Shaan Sharma is absolutely the real deal. No BS. His background is legit and he has earned his chops. His approach to teaching is positive. He is one of the most positive figures teaching, influencing, coaching, inspiring, and he's a forward thinker for our industry today. In my 36 years as a Union performer, I have never met anyone who impresses me more with their positive attitude for his own career as well as his fellow peers' careers. Shaan wants you to succeed and he doesn't possess a negative bone in his being. In my opinion, I feel that Shaan's demeanor as a person in addition to his skills and talents makes him the most special. And that shines through in all facets of his interactions professionally as well. With his umpteen years as a Session runner for commercials (not to mention his getting booked for acting work constantly AND currently), he has the knowledge you need and want to get not only your career going, but the healthiest mindset to go with it. Shaan not only is an innovator for his peers in the industry in his private business, but for the unions publicly; volunteering for his fellow SAGAFTRA actors who are studying and advancing their craft. His influence on education in the last few years has been exceptional and a terrific shot in the arm. I recommend, also, you read his book, Commercial Acting in L.A.: A Session Director's Guide - and more than once! read more

Shaan Sharma's Commercial workshop series is a must for anyone who is serious about acting and progressing in the business. He is passionate about empowering actors to be authentic, professional and equipped with all things necessary to thrive from the business to the creative side. Shaan gives all real world & applicable industry tips from his experience as a regular working actor (commercials, TV & film), influential instructor, and SAG-AFTRA member. All helpful and valuable industry info! No fluff! No BS! Plus, Shaan has very easy going personality with a go-getter mentality. If you do anything for yourself and your career, enroll and commit to taking this workshop! read more

I have mixed feelings about this class. On one hand, Shaan is an incredible person, and knows how to cultivate a warm and supportive community. That is undeniable. I feel like I made some great connections and expanded my fellow artist network. However, I feel like there could be a smarter way to divide the levels in this workshop. As it is now, there was a mix of beginners, people who book huge national spots and some in between. Everyone is just in one class together. I have mad love for the newbies, but hearing a 10 minute explanation of what "avail" means, isn't the best use of my time. And, when I consider the wealth of knowledge and experience that Shaan has to share, I feel slighted. I imagine that he has information that did pertain to me, but he didn't get around to sharing it, because he was unpacking the basics. I imagine that if the levels were divided differently, the class time wouldn't run so long, because Shaan would be able to be more concise. Shaan had some great guest artists run mock sessions on the last day of the workshop, they were lovely women and gave great feedback. However, I felt like I was just getting notes on specific pieces. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I had hoped that there would be some over-arching tips or techniques that I could apply to every commercial audition. If the format were to stay the same, I would just want more opportunities to get up and work, instead of just one class. So that, I would at least be getting more practice in. I would recommend this class, especially to people who are new to commercial auditions or really don't know how to brand themselves. read more

I learned and enjoyed taking Shaan's Commercial Workshop. His practical and to the point approach helped me understand the commercial world. What I loved the most about this class was knowing that he wasn't just giving the class but that he works in casting and is a working actor and that means that he knows what he is talking about. I highly recommend taking this workshop, it has done wonders for my auditions. read more

Working on my acting craft for the last 10 years has been an up and down rollercoaster, as it should be. Ive taken 100 of classes over this 10 year journey. Some good, and some not so good. Moving to California for the second time, I knew that I was pretty much starting from scratch and that i wanted to do it right. I had audited 3 Different acting workshops and schools to find the right fit to help me progress in my journey and move forward. I didn't click with any of them. Neither of them seemed like the right fit for me and didn't work with my learning style. A family friend connected me with Gabrielle. She told them of course she would meet with me and give any advice needed. She was awesome. I felt more comfortable talking to her for 10 minutes than sitting in those audited classes for 3 hours. She recommended that I take Shaans on camera workshop class for4 weeks. I did not hesitate to sign up and reach out to to Shaan to tell him how stoked I was. He gave me his personal phone number and email address and he answered/replied every time I reached out to him. The first night of his class I didn't know what to expect, but it didn't take long for me know I was in the right place. I felt home, I felt comfortable, I loved his energy and everything he was saying. It felt so right. Looking around at all of my peers, I could totally tell that they felt the same way. The next 3 weeks were awesome. I learned so much about myself thanks to my class mates and Shaan. I am now taking Shaans on going working actors class, his working actors 4 week workshop and private coaching. He is exactly what I needed to take that next step. The journey to my career has never been so fun and so positive. I recommend this class to anyone and everyone. From Will smith to the 17 year old kid traveling to the big city to follow their dreams. The class is electrifying. Thank you Shaan and Gabrielle! read more

