If you're new to acting and have no idea where to even begin, start at Graham Shiels Studios…read more I joined The Lab as a total beginner, and what hit me first was that everyone there is actually working -- not "aspiring," not playing around, but genuinely auditioning and booking. That alone shifted my mindset. The room feels serious in a motivating way, not intimidating. You can tell people show up because they care about getting better. Graham is the real deal. He doesn't waste time, and he doesn't give vague notes. He tells you exactly what you're doing, what's underneath it, and how to adjust so your work actually lands. You walk out of class knowing what to practice instead of feeling confused or overwhelmed. As someone just starting out, I felt like I was finally in the right place. If you're unsure where to begin or who to trust in this industry, audit a class. Seeing it for yourself is enough. This studio made acting feel doable, and that's honestly the biggest gift for a beginner.

I think Graham is a wonderful teacher. However, my rating is due to this company's business ethics…read more I enrolled in a three-week intensive where students are evaluated and placed with a teacher. I made it clear from the start that my only goal was to train with Graham, which requires an invitation. When I asked about ongoing classes, I was told his classes were full, but that I would be placed just below his level and moved up after I completed the four week course with a different teacher. After completing the intensive, my card was charged without my knowledge for an additional four weeks of classes, and NOT with Graham. When I raised this with the office, they pointed to a "subscription" clause in the contract that allowed them to automatically charge my card. This was never clearly explained to me. I only enrolled in the initial program based on the understanding that I would be invited to train with Graham upon completion. Instead, I was unknowingly charged for more classes, with a different teacher, without consent. When I requested a refund, especially since I wouldn't even be in town to attend (which I explained to them) they refused... "No refunds". They told me I could take the classes when I returned to town, presenting that as a generous accommodation. However, they still would not guarantee placement with the teacher I originally requested. This experience felt misleading and very exploitative. Many actors are investing limited resources into their training, and transparency matters. Charging for services I did not knowingly approve, and could not attend, is unacceptable. I ultimately disputed the charge. After months of back-and-forth, they ruled in favor of the school based on the fine print referencing a subscription. That may be technically enforceable, but it was not clearly communicated, and it's disappointing. Mind you I paid for the intensive, additional classes with a teacher I didn't want based on a promise that wasn't fulfilled, and even booked private sessions with Graham.. all within two months. This company could have earned far more from me long term if they had acted with transparency and integrity. They were greedy and shortsighted. Do better.

Truly amazing and effective training for actors. Just audit the classes and you will see.read more

I absolutely enjoy taking classes here! I am learning so…read moremuch every week. It's so wonderful to practice our craft in such a safe kind environment. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to study here and learn from such fantastic mentors.

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.

My favorite place ever! I'm completely new and I'm just…read morelearning the basics and this studio couldn't be more welcoming. I have learned so much, made new friends and love the craft more than ever. Thank you to this studio for being so kind.

I learned some valuable lessons from Andrew. But an adjustment that needs to be made in his…read morecommitment to his students careers. Acting class is expensive, many of us invest in it to grow as an artist to help our careers and hopefully make a living doing it. Many of us are struggling and work several jobs to make ends meet. I received a huge opportunity to go and read for a series regular role, it happened to land on Andrew's first day of class. Instead of being supportive and accommodating to move my start date to the next session, he threatened to keep my full deposit with no possible refund. I had to make a choice. I wish he didn't make choose. I've moved onto other wonderful acting studios and I'm a working actor now. None of these other studios have tried to put their class over my career. It's been years but I wanted to come back and share my experience because it really scarred me back when I was starting out and taking a chance on my first acting class.

I've been in Andrew's class twice now, so I feel qualified to give this lengthy review. I hope it…read morehelps anyone considering taking his class. I love love love Andrew, his teaching style, everything. After taking tons of acting classes from all kinds of teachers, I would bucket Andrew's class into the category of "Foundational". This doesn't mean his class is for beginners -- far from it. I'd actually say his classes are for those who are serious about the craft of acting and want to grow and deepen their relationship with themselves as an actor. There are a lot of classes that are geared toward specific acting niches. Meisner, comedy, commercials, auditioning, etc. Personally, I don't find classes that focus on one methodology (like Meisner) to be helpful, because they make you take a specific avenue to get an end result. I don't think you ever get in tune with who YOU are as an actor when you're going this route. It's always about the methodology, which can be kind of culty. Specific classes for things like comedy or auditioning for tv/film are great, but they aren't foundational. They're skillsets you need if you want to be a working actor in LA, but those classes won't make you a great actor, and they won't get you more in touch with who you are as a human, which is so needed for this craft! Andrew's class focuses on the core principles of becoming a fine actor. If you are a beginner, you are in the right place. If, like me, you've been in 20 different classes with different teachers, and you don't even know what to do with a script anymore because your technique styles are all jumbled up in your brain, you'll leave this class with clarity AND inspiration. Andrew's class is going to get you really comfortable with a script and a scene partner and YOURSELF. In my opinion, we are our own biggest obstacles in becoming great actors, and Andrew's style of teaching will bring you home to YOU while simplifying your becoming and unfolding of finding the actor within.

