I can only speak for one class, Brian O'Connell's Form's Workshop, and I can only say amazing…read morethings about it. I've taken a lot of improv classes in my day and nothing snapped me in shape like this class. You'll learn a lot of great new forms to add to your game but aside from that O'Connell expects and crafts great scenes - which translate no matter the form. Based on this class alone I'm looking forward to taking workshops as soon as I can. Seriously worth it. If you don't, you're basically wrong. Your country needs you! O'Connell is an amazing director and improvisor, he'll get your game where it needs to be...and quickly.

oh wow, my level I class with Emily was so, so great. This was my first foray into improv ever and…read moreI did a LOT of research about into which LA-improv scene I should dump my moolah. My boyfriend and several other friends have gone thru UCB and the general review is always that it doesn't really start to pay off until level 4, so why the hell am I spending over $1000 to wait nearly a year to get results?? I chose Miles Workshops because the pay scheme seemed fair and the instructors seem to actually care about every person in the class from day one. I went with Emily because of her rep of not letting students be scared babies, which I am/was. She brings the improv player out of you immediately and calls you on your shit, which is great because if you want to get better bad habits need to get worked out asap. She doesn't follow some formula or dogma, she goes with what's inherently true about improv: it should be fun, easy, and natural. She doesn't try to cultivate some new set of ideals/games/rules for you to have in your mind about the process, she just finds and brings out the talent that is innately within you. For those who have gone thru other schools it must seem different because it is not a class built around structure. And it seems obvious that improv shouldn't be built around structure at all. For me as a beginner (and for non-beginners!), this was the perfect intro because it didn't get me "in my head" about the whole thing. In fact, Emily doesn't allow that. Think about it: anytime you try to learn something new (sports, language, whatever), if you focus on all the rules you tend to fuck up. You have to just go for it. So in Emily's class you just go up and start playing from your gut, and she calls you out if you're not (which I love!). While it's ridiculously hard, it gets one in an honest place from which to go forward with improv. I could go on, but I'll just close by saying *everybody* (especially if you're that player who stands up on stage stressin' and racking your brains about what to do next and blah blah) should take this class!! Emily will rock your world. P.S. You also get to see a built-in comedy show whenever she talks.

I cannot say enough great things about LA Actors Institute. This place has wonderful instructors…read morewho take the time to help you develop and improve your craft as an actor. LA Actors Institute sets themself apart from the rest by providing genuine instruction that shows how important they view developing the actors that take their courses. They take the time to get to know the students here to better identify areas for improvement and to pinpoint strengths that can be nurtured to be even stronger. Whether you are just starting out or if you are an avid actor, this is a great place to start or to refresh & improve your skillsets. Please take the time and check this place out! A big shout-out to Holli & Amelia, you ladies are phenomenal!

The commercials class was great- I gained a lot of insight on the whole process from receiving the…read morebreakdown, to researching the brand, to character work, to recording a slate/self-tape, to what the casting directors/brand might think & want, & more... the class gave a lot of depth! It definitely challenged me as we worked with various types of commercials, some solo and some with partners. I feel better equipped now with the tools that the class gave me! Shoutout to Doug Bailey for the referral!

A hell of a place to grow as an actor. Kristy genuinely cares about her students which helps bring…read moreout their best. Also I've met amazing friends who I can rely on in this crazy industry. I'm currently working on a project with a bunch of classmates and plan to collaborate with them as much as possible in the future.

Truly as good as it gets. Kristy knows how to get your performance to the next level. Every time I…read morework with her, it's like a thousand light bulbs go on. As a New York trained actor, I've found her coaching invaluable for working in LA - aka the Major Leagues. She wants you at your BEST and won't let you get away with anything less!

Miss Sarah has been teaching at Studio A for about 6 years I believe... She is great at making…read moreeverybody feel comfortable while making sure each minute is used to the best during her ballet classes. Efficient, nice, and very professional! Adapted to all levels from beginners to advanced and pointe classes for all (even if you have never danced ballet your whole life you still have your spot as well as anyone else in her beginners classes :) Must check it out!

I had a great time auditioning for their adult show, and it seemed super inclusive and welcoming…read more It was my first audition in 17 years and I was insanely nervous, and everyone at the audition could not have been nicer. My experience with the choreographer however, was the polar opposite. I don't know how much the company is to blame or how much they vet the choreographers they work with, but the choreographer I was paired up with was SO incredibly rude to me. She was dismissive and went out of her way to be mean to me, repeatedly, despite me bending over backwards to be kind and be the bigger person. I've never been spoken to in such a dismissive way. Unfortunately I'm not sure if I'll be able to audition for them again considering how truly upsetting my experience was, out of fear of ever crossing paths with her again. Her emails made me cry which is so unnecessary for something that was supposed to be fun, when we are all adults here. I feel so disrespected and ultimately disappointed by the way this panned out.