So. I moved out here almost 3 months ago, and my cousin who is a pretty successful actor out here recommended the first class I take is Shaan Sharma commercial class. I loved it. It made all the difference for someone like me who had never really worked in front of the camera. It was challenging BUT supportive and I wouldn't have asked for a better learning experience. Already went on 2 auditions and thank goodness he taught me what I needed to know. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read more

Shaan was recommended to me by a mutual friend and was the first acting class I have ever taken. What I loved about Shaan as a person was that he is so passionate about acting and helping others feel the same. What I loved about his class was that he has a no BS attitude about being honest about how the industry works. Nothing is sugarcoated and I loved that. I learned so much from him. It's also really helpful that he has extended experience in the casting process. I highly recommend taking Shaan's class. read more

Take a class with Shaan. He is a great teacher who wants you to become the best, most truthful actor you can be. He is a working actor and he shares all that he knows with his students. You will not be disappointed taking a class with Shaan. read more

Shaan's Commercial Workshop is great! When I first moved to La it was the first workshop I took and it has done wonders for my acting career. Shaan gives a great class that teaches you the tips and secrets of the commercial world in a very practical way. Since taking the class I have gone on to book commercials with Hilton, Sony, Blue Cross, Uv Vodka, and more! Overall it's a must take workshop for those that are new or want to grow in the commercial world. I actually made some great friends from this class also. So win win! Andrew Landstedt- read more

I love Shaan's commercial workshops! He teaches with compassion and care, he's generous with his expertise and so encouraging in just the best ways. He's a good guy to have on your team. Once you realize that you are enough, you can really bring your whole self into the audition room, with the strength and confidence you need to be fully present with your character and collaborators. read more

I have taken the Commercial Workshop with Shaan Sharma and can attest without reservation that it is time and money well spent. Shaan's unique experience as both a working actor and a casting session director provides a perspective that is unmatched elsewhere. And his insider's view into how commercial casting decisions are made is in itself worth the price of admission! Shaan is a terrific teacher and communicator, has a wonderful sense of humor and creates an environment that is both supportive and motivating. If you've been discouraged in your experiences with other commercial workshops, are new to acting, or have tons of experience but just want to improve, Shaan Sharma's Commercial Workshop is just what you need. read more

This is a fantastic commercial acting class and a must-take for any actor (not just commercials). I have been an actor, and have worked in casting, for 15 years. I have also directed award-winning web-series and feature films. Shaan's approach is one that connects the actor with who they truly are, and not trying to be. As a director, I want to see people who know who they are and are comfortable and consistent. This is the class to take to make that happen. AND- Shaan is partnered with Gabrielle Schary, who is one of the top casting directors in the biz. read more

I am so grateful I found Shaan's class as my first workshop in several years. I moved to LA to act in 89 and met all the wrong people and got sucked into all the wrong things so after two years here, I became disillusioned with Hollywood, gave it up and moved to Santa Monica to exist happily and creatively in other areas. But since my 5-year-old daughter recently landed a national spot, I thought, "maybe I'll throw my hat back into the ring..." I mean, I left Hollywood, but Hollywood never left me. It's either in you or it isn't. And what the heck? With acting, it's never too late... Am I right? Since so much of Hollywood has moved west, I thought I would look up a local commercial workshop. Am I ever happy I found Shaan's class. Right in the heart of downtown Santa Monica! Shaan really gets it. He said he'd made all the mistakes for years here too, but he kept at it -- and he generously informs you about what NOT to do. The best thing is, he's a session director, so he knows exactly what happens in a casting session, what agencies and casting directors are looking for, and explains what goes on in the room and in their minds. He is intimately involved in the process, and to boot, as a current working actor, really feels for you, the actor. He lovingly guides you with zero condescension, which demonstrates he is genuinely concerned with your success, which creates a very supportive community -- just in my class alone, in just four weeks, I made 10 new friends with common interests! If you really want to know what to do in an audition, he won't steer you wrong. If you don't end up taking his class, do yourself a favor and at least read his book. SO MUCH USEFUL information! He's a really fun writer, so it's a joy to read. He also writes an advice column to actors in BACKSTAGE magazine. I also really enjoyed Jolene, whose class I will take next. She and Amy came in for our last class and helped us run through auditions so we have a clear picture of what we are doing. That taught me a lot about my weaknesses so I can work on those at home. Whether you are brand new or seasoned, you will get a lot from these exhilarating workshops. I had a long crappy day, and my mojo got completely flipped just from being in that creative, dynamic environment. It was the most fun I've had in any acting class in a really long time. Thank you so much, Shaan! You're AweShaam!! read more

