I took classes at Shelton Studios around 2014-2015, and they give you a solid foundation in acting; what it means to be an actor, how to analyze a script and interact with other students in practice, rehearsal, and scene performance. Classes are held in the performance theater, and at the conclusion of the series of classes, you and your scene partner perform your scene for the public. If you are serious about acting, Shelton Studios is serious about teaching and working with you on your journey. read more

I took a few classes here many years ago. Learned so much about acting... and looked forward to my class all week. At the end of each session we got to perform a scene we'd worked hard on in for an audience the Shelton theater. read more

One day at work, while neglecting my corporate responsibilities, I Googled "san francisco acting schools" and started to pursue my years-old desire to try community theater. After browsing several, Shelton school stood out as the place to go. Having lived in Los Angeles for many years, I was well aware of one approach to acting that involves image and self-promotion as the primary activity. Shelton is completely different. Their goal is to teach the craft of acting as a means of expression. To tell stories of people, their lives, their struggles. And to do this by finding the place in yourself you can connect with someone else. It's been a revelatory experience and the marginal habit has led to signing up for their full program. They are a kind and generous group of teachers, and it's been loads of fun. I encourage everyone to check out Golden Boy starting March 2. And not just because I'm in it. PS I said they're not all about self-promotion, I didn't say they're against it. read more

The Shelton School/Theater are my next door neighbors, and everyone that work there are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Furthermore, they seem to get a constant stream of really entertaining productions coming through. I say check them out. read more

I attended the Jean Shelton Actor's Lab on Sutter Street from 1996 to 1999. It was a wonderful and uplifting experience for me. To be in San Francisco studying acting was a blessing. How many acting academies can say that while they rehearsed they heard cable car bells clang and the flow of people moving their feet a few stories above them in one of the most popular and interesting cities in the world? There were moments while at the school I realized it was really unique and authentically special. The experience I had at Shelton's Actor's Lab was so superior to anything I had in school it really helped me to restore my sense of artistic direction and understanding. Being at the Jean Shelton Actor's Lab really helped me to learn the correct approach to acting and theatrical arts after too many negative experiences in high school musicals and college drama departments. The entire staff at that time was professional supportive and attentive to what the students needed to learn. No attitude all truly wanted to help share their knowledge and experience. And, have fun in the process. We got to acting right away from day one at the beginning acting class level. It was amazing. I had never had that type of experience before. Back when I was in high school and college the teachers and classes were so temperamental and took themselves so seriously. This was not so at the Actor's Lab with Jean and her staff. Jean herself was inspiring and what impressed me most was her ability to literally jump up on stage and say..."here darling, let me show you what I am talking about!" I had never had any drama director or teacher while in high school or college actually provide a true example of what it is to be up on stage, going through a script. Most directors or teachers in high school and college for me only yelled from the back of the room and got upset because the scene was not working. And, it was usually over something really small and petty. Not so with Jean and her staff. They were professional. The Actor's Lab was totally different. It really provided a theatrical space to learn and grow in. There was no fear, because everyone was expected to just get up there and do their scene. And if they failed, it was okay, because we were all learning together. Jean as well as the other instructors at her school were uncanny in their ability to hear the words from a script and get up on stage and show a student how to work through a scene. They were patient, insightful and had lots of good humor. NEVER did anyone ever yell at a student for not getting their lines right. And, I never saw or heard any of the teachers tearing a student down because of a mistake with a line or mistaken step on stage. The only time there were blow ups or anger was when the scene in a play had characters arguing with each other. Jean Shelton Actor's Lab attracted people from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. And to be in the Script Analysis class or a Master class was a treat because the insight and understanding about acting that was shared with the students was unparalleled. Many people watch that program called 'Inside The Actor's Studio with James Lipton' on cable TV and marvel at what he has to share. Yet, we have someone like that right here in San Francisco at the Jean Shelton Actor's Lab. Jean's school teaches the Stanislavsky's system in the New York school style of 'Method Acting.' Apparently from what I learned there are several styles or approaches to teaching the Stanislavsky's system of acting. Jean learned her craft at the Actor's Studio in New York City along side the great ones. Her story itself is remarkable. Okay, now with all that said...keep in mind that any school or coaching is NOT perfect. There were times in class I sensed that the teachers only stayed within the boundaries of the established norm. For example Jean at that time did not allow any material on stage that was not published. So no works in process aspiring script writers! And, like any group or setting the school had its favorite choice of actors and plays that seemed to be preferred over more contemporary and up and coming artists and their works. There are many actor's labs and acting schools and coaches out there. One down side is that often they do not recognize each other so you might have to start at the beginning again with another school or coach when you complete one school and go on to another. Best way to measure it is to take the time to discern how things work together. Do the actors, students respect and support each other? Do they respect the material and truly work at understanding it? And, most important of all, does the director, instructor respect the students, their time? And are the best qualities of people encouraged and upheld within a professional frame work? For more information see web site at: http://jeanshelton.com/ read more

