Caught the play "Guac" this weekend at Kirk Douglas Theatre and had such a great experience. The…read moretheatre itself provides a very intimate audience experience and every seat feels close to the action, which made the performance feel really immersive. The staff was friendly and organized, and getting in and seated was smooth even with a full house. The Center Theatre Group hooked us up with a pair of second row tickets for this play when we were at the LA Times Festival of Books, and we purchased an additional pair for friends to join us for the show. Guac was a hilarious, creative, and heartfelt production. What amazed me was how the star of the show managed to pull off such a spectacular performance as a one-man band. His energy combined with the excellent crowd work on the audience made the whole night feel surreal. Without giving away too much of the plot, I can tell you that this play is very much on the nose for today's social climate and the timing couldn't be more perfect with upcoming elections. You can tell this theatre really supports bold, original productions instead of just playing it safe. Also appreciated how clean and well-maintained the venue was, plus there are plenty of good spots nearby to grab food or drinks before the show, like ramen at Ippudo or Mensho Tokyo. They also validate parking for an additional two hours if you park at City Hall, so I recommend taking advantage of this. The recommended attire is more on the casual side compared to Broadway shows you'd catch at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, so leave the suits at home and pack a comfy outfit instead. Already looking forward to coming back for another production!

PRO-TIP: You can get free parking at City Hall across the street and they validate up to 3 hours…read more(1st hour is free). The ticket validation scanner is in the lobby area and staff are there to assist if need be. Came here to see the "Enormous Crocodile" with some other fellow adults. Probably one of the few groups here without children. For some strange reason, after purchasing my tickets, it said to pick them up from the box office, but that was no issue and we were able to get physical tickets ASAP, around 20 minutes before the musical. There's concession where you can get snacks (must finish before entering the theater) or drinks (can bring inside). They had some specials for the season and some specials for the showing, which we got both of. I really liked the non-alcoholic Swamp Water, very refreshing and fruity and the little palm tree umbrella was very cute and on theme. My bro and his friend shared the Croc Cooler, which was made with vodka, blue curacao, orange juice and bitters, and sprite and a stick of cinnamon. Very strong, had to water this down with the Swamp Water, but overall, definitely much more affordable than the spirits at the Ahmanson theater. There's also complimentary water. For the families there, there was a table for coloring and craft making, a wall to share your artwork, a nook of books recommended by the Croc, and a small table selling merchandise. For concession and merch, it was cashless only! It's a smaller theater but it uses the space pretty well, some seats to the side, and some balcony seats too. The stage is at ground level meaning you can walk in from the first row of seats (some parents had to reel in their toddlers from doing this). We were in the 3rd row from the front and the sound was nice and crisp, lighting was great, and it was nice from where we were at to see the details in the set, costume, and puppetry. Overall a fun experience and a good theater.

There's something very special about the feeling you get when you drop your child off somewhere…read moretruly incredible. The people at The Actors' Gang are Amazing -- creative, kind, and full of heart. We're forever grateful for the joy, confidence, and imagination you bring to our children. Thank you so much.

If you are in Los Angeles you must put The Actor's Gang Theater on your must do list. The Actor's…read moreGang puts on the best shows and all at a reasonable price. Tim Robbins is on the Board of Directors and even directs and acts in some of the performances. They have a large range of shows there, from serious drama, comedy and other things. We were lucky enough to see "Shambles." It was a sort of holiday free for all and some of the best acting and performing I have ever seen. It has a loose story, but you will not care. You see, a cat named Musk comes to take over the earth and all the planets and have people perform for him. Maybe it is a dream, but we don't care. There are songs, tap dancing, a great band, amazing singers and performers, there are acrobats and jugglers and it had special guests every night. It was simply amazing. The staff is so kind and sweet, all performers I think and this night there was even free pizza and meet the characters after the show. My grandson is on the Spectrum and very shy. This is the first after party he has ever agreed to attend. That is not my great skills, but that of the staff and performers, who could see right away he was different and approached carefully, as if they had been trained. By the end of the party he was talking to people, giving hugs and telling them how much he loved the show. He just does not do this, but he did this night. He was so happy. The theater is build in an old sub station for trains we had in LA for years, before I was born and I am old. It was going to be torn down, but it was saved. The Actor's Gang redid all of it and it looks like it did in its hay day. It also has a big park right outside. It is a small theater and there is not a bad seat in the house. The seat rows are not flat but each up a stair so no one has to worry about the women with the wrong hat on or someone taller than anyone you have ever seen. This is a not for profit and they make sure all can come. I love this place and will be back again and again.

