This was so so so fun. I was a little cautious at first, for sure. Not an "ocean person" but I felt…read morelike I was In really good hands. Had a killer time and will very likely sitn up again. I loved the wetsuits they gave us. It made a March surf lesson very cozy. Highly recommend to anyone that wants an instructor guiding you through. They were very professional and patient. Funny too! Made the whole experience very entertaining and the land lessons part of it was sort of like a little comedy show. Ten out of ten experience for people looking for fun things to do in Santa Monica Beach. Also- parking was very easy!!!! They told us where to park cheap and had good recommendations and advice :) I love surfing now... never thought I would say that. Thank u Will and Lucas!!

Went out for a lesson with my girlfriend and what an incredible experience from start to finish!…read moreOur instructor, Lucas, was patient, encouraging, and made us feel completely at ease in the water, even as complete beginners. His guidance and positive energy turned what could've been intimidating into an absolute blast. Highly recommend for anyone in the SoCal area!

My daughter has taken a few kids classes and loved them…read more I did the intro to sewing and was so impressed with what I made, having never used a machine previously. We were taught how to make the I item look pretty professional.

I took a 3 hour workshop in 2023 for a beginner sewing project and enjoyed myself. My husband…read morebought me a machine to encourage md and support my new hobby. But I felt so intimated by my new machine. I ticked it away for years but I saw an email for a Moving Thread beginner 4-week workshop. 3 hours each session. Last night was class 1 of 4. My class was six ladies aged from mid 20s to late 60s. One never sewed. Two hand sewed. And two of us used machines 20 and 30 years ago and one lady had a machine and used it but felt intimidated. So we were all pretty nervous about our fledgling sewing skills. But the class was paced perfectly and by the end of our first class we successfully completed beautiful reversible totes! The workshop is $550 and it's a great value: project 1 tote, project 2 zipper pouch, project 3 pants (two classes). Our instructor was warm, friendly, funny, knowledgeable, helpful. My only drawback are the chairs. They're not comfortable for me and my leg felt like it wanted to go numb. No one else seemed uncomfortable so maybe it's just me. I'll try a seat cushion to see if it'll help. I brought my machine with me so I could learn how to use it but my husband actually bought the same Heavy Duty Singer sewing machine provided in the class for student use. All the equipment, accessories, fabric needed is provided by the class. You only need to show up. No good or drink allowed in classroom but water is okay. Be sure to enter the rear entrance let the instructions in your student information email. Because to show up on time. Basically no make classes. So if you sign up be sure you're schedule is free for the specified time period. If you're thinking of taking a quick afternoon class or a full workshop I highly recommend you give Moving Thread a try. The instructor we had last night has her own fashion label and is highly knowledgeable but gave us very easy instructions that us newbies could follow. The was patient with our foibles and created an atmosphere of grace and fun. I look forward to my to rest of classes Eventually I look forward to trying the advanced class offerings too. I've hit my eye on the alterations class.

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!

Live out your Greatest Showman dreams. This class is so fun! I've taken 3 flying trapeze lessons…read more At first I didn't realize that this school is actually on the pier which is cool (it has since changed locations I believe). There are always on lookers, and it's kind of nice when they cheer for you when you complete a trick haha. Recommendations: Wear pants, either tight fitting sweats or leggings, and socks. It helps to have slides that you can slip into if you're going to be walking around in-between jumps.

Amazing fun - absolutely a bucket list life item. The experience is unlike anything else, being…read morefree solo jumping and flipping through the air with the ocean breeze and view of the pier. The instructors here are all friendly fun and caring of your safety. It's a large space and entrance is on the right side of the pier's boardwalk. They have lots of different classes here from silk, trampoline, flying trapeze, static trapeze, lyra and you can progress through months and years here as it is a school that can teach advanced levels. I did the flying trapeze class and their grip on the bar is fantastic, they have chalk on the bottom of the ladder as well as the top of the platform before you grip the bar. They do recommend you come here with tight leggings to protect your legs and be able to grip the bar better with your legs. They have lots of shade in the rest and prep areas. The staff here are all friendly and the school is very well spaced out that it feels very private and not noisy from the rest of the crowded pier. Everyone afar on the pier will be taking pictures since it is a sight to see someone fly through and it is quite fun! They sell grips and wraps here along with grip socks too. You do not need to buy the grips or wraps to attend the class here. Dependent on your skill level, you can progress and do many jumps off the trapeze in a 30 minute session or you can stack back to back sessions for more time.

