I sat in on a first class and in 10 mins I knew I wanted to be apart of this work/group…read more Highly recommend Bill Chott's improv class. He's fun, informative, guides us well and encourages fun and respect.

I first enrolled in Bill's class about a year ago.()summer 2024). I enjoyed it enough that I…read morereenrolled again. Ive had no experience in the creative arts or acting. But what a refreshing addition To my normal routines and hobbies, I gravitate to. Bill's teaching is great. He's a large part of what makes it enjoyable. He's patient and respectful. I would never have considered enrolling in something like this had it not been for another of his students recommending it to me. I'm so glad he did. What a great creative outlet for me. Perhaps it would be for you also. Give Bill Chott's improv trick a try.

This was by far one of the best classes that I have taken in L.A. I have taken numerous classes…read morehere since I was a child since my dream has almost always been to be an actress. I also took Improv classes at the Groundlings which were VERY expensive. When I took classes at the Groundlings, it was very apparent that they basically anyone in the lower classes were just a number. They fill the lower level classes just to keep the money flowing. I found Actors Improv Studio through my agent. No it's not in the fanciest building or the best neighborhood. But that's not what you go to class for, and he usually has some licorice or candy that you can snack on during class. That definitely sweetens the deal. :) I took classes here for about a month. Bill was EXTREMELY helpful and it was very apparent that he cared about each student individually. He takes the time to critique and praise you after each exercise. He even videos during each class, and after some exercises you can watch your work. The best part of his classes was his encouraging nature. All I can really remember from taking classes at the Groundlings is all the rules they give of what you are not supposed to do. Bill presented the rules of Improv, but not in a way that makes an improvisor feel stifled and held back. I left his class feeling much more confident thanks to him. The only reason that I haven't been able to go back is b/c I can't afford the extra expense at this time. But I would recommend him to anyone who really wants to know what it takes to become a great Improvisor. Yes CDs and such are mildly impressed when they see the name of a big name Improv Studio on your resume. But that won't book and keep a job. You have to be able to deliver much more than that. Bill will help you get to a place where you can consistently deliver.

This is what improv is all about and I am so relieved to have finally found it in North Hollywood…read moreunder the instruction of Bill Applebaum! Improv intimidates me but when I audited the class, it all melted away and we just had fun. I especially appreciated the relaxed and natural manner in which the class unfolded. Bill was in tune with what every performer brought to the table, his feedback was constructive, and it was obvious to me just how much he enjoyed sharing his passion for improv to anyone willing to listen. As it turns out, it's fun to learn from someone who enjoys what they do. Audit the class and see for yourself.

I took both the beginner and intermediate classes at TalkShop; and although I can't say 1 was…read morebetter than the other, I can say the classes just kept getting better and more valuable with each one. Gary and Martha are seasoned vets in this industry and have a GENUINE DESIRE TO HELP! I can't stress this enough. With so many sharks out there looking to make a quick buck, it's so nice to find a team of professionals that actually want to see you succeed in the biz. Almost IMMEDIATELY after taking the two courses, I started getting work right away (which has already covered the cost of both classes and THEN some). Things have been steady ever since, and I can't credit TalkShop enough with helping me get my new career started. The facilities are top notch and the learning environment is a BLAST! They get straight to the point and get you in the booth on the first day. They also send you home with all your recordings, so when it's all said and done - you can actually go back and hear for yourself how much you've improved since starting. Granted, there are a lot of fantastic places to take classes for VO; but for an all around, hands on, introductory course to the VO industry - TalkShop takes the cake. I looked forward to these classes every week and have since been doing 1 on 1 sessions which are really what have helped define my "sound" and directly lead to bookings. Definitely give them a shot if you are looking to break into the VO biz. If they had 10 stars on Yelp, I'd give them a full 10/10.

Voiceover LA is worth looking into…read more If you're a Voiceover wanna-be, beginner, advanced or just need the practice - give Martha or Gary a call. They've got decades of experience in the biz, and have experienced the digital trends in the industry first hand. They're qualified to teach you the things you need to know to make it in Voiceover! Each class from the beginning tackles different copy and how to decipher and deliver those words in the best way YOUR voice can. Martha and Gary had great, knowledgeable answers to every question I had about a career in VO. From marketing myself to auditioning for characters. Look they know their stuff, and if you're ambitious to get quality, coached time behind the mic, then this class is for you. Give them a call, or even a friendly e-mail, your VO career certainly won't regret it.

My son has been attending this studio with Max for 2 years now. Given that my little 12 year old is…read morenever really into anything, this amazing teacher turned our world aroun. My son is now passionate about the art of acting. He has met a great group of pears who share the same love for performing arts, as well as, has gotten signed by a prominent agency. He has blossomed into a great young actor and now is proud to show off his resume that includes several great accomplishments, including being SAG e We thank Max with all our hearts!

