From the moment I stepped into the Howard Fine Acting Studio, I knew I'd found something…read moreexceptional. The quality of teaching, professionalism, and genuine care for each actor's growth is unmatched. Howard is a master teacher--honest, insightful, and deeply committed to helping actors do their best work. His feedback is always constructive, compassionate, and transformative. Marilyn brings such warmth, enthusiasm, and patience to her classes--she creates a space where you feel safe to explore and inspired to take bold risks. Mr. Coury delivers those incredible, applicable "aha" moments that connect the craft to real, grounded human behavior. What makes HFAS even more special is the variety of ways to learn and grow. Whether in the studio or through the many online courses, actors can continue to hone their craft from different angles, at any stage of their journey. The entire community--faculty, staff, and students--fosters an environment that's both challenging and deeply supportive. HFAS isn't just a studio--it's a true artistic home, and I'm endlessly grateful to continue growing here as both an actor and a human being.

I have been in Mr. Coury's ongoing scene study for over a year now, after taking the six-week…read moretechnique course with both Howard and Mr. Coury. Every week, I learn something. Every week, I grow as an actor. Every week, I imagine the alternate world in which I would be lost as an actor without this rigorous gym, and I shudder at the thought. Mr. Coury's critique is straightforward and can feel harsh when you don't know him well, but you quickly find that he does it out of his love for teaching, and it truly is in your best interest. His eye will get you where you want to be if you trust yourself--and trust him.

I've never had a business make it so hard to give them money. To get basic information about class…read moretimes was like pulling teeth. Actually insane.

Cannot say enough wonderful things about this studio and its teachers. I have been studying with…read moreIvana for 3 years and I have become an entirely different actor. She provides tools to navigate every scene as the hero as opposed to the victim. No one wants to watch a victim. What I didn't realize is that these tools would bleed into my real life, even while navigating the most difficult situations. If you are considering joining the studio, her book 'The Power of the Actor' is a great place to start in order to understand what to expect in her class and through her technique. Everything the teachers talk about in class is clearly outlined in her book. She has helped many many actors, directors and film makers who have won and continue to win awards, oscars, notoriety, etc. She has a hilarious, no BS approach to the work and to life. The community is incredible and full of some of the most talented individuals I know. Thank you Ivana!

After graduating from UCLA Extension I felt very scattered, and a bit lost in Los Angeles as I…read morecontinued to seek my acting career, in 2016. I knew I needed to find a studio to be part of and practice the craft constantly. I audited so so so many studios around and found AMAW, which was the one that I was attracted to and intrigued by the most. I have been studying so many technics whether in Brazil or here in LA and I was still not feeling I was improving as I believed I could. The school helped me to regain my confidence because of the simplicity of the work they do. It is not easy, but it is very simple! All based on using the truth of who you are and what you are feeling in the moment applied to the script you have in hand. And, so... let the magic be revealed. There is so much I discovered about myself! This is the safest school you can get. The staff and teachers are phenomenal and they will take care of you! You will find lots of students shooting TV shows as well as working producers who partner with the school and build workshops where you can develop your professional skills and actually book work. I love and recommend the school to anyone, whether you are pursuing an acting career, or just looking to develop your power of expression, so you can thrive in sales, public speaking, or any other area of your interest. I made a lot of friends a had a lot of fun!

Rather fortuitously the dog's *vet happens to be v near the fab @anthonymeindl's @amawstudios new…read more*location. So the #beagle & I popped in and met Jennifer, who very kindly gave us a tour. Wow, such an upgrade on their former Melrose Ave location. This bespoke facility is bang smack in #Hollywood- you can see the sign- and surrounded by Studios' studios- which gets the blood going! The streets around here are quiet & great for #skateboarding and it's on good bus routes too. I'm intending to really up-the-ante on my #acting experience, auditions, training & to 'Book the fu*King job' (as Mr Meindl says in his book, one of a number!), in 2022. In 2021, I so loved being surrounded by (transmasc) #actors on our retreat with @michaeldcohen. Now I'm hungry to train weekly. The theatre studio space here is GREAT! I want in! There's some nice communal spaces too to hang and get to make new friends. Background.. I post on my IG @angelsareintersex about the mental health crisis in our #intersex youth shows how important it is to increase visibility of Out & Proud intersex people. Until there are lots of healthy, happy, young intersex actors filling the acting schools & #casting rooms of Hollywood, #RiverGallo is our great hope for global success. And I'm representing the older, been around the block a few times, got the scars, guard! Anthony Meindl is a proud member of our LGBTQiA+ community and this feels like a very safe space to come as a non-binary, trans & intersex person. PS all genders WCs too!

I recently completed a unique 6 day Intensive class at Berg Studios where I had the opportunity to…read morework with Adrian Latourelle, Gregory Berger and Michael Trevino. I've trained with several respected acting teachers over the years, and Gregory Berger's intensive was a breakthrough for me. He helped me find a missing piece in my work that I'd been searching for, and I left every class with practical tools I could immediately apply. The studio has an incredibly supportive atmosphere, the feedback is thoughtful and specific, and every instructor I worked with truly cared about helping each actor grow. I'm grateful for the experience and excited to continue training at Berg Studios.

