If you're tired of going on countless auditions and tearing yourself apart over why you didn't book the role, get your butt into Matthew Barry's classes. I was in that same position of audition after audition after audition but never seeing any success. I found out about Matt's class through online searches and I figured I'd want to take class from someone that's going to be in that audition room. I wanted to know what I was doing wrong and why I wasn't booking. Let me be clear, THESE AREN'T CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOPS; these are legitimate acting classes. After two sessions of working with Matt, my world was turned upside down (in a good way) and I started booking like a BOSS (which Matt calls "swagger"). Most recently, I booked a co-starring role on Hawaii 5-0 and I am giving all this credit to Matt. There is NO POSSIBLE WAY I could have done this without him, and never did I think that in the short amount of time I spent with him would result in a co-starring role on a major television network. What I love about Matt's classes is that it is NEVER the same. He is always switching up the way he runs class and that really keeps you on your toes and thinking quickly, just like in an audition (what a coincidence!). Like I said before, this is not a casting director workshop, but he PREPS THE HELL OUT OF YOU for that audition room. Aside from breaking down the walls we all have as actors, Matt is consistently stressing the ability to trust yourself, and Matt's way of allowing yourself to do that can only be learned in his classes. If you're an actor that's ready to take your career seriously, you've come to the right place! You will not be disappointed. :)! read more

If you're looking for a great coach, you've just come across one of the best and you'll be lucky if he has the space or time to take you on. I am from New York and moved to LA six years ago. I've been taking classes/workshops, etc. and auditioning since I was about seven. I've met tons of industry professionals from both coasts and I can honestly say Matthew Barry is one of the best people you will every meet in the entire entertainment industry. He truly loves acting and most importantly, ACTORS. He's wonderful at picking apart how a scene should go for each individual actor. He's like a profiler specifically for actors. He will profile this shit out of you - in the BEST way possible. Matthew is HONEST, he says it how it is. If you suck, he might say it- maybe not in those words but he wont waste your time. If you're great, he'll definitely say it, and if you're lazy, well have you ever heard that expression - "If you don't take yourself seriously, how do you expect someone else to take you seriously"-?-. Matthew Barry is amazing.. His teaching skills are the best I've seen out of every single acting teacher I've worked with. And trust- since the age of 7- that's A LOT. I am not here to brag, I am just here to pass on how much knowledge I learned working with Matthew as well as watching him teach. If you stay true to yourself, he will stay true to you and help you the very best he knows how. Rest-assured- Matthew is also one of the most respectful and professional individuals I have ever worked with in this industry. Thank you Matt for being exactly who you are because you're A W E S O M E and I am so grateful to work with you. read more

I don't even know where to begin when speaking about Matt. I've trained with him off and on for a while now and surprisingly, I never stop learning new things about the craft and about my craft. While studying with Matt, I guarantee you will have breakthroughs. Methods that I've learned along the years were strengthened, and bad habits were completely thrown out of the window. He has an amazing way of helping you to see the whole picture. For example, he doesn't only show you how to get into the door and book the job, he also explains why you're not getting in the door or booking jobs. That was my problem for a long time. I was so focused on getting in the door, I never addressed my the bad habits that were keeping me out. As far as his classes go...he caps them off at 14 students so you'll get full attention and will work EVERY class. And a few words about Matt himself...one of the coolest, down to earth, knowledgable people I know. I first met him at a workshop, and within the first 2 minutes I said this is the person I NEED to learn from. He was incredibly open and honest. I don't like sugar-coated training. However, there's never a need to feel intimidated. Matt always has a delightful demeanor so his criticism feels like you're getting it from the smartest, most loyal friend you know. Matt trains with an open mind and an open heart. Since he keeps his classes small, he takes a personal interest in each individual's career. Please do yourself a favor by reaching out to Matthew Barry. You, your craft, and your career will thank you...and so will he because he's just a nice, well-mannered, awesome dude from New York. read more

In the world of acting teachers, Matt Barry has been my save and grace. He is extremely professional and knowledgeable within this industry. He doesn't blow smoke up your ass or just punch the time card and collect your hard earned money. He invests an immense amount of time and energy into all his students and works till the wee hours of the night to find the perfect scene that fits that individuals type and that will help challenge you. I met Matt Barry from Northern California at a casting director workshop about 5 years ago. It was a two day workshop. My take away from that weekend was, " If I could only get that type of coaching constantly, I would grow so much more and faster as an actor". Matt has the ability to open up the flood gates to your creativity and venerability to help service your scene. And when the scene is falling flat, he knows exactly what to do to help guide you through the scene, such as an exercise or changing a simple thought behind the words you are saying. His zest and zeal for this industry and for your individual success, succeeds the call of duty. He believes in each and every student, past or present, even when you can't believe in yourself. He is that boot camp sergeant (done with kindness though), cheerleader (although I'm sure he's never been in a skirt), and mentor all wrapped into one. He sees talent in you that you might have never picked up within yourself and exposes it in a way that makes you competitive within the industry. To put is simply, Matt Barry is THE BOMB.COM and I am so happy that I have found him not only an acting teacher but as mentor :) read more

