Cathy Sullivan's Acting School is a lot like any other type of school -- you get out of it what you…read moreput into it. If you think you'll magically become an amazing actor by taking 1-2 classes here, you're probably barking up the wrong tree. While primarily a school for young actors, they also have adult classes. Owner Cathy understands that acting development is a progression of maturity, intelligence, confidence, listening skills, and passion -- and she has structured her classes in a way that develops these abilities over time, especially if the actor is putting in the work. Unlike some acting coaches, Cathy focuses on the specific skills needed to start landing professional jobs. Her top students and assistants ARE working actors in Hollywood. The proof is in the pudding. An entire class devoted to being frightened? Seems odd to a newcomer. But when 1/4 of your child's auditions ask them to demonstrate fear, you realize that she's actually preparing them for professional opportunities. While she doesn't teach every class, she's always accessible and her assistant instructors are amazing. My kid's 'fear class' was taught by a skilled older teenager who demonstrated a scene by entering a room and seeing a monster and throwing himself against the wall in fear while shrieking with panic. Over and over again. Each time more frightening and realistic than the last. I was simply amazed at the level of commitment and passion being demonstrated by a young man of this age. I asked him what his name was because I wanted to know who I was watching. Two years later, Jaren Lewison is the star of 'Never Have I Ever' on Netflix. Cathy also has a great eye for talent. She selects only the best to teach at her school and is quick to recognize a rising talent. When she told me that my child wasn't ready to begin auditioning for major roles, I didn't believe her but she was RIGHT. While commercial, modeling and small supporting acting jobs may go to the kid with the right look, major roles will almost always go to a highly skilled actor -- and that is something that comes with education, practice and time. Classes run about $350-$400 for 12-16 hours of training. It may sound expensive but when I considered that I was spending $350/month for my kid's FC Dallas soccer training and he had zero chance of ever playing professional soccer, it made me realize that this was a much better investment. Plus, the skills that acting class develops -- public speaking, reading, confidence, handling criticism -- are all life skills that will pay dividends regardless of whether your child ever becomes a star. My child has been a student here for three years and has landed several professional (paying) acting jobs. She looks forward to classes and loves her teachers and Cathy. What more can you ask for?

We've only had great experiences here! Yes, beginning classes have a lot of students (Even advanced…read moreclasses have about 15 kids) but it's up to your child to learn & pay attention. My daughter isn't the best at this in regular school but because she loves acting, she has learned a lot & each class has helped her improve. She always learns a few things in every class, there's never been a class she didn't like! The teachers & aides are great and know how to develop the kids talents. Kim Dawson & Campbell are the big agencies that come to "seminars" (held a few times a year) to scout out new talent. Seminars are when LA casting directors, producers, and other important people in the industry come in & give constructive feedback to your kids skit they do in front of them. The classes are reasonably priced for what your kid gets out of them & the exposure in the seminars is what is going to get your kid to the next level. But your child has to want it & work for it. Don't expect your kid to get an agent or a movie role just because they show up. You get out of it what you put into it!