Business in general is wrapped in a veil of obfuscating confusion. In Hollywood this is taken to the extreme. Acting is a combination of art and strategy, and both are hard to develop in a world of gilded lilies and ulterior motives. Enter Shaan Sharma, a pragmatic midwesterner who looks at both sides of the acting equation with equal clarity. Shaan's ability to cut through both the BS of untrained ahhhcting and the BS of the acting business makes him an invaluable mentor, teacher, and friend. If you're ready to learn how to act *on camera*, how to win an audition, how to find your essence as an actor, and how to strategize your career regardless of where you are at the moment, get off the merry-go-round of scattershot auditions. Look up Shaan and enter a world of friendly, motivated, and genuinely supportive peers. read more

I have been working with Shaan Sharma since the beginning of 2016 and it has been an eye-opening experience. I am a professional and time is of the utmost importance. I am in the process of transitioning from Corporate America to acting and have no time to waste, none. It's pretty much assumed that you'll churn through countless hours of wasted time, energy, and money while pursuing a career in acting. There are scams galore from head-shots to classes. Shaan removes all of the fluff from day one. He wants to know if you're a fit for the small sized learning environment. Equally, he will let you audit a class to see if his style resonates well with you. The environment is family oriented and only limited to a few students at a time. Shaan's On-Camera TV/Film course cuts to the chase and trims all fat. He provides raw and unfiltered feedback in an amazingly positive way that will keep you motivated at all times. After enrolling in his On-Camera TV/Film course, my head-shot photographer recommended I enroll in Shaan's Commercial Workshop. During my shoot she said, "It will be the only commercial training you'll ever need." And she was right. I took this four-week course in February 2016. It was well organized and reiterates Shaan's main principal of "You are enough. What I love about the class is how it builds from week to week where he ultimately, helps you find your "essence" as a commercial actor. My education with Shaan Sharma is continuous and will be for years to come. read more

Shaan not only is a phenomenal Backstage writer with valuable bits of industry info, but he is passionate about your success & wants you to be the best actor in every scene that you do! He is a working actor himself, and knows the business inside and out, if you are looking for a fresh look on your career, Shaan is the answer! read more

Shaan's on camera commercial class is fantastic and second to none. The classes though in a group setting are very specific to each person. I would take it again if i ever feel a little rusty. read more

I learned so much taking Shaan's commercial workshop. Not only is he an actor, but he also runs commercial casting sessions so he's able to teach from both sides of the business. He gave simple techniques that were easy to use and made a huge difference in my audition skills. The best part of taking this class is that Shaan is an amazing teacher and friend. He genuinely wants all of his students to succeed and has created a network of actors who all support each other. Thanks Shaan! read more

I took Shaan's On-Camera Acting class for almost a year as private lessons, to improve my on-camera auditioning skills when I first arrived here in LA. So here's my review on working with him one-on-one. I personally always needed to hone my work through doing it, and going through a year of work with Shaan had given me the great foundation and confidence to apply my craft. Here's the thing: If you're going to learn a skill, I think you should learn it from somebody who's actually doing the thing for a living. I'm just a practical dude. Shaan's a working actor, who has great results and books regularly (commercially and theatrically). So because he's an actor, there's an insight into what goes on in an actors mind when he/she is actually in a charged situation (e.g. an audition room/producer's session/etc). I honestly hate it when people who don't actually have the PRACTICAL experience of doing this for a living (in 2016) give me generalized, artsy-fartsy, or confusing information--it doesn't help. For me, ya gotta put your money where you're mouth is. I also believe perfect practice makes perfect. Shaan has an excellent insight into the mind of a working actor in LA, as well as a great business mind. Practically speaking, we work on camera and critique our work, all the time, so we can polish that part of the game. On top of everything else, Shaan is a genuinely kind, supportive, passionate teacher, someone who I'm happy to call my friend. He has introduced me to a great circle of other students and given me a community here in LA. Thanks for helping me make a career here in LA :) read more

Shaan is the MAN! Goes above and beyond for his students and is a genuinely nice and relatable guy. Have yet to meet another teacher like him! read more

