I don't live in LA, so to be able to take ONLINE classes at the clown school has been one of the…read moretrue perks coming out of this pandemic. This school has some outstanding teachers, and I noticed they often sat in each other's online classrooms. Such solidarity/dedication/pure love for the craft among faculty members is rarely seen elsewhere. I've taken two courses so far. The online format worked seamlessly, and both experiences exceeded my (gigantic) expectation. I'm not going to be a clown for living, but I'm certainly enjoying the guided exploration of comic psyche/movement/timing/musicality. I especially love how class discussions/exercises were led with incredible facilitation skill and care -- that alone is an art in itself. Apart from clowning classes, there are other classes exploring masterworks by renowned playwrights or develop one's original materials...the options seem eclectic, thoughtful, delightful. Create big headache regarding what to pick and choose, though. I want this pandemic to end immediately, but that might mean the Clown School will resume in-person instruction and stop offering online classes? Ahh, I don't know. I'll try to live fully today and stop worrying about tomorrow.

About a year an a half ago I had a close brush with death due to cancer. I ended up being fine, but…read morewhen it was all over I decided it was time to do those bucket list things I always wanted to do. I had always been interested in clown school for a fun thing to do, and found this place online. I have now just finished level 2, and I have to say this was one of the best decisions I made in my life. I didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't what one thinks of when you think of clowns. There is no grease paint. We didn't take classes like "Seltzer Water 101" or "Pie in the Face through the Ages." As another reviewer said, this is clown in the European tradition. Think Bill Irwin or Sascha Baron Cohen. This was scary and frustrating at times, but it was also beautiful and fulfilling. The class was warm and inviting and we quickly became a family. I laughed so much, and I feel like I have grown as a person along the way. I could not recommend this more. Zach Steele is a masterful teacher. I plan on taking all the classes as soon as I can.

If you're looking for a great acting coach or you ever thought about giving it a try, you will find…read morea lot of value in this training. Shaun T Benjamin is actually a working actor, film maker, and former instructor from The Actor's Studio so his advice comes from real world experience. In addition, he often casts his students for his feature films so it's a great opportunity to not only learn but to showcase your talents.

From the owner: Divine 8 Acting Academy offers coaching that is concise and to the point, encouraging, and…read moresupportive. You will gain fast results quickly, saving you a lot of time and money while training in a safe environment.

I've officially been a student at Brian Cutlers' Acting Studio for 8 months and can fully and…read morehonestly share my thoughts and overview on my experience. Look. This acting thing is tough (and rough)... Especially if you're new to the industry and starting out as a newbie. So much to figure out - classes, getting representation - the who and the hows, how to market yourself - the what and the where... and then what happens when you get an audition, or callback?! I've learned so much from Brian and the team at BCAS. Brian has had a long and successful acting career. He's figured it out and is passing on his wisdom. Lucky us - the BCAS team lays it all out there. I remember visiting (auditing) different acting schools as I tried to find THE ONE. BCAS was the third studio I visited. Being someone who has major social anxiety, it took a lot for me to put myself out there - but when I walked in, I immediately felt as if I found my acting home, my "family". Brian, John, and Jill knew each student by name. They even knew who I was when I walked in on Day 1. I was impressed. Observing the format of the class, how Brian led and shared raw notes throughout the session, his humor and/but also seriousness with his art, how the group was focused, supportive and positive, and the professional equipment and recording set up, I signed up for my first cycle that evening. I was done auditing any other class/schools. I'm still at the beginning stage of my career in acting, but I know with the Brian's guidance, the different courses/services that the studio offers (accelerated program, assistance on eligibility to become Sag-E, etc.,) my career will move forward. No doubt. As a note: BCAS won't do the work for you. They'll be there as a tool and resource for you to succeed. But YOU have to put in the work. So there's that. Get to work. As I tell my kids, "If I'm not having a blast, I'm not doing it." Good Luck friends!

I absolutely enjoy taking classes here! I am learning so…read moremuch every week. It's so wonderful to practice our craft in such a safe kind environment. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to study here and learn from such fantastic mentors.

Debra De Liso is a terrific person. She cares about each and every individual she meets and is…read moretruly dedicated to helping them to achieve their goals. Debra has been one of the biggest blessings to come into my life. The first day I walked in, I knew I had walked into the right place. She always offers encouragement, helpful advice, understanding, compassion, and dedication to helping me achieve my goals. Currently, she's helping me with my demo reel and with audition preparation. I couldn't be happier to be working with Debra. She truly knows her craft and has a wealth of experience. Debra is genuine and has a big heart. That is an understatement by the way. She knows so many incredible people and she is always willing to give referrals to specialists (eg. voice teachers, etc.). The people she knows are also the best in the business! I am so lucky to have Debra De Liso as my acting teacher. I hope that everyone who wishes to act, direct, write, or improve their life in some way gets to meet Debra. She truly is special. I've also had the pleasure of meeting her wonderful husband Dan and her daughter Alex. Alex is an amazing singer and that is an understatement! I've been lucky to be able to work with Alex too. My advice to everyone who reads this review is to go to her acting class at least once to see what Debra can do for you. Everybody in my acting class is so supportive; it feels great to have a support system. I've never had such an encouraging support system. We all learn from each other too. Every time I come to class, I learn so much from every single person in the class. I'm truly lucky and blessed. By the way, her rates are extremely reasonable - a true indicator of her dedication to helping every individual she meets. Do yourself a favor and pursue your passion with Debra's help!

