I'm an east coast voice actor, and was tipped off about the Kalmenson method by my old online improv coach. When I contacted K&K about remote class offerings, I found the Working Pros class was upcoming, and space was available. The class is taught in weekly sessions over Zoom, with some homework assignments and class recordings shared after each session for review. This class helped me restructure my auditioning approach, embrace The Method, and, has helped me improve my audition quality, with renewed confidence tackling new challenges as they arise. I feel refreshed and focused heading into this last chunk of 2023. My recommendation is an enthusiastic "Yes" - if you're a voice talent, look over their offerings & select a class to help your career improve. If you put the work in, I'm sure you'll see the results come out! read more

I was so disappointed by how remedial this class was. Like most working actors in LA, because I'm not in the top 1% of the industry I have to work long, hard hours at my day job to make ends meet. As such, I want a class that has good bang for my buck, wows me and frankly blows me away. For example, the first time I went to Lesly Kahn & Co or The Groundlings, I had that exact experience...It took me all of 5 minutes to realize how much more I had to learn and where I needed to get to in order to be competitive in my industry. I've worked HARD on my craft and I book several prime time TV shows per year. Co-star, guest star, recurring... I'm always in class, hungry, humble and honing my craft or looking to challenge myself. That being said, I felt like this school is a complete waste of time for anyone who's ever taken a basic acting 101 class. Keep in mind, I attended the class for "working actors"....I can't even begin to imagine how remedial the beginners class for "non-working actors" is. I knew this was a bad and costly decision as soon as I saw the very outdated class materials and older copy. I was appalled to see a page of "feelings faces" with faces describing attitudes from A-Z like: Angry, Arrogant, Happy, Lovestruck, Sad etc (basically, the kind of chart non-verbal children use to express themselves). I digress, our class started with a cheesy, pre-taped video intro that made me feel like I was doing an online orientation for jury duty. The first 2 classes were like pulling teeth...we had to take turns reading instructions/rules, also a very bad sign (basically killing time to prolong and stretch out the material so that you take the NEXT level). In addition to being snail-paced the actual MEAT of the acting instruction was ridiculously basic in terms of applicable knowledge. Something incoherent to the effect of truth = attitude...attitude = truth blah blah. Huh? How is that applicable to text analysis?? what about operative words? antitheticals? builds? It didn't resonate with me at all and I really kept trying to keep an open mind and just go with the flow. We had NO time to practice our copy week to week. Our class met once a week, so one would think...ok, we'll get our homework copy in advance so that we can practice all week in prep for the next class and try to apply some of the famous Kalmenson method we were learning. NOPE. We got our copy 5 minutes before we had to perform it for our classmates. So we had NO TIME to sit with the copy, think about it, or try to re-read instructions from our Ebinder and apply it to the copy so that there was some kind of eureka moment where we could say...oh gee, I guess that technique can help after all. It took soooo long (I think it was 5 classes in) before we started getting re-direction on copy. My feeling is that a good acting class you start doing re-direction on Day 1. Instead of waiting till the next to the last class and promise: "more to come in the NEXT LEVEL!!" Yeah, I did not buy into that "join our next round of classes!" spiel. K&K wants you to really INVEST and take all their classes, which honestly I would have NO problem doing if I felt like I actually learned something or had measurable results. More than anything, I wanted to take a good Animation Class, an area where I have booked acting jobs on studio sets before....but instead I had to start with the Level 1 class where I felt unchallenged and uninspired, then take Level 2 and THEN I could take the animation class. Level 1 was abysmal, so there was no point in continuing with level 2. Oh and our last class we were told we would get a "special guest speaker"...which made me think we were getting a VO Casting Director or VO Agent or somebody.. but NOPE...Our guest speaker was just another K&K teacher. Huge letdown, but at this point I couldn't help but laugh given how bad the class was. I reamed my manager out for suggesting this class. I was literally going to fire my rep, but we talked it out and he was very apologetic. He made some phone calls, confirmed everything I reported with others in the VO industry and took K&K off their recommended class list. What we were told by another CD was that while K&K may have been good at one time, they really have not kept up with the times and they also cast very infrequently. Before my class ended, I called their office to express my concerns... so this review should not be a surprise and is not coming out of left field. In short, this was just a big waste of time and nowhere near worth $700. read more