I've been working with Jen and Paolo since February of 2024. They are pros. I audited a class for…read morefree and immediately recognized the value of their expertise. The community of actors is the best. Many of my closest friends I have are from this studio. I'm in Jen's instinct class on Thursdays. Come check it out!

After a long time away, I have finally been able to find it in me to come forward. Krater is a good…read morestudio. I believe that Jen is a good teacher. However, I had to leave classes quite some time ago due to two traumatic incidences that I experienced within the Instinct Class. Firstly, I am an African American man. I was placed into a scene in which I was heavily interrogated by a Police Officer. I had an involuntary freeze in my Nervous System and could barely get through the scene. Upon the talk back, and being vulnerable about what I was experiencing, Jen dismissed this, telling me how I shouldn't feel this way because it's Acting Class and it's not real. Though I see her point, the Nervous System scientifically cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality. Regardless, the fear and freeze that I felt were real, regardless of the source. It was wrong of her to make me believe that I was in the wrong for feeling this way. The second incident, I was paired up with a much older Actress. The exercise was going well at first, but near the end of the scene, this older Actress pulled me into her and inappropriately touched me and aggressively kissed me. Her reasoning for doing this in the talk back was, "I felt his energy and knew it would be okay." This was a misread. I never gave consent for that. No one should ever have to be subject to that kind of interaction anywhere at anytime. This is why Intimacy Coordinating is important. Due to these two incidences happening in a period of a few weeks, I lost all trust and sense of safety within the Studio. Because of these losses, I felt that my growth would be stunted, so I made the decision to part ways. I do not wish ill will, but this had to be said. Objectively, I can understand and appreciate the good this studio has done for many Actors, a good few of which are friends of mine. And admittedly, I myself gained some valuable lessons in the months leading up to these events. However, this is my truth, and after quite some time of healing and mending my Nervous System, it needs to be spoken. Jen is a wonderful teacher, but far from perfect and I hope that these things never happen again to anyone else.

I can be quite picky when it comes to self tape studios, but my experience with On The Mark was…read moreperfect! Blaise is a phenomenal reader and put me at ease right away. My audition was a bit tricky and required some screaming / tricky physicality, but Blaise made me feel very comfortable and I was very happy with the final product. Could not recommend enough!

I love that I discovered this place! Takes all the stress out of my self tapes and I work so…read moreefficiently with Jesse. Seriously amazing and I feel confident with what i send to casting. If you come in prepared you will get more than your money's worth.

I've taken a lot of different acting classes around LA (even Zoom ones based out in NY) and this…read moreone taught by Eric Kline is unique. I started here in summer 2023 and went here consistently for about a year. I'm not sure if it's still the same format but when I was there you would pay for class per 2 weeks session -- so one week you and your scene partner would do a zoom cold read with each other and Eric. You should have worked up the scene prior to the cold read as well and discuss it with Eric at the cold read. Then the following week you would meet up (I was in the Tuesday evening class) at the studio to perform the scene. Depending on who your scene partner is, you could schedule to meet to practice your scene more if you wanted. But most people I believe just chose to meet up half-hour to hour prior to in-person class to practice. What I really liked about this class is that you get experience being filmed at every in-person class. He has two 4K cameras, a green screen where he can project a background, and a boom mic. So you're not just performing your scene on a stage while your peers watch. You will get to perform while also learning the technical aspects of how to perform on camera. THIS is why I went to Eric's class! I got an experience that is close to being on a set. Also you can get experience working the camera or holding the boom mic while your peers do their scene. At the end of class, you will watch everyone's scene and Eric will give his critiques. You can also request to get a copy of your scene, which was $10 when I was there. Since I started acting in 2023, this really helped me to build a reel so I had something to self-submit for auditions and later on when I submitted to agents. Eric teaches Tony Barr's technique (hence the name of the studio -- Eric and Tony were good friends). I don't know how to describe Tony Barr's teachings but it just made sense to me -- it's practical and realistic. I felt I could organically just let go and be present in the scene. I believe I did 1 or 2 private sessions with Eric before I felt comfortable to come to the in-person classes. But you don't have to do that, that's just what I did as I was new to acting and had to get over the nerves of being on camera. Every actor I met in class was nice and very supportive. Eric created a safe space for everyone to learn and can make bold choices. I highly recommend this place!

