Ok this review is several years in the making. I held off saying anything for a long time not only to process what happened to me, but also because - if I'm being honest - my experience here was so emotionally scarring, I was scared of her. YEP. A grown woman scared of a grown woman. That's where we're STARTING. Here's the thing: people like and swear by her. A few people in my class were total devotees and one of them was even famous (tho they had been famous as a child so I'm not sure if she was involved in the initial success, but still). Point is, a handful of students really liked her. So there's that. My first couple classes were ok, mostly because I avoided her wrath which brought someone to tears almost every class. It made it awkward but does give you that "oh I must be good because she isn't attacking me" type confidence. But then my time came up, my number was called (so to speak) and she rained insulting vitriol on me after a short scene where I made a big choice. Did the choice work? Probably not. Fine. Not the first time I've failed onstage. Won't be the last. But did I deserve the literal storm of personal and professional attacks I got after the fact? Absolutely not. For the first time in my YEARS of performing and taking classes all over, I actually cried from something a teacher said. Like, a lot. It was unprofessional and, more importantly, unproductive. I couldn't concentrate after the fact and she kept cutting me off when we would try the scene again, berating with new "notes" which alternated between inconsistent and straight up cruel. Some people might respond ok to that type of "teaching." Obviously, like I said, she has devotees. But I absolutely did not, would not, and have ever responded well to what felt like just straight up bullying. Class went late and was dismissed after she tore me TF down. I was red eyed and shaky for a while after. To her credit, she called the next day to talk about it but I was still processing and didn't know what to say. And, honestly, pretty scared of her. My self esteem at the time isn't what it is now. Now, I would have walked out the first class, the first time she attacked someone. But at the time, I was much more insecure, lost, and desperate for validation. Not unlike a lot of young actors I know. Shortly after this experience, I found another studio (check my other reviews) that was an incredibly supportive environment. I actually felt seen and safe there to fail (which I did plenty and was given excellent notes to actually improve) and actually learned so, so much from those wonderful teachers. Side note, a couple years later I was still getting emails from the studio so I emailed back and asked them to take me off the list and Sharon personally replied with a condescending and veiled attack that her assistants were just doing their job and I was asking too much by setting a digital boundary. Like...ok? I'm writing this so many years later because I hope a young bright eyed eager actor doesn't lose their spark from an experience like mine. Maybe she'll fan your flame. Maybe she'll snuff it. But please hear me that you don't HAVE to put up with this type of acting approach. Trauma doesn't need to be triggered in order to be creative. There are other options out there. Even if you're bad, man, go find somewhere else to make you better or at least make you continue to enjoy acting if you truly love it. And if you felt torn down and hurt and were made to cry and felt weak and stupid because she berated you for crying then continued to personally attack you using manipulative language to make it sound like you (as a person) the problem and it made you question if you as a human have any value...you are not alone. And you do. You very much do. But, hey, an extra star because Vincent D'Onofrio, right? read more

I've had a year to think about this review, so I hope it comes off as a fair assessment. Sharon's methods are harsh, rude, and not constructive. You are given a pdf with some info, but the class structure is not really explained. There are a lot of things that you are supposed to learn "on the go", and Sharon has no patience for those starting out in her class. I was given my assigned scene and expected to learn it and work with my partner outside of class. After presenting our scene, Sharon laid into me with personal attacks (she didn't even know me), that in no way helped me. She didn't coach the scene or give advice, she just attacked me. Was the scene bad? Probably! I was still fairly new to film acting, so it probably came off as stagey. Did I learn anything from her classes? Not really; I learned a lot more when she hosted Vincent D'Onofrio. In her defense, she did have a migraine that day, so maybe I caught her at a bad time, but from reading other reviews, she must always be in a bad mood. After that class I decided that her methods were not for me and I got a partial refund and used it for classes that have actually helped. read more

Sharon Chatten is the reason I stopped acting. She was the emotionally abusive not just to me, but to most of the students. I felt like all the joy and creativity that had gotten me so far in life and an acting was stripped from me and self doubt and shame was left in its place. the screaming and screaming at people every class, the name-calling, etc. It is the antithesis of what an actor needs. A true actor is deeply sensitive and open and porous. I am so sorry that this woman has the ability to get her hands on sensitive souls and extinguish their lights. read more

She is VERY committed to her craft. But also incredibly abusive. She screams at students throughout class and it really shuts a lot of them down/scars them emotionally. read more