'Tis a great ballet school! I have learned so much from Ms. Michelle and all the other teachers…read more They are all so kind and helpful. The small class sizes are great because I feel like each student gets more attention in class. The reason I've progressed so much is because of these amazing teachers. If I could give Culver City Academy of Ballet 1,000 stars, I would. P.S. This was written by a student who goes to this school.

We just started at Culver City Academy of Ballet, having moved up from the sister studio,…read moreMichelle's Dance Academy. Both studios are fantastic - they foster a love of dance for the students and have a way with being both firm but fun in all classes. The instructors are extremely talented, kind, and do a great job managing both the young dancers and the parents. There are so many places you can enroll young girls for dance in West LA, but I think CCAB is a true ballet school; focusing on fundamentals and helping students who are really passionate about dance to grow! Michelle especially is an incredible business owner - she knows all of the students, all of the parents, manages two studios with two recitals twice a year and is extremely organized for all paperwork, billing, schedules, which we know isn't always the case for kid's activities.

Saw a play here, they have light snacks and drinks. But you can't drink or eat in the theater…read more Overall it was a nice show. Would go back.

Great new space, great productions and great leadership. The current production of 'Honour' is well…read morewritten, expertly directed and beautifully acted

A hidden gem. Let's jump right into this review…read more The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles is a renowned, non-profit theater known for intimate productions of classic and contemporary plays, new works, and educational programs. Two main spaces, the 500-seat Gil Cates Theater and the smaller Audrey Skirball-Kenis Theater. My son and I attended a play - Table 17 and sat in the balcony box of the Gil Cates Theater. Box seats $139pp Pros 1. Very nice venue. An intimate space with every seat being a good seat. Great acoustics also. 2. Bathrooms are clean and grounds are well-kept. 3. Small bar area that sells food items and drink, including alcohol. 4. Patio area and seating in the lobby if you arrive early. Doors usually open 1 hour before showtime. Theater doors open 30 minutes before curtain time. Cons 1. Parking can be a challenge but not impossible. Metered street parking. Use the text to pay function because you can add additional time from your phone and receive reminders via text when your time is about to expire. There are also paid parking lots within walking distance. Prices will vary. I was impressed with Geffen Playhouse and will definitely be back. BTW - Table 17 was an amazing play - funny, thought provoking, and an attention grabber.

Still a great venue for great performances. Great staff & great intimate room with great comfort…read moreseat. Love the courtyard for drinks prior & intermission period. Big and clean restrooms. Great refreshment choices. Parking can be tricky, you can park in the garage next door for pay, or street parking for pay (depending on the hours of the day & day of the week), or you can park in neighborhood street parking (free) couple blocks away. The venue is close by market with food vendors or nearby restaurants and museum. Really enjoy every time I'm here seeing a play.

Best place on the Westside to see some improv, one-man and one-woman shows as well as take a great…read morewriting class taught by Jane Morris on Wednesday evenings! I love that you can also get an empanada next door, but that's just me! Great space, lots of laughs to be had there.

Best kept secret in L.A. Great groups and seasoned performers…read more They have a house group called Bucket of Snakes, made up of a lot of Second City alumni and some great all girl groups, but a particular favorite of mine is the Transformers, who are usually there 2 Saturdays a month. Crazy, wild and so damn funny! This place is out of the way in Culver City, but it's definitely worth the trip.

The Morgan-Wixson Theater is located in Santa Monica. Parking is on the street, but mind the signs…read more You can park without any problem right down the street at the Family Clinic for free anytime and it is not a long walk at all. This is a not for profit and it has professional actors, kids and armatures. It is small and there is not a bad seat in the house. Most of the staff are volunteers so be nice. You can order from their website. It has a great selection of plays, from kids plays (called the YES program) to musicals and some very serious plays. We have been so many times and have never seen a bad play and if you have a kid, it is a must you take them there. The prices are so fair and they a little snack bar inside. There is nothing not to like about this theater. It has nice places to eat nearby and it is a great area.

I love the Morgan Wixson theater so much! My favorite plays have to be: the Addams Family,…read moreFootloose, Alice in Wonderland, How I Became a Pirate, and especially Prom! What I love most about the theater is that most of the plays are all kids, so kids can audition. My family and I cry at all the plays because of the company and the TALENT. This theatre is very family friendly and just so amazing! Please try it out and enjoy!

