Acting classes in Hollywood

In this course, students are introduced to the sounds inherent in General American Speech and learn to identify the sounds they are making in comparison with this standard. Sounds are taught using the International Phonetic Alphabet, a notation system which allows students to visualize sounds and apply the correct sounds to their text work. Students leave with an awareness of their own speech patterns and tools with which to make changes. Required text: Speak With Distinction, by Edith Skinner.

Wed, Oct 28 · 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

Stella Adler Academy Technique I: Film, television and theatre are all collaborative efforts, and actors are the “doers” in each of these forms. In this very practical, yet creatively inspiring class, all concepts are made “doable” through the use of the actor’s imagination. Some of the concepts that will be covered and applied are:

Wed, Oct 28 · 10:00 AM – 1:08 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

Having concluded work in the General American dialect in the first two levels of Speech training, students will now branch into accents and dialects from around the world. The application of the lessons learned in Speech 1, assessing dialects phonetically, meet the lessons of application in Speech 2 to give students the ability and confidence to teach themselves dialects and accents in the professional world, as well as deepen their understanding and ability to make choices with speech in performance. Pre-requisite: Speech I and II.

Wed, Oct 28 · 1:30 – 3:45 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

The goal of technique is to enable the actor to create specific characters in specific circumstances and through those characters to communicate the themes of the play. Through Stella Adler’s imagination work we will give the actors the tools to create the background of their characters. This is accomplished through specific exercises designed to strengthen the actors imagination and allowing them to build specific background for whatever character they are given. The technique teaches actors how to be moved by the circumstance and apply that work to their characters. This is the essence of Stella Adler’s work: the communication of the play through specific characters in specific circumstances.

Wed, Oct 28 · 2:00 – 5:00 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

Through the use of theatre games, improvisational exercises, and scene work, the actor learns to leap past boundaries and move forward into strong choices in role playing, characterization, and interrelating. It is a class to explore freedom of imagination and experience acting.

Wed, Oct 28 · 2:30 – 4:45 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

This class trains the actor to free the natural speaking voice by learning and exploring the classic progression of the Linklater voice work. The actor will learn a series of physical and vocal exercises that will free the voice from tensions and negative habits while developing, strengthening and expanding vocal range, power, resonance and clarity. The actor will explore a piece of modern text in this class.

Wed, Oct 28 · 5:30 – 7:45 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

The Scene Study class is a place for professionals to work. This class will explore in-depth Scene Study, with particular focus on the vitality of moment-to-moment experience and the full pursuit of actions. The goal is to create provocative characters that animate the text and uniquely showcase the actor. The intrinsic value of this communal exploration is that creative discoveries made by one actor are applicable to all.

Wed, Oct 28 · 6:00 – 9:00 PM · Wednesdays 6:00–9:00 PM · Application required

Technique III explores in depth the essentials of the Stella Adler Technique. Building a character, living in the given circumstances of a play, and playing actions and objectives are among the exercises that are covered. Translating the technique into a usable process through monologues and scenes is the central focus of the class. Pre-requisite for the class is completion of Adler Technique I and II.

Wed, Oct 28 · 6:00 – 8:30 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

A progression and advancement of the work established in Scene Study, delving more deeply into the discussion of text and character.

Wed, Oct 28 · 6:00 – 9:00 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

This class explores the very first steps of creating a role. It can be described as the “table work” that the serious actor must do. From the title to the closing scene, the script is analyzed for the writer’s intent, theme and genre. At the same time, research into the time-period, place, socio-economic background of the character, etc. is discussed. This information is then used to begin building a character that serves the script and brings the character to life in a creative, truthful way. The work learned in this class sets the actor on the right course, and is a big step toward the student-actor becoming a creative, independent actor who can handle any type of script with confidence.

Wed, Oct 28 · 6:00 – 8:08 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

For experienced working actors deepening technical and emotional range in complex material; guided to take bigger risks and address habits or blocks.

Wed, Oct 28 · 6:30 – 11:00 PM · Wednesdays 6:30–11:00 PM · Adults · Audit available

Scott Sedita’s signature class where every class is an audition. Actors learn to integrate their essence into every character, incorporate adjustments into auditions, and overcome fears in their craft and careers.

Wed, Oct 28 · 6:30 – 9:30 PM

Flagship class for trained professional actors, directors, and writers. Gloria works directly with each actor on prepared scenes; guest industry professionals attend select sessions.

