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.

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.

Came to a matinee play. Parking was plentiful (& free) on a Sunday. The venue itself is small and…read morethe seats weren't comfy at all nor much seat space. Any view is good in the house. An older crowd that appeared to be pretty snobby (older lady Just stared straight at us so I kindly obliged until she finally looked away). Staff member was kind of eccentric and I believe he was trying to be humorous but came across rather odd and condescending to us. Not sure I'll be back for another production.

The Beverly Hills Playhouse is a wonderful location for an intimate setting for a live performance…read more Parking isn't terribly challenging, and the venue, itself, is really charming. The acoustics are great, and the management is wonderful to work with. I've been here for several live performances, and have always had the best time.

I've taken a lot of different acting classes around LA (even Zoom ones based out in NY) and this…read moreone taught by Eric Kline is unique. I started here in summer 2023 and went here consistently for about a year. I'm not sure if it's still the same format but when I was there you would pay for class per 2 weeks session -- so one week you and your scene partner would do a zoom cold read with each other and Eric. You should have worked up the scene prior to the cold read as well and discuss it with Eric at the cold read. Then the following week you would meet up (I was in the Tuesday evening class) at the studio to perform the scene. Depending on who your scene partner is, you could schedule to meet to practice your scene more if you wanted. But most people I believe just chose to meet up half-hour to hour prior to in-person class to practice. What I really liked about this class is that you get experience being filmed at every in-person class. He has two 4K cameras, a green screen where he can project a background, and a boom mic. So you're not just performing your scene on a stage while your peers watch. You will get to perform while also learning the technical aspects of how to perform on camera. THIS is why I went to Eric's class! I got an experience that is close to being on a set. Also you can get experience working the camera or holding the boom mic while your peers do their scene. At the end of class, you will watch everyone's scene and Eric will give his critiques. You can also request to get a copy of your scene, which was $10 when I was there. Since I started acting in 2023, this really helped me to build a reel so I had something to self-submit for auditions and later on when I submitted to agents. Eric teaches Tony Barr's technique (hence the name of the studio -- Eric and Tony were good friends). I don't know how to describe Tony Barr's teachings but it just made sense to me -- it's practical and realistic. I felt I could organically just let go and be present in the scene. I believe I did 1 or 2 private sessions with Eric before I felt comfortable to come to the in-person classes. But you don't have to do that, that's just what I did as I was new to acting and had to get over the nerves of being on camera. Every actor I met in class was nice and very supportive. Eric created a safe space for everyone to learn and can make bold choices. I highly recommend this place!

I didn't believe anyone could teach acting until I met Eric Kline. Eric runs Tony Barr's film…read moreactors workshop. He knows more about film acting than anyone I've ever met, and I have met many actors, directors, teachers. This is without a doubt the best acting class in Los Angeles. The only reason more people don't know about this class is because Eric relies on word of mouth to get new students. He's the most brilliant acting teacher in the state, but doesn't spend much of his energy advertising. Works for me because there's always a spot for me, and there's no other class I want to be in. Also, this is one of the only classes that shoots the scenes we work. Being in this class not only sharpens talent but it also gives students new footage every two weeks. Can't say enough good things about this place.

Marcie's constant encouragement and guidance into the realm of what we have yet to find within…read moreourselves makes me feel like I stand a little taller as an artist, an actor and human everyday.... And every Tuesday from 7-10 #tuesdayclass

Marcie is an amazing acting coach who offers countless encouragement and advice for her students of…read moreall ages...my 11 year old son has found his weekly classes to be a source of inspiration and joy.

Blackbird Dance Company is amazing! Alexandra Blackbird De Ochoa is one of the most professional…read moreand positive people I have ever met. Her knowledge of dance is incomparable and she is extremely patient and kind. I always leave the studio feeling empowered and like I have been pushed to my fullest potential, as a dancer! There are a variety of classes for ALL ages and dance styles. Whether you are an experienced ballerina or a novice dancer/mover, you can find what you need at Blackbird Dance Company. They even have great Yoga classes if you are just looking to center yourself and learn to breathe. You can also explore their troops. They have an ALL STAR Kids Team and an adult company. They have regular cabaret style performances in the studio and you can also book private one-on-ones or group classes. One only has to go to their website and see the long list of A-List Celebrities who have taken from Alex and Blackbird Dance! So prance on down to the studio today and start getting in shape and feeling great!!

I took a circus aerial class here. When I first came, drop-ins were $5! It's more expensive now,…read morebut still very affordable. When I started, I wasn't sure what to expect. There was 1 silk, 2 lyra, and 1 pole for ~4 students, but there also seemed to be one of the instructor's kids (?) playing around too? There was a group led warm-up with yoga mats, but then it took the form of more open aerial then a directed class. I mainly did my own thing on silks, but then later asked for some help on lyra since the instructor seemed most knowledgeable about that. For the amount of money spent, I think it was a decent use of time. I think this place has a lot of potential, however, it didn't really seem like a class, or even serious training time. Everyone else there seemed relatively new to aerial. Other: * Parking can be a bitch in this area. * The studio is a bit smaller than I thought it would be, probably because of all the studio mirror angles in the pictures. * Class times are mainly during 9-5 business hours.

Excellent 3-hour classes for kids and teens interested in film/TV acting over theater. My daughter…read moreis excited to attend and feels she is getting a lot out of each session. Sessions use scripts from TV and film and are recorded for use during the week. Brian is a professional actor excited to share his craft with students, and to help others succeed in the industry. Saturday and Sunday sessions and flexibility on allowing your teen to attend either session according to your schedule. Highly recommend!

Film Actor's Cafe is incredible. of all the acting classes my kid has attended (including A.C.T. in…read moreSF), she loved FAC the best! Aeron is a great teacher, flexible, fun, kind, knowledgeable and my kid really loved working with him and learned a lot! I highly recomment any of Aeron's acting classes. He also is flexible and understanding when classes need to be rescheduled and is super communicative! the best, truly!

The studio is so dirty for the price. I cringe every time I use the bathroom. Additionally, classes…read moreget cancelled at the last moment without any notice and the staff acts like it's no big deal.

Best Belly Dance school and technique in town! They also…read morehave a dance company with professional dancers that performs for private and corporate events.