I have been in Mr. Coury's ongoing scene study for over a year now, after taking the six-week technique course with both Howard and Mr. Coury. Every week, I learn something. Every week, I grow as an actor. Every week, I imagine the alternate world in which I would be lost as an actor without this rigorous gym, and I shudder at the thought. Mr. Coury's critique is straightforward and can feel harsh when you don't know him well, but you quickly find that he does it out of his love for teaching, and it truly is in your best interest. His eye will get you where you want to be if you trust yourself--and trust him. read more

Howard Fine Acting Studio - Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

From the moment I stepped into the Howard Fine Acting Studio, I knew I'd found something exceptional. The quality of teaching, professionalism, and genuine care for each actor's growth is unmatched. Howard is a master teacher--honest, insightful, and deeply committed to helping actors do their best work. His feedback is always constructive, compassionate, and transformative. Marilyn brings such warmth, enthusiasm, and patience to her classes--she creates a space where you feel safe to explore and inspired to take bold risks. Mr. Coury delivers those incredible, applicable "aha" moments that connect the craft to real, grounded human behavior. What makes HFAS even more special is the variety of ways to learn and grow. Whether in the studio or through the many online courses, actors can continue to hone their craft from different angles, at any stage of their journey. The entire community--faculty, staff, and students--fosters an environment that's both challenging and deeply supportive. HFAS isn't just a studio--it's a true artistic home, and I'm endlessly grateful to continue growing here as both an actor and a human being. read more

I've been a student at this studio for about 3 years now and I must say, I've had a phenomenal experience. It's truly rare to find a teacher that genuinely loves teaching and I feel that I have found that in Howard Fine. You can tell he truly cares about his students and their growth and his passion is matched by his talent and expertise. Whether you're a beginner or a more experienced actor, I truly believe you can learn so much through any of his classes. I've also had great experiences with Mr. Coury in his Memorization for Actors course and with Jennifer Schulz and Nick George in their Alexander Technique Class. Additionally, the admin team at the studio is super helpful and responsive. Overall, I would say that the studio has been one of the best acting communities I have found, both professionally and personally. read more

Not just an acting studio but a family of professionals that genuinely care about the craft. Howard Fine and David Coury have curated a wonderful course that covers the technique of acting and attracts those who truly want to learn and study the craft of acting. The studio emphasizes the importance of analyzing good scripts by starting actors with play scripts in order to get the basics of technique. You will not be taught tricks and gimmicks, but how to truly understand what the writer has given you as well as how you connect to it. The special part about the work of the studio is learning what "you" bring to the text. Not someone else's understanding, but how you transform the text by bringing yourself to the work. Both Fine and Coury are passionate about the work and extremely gifted in teaching. If you want to hone your craft at a studio that is as passionate as you are about acting, this is the place to be! read more

As soon as I started taking classes at the Howard Fine Acting Studio --after trying a number of other well-regarded studios in LA--I knew that this was an exceptional place to train and build a solid craft. Howard, the rest of the faculty, and the admin team are excellent. Howard is refreshingly direct and constructive--he tells you what you need to know to truly grow and do your best work. He's caring, encouraging, and deeply respectful of actors and the craft. He's a gem in this industry. The community of actors here is inspiring and working with Howard and my classmates has been a joy. The studio's policies and structure create a safe, focused, and professional space for actors. If you come in open, willing to learn, and ready to challenge yourself, you will have the best experience. I am truly grateful to Howard and HFAS who have not only changed and enriched my life as an artist but as a human being. I look forward to continuing my growth and journey here with Howard and this incredible community. read more

Howard has made me a better actor over the course of working with him. I first audited his class pre-pandemic and knew he was the coach I wanted to work with. He holds people to high standards and demands excellence, but is also caring and encouraging. If you care about the craft and are willing to put in effort, open to learning and not shut off or defensive when you get a note, you will thrive and grow immensely here. read more