I had the privilege of taking Terri's acting for the camera class at Orange County School of the…read moreArts in my junior year. Some of my fondest high school memories were made in that class! Terri's teaching was always individually tailored to each student. She pushed us to reach our full potential and always created a safe environment for us to explore new, challenging characters. In just a semester class, I learned valuable audition tips and acting techniques for film, tv, and commercials. On top of that, we learned a ton about the business side of entertainment, gained knowledge of cinematography and lighting, and learned about the professionalism and discipline needed to be successful in the entertainment industry. Terri went above and beyond to bring us incredible opportunities including a voiceover masterclass in a professional studio, access to the professional quality short film auditions at our school, access to professional equipment to film our reels and even volunteered to be our faculty sponsor so we could produce the first student-run production at our school. Terri Treas is an incredible example of what it means to be a strong, successful woman in the performance industry. I know that whatever happens as I am pursuing my career in the performance industry, I will have a support system and a mentor for life! Additionally, Mrs. Treas's dance resume is also insanely impressive! If you ever have the chance to take a dance class from her (especially a Fosse class) take it!

I took Terri's On-Camera Acting Class a couple years ago and it truly shaped my approach to…read moreon-camera (and to some degree stage) work. She knows how to bring out the best in your work as long as you are putting in your best effort. After taking the class, on-camera work became significantly less intimidating.

I've never heard of this school until driving by and stumbling upon this precious jewel. I have had…read morethe opportunity to attend their health fair and job fair and have found great success in this school. I have not once seen any pregnant teens, gang members or any of the other things that has been mentioned in someone else's comments. I have taken varies classes just because I was bored and I come to find that the school work relieves stress. All the courses that I have taken here has been great. Instructors are fun with a sense of humor and also strict at the same time. The instructors make sure that their students finish their education and let them know that it is not a waste of time. Great job Skills keep up the good work.

My experience in Venice Skill Center was amazing. In 7 month I prepared and passed the HiSET which…read moresolved a big issue in my life.If I had not passed the HiSET, I could not have gotten into my sound engineering training program. The staff and teachers are fantastic. Thanks so much to Sybil, Erika,Theo and Rosalie.

These guys are great teachers. I've been surfing for 3 years but incorrectly. They taught me how…read moreto properly pop and how to read the waves. I can now pop in the water properly onto a wave a ride it. They have made surfing so much more enjoyable for me.

Daniel and Bobby are terrific. They are super knowledgeable and helpful. We had a group of three…read morecouples with a range of experience (mostly first timers). We had a ton of fun learning to surf and would recommend looking no further for a great first surfing experience.

Learning how to meditate from Light was deightful. I had never before meditated in my life but I…read morewas looking for a teacher who really understood the concept and could show me a path towards consistent meditation that will help me achieve the inner peace and calmness I desired. I found all of this in Light. He provides his guidance over 4 consecutive days in 2hr lessons and I really felt after the classes that I had learned not only the fundamentals behind Vedic meditation but why it has such a positive impact in one's life and what to expect initially as a beginner meditator. I came out of the classes eager to meditate twice a day and I have not only consistently done it, but I look forward to my meditation sessions. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to meditate on their own and be able to understand meditation and its benefits.

If you are having thoughts about wanting to learn to meditate from Light take the LEAP and do it! I…read morepromise you will never regret it. Light makes the mystical journey of mediation so simple and easy to learn. I can say with out hesitation you will learn to meditate and it will change the way you look at the world. I learned 3 months ago and have been mediating 2x a day for 20 minutes ever since. I have had many friends compliment me recently on how calm and relaxed I am and also how great my energy is! Mediation works and Light is an amazing teacher.

