I started at The Actor's Workshop about 4 months ago. I waited a little while to really dig my feet…read morein to give a really solid review because you know how it is sometimes you write while the "newness" has you still giddy. I'm one of those people that doesn't take everything as gospel. I challenge, question and basically see if things make sense when I learn things. This town has a lot of actors following a lot of gurus. I'm all for it if it makes you a better actor. I feel like The Actor's Workshop is the anti-guru type place. The main rule here is "no acting, please." I love it. In a town where everyone wants to show off to prove they are actors...this school focuses on being the real you. Acting from TRUTH. Focusing exclusively on film and TV (on camera) work, you are forced to be REAL and not fabricate reactions because the camera can spot a fake in a heartbeat. The challenge most actors will have is allowing themselves to do LESS and really let the camera capture them. Ok...enough with that kind of stuff. So here's the deal. They meet twice a week, the instructors R.J. and Rob Adams give their all to help you become a better actor. No coddling, no punches pulled, great critiques and just pure technique and practical application to become the best real person on screen you can be. The workshops are ongoing so you jump in and you'll work with actors who have been there for 4 years or 4 days. Its great because everyone gives you something different when its time for you to work. Plus you can see the progress of people who have been there for a long time and its very encouraging because they are GOOD! TV and Film Acting = The Actor's Workshop.

Excellent place to take writing classes. I have been taking classes since 2009. I have taken both…read moregroup and private lessons from Elana. She is an amazing teacher with a wealth of experience in both teaching and writing. The other students are also very supportive. My writing has improved so much that now I'm now not afraid to write anything. My coworkers and boss will defer to me as the resident expert in writing. I start my day with writing because I learned that I love to write through Elana's classes. I highly recommend for anyone who is interesting in writing. Even if you just have an idea, go ahead and try it. I'm now working on a memoir and I had no idea I would do that when I started the classes. Classes are affordable and good for all levels of writing. Enjoy!

"I have worked with Elana in her Writing Studio for several years. My writing skills have…read moreflourished under Elana's gentle, encouraging and inspired tutelage. She is a truly talented writer, editor, mentor and writing coach. Going to one of her writing classes or spending a day in a private session is like going away to a spiritual retreat. I cannot recommend her highly enough and would give her ten stars if that was available!" Nikole Severance, teacher, writer Thank you so much! Love, Elana

Dave is the most-what he doesn't know about script writing isn't worth knowing. A terrific…read morecommunicator with exemplary skills. I would recommend his classes in a heartbeat even to those with experience.

I reached out to Dave to help me to write my first script and he was incredibly helpful and showed…read moreme the right way to do it .He is so easy to communicate with and tell your ideas to and explain your vision .Not only he helped me to get the structure right but also boosted my creativity and imagination.Looking forward to meet him again and go over my writing , I would recommend him to anyone who is experienced writer or just starting.Dave absolutely knows what he is doing, very professional and knowledgeable, 5 stars all the way !!

You have a 1 percent chance of passing the writer's lab. The Sunday company waiting list is like 2…read moreyears long. It's obscene that they don't have another student night like a Monday or Tuesday. UCB has Maude night and have like 6 teams. The Sunday show is torturous too 2.5 hour long show?! Seriously? In this economy. Make it 1 hour and add 2 more teams. Groundlings company get it together and make groundlings cool again and add fresh blood and add more females too. There's a reason why the theater isn't doing well--you're not cool. Gary Austin was all about play. Elvira and Peewee Herman are not "grounded characters". Get funny again. Comedy is over the top. Thank you.

The Groundlings School teaches a foundation that is not only about comedy. It's about linking ideas…read moretogether and supporting each other. I had the privilege of taking a class here that reminded me of our basic tools to make an improvised scene occur. It is taught in a true 'drill' like fashion. Getting 'the reps' in feels good as it takes the pressure off the end result. I had the pleasure of having the fantastic teacher Echo Cullem. He teaches from the heart, knows the rhythm of a scene and how things should feel. He is a person we could trust as a group collective and one that made me feel open and able to adjust and learn. Eco reminds us that 'The most important person in a scene is your scene partner.' Our class was lucky to be given this amazing experience and I will miss each and every one of my talented classmates. Training at The Groundling is an honor for any funny or talented person who might be blocked or need to hit reset and you owe it to your talent and your Los Angeles story to train here.

