Working with Billy Gallo at Manhattan Actor Studio was a game changer for my son. He came in with a dream of becoming an actor, and within 10 months, with Billy's guidance, that dream became a reality and he is an actor! The VIP Experience Package set us up for success. Billy provided weekly thoughtful, quality material that expanded my son's range and growth. Billy also helped us think through social media content , guided us on the right at-home self-tape equipment, and even took the time to help me understand the audition process. We now have the right assets to put in front of agents and casting directors - headshots and several professional reels to choose from. What truly sets Billy apart is the relationship he builds with his students, his teaching style is both motivating and structured, helping young actors build confidence. I highly recommend Manhattan Actor Studio VIP package for anyone serious about launching or advancing an acting career. read more

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An actors actor teaching the art of being, while holding nothing back. Professional and passionate about the craft, Billy brings out the best in his actors. read more

Teaching style is practical and based on standard training methods. The facility is clean and surprisingly sound-proof though on a busy street. read more

I couldn't recommend Manhattan Actor Studio enough! I worked with Billy Gallo on a Michelangelo package and it was worth every cent. I moved to Los Angeles about a year ago and was working as an administrative assistant. I had a great job but had been chasing down my dream of becoming an actor through extensive training and filmmaking for many years. I quit my job this fall and couldn't figure out how to break into the industry. I had heard so many different people offer advice on how to move forward but all of it was so contradicting! A South Bay resident, I found Billy's studio a stone's throw from my place. I did my research and discovered that Billy has been a working actor, writer & producer for more than 35 years and has been a part of films and television programs that have inspired me as an aspiring actor. I needed to learn what moves to make and how to take my theatratrical training and make it translate to the art of auditions and the business side of things. Billy got to know me as an instrument, figure out what's holding me back, and teach me numerous skills to add to my actor's toolkit to feel prepared and confident going into auditions. Billy gave me ten different characters to work on each week that helped me gather clips for my profile but taught me how to bring these characters to life quickly--something I was not skilled at before. I have so many gifts that I will continue to grow into for the rest of my career. Not only did he assist me with auditioning, but he gave me advice on how to strategize my career and my personal projects. That information is GOLD in an industry where it feels like the path is made to be obscure on purpose. If you work with Billy you'll be working with an Artistic Warrior and he will challenge you to bring out the best and most confident You. I started excited to go after this business but timid, and after ten classes I feel like a confident warrior who is going after my dream with a vengeance! I am beyond grateful for Billy coming into my life as a guide and mentor. He truly loves what he does and you will feed off of his light and his passion for his love for this work. Billy--you are amazing and I am honored to be one of your students! I am forever grateful to you! read more

I've been a IATSE Local 871 Script Supervisor in the feature film and television industry since 1996. Before that I was a video editor. I've worked on hundreds of projects, and have worked with even more actors. I came to Billy's acting studio to learn acting and better my craft, but I got so much more. Billy takes a wholistic (not to be confused with holistic) approach in teaching. He is a well grounded person and that comes through in his sessions. In getting to your core, your truth, your passion, you open up so much more of your hidden talents and learn to bring that into your acting, and any other aspect of your life. read more

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have found Billy Gallo. It is no coincidence, it was meant to be. His teaching and guidance was exactly what I needed. It was 100% genuine and especially tailored towards my needs. Great soul, honest, raw and truthful. TU Billy. read more

My experience at Manhattan Actor Studio was as memorable as it was educational ! Billy is direct and a very good listener. I shall carry his direction with me wherever I go because his philosophies are as much applicable in life as they are in acting. Thank you Billy ! I truly appreciate your time, effort, and candor during our sessions ! read more

Training with Billy at Manhattan Actor Studio has been a truly wonderful experience. Billy has the heartfelt passion for acting that you would want in a teacher, and also has an eye toward the business side of acting and will help you both develop your craft and your pitch as a working actor. He has years of experience to draw on, and it's evident in the way he transforms your approach to auditioning, to the business of acting, and to your own view of yourself as a person and actor. It has been transformative in terms of acting but also personally, as you develop a great and powerful mindset about who you are as an actor and what you have to offer. He is supportive, constructive, and his classes have a great positive energy to them. For anyone seeking to step into this crazy business of acting, Billy is a great guide and support in your journey. Also check out his podcast (Hollywood Dream Maker) for more insight on his style and approach. read more

Billy is an amazing acting coach and I feel stronger as a person and an actor after each and every session. I was hesitant about getting back into acting, and he made me feel so comfortable and excited about diving back in. He teaches more than just the art of acting- he also teaches you how to feel more confident as a person in every day life. read more

Driving down Sepulveda Blvd in Manhattan Beach I was drawn to a lighted treasure trove called "Manhattan Actor Studio". I immediately contacted the founder Billy and was graciously invited to come in. I stepped into a sacred and safe place where I could let my hair down and allow my vulnerabilities and strengths to shine without judgments. Billy, an accomplished working actor for over 30 years, whose youthful and wise energy engages his students to be the best artist they can be. He is a master teacher encouraging actors to magnify their imagination while incorporating spiritual realism, emotional memory, and conscious awareness of the senses to intensify their own connection to their characters. Billy prepares you to walk into an audition grounded, prepared, and confident. read more