Wed, Oct 28 · 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM · Adults · Application required

For actors taking their first serious step into professional training. Same rigorous foundation as the advanced program—truth, specificity, courage—with scene work from the classical canon and contemporary material.

Wed, Oct 28 · 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM · Adults · Application required

Wed, Oct 28 · 8:00 – 9:00 PM

The confident actor uses the principles of the Alexander Technique as a tool to be present and stay connected. After having the experience of the first Alexander Technique class (Alexander Technique I), the actor is ready to come to the Advanced, in order to explore more deeply the use of the self, and to carve deeper into the actor’s craft. The understanding of this process can enable the actor learn to choose more wisely. We will explore in depth how the Alexander Technique fits in perfectly when entering the stage: Maintaining a sense of lightness (and light-heartedness) in any audition; speaking without tension and strain. Furthermore, we will apply AT “tools” to monologues, scenes, mock auditions, cold readings, and in front of the camera. You’ll still receive the hands-on guidance from the teacher, as well as practice quieting your nervous system and releasing unnecessary tension with Constructive (Active) Rest. You’ll train yourself to be highly aware of your acting instrument, having the skill to stop unwanted habits and to make clearer and more confident choices.

Thu, Oct 29 · 10:00 AM – 12:24 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

Group Warm-up: M/T/TH 9:00a-10:00a; W 5:00p-6:00p Trang Le & Paul Guzman, Larsen

Thu, Oct 29 · 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Through Dec 18

In this class, in addition to exploring the more advanced exercises of the Lucid Body technique, students have an opportunity to deepen their experience of the work and to explore the connection between their movement foundation and their acting process.

Thu, Oct 29 · 10:45 AM – 1:09 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

In this class, we deeply investigate character and the process of deepening an actor’s character work, through a series of exercises and work on actual scripts. The work in this class will be applicable to film and theater and will leave the actor with certain techniques that bring the actor closer to his or her character and give him or her a deeper sense of belief in themselves in the circumstance.

Thu, Oct 29 · 1:30 – 6:00 PM · Thursdays 1:30–6:00 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

An intensive psycho-physical approach to movement training. In this class, actors develop a detailed technique for how the thoughts and feeling of their characters are expressed through physical movement and behavior. During this introductory term, a large emphasis is placed on self-awareness. Actors develop an understanding of their own physical habits and learn techniques for moving beyond those habits. This gives actors the freedom to engage their bodies in new ways in their acting and to make choices that serve the truth of their characters. This is a valuable class for students of all levels.

Thu, Oct 29 · 1:45 – 4:09 PM · Through Dec 18

This class is the practical application of the principles and technique’s that have been taught in the first year. We pick up at the “table work“ from Script Analysis with a step-by-step process for breaking down the material, building a character, applying a practical, do-able understanding of sequence, playing of actions and rehearsal technique. Using a full published play by a major playwright the actors work on their feet, on the platform.

Thu, Oct 29 · 2:00 – 4:24 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

Having completed Technique I & II and Script Breakdown, the actor will present scenes where they will receive analysis and criticism that will provide insight into the playwright and his meaning. The actor will acquire a new heightened understanding, which will lead to an interpretation of the playwright in light of the actor’s own talent and creativity.

Thu, Oct 29 · 6:00 – 9:12 PM · Through Dec 18 · 8 weeks

By invitation only; takes the culmination of what the actor has learned in Audition Technique and raises it to working industry standards. Industry influencers are frequently invited to this class.

Thu, Oct 29 · 6:30 – 9:30 PM · Thursdays 6:30–9:30 PM · Application required

After the One-Day Comedy Intensive, actors continue The Sedita Method through exercises, prepared scenes and auditioning.

Thu, Oct 29 · 7:00 – 10:00 PM · Thursdays 7:00–10:00 PM

For actors with a basic foundation; every student is guaranteed to work every week on scenes and/or exercises.

Fri, Oct 30 · 6:00 – 9:30 PM · Fridays 6:00–9:30 PM

In-person scene study at the Los Angeles studio taught by Howard Fine. For actors who have completed the 6-Week or 9-Week Acting Technique course. Work on scenes from plays, monologues, or Uta Hagen object exercises. Meets 4 times a month on Saturday mornings; actors are guaranteed to work each class.

