Writing Pad has sparked such joy in my life, and I'm so glad that I found it via a random google…read moresearch. I'd been looking for a writing class, and was inclined to do a continuing ed class at a university. But I was sold on Writing Pad because they show you where their students get published and that their method works. I've loved my teachers Brett and Erika. The only negative is that the classes are so good, that I keep taking more and more. Kudos to Marilyn for an awesome business!

Writing Pad is one of the best kept secrets in LA. I canNOT recommend it highly enough. It has (no…read moreexaggeration!!) changed my life. I'd been struggling to get my ideas from brain to draft, had such a hard time structuring my time so I'd get things done, felt like writing without feedback was setting me back. Writing Pad solved ALL of those problems and then some. The instructors are *incredible* -- I've taken two classes with Jack Kukoda and Todd Waldman, and my scripts are eons beyond what I would have been able to accomplish alone. They are fantastic writers who have written MANY of my favorite shows (Superstore, Community, Happy Endings!!!) and I get to take a small, personalized class with them??? Sometimes people can Do but not Teach-- it is clear Writing Pad seeks instructors who excel at both. The classes are run like writers' rooms, everyone giving feedback in a constructive and serious but absolutely not intimidating way. I've also made a ton of friends from my classes and met people I'm collaborating with!! ALSO IT IS WILDLY AFFORDABLE FOR THE VALUE. BEYOND WORTH IT. I could go on forever but I won't because I sound like I'm trying to get you guys to join my cult or something (I'm just really enthusiastic and grateful, okay??), So I'll end with this: look up writing pad classes, find a teacher and course that interest you. SIGN UP. You will not regret it. 100000 stars!!!

Think twice before enrolling at CDI…read more I gave this program everything I had. I maintained great grades, helped my classmates study, and spent countless hours making sure the people around me succeeded. I wasn't just another student I genuinely cared about becoming an LVN and wanted everyone around me to succeed as well. Before everything happened, I proudly promoted CDI because I truly believed it was an amazing school. I posted a video about my experience that went viral, and because of that, I had numerous people reach out asking about the program and wanting to enroll. I spoke highly of CDI because I believed in what they stood for. Looking back now, I regret encouraging people to attend a school that ultimately showed me so little grace. After posting a video from my first day of skills lab, I was placed on a leave of absence. I removed the video when I was instructed to, but that isn't the point. The point is that I was forced to sit out for nearly four months over what I believe was a minor, first-time mistake. By the time I was able to return, I no longer wanted to. The way I was treated completely changed how I viewed the school. What made everything even more frustrating was watching what I believed to be inconsistent discipline. During my time in the program, I was aware of students who had been involved in much more serious incidents at clinical sites, yet they remained in the program. Meanwhile, I lost months of my education over a social media post that I immediately corrected when asked. I never felt like CDI advocated for me as a student. Instead, I felt like protecting relationships with clinical sites mattered more than standing behind a student who had worked hard, earned good grades, and genuinely wanted to become a nurse. This experience delayed my education, cost me time and money, and took a serious toll on my mental health. I am now beginning therapy because of the emotional impact this experience has had on my life. I hope CDI realizes that behind every student is a person with dreams, responsibilities, and a future. Accountability is important, but so is fairness, consistency, and giving people the opportunity to learn from a mistake. Unfortunately, I don't feel I was given that opportunity.

During my time at CDI College, I was experiencing some of the most difficult circumstances of my…read morelife. I was going through a divorce, dealing with community property disputes, attending court hearings, raising my young son, managing my household, and trying to keep up with the demands of nursing school at the same time. I remember one incident where I became very upset after being accused of being late when I was actually in the restroom. I broke down crying and asked a teacher for help. Afterward, I reflected on my behavior and apologized sincerely, even bringing flowers as a gesture of goodwill. What troubled me most was that after this incident, I felt I was treated differently. I was repeatedly questioned about drug use and told that my drug tests showed concerns. The only medication I was taking was Klonopin, which had been legally prescribed by my physician. Rather than receiving understanding and support during a very difficult period of my life, I often felt judged and stigmatized. Looking back, I felt that certain members of the administration wanted me to leave the program. I also felt that I was not provided the same level of guidance and training that other students received. For example, during a clinical shift, I had an important divorce court hearing. I specifically asked my clinical instructor whether I could attend the online hearing from the yard during my break, and I was told that I could. Later, I was criticized for doing exactly what I had been given permission to do, which left me feeling confused and unfairly treated. My experience was that there was very little empathy or support for students facing significant personal hardships. Nursing school is challenging enough, but students dealing with major life crises need guidance, understanding, and professionalism from school leadership. I do want to acknowledge the individuals who treated me with kindness and respect. The accounting and financial aid departments were consistently helpful and supportive. In addition, Kim, one of the nursing leaders, was compassionate and understanding toward students and demonstrated genuine concern for their well-being. Based on my personal experience, I would not recommend this school to students who are struggling with major personal challenges and are looking for a supportive educational environment. While others may have different experiences, I felt that empathy, understanding, and student support were lacking from portions of the administration during my time there.