LA Unbound dance classes were one of the highlights of my year! They got me back into tapping again…read more(it had been a loooooong time since I tapped!) and started me on ballet, a dance form I had not dared to try since I was 4 years old! I was so disappointed when they canceled these classes! I especially miss Rock and Roll Ballet with Betsy. There is no other ballet class like that one in town! I just hope that she will one day decide to start this class up again... or at least have a Rock and Roll Ballet Workshop! We miss you, LA Unbound Classes! Please come back in 2011!!!

Colleen is truly "an actor's coach," but equipped with the wisdom of multiple perspectives and…read moreexperiences in the casting and creative processes to tackle each challenge - whether for a specific audition or overall career trajectory- from all angles. She is patient, thorough and attentive, and the tools available in her toolbox to tailor to the individual actor are extensive. She approaches the work with passion and diligence, but knows how to walk the delicate balance between coach, teacher, and mentor. Her generosity and dedication knows no bounds!

Colleen is a gem! She has helped me out in a pinch so many times. I live in Atlanta and travel to…read moreLA frequently. I got in on my flight and needed to film the next morning before work earlyyyyyyyy. I had never met her but had a recommendation from a friend and she was so easy to talk to (you definitely want that when you are trying to find someone to film you especially when it is already a quick turn around time crunch). She is always super prepared, looking at my sides and already has ideas when I get there. Beyond all the technicality, she is such a great coach and she will work with you to get that ultimate truth. I feel that some of my best performances have come from working with Colleen. She even edited and submitted one for me right then and there because I had to get to an appointment. She understands the actor life, the stressors of auditioning and immediately brings you to the present. She is also your biggest fan, but also a good critic and will provide constructive feedback to get your best performance. When I coach with her I feel like I get a private class and it is always a reminder that if I come with my prep, she takes it to the next level. Colleen is my go to for filming auditions in LA. I love this woman! And she has the biggest heart.

I took Nancy's audition workshop and LOVED it! I learned a lot and was happy for the opportunity to…read moremeet her and get to know her style. She gave me great feedback on my read and answered tons of questions on all aspects of the auditioning process. Every actor who takes a workshop knows it's not a guarantee of employment or auditions but I'm excited to audition for Nancy's office now that I know what she likes. Her input has been invaluable in ALL my auditions since and I've recommended the workshop to many friends who've also seen great results.

Nancy Nayor Casting Workshop. Its a SCAM! Nancy holds a monthly casting workshop that is GROSSLY…read moreover priced. $225 for for hours and you learn nothing. You audition in front of the group of 19 other actors then Nancy then gives you feedback. Nothing is learned, nothing is gained. Even though I did a great audition in class, I never heard from her again, no audition. We got along great in the workshop and my agents haven't had any luck with getting my in for a basic co-star role. She is a hustler and her workshops are unethical. Money grab scam.

I absolutely love Troy Rowland's acting studio! He is as…read morereal as it gets! I have seen so much growth in myself since I've been taking his class! He's very uplifting and very motivational! I leave class always feeling good and more confident!!! He pushes each student to their maximum potential and capacity. He offers improv, scene study-(provides original content), how to self tape, preparing for an audition, blocking for a scene, character building, approaching a scene using reversal. The list goes on! Because he is on set everyday, he brings so much insight to the class! Which is a super plus!! He also brings in working actors/reputable people he works closely with in the industry. What sets Troy apart from the rest is he is an actor himself who can demonstrate what he teaches and he has a heart of gold! He wants the best for his students and he is fully committed to everyone's success. He once told me, " you owe it to yourself to invest in yourself". It really stuck with me and I take the time to think about every decision that can positively or negatively impact my career. He is walking wisdom and I'm so blessed to have an amazing mentor/teacher/long life friend! Love Troy!!!! 10 stars!!!

I've been training with Troy and Tonya for almost 2 years now and I've grown so much as an actor…read more I'm constantly being challenged in ways I knew I needed and because of that I've been open to the feedback and taking the directions. They both are amazing. Not only are they great at teaching but they offer something I know I wouldn't get anywhere else, and that is mentor ship. Our classes are like a family and I couldn't be more grateful. He encourages us, and the majority of us are working actors, and if we weren't when we began training, we became one which is always the goal for us. We learn training and the business side. This class is for hungry actors that want to grow. They offer varied levels of training. It is not a place for cattiness and gossip, so if you thrive on that, don't bring it over here...it's a place filled with love and professionalism. Oh and I forgot to mention at any given time anything can happen, such as in class you can be booked on the spot...not something that is frequent but anything is possible....I've seen it with my own eyes. You also get to build your network really well. And what they teach is so relevant, from general castings, to callbacks, to what you do after you book. I can't say enough things about how great they are!!! The knowledge and relationships built are invaluable, but most importantly all of this is done in love. If I had to choose a coach in another lifetime, I'd choose them again :)