I've never had a business make it so hard to give them money. To get basic information about class times was like pulling teeth. Actually insane. read more

Cannot say enough wonderful things about this studio and its teachers. I have been studying with Ivana for 3 years and I have become an entirely different actor. She provides tools to navigate every scene as the hero as opposed to the victim. No one wants to watch a victim. What I didn't realize is that these tools would bleed into my real life, even while navigating the most difficult situations. If you are considering joining the studio, her book 'The Power of the Actor' is a great place to start in order to understand what to expect in her class and through her technique. Everything the teachers talk about in class is clearly outlined in her book. She has helped many many actors, directors and film makers who have won and continue to win awards, oscars, notoriety, etc. She has a hilarious, no BS approach to the work and to life. The community is incredible and full of some of the most talented individuals I know. Thank you Ivana! read more

I absolutely LOVE this place. I am in class with Claire and she is THE BEST! The students there are incredible too. It truly feels like I am amongst friends and family. Plus, I've never known a class/studio with so many booking actors (myself included :D ). Ivanna's technique, that Claire has helped me become better at, helps you focus on what the title of Ivanna's book says: "The Power of the Actor." You take many steps to understand the script like going over your objectives, substitutions and more to truly connect with the script and your character and feel fully present in your performance. My booking frequency has increased since joining and I am thankful for every experience I'm having. Looking forward to much more success. Thank you Ivanna Chubbuck Studios! read more

Her book is one of the mag8c books on acting.i have used her ideas a lot.she is an epic acting coach.

took a few classes here. this clown "teacher" mike monks was so try hard. he kept trying to name drop big actors . it was cringe af. a real acting school is like lesly kahn or even moss studio. this monks guys was a buffoon . trying to act all serious. he tries to talk all soft thinking it's engaging but it's lame . save your money. eric morris studio is so much better read more

This class is legit. If you're ready to dig deep and lay it all out there, even a completely inexperienced actor can achieve moments of powerful authentic performance in a short timespan. If you're in it for the long term, the sky is the limit. read more

I worked as an interpreter for Ivana during her intensive camp for actors who came from Japan. So I was not a participating actor. But I witnessed some amazing transformations of the actors from Japan. It might not be for everyone. But it sure works for many. And the studio has nice energy. read more

I'm not sure which teachers some of the reviewers had, but I have been working with Claire since December 2023 and have gotten to know Ivana by hanging out after auditing her classes. I can say that this is a very family-oriented community with tons of beautiful souls who are nothing but encouraging and supportive - including both Ivana and Claire. I have had toxic acting teachers and neither Ivana nor Claire demonstrate any toxic qualities like I've seen in other classes. I truly cherish this school and its community. From my experience, we ALL want to see each other succeed. I could not be happier. I totally understand that this technique is not for everyone, and that's fine! You have to try different techniques and audit multiple schools. This technique does involve past trauma (when that is the most effective choice), but the heart of the technique is overcoming and transmuting trauma into peace; not reliving it. I think a lot of people simply haven't grasped that. read more

I've been acting for more than 20 years. Please know this review comes from that...I'm not a newby. And this is my experience from the audit only - I have never studied there. (and because of how the audit went I don't want too!) I paid (that's right they make you pay to audit! WIT?!) $20 to see Ivana's class before I would be placed into another scene study class with another teacher - not even Ivana. Ten of us arrived and were told what we needed to do (like school children) to be able to audit her class that night. 1. We were allowed to sit only in the back two rows during the audit class. The other 6-7 rows were for the students. This turned out to be the big reason I didn't join the studio. Because sitting in the back two rows I COULDN'T SEE OR HEAR THE ACTORS ON STAGE!!!! So it was hard to know what Ivana was critiquing them about. Ivana had a mic so we could hear her periodically, but she didn't use the mic all the time. 2. You are expected to stay the whole class (could be up to 4-4 1/2 and half hours) If you leave early you will not be able to meet with Ivana after the class. I guess that's how she figures out which class to put you in... But I didn't stay the whole class because of #1 above. I stayed two hours and after two hours of not being able to SEE or HEAR what I was supposed to be learning I left. 3. WAAAAY too many actors in Ivana's classes. So you don't work every week or even every other week. There were 40-50 actors (already in her class) at the audit I went to. (maybe more that night) Are you kidding me? 4. You don't study right away with Ivana. First, you go into her Intro or depending on your experience or the advanced class. Then, who knows how long it will take you to get into Ivana's class because it depends on when the teacher you're study with thinks you're ready. (Or could it be that Ivana's classes are so packed there is just NO ROOM for you there any time soon???) 5. Each student has to get together with a scene partner 6-8 hours a week. Really?! In this town I'm lucky to get together with ANYONE for even 15 minutes because of schedules, parking, etc. But seriously, in the real TV/Film world you will NEVER be able to get with the star to rehearse your scene (outside of set) before you shoot it except for a table read. And then you're not alone with them. I understand that the class is in fake circumstances. But maybe more could be taught from Ivana about making the scene work whether your partner is available or not. Rather then depending on someone else for 6-8 hours. I've heard if your partner drops out you'll do a monologue. Really?! Why not have at least a reader for the actor that did all that preparation. If one is professional and the other one isn't the professional should not be punished. But then, again, there's no guarantee that your scene will actually go up the week it's supposed to anyway. 6. The things Ivana was saying and talking to students about (sometimes) were meant for 12 step rooms or therapy and not in front of 80 strangers. She is not a trauma therapist (that I know of - if she is I stand corrected) and some of the things she said to or was trying to get out of her students were quite frankly none of hers (or our) business. But one of her techniques is "Substitution" be wary of this. No one signs an anonymity statement in there. This place is like "Waffles and More." There's a long line to get in, and when you do get in and eat the waffles you're wondering what all the fuss is about. Because they are MEDIOCRE waffles. Again this is all one opinion. Save your money and check out all your options before going here. Good luck on your journey. Newbys do your due diligence here. read more