My in-person Excel sessions were great! My teacher was very thorough with each topic covered and…read moremakes sure you fully understand everything before moving on. He takes the time to answer any questions you may have. I definitely recommend!!! Thank you again !

This is such a great class!!! As an owner of two small businesses, I needed to learn to do my own…read morebookkeeping to track my income & expense. I tried learning QB on my own by watching YouTube videos, attended the free online courses, read some info but it was all very confusing. I'm sooooo happy to have found this one-on-one class. My instructor, Ken, was very patient, knowledgeable and explained everything so clearly. I've gained so much knowledge within the 3 days attending his class. We covered everything I needed to know about QB online. They provided me with worksheets, that's very easy to follow and understand. I highly recommend this class!!! If you're struggling with QB or just need a refresher, it's worth every penny to invest in this course. Just as Benjamin Franklin said: An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

As a parent, I wanted to share my honest experience with The Playground because I know there are…read morepeople who may feel skeptical at first, just like I did. We live an hour away, but I drove my daughter there every single Sunday. At first, I honestly questioned everything. I wondered if it was too expensive, if it was legitimate, and if we were making the right decision. But looking back now, I can say with my whole heart that it was one of the best decisions we ever made for our daughter. My daughter stayed with the program for two years, graduated, walked the red carpet with so much confidence, and watched her graduation film on the big screen surrounded by people who believed in her. It was emotional for me as a parent because I saw how much she had grown, not just as an actress, but as a person. We chose to continue because my daughter truly loved acting. I worked extra hard to make the tuition possible, and every sacrifice was worth it because this is where she discovered her passion and found confidence in herself. Gary Spatz and Gayla Goehl saw something special in her before anyone else did, and I will always be grateful for that. Because of the foundation she built at The Playground, she now has incredible representation with, one of the most respected agencies in Los Angeles. The Playground gave my daughter an opportunity, guidance, and belief in herself that changed the direction of her life. For our family, it was absolutely worth it.

I was so excited to find a good acting school for my 15 yr. old granddaughter. The office and the…read morepresentation are impressive. The class program is 6 months for approximately $2500. The office person said I could sign for an additional 6 months at a savings of about $100. And also said that he'd work it out with me if by chance I don't do the second 6 months. Well, needless to say, I'm getting nothing in return for cancelling the later period of classes. He declined saying what I heard him say and then resorts to the contract verbiage of a standard 10 day cancellation policy. THE PLAYGROUND ACTING SCHOOL is not willing to be fair at all. I paid in ADVANCE for something I no longer want. New classes don't begin until next year and they will keep my money.

My mom took me here to learn how to swim when I was a preschooler (circa 1968 - 1973-ish). I…read moreabsolutely LOVED my swim lessons and therefore excelled, learned all the strokes, and in my last days at the school around the age of 6 I even entered a swimming contest against three 9 year-olds. I remember I came in 2nd and was a very poor loser. I'm 59 now and on a whim I had to look to see if Crystal Scarborough Swim School was still in business .... they are! Thank you, CSSS, for being part of my best memories! I can still do all the strokes!