I started with Sharon in September of 2013 and I would not be the person I am today without her. If you are looking for an intense class that will light your passion for acting, look no further. If you are a delicate flower unable to take criticism and failure, then look elsewhere. Some people have trouble dealing with Sharon's teaching methods, which are intense, but at the heart of every word she says, every critique, every nuance, is her love and desire to see students grow -She simply refuses to waste anyone's time by pulling punches and in doing so she prepares you for the real world. Sharon takes her craft SERIOUSLY, and I cannot understate the poignancy of that word. She embodies a modern adaptation of Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg and most definitely Harold Clurman (having worked with all of them). She takes their teachings and applies them to film and TV acting with the same incredible intensity. You are taught to take things as seriously as you do your own life, you are taught to to CARE about your characters and their lives and you are taught to live, breath, and act with vitality and passion. The structure of the class itself is unique, meeting once a week for 6 hours from 6pm to 12am. ( We have sometimes gone as late as 2am, since Sharon will always give everyone their equal share of time, even if it means sacrificing her own time). The first portion of the class is filled with body & mind relaxation exercises drawing on aspects of Alexander Technique and Strasberg's Techniques, followed by a sensory exploration portion of the class that is intended to ignite vitality and confront the dynamics of you as a person and your life experiences. Unlike other classes that teach similar techniques, Sharon NEVER asks any personal information, what is yours will stay yours. Sharon's version of these exercises have been refined and turned into usable adaptations for modern acting scenarios that will help you in your career. The most direct evidence of this is our frequent guest professor and long time (30 year) student of Sharon's, Vincent D'Onofrio who credits Sharon's tutelage. At this point you may think that this review is too positive to be real, I don't blame you, I just read it back and I realized that same fact. But I want to set the record straight... In 2013, after my 3rd class with Sharon, I was completely ripped apart in my scene critique. She told me she didn't "believe a word I said" that I didn't care about my character, and that I wasn't listening to my partner. She tore into me with fervor like I've never seen- she broke me down and cut me deeper than I've been wounded since I was a kid. The insults were not personal by any means, they were the harsh words of a wise person setting me straight to what my journey would have to be (if you want an example of how this is, check youtube for Stella Adler, and watch her teach). When I got out of class, I was choking back tears, I rushed so fast to my car that I didn't even say goodbye to anyone (I'm not even sure I could without sobbing). I fumbled with my keys and sat in my car. I remember It was a foggy Venice evening and I was hiding in a dark parking spot exploding with anger and sadness, vacillating between punching my steering wheel and curling into a fetal position. I questioned EVERYTHING I had done... Why did I move to Los Angeles, Why did I think acting would be easy, WHY did I not know this would be so hard... And I questioned, at the root of it all, if I had chosen the right thing to do. At that moment, I let go all of the ego I had about becoming famous, being great, and just embraced failure. I embraced it, I realized that, as an artist, I will never be done, I will fail until now until the day I day, so I stood back up- It took everything I had to go back to class that 4th time, and when I came in there I sat down in my chair for the relaxation / sensory portion of class and poured my heart out to the universe like I never had. What awakened in me that day, is a richness and desire for life that I never had.... 2.5 years later, I look back on all the successes I've had so far and I will always credit this class for it. read more

Sharon Chatten Studio - John, Jacob, Jordan - Arts & Entertainment Near Me

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Sharon may not be for everyone. She is tough, she takes the role of teacher very strongly and believes that her purpose is to make you a stronger, more prepared, more consistent and more committed actor. Sharon is one of the most insightful and gifted teachers that I have ever met and helps me and others connect to characters through genuine thought and action. She teaches extensive sensory, relaxation, improvisation and other various techniques to open you up and to trust that you are not only honestly believing but feeling the words and actions that you are communicating. I have been very fortunate to study with many talented coaches but honestly Sharon is the one that has helped me unlock myself through the practice of making strong choices and really bringing my authentic self to the characters that I play. If you are serious about growing as an actor and taking your skills to the next level than you need Sharon - She will get you there. read more

Sharon Chatten has said it many times - she wants nothing more than to see her students succeed. Her method is that of classic American theater, where this type of training originated. I encourage you to check out her bio on her website, as I'll focus my review on my experience with Sharon. As an actor living in Los Angeles, I'm no stranger to teachers and coaches pushing me to do better, to be better. That's why we study. Sharon's way of teaching isn't for everyone, rather, it's for those who are bold enough to set ego aside, and dig deeper into the work that is required of the professional actor. To constantly question, to commit to circumstance, and to live truthfully in any given moment. It's so simple. Sharon is a voice of truth that reminds us of what is real, and will push her students to uncover it in their own work. I have nothing but the highest regards for Sharon. Her class is not one to miss. Do the work, stay humble, and be open to learn more than you ever thought you could. You'll be glad you did. read more