(I re-read my review below just prior to posting it and realized it may come off as excessively,…read moreunrealistically enthusiastic. The reason for that is simply because I wish so very badly I had found this school sooner and am having a hard time reconciling how much money I threw away paying teachers who just loved listening to the sound of their own voice). I have gone to almost 20 different acting schools both in England and the United States and I can say, with total confidence, that Max Decker at MAD Acting Studio is the most brilliant teacher with whom I have ever had the pleasure of studying. It took one evening in class with Max for me to instantly mourn all the money I realized I had honestly wasted studying under teachers who, at the end of the day, just spent endless hours pontificating nothing more than their love for the sound of their own voice. Teachers who, if they worked as actors at all, had maybe had one or two jobs in their entire "careers" and felt that was enough for them to call themselves teachers. Max has not only worked in this industry a long time and accrued an enviable resume, he really knows how to teach others to do this thing really, really well. He won't blow smoke up your skirt and always say how great you to keep you spending money to stay in his class. He will actually -teach- you to be a better actor. He will call you out on what's getting in your way and offer invaluable, constructive help. He offers a wide range of classes including: * Dramatic improvisation (not going for the joke, but giving you invaluable tools you can use for your scripted work), * Script analysis, and * How to successfully audition and self-tape If you currently find yourself in a class where you feel you're spending a bunch of money to not really learn anything new or, if you're looking for a place that will finally teach you the tools you need to be a better actor, MAD Acting Studio is the place you need to go.

Bill Coelius is a unicorn. He is very much a working actor (you will recognize his face…read moreimmediately) who is also an intuitive, organized and highly effective teacher. He is one if the most gifted teachers I have had the pleasure to work with. I have taken two classes with Bill: Mindset and Commercials -- and both have been some of the best of my acting career. Don't take either if you are not willing to work hard; Bill gives lots of targeted homework. However, if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work, Bill will gently lead you to be the best actor you can be. Can you tell? I HIGHLY recommend his classes. Do yourself a solid and signup.

Bill's commercial class is truly special. He not only delivers the fundamentals of commercial…read moreauditions (like script breakdown, slating, etc.), but he covers the more subconscious elements happening in the audition room. Plus his feedback is specific and he's a joy to spend time with. Highly recommend!

Today I got to paint with Lisa at my friend's birthday party. She was amazing. Her instructions…read morewere clear and she was not rushing anyone. It felt like I knew her already. Lots of fun! I'm sure I will get to paint with her again since everyone in the party was so happy with the results and saving her number =)

I was at her first ever sip and wine night! Mind you, I was…read morenervous, as Ive never painted. I'm not an artist but Lisa goes through step by step to make something darn close to the original painting. She has so much patience and kindness. She dances too! Her table has so many delicious food choices, dessert and wine. I highly recommend attending one of these special paint nights or organize your own party like I did. After my first fun experience with her. Went to second and third fun nights. I threw me a 50th party with her exquisite taste and my ideas. She made my birthday super memorable! I don't think my friends will ever forget. We all love her and her Aussie accent!

I've studied with a lot of studios and coaches but Billy is the best HANDS DOWN. He's great at…read morerecognizing your strengths and well as challenging you. He also knows the industry very well.

Billy is an absolute godsend of an acting coach. I've worked with him for about five years now and…read morehe has been an incredible mentor. I came in with zero knowledge of acting or the film industry and have learned more than I ever could've imagined over the years. He's helped me with countless auditions and opened up a world for me that I never dreamed I could have accessed (both within the craft and industry). I can't recommend him enough.

Singing has always been one of my biggest hobbies but I didn't have the right skills and confidence…read moreto fully utilize my voice in the past. After taking lessons from Michelle for almost 7 years, now I can finally sing my favorite songs with confidence, freedom, and artistic expression. Michelle's lesson always centers around the student. She will start with some warmup exercises then guide you through any materials you'd like to sing. She has taught me how to switch between different genres (pop, musical theater, classical), how to properly expand my range, and how to creatively explore styles with my voice. I'm very grateful for having Michelle as my teacher. I'd highly recommend her if you are looking for a voice teacher.

I first contacted Michelle at Sing for Your Spirit regarding vocal lessons. What I received was so…read moremuch more. I can't say enough good things about this experience. I was terrified to even try to develop my voice, and she helped me with skills like proper technique and range exercises. She supports the creative part of me that never got encouragement otherwise and the results have actually made a huge difference in my life. I'm a better, happier, more content person when I'm taking these lessons. I would recommend Sing For Your Spirit Studio to anyone interested in developing their voice. I will be forever grateful for what I have learned from Michelle!