Just took the working professionals class with the great Cathy Kalmenson, and it's one of the best investments I've ever made in my voice-over career. Why? Because I learned so many detailed industry trends, standards, and techniques that otherwise, my friends or other short-term masterclasses could not have covered. Before going to class, probably like you, I have heard what people are worried about, comparing prices between different classes, which I did so before signing up for her class, too. But I can confidently say it's worth it because Cathy's class cleared many of my inquiries and technical bottlenecks, which would have taken me 3+ years to learn if I hadn't taken her class. If you're still reading now and are a serious VO actor and looking forward to digging deep into the craft and work and finding "your brand and truth," I want to wish you the very best and hope you had a great experience as I did! read more

I had an amazing experience in my class at Kalmenson and Kalmenson. I had been taking classes through an online school for VO, and built a good foundation in terms of base knowledge, but felt I was ready for something that is more hands on. The VO class for actors level 1 was exactly what I was looking for. My instructor was Jill Remez, and she was the best, I tell you. Her guidance and wealth of knowledge was just what I needed, and it provided me the direction I needed to facilitate growth. If you are serious about learning what is needed to be successful in the Voice Over industry, I highly recommend enrolling in Kalmenson and Kalmenson. I am looking forward to enrolling in Level 2, and every other class. There is only one way to go, and that is up. Kalmenson and Kalmenson is the ignition to my rocket that will take me, no doubt, to the top. read more

I took a course for VO acting here and it really changed my life. This class not only taught me how to be a better VO actor, but taught me the MEANING OF IT. THE SECRET. Kathy and "The Harv" really care about you and your career and will steer you in the right direction. The teachers are all so amazing and talented. Super open-minded and supportive of their students. I booked a job, not even after but DURING, the course! That's how effective the classes were for me! If you want to pursue VO acting seriously then K&K is for you. read more

An absolute must for anyone who is serious about voiceover! I have been doing this for 20 years and I learned so much more. Truly inspiring. Thank you! read more

I thoroughly enjoyed this class! The method that is taught and reinforced here has made a huge difference in my audition quality. Cathy says if there is one thing she could give you to make a positive impact on your career it would be acting chops (not that 5000 mic or voice of god you thought you needed), and this is exactly what the Kalmenson & Kalmenson Working Pro Class delivers! The pace of the class is fast enough to keep you engaged yet intimate enough to take you into the deeper realms of expression. As a special treat your last class in the series introduces you to the other half of this proven institution of learning, legendary casting director Harvey Kalmenson! Together this wonderful team will not only show you the technical aspects of performing a winning script, you'll be given the opportunity to look under the hood and really see why certain reads go beyond the surface and win the gig. Cathy Kalmenson will see the light in you and encourage it to shine to its full potential. read more

The Kalmensons are great. Their classes take you to another level. Cathy is so warm, fuzzy and nurturing.

I'm currently in the middle of the Working Pro class, and I have nothing but rave reviews so far. Cathy Kalmenson is a wealth of VO knowledge and experience, and her wisdom and candor about the business is a gift. The small-group setting is an excellent way to grow and learn--not only from our wonderful instructor, but from each other as well. A supportive, safe space to explore and experiment. I'm sharpening my skills, learning new ones, getting down to the nitty gritty of what works in VO. AND having a blast! Highly recommend for any working VO actor. There is always more to learn, and Kalmenson delivers. read more

It sounds like one's experience is really dependent on the teacher you work with. I've taken VOA 1+2. Both classes were taught by Scott Holst and he's stellar! Why not be taught by a pro that books all the time?! He makes class super fun, has a great sense of humor and knows how to meet each of his students where they're at, challenging the more advanced students and bringing up less experienced students to the same level. Scott is skilled at finding what each student can do to improve their reads instantly! To address another review, yes, there's homework, but definitely not more than your average acting class (for which you should be rehearsing outside of anyways.) These classes at Kalmenson have been some of the most fun classes I've taken to date, and I highly recommend Scott if you have your pick! read more

I have worked and auditioned at this neat little studio for many many years! Very friendly owners

I recently finished the Foundations for Actors course from Kalmenson's education department and highly recommend it for anyone with acting experience looking to translate their knowledge specifically to voiceover. I was given tangible acting techniques as well as plenty of class time to work on copy and apply what we were learning. I had the pleasure of working with Jill Remez as my instructor, who was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but created such a welcoming and comfortable environment. read more