Sat, Oct 31 · 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Saturdays 10:00 AM · Through Oct 31 · 4 sessions · Adults

Practical approach to foundational techniques emphasizing presence, emotional connection, active listening, risk-taking and self-discovery. New students are required to start in Technique Class. Foundation for all students in the studio.

Sun, Nov 1 · 5:30 – 8:30 PM · Sundays 5:30–8:30 PM · 12 weeks · Adults · Audit available

In Improv 101, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of improvisation through games, group exercises and scene work. You will learn the core tenets of long form improv with a focus on agreement, active listening, portraying characters and playing to the top of your intelligence. This is an intensive version of Improv 101 that will meet for 5 days for 4.5 hours.

Mon, Nov 2 · 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM · Nov 2 – Nov 7 · 1 week · 6 sessions · Adults

Applies foundational Techniques from Technique class with emphasis on script analysis, building emotional truth and believable characters, and receiving constructive criticism.

Mon, Nov 2 · 6:30 – 11:00 PM · Mondays 6:30–11:00 PM · Adults · Audit available

Advanced sitcom acting class in the comedy program.

Mon, Nov 2 · 7:00 – 10:00 PM · Mondays 7:00–10:00 PM

This ongoing, in-person training focuses on the essential, core elements of Michael Chekhov’s psychophysical acting technique. The particular focus of this session will be on characterization, transformation, and text. Chekhov’s technique will be employed on your feet to create character and applied to text. All participants must come prepared with a specific role to work on, as well as a memorized monologue or scene from a script.

Mon, Nov 2 · 7:00 – 10:00 PM · Mondays 7:00–10:00 PM

Tue, Nov 3 · 1:15 – 5:45 PM · Tuesdays 1:15–5:45 PM · Through Dec 18

An end of the year workshop programmed around the weird LA holiday schedule, focusing on play rather than rules and risks. 12 week class for the price of 10 weeks. Class is fluid so students can catch remaining weeks.

Tue, Nov 3 · 6:00 – 9:00 PM · Tuesdays 6:00–9:00 PM · 12 weeks

For students with a foundational understanding of scene work looking to deepen skills; diving deeper into characters, dialogue and subtext.

Tue, Nov 3 · 6:30 – 11:00 PM · Tuesdays 6:30–11:00 PM · Adults · Audit available

Single-day drop-in comedy workshop intro to improv.

Tue, Nov 3 · 7:00 – 9:00 PM · Drop-in · Nov 3 – Nov 3 · 1 session

Building upon the concepts of Improv 101, students will begin discovering UCB’s philosophy of Game! Students learn to recognize patterns and comedic themes within scenes and how to heighten these elements for maximum comedic impact. Students will also be introduced to new concepts such as editing, second beats, and more. This is an intensive version of Improv 201 that will meet for 5 days for 4.5 hours.

Mon, Nov 9 · 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM · 6 sessions · Adults

This Ongoing class will explore the language and principles of Stella Adler’s approach to acting, including action, circumstance, and justification, rooted in the power of the imagination. Actors will develop a foundation from which to build themselves as actors as well as human beings. This class will also incorporate scene work designed to establish a specific, reliable rehearsal process for each actor. Actors will learn to develop character through actions and objectives drawn from the text.

Tue, Nov 10 · Nov 10 – Dec 1 · 4 weeks · Application required

Mon, Nov 16 · 1 session · Application required

Single-day drop-in standup comedy intro workshop.

Tue, Nov 17 · 7:00 – 9:00 PM · Drop-in · Nov 17 – Nov 17 · 1 session

Finding Your Edge: A Workshop For Actors You’re an actor. And you need edge. Well, one thing’s for certain, if you’re an actor, you are not ordinary. That’s the given. Now, use your imagination. Imagine you possess a distinct quality. An intense or unconventional quality that sets you apart, making you seem complex, intriguing, or even rebellious. Sometimes it might manifest as nonconformity, a bold refusal to follow the crowd, a confident charisma, or an adventurous spirit that challenges boundaries and makes things happen that aren't expected. If, as you imagine possessing any one or all of these qualities you become excited or even scared, that excitement or fear is your edge wanting to emerge. In Finding Your Edge: A Workshop for Actors, you are guided to step out of your comfort zone and give all you’ve got to give to David Coury’s Edge Exercises. These exercises force you the actor to move beyond the familiar to find the edge. “It’s not just about talent, it’s also about standing out. It’s about owning that thing, that edge that distinguishes you from others without fail. Because only then can you authentically create characters from a wellspring that includes your edge.” -Da

Tue, Dec 1 · 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

FROM SELF-TAPE TO SET WITH NINA RAUSCH A 2-Day On Camera Intensive for Actors Who Want to Be Ready When the Opportunity Comes Saturday and Sunday, December 5th & 6th

Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Dec 5 – Dec 6 · 2 sessions · Audit available

This class is exclusively for students who are both writers and actors. Students will pitch ideas, write and rewrite, produce, and act in their own sketches. The end result is a class show written and performed entirely by the students. In this class, students will learn the mechanics of putting together a sketch show where they are responsible for all the show's aspects (even some sketch directing elements).

