The first session I went to (seven months ago) I was figuring that it would be worth 1¾ hour of my…read moretime and $25 (though the scale can slide down to $20) to see what this was like, no harm done if I didn't like it. I was hooked, and I've attended most of the weekly sessions ever since, though there's absolutely no commitment required as to how often you come. Beginners (which is what I was) are very welcome. If you drop in for one session, I'm pretty sure you'll feel it was time well-spent, even if you end up deciding not to come back for more. Hey, you could just add "attend at least one improv class/session" to your bucket list, and if you decide not to return, you'll have been able to cross off an item...

This was my first introduction to improv. My primary intention was to use this experience as a…read moreself-development and public speaking exercise as I prepare to assume more leadership responsibility. Elana was so attentive from our intro call and throughout the entire class. She explained each exercise to foster comfort and inclusion. The participants were equally as welcoming. The crowd is mature but seemed delighted to have me. Overall, I enjoyed the pleasant environment, cognitive conditioning and subtle fun.

I love this place and the adult introductory classes. I've taken Robert Greer's introductory ballet…read moreclasses for 10+ years and it's been the best experience. Robert makes the classes fun, and do-able, regardless whether you have danced ballet before. I've also learned so much from Robert about anatomy and how the human body is designed to function. This was very important for me because I started coming off of a disability where my body no longer felt like my own. Moving to music is so relaxing, and the other dancers and atmosphere of the class is so nice.

I took Intro to Ballet 1 with Alexis -- what a FANTASTIC experience for my first ballet class! As…read moresomeone who has never done ballet before, I was nervous that I'd feel out of place. Alexis did a terrific job of making sure everyone could follow along, and helped me with some of the basics that all of the other students already knew. The class was a blast and I also got a great workout in. I look forward to taking more classes with Alexis, and highly recommend!!!

We love the Beat! I (and my husband Robert) have had nothing but fantastic experiences here and…read morehighly recommend it. Roger is so wonderful. He always has a kind word for everyone who enters and has the true soul of a dancer. Nick and Irina are also awesome teachers. It's crazy how much you learn and progress in even one class!

I came here to support my former teacher who was subbing a Brazilian dance class here and parking…read moreis free! The staff is welcoming and there are all sorts of classes here. The studio where the class was held is small but cozy enough for at least 8 people.

We had a Clay Date to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. Having never done anything like this…read morebefore (literally my only experience was watching Ghost), I had no idea what to expect. In short, it was awesome! Caty was an informative instructor who gave each of us the support and care that we needed to be successful. I'm so proud of what we created. We'll use all of the pieces for years and remember the special experience even longer.

My partner and I went for a beginner wheel class this weekend and it was a delight! Caty is such a…read moregreat teacher, and the environment they've created was low pressure while being structured.

Enrolling in Empowerhouse Acting Studio's 2-Year Meisner training program was one of the best…read moredecisions of my life!!! My Experience:I've grown so much as both an actor and an individual through Melissa Thompson Esaia's 2-year Meisner program at Empowerhouse. She created a safe and supportive space where I could be vulnerable and explore parts of myself that I don't normally express in my daily life. Her feedback is thoughtful, empowering, and always focused on growth. She understands that we're learning and we're not here to be "good" and"perfect." We're here to show up, do the work and do the best we can, and trust in ourselves (and also have fun)! On days when the work felt thin, Melissa acknowledged my efforts and gave helpful feedback and suggestions for what I can try next time and how I can make the work feel more earned and strong. I appreciate Melissa's sensitivity and gentle approach to teaching! Melissa assigned scenes that stretched me beyond my comfort zone. I'm naturally soft, fun-loving and bubbly, so I really appreciated being given characters that were messy, complex, and emotionally rich. It helped me discover sides of myself I didn't even know I had. I've taken her teaching with me to my personal life, and that has helped me feel more free, present, and grounded. If you're an actor looking to take your craft to the next level, I highly recommend Empowerhouse Acting Studio!! I've also taken Improv Workshops with Otis Gates, and they were so much fun! It was my first time ever taking an improv class, so I was definitely nervous, but Otis brings a vibrant energy and created such a warm, welcoming, and joyful environment. His class helped me loosen up and feel more at ease in my body. I highly recommend Otis's Improv workshops regardless of your experience level. Whether you're trying improv for the first time or you're an experienced improv-er wanting to continue working on your craft, you'll definitely enjoy the class! The Breath and Body Workshop with DeAnna Driscoll was another amazing experience. Her class was incredibly grounding. We worked with breath and movement to connect more deeply with our bodies. I've always wanted to explore and expand my vocal range, and this workshop really helped with that. I was shocked to hear myself accessing a vocal range two octaves lower than I normally speak! This workshop was only 2 days, but those were 2 powerful days! I felt so grounded and present in my body, and have continued to use her teachings in my daily lives. I highly recommend the breath and body workshop! Overall, you're in excellent hands at Empowerhouse. Whether it's Meisner, improv, or breath and body workshop, the quality of the training and the heart behind it is unmatched. I can't recommend it enough! Logistics:The 2-year Meisner program consists of 6 sessions, each about 3 months long, all taught by Melissa. Classes meet 1-2 times a week for 3 hours each. You're paired with a scene partner every session, and outside rehearsal with classmates is essential for getting the most out of the work. The Improv Workshop runs for three days, with each class lasting three hours. The Breath and Body Workshop is two days long, also three hours per class. Bonus: there's plenty of street parking and pricing is very reasonable!