Okay! So First off, read the book! Understanding at least the general idea of the 12 steps will really help you! This studio's amazing, and the staff are on your team. Like they want you to be the best, and yeah you do represent ICS. I love the privacy, the intimacy, and the safe vibe this studio brings. They make me feel it's ok to be real in a world where I do nothing but try to be socially correct. Here's what's also interesting... the more you study this technique, the more you understand who you are, and what you're fighting for. In doing so...you too can get your power back. In conclusion, I've been with the studio for a while. You have to really want it! You need to always be acting, and If you're a paid actor or auditioning but you have a little time...you need to fill that time with acting class to stay consistent. Anyways, Scene study classes are like the perfect workout to keep you hot, evolve and grow. They also have periodic audition classes, and private lessons are offered if needed. read more

I've taken Many acting classes in L.A. and this was my favorite. They use great material and the instructors are very good! Parking sucks, but the Studio is wonderful!! read more

She obviously has a good technique (her book is good) and is well known in the city of Los Angeles as being a great coach. I decided to audit a class to see what all the fuss was about. Going in there with rave review from a friend who studied with one of her partners, I was super surprised at how disappointed I was with the entire experience. First off, just audit and sit in the waaaay back of the theater with the other 20 auditors trying to see and hear whats going on in the front, set me back 20 dollars. (she probably made over $200 just on us auditors!) I figured if the class taught me something, whatever, it was it was worth it, right? Wrong. Can't say I learned much except for not to eat, talk, pull out my cell phone or disturb anyone in the class. I usually leave with some notes or a better understanding of the process etc when I check out a class. I didn't feel inspired to pick up my pen once. The scenes that were put up were good, the students were mostly out of work former soap stars. However it was so hard to hear the notes Ivanna was saying to critique them. She spoke into a microphone sometimes which sort of helped, but not really. It was truly just all about observation and not really learning anything. At the end she had a "Q and A" to which every question that was asked was answered with, "Did you read my book?? The answer is in my book. Don't ask stupid questions!" I didn't bother to ask her why she had such a huge stick up her butt. read more

ALL I KNOW IS---I COULDN'T BREATHE IT WAS SOOOO SMOKY! I audited Ivana's Master Class and more than half the scenes were smoke filled, Ivana lights up while still in the room, then saunters out to the patio where tons of other smoking actors are puffing away, exhaling practically in the studio! It was ridiculous! I mentioned to the "class monitor" that I had severe asthma and would need to step out now and again and she said that was not allowed. Even when scenes had finished and Ivana was just critiquing, we were not allowed to leave. One woman mentioned she was pregnant and would HAVE to get up from time to time. The class monitor told her to "come speak with her" if she needed to leave. When Ivana eventually met with each one of us, she talked in a dismissive, raspy voice, and wouldn't even bring her head up from her desk to look you in the eye when either of you were speaking. Very impersonal; very "Ivana is Our Queen so don't do this or say that around her!" read more

Took from her years ago and she's basically the same - she creates a toxic environment and tears people down. The method can work, but it's really not necessary nor does it always fit the scene or character for an actor to drudge up their own past for the inner life of the character. Personally found the Warner Loughlin School to be better on every level, especially the method. read more