Took the intensive acting class to get rid of my fear of acting in front of an audience and got so much more than that! I was able to release emotions that I never thought I could do, being a private, introverted person. The class is small with about 10 people, so the instructor gets a chance to critique each person. We each get to perform a monologue and a dialogue with a partner. I love the warming exercises at the beginning of each class - the first time it took me completely off guard but was fun and helps you to become more relaxed before practicing for your performance. Three hours may not seem a lot but the time does fly fast and it's fun, though the emotions in some of the works does drain you a bit afterwards. This is my first acting class, so I don't know much about other acting techniques, but I'd recommend this studio if you're serious about acting, as it puts into perspective that it really takes hard yet fun work if you want to become a better credible actor. read more

A lot of these reviews are outdated, and I just attended class here so I feel I have enough credit to review this place as is. Jean Shelton might have been an excellent teacher, but you no longer have access to her. Now, the quality of teaching I've experienced here was very low. There are no auditions to get into classes, meaning your classmates consist of people who generally want to act because they think it's about fame or are just doing it for fun. Like most acting classes of course, most of your experience depends on the teacher. I'm sure there are some qualified ones, but some of the teachers here are incapable of understanding the art of acting. I had one who watched our work and said "good" every week. Real acting teachers criticize to improve their students. Add to that, reaching their facilities by public transport is grueling and almost impossible, if not dangerous at night. If you want quality acting training, I suggest you don't come here. read more

Worst "acting school" I've ever been to. A total sham. I've never seen so many people in an arts program for the wrong reasons. The teacher was not at all knowledgable, the class sizes too big, and everyone is clinging onto the shadow that was once Jean Shelton. read more

If you are willing to give it your all and find your core muse then this is the school to attend. This is no fly by night school it has been around for along time and worth the research to hear what others have experienced while attending jean classes. I personally worked with jean and found her classes to be profoundly intense and deep as she allows you to develop your skills. I learned more about myself and my conscience levels as I developed a truer understanding of each character. Amazing work... read more

I heard there were some phony negative reviews on here, probably from competitors, and wanted to set the record straight. Shelton Studios is the highest quality teaching I have ever received. Just to put that in context, I studied at Oxford University. The teachers at Shelton studios are inspiring, informative, and deeply empathetic. They teach all levels of acting, and all facets of acting (character work, scene study, script analysis, body work). They will complete you as an actor and help you become an acting professional if that's your goal. I currently book 2-3 paying acting jobs a week, and I just got my SAG eligibility, using principles learned at the Shelton Studios. Perhaps more importantly, Shelton Studions is simply a wonderful community that helps people feel comfortable with themselves. The teachers guide us to be better humans, pay more attention to our loved ones, live in the moment, and express ourselves more fully. The community of friends and teachers changed my life. I had not done any acting, had no idea of the art form, and was increasingly trapped within my own personality. Shelton studios helped me break out of that and rediscover my own authentic self. I cannot thank them enough. If you want to develop your acting, or develop yourself, this is the place to do it. Cassandre M - I'm glad you like Lone Star, I played the little brother. A Texan is not the easiest character for an English person to play, but Shelton Studios helped me figure it out. read more

I've enjoyed reading the other Yelp comments about Shelton Studios. They praise Jean Shelton's teaching and her influence on their life philosophy. I wish she was my teacher during my experience at Shelton Studios. I recently completed the Beginning Acting class that was taught at the Pier location. My experience from day one was rather disappointing. I want my money back ! And I want the thirty hours that I wasted giving the teacher of this class another chance. I don't think my experience was unique as there were three classmates (out of ten students) who stopped attending half-way into the session. I perceived the teacher to be overall not helpful. He was inconsistent with his advice. He at times was punitive- told my friend "Shame on you ! " because he showed up to class 20 minutes late. And, one time, he locked two of my classmates out in the rain because they were running a few minutes late. Geez ! And LOL ! To conclude- one's experience with the Shelton Studios is highly dependent on the teacher you get. And, the prior comments about Jean Shelton may lead one to believe that everyone will have a great experience at Shelton Studios when that was not the case with my experience. read more

I took acting classes at 5 different schools last year and the Shelton Studio was clearly the best. Some were good. some were rip offs but this school has the chops. read more

I have been taking classes here off and on for ten years. Don't worry about how old I am. This is a true actor's school. They are dedicated to the the pursuit of art, beauty and the truth that it makes us realize. This is an outstanding school that will push you and make you truly become an artist so long as you are willing to invest your self. Were it not for this place, I think that I would be an emotionally retarded person, who would miss out on the beauty, truth and passion that this world has to offer. Thanks to Jean and her son Matt, I have grown not only as an actress but also as a human being. I love them read more

After a Cheaper than Therapy show over the holidays I found myself in the bar area between the two theaters at Shelton taking in the fotos and history behind Method acting and a glimpse into theatre life. I had been wanting to take an acting class for a while and after checking the website decided to enroll in Acting I with Margery Fairchild and it was exactly what I was looking for. The 8 week format allowed us to work on both monologues and scene work. I really enjoyed the warmth, extensive experience and warm up exercises Margery brought and shared with our class. She helped to create a nurturing, supportive, fun and fierce class where we were able and encouraged to go for it and push ourselves. And I met some great people and new friends. It's a passionate, lively studio that I will continue to support and I am excited about my own journey and goal to perform in a play before I die!:-) read more

