Great venue for an independent play! @jimmyjenkenhiemer was a success. Easy Parking too! read more

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I was looking for a worthwhile yet affordable acting class and found The Actors Company after auditing a few other classes in the LA area. I found them through a friend who did a voiceover workshop there, and I am so grateful I did! The acting coach, Joe Salazar, really takes an individualistic approach toward each actor, learning more about them with each class and allowing them to develop in a way that works best for them rather than using a more blanketed or singular approach. He delves into each characters' truths, guides you through building the world in a scene, and understanding what your characters are fighting for. Joe is phenomenal, and one thing I especially appreciated was that he knew how to support you without coddling you and critic you without discouraging you. He and this actor's haven are truly a hidden gem. This is not the type of acting class where you can get by doing only 50% of the work. He expects a lot out of the actors that come in and does not shy away from challenges that ultimately help you realize your potential. I would recommend anyone who is serious about acting to check out The Actors Company. read more

I've used this company a few times, but I will not use it again unless I have no other option. The quality of the camera work is low. The angles are always the worse. The readers are so so at best. The person at the front desk is still reading a novel or something, so she doesn't want to be bothered (Go home if you don't want to bother). The last time I used them, she objected to me telling the woman editing my tape which takes to use. They never know if they will be able to edit your video then or later. I don't know much about their history. I don't care to know. But, I do know that, based on my experience at The Actors Company, I will not go back there UNLESS there are absolutely no other options available. AL Los Angeles read more

I visited the Actors Company once, 2 years ago for a workshop, and will never return, nor would I recommend to any friends of mine. Whoever was at the main desk when I walked in from the parking lot (A 50/60-something year old woman with long mousey hair) and coincidentally also running the session, was both tactless and rude. Again, I'd never been to this studio before, so I politely asked which room my particular workshop was being held. She looked up at me as though I'd urinated on the holy bible, rolled her eyes as though she'd been asked this question ALL DAY (which may have been the case, but still does not excuse the attitude problem..This is, after all, your job, m'am), and then, begrudgingly, pointed me in the general direction I was supposed to be headed. The fun continued when it was time for us to hand in our headshots/resumes before performing. Look, I'm sure she's been hardened over the years by a lot of wide-eyed wannabe actors fresh off the bus from the midwest who don't follow directions, but she was downright rude and dismissive to just about everyone at my workshop. Listen, young actors will put up with a lot, because they often feel at the mercy of the powers that be. They're terrified of burning bridges, or hearing the dreaded and fabled, "YOU'LL NEVER WORK IN THIS TOWN AGAIN!" nonsense. Heads up to this woman: People are PAYING to have the privilege of performing a scene in front of a myriad of casting directors/agents/managers. The revenue from said paying customers contributes to keeping your lights on. So what these folks don't need right before their time slot is to have their heads bitten off, or to feel dejected by some cynical, snarky person who should clearly explore a new career path (or perhaps look into some good mood stabilizers.) There are dozens of studios in town that offer workshops where the staff treats actors with both respect and common courtesy. I'm not speaking for the entire staff at The Actors Company; just this one woman, in particular, because she was the one with whom I had the experience. However, that one experience was bad enough to make me never want to go back, which is pretty bad. read more

If you need a great quality self tape with a fast turnaround this is the place to go. You can literally walk in and talk to live people about setting up a session. As working actors they know how busy and spontaneous everyday can be and they'll work with you to get you in as soon as they can. Readers are actors themselves. Knowing how stressful self taping can be they're always calm, personable and will to go at your pace to make you feel comfortable... just remember how much time you're booking... Be prepared! They'll have your tape sent within the hour, I got mine in the time it took me to walk to starbucks! They won't start the clock the moment you walk in the lobby like other places. Get to the room, get in your space, and be ready to work. The only place I know of that will gift you a free taping for your 8th session! Avoid places like The Creation Station and go to where you can feel comfortable, welcomed and given a space to be in character. Went in at 1:45pm on a Friday, got done and had my tape sent to my agent and then sent to the casting director by 2:26pm same day. That's how you make it out here. read more

