Very knowledgeable teacher, but not a good fit for me…read more I'm new to acting and have been a professional musician my whole life. After injuries from drumming made it hard to continue, I wanted to stay creative--so I turned to acting. Gordon Parks--one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century, and also a director, painter, and musician--once said, when asked why he worked in so many forms: "I'm a creative person. The medium doesn't matter." That's how I feel too. Unfortunately, my experience at Stuart Rogers Studios felt no different than other acting schools I've tried--where ego dominates the room. As a teacher myself, I believe great teaching should be nurturing and empowering. That was not my experience here. I appreciate the knowledge shared, but this studio wasn't the right environment for me for this reason, "The best teachers empower, not diminish" This is just my personal experience and opinion. Others may feel differently.

After many acting classes that were "resume builders" I interviewed with Stuart at Stuart Rogers…read moreStudios. He asked me what my goals were and ultimately, I wanted a solid process that I could trust, that works for me and that I would fall in love with acting again, after so many classes that left me feeling empty and drained inside. Also, before I moved to LA, I was in a film where I was recommended to check him out and was told that "Stuart can look at your acting and diagnose what is going on, on the spot". I found that to be exactly true. I can confidently say I have an acting process that works for me, for how my brain works. With my process, I have found joy and curiosity in my work. The desire to really dig deep and get to the bottom of what makes a character tick. I also love that my process is transferrable to my auditions where I have only a little amount of time to prep. I love that I take me into every character, not putting on a character. Even if this wasn't an acting class, it is a workshop in philosophy and the human condition. I walk away from class wanting to be a better human and less judgemental, but with understanding and curiosity.

When I had already been calling myself an actor, Gary taught me how to really act. I've been a…read morestudent off-and-on of Gary's for over a decade now and I couldn't possibly recommend him more. He is an amazingly supportive teacher - not in that BS "everybody is a winner" kind of way, but from an honest understanding that everybody does have SOME particular talent within them and that it needs to be discovered, honed and polished. His class is the safest place I've ever witnessed in the over two decades I've spent as an artist. He's firm, but kind - driven, but patient, and if you have some deep, down dream within you to become some kind of artist and you want to set it free, you'll find no better mentor than Gary Imhoff.

Gary is an extremely knowledgeable and supportive teacher. In not only my acting, but in my…read moredevelopment as a better human, Gary has helped me to grow into myself. He tailors the instruction for each student specifically to help you grow into the full artist you are meant to be. The class is very self-driven, you choose your own scenes (though Gary will assign/recommend scenes based on specific things to work on for the particular actors' journey), rehearse outside of class, and bring the scene in. Then take feedback and correct the scene yourself. This process is very empowering and has allowed me to thrive professionally, working in an industry where a lot of directors know more about cameras and other set aspects than how to direct actors. Gary's goal is to create self-sufficient artists that don't depend on a guru teacher to tell us we are wrong and how to do it (which then leaves you out of luck on a set where the director isn't able to tell you what to do...) The community of the class has also been amazing. Many best friends and many projects have come out of this community.

I first learned of Acting Pros when I attended a free workshop headed by Wendy Davis at SAG…read more Immediately, I knew that Wendy and her Acting Pros partner-in-crime, Lilach Mendelovich, had a bottle of secret awesome sauce on audition technique. Just this past fall (2019), I had the privilege of studying with Lilach for 12 weeks and doing a special session on close-ups with Wendy. Before taking this class, I did not have a strong process in place to break down challenging sides quickly and effectively. I always spent too much time working on thoughts and backstory that did not necessarily heighten the given circumstances of the scene. I was working hard, but it was hardly working! I was exploring so much, that I got lost in scene execution. Lilach is an expert scene detective. She breaks down the specificity of each moment in a scene, from the scene descriptions to the action lines to the dialogue. Nothing is missed or taken for granted. As Lilach made our class see, all the answers are there in the script if you seek them out and stay true to that script. Of course, there is room to imagine circumstances and use 'as-ifs', but unlike other training, Acting Pros honors the vision of each story and treats actors as key storytellers. Aside from the process of breaking down sides, actors learn important on-camera techniques, such as handling props (when and when not to), executing highly physical scenes, finding the truth in comedy, and some basic do's and don'ts for on-camera acting. If you are serious about improving your acting technique and scoring more auditions, get in this class NOW!