I just finished Foundation for Actors, Level 1 and I feel that I learned so much in a supportive, professional environment. I am now ready to learn more so that I have the skills I need to have a successful voice over career. read more

I just completed Voice Over for Working Actors 1. WOW what a powerful class! Cathy taught us a method that works and has given me so much more confidence in my auditions and performances. I did two audiobooks during the 6 weeks of class and the method helped and inspired me tremendously. Cathy also pushed me (all of us) to PLAY and be creative and improv and stand out from others. I am a better actor for taking this course and wish it wasn't over so soon! In 2005 I took VO 1 with Kathy Grable and that was fantastic also! I've also taken animation here. Can't wait to continue learning from this amazing team of talented voice over professionals. read more

Finished the Foundations Class for non-actors. Diving into the world of voice over is an exciting venture especially in the city of Los Angeles. K&K have been in the business for years and have recently opened up classes in the Santa Monica area! Our instructor, Doug Gouchman, was great very encouraging and showed us ins and outs of voice over work. You're not only learning from him but the experience lets you compare and contrast with other voice over aspirants at your level. By the end of the class you get an idea of what kind of voice you are and the kinds of roles you'd be best best suited for. A hurdle is the price but the experience is well worth it. In fact, the foundations class was recommended to me by founder Harvey Kalmenson himself! Being a graduate carries a lot of weight in finding work in LA, a huge pool of work for VO, etc. I hope to be able to further myself here again in the future. read more

I had the pleasure of being coached under Andrew Racho in Voice 1 class, who's known for animation voices (robot chicken etc.). The class gets right to the point, on the first night we were in the booth practicing some teachings we were given. Overtime you start to gain confidence, animated yourself more, as you progress in the class. My only issue was I felt I wasn't progressing as quickly as the other students, but to there defense they also had more experience than I had. I also couldn't "feel" the feedback I was getting, and putting it to use behind the mic, I'm still not at the right feeling behind the mic, you are supposed to feel as comfortable as you are talking to someone you know. All in all this class will give you the tools to implement it behind the mic, and once you find out how to approach different scenes/characters I think it will go a long way into your learning curve. best of luck! read more

I just finished my first Foundation class and immediately signed up for level 2 and the animation class. If you want to get into voice over, in my opinion, these are the best people in town, maybe the entire industry. Extremely professional, get right down to business, lots of personal attention and a lot of time in the booth. Their payment plans make it affordable. Can't wait to start my next class! Thank you Kalmensons for helping me find my true passion! read more

Kalmenson & Kalmenson - Level 1 class in Santa Monica. One of the best classes I've ever taken. Teacher: Doug Gochman, Sound: Steve Selvaggio - Speech Training Near Me

I completed the first course and signed up for a second one. Now, the first course was interesting and I enjoyed it immensely, obviously since I signed up again! We were told that it would be very cold in class. In fact, there was a stern reminder that "this is the temperature of the class" in an email I received before the first class, as if to say "deal with it!" I dressed warm for class as suggested. I dressed warm anyway because it was December. A pair of jeans, three layers of t-shirt/long-sleeved thermal sweater/thick long hoodie, socks, boots, etc. I was still freezing in every class. It was so cold it was hard to focus. Several other students also remarked about the temperature and we were all met with "Oh that's just the way it is in here blah blah." In other words, DEAL WITH IT! I signed up for the second course, only to find out that it was even more deathly cold in that class (different room) and the air would actually blow on you. Ambient temperature versus a directional arctic chill is very different. I felt like this was a bad joke they were playing on us. I was so cold that I was bent over, huddled in my chair EVERY TIME. What kind of class demands that you sit in this ice and focus on SPEAKING (it is a voice class, I sounded very very different and stiff due to the cold) while shivering? I paid for this class. I had to drop out because of the temperature. I got a partial refund on my second course since I only went to two of those classes. I asked them what they planned to do about their broken temperature system. We contacted the higher-ups via email, and my husband even called them to ask why their temperature control was so ineffective. They said "Well, it has been that way for 25 years." They also said "It is cold in every studio" which was funny because no one knows a studio environment better than my husband, being in the music and film industry. They dropped that excuse during a phone call where they humored our concerns about the temperature. At the end of that phone call when we hung up I understood that they didn't give a crap. I have never seen an establishment be so dismissive with the needs and concerns of its patrons. If you are reading this, Kalmenson and Kalmenson, fix your air control. Trust me, no one wants ice cold air blowing in their face indoors in December. I had to write this after all these months because my voiceover Dropbox just popped up on my desktop and reminded me that I enjoyed it. And they didn't even have the decency to reply to the last email asking when they would fix the air so that I could finish my second course. They simply refunded half the class and blew me off. This is 2017. I would imagine something as basic as climate control should be inherent in any professional establishment. So, if you can imagine FREEZING indoors for a voiceover class for three hour periods at a time, then this is for you. If not, find a place that's a bit more realistic with the temperature. They don't give a damn if you are warm, cold, frozen, or dead on ice. read more