15 years ago I was taking Lessons for a several years in the Valley and Hollywood, although I live in the South Bay I still traveled to class. I Stopped acting for a while because I have always had Career that I love. However acting became a (Serious) hobby. And I missed it~! A few Months ago I was Driving on Sepulveda and I kept noticing the Manhattan Acting Studio. Finally I made the Call and Stopped by. Acting Coach Billy Gallo Made me feel at home and Welcome. After a Few Classes with Billy I learned MORE about the process of Acting then in the prior years I studied. If you're looking for a GREAT Coach Billy Gallo is your Man. There's No Sugar Coating in his class, Just Pure Honesty and an abundance of support. Billy will give you to tools you need to be your best. Do what I did. MAKE THE CALL. IT'S YOUR TIME ~! We all need a Nudge sometimes~! See you in Class~!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Billy is a Godsend!!! He is an incredible teacher with a long resume of experience of working in the biz. He truly cares for his students and invests his time and energy in helping you hone your craft as well as helping to heal your wounds as a person. I'm so grateful to have found a safe place to grow and explore as an artist and find some healing in my soul. This place is a gem! read more

I have been taking lessons with Billy Gallo for several months now. Coming from a non-acting background but in need of some major help with my business videos, Billy has been a perfect fit! He has been very patient, encouraging and yet equally challenging at the same time. He is flexible and creative in his teaching approach- he helps you get outside your box to take the risks needed to broaden your skills. His studio is great- with lots of adaptable choices and uses for actors or business options (promotional videos, social media applications, etc.) As a successful actor and producer, he understands the process and the steps needed to achieve your goals. A great find in the South Bay and highly recommended! read more

I have been a student of Billy's for over a year now and thank you to yelp I am so glad I did! I was going to try out a few different places and see how I liked it but I knew Billy was the right fit from me since the very first day I met him. He genuinely cares and that is what is most important to me. The lessons that are taught in class are so important and I feel don't get taught in most places. The most important thing is confidence, breathing, and being the be one in the room. Billy inspires me everyday to do better. read more

My husband and I can not say enough great things about Billy Gallo. He is a natural teacher in every sense! He has not only helped our 10 year son with acting but he has taught him many life skills. Our son now has so much more confidence in himself and his ability. He always leaves Billy's class happy and talking up a storm about what he learned. As a parent, you can't ask for much more in a teacher. HIGHLY recommend Manhattan Actor Studio! read more

I've done private coaching, The Second City, Upright Citizen's Brigade, and LA Connection and this is by far the most comprehensive acting training experience I've had. The attention to the individual that you will receive here is unique in that you are exposing your actual self and not just reading lines or learning to memorize. The confidence I have gained from working with Billy has carried on into my daily life. I'm no longer just waiting for opportunities but making them for myself. In my daily corporate environment I have been able to mitigate situations with difficult employees by making choices before responding giving me the ability to manipulate the scenario to my favor. I'm no longer the meek little engineer I used to be slouching behind a desk waiting for an opportunity. I have the ability to make moves I couldn't before thanks to Billy at Manhattan Actor Studio! read more

Wow what a life changing day it was to meet Billy Gallo, of Manhattan Actor Studio! I had lost something, that I didn't realize was missing until going to the actors workshop. From then until now I've found my home away from home. Not only is Billy an amazing coach but the way he makes you feel comfortable with all the other actors and actresses is part of the reason it's so enjoyable along with the obvious fact that practicing your craft is the only to stay sharp. Billy has somehow created a way to combined the fun of acting and the education of acting into a family-like class. If you want to be an actor having someone like Billy behind you is essential. read more

I am so impressed with this studio! My son had previously taken classes in the greater LA area, and there is no one like Billy Gallo! And to have this studio and coach in the South Bay is just awesome! Billy has been coaching my son for only a few months and he already got the lead in a short film. My son has such confidence and has learned a ton. Most importantly though, he's having a ton of fun! Billy is an incredible coach in both group classes and one on one sessions. His students really soar. It is an honor to refer him! read more

Billy Gallo is literally making my son's dreams come true. What parent could ask for more? But if you did want more, how about this: Since taking Mr. Gallo's courses my son's maturity and confidence levels have soared and his outlook has become more positive in general (which is a pretty big deal for a fifteen year old). I attribute all of this growth to his time spent at Manhattan Actor Studio. My son has wanted to be an actor his entire life. It was the first and only answer he ever had to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" After much research, I signed him up for Mr. Gallo's 12 week Michelangelo Package and also enrolled him in a weekly group class with other actors his age. From day one my son was coming home with a big smile on his face telling me of all the things he had already learned and skills he was starting to acquire to finally be able to do what he has always wanted to. He found nothing but friendliness, support, and encouragement from his fellow students in the group class, and his private lessons with the extremely knowledgeable Mr. Gallo were eagerly looked forward to all week. Thanks to his time at Manhattan Actor Studio and under the amazing tutelage of Mr. Gallo my son has already been cast in a short film and he has hit the ground running toward his goal of being an actor with high levels of commitment, motivation, and confidence in his newly acquired acting tools. My son and I are truly so grateful to Billy Gallo. If you are considering acting classes for yourself or your child I cannot recommend Manhattan Actor Studio highly enough. read more