I can go on and on about what a scam this place is when it comes to classes. The people who work here including Guy Stevenson and the Shana are the poorest quality of workers. I don't want to go on and on about details, because I just want to get to the point. Save your money don't come here. Since Guy teaches or used to teach at Groundlings don't go there either. Teachers and workers make a place great to go to and spend your money. Not here. Do your research save your money. read more

Bogus acting studio, only around to collect a paycheck. Welp, my experience with this money hungry acting studio was horrendous. I respectfully tried to get a refund immediately after purchasing a class that I couldn't attend. It was within a week after I purchased the class that I asked for my refund since I wouldn't be able to attend this workshop- scheduled for over a month away. This was a one of a kind class with no upcoming similar classes for the rest of the year. But the owner haggled with me for 2 months. I was told I would get my money back if the class filled up. And in fact it did. A good friend of mine attended, but I was never refunded. Why would you keep my money? You profited off of a full class plus by money. Wow. Just wow, very bad business. The owner is a retched person with a not an ounce of integrity. Very rude. This place deserves zero stars. read more

It's rare to find a company in Los Angeles that really - I mean REALLY - cares about actors. Lawrin and Joe go out of their way to continually offer unique, valuable classes at a very reasonable price. I've taken the improv class, the sketch class and I'm excited about the new classes they added recently. I've done many self tapes here and I'm always thrilled with the quality. Their entire staff of actors are eager to help and offer words of encouragement. Just all around good vibes!! They turn self tapes around SO quickly, I think I got an email with my finished tape before I even pulled out of the parking lot (FREE PARKING TOO, MAJOR BONUS) and they don't add on a whole bunch of sneaky fees like other places. Plus their readers are all actors so you know you'll get someone good. They do tapes on Sundays too, I think they're open every day. Love the online booking too. Their demo reel stuff looks really good too, definitely looking into that. Anyway, I can't recommend this place enough!! (Definitely WAYYYY better than Creation Station, never never never go there.) read more

Had a craaazy quick turnaround for an audition and needed someone to run lines with on the fly. I was able to call and walk-in for a 30 minute line run. Prices are reasonable and Soirin was a perfect line-run partner. I would definitely use this service again. Stop bugging your friends and neighbors and shell out for a top notch audition! read more

Just off of the way this company is represented by the front desk gal Lawrin, I would consider that you think about attending a different acting school that respects it's students and the people who pay to allow this studio to keep operating. There is a normal human to human respect that as people that we give eachother, and this woman completely lacks that. During my experiences calling in, I have been very polite and this woman has been so disrespectful, for no reason whatsoever. This kind of attitude is exactly what stops humanity from growing towards unity. The horrible customer service that I've received is unacceptable and I am reviewing so that other actors have a heads up on what kind of people they are dealing with when paying this studio. Lawrin will smile in your face when you're handing over hundreds of dollars, but once it's paid, there is no stopping the lightswitch to unprofessionalism and rudeness. I suggest that the owners of this studio reevaluate who is answering their phones and treating customers in such a horrible manner. And if this woman is the owner, then you will definitely want to consider other studios. Paying a person to operate a business like this, with zero value towards its customers is not something anyone should support. read more