I started studying acting at the Howard Fine Studio with Howard Fine himself 7 years ago. Howard has taught or coached many well known celebrities, but if you enroll at his studio you get to work with him personally. As long as one is willing to work hard and accept criticism gracefully, he is willing to teach you. Based on my experience at other studios, this availability is rare. Usually one doesn't get to study with the person whose name is on the door but with some associate. I started with an intensive, the usual way most start at this studio, and then went into scene study. When Covid hit, I was among the first to enroll in his auditioning class taught online. The fact that I have been continually enrolled since starting at this studio since the intensive and have missed very few sessions speaks to how satisfied I've been with the experience of studying with Howard. Other teachers I've studied with tend to teach their students to plan how they will deliver every single line. The result is acting that seems very mechanical. Howard teaches a technique that makes ones performance fresh no matter how many times one does it. read more

Howard is a know it all that lacks the empathy and self control to teach acting. I took a few semesters with him during Covid and he was by far the worse human being in the acting world I've ever met. One thing he taught me for sure, hurt people hurt people. If you are aspiring to become an actor, please go somewhere else. read more

Can not recommend this studio enough! I've been studying with Howard Fine and David Coury for the past year and it has made a huge impact on the way I approach acting. It's rare to find a coach (much less two coaches) with so much passion for helping students grow as actors. Their warmth and professionalism creates a safe environment for students to explore and try new things without the fear of being ridiculed or embarrassed. Looking forward to many more years here! read more

Howard Fine Acting Studio was recommended to me as THE place to learn acting technique and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. They run a tight ship - doors are locked if you arrive late, if your phone rings you go home, if you don't memorise your lines you are called out for it. For someone like myself who attended very serious educational institutions (Phillips Exeter, Georgetown, Harvard Business School) this is exactly the kind of place where I want to train. Howard and Mr Coury's insights, notes, and techniques have changed my life and expanded my consciousness, not just as a budding actor but as an individual human being. I look forward to training here for years to come. read more

This review is long overdue. I'd like to start off by saying this studio is truly a treasure. It is not only an acting studio where serious actors go to train, it is a community, and a family. Aside from growing as an actor, Howard's teachings have helped me to grow personally as well. Added bonus... I have made incredible friendships with the most wonderful people. Years ago, shortly after I graduated from college, I moved to LA to pursue my dream of being an actor. I bounced around various acting studios hoping to find a place that taught the true craft of acting. I wanted to have a strong foundation so I could be taken seriously in the industry. I found that most successful actors in the industry had theater training in their background. After trying at least 6-7 different places, I landed at the Howard Fine Studio. I was initially intimated and nervous as my college degree was in Business, and I didn't have a ton of experience. However, Howard and the studio changed that for me. At that time, there were two courses that were required to start at the studio, and both were intensives that lasted at least 6-8 weeks. I took both. I then went on to take Alexander Technique, Emotional Recall, and I landed in an ongoing class. I studied at the studio for quite some time, and the whole time I was there, I felt so lucky to have found the place. At some point, I stepped away from acting to focus on taking care of my son. In 2020 when the pandemic hit, I decided to take the online courses with Howard. It had been years, but it was exactly what I needed. I did the online courses for a few years, and then transitioned to the in person on going class with Howard. Howard is an incredible teacher and human being. If you are open to learning, Howard will provide you with the tools that will allow you to be an authentic human being and a thriving actor. Howard is the real deal! His teachings and tools work if you apply them. I have learned so much about human behavior from Howard, and his teachings have not only helped me to be a better actor, they have improved my personal relationships. Bottom line, I have grown so much as a person from what I have learned, and continue to learn, at the Howard Fine Studio. That said, this studio is not for you if you are not open to growing and learning, if you are not disciplined, if your ego gets in the way and you feel the need to debate about all the choices you made, and if you take everything personally and become defensive easily. Howard will provide you with constructive feedback. If you are open to receiving his assessment (which is spot on 99% of the time), if you have a willingness to do the work (ie. getting off book word for word, following his 8 steps, reading his book along with Uta Hagen's books), if you are disciplined, if you have a desire to look at all the sides of yourself so you can apply them to your work, you will flourish here. You will learn how to bring the most authentic YOU to each slice of life. Howard loves actors! Howard also respects those that have an open heart and a willingness to learn. One of my favorite quotes from Howard is, "If you wish to touch the hearts of others, you must first open your own." I am grateful to have the opportunity to train at this studio. Not only are the actors that train here working actors, the actors are genuinely good people that lift each other up and inspire one another. Howard, and the Howard Fine family, have had such a positive impact in my life. Which is why I felt compelled to write this review. Thank you, Howard! I am so grateful for you and your wisdom. It is truly a gift. I feel fortunate to train with you, and to know you. read more