I have been going to Billy's open studio nights (actor's gym) for a few months now. I have also taken regular private classes. I have been a professional stage actor for 10 years and recently moved to LA. Billy has something for everyone, from brand new to seasoned. He is a great director and coach. He is tough, pushes, asks for more, but is ultimately kind, supportive, always positive. I'm a better actor than I was 3 months ago because of the Manhattan Actor's Studio. That's the truth. read more

I was referred here by a friend who knew I was looking for acting classes. I audited a few other classes before this one looking for the right fit and I found it at Manhattan Beach Actor studio! I've only been working with Billy for a month and already have seen drastic changes in my performances. The biggest thing is my confidence has skyrocketed! Billy teaches you how to really walk in audition rooms and kick down doors! If you're serious about your career and taking it to the next level, this class is a no brainer. Here, you'll find your "TRUTH". read more

I have had two lessons here and had a great experience both times. I have not had a one on one acting lesson before and this was going to be a new experience. Billy made me feel comfortable and was getting me to perform a monologue better than I thought I could with just few minutes of coaching. It is great to have a professional studio in the South Bay! read more

I am thrilled to have found Billy Gallo/Manhattan Actors Studio. We recently moved from Studio City to the South Bay, and I did not feel I would find this A+ level acting coach in the area. My son is a young working actor, and it's imperative that he studies with someone who can guide him to his highest potential. Having been an actor myself, then a talent agent/ producer, and now a full-time "Mom-ager," I know a professional coach when I see one. Billy Gallo is it! My son looks forward to his sessions and is growing into the young artist he hoped to be. Also, if looking for Improv classes - you can't get any better than Johnathon Browning! read more

I can highly recommend Billy, who I found by reading a local newspaper interview introducing his new South Bay business. His intuition, integrity and energy are top notch. He is inspiring, realistic and personable. These are the qualities you will want no matter where you are in your journey! A big plus: Billy's advice applies to nearly everything a person encounters in life and work: Confidence. Being your own champion in order to get what you want. Not being afraid to be vulnerable. Finding your own voice. Billy is a wonderful teacher!!! read more

I won't go on an audition without coaching with Billy beforehand. I used to drive all the way to Hollywood for coaching/classes and am so happy to discover THE BEST private coach I have ever worked with teaches right here in the South Bay. Billy will bring the confidence, depth and truth to your performances. Thank you! read more

I am thrilled to have found such a top notch acting studio so close to my home. Billy is an excellent coach, he is extremely detailed and this is so very helpful when you are trying to find the true essence of your character. I have enrolled in the "Michaelangelo Package" which has been worth every penny thus far and I'm looking forward to participating in his other classes as well. If you are an actor beginning or advanced and need to work on your craft I highly recommend Manhattan Actor Studio! I have been in very well known acting classes in LA and Billy is the best! The coaching is superb and he will also teach you valuable tips in regards to the business as well. read more

If I could rate Manhattan Actor Studio higher than a 5 I would. This studio and Billy Gallo changed my life in so many ways. If you've ever considered getting into the art of acting, I can't recommend a better teacher and environment than Manhattan Actors Studio. I came into Billy's studio with a dream, but fear that attaining that dream was nearly impossible. After a single class my mindset had changed, and I felt an ignition to a passion of mine that I thought had been snuffed out. Every time I stepped into Billy's studio I felt like I was walking into my own home. With such an environment, the potential to grow as an actor is limitless. There is no feeling of criticism or judgement, just simply a space where you can let yourself go and explore your creativity. I started off with private classes, and Billy helped me build a resume with head shots and a reel with amazing quality that has helped me enter the world of acting. Not only that, but Billy helps with preparing for auditions, as well as preparing you to be on a set. There is so much to learn at the Manhattan actor studio. And whether you have been acting for a while or just starting out, there is no better place to be. So stop reading yelp reviews and just go in already because I guarantee you won't regret it. read more

Having been out of the business for sometime now, and wanting to get back in but also having a full-time job, I hit the lottery when I found Billy Gallo and Manhattan Actor's Studio. Thinking I would have to at least drive to Santa Monica, if not the Valley, to get a good professional acting class, who knew that I could get it right here in the Southbay,in my stomping ground, Manhattan Beach?! Hallelujah! Billy offers scene study, videotaped auditions, cold reading work-outs, script analysis---your name it! And writers, producers, directors are also welcome. If you want to work out some material, Billy has the actors to do that. And for people like me who really needed to get set up as a professional actor again, Billy will do your pictures, develop a working actor's website for you, show you the ropes of IMBD, all sorts of stuff. But I guess more important than anything is that Billy is a hell of an acting coach! Who knew that what I needed was in my own backyard, simple but profound. What Manhattan Actors Studio really is, is an intimate artists' community. Join us. dGray read more