The Groundlings School teaches a foundation that is not only about comedy. It's about linking ideas together and supporting each other. I had the privilege of taking a class here that reminded me of our basic tools to make an improvised scene occur. It is taught in a true 'drill' like fashion. Getting 'the reps' in feels good as it takes the pressure off the end result. I had the pleasure of having the fantastic teacher Echo Cullem. He teaches from the heart, knows the rhythm of a scene and how things should feel. He is a person we could trust as a group collective and one that made me feel open and able to adjust and learn. Eco reminds us that 'The most important person in a scene is your scene partner.' Our class was lucky to be given this amazing experience and I will miss each and every one of my talented classmates. Training at The Groundling is an honor for any funny or talented person who might be blocked or need to hit reset and you owe it to your talent and your Los Angeles story to train here. read more

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UPDATE - I am now set to begin the lab track at the Groundlings School. I have been taking in person classes here since September 2022, and it truly has made a huge difference in my improv skills. I have benefitted greatly from teachers like Drew Droege, Guy Stevenson, Phyllis Katz, Roy Jenkins, and Harmony McElligott. There are plenty of student performance opportunities once a student passes the intermediate level. If you want to work on comedic characters and develop your writing skills, this is the place to be. read more

I am a student in the intro to sketch writing class. I have always been interested in exploring my creative writing more so I decided to sign up. My teacher is Guy and he's super sweet, funny and helpful. We spend most of the class reading our sketches in a group setting. He gives honest feedback and constructive criticism on how we can improve our sketches. I love that instead of ripping apart our ideas, he just gives us fun ideas to add to our work. The first week there were more people but since then quite a few have dropped out so now we have a more intimate setting which is really nice. I have been learning a lot about my writing and talents that I didn't even know that I had. There are still a few weeks left but I would highly recommend this class if you have been wanting to explore your writing talents. read more

I'm taking the Basic level class and really enjoying it. Eliot Schwartz is the teacher. He's great. Rigorous but also kind and fun. A lot of the stuff you learn about improv seems also to apply to life--in particular the skill of listening and not being negative. read more

Im driving 3 hours total each time to learn from this school ... I think that says it all no ? Incredible place , they do care about each student and they will really help you improve and learn and be better . I can't say enough ! read more

If you are interested in any kind of acting, The Groundlings is a special place to learn and grow as an artist. I loved my teachers - all of whom are very successful actors and actresses. One was a regular on a major NBC show. Another is famous for her roles in some huge films. The teachers are not only very talented, but they are also supportive and respectful. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran actor, I highly recommend this school. You can never go wrong here. read more

The first check-in class was great, once I actually started classes with the new permanent teacher, not so good! He seemd like he was trying really hard to be in charge and demand attention, which was pretty tiring. The actual classrooms are super small, no functioning AC, no windows, and NEON lights! Do you know what those lights feel like when you take the 7-10pm class? It makes your eyes feel tired and sandpapery, combined with the fact that there's no air, it's a recipe for being super uncomfortable. No thanks! read more

Great place to take improv classes and always a very fun and nurturing environment. Definitely a good place to go if you feel like you need some constructive criticism for your skillset because they really know what they're talking about! The classes are definitely very expensive so try to apply for a scholarship if possible. read more

My son took the Teen Improv class with Mary Scheer. He absolutely loved it. Mary is great with children and very funny. Class size was just right. He wants to take the course again because he learned so much and had a great time. read more

I just completed improv workshop A. Honestly, I was so scared about signing up but now I couldn't be more happy about it. The groundlings school has a lot of days to choose from on which class you want to sign up. Since I have to work on weekdays I chose the Sunday class. Kyle was my instructor and he was super insightful, caring, experienced and really helpful. We did a lot of games that taught me how to get out of my head and just go along with what's happening. Class was super fun and the people in my class were hilarious. I think it really helps that Kyle shared his experience and understands what it's like for a new comer to do improv. Definitely definitely recommending this school to other people. read more

I took the Basic Improv class with the Groundlings and it was absolutely delightful the whole way through. What an experience to be taught by those who perform in the Groundlings casts themselves! My teacher was Guy Stevenson and he was just wonderful, kind, hilarious and informative on the art of improv. Everything you would want from a basic class teacher to introduce you gently but informatively to the craft. Fun exercises in the Basic level, intro to scene work and plenty of character development. Great bonding with the class and teacher. Overall, really fun experience and worth the roughly $600 fee for the 12 weeks if you're really serious about acting/improv/comedy. Plus the reputation The Groundlings School has among the acting/comedy world will only look fantastic on an acting resume. Highly recommend! read more

Chris Eckert of Groundlings is a phenomenal coach! He is brilliant! Kind, funny, super-smart, caring, patient, knowledgeable, sensitive, intuitive, encouraging....A WONDERFUL TEACHER! I am very grateful for everything Chris taught me. He vibrates talent and dedication through his teachings - It is an astonishing, special experience. I left each class feeling more confident. What a great teacher (and performer) ! Long live Chris Eckert! Long live The Groundlings of Los Angeles! read more

Took classes here through Advanced. Love their style and it really helped my acting!