As many actors do, I was looking for a way to improve my skills. I know I have a look that works to…read moreget the audition. I have what it takes to pull off a scene. I just needed to get through an audition. Sound familiar? I attended a free workshop, and yes, I showed up ready to learn something, seem interested, be scared by the price and never go back... but... I actually sat there and considered it, called my boyfriend, borrowed money and signed up for the class. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I'm glad I didn't. I think of it as an acting class surrounded by an audition class. Like a yummy acting taco! Full of all the goodness that will fill your confidence to get into a casting room and give it your all. It's not a guarantee that you'll get every roll you go for, but it will guarantee, if you do your work, that you will give it your 100% at every audition. Julienne Irons was our main instructor. Wendy Davis and Lilach Mendelovich taught us a couple of classes each. Between them all I felt more prepared than ever to walk into an audition confident, ready to take over the room and impress. I may not get the part, but they'll remember me! So, all in all, I recommend the class. So much that I'm taking the Comedy Class with Lilach Mendelovich. Be sure to remember my name and face, you'll be seeing more of me!

Shaan Sharma is absolutely the real deal. No BS. His background is legit and he has earned his…read morechops. 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!

Shaan Sharma's Commercial workshop series is a must for anyone who is serious about acting and…read moreprogressing 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!

The best place for kids to learn how to act in Los Angeles - hands down. Been a working actor for…read moreover 35 years - worked on some of the most well known TV shows over the years - got my BA in acting four decades ago. Oooofff. I'm old. Anyway, I say this just to add legitimacy to my review. Not a stage Dad or Mom - just a working actor whose kid goes there and gets better and better each week. David Gray is the real deal and so are his teachers.

David Gray is one of the best acting studios in the San Fernando Valley. My daughter has been…read morestudying with him since the age of 9. He is very easy to talk to and is a great communicator with the talent and their families. This is a newer location just across from Porto's bakery, south of the new "mini" target and The Organic Nail House. If you are a parent you can keep yourself busy for a few hours while your child is in class developing the proper skills to become a successful actor. The line up of former students here will blow your doors off!!! Starting with Ariel Winters, from ABC's Modern family. My daughter had booked many gigs over the years thanks to David and his entire staff. Check out the website for class schedules. They offer: scene study, cold reading, improv, voice overs and private coaching/self taping for all ages starting at 4. They also offer film camp for summer break and during the year for holiday breaks. I highly recommend auditing a class with your child or for yourself. *Please contact the office for pricing, schedule times and availability. *Contact for age appropriate classes

Doug is the best private coach in Los Angeles right now. He's kind, compassionate, and most…read moreimportantly patient. He works through your scenes with grace and ease. He helps bring out the best performance that's hiding in yourself all while making it fun and exciting. I can't recommend him enough. Trust me, if you want the best acting coach for whatever you're working on, you should call him.

Where to begin with Doug Spearman is the question. First - his passion. Being an actor himself -…read moreand a consummate one at that, he cares deeply about actors and their process. His eye, in terms of a director is impeccable - and again, because he is an actor as well as a director/ coach - he knows how to speak the language of actors and consequently help them tremendously. Any artist will be in safe, inspired and highly competent hands with Doug.

I took many acting classes, courses, and private coaching sessions, but I became frustrated with…read morefeeling like I wasn't progressing. With every class I took I felt like I was starting from the beginning. I realized I didn't have a foundation and I wanted to find a program that would teach me a structured acting approach that I could develop skills from. I found the Meisner Center after it was recommended to me by a friend who is a working actress. She informed me that it was the best training she had received out of all the programs she had taken. After graduating from the Professional Acting Certificate Program a year and a half later I could not be more satisfied with my training. This program was exactly the professional training I was looking for. The Meisner technique challenged me to be fully present, to connect deeply with my scene partners, and to respond authentically in the moment. Rajiv's teachings were practical and applicable, enabling me to bring depth and truth to my performances. Ranjiv constantly pushed our class to realize our own potential, and helped me discover many different aspects of humanity, interaction and myself. I enjoyed the many opportunities to work with my classmates and witnessed remarkable growth in my whole class. I highly recommend this program.

I am a proud graduate under Martin Barter. I graduated in 2002 and it was the best experience I…read morehave ever had! It's intense and you have to be able to listen and get over your ego. Cheers to you if you can actually make it through the full 2 years.

Took the online Co-star, Commercial, and Improv Workshops a few times throughout the year, and my…read moreskills have def improved, specifically my slates and ability to really be myself in my auditions. I have to admit that every time I take his class, I'm shaking because I get so nervous doing improv and talking about myself, but Michael is so real and gives it to you like it is, with love and so much genuine support. He really wants to see you win and puts his money where his mouth is 100% of the time. My commercial booking rate increased substantially during 2020, which was surprising to me because of the pandemic. However, the skills he teaches are super practical. This was my highest callback and booking year and I am also now repped by an incredible Commercial agent. I highly recommend actors take these workshops because it's a great way to get out of your comfort zone and really discover yourself in the process.

This is an excellent acting class and highly recommended, the only problem is that the prices have…read moregone up a lot and there is a giant waiting list and it is very difficult to get into the classes. If you can do it though it is very much worth it.