I moved to LA from Austin, TX, where I believe I had the most incredible, caring, giving, influential teacher I've encountered. I was pretty bummed out when I moved to LA and talked with all my friends about their teachers. They were paying at least double what I paid in Austin and NO ONE felt like it was worth it or their teacher really pushed them. Some even said, "You're honestly paying for the networking.." How sad! I was randomly referred to Sharon's studio by a Casting Director that is long time friends with my Austin acting coach. He used to work under a big CD for Disney and she always referred acting students to Sharon. I met with her the following week. I swear, it was like she was related to my teacher back home. She was no BS, kind in her eyes, and a great energy. I've been in her class almost a year now, and even though I haven't taken from anyone else in LA, I have heard lots about other teachers and studios. Sharon is worth every penny. If you are going to pay for an acting class, you might as well get into one that is going to push you. She will not let you get comfortable, she teaches how to stimulate your creative mind, and most importantly in my opinion, she cares for her students. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. This is not an easy class, and you must have an open mind and good attitude or it won't be worth it. read more

Sharon has been the light at the end of the tunnel for me personally and in my acting career. I started with her 7 years ago and am still inspired by her deep understandings of the craft and her tireless energy to honor the work required underneath it. Before her I was a bit lost and disenfranchised from many teachers out there with their own version of the craft or worse, their tricks that they would impart onto students without much context around the technique. With Sharon, you don't get that feeling, her method is rooted deeply in the teachings of Lee Strasberg and she is one of the few teachers in Los Angeles that actually teaches sensory work. She doesn't allow auditing and I think that speaks to how much she cares for the privacy of her students and the vulnerability it takes for an artist to work things out in her studio. She will often call it a cooking class, where students get to try things out and really stretch their instruments-- I would agree. She is deeply committed to the craft, working tirelessly past the end of class sometimes, making sure each student gets her full attention for a good portion of time. Everyone works every night, and she has no problem making it clear that if you don't have your homework done and aren't ready to be honest with your work as an artist, it's probably not the best class for you. Something I definitely appreciate coming from many other classes in in hollywood where people are lazy, show up late, unprepared, and with a chip on their shoulder-- she has a good way of weeding those people out so that artists have a real chance to hone their craft with other artists. read more

If I could take Sharon to every set to be my personal acting coach, I would. She brings out the truth in an actors work, but you can't be too prideful- or you won't allow Sharon to bring that out of you. Her class refreshes my creative artistic soul. As actors, the grind can begin to feel all about the business side, but this class is all about the craft and the method before you step into any audition room or on any stage/set. Those actors who actually value Lee Strasberg, The Actors Studio, & his Method, then this class is for you. I'm so glad I found Sharon. -Myles S. Grier read more

She teaches a watered-down interpretation of Lee's method. Those who haven't had great teachers will be impressed but those in the know will want a refund (which she won't allow-you have to pay upfront) she loves the power of running a class but becomes very insecure and argumentative if challenged or questioned. Positive is that class is long and everyone pretty much gets to work each class, either a scene or exercise/improv. read more

Im a new student of Sharon's. Im still learning her and her way of teaching. She is a very competent instructor in my opinion. Her prices are certainly worth it. My issues are: 1. The assistants are kind of rude- via email if you have questions or do not know the process. One of whom, you never see or meet. She's actually kind of nice! 2. Oh and PLEASE KNOW the process. You are magically supposed to know it. How dare you inquire or ask questions 3. For what we pay- There are at least a hundred pages of info to print out PRIOR to the class. For the price of the class, we should be given a PACKET of information and required to only print out or give in the class rules. Which by the way, no one checks. Huh!? 4. The class is 6 hours and can go later. Not that this is a HUGE issue, but perhaps MORE scene work can be done if there was less warm up exercises and CRITIQUE on HOW TO WARM UP! Way too much emphasis. Way too much nitpicking. I get that warming up your "instrument" is important, but nearly 3 hrs on it...Oh my! 5. She always finds the time to talk about one of her celebrity clients in between directing and critiquing. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but certainly does not motivate. Overall, Sharon has a wealth of knowledge. She is insightful and does push you as an actor. I understand and respect all of this. She can be a bit brash and rude and hard on folks. I think once you are clear and have an understanding, you can thrive. Did I mention she has great prices? Very important when looking for a scene study class that gives you the foundations. Love/hate relationship! :-) Im still learning her way. Pray for me! read more

Great school for acting! I was recommend to Sharon through a good management firm. She teaches old school Method acting, sense memory, personalization, improv etc. She doesn't just direct actors to perform a scene a different way, she explains and helps them search for truth in a scene. She will have actors perform exercises to help with sensitivity, concentration and being in the present with another human. It's very hard to find a teacher in LA that just doesn't direct other actors and goes much deeper. Very grateful and happy to learn from her! read more