I will begin this review by addressing all those actors and aspiring actors out there looking for a…read moresolid training program that builds a strong foundational craft in the art of acting and provides a suite of tools to use when building a truthful character and scene. If this is why you are reading this review, I can assure you that you will find all this and more in the Empowerhouse Acting Studio Meisner Program. I was fortunate to enroll in a class led by the founder of the studio, Melissa Thompson Esaia. Melissa is a kind and supportive teacher, while also holding her students to the high standard required to grow as an actor. This class requires commitment and trust and if you are willing to make this commitment you will surprise yourself with the growth you will see as an actor. The program breaks the process of acting down to its simplest form and then builds on itself in beautiful and surprising ways. Each of the six sessions provides unique gifts that build on each other as the program progresses. Session 1 taught me what it means to be truly present and connected to a scene partner. Session 2 taught me how to build a life in my imagination. Session 3 taught me how to bridge the gap between myself and a character who is radically different. Session 4 taught me how to truly find the meaning behind a character's words. Session 5 taught me how to embody a character in both body and mind. Session 6 taught me how to bring it all together to collaborate with a partner in the truthful experience of living out a scene. After completing the program, I feel comfortable in calling myself an actor and feel armed with the tools of craft needed to take on any role. Beyond the Meisner Training program Empowerhouse Acting Studio also offers other classes and creative events that I have found incredibly rewarding. The Business of Acting and Audition Class is a must for anyone ready to take their skills into the professional world. It was a wonderful class to take after the Meisner Program. I have also taken breath and movement classes that have allowed me to more deeply connect with my own body when working on stage and camera work. I have also participated in fun events like a 24 hour film festival that is a blast and improv jams that are welcoming of improvers of all levels. While I have taken classes at several of the other major Bay Area Theatre companies that offer them, the classes just don't compare to the dedicated attention I received at Empowerhouse. I came to this studio and the Meisner program looking to become a better actor and it delivered on this many times over. I was not expecting to gain a deeper understanding of myself as a person. The greatest gift and superpower an actor can receive is a greater understanding of themselves. Beyond the tools and the craft, this deeper understanding of myself is the greatest gift Melissa and the Empowerhouse Acting Studio Meisner Program gave me.

Gina and all the teachers have created a welcoming, supportive space where members and students…read morefeel valued and connected. One thing I really appreciate is how much Gina listens to member feedback and actively looks for ways to make the studio even better, whether that's bringing in guest artists for workshops, hosting movie nights, organizing sales and letting members participate (for free!), or planning fun workshops like the gold luster, cute critters, or nerikomi workshop. There are always thoughtful touches that make Kollektiv feel special, from celebrating birthdays and milestones to creating opportunities for members to learn, share ideas, and get inspired. It's a beautiful studio filled with kind people, creativity, and a genuine sense of community. I'm so grateful to be a member.

Classes: Kind and supportive teachers! This is where I first learned throwing and, yes there were…read moremany struggles learning a new skill, but Gina helped me feel at home and comfortable to ask questions and make mistakes. Highly recommend taking a class here! Membership: As a member, I enjoy accessing the studio during more hours and access to a wide range of beautiful clay bodies and member only workshops. It's also one of my favorite third spaces! Here I've found new friendships and a space to grow creatively. Members here love to share tips, tricks, glaze combos, tools, glazes and more making for a collaborative space focused on relationships. Highly recommend this studio whether it's a class or membership!

This is my Happy Place. Every instructor and staff member I've come to know over the past 3 years…read morehas been so helpful and friendly, and the community here is wonderful. The studio is big enough to offer things like visiting artist workshops, a spray booth for glaze, raku, soda firing, and more - and the huge range of work is always inspiring!

I have taken classes there for 5 years, and the instructors are wonderful. Students can use the…read morestudio outside of class time. The value for your $$ is very high. This studio has an amazing offering of classes (6 week and 12 week) and workshops (2-3 days) , and the opportunity to learn all of pottery process, like making glazes and firing the kilns.

Excellent Training mostly everything you need to know to work in film industry Celik brings out…read morethe best in his students

Student since September 2023…read more FABA's endeavors are exceedingly multifaceted and extensive. What one will find exceptional is the format of the class, dynamic professional acting coach, and opportunities FABA has with the film industry. First, the format is organized to where the students are prepared with upcoming assignments to know what will be expected. This provides more focus and allows one to become aware of their upcoming responsibilities. The scenes in class between actors are organized so that there is ample learning, and rehearsing. I find the other students to be punctual, respectful, and talented. Next, Celik's perspective what the inner meanings of the lines in the scene are and then we communicate at an individual and group level. His knowledge helps the student bring life to the words. His style allows greater freedom that allows oneself to go deeper into the roles. He speaks with kindness and discipline, yet not over critical; moreover, he guides one through each stage systematically proving instructions instead. With the framework Celik has created, a student can look forward to learning the concepts of acting and being optimistic with each coaching session. Last but not least, FABA has a network of film production entities with possible opportunities that makes FABA a rewarding experience. FABA is a uniquely positive and rewarding learning environment with solid people and personal support.