***REVIEW OF MY 1ST AUDIT OF THE IVANA CHUBBUCK MASTER CLASS*** How it works: 1) You call to set up an appointment to audit her class (Thursdays @ 6:30, by appointment only). 2) You show up with plenty of time before: the acting studio doesn't have a private parking lot. You park on the street and make sure it's a non-residential area. Parking IS enforced. 3) The entrance is on the N Formosa Ave side. The door has a green little curtain that says 7201 (someone uploaded a picture of it here -- thanks, btw). There's a GNC at the corner of Melrose & Formosa Avenues that faces Melrose, and the Ivana Chubbuck studio is right behind/next to it, around that corner. 4) Go upstairs, turn right and there's a patio where everyone is waiting. 5) At 6:30PM an assistant comes and calls everyone inside the auditorium, sits the auditors in the last 2 rows, asks everyone for their name (which should be on the list), confirms their phone number, checks them from the list and takes their $20 (CASH ONLY). There's a brief orientation and auditors get some paperwork. 6) At 7PM the students and Ivana come in and the first 2 students present their scene. They present once and Ivana does her critique, and allows them to repeat the scene applying her insight. You see the before-critique and after-critique difference very boldly. Ivana uses a microphone so people in the back can also hear. 7) After scene presentation, critiquing and final presentation of that scene are done, there's a 10 minute break, during which people go to the bathroom, chat, smoke or whatever outside, and the students presenting next prepare the stage for their scene with all props, etc. Everyone comes inside again, "rinse, repeat." For my audit there were 5 scenes in total. 8) Cellphones must be off, not even in silence/vibrate mode. If they see as little as light coming from your phone, even with no noise, you have to pay a $20 fine... Extreme, but it works. 9) After class is done at 10PM, all auditors meet individually with Ivana in her office and hand her an artistic resumé (if experienced) that she uses to determine what group/level suits you best, based on your experience and knowledge of her technique. 10) If you're a female, at the end of it all, Ivana asks that you should wait to be escorted back to your car by a male of the staff -- a nice courtesy to ensure you're OK, since you leave at around 11PM and probably parked on a side street. 11) After that, when you go to your 1st class, you will listen only, and you must have read the first 12 chapters of her book to understand what goes on in the classroom. One unfortunate thing everyone has mentioned here that I, too, don't quite love is the smoking frenzy. However, Ivana does NOT smoke inside the auditorium. But all the smokers do smoke in the patio just outside the auditorium doors during the between-scenes breaks, and the doors remain open while this takes place. It sort of defeats the purpose of smoking outside, doesn't it...? And for those who not only aren't smokers, but are singers, it's venom to your respiratory system and your chords. I can't imagine how it should be for asthmatics. Sitting in the back, it was hard to see with students wearing hats. The staff should make them sit at the ends of rows. I was expecting a very "We're painting the roses red, don't tell the Red Queen" / "Miranda Priestly's here, quick, put on the Jimmy Choos" attitude from the staff regarding Ivana; yet I did *not* see that. I read a Yelp review here saying something like that, and was sort of expecting it, but the only thing I saw that *might* have been a tad exaggerated in that direction is the fact that they do ask you to please not ask Ivana questions that already appear on the website's FAQ, which you get a copy of the very moment you sit in the auditorium, right before the class, so you get a chance to review it then, or during the 10 minute breaks between scenes. I think it sort of makes sense, because if you have a printout of that info, you'll have a chance to read through, and therefore can leave that limited time for other undiscussed subjects. It's sensible, I think. It's Hotel California-ish: "you can never leave" until the entire thing is done (about 4.5 hours in total). They ask the auditors from the get-go if they can stay until the end, and if you say you have to leave early, they'll say you have to leave then and reschedule when you actually have the entire time available. They also require the $20 CASH -- no cards or checks. And they're very strict about being there sharply on time. I think her insight is powerful. I saw the results immediately in her students when they presented their scenes again after her guidance. She won't sugarcoat, but I didn't perceive it as traumatizing. Also, she curses but it's never against the student in a personal, offensive or aggressive way. It's more of an earthy, no b.s. tone. I look forward to my first class. :-) read more

Quick background: I have a degree in Acting from UCLA and went to a High School for performing arts. All told, I've studied with at least 20 different teachers over the course of my career. I know the difference between a teacher who's just good, and a teacher who is truly WORLD CLASS. There's no doubt that Ivana is a world class teacher. If you're looking for a class in LA, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Ivana's technique works, and it works consistently. The more scenes you do in class, the better you get at applying the technique. It produces REAL human behavior that's goal-oriented and action-driven. This is very different from a "Method" approach that focuses on getting you to "feel" something. Good acting is about FIGHTING to get what you want. Ivana will teach you how to fight in interesting, dynamic, and totally unpredictable ways - exactly how people do in real life. Also, Ivana's understanding of human behavior is phenomenal. Just by being in class, you'll begin to have a much deeper grasp of people's hidden motivations. Things people do that might have seemed strange, odd, or out-of-the-blue will suddenly begin to make perfect sense to you. You just start to "get" people's behavior in a way you never did before. I'll be honest. It's a very challenging class. Ivana will not sugar-coat her critiques. She's not harsh, but she's fair. If your work sucks, she'll tell you, but she will ALSO tell you how to make it better. And her critique won't just apply to this one scene, but to EVERY OTHER scene you do. This is key - anyone can watch a scene, make comments, and make it better. But Ivana will teach you a technique that WORKS, so if you improve in one scene, you improve in all of them. The class is pure scene-study. No warm-ups. No exercises. No pretending to be an ice-cream cone. You're assigned a scene and a scene partner, and you're expected to rehearse outside of class. You put the scene up once, get about 30-45 minutes of critique on it, and then put it up a second time. The quality of work that's expected of you is VERY HIGH, so be prepared. The class is also very sexual. It teaches you to use your sexuality, and to create real, hot chemistry with your scene partner - even when you're not especially attracted to him/her. In my experience, most acting classes totally ignore sexuality. You MUST know how to use it in your work. Think of ANY great performance by any great actress - she was using sexuality to win, and doing it in a way that's real and authentic. That's what you'll learn here, and you'll learn it better than anywhere else. The class is tough, but if you stick with it, you'll be not just a better actor, but a better, tougher, more driven human being. And once your work gets good, Ivana will do everything in her power to open doors for you, advise you, and help you in your career. Until you're consistently good, though, she's all business. You have to earn her respect, and that's way it should be. read more