If you are looking for an excellent auditioning/cold reading class, don't miss out on Matthew Barry's class! Matt's students are booking jobs and are working actors. And there is a reason why. With his extensive experience as an actor and casting director ("The Notebook", "Rush Hour", etc.), he approaches the audition from both sides of the audition process. He personalizes the class by individually choosing sides you work on, particularly things you are likely to audition for, and giving you material that forces you to work on any acting weakness specific for you. You will see growth in yourself and others. Most importantly, he is passionate about his students' acting careers. He lights up when he hears about another one of his students booking a film or a network tv show. He truly cares about his students. A supportive environment is always important to me. As a working actor who has gone on hundreds of auditions, I personally have seen my cold reading and audition skills jump to a new level after just a few weeks of taking his class. After having studied with Matt, I know I can walk into any audition with confidence. If you want to be ready for anything at your next audition, and be prepared to nail it, then this class is for you! Thanks Matt! read more

I've taken two classes with Matt (auditioning and on-camera) and in a very short time have gained valuable techniques for film/TV/commercial auditions. Matt builds a welcoming atmosphere in his classroom, so it's great whether you already have some experience as an actor or are just starting out. Everyone I've met there has been incredibly supportive. Matt's class gets you familiar with the tools that will hook the attention of the directors and any others watching your submission, while teaching you to avoid the pitfalls that will lose their interest. I have a solid stage background, but I'm new to the world of TV and film. And just as there are techniques for stage (cheating out, projecting, knowing when to use your upstage hand instead of your downstage hand, etc), there are techniques for working the camera and creating a good audition video. If what you want is an in-depth scene study class, I'd look elsewhere, and there are many options out there for that. But if you want a "this-is-what-it's-really-like" introduction to the auditioning side of things, check out this class. It will make you a better auditioner, and you can see the positive changes very quickly. And did I mention it's also incredibly fun? It is. read more

I've been training with Matthew since Feb 2012. Matt is a gifted acting teacher/coach who quickly helps his students discover their 'voice' at the core of who they really are, and then gives them scenes that help them find clarity, truth and confidence in themselves. He uses drama, comedy, cold reading, on-camera training along with mock audition and producer sessions to 'raise the stakes' so that you can deliver and strong, confident performance under pressure. Wonderful preparation for the real world of show-business. Matthew is your biggest fan and supporter, and with his 20+ years of training, knowledge and experience as an actor and casting director he will give you feedback that is right on point. Matthew has challenged me each week to put in the work, be prepared and come in and 'show me you ba#@s!'; one of his favorite sayings. He creates a safe environment for us to take risk, try something new, be vulnerable and sometimes flop. Everyone is cheering for each other and wanting each person to do their best work. The energy is always positive. I'm having more fun that ever before because of my time with Matthew. read more

I just started taking class with Matthew Barry, yet even with only 3 classes, I feel like I'm a better actress. I LOVE THIS CLASS. What's most special about Matt and his teaching is his crazy brilliant/magical ability of identifying the linch pin in a performance/performer and by addressing that, so many other things just fall into place. I think that's why his students are able to see such huge progress in working with him-- he cuts to the core issue. I'm not saying it's easy, Matt's challenging, but provides the setting/instruction for you to meet the challenge head on, which is extremely gratifying. This, in addition to his invaluable casting expertise, builds you not only creatively as an actor, but professionally...his goal is to get you booking. I'm still new, but I feel like what I've already learned is so far-reaching. On a final note: the whole class is just really lovely, supportive, positive and hard-working. Everyone shows up prepared, focused and excited to work. It's a fantastic, inspiring environment to be a part of. read more

His resume speaks for itself. A working actor for decades, casting director of iconic pictures such as "The Notebook", "Rush Hour"and "JohnQ" to name a few....Matt talks the talk and walks it. He works to within and inch of his life to make your a better actor and a working actor. He knows how to assess an actor and most importantly, how to give you that one piece of tech you may have been missing that ties it all together. He's honest but he'll give you what you need and allow you the necessary space to learn and grow- leaving you motivated and able. What's unique about his teaching is that no two students get the same handling necessarily. As an actor who has auditioned for major roles, I can easily say that Matt is able to recreate the audition experience for his students so that they are prepared for everything and have a realistic expectation of the industry and how they can compete in the marketplace. Thanks to Matt, i have more confidence than ever when I walk into auditions and I know to always be on my toes. read more

Oh the lovely Matthew Barry. I couldn't agree more with the other reviews. To add to it: This man loves what he does, and he does it well. He's been so encouraging and just honest. It's one of the things I admire most about him. He's not going to sugar coat things for you. He's going to challenge you to trust yourself and really go for it. I appreciate how he takes every actor in. He finds out what your ticks are, and gages where you're at in your acting to figure out how to gradually take you to that next level. Auditioning is what I consider to be my weak spot, but this weak spot is now getting stronger and stronger. I have Matthew to thank for that, and am so happy to have him as a part of my team! read more

Matt's passion for teaching and years of experience is the reason why many of his student's have successful careers & why I decided to join his class. I'd been auditioning but not booking jobs, so I was looking for a teacher who could tell me what I was doing or not doing right and Matt did exactly that. Turns out I have some bad habits that no one had pointed out to me before. Thanks to Matt I finally understand what "trust myself" means! Matt maintains a positive working environment during class, students are respectful, well prepared, focused, & excited. Thank you Matt, for believing in me! read more

I have worked with most all the "best" & "noteworthy' teachers in L.A. Matt Barry stands high above the crowd. Not only is he a great teacher, he understands and can communicate the needs of the industry. He is uniquely adept at discovering each actors personal needs to excel at the craft. Most importantly, he genuinely cares about his students. For those serious about succeeding in the business of acting, Matt Barry is your man. read more