This program is not worth the time or money. The instructors seem more focused on the school's financial survival than providing quality education. Some staff members also have difficult personalities, which affects the learning environment. Since the school lacks accreditation, you'd be better off enrolling in a local accredited community college, where you can earn credits and gain valuable experience while saving your money. What Studio A.C.T costs: San Francisco Semester (15 weeks): * Program Tuition: $15,000 * Books & Supplies: $150 * Cultural Landscape: $400 * Total Cost: $15,550 Summer Training Congress (6 weeks): * Program Tuition: $5,500 * Books & Supplies: $25 * Cultural Landscape: Not applicable * Total Cost: $5,525 read more

I've taken several classes here - Intro to acting, Acting 2, Acting 3, Unarmed combat, and armed combat and every time I feel such clear growth through the classes, appreciation for the instructor and passionate peers, and feeling more confident in myself and my skills. Classes can be very different depending on what instructor you have, so try diversifying your instructors to get a feel for what teaching styles you like. I can also be helpful to ask other students which instructors they've had and what they thought. I really enjoyed Jomar as an instructor, he gives awesome feedback and has such a positive attitude. Dave maier is an excellent fight instructor. ACT also has a good reputation in the bay and most people I've talked to who've lived here a while know of it. For acting 2 and 3, be prepared to put some time into memorizing scripts - it makes your experience a lot better if you're partially or fully off-book! read more

I just completed Intro to Acting with Chauntee' Irving. Given that we are in COVID times, it was all conducted over ZOOM. Initially, I was pretty unsure if this would work out given that Acting already felt like a push out of my comfort zone and doing that over screens seemed like it would only compound my potential awkwardness. Well I am here to say that I am extremely happy I did enroll in the class. Despite it all being virtual, Chauntee' did an amazing job making it fun and interactive, and above all, really a safe space for people to explore and experiment. I was surprised at how much I grew to enjoy meeting for class twice weekly and it became the highlight of my June. She was incredibly supportive and keen to meet you where you are, be it determined to make it to the Oscars, or just looking to learn how to be more comfortable performing in front of others. She also simplified acting and made it accessible enough to where I could turn off my inner critic and just enjoy the play. I have attended classes at other Bay Area theater schools that have made me feel incredibly self conscious about not identifying as an "Actor" and also for being one of 2 people of color in a 20+ person class. It is really hard to learn to trust your instincts and lean into the fun of acting in an unfriendly environment. That's why I am very appreciative of Chauntee' and the entire staff at ACT for going out of their way to make very student feel comfortable, like their experiences are valid, and genuinely welcome. Looking forward to taking Acting 1 in the fall! read more

If you want to take acting classes just for fun or because you want to pursue acting, but don't want to enroll in a Masters Program, I'd recommend Studio A.C.T.-- I've taken 4 classes there (Acting 1-3, and Improv 1) and I have enjoyed all of them and learned something in all. As with any class, what teacher you get goes a long way and I've had amazing teachers and good teachers, but never a bad teacher. The only thing annoying about A.C.T. is that they keep all bios or C.V.'s of their teachers away from the public. So you can't look up a teacher on a website and see their background before enrolling. And each teacher has a slightly different style, as there is no main curriculum, so one teacher teaching the same exact class as another teacher may do it totally differently. This can be good. Or annoying. But overall you get good feedback and great direction from your teachers. You will learn here! For the acting classes you are expected to rehearse with your scene partner about 1 hour a week outside of class. The classes really aren't that expensive either -- it boils down to about $10 an hour for 10 weeks of once a week 3-hr classes. One time I enrolled in a class and after the first session I knew the teacher was going to annoy the shit out of me so I dropped it. They have a pretty good refund policy - if you drop *after* the first class session but before the second class session, you can get the prorated amount of your classes refunded minus a $40 "fee". read more

I love going to ACT for classes. It's almost like a little family that's formed itself around their love and curiosity for acting. No class will ever be the same, even if you do take it with the same teacher, and that's because so much of it has to do with what the students put into it. If you have a group of people that are really dedicated and are willing to put in the time and the effort and are really there to learn, it can be amazing, and so much fun. Most classes do ask you to put in at least 1hr worth of work out side of class per week. Certain classes require much more. The Meisner class required at least 2hr rehearsals per week outside of class. In some cases you will be working a whole lot more. Studio ACT offers classes ranging from Acting 1 to Acting 3, Singing, Physical Acting, Text Work, dialects, Meisner, Alexander Technique, Shakespeare and it goes on and on. Not all classes are offered all the time and they are always introducing new ones. It's about $350 per class, sometimes more, sometimes less. But that also includes use of the ACT Library which is very extensive. The Studio ID you receive on the first day of class can also be used as a student Id for discounts on books at certain stores and for discounts for theater tickets at ACT Theater and other theater houses. My favorite classes have included ACT III with Andrew Hurteau and Meisner Technique with Francine Landes. Both these classes can be very intense and will require more than just 1hr per week. Another thing to consider: ACT does not provide you to use their space for rehearsals. They are very serious about that, so don't get caught. read more