I didn't believe anyone could teach acting until I met Eric Kline. Eric runs Tony Barr's film…read moreactors workshop. He knows more about film acting than anyone I've ever met, and I have met many actors, directors, teachers. This is without a doubt the best acting class in Los Angeles. The only reason more people don't know about this class is because Eric relies on word of mouth to get new students. He's the most brilliant acting teacher in the state, but doesn't spend much of his energy advertising. Works for me because there's always a spot for me, and there's no other class I want to be in. Also, this is one of the only classes that shoots the scenes we work. Being in this class not only sharpens talent but it also gives students new footage every two weeks. Can't say enough good things about this place.

Marylin Monroe, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Angelina Jolie, Will Arnett, Scarlett…read moreJohansson & even you can learn and use acting technique here. This school's open approach to The Method and one that is kind. A far cry from usual acting schools, these awesome teaching staff members create a great environment where we are in safe and supportive learning mode. There is a focus on the body being fully relaxed as to access anything they need. The culture is amazing at relaxation exercises that Lee taught specifically to the chair was awesome and I loved being taught it here. From day one the fantastic Holly Hart taught us levels of awareness and how to name things in terms of boundaries. My teacher Anne DeSilvio reminded us that we are just on a leaning journey and take the pressure off of 'nailing it' every time. The on Camera class with Chris Prinzo is upbeat and his notes are constructive and always help. No matter what he has your best interest in heart and wants to see you connect to the emotions within the relationship of the characters, the scene and the exchange between both actors. We were lucky to be taught by two family members related to Lee Strasberg himself here. The fun Sasha Krane took us through a very smart, sharp and dynamic scene study and would sharpen identifying factors to quickly break down these with the script. David Strasberg is great to work with and gives a session that is packed with information and new ways to use old tools we might not have remembered or knew how to use before. He teaches a monthly drop-in class which I look forward to being a part of as well. Jenny at front desk sets the kind tone from day one onwards and no matter what my question was I never felt dumb. I was grateful to her opening the door for me randomly as I arrived earlier than ever each day due to LA Metro transit. Laura Cromer Director of Administration makes schedules & pumpkin pie and amount other things, has the kindest dog. Ashanay at the desk was a wonderful entity and I am glad I got to meet her in her final days in this kind position and wish her the best int he future. Lee Strasberg Institute meets you where you are as an artist and only build up so the experience can remain open to adjust and adapt easier. Their intensive was the best decision ive ever made since living in LA. I am looking forward to my continued study with this school in the future.

I had a great experience here for the Pictures Up Film Festival 2024. The only drawback was parking…read morewas so hard to find! We circled around the area for quite a while until we found something and had to walk far, but hey, it's LA, comes with the territory. Bathrooms are nice and clean and the theater picture and sound were perfect. Staff were nice and friendly and it just overall went really well!

Came here for some fun improv and it was great! Found some good street parking around the corner…read moreand waited for the doors to open. The staff were friendly & got everyone inside quickly & orderly. I loved that there was plenty of seating and it ended up being a full house which was great! They also offer drinks for purchase but I ended up not getting any. The show was great & I can't wait to come again!

Really fun place for improv! It's a smaller venue so you can see pretty well no matter where you…read moresit. Theater is clean and well-maintained. There are places to eat nearby if you want food before or after. The performers were really fun, got huge laughs out of us! Will definitely come back!

What I love about this place as they were able to fit me in at the last moment, which was great…read morecause sometimes auditions are last moment and good quality, taping, and good coaching. I will totally be back.

Great setup, super sound ! Steve is a brilliant actor, just…read moreworking with him as a scene partner will elevate your audition. He's a total pro so every minute of your time is productive. It's a really smart investment if you want to up level a self tape!