After surviving a 6-week mandatory technique/therapy course, most actors graduate to ongoing scene classes, usually taught by Mr. Coury we're he chooses scenes from old plays and actors like he's assembling an Oscar-winning ensemble. Expressing disagreement with his choices? That's a one-way ticket to his blacklist. You might get paired with an actor who thinks 'method' means 'half-asleep' or end up in a play duller than dishwater, but you just have to grin and bear it, working on the same play for sometimes months. Mr. Coury is funny, engaging, and knowledgeable instructor. He also teaches singing lessons, voice and diction, and memorization classes and he highly encourages taking them. However, you quickly find out that if you don't take his other classes, you end up on his bad side, and it's downhill from there. For Serious Actors, I'd recommend training somewhere else. The instructors here are busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest. I remember once having a question and waiting until the class ended, only to watch the instructor make a beeline for his office. When it comes to asking a question, you often have to wait until you're in front of an audience of fellow actors, which is about as comfortable as doing karaoke in your underwear. Furthermore, working with Howard Fine is about as likely as winning the lottery--he's usually MIA. If you do manage to make eye contact with him in the hallways, don't hold your breath for small talk or a friendly hello; he's like a ghost with better things to do. Even the stage managers are clueless about Howard Fine's coaching requirements. We're all just left scratching our heads and wondering. Just to set the record straight: nothing catastrophic happened to me. I'm not here to spill any tea. Working with some of the actors was actually pretty great--like a weirdly fun group therapy session. But honestly, this is a "cash cow" Business in Hollywood and the instructors got their script down so well, it's like they're on autopilot. Don't hold your breath for one-on-one constructive feedback --they're too busy for that. In the end, you might feel like just another extra in the crowd scene of life. read more

So I was super excited to join the class, especially an audit. I did my research and watched lots of videos on YouTube with a former student Austin Butler which helped me build trust. And then I called..the receptionist was extremely rude and seemed to care about her hourly rate only rather than making me a new client. I was curious about an audit in person with Howard but she replied that they only have online options. Cool, but the tonality and the manner of communication were extremely unprofessional and rude. I genuinely was excited and wanted to meet the staff and find an option to meet the teacher in person by paying for an audit or taking personal coaching. However, the receptionist lady wasn't trained professionally on how to communicate with potential leads. As a result, I chose another school and already made a deposit. The devil is in the details, Mr. Fine. That's just my feedback. I'm so disappointed about this experience and was happy to learn from you. Not this time though. Hopefully, this will be taken into consideration otherwise employees like that hurt your business. Peace. read more

I write this because after a couple of years this was put on my heart. This is not to bash Howard in any way. I feel convicted and felt unsettled when the incident happened and didn't know why. While attending a class here, a student expressed their concern with their sides, it used the Lords name in vain. They asked Howard what should I do if I don't want to use the Lords name in vain and he responded with "I think your God will understand you're just acting". I remember feeling unsettled by his remark but I was not yet deep in my faith as I am today and didn't know what to say but knew his response wasn't right. What I know now is that it is Commanded, " Thou shall not use the Lords name in vain". It does not say.... Well only if you're acting in a scene...It is a commandment, period. When you are a follower of God/Jesus we are to obey the commandments and hold God in His rightful place and Honor Him. He is not to be mocked or used in vain. I say this as a reminder to anyone who feels convicted about something to trust your instinct, there was a reason they felt convicted in the first place. After all, this life is but a vapor and then we will ALL stand before God one day to give an account. read more

