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Which Los Angeles acting studios let you audit a class?

Every LA acting school that states an audit policy on its own site: free, paid or not offered, quoted with the source and the date Arlo checked it.

By Arlo EditorsPublished Updated 5 min read

Live data as of October 8, 2026

Key takeaways

  • As of October 8, 2026, 51 of the 238 Los Angeles acting schools in Arlo's directory state an audit policy on their own website.
  • 25 of those 51 schools describe a free audit or a free first class (as of October 8, 2026).
  • 10 schools charge to audit at least some classes; stated audit fees range from $10 to $40 (as of October 8, 2026).
  • 6 schools say they do not allow audits (as of October 8, 2026).
  • As of October 8, 2026, 7 of the 65 current class listings on Arlo say students can audit, and most listings do not say either way.

Figures come from Arlo's live directory and update hourly. Free to cite with a link to this page.

What auditing an acting class means

To audit a class is to attend one session before you enroll, so you can see the teacher, the students and the format for yourself. It is the single best way to judge an acting class, because almost everything that matters (how notes are given, how often students work, how the room feels) is invisible on a website.

LA schools use the word in two ways, and their policies below show both:

  • A sit-in (observing) audit. You watch the full class from the side and do not perform. This is the most common kind.
  • A working or participating audit. You join the exercises or get up in a scene, often for part of the class. Some studios require this kind before they accept a new student, because it shows the teacher where you are.

Some schools do not offer audits at all and invite new students to a free introductory session or a drop-in instead. That is a fair alternative; it just means you see a sample class rather than the class you would actually join.

Every school that states an audit policy

As of October 8, 2026, 51 of the 238 LA acting schools in Arlo's directory state an audit policy on their own website. Each policy below is Arlo's short summary of what the school's own pages say, with the source domain and the date it was last checked. Policies change; confirm with the school before you go.

Free
25
Free or fee, by class
1
Fee
9
Offered, cost not stated
10
Not offered
6

Free audit or free first class (25)

  • Audit policy: Prospective students can book a free audit in which they work in class rather than only sit in.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Multi-week course, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: about-the-work.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: First audit is free; after that, sitting in costs a fee.
    Levels
    Not stated
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: actingasanartform.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: A free participating audit may be available for the Wednesday in-person class depending on space; no audits for the online class.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop
    On Arlo now
    3 current classes

    Source: actorsimprovstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Actors Workout Studio

    North Hollywood

    Free
    Audit policy: Prospective students can schedule a free acting class audit by completing the audit form.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: actorsworkout.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: One free audit is allowed for each class.
    Levels
    Beginner, Advanced, All levels
    Formats
    Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: alangordonstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Free
    Audit policy: Prospective students can get a free audit to visit a class and observe before joining by filling out a form.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: alexiarobinsonstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students can attend one class audit free of charge; auditing differs by location and is scheduled by contacting the school.
    Levels
    Not stated
    Formats
    Online, Workshop
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: anthonymeindl.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Berg Studios

    Atwater Village

    Free
    Audit policy: Prospective students can request a free audit to sit in on a class with no obligation.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching +1
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: bergstudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students can book a free audit; the first class is free.
    Levels
    Beginner, Professional, All levels
    Formats
    Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: actorsstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Auditing is free; contact by email to schedule an audit.
    Levels
    Beginner, Professional, All levels
    Formats
    Online, Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: dougwarhit.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: One free acting class is offered for kids, teens, and adults; audit options to observe before participating are also available.
    Levels
    Beginner, Advanced, Professional, All levels
    Formats
    In person, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: theplayground.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Free
    Audit policy: Prospective students can schedule a free audit in NYC or LA.
    Levels
    Beginner, All levels, Professional
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: grahamshielsstudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Show 13 more schools
  • Audit policy: Prospective students can audit any Wednesday night class for free.
    Levels
    Beginner, Professional
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop +1
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: greggbinkley.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students can audit acting classes for free in person, with the option to observe or participate after a studio tour.
    Levels
    Beginner, Advanced
    Formats
    In person, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: hollywoodcastingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Free
    Audit policy: Prospective students can take a free introductory class and may sit in to observe before joining.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Professional, All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Intensive, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: innovativeactors.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Free audit of one weekly Actor Salon session is offered; enrollment does not require an audit.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: johnrosenfeld.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Free working audit in which the prospective student participates in class.
    Levels
    Advanced, Professional
    Formats
    Online, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: kraterstudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: A free participating audit by appointment is required along with an interview; you work in the first half of class and observe the second half.
    Levels
    Not stated
    Formats
    Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: losangelesactingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Monet Studios

    Sherman Oaks

    Free
    Audit policy: Prospective students can attend a free audit by contacting the studio.
    Levels
    Not stated
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: monet-studios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Playhouse West

    North Hollywood

    Free
    Audit policy: Free sit-in or interactive audits are offered by appointment only, followed by a brief interview.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: playhousewest.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: A free audit can be set up by messaging.
    Levels
    Beginner, Professional
    Formats
    Workshop, Ongoing weekly
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: studio24seven.net· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • The DBA Studio

    North Hollywood

    Free
    Audit policy: Prospective students may free-audit a class after completing an in-person or telephone interview with Don.
    Levels
    Not stated
    Formats
    Not stated
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: thedbastudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Acceptance requires a phone interview, then a free audit; free audits are offered, including online via Zoom.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    2 current classes