Sat, Jan 9 · 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Saturdays 11:00 AM–2:00 PM · Jan 9 – Feb 20 · 8 sessions · Adults

A scene study and acting technique intensive. Meets in person.

Sun, Jan 24 · 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM · Starts Jan 24 · Kids

A scene study and acting technique intensive. Meets in person.

Sat, Jan 30 · 3:30 – 6:00 PM · Starts Jan 30 · Teens

Sat, Feb 6 · Starts Feb 6 · Application required

Four weeks of workshops and shows having more fun with the unexpected and the unpredictable. Exercises focusing on the imperfections, missteps, and crossed wires of improv.

Sun, Jun 13 · 1:00 – 3:00 PM · Sundays 1:00–3:00 PM · 4 weeks

This 6-week LA acting class meets twice a week: one working class and one lecture/observation class. The course introduces actors to the fundamentals of the AMAW philosophy and our way of working.

Ongoing enrollment · 6 weeks · Adults · Audit available

Schedule not published

Learn and perform an original form! This is the last class in the WE standard curriculum. Sharpen the skills of premise pulling, inevitability, surprise, labeling, and support in this original form developed at WE! Become a great team player while honing your unique voice, and master a form with teammates and friends!

Schedule not published · 4 sessions

40 point feedback rubric includes feedback on characters, world, story episodic launch scenic journey pacing, tone, voice act breaks, act structure, length consistency, narrative devices, continuity + more! Phone call will break down notes, offer pitches if solicited, and ans

Ongoing enrollment confirmed

Eight-week Grand Slam form house-team workshop with twelve shows: four weeks building team dynamics, four weeks polishing, then four more shows; option to continue as a monthly house team.

Schedule not published · 8 weeks

Schedule not published

A ten-week course in acting technique and scene study. Master teacher Andrew Wood presents a powerful acting technique through exercises, lectures, and scene study. Students work on a single scene for the duration of the course.

Ongoing enrollment · 10 weeks

This class will prepare students to jump headfirst into the entertainment industry. It will cover the foundations of the business, getting started, do’s and don’ts, talent representation, branding, and how to navigate it safely as your authentic self. Through an intersectional approach, this course will give students the essential tools they need to cultivate their professional careers and stand unapologetically in their artistic truth.

Schedule not published · Through Dec 18

In Improv 101, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of improvisation through games, group exercises and scene work - all guaranteed to be fun and engaging. You will learn the core tenets of long form improv with a focus on agreement, active listening, portraying characters and playing to the top of your intelligence. These concepts act as building blocks for our subsequent classes as students learn to develop their own unique comedic voice. Whether you are looking to become a performer or step out of your comfort zone, this is the place to start!

Schedule not published · Through Dec 13 · 9 sessions · Adults

In-person ongoing class in LA or Atlanta; on your feet exploring every week across comedy, dark drama, and more.

Ongoing enrollment · Application required

If you are new, or returning, to Ongoing class, or you are currently enrolled and wish to switch to another class, please purchase the Ongoing TBD option only. Unless you are currently enrolled in one of the classes listed below, purchase of a specific class is invalid and your purchase will be transferred to an Ongoing TBD reservation. If you're feeling ill, STAY FAR AWAAAAY. Drink LOOOOTS of tea but PUH-LEASE do not come in-person to our studio until you are ALL BETTER. We appreciate your cooperation as we do our very best to keep everyone healthy and BOOKING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! Our Ongoing TBD (in-person or Zoom) price for October is $355 and covers four weeks’ worth of class. If you buy TBD and are placed into a Thursday/Friday ONG you will owe an additional $85 as there will be 5 weeks of class. IMPORTANT: the cost of Ongoing class increases $25 after the 20th!

Ongoing enrollment confirmed