I was so excited to take her class because I love Stella Adler and feel that she and Michael Chekhov were by far the best acting teachers of the 20th Century. I started as an auditor in Marjorie's zoom class during Covid. I would read with other actors, and enjoyed it. I then decided to enroll as a regular student to receive feedback. I started to realize that doing scenes on Zoom was not enjoyable, and was looking forward to classes going back to "in person". My first scene on Zoom was from "Blue Valentine" and the actress I was suppose to do a very emotional scene with, decided to bail on me last minute in class after I had done a lot of work and preparation. It put me in a sour mood, and threw me off. Marjorie then decided to read my first scene with me (which felt odd). When I told her that I wasn't feeling it, she preceded to put me down in front of the entire class. Marjorie's classes also tend to be very "political". I read an earlier review where someone wrote that she talks about her personal life a lot (which is true). She also has very bias and negative opinions about men. If you're a young man (particularly heterosexual) and enrolling in her class, I would be very cautious. She also brings up other controversial topics in class such as race, and politics. In the fall of 2023, I decided not to judge, and give her the benefit of the doubt. I enrolled and payed a $150 deposit for her Tuesday scene study class. I ended up getting casted in a play, and rehearsals started when classes began. I emailed her asking if I could apply the deposit to the next cycle. I waited a week, and never received a response from her, or her assistant. Since she has no legal written policy on deposits, I disputed the transaction with my bank and they gave me my money back. A few days later, I received a threatening email from her "assistant" (and not her) saying she was going to take "legal action" against me over $150 dollars. Bottom line, there are many other teachers and schools in town. Take your hard earned money and give it to someone who really cares about your growth as an artist, and not an ignorant individual who has their own agenda. read more

I never write reviews but I felt this was necessary to help other students not waste their time and money. A few issues: Marjorie can be very rude to her students and I've seen first hand how she will humiliate students in front of everyone. There's a way to critique someone without being insulting or humiliating or condescending. I've seen people in tears (and not for the scene btw). I personally think she tries too hard to be Stella Adler herself. Second issue - she talks too much about her personal life and I find it unprofessional. I'm all about getting to know people but there comes a point when you feel like you're just getting robbed. Third issue - this is more of a personal issue. I find it funny how she brags about being Latina and coaches people how to be "more latino" (whatever that means) but then has a pretty obvious accent when she actually speaks spanish (she's definitely not fluent). It's giving "No sabo kid". She's probably 3rd/4th generation for sure. Anyways, as much as it is helpful to give constructive criticism and be honest, that's not what she does. Or maybe it is but she's just not kind or gracious about it. Essentially, you'll just always be afraid to do your scene for her. Plenty of other better teachers out there. Hope this helps! read more

Took her classes for a while and wound up rather disappointed. She does not take the time to interview her students before they enroll in her classes (which is a big mistake) and seems more concerned about her own time, and hustling. Great acting teachers are really hard to come by these days. Unfortunately, almost all of them are long gone. Stella Adler was also a true professional who knew how to draw the line with her students when it came to her personal and professional life. read more

I've been a working actress for 10 years,parted from a Netflix TV series in France called "Candice Renoir" in which I was a series regular for five seasons . By leaving the show I was hoping that I would get to work on other projects right away and to my biggest disappointment, I barely got auditions and didn't work for two years . I started becoming bitter which got me questioning if I still wanted to be an actor at all . I believe every artist has their doubts about pursuing their career at one point or another . When this happens, it is crucial to have a safe place to go to, recharge your batteries and remind yourself why You loved acting in the first place . I was is need of that and I figured it couldn't hurt to check out Marjorie's class . I had heard about her from a friend of mine who is a working actor in LA and truly spoke highly her . From the moment the class started I knew she was the right person to come to . She made me want to perform again, to read, discover plays, authors . She's so wonderful, so open, passionate,sharing, and loving . As a coach she is spot on with everyone . She recognizes each of her actors for their uniqueness, cherishes their strengths and strengthens their weaknesses . She encourages You to open your eyes and look at the world from different perspectives . She will show You how to paint with so many colors You didn't even know You had in You . She will honestly allow You to become the best actor You can be . Marjorie's studio is a safe place ,filled with passionate and genuine people , where You really get to work on your craft, and discover Art for what it truly is . Wether You are an experienced actor or a total newbie I highly recommend Marjorie's studio, it is the perfect place to grow not only as an actor but also as a human being ! Gaya Verneuil read more

Marjorie is truly a master of the Acting craft. She is passionate and duly committed to her actors, and she is in tune with the individual needs of each respective student in her classes. I have never seen a more devoted coach. I highly recommend Marjorie's studio to actors looking for an honest, constructive environment to hone their skills. read more

Exceptional acting coach with amazing experience and will teach and inspire beyond anything you experienced.

