I went into Young Actors Studio anxious and unconfident. From the moment I walked in, I immediately felt like I was at home. Working on my craft here helped me come out of my shell, and YAS only furthered that growth. My acting and writing skills have improved immensely, and I've made tons of amazing connections along the way, especially with other teens my age who I've had incredible on-stage chemistry with, which only helped sharpen my craft even more. But most importantly, I've become close with the staff, Andrew, Sam, and Jeff. Jeff especially has changed me on stage. His toughness and honesty mean more to me than he probably knows, because he never sugarcoats things, yet he encourages me like no one else has, always finds the perfect gritty character for me to play, and believes in me even when I don't believe in myself. His passion pushes his teaching to another level, and he has such a keen eye for bringing out someone's potential. He genuinely values my ideas for characters and how I want to play around with them, and I always appreciate that. I was a dusty gem when I came into YAS, and now I'm polished. Could not recommend this place more. read more

Amazing Acting Techniques! I sent my daughter here for 5 years and it was the best decision made. It gave her confidence to be herself, open up and dialogue with other young actors. She has used all the acting techniques taught here to publicly speak, advocate for others and have her voice be heard. She is no longer shy about speaking in public or asking questions. Everything learned here has served her in every aspect of her life. Lessons taught here are good for your child or young adult's emotional and physical health. Some of the techniques used here are used by some of the most masterful and articulate therapists in the world today. Thank you Jeff and Andrew for all that you taught her and for your love and patience. read more

The Young Actors Studio - Amazing Studio for Young Actors! Thank you Jeff! - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I have the blessing to say I have been attending classes at The Young Actors Studio for around 5 months now and I can say it's been nothing short of life changing in that time. I've had the privilege to collaborate with some of the most brilliant artists I've ever met. Whether it's been in improv scenes created that day in class or assigned scene work/study I've learned so much from viewing my peers in action. The ability within the class of course comes from the amazing teachings of the instructors at the studio. The enormous attention to detail within working technique for preparation here is just a testament to the effort and passion brought by all the instructors here every single week. I'm proud to call myself a student here as I've come to view many of the people here as mentors. read more

My daughter LOVED her 2 week acting intensive workshop with Jeff. She said she learned more in 2 weeks at The Young Actor's Studio, then she did in 2 years of high school drama class. Thank you for creating an incredibly supportive and safe space for kids and teens to develop their craft. Highly recommend this studio. read more

What would your reaction be if your son/daughter/niece/nephew/etc, decided they want to pursue acting at a young age. Would you encourage him/her to join a drama class at school? Perhaps, you would even enroll them in an arts high school. Maybe you would actually discourage the path, being a wise adult who knows the nature of the industry. Or maybe, you would seek out acting lessons for the child, similar to enrolling them in other extracurriculars such as music lessons or sports. If you decide to choose the latter and are seeking out acting lessons for your child or teen, Young Actors Studio may be able to help. Located in the North Hollywood Arts District, the first detail to grab my attention (and hold it) was the actual building and vibe, itself. Although inconspicuous from the outside (some would even say "difficult to find"); once you walk inside, the building is buzzing with art and creativity. Like flowing electricity, you can feel it moving and it can't be denied. Aesthetically and environmentally, it reminded me of the local theatres in the Mid-west where I grew up acting in local plays. Young Actors Studio has several winding hallways and staircases which lead to a number of studios filled with workshops or are rented out to non-acting artistic endeavors. For instance, I had a photoshoot for headshots in one of the studios. The room was spacious, included a few rows of theatre-style cushiony chairs, and some room dividers. Although I would have liked some more ventilation, the heat was expected. Currently, workshops are available for acting techniques, scene study programs, and professional coaching classes, to name a few. Most of these are on the weekends to support the children's schooling and run about 12 weeks ($285 and up). One of my complaints? The brochure I grabbed while at the theatre has a spelling error in it. As a marketing professional, that is something I can NOT let slide, as it results in the business looking highly unprofessional. As an acting course claiming to have taught the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Shia LaBeouf; one would think they can hire a proper copywriter. Other than that, not a bad place to check out if a child close to your heart is bit by the acting bug. read more

The Young Actors Studio - From website - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I want to thank everyone at this studio- it is a great space to rent out! I would like to especially recognize coordinator Alexis. She assisted me immediately & helped me figure out all my needs to be able to shoot! The space worked for what I needed and the lights worked easily as well. The studio really works with the needs of the client & within budget too. Thank you so much to all at this space! I recommend it for shooting. The team is efficient, helpful, & really easy to work with. For those renting, just make sure you're aware of the parking situation. read more