Where are all of the actors who got parts and agents posting? And about how wonderful this "Actor's Workshop" is for your career? Because it doesn't happen. If it did, and people got good agents through this workshop, they'd be posting about it. It was a complete waste of money, time and spirit even bothering with this place. I've had better experiences in the lobby of Central Casting or the Van Nuys DMV I had a terrible experience at The Actors Company-their previous name was the Actors Collective. A source (from my research on this company) told me that the owner Dennis was busted for illegally selling breakdowns and I was told by several people that they are currently under investigation. You know what we need to do? We need to fight back with art. If we actors banded together and started crashing workshops at a troupe and did only scenes about greedy casting directors and agents/ they'd be too embarrassed to keep coming because we can heckle them from the stage. We can be like the group Anonymous, but actors. Here's what I've learned from doing workshops and my experience here: Because of my research and cattle call like experience with the actual workshops I've attended at the Actors Company, I found out that casting workshops are a scam and per my source who said they spoke to the city attorney, Mike Fuer and his assistant Karla Cortez; most workshops and casting assistants/low level agents who frequent them are currently under investigation. They're supposed to each post at $50K bond with the city. Any casting director & one source told me that "it's illegal for agents to charge actors to meet them." The agents and casting directors who you read for at the Actors Collective mock you with their behavior & treat you like you're an idiot. They talk and check their cell phones during your scene. I've had better experiences at the DMV than at the Actors Collective. These agents on the agent's night workshop refused to look me in the eye when speaking to them, were rude and snickered and talked throughout my reading to them.They barely paid attention to anyone's scene and it was clear they were here to pick up their checks and leave to go spend your money. It was a complete waste of money, time and spirit even bothering with this place. It seems like the agents and casting directors come to pick up your cash and go home. That's it. Not one other actor I know has ever been called in for an audition or gotten signed to an agency through the Actors Collective. It's called Payola, and it's illegal. read more

Contrary to popular belief, I think actors are lovely. [Speaking in general terms] They're silly people with big dreams. I also think they deserve respect, but most out-of-work/older/failed actors, casting directors, and managers take advantage of rookie talent. It may sound cliche, but actors need to look out for other actors. After all, acting originated from the concept of a communal group living on stage........... It's not a stretch to regard "The Actors Company" as one of those places in which industry professionals get paid to watch actors perform. The previous owner, Daniel Probert, completely annihilated any reputation or integral connection to the theatrical community. I had a ghastly experience in the "Coast to Coast" Voiceover class. In 5 weeks, I was given VO scripts that were too long to be in a commercial demo reel, and now I'm paying to re-record audio. I paid $275 for a useless reel and industry advice that has gotten me nowhere. (Side note: I emailed a famous VO actor who gave me free advice that got me an agent! Should of done that instead of wasting nearly $300!) Basically, The Actors Company is a waste of money, time, and energy. It's another one of those dead-end traps. (Of course, you could always attend a showcase/workshop and gain positive results, but the people who do are few and far in between). Since last summer, the Salazar's have taken over management which is automatically better than Daniel. However, they're still hurting for money (rent in Weho isn't cheap). I had a free workshop credit, but since there wasn't a casting director that was relative to my career, I didn't use it. Then, I found out the credit had "expired" within 2 months. Really? read more

My previous 2 reviews mysteriously were removed and I think all my actor friends out there should get honest feedback on this company. Even of that means I write a 3rd review. Took a class here in the past 12 months and found the owner to be very unprofessional and rude. The workshop started late, I was told there would be approx 25 actors there and turns out there were over 50. If you want to be involved in the Q and A you have to wait until everyone has gone.. They like to bring in two groups-you will not be told this over the phone. For the price and service hop over to actors key. They are at least professional and more decently priced. Also, do not give out your email. I ended up getting spam mail which was linked back to actors company when I phoned around. And Daniel, instead of calling yelp to get my review removed why don't you try being a professional and responding to my MSG or better yet, spend your time taking a UCLA extension class on customer service? Sincerely, An actor you will never see a dime from again. read more

Simply did a self-tape there and these guys don't care about the education or improving the quality of the actor. They just care about the money. read more

I really cant say enough good things about this company. They bring in top quality Agents and Managers and they set you up for the best possibility for success. Each showcase offers a free rehearsal that I highly recommend. You get a chance to rehears your chosen material and get quality feedback from finely trained instructors. I was impressed by how much detail was given to myself and each actor with the feedback. On the night of the showcase they kept very organized and prepared. I literally had nothing to worry about other then the material I came to perform. Bottom line, the price is right, the reps are reputable, the structure is sound but landing representation will be up to what you bring in. Strongly recommended, if you're ready. read more