4 out of 5: Decent Audit, But Be Cautious…read more I audited a class at Berg Studios and thought it was okay overall. The instructor seems to know his craft and there are definitely some solid basics you can take away. That said, the class leaned pretty heavily into the sales pitch, which is always a bit of a red flag for me. It felt more like a "get in, get what you need, get out" kind of place. If you're curious, it's worth checking out for the fundamentals, but I wouldn't recommend getting too comfortable. Like many LA acting classes, there's a risk of getting stuck in a cycle that isn't always about growth. Take what serves you and move on.

Love this studio and instructors. They've done such a good job at helping me making bolder choices…read morealready and I've only done the lab! Can't wait for what's next

I've tried several well-known acting studios, but Graham Shiels Studio has been my favorite so far…read more One thing I really appreciate is the no-phone policy. It keeps everyone fully present and engaged instead of getting distracted between exercises. The classes are very interactive, fast-paced, and immersive. I never found myself getting bored or waiting around. Every exercise felt purposeful and pushed me to stay in the moment and take creative risks. The atmosphere is supportive, and Graham creates an environment where you feel comfortable trying new things while still being challenged to grow. I always leave class feeling energized and like I've learned something valuable. If you're looking for an acting studio that keeps you engaged from beginning to end, I highly recommend Graham Shiels Studio.

Killian is a well respected and skilled educator in our community…read more Thank you for encouraging, inspiring and being an incredible mentor for many! Happy Holidays! "LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR." -Killian McHugh

Zero stars SCAM! My fiancé was excited about attending the Adult Commercial Workshop course. She…read morestruggle during her introductory monologue the teacher (who never showed his face) gave no constructive feedback and proceeded to tell her to "call back in 5yrs when she's ready" and hug up in her face. She thought it may have been a mistake and tried to reconnect, and was never allowed back in the class. I dont leave comments, but the disrespect, confusion, and frustration my fiancé experienced made me want to save everyone the headache.

Highly recommended. My acting technique has skyrocketed after only about 6 months of going here…read more Moreover, it has allowed me to be in touch with the deepest parts of myself and how to listen to others. It's life changing.

I knew from my very first conversation with John Ruskin that there was something special happening…read moreat the Ruskin School. I am now entering my second year in the Meisner Technique class and it has been so much more than I had expected or hoped for: - creative inspiration - a deeper understanding of the craft - valuable insights from industry professionals - an incredibly supportive community - some amazing friendships - tangible career support - the opportunity to build relationships with people in the industry But maybe more important than all those things is the fact that in showing up for class and doing the reps - and just like going to the gym, you have to put in the work - but showing up, practicing repetition, doing the independent activities and the scene work week after week, not only am I honing my skills as an actor and feeling more confident and decisive as an artist, I can feel that I'm building a deeper more foundational relationship with myself. And I get to bring this transformative work into every aspect of my life and into every relationship: family, personal, professional. I have come to understand the craft of acting now as a fearless and searching study of human behavior... and I think in order to teach it, above all, one has to love humans. John Ruskin undoubtedly, in my experience, loves humans, loves artists, poets, actors... and he loves his students. And that devotion permeates his words, his actions, his teaching, and every moment at the school. I have deep gratitude for John, Mikey, and all of the teachers and staff who have all created a safe haven and a nurturing space for dreamers like us.

I literally never leave Yelp reviews but this class was so good I feel like every actor who is…read morestarting out or coming back to the game needs to know about it! Honestly, this was the best acting/coaching/commercial class I've ever taken. It was so much more than a commercial workshop - I feel like David gave us tools to not only do well in auditions, but ways to look at acting and the industry as a whole in a more positive, fun, sustainable way. I left with a notebook full of practical advice and tools for every part of the process including: -what to look for in a good headshot -how to structure a resume and what to include/omit -what to wear to different types of auditions -what your type is -where to go for a good photographer -how to get an agent and which agencies are trustworthy -what to do in awkward interview auditions -how to come up with funny buttons that seem natural -how to slate like a pro -where to go for improv classes and further education -videos of yourself with Davids kind suggestions for improvement -how to do a group audition without being awkward - go to topics when a CD says to improvise -and the biggest part- how to get out of your head and stay positive and see the entire audition process as fun and bring a spiritual element to everything I was honestly so nervous to go to any type of acting class again- I've been out of the game for 5+ years and felt defeated when I quit - and after this one day, I feel not only confident enough to try it again, but like I have a secret road map and built in cheerleader from here on out. I literally can't say enough good things - if you're looking for a commercial class, this is the one to go for. Worth every penny and so much more.

David's class was very refreshing and renewed my faith that…read more I could be a booking commercial actor. His Technique's blew my mind. I learned more in his 5 hour workshop than 40 hours of various other Commercial classes. Thank you David for giving me the tools, belief, and knowledge to succeed in the commercial world! Thank you for being a positive light and hope in audition land for me!