The Power of the Actor! Best acting book I've read - so I was thrilled to be able to start in an advance class and had 3 months of tuition set aside for the experience. I only stayed one month, and this is why. - First class was basically an audit. (I would suggest allowing new students to perform a monologue of their choosing for a first class.) When I met with the teacher about the class during a break he made me feel very disadvantaged because I live in Orange County. He proclaimed that his students are dedicated and meet 3 times a week to work on their scenes and that if I could not commit then I would be stuck doing monologues. This perplexed me. I feel that the fact I was driving all the way from Orange County to Ivana's class shows a certain level of commitment and that homework is 90% of a scene unless it's some action scene with fights and choreography. I was very confused as to why this was even encouraged. In the real world, you have to nail the audition... and many times you are given a script 15 minutes before entering a room and you have to make choices and analyze, and substitute and, 4th wall, and all of Ivana's delectable steps quickly. And for a scene, you are lucky if you get one rehearsal. And then once you're hired... on set... if the director doesn't like what you're bringing you may have a couple of minutes to adjust. So, saying that if I can't commit to rehearsing 3 times a weeks with a scene partner shows lack of enthusiasm was off putting. But whatever... I was still very excited to get started. - So I get my scene via email Sunday night and they gave me my scene partners information. By Tuesday I was off book and was ready to go. I made every initiation to Skype or meet with my partner. He didn't have a camera so no Skype, said he MIGHT have an hour on Friday to memorize the script. Then he wasn't available the Saturday night when I was in LA after previously agreeing to meet that night. He revealed that he only needed an hour to memorize the script and that he had done that the previous week with another partner as they were not able to meet up either. (So much for the teachers praise of his students being so committed). -2nd Week - Sunday class day I had a shoot, and apparently my scene partner told the teacher rehearsals were not up to par... LOL!!! So, the teacher had his assistant send me an email with a monologue that I was to prepare for the following week. WOW.... all the work I put into that scene, and effort in trying to coordinate with my partner, and I was not even consulted. The teacher did not even bother to hear my side of it before punishing me with a monologue when it was his loyal student who dropped the ball. After that.... I just did not feel valued. Broke my heart. -The 3rd week I did my monologue and it went fine. He gave me very insightful feedback. However, I would have preferred to have chosen my own monologue...something I would actually use in an audition. The monologue he chose was good but I would never choose one where I was talking to two other people in an audition. - 4th week I actually had a scene with a partner. The teacher once again gave insightful feedback. However, he gave a few pointers that he wanted to see worked on for the next class. Well...that was my last class, so...! WHAT WOULD HAVE MADE ME COME BACK: 1. If the teacher had talked to me first before pulling that scene that I had worked hard on all week. Or even approaching me after the fact to explain or get my input. There was no acknowledgement whatsoever. I didn't like that. 2. If the instructor in our initial meeting had been more inviting to the "out-of-towner". It's like the only curriculum we are worthy of is a monologue. Well if that is the case...then let us choose one we will actually feel we will use in auditions. Or give us the option of working on auditions, meaning give us a scene to prepare and read with a cold reader. Or give me a cold read scene with someone. I'm sure there are other students who would LOVE to brush up their cold read skills. To be able to use the Chubbuck technique and break down a script in a short amount of time seems to be a VERY valuable skill. I would have loved to do that every week. 3. The scenes given are very long which means if the teacher wants you to make an adjustment you have to do it the following week. I don't claim to be an expert...only been acting for a few years.... but I just have never had the luxury of doing a scene... then having another week, or two, or THREE to adjust. Nor do I think in the real world I will EVER. I personally would find it more valuable to do shorter scenes and do adjustments in class then move on to a new scene for the following week. 4. Allow a little time at the end of class for student comments or questions. The teacher has full reign of all comments. POSITIVES: Great bunch of actors, good feedback from instructor, serious actors in class that elevate you. read more

I love this studio. I've been studying the technique almost a year and I've grown a lot. Worked with frantz turner and working with Michael monks and auditing Ivanas classes. The generosity of her to let you audit any of her classes if you have ever been enrolled even for a month says it all. The affordable price and the amazing community, people connecting from all over the world makes the studio beautiful. The moment I walked into this studio I felt like home a place to craft and finding my power. The last three months I've studied coldread as well with David lipper, he's an incredible coach as well I've learned how to actually cold read. You get nothing but the best at Ivana Chubbucks. I'm even thinking of taking a teacher trainers Course. Not leaving I think ever. read more

I audited her class, the fact that she smokes so much and ran out (not far enough) the door between scenes really made it smelly! I couldn't stand being smoked in and paying for it (the doors were open and the smoke...comes in) Scenes I saw were good and yes she was a good coach! Just not my vibe read more

Upon my arrival to Los Angeles I needed a place to help me hone my craft. I was excited, NOT in the union (SAG) and did not have an agent. It was a real confusing feeling of not knowing where to start or who to trust. It seemed like everyone wanted tons of money for everything from headshots to classes. I wasn't and I'm still not concerned with whether someone smokes, drinks, curses or surfs. What I was sure about was that wherever I joined; I would need to be sure of a few things: 1 - I could trust my coach 2 - felt safe to explore my range 3 - to get honest feedback on my growth. 4 - someone to push me to be a GREAT actor not just GOOD actor Based on feedback from established producers, agents, managers, publications and other actors (working and non-working -- union and non-union); I decided to audit 12 of arguably the most reputable acting coaches in the industry, whom I will not name. I audited them twice to see which coach fits best with what I needed. Most of them charged a small fee to audit there classes, which was not a problem for me -- they've earned that in my opinion. The Ivana Chubbuck Studio was the one studio that stood out to me the most. It was Ivana's nurturing, honest and sometimes tough (never demeaning or demoralizing) method of critiquing. I was completely surprised because during the audit I experienced how effective and quickly the students would accept her notes (using her technique) and make adjustments. I actually saw 2 well-known actors both do a good job on their scene then listened to Ivana's critiques and took that scene to another level. All in a matter of minutes from her critique alone. At that point I realized that I could relate to her technique and style of critiquing. I could trust what she said, I could stretch myself and that she would not allow me to ever get lazy in my work. In my perception being surrounded by that was/is more important to me than anything. I've been at the studio for almost 4 years now and that hasn't changed. I started in Chris Holder's class and worked my way into Ivana's Masters class. Chris was able to teach me the foundations of using the technique in my work and how to trust myself. After moving into Ivana's master's class, I learned to control my instruments and range through different scene work and her feedback. At first, I felt that my performances were unfocused and Ivana helped me to understand how to use my talents to use more grounded and layered choices. I'm currently cast in mostly drama and comedy; serial killers to sketch comedy. The studio has created a family for me. Ivana has instilled a sense of safety and camaraderie with my coaches and classmates. It was my classmates that helped me grow. I was able to do scenes in my assigned class and could visit other classes ever day of the week (free of charge) to learn more from other actors' work. I was technically at the studio at least 4 times a week. Some of my classmates are now my closest friends and have helped me to sign with my first agent and later to land auditions. Some of my classmates are not only actors but, also industry directors, producers and writers. I've been cast in indie feature films, short films, webisodes, music video's and TV show pilots. Ivana's mentorship has reached beyond coaching. But has increased my confidence as a person and actor. The technique has helped me to understand more about life. It all starts with what worked for me. I study with Ivana whom I consider among the top of my, very small, list of the greatest coaches in our industry. read more

