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Donnie Smith Acting Coach

5.0 (1 review)
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8 years ago

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Speiser/Sturges Acting Studio

Speiser/Sturges Acting Studio

4.7
(36 reviews)
0.9 km

I audited the improv beginner class with Brandon. He's was super cool and it was a crazy experience…read morehaha, I've never done anything like that, tons of fun! I was actually going to sign up but they let you audit multiple classes so I decided to audit the advanced class with Shannon just to see what I'd be working toward. The class was very impressive and the students were suuuuper talented. If you're into drama stuff I'd say absolutely go for it and check this place out. Me personally, there were a few things I didn't really vibe with during that advanced audit that ultimately changed my mind but it wasn't anything against the class itself, it just wasn't really for me. Overall it was a really cool experience!

Out of all the steps I've taken to move forward in my acting career, Speiser/Sturges remains at the…read morecore of my technique. Shannon has been such an amazing teacher and guide. She not only pushes me to take risks with every role, but also find myself in every character. Whether you're laughing or crying at the end of a scene, you're always having fun, knowing that you're walking out of each class better than you came in. Her approach is so solid, that even when you're at home taping an audition, you feel like you can hear her guiding you through it. I'm grateful for every opportunity that Shannon has allotted me to push myself out of my comfort zone with such a diverse group of students, and I know Speiser/Sturges will be a part of my journey forever!

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We have online Zoom Classes too
We have online Zoom Classes too
Technique class
Technique class
Technique class

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Technique class
Graham Shiels Studios

Graham Shiels Studios

4.9
(140 reviews)
4.3 km

I love this studio! Jamar is an excellent teacher and coach. I specifically wanted to focus on…read moretelevision acting, and this studio provides current TV scenes that help actors develop their craft while practicing self-tapes in a realistic setting. The classes are upbeat, engaging, and incredibly informative. One week we work on scene study, and the next we focus on self-tape auditions, which creates a great balance of training and practical experience. What I appreciate most is how well this studio prepares actors for the realities of the industry...real auditions, real sets, and real-life expectations. I highly recommend it to any actor looking to strengthen their on-camera skills and build confidence in the audition process.

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.

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GSS class member and coaching client  Justin Min books Series Regular in Netlfix's "The Umbrella Academy." Top acting class in Los Angeles.
GSS class member and coaching client Justin Min books Series Regular in Netlfix's "The Umbrella Academy." Top acting class in Los Angeles.
Train with the working!
Train with the working!
Joy Sunday Series Regular Netflix's "Wednesday"

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Joy Sunday Series Regular Netflix's "Wednesday"
Krater Studios

Krater Studios

4.6
(14 reviews)
2.1 km

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.

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Some of the students
Some of the students
Me operating the boom mic
Me operating the boom mic
Soundstage

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Soundstage
Tony Barr's Film Actors Workshop

Tony Barr's Film Actors Workshop

4.9
(14 reviews)
7.4 km

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.

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This the building that houses our studio.
This the building that houses our studio.
Our studio is located at 3228 Nebraska Avenue in Santa Monica
Our studio is located at 3228 Nebraska Avenue in Santa Monica
Helping Eric by sitting in front of the green screen so he could set up the cameras and lighting prior to class.

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Helping Eric by sitting in front of the green screen so he could set up the cameras and lighting prior to class.
Blackbird Dance

Blackbird Dance

4.7
(23 reviews)
0.8 km

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.

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#salsadance #bachatadance #latinmusic #losangelesdance #teamauditions #auditions #blackbirdmagic #mirlo #subscribe to website for info
#salsadance #bachatadance #latinmusic #losangelesdance #teamauditions #auditions #blackbirdmagic #mirlo #subscribe to website for info
Blackbird bird logo
Blackbird bird logo
#autumncymone #viperroom #hollywood #sunsetjam #sunsetstrip #newmusic2018 #liveperformance #webuildicons #inrageent #guitar #acoustic #sing

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#autumncymone #viperroom #hollywood #sunsetjam #sunsetstrip #newmusic2018 #liveperformance #webuildicons #inrageent #guitar #acoustic #sing
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute

4.1
(18 reviews)
4.9 km

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!

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The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
Fun collection of the movies at PUFF, Pictures Up Film Festival
Fun collection of the movies at PUFF, Pictures Up Film Festival
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute

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Donnie Smith Acting Coach - dramaschools - Updated July 2026

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