I attended Studio ACT for two years and completed numerous classes in acting, voice-building, singing, and auditioning. During my time at Studio ACT I was thrilled with my progress, especially in the Voice Building and singing Master Class taught by Ava Victoria. I was an experienced, but out-of-practice singer when I started those classes. Ava put me through my paces and helped me build strength, refine my technique, improve my acting, and learn to connect emotionally to the material. She has an amazing ear, and a knack for knowing exactly what a student is doing wrong. Ava also has a wonderful way of tailoring corrections, putting them into terms that students can easily understand. I would give Ava's classes 5 stars all the way. Unfortunately, I just heard that Ava is no longer teaching at Studio ACT, choosing instead to focus her energies on her private studio. I think this is a major loss for Studio ACT. Ava was hand-picked to teach the Garcia-Marchesi vocal method, which was the basis for her 10-week Voice Building class. There are only a handful of teachers nationally who are qualified to teach the Garcia-Marchesi method and exercises. I am concerned because the 10-week Voice Building class has been collapsed into a 5-week "intensive" course, which does not make sense to me. I took the 10-week course over and over again, and it was the best workout I've ever had, week-in and week-out. So although I had a five-star experience at Studio ACT, I am not sure what is going on there now that Ava is gone, and since Bruce Williams is no longer in charge. The class schedule has changed substantially, and there is really nothing that I want to take right now. Overall it seems that musical-theatre is being de-emphasized there, just as it has been on the ACT mainstage. More than likely, I will spend my very-limited training dollars to study privately with Ava at her studio as opposed to enrolling again at Studio ACT. I will be curious to hear what kind of feedback is given for the 5-week Voice Building class. read more

Took an 'on-camera acting' class and had a great experience. The instructors, Tim and Nina, are fantastic - they're perceptive, honest and specific in their feedback, and are 100% committed to our growth. Had a lot of fun getting to know the classmates as well, many of whom are not just doing this as a hobby but are sincere in their devotion to acting full-time eventually. read more

A great option for those who are too impatient to go through the M.F.A. program offered by A.C.T. I took so many classes and spent so much time in the lounge, I feel like I practically did do the full program. All my teachers were excellent, and Bruce Williams the Studio's director is a class act! The location near Union Square scores extra points for ease of transportation and stellar views, I might add. read more

I moved to the US in 2006 and one of the first things I looked for was a place where I can take acting classes. I acted professionally onstage back in Manila and I wanted to continue to learn to hone my craft. Studio ACT was the perfect place because it offered so many good classes in different levels and with very accomplished instructors. I have taken 5 classes since 2007 and have been very satisfied with all of them. My fave teachers are Ms. Francie Devlin & Ms. Naomi Sanchez because they really worked your butts off and really made you grow as a person and as an actor. They challenged you to be the best and made you squeeze a little more juice to make you achieve your goals faster. Studio ACT is awesome and I would take more classes in the future. Btw, some classes are a bit pricey but for a 10-week 3-hour session each, it certainly worth it. read more

I attended A.C.T.'s Summer Training Congress. My acting teacher was Trina Oliver, and I have to say for 3 months, I didn't have time to doubt myself, and I broke through so many personal barriers in my craft that freed me to do the authentic, honest work I am meant to do. I recommend this program to any actor or regular person who is interested in breaking through fear boundaries to achieve their true artistic potential. read more

I took my ACT 1 and 2 there, and will take 3 too. The studio ACT courses are pretty good for working people that do or want to do acting as a hobby. I had 2 different instructors and both were nice, knowledgeable (2 different styles / methods / schools) - so it was a very nice experience. If you feel you are talented... why not then take their Master program! It is a bit far for me... but it gives me a nice occasion to go SF. They propose a lot of kinds of classes (acting, auditioning, improv, Shakespeare, movie acting, musicals etc.) I wish they have more thematic classes (for example Boulevard comedies acting, drama, maybe on some specific authors - and eventually acting in other languages too.. maybe I am asking too much :)) Anyways, I believe this is good acting school. read more