I've taken acting classes with 4 different coaches in LA and the 6 Week Technique was by very far hands down the best class I've taken. You learn SO MUCH in such a short period of time. I feel like my acting and understanding of harnessing my truthful emotions to bring my truth to characters has grown tremendously. Not only my acting, but me myself in real life grew tremendously. I learned so much about myself and being human through the wise words of Howard Fine, David Coury, and Uta Hagen. Not to mention what I learned through watching my classmates. IF YOU'RE ON YELP HESITATING TO TAKE A CLASS HERE OR NOT CLOSE THE APP AND GO SECURE YOUR SPOT RIGHT NEOWW! I'll be back for memorization, voice and speech, and ongoing classes as soon as I can and not a moment later :) read more

Let me start with this was more than an "Acting Studio" it a place where you find yourself, really learn how to be super at being human. I was intimidated by taking the six week intensive as i'm just getting back into the performing arts, but now that i recently completed the course it was a experience that has forever changed my perspective on "serious" acting and what it takes to be great at this craft. I've read Howard Fines book beforehand and heard about his style of honest precise criticism and i'll tell you if your not defensive and willing to listen carefully this studio will change the way you see yourself and how you are apart of every character that you will ever play. David and Howard understand the human condition and how to communicate with every type of personality and how to unlock talent hidden within. Me personally i deal with nerves and didn't perform nearly as well as i rehearsed, but they didn't kill me to bad told me straight forward my problems and the proper techniques to help me become a better version of me. The course really changed how i approach "Acting" how to work if i really want to be great one day. To conclude Howard Fine is well renowned as he has worked with the greats and it shows here, if you want to challenge yourself and try to become the best version of yourself as an artist this is the studio for you. There will be work, work, work, but if you are serious and your ethics are there won't be a problem. Didn't get a chance to talk to Howard, but if your reading this thank you for your teaching and it was memorable experience. No "Negative" reviews just be prepared to work, rehearse, give full attention and effort in bringing in your personal items. Newer performer like myself take notes, be open to feedback and just ready to learn craft and technique. read more

Howard Fine is an excellent acting teacher/coach who has been teaching for close to 3 decades. He gives actors the tools to build a solid acting foundation. Howard does not play around. He is not someone to study with if you are not going to do the work. If you are not serious about your career stay away but if you want to train to be an exceptional actor. Howard is definitely the one to study with. read more

This studio quite literally changed my life almost one year ago! There are not enough words to explain how much of a home, safe haven, and magical place the Howard Fine Acting Studio is to me. From the very first moments I walked into my 6 weeks technique class to now weekly in scene study, I have been challenged, encouraged, and surrounded by BRILLIANT teachers who care about the craft of acting. This studio simply attracts the best because it is the best. There is a standard and expectation here that only artists who are really passionate and serious about the craft will understand. Howard and Mr. Coury both will pull magic out of you that you did not even realize was there to begin with. And the best part? You will leave knowing and recognizing what that "magic" is and continue honing it. (that "magic" = craft). I have found my tribe, my community, and friends for life at this studio. I am honored and reminded how blessed I am every time I walk through those doors! Cannot wait to continue to learn, grow, and be in awe of the utter genius of Howard Fine, David Coury, and the entire staff/faculty/students of the Howard Fine Studio! read more

I joined the Howard Fine Studio during the pandemic of 2020 and it changed how I approach the craft of acting. Howard teaches students to use themselves in every role and encourages us to take a full inventory of our lives to find valuable sources we can use in our acting. I am a very sensitive person who cries easily and through Howard's lessons I have learned to not be ashamed of my emotional availability because it is a gift. I love my Howard Fine Studio family and have made many long lasting friendships there! read more

Howard is a phenomenal teacher with an extremely refined eye for identifying the right adjustments to give to an actor. He does a great job of breaking down and reiterating the core principles of how to approach the craft. Going to the Saturday Scene Study class is one of the highlights of my week! read more