I've taken a few courses here. Voiceover for beginners levels 1 and 2, as well as animation level 1. Ultimately, the value of the class really depends on the other classmates and the instructor. In my animation class I had a classmate that was vocally judge-y of everyone else in the class and had a very "better than you" vibe. She basically ruined the whole class with her attitude, making it hard for the other classmates to connect emotionally with their characters. I mentioned this to the instructor, who agreed but said there was nothing he could do. I dropped the class and Kalmenson didn't care and wouldn't do anything about it. I understand their no cancellation policy, but that's a lot of money to be out because a fellow classmate can't figure out how to be a decent human being and made it a bad experience. I could have stayed, but why put myself through 3 hours of anguish every week? Overall, they're great, but as others said, they're too much about the money and not the craft. And they don't care about their students other than getting paid. And the subliminally conservative emails they send are not appreciated. read more

I just finished Working Pro 2. Incredible teaching. The things I had heard about Kalmenson & Kalmenson voice over instruction were true. One of the highest if not THE highest level of training you could take. read more

I don't like writing negative reviews, but here goes... I signed up for the beginning Voice Over course. I attended the first class. I didn't realize how much work is involved..homework assignments, lots of rehearsing. I didn't like the cold, impersonal feel of the instructors. These types of courses should be presented in a fun, relaxed fashion. After the class I reviewed the folder full of assignments and homework, I realized that I simply don't have the time to complete all that is required for this course. I promptly sent an email letting them know I wouldn't be continuing the course. Several minutes later I received a very icy cold response which was a copy of the credit card receipt showing they had charged me for the full cost of the course... $700.00! Nothing was mentioned about me cancelling. I picked up the phone and called them as I wasn't sure if they understood my email message. The person who answered the phone said yeah, I know your cancelling and abruptly hung up the phone. There was nothing even remotely warm or caring about her tone. I would think they would say gee, I'm sorry you can't continue or is there something we said or did to make you not want to continue.? I was shocked at the utter lack of concern for why I had decided not to proceed. They were not at all interested in anything I had to say. Their attitude is as icy as the studio the class is held in. Unfortunately this can be the norm in Hollywood. It's really all the about the $$$$$$ and is so very ego based. I'm glad I cancelled!! read more

If you're serious about learning the craft, K&K is the best when it comes to voiceover. I took Working Pro I with Cathy Kalmenson last summer and it was a game-changer. Cathy keeps it real, and there is ample time throughout the course to study your voice signature - your unique "fingerprint" that speaks to what roles you are a natural fit for - and challenge your range. You learn a lot from watching your classmates improve as they respond to notes and take risks. You're encouraged to bring more of yourself to the work and it shows when you listen back to the files from week to week. Overall, I feel more confident in what I offer as a a voice actor. I came away with practical tools for how to approach copy, how to provide variety and how to do it in style. read more

I just wanted to offer my perspective on how "expensive" this class is. I took a few VO classes and workshops before this that cost less money up front. I went on to book a few small, nonunion jobs outside of Los Angeles. Then, I spent $600 on a six-week Working Pros class ($100 a week! Oh my god!) and learned skills that simplified the process and enriched my performances significantly. I even learned from one of the biggest CDs in voiceover (Cathy K.) that some of the techniques I'd learned in previous classes would not serve me in the super-competitive and highly lucrative Los Angeles commercial market. Cool. Stopped doing those things immediately. About a month later, I booked my first SAG commercial with my LA agent. My agent brings me in for more auditions and I'm still receiving residuals. This class paid for itself and moved my career forward significantly. For $600? I wish I'd done it sooner. read more