Wow! What an amazing little theater! I came to see A Normal Heart played here and this theater was great! The seating was comfortable and the acoustics weren't all that bad. I guess I am biased as the play was phenomenal but it was still a great theater! read more

I have taken at Studio ACT since last Winter Quarter 2012, and I am very happy with the level of instructors who have stellar professional backgrounds and most of the students. So far I have completed classes with Drew Khalouf (Voice & Speech) Lynne Soffer (Textwork) Mark Rafael (Act 3) Francine Landes (Meisner Technique) and W D Keith. (Audition Technique) and have been happy with them all ! I have learned so much and grown as an artist. Francine Landes taught Meisner Technique which I found so helpful in my acting and in life. "Listening carefully, Responding Truthfully in Imaginary Circumstances" She does not baby you and treats you like a professional which I like. It gets you ready for the creative process in a real play rehearsal situation. She is also has a great sense of humor and is very sharp. She graduated from Juilliard and has been on Broadway and help direct many shows in NYC and SF. I just wish Studio ACT would continue the Meisner Series 2 etc... Lynne Soffer taught me textwork. First of all she is hilariously funny, but on top of that she has so many pearls of wisdom on life and on acting. She knows Edith Skinner an innovator of language like the back of her hand. Lynne has taught and coached over 20 years and recently won a teaching award from the actors industry. She also graduated from ACT Masters program. Drew Khalouf is such a kind and warm person. He also graduate of the ACT MFA in acting. He was such a wonderful teacher for someone like me who was just starting out. He had a lot of knowledge and wonderful things to say and also has a great sense of humor. Mark Rafael taught me Act 3. He graduated from Brown and Yale School of Drama and was in the film Titanic. He has the best vocal and body warm up for actors that I am going to try to remember forever. Again great sense of humor and insight especially in scene work; he has a great sense of the deeper meaning behind the playwright's intention. He made me see characters and scenes in a more 3--dimensional way. W D Keith is also a graduate of Yale School of Drama, one of the best if not the best theater MFA progams in the world. He taught me audition technique. Again, invaluable knowledge fused with a great sense of humor. He was also very generous about bringing in piles of monologues to read thru and I found some really good material for auditions. One thing I really like that he said was RESPECT YOURSELF in an audition, don't go in there not respecting yourself as a person and actor. Overall, I would say Studio ACT is like attending Hogwarts school of magic for actors, performers, and artists - wands not necessary. ; ) read more

Acting classes are so much fun!!!!!! If you are tired of drinking, clubbing, going out and you want to do something, take acting classes. It is more fun then language lessons, cooking classes and book clubs! It really is so much fun. read more

I took the ACT I, II and III Studio A.C.T. classes one right after another and found the overall experience very worthwhile to learn more about myself as well as gain a greater appreciation for the acting craft. I came in with no previous acting training except for an improv class a few years ago, but that was quite different. My original plan was to take just one class to get a taste of what the heck acting was about. I wasn't very good in the first class, but for some reason I decided to sign up for ACT II. The first class started off with theatre games and improv exercises and ended with one scene work. By ACT III, it is about scene study and we ended up working on three scenes from various plays during the 10-week session. It can be challenging to find a time and place to rehearse with your scene partner during the week, but through phone calls and meeting after or before class has worked out for me. I was very lucky in that my scene partners have been pretty responsive and motivated, but I did have one partner who had to work so much that I ended up having to work on monologues. The class sizes are about 10 students per class. The student makeup in Studio ACT classes range from people who want to pursue acting professionally to those with some previous training but who are still exploring what role acting will take in their lives (probably the majority of the class)--and finally you have people like me who don't have a theater background, no plans to audition, and are just curious to learning something new. All the instructors I've had were good. Each had his own teaching styles and areas of emphasis, but they were all very talented and dedicated to helping the students. You can instantly tell that they are pros. As other reviewers have mentioned, the location is conveniently located around public transportation and Union Square which was a huge plus for me. When you first sign up for Studio A.C.T. classes you meet with the program director for a quick interview--but it's nothing to fret over at all. The only thing is that I just wished they offered more Saturday classes. read more

I took the intro to acting class with Heidi. Not only did I learn a lot, but it was also a ton of fun! The environment is very supportive. I'm looking forward to taking more! read more

Great well-known and established place for learning acting and other theater arts. Excellent location (and great window shopping on the way!), quite affordable compared to other options. I'm currently taking Studio ACT I and have been learning loads and having a lot of fun! Glad that for this course there's no previous acting experience required, which makes it a really organic and fun experience each week. read more