UPDATED REVIEW: Under new management/ownership as of October 2014. This is good news. The Actors Co has a prime location for new actors looking for workshops and material for their reels. Sadly, the previous owner (Daniel Probert) was lazy and crooked. I had to file a dispute with my bank to get a refund from him last year and I had vowed to never return. I stopped in today on my way out of CAZT. Lawrin and Joe seem MUCH more legit. I think they'll be able to turn around the poor reputation left by the previous owner. read more

Go to Audition House. This place was a loss of time and money. Point blank. We actors need quality, consistency and good business. read more

I had a really fantastic experience with The Actors Company. I was referred by a friend who had had success with them previously to do their manager workshop and so I signed up. It was for 5 managers and the cost was very affordable. To my surprise they also included a coaching session with their acting coach Joe Salazar. You come the day before the workshop and go over your scene with him. I wasn't sure what to expect since it was someone I didn't know, but he was incredibly friendly and welcoming and gave me good direction on my scene that I believe helped for when I performed the following night. The workshop itself was pretty fun too - they emphasize that the performance is for you and to just have fun, which reminds you to take some of the pressure off yourself (or try to anyway). You also get to read with the reader BEFORE you're performing which helps SO much just to get a feel for what energy they're going to throw back at you and to be given the chance to give them adjustments if needbe. After all the performances you then go and do a Q&A with the managers which lets you get to know their personality and style a little bit. After the workshop I was contacted by one of the managers to meet and after I went in, they offered me management. I am very grateful to TAC for giving me a comfortable space to perform in front of industry professionals and push my career in this crazy town further along. read more

I'm currently taking the four week Disney Animation Voice Over Workshop and I love it. I will definately be back for more workshops here. Daniel is very professional and very friendly. There was some confusion the first day of class and we started a little late. When I got home there was an email from Daniel offering us 10% our next workshop because of that, apologizing for the delay and asking what we liked about the class. Next week he was there and apologized again. The teachers, Sara Goldberg and Aaron Drown, actually seem like they want to be there and have gone over the class time to make sure we get our money worth. They are friendly and approachable and I bet most, if not all of my class, will get called in to read for them. The workshops are resonably priced and with great people. I also like the board Daniel has showing people who have been signed with agents and managers from workshops he's done. read more

Wow! I'm really impressed in getting a self-tape from this business. I booked online, had easy parking, and was attended to earlier than my allotted time. Shawna was phenomenal with helping me as a reader. I got my edit within the hour Lawrin was friendly as well! I'm happy with their product and service. read more

A brand new theater space with a great staff and stage area. Everything is clean and maintained. A beautiful open mainstage area with comfortable seating am air conditioning. Also another small space for auditions. Great for rehearsals and often used for casting agents and acting classes. Come and see a show or sign up for a class. You won't be disappointed. Some parking available in the lot otherwise street parking. The DMV is right next door. So kill two birds with one stone! read more

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I got a discount by signing up for 2 showcases. One was an agent showcase and one was a manager showcase. Both had known industry people in them. The whole process was smooth. The industry people brought in were knowledgable and gave great feedback. All of them gave contact info where we could reach them directly. Some responded to my emails and I even got a meeting with one of the management companies! Worth the money :) My one note would be to make clear if the industry people are looking for union or non union talent. Some weren't interested in non union talent and I would have liked to know that ahead of time. read more

