The FUNY Stand Up Comedy Classes of the NY Comedy School are very good. I've taken many classes…read morethere with teachers Eddie Brill, Brian Scott McFadden, Clayton Fletcher, Liz Glazer, and others. These teachers are successful performers and their classes offer feedback that is priceless because it is truthful and specific, to help you improve your joke writig and performing. They don't pull punches - they really try to help you improve by offering suggestions on performance and specific punchlines. I've grown alot in their classes. I've come out with new material and better material. In fact, I won their "Comedy Idol" Contest on 3/30/25 and did spots on two pro shows, a great experience. I strongly endorse their classes because they are the real deal. The West Side Comedy Club is a great venue, with a great accessible location and a Mexican restaurant above it, Playa Betty's, which has the best guacamole and chips ever. The Club is well run, with open mics - and - get this - you can take open mics for free when you are enrolled in a class. This is a great deal! Take advantage of it.

Eddie Brill's Comedy Workshop today was amazing on so many levels. Creating mutual trust in the…read moreservice of providing honest peer reviews is clearly another one of Eddie's superpowers. He created a temporary learning system out of eight strangers (and some observers) right off the bat. What followed, for me, was gold. I feel like I'm better off for it. Definitely worth the fee and time invested.

loved it big shoutout to Angie and Alani!! great vibes and great service, will be coming back for…read moremore fun

I am a huge improv fan and do training sessions myself. So I was excited to sign my son up for…read morelessons with Kids N'Comedy. My son is naturally funny but has never been in a class environment like this. We did Kids on Broadway once but that was years ago. The class asked us to send a phone to record. However, a lot of the kids including my son ended up on the phone in social media, and someone near him was also playing video games. I wanted him to do this class to get out of home and not play games, but that is what he ended up doing here, unsupervised. There was also a bit of a preference for old-timers. Overall, he refused to go back and when I checked usage I saw that he was on his phone the entire time. I asked for a refund but their policy is no refunds. It is a LOT of money, and to pay so much upfront without a trial, and have unlimited phone usage was just not ok. I have done improv and there is absolutely no need for phones to even record. We wrote down key points or were given print-outs. I would not recommend their classes for kids. Some kids may have benefited, we didn't, and instead lost $$$, which is incredibly annoying.

There really aren't enough good things to say about Laughing Buddha Comedy. I do want to make a…read morecounter-statement in regards to an earlier review about LBC "not being friendly to female comics". I think this may have been a single occurrence, as it certainly is in no way true about LBC as a whole. I moved to NYC in 2010 specifically to take their 6-week program, and everyone involved with LBC was nothing but warm and friendly to me. As a female myself, not one time was I made to feel uncomfortable or unwanted, and in fact, I have known many female comedians that have come up through the LBC ranks (not just utilizing the open-mics) and have never, not one time, heard a similar complaint. As far as the mics go, yes, there are stringent rules, but anyone who has been to the plethora of mics in NYC recognize the value of having rules; many other mics in the city are sheer mayhem. With LBC mics, you get people's undivided attention and they are always responsive (where response is warranted, lol). The biggest thing you'll see at an LBC mic is respect, and that alone is worth any money paid. In regards to LBC classes: You can take workshops/classes cheaper than LBC, but you walk away with much less as well, and you can pay much more than LBC for "accredited" classes, and still you won't get near the stage time, experience, information or attention as you will from Jeff Lawrence and his instructors. Bottom line, the cost of workshops or classes are NO indication of value, but what you get out of them, is. LBC is worth every penny. Laughing Buddha Comedy is simply cream of the comedy crop. I owe a huge part of my experience and success that I have found in the past 7 years as a stand-up comedian to LBC. It would have taken me yearrrrs to learn on my own what is taught at LBC, and the contacts I have made via networking with people associated with LBC would never have happened, period, without them. I highly, HIGHLY recommend Laughing Buddha Comedy, and its owner, Jeff Lawrence.

Superb comedy classes with top of the line comedy instructors! I've also done several shows and…read moremics through LB and they're always well run and super organized and lots of fun!!