My teacher for always and forever! Marjorie sees a lie from a mile away and demands the truth from your every move. Amazing teacher and coach! read more

This class has been my blessing for the past 3 years! In this ocean of classes that teach you nothing I found my haven to expand my acting skills by a woman who CARES about you and WANTS you to succeed! she puts you to work that's for sure but everytime you leave the class you feel you grew. I am so excited about this class read more

Marjorie was a revelation for me. I've had many teachers, but she is the best. Her love of the craft and ability to be so specific and inspiring in her direction, has reignited my love for acting. Not to mention, I was put on hold for show after 3 classes with her. "Yes you're funny mommy, but pick up the pace, this is Comedy." Marjorie Ballentine. She's pretty much a genius. Oh and sidenote she does it all with kindness and support. read more

I have been working with Marjorie for these past few months and I can't even explain how much I have grown. She brought me in, even though she mostly only works with adults, but she saw something in me. I'm happy she took a chance because I have grown so much. Not just my love for acting has grown but also learning how to become a better actor and not just being told how to do a scene. There are so many things to say about her teaching that you have to experience. No joke. read more

Marjorie is no nonsense...experienced in the craft and in life... she will help you turn up the parts of you that are being neglected in your work... she will teach you to work properly ...breaking down the scene correctly, being extremely specific, building your confidence in your work, training you to get in the habit of being prepared and putting the work in, loving the work, and having a strong point of view as the character. If you are serious about the work, Marjorie will be a valuable teacher for you. read more

Since a very young age, I've been privileged to study at some of the top performing arts schools in the country. Marjorie Ballentine is hands-down, the BEST teacher I have ever studied with across all disciplines. There are no trendy tricks or acting "tips" here. This is Master's Degree-level theatrical training that will transform your craft and strengthen your soul forever. read more

You have not taken an acting class until you've taken one with Marjorie. I can honestly say I have never been more passionate about acting than when I'm in her classroom. She really ignites that spark within you to keep moving forward in your acting career and perfect your craft. read more

If you are serious about acting, Marjorie will give you what you need to be the best you can be. I have been with Marjorie for 2 years and have learned so much. She gives you real and practical tools to approach text and character. The thing I love the most about her class is she takes the time to get to know each and every student and customises her approach to what each student needs. There is no 'one-size-fits-all', you get a tailored lesson even within a group setting. She really cares about each of her students and their progress and will push you (with love) to be better without any ego involved. If you want a class where you don't need to do any work and the teacher just tells you how good you are, then this isn't the class for you. But if you are prepared to work, love the craft of acting and are in it for the long haul, Marjorie will take you to the next level. read more

Marjorie's the best, and the proof is in the number of working actors she's coached over 30 years! Her classes are fun but also so insightful, and she always has great notes that force you to think about your scene in new, yet truthful and compelling ways. Her insights are always spot-on and I've watched her totally transform an actor's performance in a scene with just some brief guidance. Marjorie is just the real deal who brings to Adler's tradition her own saucy flare. I love taking her class! I definitely make better choices in my work because she demands that we all do. read more

Hands down, best acting class in LA. If you are looking for a no BS, supportive class, where you will stay sharp and continue to learn then look no further. Marj is the absolute best, I cannot say enough good things about her. If you're an actor who just loves to work there is no better place to be, she feels like coming home and I couldn't lover her and her class more. read more

I spent a long time looking for the right class. It can be difficult to filter through all the classes out there. Obviously every teacher claims to be good and has their disciples regardless, so it's hard to know the reality. After auditing and trying out a bunch of classes I doubted that I would find the right class for me. Id see teachers give odd suggestions to help a scene, or not be very good at reading people, which is an essential skill for an acting teacher. Some teachers have made up their own technique which has no basis in anything useful, other teachers are claiming they made up their technique, when its just repackaged Stanislavski with these weird twists thrown in that dont make a lot of sense. Marjorie, on the other hand, comes from a direct line to Stanislavski. Stanislavski taught Stella Adler, his actual technique, not the misappropriated version Strasberg was teaching, and Stella passed on her knowledge and experience to Marjorie. Marjorie is authentic, has integrity, is perceptive, passionate, a legend; and I'm very glad I found her class. read more