TAKE THIS CLASS! I got my first "avail" for a commercial 3 weeks into Shaan's 4 week course and I am currently filming a project 2 weeks after finishing his class. I think that speaks for Shaan's class more than anything else. Shaan's commercial workshop was such a great experience for me. Shaan comes to this from two invaluable points of view, in front of and behind the camera. He is very successful actor both commercially and theatrically (his resume is redic impressive) but he is also one of the top casting session directors in LA so he knows what works and what doesn't in an audition. He runs auditions ALL DAY EVERY DAY! He brings all that experience to his students and his classes in such a positive way. Shawn is honest, he will tell you what is or isn't working but he does not demoralize you if you need work on your craft. He educates you, leads you, builds you, works with you and gives you the tools to improve...which is what you are there for. You actually get more than what you paid for in this class. On a personal note Shaan is a humanitarian in my book. His belief in treating people and this business with respect permeates the class. His humor is infectious and real and takes what could be intimidating for a "newbie" in town and turns it into not only a great education but an extremely fun experience as well. The fact that Gabriel Schary, one of LA's top casting directors sits in on some of the classes, sees your work and imparts her years of knowledge and experience is another invaluable plus to this class. You will not only feel like you learned a lot in this class, you will also feel like you made friends...because you will have. this is the real deal. read more

If you're looking for attentive, personalized, thorough training whether you're just getting started or you're a veteran needing a tune up, Shaan's class is the place to be! He's constantly working himself, both commercially and theatrically, so he's got proof in the puddin'! Your success is his success, so he really goes above and beyond for his students- as you'll read again in other reviews. He helped me grow more in two months of consistent classes than in 2 years at large studio classes. I've worked with him on commercials, tv, and film scripts, both dramatic and comedic, and he's got a great process for all of it. He uses current material so you're constantly working on things that are being cast and filming right now! His classes are by far the most affordable, but more importantly, the most worth it! He has remained more than a teacher, but a friend that I know I can count on and feel lucky to have in my corner. Give Shaan a shot and you won't be disappointed! read more

What can I say about Shaan's class? He is not only such a positive force to be around, he encourages EVERYONE to be themselves to the fullest. I took his commercial acting class years ago, and learned that I am enough in who I am. This really helped me not shy away from who I am as person, but to remember to infuse myself and my personality into all of my work and making the character fit me, be it theatrical or commercial. This town is going to throw every opinion and obstacle your way, but taking Shaan's class gave me the confidence and reassurance to go into an audition, give my best and know that it was enough. Not only is he still a friend (years after taking the class), we have worked on two shows together, albeit not the same episode, but the same shows. I think that says something about his work ethic and knowledge. read more

I took the September 2016 "Commercial Fundamentals" class here with Shaan Sharma and Gabrielle Schary at the recommendation of my commercial agent. I told Shaan that he is a unicorn of a teacher. He is a working actor AND a casting session director AND an instructor AND a generous, kind man. And Gabrielle is one of the loveliest casting directors I have ever met. I have trained at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Lesly Kahn & Company, and other world-renowned programs, and Shaan is right up there with the best. Each week, you learn valuable information (you'll take so many notes!), and reviewing the work you do on-camera is a true eye-opener (he sends you a link to the sessions via email). The final class, he brings in other casting session directors in his community to run camera so you can do several commercial auditions in multiple rooms in the same space at which I've had actual castings in the past. He encourages people to understand their own unique essence and bring facets of that essence to every audition, every time. He is also an advocate for community and collaboration amongst actors. He reminds you that you are enough. Yes, we all have to work hard on our technique if we want to be legendary; but too often, acting programs and teachers make us feel that who we are is somehow wrong. They do that so we'll feel we can't succeed without them and need to stay in class so they can "fix" us. Shaan doesn't do that. I wholeheartedly recommend this studio to anyone currently auditioning or hoping to audition for commercials, as well as folks like myself who have already booked commercials but want to strengthen the fundamentals, bring more of themselves to the party, increase bookings, and move their careers forward. read more

Shaan Sharma is the most generous and passionate teacher I've ever had! I loved his class!

I've known Shaan since I moved to LA in 2012. Not only did his commercial workshop pretty much land me one of the best commercial agents in town as soon as I moved, he remained a friend and teacher to everyone. That meant a lot to me since I was brand new and had literally never acted before. I started his tv/film class in the beginning of 2014, and it really changed my style. I just got confident, and comfortable, and listened more, and started seeing the fun in acting again. I've booked every genre of tv show so far, and a large part is because of the work we did in his class. It's also very affordable and flexible! You build a great team of friends and people to run lines with for anything. There's really no "method" in class, just find you and bring that out. And of course- get comfortable in front of the camera! The most challenging work I've ever done was in his class, and I just keep getting better! read more