this class to a few of my friends who are joining in, and I would definitely recommend it to you too! P.S. parking is a little difficult in the area, so get there early, or bring cash for the valet 1 block away!

I'm new to the game, so acting class was a foreign experience for me. Thanks to the genuine warmth…read moreand camaraderie I was met with by Alex, his father Steve, and the other actors at IAS, I felt entirely comfortable and inspired to explore. The insights provided to me and others in the class were spot on and well delivered. On a number of occasions after a scene had been reviewed and retried, I found myself thinking, "you know, I didn't notice that thing that he's pointed out, but now it does play much better". The class hosts a wide array of experience levels, and while the guidance provided is tailored appropriately to each individual, it's useful for everyone. I felt completely at home and supported by everyone in attendance. So, in short, whether you're new at this or you have years of experience and are looking for new perspectives, I highly recommend spending time with Alex and Steve at IAS.

This is an updated review! I was a student of the Academy years ago, starting in 2007. I earned my…read moreAA in Acting. After leaving the Academy, I have continued to pursue acting and also joined SAG-AFTRA! AADA Los Angeles was unique in that they had an incredible agreement with Antioch University Los Angeles, where I was able to transfer ALL my credits for my BA and MA in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Los Angeles - another non-profit institution that allowed me to finish the BA in less than 2 years and jump start my MA. I've been a proud licensed MFT psychotherapist since. I am forever grateful to the stellar training offered by this school, by the late Judith Bohannon, Brenda Beck, Mary Bleier, Jamie Nichols, Theresa Hayes, Linda Brennan, Tim Landfield, and so many others that have touched my heart forever. I am so sad the West Coast campus is closing. But there's a big amount of hope: FALA, a non-profit that successfully fundraised to retain the West Coast campus was hard at work investigating and attempting to find solutions to avoid the closure of this campus. Unfortunately, AADA was not interested. FALA went ahead and formed a new conservatory for both former students of the LA campus as well as every student seeking out quality acting training: I highly recommend you check out the non-profit LACAE (Los Angeles Community of Acting and Entertainment): https://www.futureartistsla.org/ Instagram: fala.new Founded by AADA Los Angeles faculty, alumni, and many others associated in various ways, LACAE offers high quality conservatory education and are clearly committed to carrying on the legacy of the good years at AADA LA. It is sad that mismanagement of AADA LA by the leadership of both campuses led to the decline and closure of this branch. I'm glad LACAE was formed through FALA and we can enjoy a non-profit acting conservatory that will be accredited, just like AADA LA was. But I know it will be better, as they won't have to agree with any dysfunctional higher-up. They also have formulated an exciting and current curriculum for students. I do HOPE that AADA's New York campus thrives though.

You can tell and feel when the teachers really care and I am honored and privileged to have had…read moresome of those teachers to push you beyond what you think is your potential obviously you have to be willing to put in your effort too. Yes it is pricey and you can either get your moneys worth by putting in the 100% or slack off and listen to those teacher who just don't have "the time for you" I feel like you can grow as a person and actor but some of the classes that were offered don't prep you for the real world is just felt like high school all over again but worse for me bc I felt helpless and unsafe unlike in my actual high school. The things that would happen in the dorms and no consequence. Physical and verbal threats from other students and nothing happened to them bc of their status and skin color. Now I wasn't the best student but I always wanted the best for everyone and to learn from people who wanted to teach and help me. Everyday I am grateful to the opportunity to have gone to the school despite the negative stuff. Life is a highway

I feel very adequate to write a glowing and appropriate review of Diana and the family of teachers…read moreat "The Imagined Life", having worked with this studio for the past 5 years. To many, this way of working is transformative and life-changing, and the studio has been host to a long list of working professionals. My experience has been the same. Introductory workshops are a great way to get your toe in the water, as Diana shares (and helps you remember) the very human experience of empathy and connection. To the many artists who are looking for a "technique" or a "quick-fix", you will miss the mark. What is shared here, is a way of thinking, growing and engendering one's creative spark. It's empowering. If you are a looking for a sign, or synchronicity, to explore this path, I hope this was a clever "wink" on your way "into the garden".