It's pro central here at Kalmenson...I've taken vo classes everywhere in LA and NY and this is a great outfit...now offering classes in Santa Monica so don't let that 818 area code dissuade you. If you're starting out, go to Scott Holst.. read more

I have taken their Foundations 1 class & after an eye-opening 6 weeks I will soon take Foundations 2. The environment is supportive and the education superb. They have flexible payment options & a wealth of experience. On a side note I happen to meet a well known actor who also does a ton of voice over work (he's in a huge animated film in the theaters right now actually). When I told him I was taking classes there without hesitation he said "Oh they're the best"... read more

I am a new student at Kalmenson & Kalmenson. I have never done voice acting before and have very little acting experience. I found the classes to be great. The teacher is knowledgable and friendly and a professional working actor. The method they teach just simply makes sense and is easy to understand. The classes are really fun and enjoyable. I am excited to take the next one with them! read more

I just finished the Working Pro 1 course and wow, just wow! I've never learned so much key info in one course. I feel more confident doing my auditions and more confidence in understanding how to read the auditions with those crazy talent specs. Cathy Kalmenson is awesome! She doesn't lie and she doesn't candy-coat, she tells you how it really is. Just getting in there and educating yourself on a method that really works is so so worth it. Do yourself a favor and DO THIS COURSE! read more

The things I've learned at Kalmenson & Kalmenson have helped me book work! I took the Voice Over for Actors 1 with Lynnanne Zager, who is a really great teacher. Two weeks into the class I was put on avail for vo job and shortly after finishing the class I booked a vo job. My on-camera booking/avail ratio has also gone up too because of the things I've learned here. I found out about Kalmenson & Kalmenson from a contact at DisneyToon Studios who recommended them very highly. If you're looking for great voice over classes this is the place. Class are small and you get to meet talented people who are doing VO for a living. Worth the money. Come on time, know what you want to ask the instructor & casting director and use this opportunity to meet great people. Good luck! read more

I have found my voice, in a professional caring atmosphere! Their working Pros 1 class is brilliant! We all have a unique voice, Kalmenson & Kalmenson will help you find yours! Shakespeare once wrote "Let there be more tests made of my metal before such a noble stamp be placed upon it" Well, look no further! Kalmenson & Kalmenson is pure gold! Johnny Littlefield Co host on ABC's Emmy award winning Extreme Makeover Home Edition Host of Discovery Channel's Machines of Glory read more

I have taken two courses with Kalmenson and Kalmenson so far: foundations 1 and animation 1, both at the Santa Monica location since I live in the city, and this option was most convenient. It's also great that they offer evening and weekend morning classes. The instructors are top notch and 'know their stuff,' and work hard to create a warm rapport and camaraderie amongst class members. A colleague and friend of mine recommended these classes to me, when I mentioned my aspirations for a voiceover career, and I'm forever grateful for her introducing me to the Kalmenson technique. The idea of speaking your voiceover copy to an audience of 'one,' is unique indeed, and also the various nuances and characters I took on, was quite challenging and empowering in one. I highly recommend Kalmenson as the expert in voiceover and demo prep. read more

Learned a lot about myself as a performer and the art of voice over in just a few weeks, amazing how much info they get for you and coaching in a short amount of time. You get a lot of time in the booth and all your recordings are given to you digitally. Not cheap but worth it to get the tools to get into the industry. read more

I had been wanting to try a voice over class for the longest. I had taken some fun voice over workshops in the past but I really wanted to start learning the craft. My friend sent me a link that Kalmenson and Kalmenson was having a special for new members, 50% off so I decided this was my opportunity. I was really nervous about my first class and expectations. Then I met the amazing hilarious Sara Cravens, I'm a huge anime and video game fan so once I saw she was on Erased, One Punch Man, the video game Injustice and THE CROODS, I knew I was in good hands. Sara was welcoming and encouraging and funny. She made learning voice over every week fun, daring, and challenging at times. Sara pushed myself and my classmates to go outside of our comfort zone and play. This was very helpful for me as a beginner in voiceover but also in my acting career. I felt more comfortable about making bold choices, letting go and trying new ways of performing. I'm so thankful that Sara was my teacher for my VO class. I am going to continue learning and will be in contact with my classmates and Sara from here and until forever! Sara thank you so much for everything you've taught me in VO, acting and life in general. Here's to you and peanut butter. I'm happy the studio moved. I was originally going to give four stars because I thought the studio should look a little newer but now that they have the new studio FIVE STARS! Great place to begin your voice over career. read more