I love my craft and my school. Again, this technique is NOT for everyone, but I am glad I was introduced to it by a Master Teacher about 4 1/2 yrs ago. Since relocating to Cali, I have decided to go to the source of the technique. Needless to say,I am pleased. Great technique and great people to work with. Everyone is committed. Worth the time, effort, energy and $, but not for the faint of heart. You might even be in a class or audit a class or two with other celebs trying to improve their craft or just stay sharp. On another note, they need to keep that bathroom clean or perhaps just expand. By the time the end of the week rolls around, its gross. :-( Im sure Ivana makes enough $ to move the school to another, more roomy location, but thats just my opinion. Thats my only negative. read more

I love this school. Right now I'm in the beginning class with Chris Holder, who really knows his stuff. The class allows you to truly develop your passion for acting. The great thing also is that you are able to audit any other class. I've watched Ivana's master class a few times, and it great to see other actors work. I find it interesting to see how better actors (right now anyways) get their stuff tweaked by Ivana. Most people will be able to put up 2-3 scenes every month. You work with a partner a few times to week, while doing your own inner work based off of Ivana's book "power of the actor." I've taken many acting classes before (in college, TVI, Actor's Circle, several commercial classes), and this is the one that I have learned from the most. If you're looking for an acting school, this one really helps you to understand the craft. The only thing to consider is that this class is not like other classes, in that, you do all the work of developing character by yourself by going through the book (there is no step by step taught verbally in class). Only when you put up your scene are you critiqued. But, this process I think makes you work harder to find out the neccesary information needed. My only regret is that I didn't sign up years ago. read more

I took the Beginner and Intermediate classes with Deryl Carol. Awesome coach. You don't get to go up and perform every week, but the value you get from other people's performance is still worth the money, especially because, as a student, you can seat in any of the advance classes that Ivana teaches herself, and gain precious insights. Right now I'm investing in some workshops, but I will definitely be back! read more

NOTA BENE: Before thinking about exploring the idea of coming to Ivanna's studio, READ the book she wrote, Power of the Actor . The book in itself was the education I got for almost nothing, after spending a little more (euphemism!) with lesser professional gain on a Lee Strasberg summer course in NYC. I want to thank my teacher there, Lala Cohen, for her great effort towards me and immense passion for the craft, whereas the Strasberg and Stanislavsk's method were still too esoterical for my left-sided brain, Ivanna's scientifical method fit my like a white glove on a golf course! Took classes here with Deryl Carol and with David Lipper in Bucharest. I will resume the party shortly, after I'm done with travelling between three continents. What you should know: buy and read the book. The classes are all scene-study on a stage setting, there's no theory discussed other than what applies to the actors that put together the scene. Of course you learn a lot by watching AND by playing. Notes, corrections etc. The crowd is amazing. Mostly working already in the industry, either independently or for studios, people of all ages, some college kids, USC, UCLA etc, people that already have impressive imdb's etc, great place to network with likeminded and passioned people, where everybody has something to bring to the table. If you have are a proactive personality with goals, in a short span of couple of months you'll make tremendous progress, and you'll amaze your friends, family and casting directors. I know I did, and I wasn't the sharpest tool in the acting shed. Thank you! Best day ever! read more

To be honest maybe it was just who I was learning from. I started attending the Ivana Chubbuck studio and left after 2 and a half months. I loved the idea of dressing as your character and working with props on stage to bring the scene to life but I did not enjoy the way Chris Holder taught. The class had over 12-15 people at times and class was only 3 hours long. He would take almost an hour to critique just one pair on their scene. 60% of the time he would go way off topic and you found a lot of people just sitting on stage just waiting for him to stop talking and to get to the actual point. You could ask him a yes or no question and it became another 45 min conversation and still not get the answer you were looking for. A lot of people would be frustrated and upset that they pay x amount of money to study their lines, rehears with their partners during the week, bring all the required food and clothes etc for the scene, JUST to have the possibility to NOT go up bc he cant get to the point. I remember there being 6 scenes that needed to go up and only 4 got the chance. I'd over hear some people saying that this was their 2nd week not going up and that they would be waiting till the month was over to leave. I had another girl tell me that she took his evening on camera class and he'd focus more on who brought what food for the class than getting the class started and finished in a timely manner. I left because I didn't understand the way he taught. He was unclear, went off track and didn't give others a chance to go within the 3 hours off class time. read more