Terrible. Wasted $945 on his 6 week course. Location so bad that in Week 3 they told us from now on we had to leave in pairs because a few days earlier one of the student-actresses was in her car in front of the studio on Highland at 3 PM when a guy walked up and smashed her windshield with his skateboard. And he offers no parking - none- so we get there early and drive around and around looking for a spot (parallel parking in front of apartment buildings) and hope my car will still be there 4 hours later. He does NOT allow any in-person audits so you can't go in and quietly watch one of his classes before you pay and sign up. Howard Fine told us "I'm a control freak" and his rules include "Late arrivals (even one minute) will NOT be allowed to take this section of class." And you cannot ask a question until they say, "Do you have any questions?" And you must raise your hand when you ask a question. You do not refer to David Coury as "David" but only as "Mr. Coury." And if cellphone goes off, you will be sent home. But the worst part is they don't want us to get "defensive" or "resistive" so if you dare to speak your ideas about a character or scene that is not 100% in agreement with Howard or Mr. Coury, they react like you want to argue with them so they will interrupt you and say things like "If you want to advance to our next level classes you need to clear your mind and learn my process." In week 3 I watched Mr. Coury ask a student-actor "Are you resisting me?" In week 5 after I politely tried to explain my ideas about my character, Howard interrupted me and said "As I've told you before, you are not clearing you mind of the other things you've been taught so that's why you will not advance to my next level." This rude dude's fragile ego causes his brain to forget who is paying his electric bill. One hour after the last class on Oct. 17, 2024, I got an email from Howard telling me he doesn't want me in any more classes - "At this time the faculty feels it is best for your development as an actor to move on from our studio and explore other styles and approaches." I laughed out loud. I guess he's still in business because he has been around for so many years and because of his clever website (how many of those movie stars actually paid him to attend his classes????) There are so many acting teachers in L.A.- Hollywood areas like Aaron Speiser, Graham Shiels, Scott Sedita, Shari Shaw, Joe Anthony etc., that offer friendly, creative atmospheres where actor's ideas are welcomed and treated with a little respect, but Howard Fine and David Coury are not in that group. read more

I am writing an update to my review from a year ago. I've now been consistently taking classes with Howard for over a year. I've taken Audition 1,2,3, the six week Acting Technique, Alexander Technique, two different Scene Study Intensive Master Classes and I'm now in his ongoing class online. I think the fact that I've taken so many classes here speaks for itself. However, I will add, that Howard truly is the actor whisperer. He has a way with working with actors that resonates. There is a reason that so many of his students have been nominated and won Oscars and Emmys. I personally have had a lot of growth working with Howard and I have seen countless other students make huge strides and grow as well under his teaching. Howard is an intuitive, kind, caring and professional teacher. The students are also friendly and welcoming. I look forward to continuing to study with Howard and the studio. It has become my acting "home". I recommend the studio to all my actor friends. read more

The Howard Fine Acting Studio is incredible. I have had the privilege of working with every teacher at the studio and they are ALL amazing and have given me exactly what I needed to open up doors in the industry to book jobs! I highly recommend this studio to anyone searching for an artistic home. Come learn from the best. read more

Emotionally abusive. This place scarred me. Avoid if you're a sensitive person like I am. They yell at you and demean you if you make mistakes. Growth should be about failing and knowing it's okay... I don't learn by the stick, but by the carrot. read more

Goood place. But the problem I have is that I was watching the master class one day and my phone just started playing music, and I got KICKED out. Too bad for Howard, he could have had a legitimate movie star. read more

I have now been at the Howard Fine studio for over a year. I'm now in the Wednesday master class. The level of work in the class is constantly inspiring. I can honestly say Wednesday is my favorite day of the week. I feel honored to work with such dedicated, talented, professional people. read more

Howard Fine Acting Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

He is emotionally abusive. He picks favorites early on and likes to mock and berate students he does not like. He also criticizes all other teachers and positions himself as the only knowledgeable teacher in the business. The place is cultish. It has been several years since I was a student, but I am still in therapy for the trauma and shame I had to endure there. read more

Such an incredible teacher, coach and mentor. Mr. Fine takes your acting to the next level and does it with such finesse, grace and mastery that I find myself craving more of his insight. I have fallen in love with the craft of acting again! read more

Howard is an incredible teacher and coach. This studio has a wonderful community as well. I always feel that I can work on challenging myself more as an actor here. You cannot get away with a poor work ethic here. If you're afraid of being paired with a scene partner who doesn't put in the work, don't worry. People who don't invest in their craft (rehearse.. do their homework) won't last long here. read more