I've had two great experiences at the Actor's Company! My first experience was for an audition I needed to tape, so I made an appointment. Rachel was super helpful. She gave me feed back and helped me through it to the end. The price was incredibly reasonable and the final product looked amazing. I joined their email list and received info on their demo reel intensive. I don't have one so I jumped at the opportunity. I am very happy that I came to them for a second time. Daniel helps you to review your scenes, gives you feedback after your on camera rehearsal and guides you through the whole process. For the day of the shoot you get hair and makeup (thank you, Sergio!) and a professional crew that helps you through everything. Thank you guys! read more

Okay facilities for self tapes, but not great. Broken light, no space for full body, etc. but honest to GOD horrible employees and that clearly comes from management - Lauren. There is a rude mentality, even for repeat customers who are loyal to this place! I've spend thousands here and EVERY SINGLE TIME there is a bad experience. I'm not sure who they think they are, but lauren needs to be a nicer person. She disguises herself as "kind" but will not be helpful in any way. Melissa is by far the worst person I spoke to on the phone.. Absolutely horrible tone and service. This place needs to be nicer. We're already dealing with drama, starving artist issues and last minute auditions. No need for the non-caring, rude attitude. I DEFINITELY feel like I won't be coming back. So over the rudeness in this town! SHAME ON YOU. read more

Last Saturday a group of friends rented their Let Live theater, to film a sketch, for four hours at a hundred dollars an hour. We arrived (camera team) about a half hour early to begin setting up and get situated. When we arrived the owner and manager, Lawrin, very rudely explained that we could not be on the property or even drop off our stuff until the allotted time. This would not have been a problem at all if she had taken any steps toward courtesy. Her abrasive and diminutive attitude set our high pressure, expensive (for us) video shoot off the rails. We persevered and got some great footage in a quality space. Overall, if this owner had utilized her staff, who was accommodating and polite, we would have had an amazing experience. However, this did not happen and I will implore anyone we work with to go elsewhere. You catch more bees with honey Lawrin. read more

It's okay can be hard to find and have to be aware of parking. You can find it it's just that you need to be aware of the signs. This theater uses foldaway chairs which makes it uncomfy after a while and the production was 90 min i wouldn't recommend longer than an hour in these seats. read more

I can unreservedly recommend this place for self-tapes. When I walked in to see about a quick turnaround, Lawrin immediately booked me a time, giving me my requested 10 minutes to chill out and focus. She even let me get straight to a private waiting area without first paying or filling out forms. Jamal, reader and camera op, clearly knows what he's doing and gave a warm, intelligent read. I'm sure his work made mine look better. Riley, also behind the desk, was likewise professional, efficient, and cordial. My experience is that these folks were friendly and willing to accommodate my schedule. I'm relieved to find a reliable place for self-tapes and will gladly use The Actors Company again. P.S. They had my taped audition ready and uploaded within an hour! read more

Great facility, easy to make self tape appts online, good readers, quick and quality taping. Worth the price for towing especially if you're in a last minute bind. Will continue to use when in the LA area. read more

As it says with the star rating- As good as it gets! and it's true. I wrote a review about The Actors Company awhile back, but I'm doing it again because Lauren and team could not be more helpful !! They go above and beyond in every way. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Reasonable prices, outstanding customer service, and top rate quality. Thank you Actors Company for always treating us so well. read more

I absolutely love this space, especially the new theater - it's fantastic! The recent workshop that I took in it with Director, Bethany Rooney, was the best workshop that I have ever taken, anywhere! She was so informative and eager to help us all achieve our best! The space's lighting, set furniture and atmosphere, clearly enhanced the experience. Thank you Daniel for all your hard work on making this space a success, and for the great scenes you selected for us to prepare, perform and work on, with Bethany. I am looking forward to my next time there! :-) DH Lewis read more

I really like to go to the small black box theaters, however this one is just to small and is not comfortable to enjoy a show. I would not recommend this theater and I am not enjoying writing this review. read more

You now DO have to pay ahead of time, via PayPal (otherwise they charge 2% more for credit card). Very mixed bag: PROS - Their readers are all actors, and are usually very good. Plus, they often have availability when other places are booked. They provide a title card free of charge, and they have a punch card system, with a free taping after 7 visits. CONS - Very inconsistent lighting; sometimes great, sometimes too harsh, too bright, too dark, etc. And yes, they're willing to try and adjust it, but that eats into your time, and you may still not get great results. It all depends on whom you happen to get to tape you (which is out of your hands). read more

Thank you Actors Company for being so helpful and accommodating today! I love taping my auditions here! You guys are amazing!

