If I could give 0 stars, I would. If you value your time and money, avoid this class…read more
BUYER BEWARE: This is marketed as a commercial acting class, but most of what is taught is basic acting and improv. If you are looking for focused commercial training that you can actually apply to auditions and bookings from day one, this is not it.
This entire situation could have been avoided if The Studio Orlando had:
* Responded to emails in a timely manner
* Taken a paying student's concerns seriously
* Had ownership step in when issues were beyond the office manager's control
Here's what happened: I enrolled in early August and immediately noticed the class was not aligned with what was advertised and what I was looking for in a class. I still gave it two full classes to be fair. Unfortunately, that only confirmed my concerns.
The instructor, Ashleigh, may have acting experience, but it did not translate into effective teaching. She frequently strayed from the curriculum, appeared unprepared, and gave very little useful feedback.
At the end of the second class, she introduced an improv game and openly admitted she didn't know the rules. Two students attempted to demonstrate it (incorrectly), the exercise went completely off track, and rather than clarify or correct it, she made a few comments and then changed topics without acknowledging what had just happened.
In the first class, we were shown two personality slate examples--one correct and one clearly incorrect--but both were taught as acceptable. The following week, that same incorrect slate was shown again with an obvious edit to shorten it, and the instructor still did not recognize it as wrong. This reinforced incorrect industry practices, which is unacceptable in a class claiming to be professional commercial training.
I raised these concerns respectfully and provided video evidence when asked. In return, communication from The Studio became delayed, then dismissive, and ultimately nonexistent. It has now been nearly two months with no resolution, response, or accountability.
Who this class may or may not be for:
* If you're a beginner, you may not recognize the issues and might find it useful.
* If you're an experienced actor seeking specific commercial techniques, this class will be a waste of your time. You will spend most of it on improv and general acting fundamentals rather than commercial-specific material.
Since raising my concerns in early August, I have been patient, respectful, and cooperative. In return, I have received delayed responses, dismissiveness, and eventually complete silence--even after submitting the proof they requested.
Shame on me for signing up for a class from a studio based in Orlando. I'll now be training with AHC+RLC in Los Angeles, where classes are taught by casting professionals, not other auditioning actors. If you need an online class, there are definitely better options out there.
This is my personal experience, and others may have a different one, but I hope this review helps future students make an informed decision before spending their time and money.