If your new to LA, avoid this studio! If your not new this place, you should know better by now, and in that case, feel free to spend all the money in the world for training that you can also get by just reading her book (the book is worth a read and gives a lot of information) Ok, here is how it goes... audit a class with Ivana and you feel that its great, so you show up and pay the nice juicy cash that gets you into the class. But wait, who said you were gonna study with Ivana? No, you study with some guy who was trained by someone who know's the little annoying puppy that belongs to Ivana.. yeah, awesome, I'll go ahead and right that on my Resume.. Ivana Chubbuck Studios - Chris Holder... ( who the F*** is Chris Holder??) But dont worry, you can still pay the 350$/Month for a class with Chris Holder in the Beginners class!! yay!! :) So How do you study with the Legend? Hm, well, lets see, first you have to get from the beginners class to the intermediate. Lets say it takes you 3 Months ( That's how long it took me, but there are people that take 6-12 Months) Ok, so, 3 Months later your in the next class, tought by...oh, yeah, none other but the Legend.... Chris Holder... who? whatever... So lets get a move on! Now I'm sitting in a class that has 25 Students packed in a 3 hour class, My chances of getting on stage and performing are none, basically I'll be up on stage once a month, hm, so not 350$/Month, more like 350$/day.. awesome, At that point, as an actor, trying to learn the craft and get as much information and experience, you start wondering if its really worth it?! For me, hm, not so much... For others, why not...? I left and am happy now, but lets see what the others still have ahead... So, we've figured out that they are in the intermediate class, lets say they are stuck there for 6 Months and finally they have proved to the class/teacher and themselves that they deserve to be called a "good" actor and are able to be in the advanced class!! awesome! cool! yay! all is well... well, lets not get ahead of our selves...Because Advanced is taught by no other than... Mr. Holder!! yay, what an achievement.. You'd think that Mr. Holder could just teach you what he knows while ure in the beginners class... BOOOOOO! Hm, moving on, more people, all with the dream of moving forward to the "next" class (although, at that point, there probably is not much hope) Less opportunities to get on stage and actually act, And the more important question, wtf am I doing here?!! Lets say it takes you another 6 Months to get to the next stage, ( unlikely, but lets try to stay positive...) NOW you Have made it!!! ure the MAN!! whooohooo, finally in the Master class!!! Where is Ivana, What? no, really, who would of thought, she doesnt teach the Master class... she teaches the Master Advanced class.... LOL haha, and the only way of getting into that class is a) ure a working actor ( which ure not, otherwise you wouldnt be there to begin with) b) you're sooo amazing in their eyes, (start getting the coffee and running around for them, that might help) that you deserve the master advanced class...Than again, there would also have to be a spot open for you to get in, and that probably wont happen, since there are enough working actors out there that can just join the master advanced class from the get go... well, lets just say you are in the Master class for another 9 Months and miraculously a spot opens up and is offered to you!! Awesome, ure in!! And NOW, you can finally say, youre studying with the best!! Sounds awesome! And how much did it cost you to write that on ure resume? Lets add it up.. 3+6+6+9=24 24x350$=8400$ Can I hear a whooooohoooo!! resume: Ivana Chubbuck Studios - 8400$ ( I'm an actor now...) Thanks for reading... Jonathan Von read more

This woman is very rude, she calls you names, humiliates you, screams at you, cusses at you. It has nothing to do with acting or art. She tells you that you never will achieve anything, that you are worthless etc. Ivana doesn't deserve even to be called a teacher, let alone a guru. Teacher is supposed to be able to give something, to love her students, to care about them and their success. The so called "her" method is nothing new, and nothing she teaches or writes about in her book is "her's". She takes the Stanislavski's system and calls it her method, which is a bs, not her invention. Read and study Stella Adler, Robert Lewis, Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg, Chekhov - those were the TEACHERS. This woman Chubbuck isn't. Never will be. She thrives off of humiliating and degrading others. And all she cares about is money and herself, of course. She is extremely disrespectful, aggressive, mean and plain evil. She bring her own personal problems and spills it out on you. She is full of hate towards her own family and people in general and forces you to feel the same: hatred for your family and yourself. And if you don't agree, you are immediately being harassed and humiliated. She forces all negativity and bad emotions on you. She clearly needs to get some help. No nurturing, help, advise or even a tad bit of respect to you. Don't expect it here in her studio. She is self-proclaimed psychologist. Well, is she herself ready for the ugly truth? She is horrible at feeling people and being a psychologist. She is full of herself and her own problems. I am afraid no therapist will ever be able to help her, too late. She is extremely greedy, be prepared to pay at least 5 grand to even see her highness. But on the other hand when she hires you, she thinks everybody owe her and she doesn't have to pay. The payment is to just to see her. The atmosphere and vibe of those classes just leaves you full of negativity, bad thought and emotions. I wonder if anyone who are truly an artist can find anything useful there. She just tries/pretends to be more respectful if you pay more money and have some weight in the industry. If you are a big name or maybe a toady, yes, she will try to be nicer. Just pay a bunch of money so she can go to nice restaurants. It is mandatory you meet with her at the restaurant across the street and leave quite a bit of money there, perhaps, she gets a percentage of the checks left by her students? Find people in your life who inspire you, move you, make you a better self and make you feel good about who you are it is so important for an artist and a human being. Fellow artists, actors and performers stay away! Save money and find a nurturing and inspiring place and nice people to practice and work on your craft! You have only one life don't let such people into your life! SO many nice people, good souls and kindhearted human beings - they deserve your time, not this evil old woman chubbuck. read more