One of only two stores I go to that is not food related (i.e. supermarket). Persephenie has an…read moreonline store but I choose to visit her. It's like a magical journey for my olfactory system and it's never a quick visit. Persephenie's shop is stocked with a dizzying array of resins, oils and scents. Her shelves display her eponymous line of body care and perfumes as well as essential oils, handcrafted jewelry and burners and Japanese and Indian incense. I have her full line of bodycare and perfumes and much to my husband's consternation, I am addicted. Her Rose Paka Healing Restorative Butter soothes my daughter's inflamed eczema. The Nanu Lei Bath Powder is a relaxing and calming indulgence for my sons. Island Violet is something I would take to a deserted island. I wear her perfumes daily, Leatherwood during the day and Datura at night. These perfumes are unlike all the commercial perfumes out there. The linger subtly, does not sour after a few hours and never cloying. The Bedouin is her all botanical perfume and is my daughter's favourite scent. And believe it or not, my boys wear Kildren regularly. Her shop is also a great place to stock up on incense and I am a huge fan of her handcrafted burners. And I am this close to getting a diffuser. This place has turned me into an aromaholic.

Blunda is everything it should be. Persephenie, the proprietor, has created the perfect environment…read morefor aromatics. This is an aromatic apothecary featuring all sorts of exotic and local scents, perfumery, and aromatherapy. If you're interested in essential oils, attars, incense, etc. you have to stop by. Persephenie will sit down with you and present her wares. It's a wonderful experience. She has expensive items, but she also has a range of extremely well-priced scents as well. Classes on various topics are offered.

Love the materials that are presented. Also Fernando was a magnificent teacher. If you are looking…read morefor a phlebotomy class this is the place.

I loved working for them. I had to leave for health reasons, one of the downsides is they don't…read moresend you to a lab to do your externship. You basically go to a doctors office where you don't get to draw patients so for 8 hours you answer phones or just sit there i have been told by many students returning from externship just to get more sticks because they didn't get them at externship. Other then that it is a good school.

Michael really enjoys seeing the kids have a good time. The show was very interactive and the kids…read moreloved having a go at the coke and mentos experiment. He communicated well and was well prepared

I didn't know what to expect from Michael Mandel especially given that I hadn't read any reviews. I…read morejust really wanted to have a science birthday party for my son and a handful of friends because my son Sebastian is obsessed with science. Michael was very professional. He showed up with an assistance and rolled with the punches as we tried to find an extension cord to plug in his stand mixer and blender for the flash frozen ice cream. He really got the attention of the younger kids between 4-9. They were captivated with his explanations but the 10 year olds were acting "too cool for school" distracted by my sister's bearded dragon. But then we moved onto the Mentos & Soda portion of the party and ALL the kids had a blast! A LITERAL BLAST! Many were soaked in soda and aiming their soda bottles like weapons of mass destruction. Definitely need a change of clothes for this one. We didn't stop until the last soda bottle was done! Michael also brought rocket to show off and the kids loved it. The kids also loved this one. They loved to try to anticipate which way the rocket would go. And finally, we had the rainbow fire at the end of the party as the party was winding down. The kids marveled at the cool colors of the fire. It was a nice way to wind down at the end. I would highly recommend this soft spoken but capable scientist for your future birthday party. He was so great with the kids. I will definitely be calling on him for a future party and I think the kids at the party will be asking for him too.

I audited the improv beginner class with Brandon. He's was super cool and it was a crazy experience…read morehaha, I've never done anything like that, tons of fun! I was actually going to sign up but they let you audit multiple classes so I decided to audit the advanced class with Shannon just to see what I'd be working toward. The class was very impressive and the students were suuuuper talented. If you're into drama stuff I'd say absolutely go for it and check this place out. Me personally, there were a few things I didn't really vibe with during that advanced audit that ultimately changed my mind but it wasn't anything against the class itself, it just wasn't really for me. Overall it was a really cool experience!

Out of all the steps I've taken to move forward in my acting career, Speiser/Sturges remains at the…read morecore of my technique. Shannon has been such an amazing teacher and guide. She not only pushes me to take risks with every role, but also find myself in every character. Whether you're laughing or crying at the end of a scene, you're always having fun, knowing that you're walking out of each class better than you came in. Her approach is so solid, that even when you're at home taping an audition, you feel like you can hear her guiding you through it. I'm grateful for every opportunity that Shannon has allotted me to push myself out of my comfort zone with such a diverse group of students, and I know Speiser/Sturges will be a part of my journey forever!