Diana Castle has completely changed my life as a storyteller and beyond. It is not an acting class…read morebut a rocket ship for the soul. She guides us towards our holistic humanity and sacred empathy, awakening our deep missions as storytellers and the importance of our heart's work. It took me 7 years to find The Imagined Life and there is no going back. This studio is the real deal! I've been here for 2 1/2+ years and after 6 months I signed with my dream managers, booked with no callbacks, have been getting called back by same offices/CDs, pinned etc... but most importantly I know what I must ask myself to do on a daily basis and my heart has a profound mission that I am truly proud of.

"As soon as I stepped foot in Z/A Studio, I knew I had found my new acting home…read more The creativity in the room was palpable. The students' preparation and commitment to their scenes is inspiring to witness and of course the teachers are phenomenal. The teachers hold space for actors and give you the tools through acting, administration and attitude to elevate you as an actor. The expectation of your work is greatness. To truly know yourself and the character, to go deep with your rehearsals. Most importantly they care for you to be a working professional actor, they will get you ready for the real world, by turning your dreams into action."

I audited and found out this studio was not for me (which is totally ok)!…read more Here's why: The instructions given about how to behave on set, audition, etc. I felt were dated based on my experiences with the industry in its current state, and some teachings gave off a "let's break you down" energy, which, personally, I have always found to be more distressing than helpful when performing. I think this class works for people who like long-form scene work and enjoy a strict approach to acting, but for me, the style of teaching ultimately felt too dated and unnecessarily straight-edge for a job that is often fun and not that serious (sometimes, we really are just playing Tree #3). It's also hard because art and acting are so subjective, and there really is no correct way of doing any of it :) I'm sure everyone that has been in this class for a long time is there for a reason, has gotten what they need out of it, and has found a great community within it. However, I found the class itself to be too serious and a touch ostentatious for my taste. Different strokes for different folks!

Debra De Liso is a terrific person. She cares about each and every individual she meets and is…read moretruly dedicated to helping them to achieve their goals. Debra has been one of the biggest blessings to come into my life. The first day I walked in, I knew I had walked into the right place. She always offers encouragement, helpful advice, understanding, compassion, and dedication to helping me achieve my goals. Currently, she's helping me with my demo reel and with audition preparation. I couldn't be happier to be working with Debra. She truly knows her craft and has a wealth of experience. Debra is genuine and has a big heart. That is an understatement by the way. She knows so many incredible people and she is always willing to give referrals to specialists (eg. voice teachers, etc.). The people she knows are also the best in the business! I am so lucky to have Debra De Liso as my acting teacher. I hope that everyone who wishes to act, direct, write, or improve their life in some way gets to meet Debra. She truly is special. I've also had the pleasure of meeting her wonderful husband Dan and her daughter Alex. Alex is an amazing singer and that is an understatement! I've been lucky to be able to work with Alex too. My advice to everyone who reads this review is to go to her acting class at least once to see what Debra can do for you. Everybody in my acting class is so supportive; it feels great to have a support system. I've never had such an encouraging support system. We all learn from each other too. Every time I come to class, I learn so much from every single person in the class. I'm truly lucky and blessed. By the way, her rates are extremely reasonable - a true indicator of her dedication to helping every individual she meets. Do yourself a favor and pursue your passion with Debra's help!

#Atwater Playhouse Monday night's class with Jaime…read morePaolinetti was awesome! We got the chance to practice our scene with a live camera and get valuable instruction on camera work. (Available to view on Yelp at Atwater Playhouse) I've been taking this class for about 5 months and have learned so much! I absolutely love this class! We use Stanislavski's The Method, which in itself is so interesting, and Jaime ( who's an actor and director) really understands and knows how to transmit his knowledge of it so well. It's a lot of work but NEVER a dull moment, and you are guaranteed to improve. I am a novice, and when I started I was so nervous I could hardly move on stage. Now, I'm still a little nervous, but can't wait to get up there and do the scene. There's no criticism, we just work and practice the tools. If you're looking for a lot of feedback, this class doesn't do that- it doesn't have to; you feel when you get it or you don't- You're given the tools, and Practice Practice Practice !! I learn a lot from watching the other actors as well. Some are new to acting, and some are professional actors. There is a good range of experience and ability in the class, and they are all very generous with what they know. If you want to hone your skills at auditioning, are curious about The Method, or want to try acting for the first time, please come join us!! We need more actors! Audit (free!) the class Monday nights 7pm 3191 Casitas ste. 100, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Check out this class and others on the website: atwaterplayhouse.com