Outstanding, life-changing, kind, ceiling-shattering. These are the words I'd used to describe the 5+ years I took classes under the instruction of Jeff Alan Lee, Andrew Shaffer, and all the wonderful teachers at this studio. You truly will NOT regret it. Their teaching style is intellectual, creative, and revolutionary. They have a way of teaching with so much kindness, emotion, and are really able to inspire and encourage their students which pushes them to new creative and professional limits they never thought they could reach. Taking classes at the young actor's studio is the best decision you'll ever make. So do it- don't wait. read more

Very professional! The kids LOVE going here. They have learned so much. The teachers are wonderful and clearly love what they do. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to give their children an opportunity to learn; regardless of if they want to be in acting or use it to improve communication and imagination skills that will help them gain skills they can use in other aspects of life. Excellent studio read more

We've never seen our daughter more excited when Saturdays come around! Because she takes class at Young Actors Studio with some of the most passionate instructors, nicest staff, and lifelong friends/peers for sure!! Jeff, Andrew, and the entire team teach their students acting skills, confidence, camaraderie, and passion for the arts. Kudos to this one of a kind reputable gem........... read more

What an amazing space ! This school truly delivers instruction in acting and writing that are so powerful ! Jeff and Andrew are so passionate about their craft. Furthermore, Kelly, Ashley, and staff have the same comforting and welcoming energy to accommodate us the parents. My daughter and her peers have shared that YA studio has been a safe place for them to express their true selves through acting and writing. She also started to write her own script right after joining the studio! She has a specific bookstore that she loves now and has become interested in other genres in literature! My daughter's experience ( learning from Jeff, Andrew, and her peers ) has been critical in her success in her school as well. She has become more confident and well spoken in her academic presentations and has learned to appreciate the importance of preparation and planning. The Language Arts of listening and speaking skills that she acquired were from the hours of work that she happily spent on the weekends at the studio. This school is such a gift for our family and our community. And for that I am very grateful. read more

I had my doubts until I saw the end results. My son did the teen summer course 12-14 year olds. He wanted to try acting as he is involved with all types of sports and always has been he is also a drummer a band and wanted to try something new. I was skeptical of the venue and even of the staff to a point but I was completely wrong and it was astounded by the end result which clearly demonstrated things learned and presented in the form of a production. My son has expressed a desire to continue down this road and at this school and I will gladly support him. read more

I just registered my 17 year old son for the next session and I can't say enough great things about this wonderful place! We were initially referred to YAS by a friend of ours who is a successful actor, so we decided to have our son give it a try. My son loves it and has been attending weekly for over a year and a half. He has learned so much and I have watched his confidence level rise greatly. Enough so that he finally felt comfortable auditioning for his high school's annual play/musical and ended up even earning a role! Jeff and Andrew provide a positive and welcoming environment that allows the kids to express themselves openly and subsequently thrive in both acting and writing. It is super cool. The performances are great too! If you are looking for a place for your young actor, look no further! I highly recommend Young Actors Studio!!! :-) read more

My daughter is a teenager and has been acting since she was very young. As she prepares for college now, and a career, of course we wanted her to get the best training possible. Having studied at some of the great acting studios in NY, I knew what we were looking for. Great, enthusiastic, nurturing teachers, strong emphasis on technique, a community of similarly-minded, serious actors, private coaching outside of class, and solid monologue-prep for college and professional auditions. With Jeff and Andrew, we got all of those in spades. Our daughter studied in person for a year before Covid transformed all of our lives and introduced something many of us had never heard of: ZOOM. I know a lot of kids and parents are pretty burnt out on on-line learning, us include. But our daughter looks so forward to her Saturday remote classes, that during this trying time, I honestly don't know what she'd do without them. It's a huge help to all of us that she has this. The team at Young Actors Studio has figured out wonderful systems to keep our daughter and the other actors enthusiastic, excited, and engaged. It is just fantastic for us as parents knowing she has this every week. And we especially appreciate how responsible they are being, as I'm sure like so many, the studio suffers for not being able to teach in-person. The sacrifice they are making is appreciated in our house, and whether it's remote or in-person, we wouldn't miss a Saturday. Her training at Young Actors is preparing her for a brighter future, and helping her make the absolute best of Now. Thank you Jeff and Andrew and Staff! -Doug read more