#Atwater Playhouse Monday night's class with Jaime…read morePaolinetti was awesome! We got the chance to practice our scene with a live camera and get valuable instruction on camera work. (Available to view on Yelp at Atwater Playhouse) I've been taking this class for about 5 months and have learned so much! I absolutely love this class! We use Stanislavski's The Method, which in itself is so interesting, and Jaime ( who's an actor and director) really understands and knows how to transmit his knowledge of it so well. It's a lot of work but NEVER a dull moment, and you are guaranteed to improve. I am a novice, and when I started I was so nervous I could hardly move on stage. Now, I'm still a little nervous, but can't wait to get up there and do the scene. There's no criticism, we just work and practice the tools. If you're looking for a lot of feedback, this class doesn't do that- it doesn't have to; you feel when you get it or you don't- You're given the tools, and Practice Practice Practice !! I learn a lot from watching the other actors as well. Some are new to acting, and some are professional actors. There is a good range of experience and ability in the class, and they are all very generous with what they know. If you want to hone your skills at auditioning, are curious about The Method, or want to try acting for the first time, please come join us!! We need more actors! Audit (free!) the class Monday nights 7pm 3191 Casitas ste. 100, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Check out this class and others on the website: atwaterplayhouse.com

Marylin Monroe, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Angelina Jolie, Will Arnett, Scarlett…read moreJohansson & even you can learn and use acting technique here. This school's open approach to The Method and one that is kind. A far cry from usual acting schools, these awesome teaching staff members create a great environment where we are in safe and supportive learning mode. There is a focus on the body being fully relaxed as to access anything they need. The culture is amazing at relaxation exercises that Lee taught specifically to the chair was awesome and I loved being taught it here. From day one the fantastic Holly Hart taught us levels of awareness and how to name things in terms of boundaries. My teacher Anne DeSilvio reminded us that we are just on a leaning journey and take the pressure off of 'nailing it' every time. The on Camera class with Chris Prinzo is upbeat and his notes are constructive and always help. No matter what he has your best interest in heart and wants to see you connect to the emotions within the relationship of the characters, the scene and the exchange between both actors. We were lucky to be taught by two family members related to Lee Strasberg himself here. The fun Sasha Krane took us through a very smart, sharp and dynamic scene study and would sharpen identifying factors to quickly break down these with the script. David Strasberg is great to work with and gives a session that is packed with information and new ways to use old tools we might not have remembered or knew how to use before. He teaches a monthly drop-in class which I look forward to being a part of as well. Jenny at front desk sets the kind tone from day one onwards and no matter what my question was I never felt dumb. I was grateful to her opening the door for me randomly as I arrived earlier than ever each day due to LA Metro transit. Laura Cromer Director of Administration makes schedules & pumpkin pie and amount other things, has the kindest dog. Ashanay at the desk was a wonderful entity and I am glad I got to meet her in her final days in this kind position and wish her the best int he future. Lee Strasberg Institute meets you where you are as an artist and only build up so the experience can remain open to adjust and adapt easier. Their intensive was the best decision ive ever made since living in LA. I am looking forward to my continued study with this school in the future.

I had a great experience here for the Pictures Up Film Festival 2024. The only drawback was parking…read morewas so hard to find! We circled around the area for quite a while until we found something and had to walk far, but hey, it's LA, comes with the territory. Bathrooms are nice and clean and the theater picture and sound were perfect. Staff were nice and friendly and it just overall went really well!

A true masterclass teacher. This is a very rare thing for someone to have such a vast knowledge of…read moreplays. In class we do everything from Chekhov to Miller to Mamet to Pinter, classic to contemporary text. I have seen some of the finest acting in my life, at the level of Emmy winners I've worked across. To Stephanie's credit, the students are extremely dedicated. She expects them to have prepared, but also gives space at the studio to rehearse. She really deconstructs the technique she's learned, which has deep roots in Strasberg. There is an emphasis on relaxation and sensory work, which she teaches in the mornings, followed by scene study in the evening. Again, very rare to get training in movement , voice and sensory on top of a scene study class. I feel this foundational stuff is the 'wax on wax off" part of becoming a black belt. I have a hard time leaving because my work improves tenfold after each 6-week session. I have opened my heart immensely since joining. My imagination has soared through the roof. Again, I say this is a very rare class. I fantasize that this was the way Old Hollywood trained. A very unique experience that I've never seen taught anywhere else. The longer I stay , the better my audition and film/theater work get. You have to try at least once in your life.

Stephanie is the best teacher in LA. Her class is also unlike any other class I have taken (and…read moreI've taken a few). While most classes are formatted in a way that doesn't foster deep thorough character and story work, the environment and format of SFS not only supports that, but demands it. Most classes you learn a specific technique and then work, rehearse and perform in what feels and acts like an audition environment. At the SFS, it is treated much like a theatre group, with a stage, full prop room, rehearsal time on stage. When you put your scene up for critique, you are putting it up as though it were a full production, that you, the actor, are responsible for - the acting, directing, wardrobe, set design, etc. It has made me a more well rounded, thorough actor in my work and makes auditions seem like a walk in the park. I also think it allows me to bring more to an audition because my day to day practice is so full. I think the most amazing thing about Steph is her intuition and ability to somehow understand and/or see through a particular actor's blocks and issues that may be getting in the way of not only their acting but their career and/or life. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't come here, I'd still be the angry scared girl in the black hoodie and hat sitting in the corner with a "fuck you lookin at?!?" look on my face ... that doesn't really go with this career choice. ;-) The studio is an incredible, supportive and creative environment, producing shows ranging from traditional plays to interactive plays (think, NY's Sleep No More) music nights and writer nights. It's also a theatre non-SFSers can rent for their productions, which as a student I love, because I get to hear about shows I might not otherwise find out about.