Sharon may not be for everyone. She is tough, she takes the role of teacher very strongly and…read morebelieves that her purpose is to make you a stronger, more prepared, more consistent and more committed actor. Sharon is one of the most insightful and gifted teachers that I have ever met and helps me and others connect to characters through genuine thought and action. She teaches extensive sensory, relaxation, improvisation and other various techniques to open you up and to trust that you are not only honestly believing but feeling the words and actions that you are communicating. I have been very fortunate to study with many talented coaches but honestly Sharon is the one that has helped me unlock myself through the practice of making strong choices and really bringing my authentic self to the characters that I play. If you are serious about growing as an actor and taking your skills to the next level than you need Sharon - She will get you there.

Ok this review is several years in the making. I held off saying anything for a long time not only…read moreto process what happened to me, but also because - if I'm being honest - my experience here was so emotionally scarring, I was scared of her. YEP. A grown woman scared of a grown woman. That's where we're STARTING. Here's the thing: people like and swear by her. A few people in my class were total devotees and one of them was even famous (tho they had been famous as a child so I'm not sure if she was involved in the initial success, but still). Point is, a handful of students really liked her. So there's that. My first couple classes were ok, mostly because I avoided her wrath which brought someone to tears almost every class. It made it awkward but does give you that "oh I must be good because she isn't attacking me" type confidence. But then my time came up, my number was called (so to speak) and she rained insulting vitriol on me after a short scene where I made a big choice. Did the choice work? Probably not. Fine. Not the first time I've failed onstage. Won't be the last. But did I deserve the literal storm of personal and professional attacks I got after the fact? Absolutely not. For the first time in my YEARS of performing and taking classes all over, I actually cried from something a teacher said. Like, a lot. It was unprofessional and, more importantly, unproductive. I couldn't concentrate after the fact and she kept cutting me off when we would try the scene again, berating with new "notes" which alternated between inconsistent and straight up cruel. Some people might respond ok to that type of "teaching." Obviously, like I said, she has devotees. But I absolutely did not, would not, and have ever responded well to what felt like just straight up bullying. Class went late and was dismissed after she tore me TF down. I was red eyed and shaky for a while after. To her credit, she called the next day to talk about it but I was still processing and didn't know what to say. And, honestly, pretty scared of her. My self esteem at the time isn't what it is now. Now, I would have walked out the first class, the first time she attacked someone. But at the time, I was much more insecure, lost, and desperate for validation. Not unlike a lot of young actors I know. Shortly after this experience, I found another studio (check my other reviews) that was an incredibly supportive environment. I actually felt seen and safe there to fail (which I did plenty and was given excellent notes to actually improve) and actually learned so, so much from those wonderful teachers. Side note, a couple years later I was still getting emails from the studio so I emailed back and asked them to take me off the list and Sharon personally replied with a condescending and veiled attack that her assistants were just doing their job and I was asking too much by setting a digital boundary. Like...ok? I'm writing this so many years later because I hope a young bright eyed eager actor doesn't lose their spark from an experience like mine. Maybe she'll fan your flame. Maybe she'll snuff it. But please hear me that you don't HAVE to put up with this type of acting approach. Trauma doesn't need to be triggered in order to be creative. There are other options out there. Even if you're bad, man, go find somewhere else to make you better or at least make you continue to enjoy acting if you truly love it. And if you felt torn down and hurt and were made to cry and felt weak and stupid because she berated you for crying then continued to personally attack you using manipulative language to make it sound like you (as a person) the problem and it made you question if you as a human have any value...you are not alone. And you do. You very much do. But, hey, an extra star because Vincent D'Onofrio, right?

Mike is amazing, what a great experience. Had lots of fun, we are going again in Novemberread more

I had such a great experience with this beginner surf lesson! The coach was incredibly responsible,…read morepatient, and encouraging throughout the entire session. They explained everything clearly, made sure I felt safe and comfortable, and gave helpful tips that made it much easier to learn.