The Young Actors Studio is a great place to practice learned technique but not to learn it. The technique they claim to teach at the studio is Stanislavaski but the problem is it's taught so loosely that many times your are told how to act using this technique without really understanding what it is. They don't teach you to analyze your script, so your not learning how each to understand each character your playing. Outside of The Young Actors Studio your not able to recreate what you've learned outside of the studio. There is a show case after each semester of class has ended which is very beneficial to many students who acting is up to par. They really need to implement more technique understanding into their program. (Maybe like a guide or small packet explaining how to use their technique) The studio is pretty young but has a lot of growing to do! read more

I love the Young Actor Studio. It was the first acting class my 8 year old took. She loved Carolyn her teacher. She is very sweet and encouraging. My daughter flourished in that class. Learned a monologue that landed her a manager. Everyone in that school is young and positive. I am talking about the director and the other teacher. I highly recommend that school. They are not greedy if you miss a class you can make it up. We will be taking classes with them again. read more

Amazing, safe, and full of people who are passionate about the arts. Andrew and Jeff make everybody feel at home and comfortable, allowing their students the freedom to create with no judgement. They teach you to follow impulses and to step out of your comfort zone. read more

I have been going to the Young Actors Studio for a long time. This place really incredible. This place has turned into my home away from home. I learned so much here. When ever i am having trouble trying to figure out a character or i need help with auditioning or anything. They really take the time to help. They also help me find my weakest spots and they help me make it my strongest quality. The Young Actors Studio has became a place for me to run to when ever i need help or even just to let everything out in my acting. They truly helped me in so many ways. I opened up my shell. I was a really shy person before the YOUNG ACTORS STUDIO. Once i came here they showed me i can be anything i want to be. I love going out on stage and exploring and learning so much i never knew i had in me. They made me feel comfortable going on stage. Going out on auditions. This place in definitely the best place to be. -Jessica-Ashley read more

My daughter, a high school Junior, was always very shy but wanted to dip her toe into acting. I'm so glad we found Young Actors Studio. Andrew and Jeff are extremely encouraging and have created a safe environment for kids to learn acting technique. My daughter has come out of her shell, met new friends and has surprised her dad and me with her talent and skills! They also offer a writing lab which has inspired my daughter to begin writing scripts. I highly recommend this studio. read more

Jeff and Andrew are both amazing directors and instructors. You will not find a more genuine and caring school. They truly work to bring out its student's individual potential. They train the students to become real working actors, not celebrities. I have watched them now for the two years my son has attended their school, and all the students have realized so much of their true potential and talent. If you want a school that will take you and your child seriously, I could think of no better. I highly recommend, value and appreciate this school. Molly S read more

Excellent place to teach kids/teens the principles of acting/improv/theatre. Their staff is friendly and knows their stuff. I will continue to bring my teen to the Young Actor's Studio. Their prices are reasonable for the amount of teaching and quality of teaching they give. Located in the Arts District on Lankershim. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to visit while your child is taking their acting class. I highly recommend YAS. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. : ) read more

My six-year-old daughter LOVES her Sunday morning class with Carolyn. She looks forward to it all week. The staff are extremely helpful and encouraging and grounded. I love the approach. I echo other sentiments here that the space itself reminds me of theater in Chicago... We are staying. read more

Beyond Grateful for Young Actors Studio, one of, if not the most important thing I provided for my children and I don't say that lightly. My daughter began taking classes here when she was 11 years old, acting and writing. She always loved writing and the theatre and this experience, education and community including Jeff and Andrew are invaluable and beautifully rare. Last year she was the winner of the California Young Playwrights Contest where her play was professionally produced at The Old Globe Theatre and she also was the winner for the Young Arts Foundation in Play/Script Writing. She now attends UCLA's, school of Theatre Film and Television with a focus on Playwriting and Director and Writing for Film. All of this and her own evolution as a very self aware, highly creative person was nurtured here at YAS. Jeff and Andrew's vast experience, passion and commitment is so evident and palpable in watching all the young people grow in everyway. The experience is invaluable and I am forever grateful to them. Much love and success always. With respect, Denise Spatafora read more

My son wanted to act so we tried out this place and he told me it was the best experience. He seemed very intrigued about the technic they use. I plan to come back here next summer for my son after school gets out! We have tried many places in the Los Angles area and this has been the best so far. We drive all the way from Palos Verdes and i drop my son off before i go to work, but it is worth it. He is looking forward for next year! read more

whether or not you intend to pursue a career in performance or simply want to build confidence, the young actors studio provides a first class experience. andrew, jeff and the rest of the staff provide a warm and comforting atmosphere, yet they are the consummate professionals. the work can, at times, be intense, but you always come away with a feeling of having accomplished something important. more than anything, the young actors studio respects its students and treats them with dignity. is it any wonder that, for those who want a serious and valuable acting experience, the young actors studio is always the first choice? read more