I can't speak highly enough about my experience in Acting I with Andy Alabran. I'd never acted before and was a bit nervous about trying it for the first time. Andy was a fantastic teacher, equal parts encouraging, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He went out of his way to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, even giving up his Sunday afternoon to help a fellow student with her monologue. I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention how great my classmates were. Everyone was supportive and excited and had pretty amazing senses of humor. If you're thinking about taking an acting class or just looking for a great activity to get out of your usual comfort zone, I would fully recommend taking ACT I. Bar none, the best class I've taken in a long time. read more

I was a student of Ava Victoria's when she taught Voice Building and Master Classes at The American Conservatory Theater's Studio A.C.T. I found out from a friend who was, at the time, taking Ava's Voice Building class using the Garcia-Marchesi vocal method. I have studied voice during my years at the Eastman School of Music where I received my Bachelor's of Music and at the University of Southern California where I received my Doctor of Musical Arts degree. I also studied with private teachers. I knew how to sing but I also knew that if I wanted to build and retain my voice as well as repertoire, I needed to find a teacher who was trained in the Garcia-Marchesi method. I knew that teachers who are experts in this method are few and far between. It takes many years of learning and assimilating this method so that one can become a trained professional in this area of singing. When I heard about Ava Victoria, I immediately enrolled in her voice building and her master classes. I found out what an exceptional teacher she is. Even with classes of 25-30 students, Ava was able to listen and single out students that needed additional attention then she recommended certain vocal exercises to help strengthen their voice. She has a remarkable ear. My voice was improving so rapidly and well that I registered at Studio A.C.T. for every quarter that Ava Victoria taught. One quarter, I eagerly awaited the time to sign up for Ava's classes and to my dismay she was not listed as teaching her classes. I did not know what I was going to do. I so loved the environment she created as she taught us about our voices and helped us attain our goals. She knew how to explain every dimension of voice building and the how and why of the Garcia-Marchesi method with simple analogies--helping us understand how our voices work. As a result of my research, I knew that Ava is the only legitimate successor, in the Bay Area, to a line of teachers going directly back to Garcia and Marchesi. What luck I had when I found her! My voice improved so much and the astute attention she gave to each of her students was one of the reasons I registered for her voice building and master classes. I am disappointed that Studio A.C.T. decided not to have her back. I wrote to the director of Studio A.C.T. but I received no reply. I knew that I had to find out how I could continue my course of study with Ava. I found that she had a private studio and immediately asked whether she had room to take me on as a private student. When she promptly returned my request, we were able to set up a schedule so that I could continue rebuilding my speaking and singing voice. I cannot imagine what Studio A.C.T. was thinking when they did not have Ava return. It is certainly a giant loss for them. Studio A.C.T. should reconsider their thinking and actions. How can they not be concerned with excellence? I know that I am and that is why I continue to study with Ava. However, I miss the interactions of the students in voice building and master class. I made so many new friends during my time taking Ava's classes at Studio A.C.T. I know that we all would rush to register for Ava's courses if she were back at Studio A.C.T. read more

Disappointing. I read the class description for the Advanced Scene Study class and was hopeful to work at the "professional " level mentioned many times in the few paragraphs. "Prospective students should not register for this course unless they have significant professional acting credits several years of acting training behind them". The sentence structure alone should have been a clue. But I was hopeful. And wanting to make the "compelling choices in a professional setting" -the stated goal of the class. In preparation, I sent in my resume and application, paid my 400 bucks, and re-arranged my work schedule. I read the book that was written by this instructor. I checked out all of the nearby parking garages and planned out how to fit this into my after-work schedule with a 40 mile drive. When I arrived, I met a really nice instructor who had not read our resumes, did not have anything prepared for the class, and wasted three hours on introductions, theatre games and improvs (tell me again,what is the value of all this other than to fill time? Zib, Zab, Zob? Really? Is this a Junior High School class? Is this Acting 1? Day camp for 8 year olds? Oh, my mistake - I thought this was the Advanced Scene Study class). We could have spent the three hours in the library (for which we paid a "use fee") looking for scenes; we could have been working on scenes brought in by the instructor, except for the fact that efficiency did not seem a factor here - I mean, he had not even read our resumes. Heck, we could have spent the time working on scenes we were told to bring with us- except that we were not told to do so. Then the teacher told us he would assign scenes and get them to us by Thursday. O-KAY, I thought, that will give me Friday, Saturday and Sunday to connect with and hopefully rehearse with my scene partner before the next class! It did not happen. My prompt email to him on Thursday afternoon received no response. So I sent an email late in the evening informing him and the office that I was dropping the class. THAT email received a response. With excuses. And a Good Luck wish. The use of the word "professional" implies a number of things. 1) Actors who are paid for work or at least who work, unpaid, to a certain, demanding and discerning standard; 2) An institution that provides a professionally (efficient, organized, standardized) run school; 3) An instructor who takes his work as seriously as the "professional" actors. Paying 400 bucks for an eight week "professional" class only to form a circle and play theatre games in an "Advanced Scene Study" class is not "professional". Being told you will receive an assignment on a specific day and not receiving the assignment is not "professional". Knowing that you will have no time for rehearsal before the next class because the scene assignment did not arrive on time, and dreading the thought of more theatre games and desperately un-funny improvs are not what I had in mind when I signed up for an "Advanced Scene Study" class geared toward the "Professional". Maybe I should lower my standards?Maybe this is the new definition of "professional"? Substitute any number of these words for professional and you will get an idea about this place and class. Like "delusional", "slipshod", "inefficient", "same-ol'-same-ol'", "trite", "waste-of-time", "rip-off", "amateurish", "embarrassing", "pretentious"... 1 star for a nice guy teaching Minus 4 stars for sloppy organization on the part of that instructor and the school itself. read more