Jason was my college counselor when I was preparing for SATs and college applications. I do not…read morethink there is enough emphasis in getting guidance on college applications; however, considering how stress-inducing it is for students, it is pivotal to work with Jason to not only get assistance will the application but guidance on your path to college. He is exceptionally intelligent with a huge background in education and teaching. He always prioritizes his students and establishes an honest, comfortable space to ensure that his students are well taken care of. Before working with Jason, I never had any intention of attempting to go to a better university other than my hometown college; however, not only did he help me find confidence, but he guided me into valuing myself as an individual and student. Till this day, I still hold onto the advice he has given me that helped me grow in my college career and corporate career. If you are a parent or a student, do not miss the opportunity to work with Jason.

I was Jason's student for a little over two years, from the time I was in 7th grade to 9th grade. I…read moream now a sophomore in college, but I think about what Jason taught me every now and then. Jason was my first creative writing teacher. At the time, I did not know what writing could look like or do. I liked to read, so I just wanted to copy what I saw. But Jason took me seriously despite my lack of experience and knowledge, so I learned to take writing seriously. He did not focus on formalities and techniques right away. First, he taught me to look for stories in everything I watched and read. He showed me good movies, animated shows, comic books, articles, and more of all genres. What I appreciate most about him now is that he did not look down on any storytelling medium. He taught me not to be pretentious. When I started to write with him, Jason was encouraging and honest. He pushed me to write about myself for the first time. Before him, I did not know you could write about yourself unless you were a celebrity because I had not been exposed to nonfiction. He pushed me to experiment with form because he prioritized expression over formalities. I learned to be critical when editing by watching him edit my writing. I watched him pay attention to how writing sounds in one's head, which informs my writing to this day. He did not force me to write in a specific style, which I realize now is why I even have my own style. I am still writing in creative writing classes here at college and in my free time. If it were not for Jason, I would probably not be writing. I would probably not be at the school I'm in. I would probably not enjoy movies and shows across all genres, and would definitely not look for stories in everything I consume. He really is a great teacher and mentor.

Connection, commitment, confidence, focus, and adherence to truth and authenticity- skills every…read morehuman being can be benefit from having, and skills that you will hone in Alex's class. Here, you will learn, develop, and finesse the techniques and mindset crucial to become a professional, working actor. That being said, even though this is an "acting" studio, the process of studying with Alex will surpass far beyond the craft and seep into all areas of your life as you dive deep and discover the complexities of who you are, and what you value as an individual. Alex is intuitive, patient, generous with his time and energy, and constantly evolving within his own craft as a teacher, bringing to the table his rich life experience as well as accredited expertise. He is individualized in his approach, "tayloring" them based on each student's specific strengths, weaknesses, goals, and needs. The only caveat- you have to be ardent and resilient, and you have to put in the work.

By far best acting studio out there. The technique is taught in such a clear and effective way. And…read morethe teacher can really see what you need and knows how to guide each person individually for them to go and unlock what they need for their acting. Every single person in our class came out with their skills just transformed. The atmosphere is also a really great place to grow. It's always super respectful of everyone, it's a safe space, it's focused, and all about the love for the work and the art form. Hands down best acting training out there. I could not recommend this place more!!

Toby is awesome! Thats really all that needs to be said, but since this is Yelp, I will get into a…read morelittle more detail. Toby's Casting Seminars create a fantastic audition environment, and help each and every individual student strengthen their weakness and thrive in their strengths. I took the Callback Intensive and it was a great workout. I definitely have my quirks and setbacks, Toby acknowledged them and helped me improve and move forward, making sure I could be the best possible actor in the room. He pointed out the little insecure fidgets I did when I wasn't feeling confident, or felt like I messed up, and talked me through ways to get rid of those feelings and gestures. Which in turn, helped me shine in the room. The intensive also focuses on what happens on the other side of the camera. How casting directors make their picks, how and why clients choose the talent to book, etc. You have to realize that no matter how good you are its not personal, and casting/clients have their own reasons to hire you for the job. The only thing you have control of is doing your best work, feeling strong, confident, kick ass, and move on to the next one. This class was a great challenge for me and I am thinking about taking another intensive soon! I have been referring friends to Toby like nobodies business. Since taking this class I have booked 8 commercials, one of them requiring me to join the Union. Take my advice and check out Lawless Casting Seminars!!

I enjoyed my experience at the Lawless Casting Seminar…read more Toby was very insightful and kept it interesting. I have been in the business for quite some time but took a few years off for personal reasons - and felt this was exactly what I needed to get me back on track. Thanks Toby! Looking forward to seeing you again!

I have attended the Monday Evening Workshops here over the last year and I love it. The space if a…read morefantastic artsy loft in the Atwater Crossing Arts Complex, the people are top notch and very interested in seeing you get your piece where you want it to be, and there is great programming. I have also attended readings here and I have a feeling that this space is going to become a staple on the East side. They also have ongoing classes in Memoir, Scriptwriting and Creative Writing.