For those who don't, Manhattan Comedy School is the place to learn how to be your internal…read morecomedian! I have taken 4 classes over all and I must say it's was worth every penny! It has changed my life for the better

The school is absolutely fantastic! The instructors are incredibly talented, supportive, and…read moregenuinely invested in helping students improve. Andy, the owner, is very well connected in the comedy industry, approachable, and truly cares about his students' success. One of the things I appreciated most was the opportunity to perform in the graduation show. Industry professionals attend these events, and I was fortunate enough to book another show as a result. I highly recommend this school to anyone interested in stand-up comedy.

Really glad I ignored some of the reviews here, and a thread on Reddit. I have since shifted focus…read morefrom acting to art full time, but I started the Meisner beginner course this past January, and it was the best decision I've ever made. I had a fellow artist friend highly recommend the program and James Price. The class really opened me up, and is good not just for actors, but those trying to get better with improvisation and public speaking, or even learn to stop caring what others think and just live as you. After I finished the beginner class I was invited back to be on the conservatory track. I took two other courses, Voice and Singing, both led by great teachers as well. Oh, and every class I took was more than reasonably priced. I 1000% would be continuing if I had the time to focus on acting at the moment. They also have acting labs that are open to all students several times a month. I never once saw any teacher behave unprofessionally. The big problem with the dramatic arts is there tends to be a lot of narcissists that end up in the field. These types usually make the class about themselves, and their teachers just an obstacle to their inevitable success for which they are willing to put in none of the effort or work. These are the types that seem to have an issue with James, and post for the world to see. We had just one person drop a class I was in, the Meisner intro (it wasn't their idea of what an acting class should be--did you research even an iota?) and they were easily the laziest in the group, skipping out on all the required between-class work (which will help you so much!). To those looking to dip their toes into acting, or novice actors looking to level up their skills, I would highly recommend checking out The Acting Studio. Really easy location by Penn Station and Herald Square. If you come ready to do all the work and then some, you're gonna have an amazing time. If you're not willing to leave your ego at the door for a minute, you'll probably end up here writing a bad review.

I took an intro to Meisner class over the pandemic. I've always wanted to add it to my resume and…read morethe timing was right and the price was reduced. I must say that I didn't do my review research ahead of time but it probably wouldn't have changed my mind because the negative reviews that I found on The Acting Studio and James Price in particular are hidden or have been removed. I found out by word of mouth after being insulted more than once by James in class for no apparent reason. I'll be honest and detailed Our class on Fridays which is taught by James is supposed to end at 10pm. He goes well over sometimes close to midnight with no regard for our personal lives. If you say that you have to go early, which is really on time, he insulted you by saying that everyone has things to do. Most of the class is filled with his stories of his past roommates or his rants and fights with his young husband Aong who is from Thailand. James makes assumptions about you based on your looks and ethnicity. Facts: He called me a BITCH in class because I stood up for myself after begin belittled for asking a question. He apologized to me later in front of the class and with only a month to go until our last class... he once again belittled me for asking if I could ask a question. His response was: No you can't. You are always disrupting the flow of class. Even if this was true... should this have been told to me in front of class? A good teacher explains things the first time so that the students don't always have to ask what do you mean by that? To add insult to injury, he has a young male student from Italy who told me to get over it and then proceeded to jump on James' bandwagon. James has made reference to me having a hard life without even knowing my background. I could go on but let's just say that his class isn't for an intelligent, WOKE, AA woman. He's a coward and he needs an audience to showcase his off the wall behavior which can change from crying to laughing to yelling to belittling in a second. I question his mental state. No one in class is ever sure of what our assignments for the next class are. Everyone is afraid to go first because no one is ever clear on his directions. The class doesn't have to be 9 months. We do the same thing over and over each week which drags the class out and I suspect for money. Take your money and go elsewhere.

I lovvveeeeeee Rick's dance classes. He is always making me break a sweat and I don't even know I'm…read moreworking out! His dances are always fun and sexy. I have been taking his classes for about 3 years and he always has me coming back for more!!! Learn more at: www.facebook.com/DancehallandGroove

I have been taking Rick's classes for just shy of 2 years! I knew from the first time I took one of…read morehis classes, that he had a completely different approach as to how he taught, and how each person arrives at the routine. He breaks down each step, slows it down, so you can follow it, and then puts it all together at the end. It is a workout, but you honestly think you're just out with friends, dancing. It is a great experience, and I have told all my friends about both classes. Dancehall Explosion is my FAVORITE. The steps are not hard to follow, at all. His Hip Hop (Street Grooves) class is amazing too. You sweat a lot, and have an incredible time through the entire class. You do not have to be 'dance trained', and the atmosphere is very come as you are, and have a good time. Attending his classes, have become a part of my weekly routine..