There has been a buzz at Chubbuck studios about Yelps that had been recently posted. I read them and it was obvious to me, as it would be to anyone reading, that it was an attempt by someone no longer with the studio using yelp irresponsibly to vent personal issues. Kudos to Yelp for recognizing and having the original post removed. The person has since reposted an edited censored version of their post. They still have issue with a teacher being removed, but concede that "the method is fine..." I've been with the studio a number of years. I am familiar enough with the studio to know a teacher replaced without warning must have done something extraordinarily wrong; As I know Ivana to be very forgiving. It's unfortunate the teacher used yelp and an uniformed student to vent. It happens. Ivana's studio is one of the best around. I've also read her book. The approach to the craft that she has developed works for many in achieving their goals in entertainment (...and life in general.) Many actors, writers, directors and producers incorporating the Chubbuck approach, have made outstanding contribution in the industry. They've brought depth and dynamics to their work that audiences want to see. Ivana teaches each person how to use their "stuff" to bring depth to a performance that only the individual would be able to bring. She often shares her own experiences to help students open up and not be owned by their traumas or triumphs in life, but to own their traumas and triumphs and use them to make their work unique and memorable. Good or Bad reviews are all a matter of opinion. Sometimes the process of bringing a performer to their best is not a pretty sight on a working set or in the class room. When it happens at the classroom, the actor is always at the point of a breakthrough; and is pretty interesting to watch. Most are not going to go solely by reviews we read, we will go check it out for ourselves. Actors are dramatic, sensitive, over the top and emotional people. It's what we do, and it's all good, learn how to use it to win. So if you're interested, read the book and audit a class. If what you see rings a chord for you, go learn, do the work, (be patient it doesn't happen overnight) do the work...yep said it twice, and bring your performance, or writing or directing to a next level. It'll happen. read more

In reference to other viewers: Yes, Ivana Chubbuck's classes are expensive but so is every other class in LA...Oh wait sorry...you wanted to be an actor right...Guess what? It's an expensive profession...my suggestion: get over it. If you aren't committed enough to shell out the dough to refine your technique you might as well save your money because you also have to get headshots, sign up for breakdowns and do a medley of other things before you even make a dime. Ignore the moron who stated classes are $350, they aren't. Beginning and Advanced classes are $275, Master is $325. As far as teachers go, obviously if you are a beginner actor...you won't be studying with the Master teacher....the idea that you would be is absurd. Everyone pretty much HAS to start out in the beginner class 1) because at that point you aren't overly adept at applying the technique 2) because beginner actors are flakes. 3) it's a lot easier to have other teachers shape and refine you and prepare you for the criticism you will receive in the master class because if you think she is going to sugar coat her feelings...you are delusional. As far as getting up every week...that's a benefit to being in the beginner or advanced class. way more stage time. Once people move up to master class they rarely ever leave unless for big time paying work...hence the over saturation of the master class.... THAT being said, once you get to the master class... you receive more complicated scenes but you also break them down on a more in depth level...meaning you need more than a week to break down and rehearse your scene. Makes sense right? AND if are incapable of watching other performers present a scene, listening to their critique, and then learning something from it...then you are somewhat ill equipped for your profession. And if you have a problem with putting your teacher on your resume...DONT most people don't know how the studio works. read more

I am a workingl actor, I audited the master class on various occasions, and yes it can get very tense, but that is the business we are in. If you are looking for sugar-coat ego stroke...keep on moving, Ivana will find that little secret and expose it in front of the whole class if necessary to keep the integrity of the technique in focus. I am currently enrolled in the advanced class and every single one of my mates is a professional working actor. We all are gone fro time to time on different projects, but you dont just stumble into the class. If you dont have the goods, you will get exposed and moved down to introductory class and learn the technique, if on the other hand the hard work in advanced is sincere, you move up to Master level where you are among the best students working in the industry at any given time. Most of us are already SAG/Aftra..like that means anythhing anymore lol, but the craft is honed here, and Ivana and company churn out great actors. I have been lucky enough to become part of the crew and am very proud to be in the company of amazing artists. Born and raised in Hollywood see em all, studied under some great teachers, Ivana Chubbucks' technique is the closest I have seen to using a formula which encompasses the actor and creates a realism rarely seen on stage. Generally in the advaced level you are assigned a scene with partner and expected to put up the scene within 2 weeks folowed by an adjustment by Ivana or Chris or Darry..and re-up the scene using the notes you wrote and rehearsal with partner for the next week. To all the serious actors who arent afraid to take the leap of faith and do something they will be out of their comfort zones...audit the class and you tell me you gots the chops. read more

This is an amazing studio! The teachers here are passionate about their work and train you to be the best out there. I cannot recommend Ivana Chubbuck's studio enough. There are plenty who also agree and have similar experiences. I'd ignore the personal rants (low reviews) of those who obviously couldn't make it through this rigorous course and took it personally. It is good to go in with a positive attitude and an open mind as this is one of the best studios out there if you want to continuously improve your acting abilities. Nothing worth it comes easily. So, go out into the world and chase your dreams - one foot into Ivana Chubbuck's studio and you're one step in the right direction! read more

Aside from smoking A LOT, and critiquing as harsh and as much as possible Ivana is a very good acting coach, is this a good acting studio for you if you're a intermediate actor? Absolutely not, Decent actor? No, and unless you're trying to spend a crazy amount of money on Private lessons, Ivana probably won't even look at you unless you're a successful working actor, but don't take my word for it! Audit the class for yourself and see how you feel after on a side note, any actor, of any experience level, who truly wants to better herself/himself go to Aaron Speiser acting studio, thank me later read more

I attended her studio during the summer for 5 weeks. I LEARNED ALOT by just reading her book and auditing her masters class for free, i was in the beginners class with Deryl. Ivana DOES NOT sugar coat you, she critiques your performance for the better, and honestly people that are writing bad reviews are pissed off because they just want to listen to people sugar coat them and not point out to what they can fix and work on. Take this class if youre serious and not flaky! Was worth it for me :) read more