My advice to you: DO NOT GO TO SHARON CHATTEN. My first impression was Horrible. Got to my "one-on-one" interview appointment on time. No one in the building, no assistant nothing. Had to start exploring and when I finally found her she was in a room with another student. We both sat so she would explain how her classes worked and then told me to go out while she finished the other student's interview (on my confirmed time). I had more questions about assistance and make-up sessions since I work but when I started talking she stopped me and said THIS IS IN THE E-MAIL WE SENT (was not). I tried to be more specific but she wouldn't even let me talk about my needs, it's almost as she took my question as an offense. "I am very strict as to not talking about money and class structure" but no one else was around to discuss that! Ha! Since my answer wasn't in the e-mail, I asked "should I call your assistant then"? And she gave me the most derogatory look, as if I was a little child or a stupid person and said "NO, you should get out until I am done here". "Three times I have told you...." (Uuuh she just met me, not even my mom talks to me like that). So yeah. Big no. These last months I've been around so many amazing places and can definitely say there are way better spaces, more modern/fresh and cooler teachers. So rude. read more

Sharon has be an amazing teacher for me. She taught me how to be vulnerable and really face myself and to stop hiding. I was getting in the way of my scene work. She taught me how to relax and really use sensory work to better understand myself. Thank you Sharon for everything so far! Sharon tells it like it is which to some can be overwhelming-however if she's the right fit for you then stick it out! Who knows what the two of you can discover-about you-together. read more

Sharon's an awesome teacher because she really cares about helping the students achieve their best acting. I've studied with her for over a year and she has been an amazing coach and mentor. Definitely recommend her class and its close to the westside. read more

Sharon is a force. Not only is her approach to teaching the craft directly descendant from the icons of the American theatre (she studied under Strasberg, Meisner, Kazan among others), but she brings a wisdom, humor, and sensitivity that is uniquely her own. She is unwaveringly committed to her students' growth and gives individual attention to each of her students in a way that I have never experienced with a teacher of her stature and notoriety. If you want to be a better artist, actor, and human person I could not recommend her studio more highly. read more

I studied with Sharon when I was a a tween for one of her only youth classes and stopped acting to pursue my education. When I came back to her 10 years later, I was astounded at how committed she STILL is to her students and how available she makes herself to help her students succeed, not only professionally but personally. She's a no BS, no frills, just plain hard work kind of teacher and I am so so so so thankful to have someone like her shaping me into the kind of artist I want to become. read more

Sharon is a modern day Acting Guru, the closest we have to Sanford Meisner, Lee Strasberg, and the greats masters of the craft. It's fitting that she trained directly under Strasberg. I found her through the one and only recommendation from someone across the country. Someone who trained directly under Sanford Meisner ironically haha. Sharon's approach to the method gives any actor the tools to unlock the deepest parts of one's self and become the best artist they can be. But that's not saying enough. What I personally love about her is that she stresses these techniques not just for acting, but also for art in general and also for life. I can honestly say she's made me not only head over heels a better actor, but also a better me. If you want someone who will make it her personal mission to get you where you want to be and has the wisdom and skills to do so, she's the one. read more

When I first moved to LA, I bounced around trying and auditing different acting schools and studios. That stopped when I met Sharon. If you are serious about the work and the craft, Sharon is for you. She is deeply committed to the art, her students, but also holds you accountable to yourself, your peers, and her. She is honest, she will tell you when you are doing well, encourage and acknowledge when you are making a breakthrough, and also tell you when you are struggling. As a former athlete I found this honesty to be the most important in gauging progress and your work. If you are only being told your the best or the worst you can't have to room to grow, and Sharon tells the truth always, whether you want to hear it or not! I love Sharon and am grateful for the 5+ years of training I have had with her. read more

Happiness and joy. Sharon Chatten is my favorite teacher/coach/mentor and person. She is so interesting, smart, intellectual and a great role model for actors/artists. Sharon has taught me so many things on how to be a real human being and I'm so excited about the changes that's happened to me. I learn this through the roles and characters I do in class, along with the her advice and guidelines she uses to teach me. Not to mention her relaxation and sensory exercises that we do in the beginning of the class has opened me up so much. I am discovering things about my self about my feelings, thoughts, due to the awareness in me that has grown; making me see life in a more profound way. I'm so aware of the subtlety in human behavior now which has made me realize I have grown in my acting. Certain things I never noticed before, I now do, all because of Sharon. Not just from her helping me in my performance but also watching her work on others, my fellow actor friends. It is so inspiring and I just can't get enough of it. I've watched my other classmates grow as actors and I am deeply inspired by everyone of them. You learn so much!!! I love her private lessons too so if you have an audition that needs coaching you are guaranteed to not only be walking away with an understanding of the audition technique or understanding of the role but walking away with a sense of personal growth and understanding where you're at with your self and your acting (just because her privates are so intense!! So fun!!) and believe me all this works because I know when I walk into a callback room I'm so comfortable and feel at ease, and the feedbacks I get are great!! :D read more