Would you like an acting coach who is not a failed actor and actually wants you to be amazing? Of course you do. Do you want to be surrounded by serious actors that don't flake? Yes, please. These have been my biggest complaints with other studios. Howard's studio is on another level of artistic pursuit and professional comfort. The studio also offers extra classes, besides scene study, that are usually only available at 4 year conservatories. read more

I came to audit Monday master class to Howard Fine Acting Studio in 2008 and since that time I have become a resident of the studio. As a foreigner I had been very anxious to step in acting world here in LA, but that auditing night dispelled all my hesitations. I am so happy I made my choice for this studio - wise and professional guidance through scene study made me confident to go to auditions for any type of roles, understand the craft as from actor's point of view so from director's and writer's as well but most important - Howard taught me how to analyze my own work independently from coaches, how trust my inner navigation and impulses while acting. If I could I would give seven stars to this studio! read more

I have been to numerous acting studios in Los Angeles, and by far Howard Fine exceeds expectations. Not only is he an incredibly accomplished teacher (directing top notch Broadway Plays just to name one of the numerous), his teaching methods are the best I've experienced. His passion for his craft and his students is undeniable. He wants the absolute best for every student. Howard helps you navigate and find the 'character' living inside you, while honing your craft, exploring your creativity, but most importantly bringing out the 'you.' It was such a miracle to find him because he helped me rediscover my love for acting. This studio has truly modified my approach to my craft and has changed my life. I can't say enough wonderful things about this studio and Howard. Thank you thank you thank you Howard. read more

October, 10th 2011 Shocking phone call! I attended last nights audit at the Howard Fine Acting Studio. I saw three performances. Between each performance, Mr. Fine made brief comment and then the performance was repeated. On review I felt these performances were staged to sell Mr. Fines "product". After the performances the prospective students were ushered into another room/studio. Mr. Fine and Laura Gardner joined for a Q&A session. The prospective students as a whole were reserved and shy. I made two comments to Mr. Fine "asking if his book was available in other languages and answering his question about describing the word Flaky with IRRESPONSIBLE." Then Mr. Fine and Laura Gardener left and were replaced by two talented students/salesmen. During this time I asked numerous questions that were well received. What stood out to me, was that they couldn't stress enough how important it is to be yourself and that at The Howard Fine Acting Studio it's not about changing who you are, it's about embracing who you are. Because in the end that's what is making a difference, yourself! Then I went to the front desk and signed up for the Alexander Technique. I paid $395 and purchased Mr. FIne's book $24.70. This morning (October 11th, 2011) I called The Howard Fine Acting Studio and was told "We actually wanted to call you today to refund your money because we think you are not the right fit for this studio" I asked them why, "Because of the way I was asking questions". I feel humiliated and disappointed , why is a 25 years old, 5' 7", 103lbs, highly educated European, fluent in 3 languages rejected from The Howard Fine Acting Studio? All that comes to mind, in between scenes I visited the girls room and stood in line due to limited restrooms. Upon my attempt to return to my seat, I myself and another student were locked out. Is this why I am not a good fit for The Howard Fine Acting Studio? About myself, I have a strong presence, very direct and honest. It's possible that The Howard Fine Acting Studio has discriminatory policies... read more