I took about 4 classes here at Studio ACT, many years ago. It's been a while since I've been back. They have nicely structured classes, very professional teachers-- and you can transfer credits as well. An accredited and tremendously respected school. However, from what I remember, the environment was a little formal (too much theory for my personal ways of learning). I intend to go back for another couple rounds. It's beneficial to be trained under different instructors/techniques. I'm so in awe of some of the students that graduated from there... I have much to learn! read more

I am currently taking ACT II, a scene study class with Paul Finocchiaro and have found it invaluable to my acting pursuits. I just completed a 20 run performance of "Tambourines to Glory" and the director was very impressed with my techniques. I hope to take more classes at Studio A.C.T. and possibly the Summer Conservatory next year. read more

The Studio program is AMAZING for the most part. Some of the teachers are superb and are also working actors! ACT 1 with Trina Oliver is the best class there. However, if you are trying to become a working actor it's not the most intensive training out there. If your looking for REALLY intense training try ACT's summer training congress; it will be an unforgettable experience!! read more

I have taken 5 classes over the last 3 years and have enjoyed every one. The teachers vary in style and quality, but have all been at least decent. The class sizes are good, and the fellow students have all been nice and fun to work with. The facilities are a bit old, but have enough space, which is really all you need for an acting class. Overall, I would recommend taking a class here if you want low-pressure amateur acting fun. read more

I have enjoyed their last 3 plays, except Sargent Barbara, that one was awful. It's a decent theater with a nice bar downstairs.

I've taken 6 classes at Studio A.C.T. I've loved all the teachers I've had and I've made connections with some amazing and interesting people. Even if you're not interested in acting, Studio A.C.T. provides a fun and safe place to explore the nuances of your personality and become more comfortable in your own skin. Aces. read more

What a wonderful theater. I had a friend visiting from out of town we decided to go see a local play. ( Teals Of The City) we where so surprised that it was so good and that a lot of big names are tied to it. The Theater is vary small, we had tickets in the 2nd row, i I would believe any ticket would do just fine read more

I had a great experience at this acting school. Stephanie DeMott's intro class provided a welcoming and safe atmosphere for doing something as crazy as emoting in front of a bunch of strangers. Patrick Russell, another young actor, who taught the next class, was so inspiring that he drew a cult following, petitioning for him to be installed as the head teacher of all classes to follow, and I agreed after taking the next class. read more

As a working actor in the Bay Area, I have from time to time taken various acting and other performance training classes to hone and enhance my skills. Most often I have profited in some way from my classes, even when the instruction was not the best. Much less often have I happened on a teacher who has utterly impressed me like Ava Victoria. Two years ago I first took Ms. Victoria's Voice Building class, then Master Classes at Studio A.C.T. The rigor, depth of knowledge, and skill in communicating the techniques of the Garcia-Marchesi method she employs stimulated me to continue the training, with results that have exceeded all my expectations. I have also seen other of my fellow students make fantastic gains in their vocal strength and singing abilities. Sadly for Studio A.C.T. and its students, Ava is no longer teaching there. She lent that program a sense of seriousness and professionalism it sometimes seemed to lack. Fortunately for some of us, we have been able to continue to train with her at her private studio. I can't say enough about Ava. She is a terrific teacher (and a superb singer and musician herself) and because of her I can now, literally, sing her praises! read more