If you're reading, know that as a person who's looking at this school or the next, if you are…read morealways skeptical you're NOT alone. The instructors at this school may give some good pointers that may help but it's the way they approach teaching that really bugs me. If you've attended multiple schools then you'll know what I'm talking about. First off, what I'm about to say happens at some studios and others it doesn't. The instructor at this school doesn't give any introduction or clarification when a student doesn't understand what he's asking. That is a big mistake on his part. Because if an instructor can't answer what a student is asking, then he or she will never truly understand what they did was wrong nor right. Secondly, this is a huge one. Problem with students is that every time new students come in, they'll come in with a huge ego and think that confidence = great acting but it doesn't at all. The problem is when you're a new student, you're supposed to come in as humble and listen with open ears. Many of them here at this school don't do that. They say what they think they're good at and what they're not. But the problem is if you've never taken classes, then you should come in humbly. The new students will imitate what they've seen on TV And say "I can do that" and there they've instilled overconfidence, ego boost. Especially when an instructor shows favoritism, if an instructor criticizes some and doesn't for others, then that student especially new ones who have no experience think they have nothing to improve. This doesn't happen at other schools because some instructors will criticize everyone and some will even tell you that they leave the ego out the door. I've seen so many students come for 1 class and they never show up again and YOU WONDER WHY. Because it turns students off that an instructor is criticizing some while not for others. It can make them shy away, and in one class, they may blame themselves for not being able to do what others do. Another thing the instructor here doesn't explain anything to the questions asked once again. Hell just say some jibber jabber without clarification and then it leaves students puzzled since HE NEVER ANSWERED THEIR QUESTIONS. So to encourage students to stay and give it a chance is something instructors should START doing or else you will have many walking away on the first day There are also some schools that will praise you for everything everyone does and that is also a big red flag. It may encourage people to stay but for some who are skeptical they may think "am I ever going to improve" Another thing is when you have new students, you should NOT make them go up after watching one scene. THEY ARE NEW. The problem with that is they will watch one scene and think "easy" I can do it, imitate what they see on TV or think to themselves "I can do better" to show off If you are someone who is observant but you've gone to different schools you will see and be around many egotistical NEW students. If it bothers you, you are not alone. This is why it's crucial for instructors to make an introduction, give encouragement to new students who doubt themselves, and give clarification to questions students have, NOT shove everything down people's and say "you're wrong, just listen to what I say". So many new students here will say and talk like they know everything already WHEN THEY KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. If you get favoritism from an instructor imagine what these students expect when they try and audition. New students need to understand that directors can cut through ego BS with a damn butter knife. They can see straight through you. Lastly, this school may be for you. It may not be. But don't feel alone because every school, some will praise you in everything you do. Some will show favoritism like this one. Some will tell you to take your damn ego out the door before walking in. And some will treat you as one with everyone else. But watch out for new students. There are some that will criticize everything you say and say that what they say is right even when they have NO experience. Just remember, there is no right or wrong with acting. Everyone will have a different experience. And some things may work For you some may not

I moved to LA from Texas to become a real actor. Michelle and Alexandra are the best people I…read morehave ever been around in the Entertainment Industry. I have attended other acting schools in LA and this school cares and wants to see everyone succeed. I had other problems not to do with acting and the school offered therapy and I scan honestly say it worked. Alexandra and Michelle want students to reach for the stars and they offer the classes and tools you need to become a successful actor. Follow your dreams. If your thinking of attending the school . It's the best time of your life..

Our daughter loves this school and Michelle is as kind and as professional as they come. So…read moregrateful for a true welcoming place like this for our little ballerina.

We have been going to Michelle's Dance Academy for over 3 years, now with two studios in the…read moreprogram. It is a great place to start a young dance- they foster a love of dance for the students and have a way with being both firm but fun in all classes. The instructors are extremely talented, kind, and do a great job managing both the young dancers and the parents. There are so many places you can enroll young girls for dance in West LA, but I think MDA strikes the right balance between learning dance and having fun. It isn't all free play with scarves, but it isn't so strict or boring the student's aren't engaged. The combination of ballet/tap for the 2-5 year old kids is perfect....they are learning basic dance but having a lot of fun. The community at the studio is really great - lots of siblings hang out during class; parents are very friendly and help each other out. Michelle is also an incredible business owner - she knows all of the students, all of the parents, manages two studios with two recitals twice a year and is extremely organized for all paperwork, billing, and schedules, which we know isn't always the case for kid's activities. She is also fair on absences and makeup classes at this young age which is really nice.

Sergio did an amazing job for our party. Arrived on time, prepped and entertained us for half an…read morehour. Great music choice. Everyone loved it and it gave that wow effect to my party.

These guys are amazing ! They perform with such intensity and left me in awe. The fire is…read moremesmerizing and entrancing . So cool. I would definitely book them for show. Fire on my birthday why not !? They really have a good setup, good music, and radiant energy. I love that each one has their own style and unique elements . I could sit watching this forever .