As a student of Howard's for the last 8 months, I am SHOCKED to see such bad reviews by people who never took a single class at the studio. If you are looking for an acting class, I highly encourage that you do your research and audit classes for yourself. Yelp can only tell you so much. For those interested in hearing from a current student, I'll share my personal experience and take: Howard is a no bullshit kind of teacher. He is very discerning, very intelligent, very encouraging, and very REAL. He has a very good gauge of where his students are at and he is very one on one during critiques. He asks us "What worked, what didn't, and why?" before he gives any notes because he wants us to be able to recognize our strengths and also know our own challenges so that we can overcome them on our own. He is an AMAZING teacher and I highly recommend his Foundation course to anyone who is seeking a solid beginning course or needs a refresher in the basics. Prior to studying with Howard, I'd been dabbling in acting for a little bit with no formal training. I put acting classes off for years because I thought they were too expensive and I just wanted to see how far I could get without them. When I decided to take it seriously, my friend Becky Wu (you can IMDB her) highly recommended Howard's Foundation course. Several other working actor friends had good things to say about Howard and his studio, so I audited his class, was very inspired, and then made the investment to take his Foundation course last August. The first 6-weeks were packed with basic technique involving games, exercises, assigned reading, lecture, etc. Howard pretty much covered everything in his book, "Fine on Acting," as well as taught from Uta Hagen's "A Challenge for the Actor." In the second 6-weeks, we got to apply what we learned from the first 6-weeks, going deep into scene study in a very thorough process of homework and rehearsal. From day 1, I was blown away by all the information and inspirational words of wisdom from Howard. I have to credit Howard for opening up my eyes to a whole new world of acting... that is THE CRAFT. I've now been in his intermediate scene study for the last 5 months and I've been learning so much still. Even though everything he teaches has already been taught to us in Foundation, it's in the practice of doing it in class where I'm learning and growing - I'm learning how to identify my own strengths and challenges, Howard has been helping me get out of my comfort zone, and I've been getting so many revelations about myself in the last 8 months... that no joke, I would even recommend his Foundation course to non-actors for life lessons and self discovery. Ultimately, what it comes down to is what you as an individual put into this craft. For me, I know that I didn't even respect the craft properly before studying with Howard. And I know that Howard has helped me immensely in learning and growing as an actor. So I will continue to study with him as long as I'm growing, as long as I can afford to, and as long as he is willing to teach me (he does choose who he works with and he will let people know if they are not a right fit for the studio). Also, I would like to correct two previous reviewers' insight about the cost of the Foundation course. It's $1600 not $1800. Yes, you may still consider that expensive, but you need to realize that this is an intensive course, 2 days a week, 4 hours a class, with an expectation of 6-8 hours of homework per week for 3 months. This is a course that Howard used to teach over the span of a year! And no, you do NOT pay it all upfront. They've broken it down into four payments. If you make the calculations, you will see that the cost is actually quite reasonable in comparison to other name studios. Yes, there are less expensive options out there, but like I said in the beginning, do your research and I hope you find the best fit for you :] read more

Alright listen up, people. I'm going to be frank with you. If you're annoyed by the idea of hard work, discipline, and commitment to your craft, the Howard Fine Acting Studio is NOT for you. If you think that having shiny hair or visible abdominal muscles is the only prerequisite to a professional acting career, then please remain at least 500 feet away from the entrance of 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. at all times. Because we don't have time for your ridiculous vanity or sense of entitlement. I audited Howard's Monday evening master class having already read his book, because honestly, I'm Asian and I don't mess around. For me, the audit confirmed what I had hoped about Howard's methodology: not only is he fiercely consistent in his teaching, but is exceptionally brilliant at communicating very complex ideas with great simplicity; what he says always makes sense, to both the wide-eyed amateur and the experienced professional. I was in the latter category by the time I decided after the audit to enroll in the 12-week technique class, and over that time period, I felt the curriculum was similarly aligned with training I had received early on in my career, as it was based in Uta Hagen's texts, so the basic concepts were reinforced for me. However, this was the first time I felt I was studying with a teacher that provided the level of consistency that I needed in order to develop into an actor that was self-sufficient enough to deliver excellence on a daily basis in auditions, on stage and on set. As a multi-disciplined performer, I was accustomed to the high expectations that Howard placed on each of us, and by the time the 12 weeks were over, it was clear that some could not clear that bar, as they dropped like unimportant secondary characters who get shot in the first round of a video game. As mortifying as it is to see people waste the time of such a skilled teacher, it was secretly satisfying to see that in fact, part of Howard's skill is to quickly eliminate those who lack seriousness about their craft. BOOM! Howard's book is a fine introduction to the principles of his studio, but acting cannot really be taught from a book, and you would rob yourself of the three-dimensional experience of the true learning and absorption that occurs from working with this dynamic teacher in person. I am incredibly grateful to have found in Howard Fine an artistic mentor, a humorous and enthusiastic kindred soul, and a compassionate guide in the continuing exploration of human behavior. Come study here if you are ready to do the work. If you're a lazy complaining weenie, stay away. read more