Totally a pleasurable experience with Adrian and co. They really are the best of the best. The gold standard for anything voiceover related in the entertainment industry. read more

If you truly want to be a working voice over actor, this is the place for training from A-Z. Amazing teachers and staff. Even a demo prep class and Working Pros! Simply the best! read more

I have now taken Working Pros 1 and 2 at Kalmenson & Kalmenson. Cathy is fantastic and of course Harvey always has nuggets of wisdom to add. These two have been working in the industry forever and really understand it and most importantly, understand how to talk to actors. They make you look at copy in a whole new light and as such, you naturally make it your own and learn to stand out from the pack. What they call The Method, teaches you to approach even the most sales heavy copy with honesty and authenticity. I highly recommend their studio to any serious voice-actor out there. read more

I have just had my first class session, VO for Actors 1. I was floored by how nice and professional the class setting was. I loved the personalized binder with the class syllabus, expectations, assignments, and rubrics for student success. I am an adjunct professor in my survival job, and I was amazed by how organized, how professional, and how caring the staff was. I love the amount of hands on training you get here. I adored my first time in the booth. The teacher was very supportive, but not ingratiating. She sets firm and attainable goals for the students. She explains things in a concise way. Every student can understand the context of the lesson. She differentiates the lesson so that it appeals to multiple learning styles. She is an effective teacher, and one of the best I have ever experienced in my life. read more

I've taken four class series at K&K. The instructors have been insightful and the organized course plan are top notch. Listening to classmates and their feedback/coaching is really helpful and I've met a lot of new colleagues with whom I continue to exchange information, suggestions, and critiques. Great way to get a foundation in Voice Acting. I highly recommend them. read more

I attribute my success in voiceover to the Kalmenson method. Walking into their building for a class or an audition feels like you're walking into a room where everyone is on your team and they're supporting you and cheering you on! All of their teachers are top notch professionals in the voiceover world. Special shout out to my wonderful teachers: Scott Holst, Melique Berger, Steve Staley, and of course Cathy Kalmenson. I just booked my first national voiceover spot and two McDonald's voiceover spots, thanks to the Kalmenson method! read more

Kalmenson & Kalmenson - Speech Training Near Me

My voice over agent recommended the Working Pro workshop at K&K when I'd been experiencing a bit of a dry spell. Cathy Kalmenson is an enthusiastic and supportive teacher, and her methods apply to both VO and on camera auditions. She helps you zero in on what you excel at so that you can knock it out of the park each and every time. I booked three things immediately after taking the workshop and have been pretty consistent ever since. I recommend Kalmenson & Kalmenson to anyone new and interested in voice over, and working professionals who need a little refresher. read more

If you have talent you shouldn't have to pay to play. This place is only about selling classes. Look at the other reviews here.... They teach expensive classes, to submit you for casting you need to have paid for that chance via their " classes". The whole thing seemed a racket to me and I've done radio gigs in the US and now Brazil. A true casting agency will take your info IF THEY SEE TALENT and submit you when it seems you might fit. Perfect experiment to expose their MO is this. Reach out to this agency, if they like your voice, they will return your call, try to sell you classes. They might call you in for an "audition" you won't get it but they'll reach out and try to sell you more classes. Buy a class and they'll start submitting you. if you don't buy glasses you just get emails forever about classes and deals on classes. Just make friends in the industry and submit yourself for scratch work.... Eventually agencies will hear your voice and you'll get booked, also the more you are reliable as far as doing scratch (unpaid vo) the more the studios just start using you as talent and you get experience, real demo content and future jobs from the people actually doing the work. You can also google exercises etc. and look up the DON LA FONTAINE VO STUDIO AT SAG-AFTRA HEADQUARTERS. GOOD TRAINING THAT DOESNT COST THOUSANDS. No need to thank me, just use your money wisely. You should never have to pay to get work. EVER. read more