Such a great caring staff. As a student here I really felt like i was part of the family. Joe is a fantastic teacher, and they offer everything from voice over to demo reel intensives. I will definitely take more classes here. read more

I'm writing this in hopes that I can perhaps receive a callback from The Actor's Company regarding my request for a refund for the Personal Branding Course. I was told by "nice lady manager" that she would try to call me back the same day -- it's been 4. I signed up for this course in good faith that it would be offered on the dates listed in the email (a pretty normal expectation, no?). Part of my willingness to offer my credit card was because I was actually available to take the course. Can you imagine American Airlines changing your flight --- with no regard to your schedule or availability - and then saying, SORRY WE DON'T OFFER REFUNDS. Wah? I find it laughable but apparently they're barely getting to the end of their cigar while they deliberate over the ethics of refunding an actor when it goes 'against their policy' -- even though they ISSUED FALSE INFORMATION. Where is the accountability, Actor's Company? I realize things change and you have policies -- but are you really that blind or big or out of touch to see where a "rule" begs an exception (i.e. when you change a course by 2 weeks) for the "actors" you supposedly represent? To add insult, they can't even offer the courtesy of calling me back on their word, which could have nipped this whole thing in the bud. I'd love to give them a chance (though after some of these reviews, something seems a little "off" here.) I'm still at the same number. Please call me at your earliest convenience to tell me what if you did find out from the owner. I can only hope he said "do the right thing. we fucked up." Or, I'm open to hearing about how exceptional this course is -- in which case I'd consider changing my Memorial Day plans so you can get your 201 dollars and my mind can be blown with your branding expertise. Seriously. read more

I cannot say enough good things about The Actors Company. After hearing some of the negative issues that the previous owner (Daniel) left with Joe and Lawrin, it is no wonder there were awful reviews, unfortunately. However, Joe and Lawrin have completely revamped this place. I have been taking classes here for a while now, and I can honestly say that Joe is the kindest and most encouraging teacher I have ever had. Lawrin and Daleelah keep the studio running in tip-top shape as well. Any problems can be solved with a simple phone call and communication. I hope to keep growing more here as an actor in the future. read more

The workshops are very organized and well run. The space is clean and very nice. Parking is never a problem. I highly recommend The Actors Company. read more

I first met Joe when I signed up for their demo reel service. I was surprised that they offered such a helpful format for it, with three rehearsals designed to help you choose then work on a scene to tape. Besides being an extremely nice and positive person, Joe was also an excellent director and coach for the scenes. So much so, that I decided to give his Tuesday class a try and have never regretted it. Each class gives you a lot to work with from on-camera, to audition technique, to even improv and cold reading. And through it all, Joe constantly makes it a fun, safe, and supportive environment while providing coaching and direction that I feel is on point. Really, one of the best classes I have taken. I know Joe and Lawrin are looking to grow the Actors Company and I am excited to see and hopefully take part in what more they will offer! read more

I was given wonderful advice for my acting reel. The school was extremely organized and professional. I couldn't have done it without Joe and his team!!! You guys rock! Thank you Actors Company LA!!! read more

I just took a 2 day workshop with Bethany Rooney, one of the best directors working in one hour television. She shared what actors need to know on a concrete level I've never heard before, as well as keys to defining a scene . Beyond that, she clearly wants everyone to succeed. The space is beautiful, and Daniel was always available for assistance. One of the most valuable workshops I've done. Thanks! Lisa Goodman read more