Wanted to take their Vocal Lab which is $125 but in order to do so you have to take their 3-day intensive for a whopping $550! I've spent money on lots of classes out here but none that were that expensive for only 3 days. I get though, that it's an all day affair each day so I could see dropping $350 on it but $550 is ridiculous to me. Further, their Admin Director who handles all emails isn't very warm. Her replies were always one sentence answers that gave the impression she didn't want to be bothered. Perhaps she's just super busy but it definitely made it easier for me to decide to keep my money and find another singing for actors class. Different strokes for different folks I guess. 2/100 - 2016 Yelp 100 Challenge read more

The faculty at HFAS are simply amazing. Howard's lectures and critiques always have pinpoint accuracy and help not only with acting, but also apply to life itself. I took the Foundation class and can honestly say that it is a lot of work, and is for serious actors only. But with that said, if you are willing to put in the time, work, and have an open mind, I guarantee you will take away many, many valuable lessons. read more

I had known of Howard Fine in Australia for some time and read his books watched his videos and interviews and was motivated to save my ass off to come to LA to live for 6months and study at the Howard Fine Studio and with Howard Fine himself.. At my Audit class on a Monday evening i was introduced personally to Howard Fines coaching with his Masterclass and saw first hand the Actors work through there scenes and then given the opportunity for self analysis with the "What Worked..What Didnt..and Why?.Howard would then give his 'Notes' which were made very clear and easy to understand by the actors and all in attendance observing the scenes on the night. There would be a rework and you would see a immediately shift in the performance and it was such a joy to watch and i even learnt quite a bit from what i saw as well. Now after 3 months of study at the Howard Fine Studio in LA i can honestly say that the 6 years that i have been Acting and honing my skills with various Classes,Studios and Coaches this is without question the number 1 studio in my books. I believe someone who teaches should give some of themselves while they do it and Howard Fine is sincere, honest and you can see he really cares about his students we are not a number to him he wants us to succeed and believes we should make all the mistakes in class so we can improve,learn and grow and eventually with the tools he provides for us will eventually become self reliant and learn to spot our own mistakes and make the changes... This is not a Acting school if you are not serious about your craft or are looking for a quick fix then dont waste the studios time and your fellow students.. Howard Fine teaches without Gimmicks or tricks and to be true to ourselves and how to access the talent we all have inside and to use ourselves in every role. Finally the class of Actor i have met and befriended and i would call family at this studio has been life changing and would attribute that to high standard of Actors that are drawn to the studio and any negativity seen below on this review i would disregard to have any merit what so ever. Hollywood is full of people who give opinions based on little to no information and unless they have been a student or studied with the studio you cant give a informed evaluation.As a fellow student said,it's like me trying to critique a movie I never watched but only saw the preview of. I am so pleased that Howard Fine has opened in Australia now and will continue my ongoing study there in the future and of course would recommend THE HOWARD FINE ACTING STUDIO to all actors who want to move forward in there career and create a solid foundation and build on it to benefit your self and your future..Regards Marcelle Weber read more

Absolute, without a doubt the NUMBER ONE acting coach in the business. Period. I have studied with many "coaches" and "teachers". None of them pushed me, challenged my character, my ability or mentored me through the twists and turns of the industry like Howard Fine. I went through all the steps folks, the application class, into scene study, and then master class for 4 years. I've private coached for auditions with Howard as well as booked work. If you're serious and committed to acting, and being the very utmost that you can be in auditions and on set, then study with this man. Commit. Discipline yourself to belong at the top. It doesn't happen over night. read more

In response to Rick G's statement: How is Howard a salesman of any sort? As far as I've seen, he does not ask you to study at the studio, but asks for you to find a place where you feel comfortable. Howard is by far the best teacher I have had the privilege to have. If anyone audits his class and feels for one minute that Howard is saying anything that is not correct I would be surprised. All of his statements are well thought out, and insightful. Again though, people should find a place where they feel comfortable. Obviously this is not a place for you Rick G, but others, including many well named actors in the industry, have called this studio home and have grown to have great careers. This goes without saying, but I personally would not go anywhere other than the Howard Fine Studio. read more

Howard Fine Acting Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California