Matt is a great teacher. No babying just the honest truth is given to you so you can become better at what you are here for. Do your homework and you will see great improvement. If you can't handle self improvement and the truths of the world while you are just beginning then you should not devote your time towards this as others see this as a passion. read more

I took class with Margery Fairchild and absolutely loved it. She was great at helping us to work through foundation of acting(body language, physical exercises to help overcomes stage fear, and character development). This class is equally helpful for people that are trying to get into serious acting and if you are simply wanting to try something new. Most importantly we had soo much fun! Totally recommend it! read more

I took classes from both Margery and Matt and I must say that the experience has simply just enhanced my life as a whole. Margery's patience and direction was a good place to start my intro. into the acting world and put to rest my reservations about acting. Then evolving into Matt's advanced class really opened my eyes as to who I am and who I could be. I highly recommend Shelton Studios. read more

My teacher was the one and only Margery Fairchild. The name seems like a character from the olden days, but have no fear as Margery is a gem. Open-minded, comforting and full of acting knowledge to share. She helped us become more confident on stage, find our characters and taught us the ins and outs of script analysis. The culmination of the class - the performance in front of an invited audience - is the bow on the class and she ensures you're ready for it beforehand. She beamed with pride following the performances of her class, which is clearly a sign she was invested in you as an actor & person. read more

I just took a beginning acting class. My instructor Katherine is incredible. I learned to leave behind my inhibition. I recommend it!

There is no finer proving ground to be exposed to when it comes to learning the fine art of acting. Jean Shelton and her sons Matthew Shelton and Christian Phillips are some of the finest acting instructors and actors themselves that you will ever actually have a chance to study with. And, if you are lucky enough to actually grace the stage with Matthew or Christian, it is truly the complete acting experience. I left A.C.T. after two classes and never looked back. Their productions are small and tight as it is hard to view a bad production at this location. Hats off to my friends at this theater and most of all Jean Shelton! read more

I've experienced literally dozens of musicals and reviews, but I never have enjoyed one as much as Shopping! The Musical. My wife and I laughed until it was almost impossible to breathe. Yes, we plan to see it again. read more

This place is a mess and for flakes. I have studied in LA and NYC and know what a good acting school is about. These people are in this for the money and ego tripping. They swagger around spouting crap, loving the sound of their own voices. It is the worst kind of manipulation to use people's insecurities to hook them in. This school doesn't audition students so anyone can join. The classes are uneven and the quality of work is low. The students are not well educated or well versed in plays. Skip it and find another place. read more

Six months ago, I decided to try acting and enrolled at Shelton Studios. The first surprise, there is no fooling around. You walk into the furnace right away and either keep going or run screaming into the night. Not much coddling or flattery. Matt makes you push it, then push harder and each week you get better. If you are serious and really want to find out what you can do, this is a great place to begin, with a fine teacher to guide you. read more

One of my teachers in this school said in so many words--that acting returns us back to the simple, to what really matters. This acting school has really delivered on its promise and its mission statement (go read it on their website - www.sheltontheater.com). I'm moved by the school's commitment to the world, to people. I'm moved by the teachers' vulnerability and the prep work they do to be present with their students each and every class time. I feel connected to humanity because of this school. This school is about finding heroes. If all you're after is a quick way to be an actor, then this school is not for you. Crafting an art takes time. If you're about transforming the world through acting, check out this school. They have "Scene Nights" every quarter where you can watch students perform 5-7 minute scenes (it's like their final). You can also come audit a class and just sit in. Shelton Theater rocks! read more

This is a great school for beginners. Take the Beginning Acting with Dave Steward. He's an amazing teacher and is really excited to be there every week with you. He creates an safer environment in which you can put yourself out there and know that you will not be laughed at, which is nice. read more

It's impossible to come and take acting classes from Matt, and not learn anything from him. If you have any hidden potential you can bet that Shelton Studios will bring it out from inside of you. It doesn't take a genius to know that Matt knows exactly what he's talking about in his lessons. These are some of the most legit acting classes I've ever taken in my life. read more

AMAZING THEATER !!! great program for actors ! a lot of fun!

I signed up for the summer session on a whim -- acting being something I've always wanted to try -- and I was gifted with Terry Bamberger as my class instructor. Terry is as wonderful a person as she is an acting teacher -- her passion and seriousness for acting becomes evident within minutes of being in her class, this isn't a matter of frivolity for her, we're there to practice our craft and become better actors every time we step through the door. She combined warmth and encouragement with direct and honest feedback, I never felt like I was being bs'd on anything and frankly I would have been surprised if she did. The class was comprised of professional working actors, and beginners like myself -- which I would find out to be a huge gift as the experienced actors were warm, supportive, and made the class better -- the camaraderie in the dressing room for the final performance is something I'll never forget, and Matt Shelton, a professional actor and owner of the studio, was a cool dude who welcomed me every time with a smile and gave me an awesome soliloquy outside the studio one time on what we're doing as actors -- I'd recommend Shelton Studios to anyone. read more

I'm not gonna be an actor. But the class is fun and is helpings with speaking in public