I studied with them as well. If you are a fan of "The Method" then this studio is for you. I still use her acting book because it is a really good book (I don't use her method all the time but it is still very helpful the examples she gives and some of the chapters like Beats and Actions, Moment Before....), it does not matter which method you use her book can be really helpful. I think she is a very talented teacher but yeah she smokes way tooooo much :( read more

I strongly suggest every actor should attend one of these classes for at least a month! Try it out. I love the technique and the teachers. Claire's amazing and the other instructors are too. I've seen so many actors develop and get better with each class. Try it!!! You won't regret it. read more

Smart lady, she knows her comedy. She is a great teachers and definitely worth the money. The students can get a little intense at times but it reads as competitive spirit. Read her book. It helps with auditions. read more

I really enjoy taking classes at the studio. Ivana's method is both taken from historical acting theory and very fresh. She makes you put yourself into the scenes. She also asks good questions that probe deeper and she has a strong intuition about your journey and what would help you grow. I highly recommend these classes. read more

BE CAREFUL, is what I was told as I first walked into her LA studio, five women approached me(between 35 and 43) and said: "Be careful". I said " What are you talking about?", They responded" You're what in your mid 30's?', I said, 'Yeah, why?". They replied:" One, you will hardly get up to work. She favors young people to find 'her' latest star so boost her name and Ego. She has a real problem with her aging and will take it out on you with her scene choices for you that are all about your 'supposed' problem with aging.". I had never seen it but I had heard stories of that when I joined her LA Studio and I heard about it in Vancouver". That turned out to be true, in 3 months there I was given two scenes cause I only went up twice and the same 5 people in their 20's were up every week as the first scene choice she catered to their youth, not their talent, they were not very good and she wasn't helping them. It was obvious to everyone in her class she was looking for her next Star to boost her work. Everyone complained about it in class, she wasn't even open to hearing about it. In the scene, she gave me the character had to pull her skin back or up when my skin didn't budge. I love what I do so I just did it anyway. She held a large weekend workshop in Vancouver where for the first time I was given feedback by 5 Casting Directors to work on intimacy in relationships in Ivana's workshop. Ivana scoffed out loud at the request I gave her from the Casting directors and my Agent Well, she gave me a scene 10 to 12 years my senior and a role I would not ever be considered let alone cast as. Ivana' redirection was humiliating and abusive, I did because I am not afraid of doing what I do. She was cruel and hurt me very deeply by taking advantage of her knowledge of my childhood(very personal information that she asked me for when she took me out for dinner to hear my life story so could best work with me) and her position of Power. She took advantage of it. Publicly. I had several Actors come up to me and say " I was brave but there was no way any role would call for what she asked you to do!" And gave me huge hugs. It was a painful lesson to trust my feelings before trusting anyone else(no matter what position they'rein). It gave me strength in myself that I was lacking at that time. I gave her the trust that I regret before heeding my own guidance. Our feelings are the most finely tuned guidance system in the universe! The warning was accurate, she will take it out on the women of the age of where it started for her, especially if you are beautiful! She asks for meeting to hear your trials and tribulations and deep pains. Beware of how much you tell her or anyone, Our craft represents life, dig deep you'll find it. You DON"T need her to dig for you. Her book is good, but, read plenty of books and trust your own resonance and what works for you. If something feels 'off' trust it no matter the person's 'title of whom is before you!" I worked with her off and on for twelve years, she did give me expansion and it was rewarding and fun. She broke my trust, I loved her, she broke my heart and she caused me a lot of pain!. She will help you use your pain to help guide you through your scene work but she will also turn her pain on you through your work... I did hear many stories of Ivana doing this upon my joining her first Vancouver Studio. We all have our stuff' but that's NOT OKAY. It is abusive! read more

I studied at this acting studio for a while. It was pretty good. However, if you are not into cursing you may want to find another acting studio to attend. They curse a lot. I'm not really bothered by it, but some people maybe. They have several different classes to take. You are required to by Ivana's book "The Power of the Actor" The book is awesome!! When you sign up for classes you have to have read the book before starting class and they you have to sign up to audit on of her classes and then she will place you in a class. However, nobody is supposed to start in her class you have to work your way up from beginning to master class which is her class. One thing I did not like was the parking issue. You can only park on one side of the street if you don't have a parking permit, which is only given out to people who live on that street. Also, there is hardly any parking at all. I got a $45 parking ticket the first day of class for parking on the same side of the street the building is on, since I didn't notice any signs that it was permit only. I had to drive around the block several time for 30 minutes to find parking on some nights, because most of the classes are at night, which is not safe for girls, when you have to park almost two blocks away and get out of class at 11pm at night and walk by yourself to your car. Other than that it's fine. read more

I never hear Ivana give acknowolgement to her mentor MASTER ACTING COACH ROY LONDON............... I trained many Years with ROY LONDON who was figuratively and Literally a GENIUS........Every so often When Roy could not make class, he would have Ivana be his substitute teacher......... I never really got Ivana nor did she ever impress me.........But to try to make her shine next the genius ROY LONDON maybe did a disservice to her..............Obviously she learned a great deal from Roy.........The difference with the two was Roy had an INATE GENIUS that came from within himself and Ivana is just mechanically operating from her inculcation of Roy's technique and classes .....This isn't necessarily bad........She is obviously making it work for herself..........Oh, a foot note before I leave.......Ivana mentions that she was responsible for several star's acting success, but many of whom she mentions including BRAD PITT were ROY LONDON's students....Ivana may have substituted a class for Roy here and there, but her flamboyant claims of being responsible for their acting success is far fetched! read more