I can't recommend Michael enough! When I started lessons with Michael one year ago, I was feeling…read moreincredibly frustrated. After taking years of voice lessons with other teachers, I still didn't have the skills or technique to perform to my fullest potential. Michael has truly (like, seriously) changed all of that! Working with Michael has helped me to solidify my technique, gain confidence in my performance, and has challenged me to push past (what I previously thought) were my vocal limits. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who wants to take their vocal technique and performance to the next level.

After one lesson with Michael, I could tell he was the knowledgeable and trustworthy voice teacher…read moreI was looking for. I was brand-new to the city, and primarily saw myself as a dancer. I have now been training with him every week for the past 7 months, and I have noticed the difference. I am already singing with more confidence, more strength, and less tension. He truly cares about his students, and will work tirelessly to help you achieve your goals. He will give you honest feedback and thoughtful advice, and will find the approach that works for you. He will celebrate your victories, and help you process your hard days. I am constantly impressed with his extensive knowledge of the voice and of the industry. Of all of the decisions I made when I moved to NY, booking a weekly lesson with Michael has been my best.

Where to start? Hb Studio was and is the only reason I temporarly moved to New York. The Variety of…read moredifferent acting teachers, classes and workshops spoke for itself when I researched Hb Studio back in Germany. Both my initial reachout and the continous support of the international office were suggesting a warm welcome. And the actual arrival went exactly as I hoped; The staff is openminded and very helpful. They even assisted me with non-school-related problems which really helped me put my feet on the ground. That kind of service become rare these days! The same goes for the 9 different teachers that I am able to study with. While being supportive and understanding they push every student individually to new limits. Beside different techniques and approaches of the teachers I also learned a lot about myself which already directly influenced my acting. The classes are reasonably sized and allow propper, structured exercises aswell as a trustful, troupe/ensemble-like atmosphere. The whole community is diverse, welcoming, understanding and supporting through all instances. From the comilitones over the staff to the teachers, I felt accepted and welcomed throughout my whole term. Being a future Alumni makes me both proud and thankful. I am glad to have choosen this school and can only recommend it to everyone who is willing to invest in her/his selfdevelopment!

I have taken classes at HB Studio on and off since 1995. Something must have happened to the…read moremanagement lately. Years ago, I took a voice-over class and they never told me the famous voice-over artist/teacher, who died from COVD in 2020, would not be teaching. Instead, the clown who taught and some snippy lady in class were on my case that you need a British accent for most luxury American commercials. I was not given a refund for the class. Notify people the professors changed and do not have them harassed if they do not have a British accent. This is not London. Tell people they will need one or they will be harassed in class! I must have complained close enough, but they claim I did not. I would say they should give me a "free" (I derived nothing from the class) class with the proper teacher, but he is dead. Perhaps my self-esteem is rising and my patience/tolerance is lessening! I was almost physically attacked about a year ago by a tall Asian man who told me I could no longer audit a class or use the bathroom after having paid thousands to them for years. They were enforcing mask policies when not even hospitals with old sick people were any longer! You can no longer audit or check out a class there. I don't think their office is yet open! In addition, a recent Zoom class I took on acting business advice for $95 was largely a waste of money and really did not tell me something I did not know. One woman had decent accomplishments, the other okay ones. They both seemed to be in the same boat as most on the Zoom. A few on the Zoom class had no experience. After being a member of SAG for more than 10 years, they are so disorganized, they never put it onto my profile. In a hurry, and having decided to the last day of good savings on November 30 to register, I realized, to make a long story short, I'd have to call the office to get the proper discounts. I was frustrated but appreciated the good service of Lluvia Almanza. However, she must be very uppity and complained about me. (Some of us deserve to be uppity at times, but not her.) I had thanked her and had wished her a good day. I was given a refund (thank goodness) and not listened to after defending myself! smh