Just finishing my first Groundlings course today. The school is amazing and their theater is a beautiful facility. Our teacher Corey Podell has been so kind and informative. It doesn't matter how much experience you have, The Groundlings School offers students of all kinds an opportunity to become better performers and better humans. Take a course, see a show, get involved. It's a wonderful community! read more

I just completed my first course at The Groundlings School, the Core Basic Track. Having some training in improv and very little experience in comedy, I was a little hesitant heading into the process. However, from day 1 I knew I made the right decision. My instructor, Tanya Scheer, is a dream to work with. She creates such a great environment to work, play, experiment and take chances. Absolutely no judgment. After 7 weeks and 14 classes, I feel much more grounded in my improv abilities and confident when it comes to comedic roles/auditions. Though my main focus is acting (not stand-up/comedy/etc.), these skills are absolutely 100% applicable and have opened me up to so many more opportunities/roles that I may have otherwise avoided. Tanya was brilliant at explaining the in's and out's of effective improv, while letting us dive in, getting our hands dirty, and learning from experience. Each student received equal time playing/working/performing and with such a versatile group of people, you learn from other's strengths and weaknesses. Thanks, Groundlings! Definitely would recommend to all actors/comics/etc. read more

The Groundlings School - Our last day of class. What a treat! :] - Art Schools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great time attending class at The Groundlings School- I took Improv Workshop A with Sean Hogan and I learned so much! The class size was perfect and the environment was so creative. I felt safe to expand well outside my comfort zone. Everything I learned was the perfect foundation for advancing on to Workshop B. read more

So it has been some time since I took Groundlings 101 class. However, I thought I should share my experience so others don't waste their time. First off, it had been a dream to "be a Groundling" as I greatly admired Bill Murray. My initial experience was with a tall dark haired guy who was great, he did our "try out." He was positive and knowledgeable, I was so excited! Then class started and I met my "teacher." So the first class was as most first classes, a nervous feeling out period, however from the beginning there was a negative energy. The second class I started to question if it was just my own insecurities. Then by the third class I was really upset, after class my fellow classmates would hang out and someone said out of nowhere "[teacher] really hates you." To my surprise the rest of the students joined in and shared the same sentiment. They all expressed that it seemed to be very personal and not really related to my performance. Regarding performance the teacher was very hard on the class and that is all subjective. It's the teachers right to teach how ever they want, but I do believe there is an ethical line when you are taking people's money to teach them. So the line started to be pushed when I noticed that the teacher's head was down when I was doing my work on stage and he was on his phone or was writing stuff in his note pad. So my assumption was (to be positive) was that the notes were due to my performance and the teacher was just listening. So I asked a friend in class to look over his shoulder. Nope. They told me he would write down lines from the improved scene but in general seemed to be 'doodling' or writing stuff of his/her own. But this information coupled with the teacher starting to give NO feedback. I would get done, stand on stage waiting for ANYTHING. And he/she would say "Next." Then go on to perform a monologue of critic after every other student. Oh, I forgot one key thing which I later felt started this whole thing. After the second class, we ran into each other at an audition - for the same role. So I guess not using pronouns is out of the bag with that little fact. So HE was very cold and offish and didn't even say hi back when I saw him. Fast forward to our last class and review. Groundlings is really about characters and so (as someone who does a lot of voices) I was determined... I did three scenes and one was a prospector with a heavy twang, a german scientist and an southern dandy. The very brusk review "[i need to see characters from you, you need to do voices]" Usually, I would just take the teachers feedback, but I had had enough. I replied with something like "[what are you talking about I did three distinct characters with distinct voices]" He was shocked I challenged him and stumbled then said I didn't do any voices. And yes the entire time his head was down. So devil's advocate would say, maybe the teacher saw your flaws in a way you didn't. Okay, I agree you could state that argument. Just as I could bring up how the teaching techniques lacked and it seems all subjective. However, in my final review after about 2 minutes of these rambling criticisms of my lack he said words I will never forget "[I think you should really rethink your choice to do this, and I don't mean improv I mean acting in general.]" I laughed as fought back the tears of anger, betrayal of someone who is paying for guidance and instead mistreated. Any teacher worth their salt would say there is no subjective justification for such actions. I am sure it doesn't surprise you that he failed me, much to the surprise of my classmates. Several weeks later the Groundlings approached me via email to urge me to take the class over. I told them of my experience and they replied with a terse defensive email that had no interest in any attempt to get a positive outcome. I was off improv for a while until I was urged to try classes at a competitor, and magically I am no longer a horrible performer that should give up all acting aspirations - and successfully moving up through their levels. Groundlings probably has some great people, sadly I met the one (at least) sad example of teacher, and then the admin aspect of the Groundling's further failed me. I would say go to another school. read more