    Source: storytellersconservatory.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students must audit a class free of charge before enrolling.
    Levels
    Beginner, Advanced, Professional
    Formats
    In person, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: thevictorytheatrecenter.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students can book a free audit class in any location by contacting the studio.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: zastudio.online· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Free or paid, depending on the class (1)

  • Free or fee, by class
    Audit policy: Prospective students can audit Wednesday or Thursday Audition Technique classes on Zoom for a fee that applies to tuition if they enroll; the about page also mentions a free audit.
    Levels
    Professional
    Formats
    Online, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Workshop
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: cbacting.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Audit with a fee (9)

  • Fee
    Audit policy: Prospective students can audit a single class; a Technique Class Audit is offered for $10.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional
    Formats
    Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: anactingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students can apply to audit; online audits require a $25 payment.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Intensive
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: crashacting.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students may audit a class for $15, applied to the first series of four classes; arrive 15 minutes early and stay the full class.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: jeffreymarcus.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Fee
    Audit policy: Prospective students 18+ may audit one RAW LAB class for $25, which applies toward a full series if enrolled within 14 days; auditors stay the full class.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: rawactingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: New students must take a paid participatory audit by appointment; the fee is deducted from tuition if they join.
    Levels
    Beginner, Advanced, Professional, All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: susangiosa.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students may audit one 3-hour session of a class for $10.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Professional
    Formats
    Online, Multi-week course, Workshop, Intensive
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: barrowgroup.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Fee
    Audit policy: After orientation, audits of Aaron’s Master Classes are available on a four-week basis for a fee; contact the studio.
    Levels
    Beginner, Advanced, Professional
    Formats
    Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: thescreenacting.studio· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Auditors may join upon request for a one-time partial working audit for a $40 fee paid in advance or at class start.
    Levels
    Advanced
    Formats
    Online, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: wallaceacting.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Show 1 more schools
  • Fee
    Audit policy: You can observe a class for a $30 audit fee, or pay the first month at the CORE rate to participate with a refund of remaining classes if it is not a fit; schedule by calling the studio.
    Levels
    Beginner, Advanced, All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    2 current classes

    Source: zakbarnett.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Audits offered, cost not stated (10)

  • Alice Carter Studio

    North Hollywood

    Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: Prospective students can schedule an enrollment meeting and audit a class.
    Levels
    Professional
    Formats
    Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    4 current classes

    Source: alicecarterstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: Auditing is only available for certain workshop classes, limited to prospective students who have already applied.
    Levels
    Beginner, Professional
    Formats
    In person, Online, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: artofactingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: Prospective students can audit by invitation from a current student or after a successful interview, when an audit offer may be extended.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional, All levels
    Formats
    Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: bhplayhouse.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Bow Street Academy LA

    1041 N Formosa Ave

    Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: A two-day working audit intensive (Intro to Grennell Method) is offered.
    Levels
    Beginner
    Formats
    Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: bowstreetacademy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: Prospective students can audit or book a class by calling the studio manager or emailing.
    Levels
    Not stated
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: jamisonjonesactingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • LA Stand Ups

    Brentwood

    Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: Prospective students can audit one class by contacting the school to arrange a drop-in.
    Levels
    Beginner, Advanced
    Formats
    Multi-week course, Private coaching, Online
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: lastandups.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Prospective students must first audit the class and meet with Ann.
    Levels
    Beginner
    Formats
    Ongoing weekly
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: movingarts.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: Prospective students can audit a class via live stream from anywhere.
    Levels
    Beginner, Professional
    Formats
    In person, Online, Workshop, Intensive, Multi-week course, Ongoing weekly
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: realvoicela.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Show 2 more schools
  • Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: Auditors must apply through the application form and may observe one day, two days, or all four sessions.
    Levels
    Professional
    Formats
    Online, Intensive, Workshop
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: larrymoss.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Young Actors Space

    North Hollywood

    Offered, cost not stated
    Audit policy: Class audits are available to new students during the first class of each session.
    Levels
    Beginner, All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Multi-week course, Workshop, Intensive, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: youngactorsspace.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

No audits (alternatives noted) (6)

  • Not offered
    Audit policy: Traditional audits are not offered; new students can join weekly in-person or virtual intro sessions instead.
    Levels
    Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop +1
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: margiehaber.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: The studio does not offer audit classes.
    Levels
    Beginner, Professional
    Formats
    In person, Online, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: mc2actorsstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Not offered
    Audit policy: Audits are not allowed; a free introductory session is offered instead.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: thearchibaldstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Not offered
    Audit policy: Audits are not allowed at the moment.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: thecommercialclass.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Audit policy: Audits are not allowed at the moment.
    Levels
    All levels
    Formats
    In person, Online, Private coaching
    On Arlo now
    No dated class listed

    Source: theverticalclass.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

  • Not offered
    Audit policy: Outside visitors may not audit classes; a weekly improv drop-in is offered instead to try the school.
    Levels
    Beginner, All levels
    Formats
    Drop-in, Multi-week course
    On Arlo now
    1 current class

    Source: westsidecomedy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Classes on Arlo you can request to audit

These current listings say the class can be audited (7 of 65 current listings, as of October 8, 2026). Open a class and use Request to audit on the class page.

How to request an audit

Most of the policies in this guide ask you to arrange the audit in advance, by form, email, phone or application, rather than walk in. A request that works almost everywhere looks like this:

  1. Read the school's own audit policy first. Use the method it names: an online audit form, an email address, a phone call to the studio manager, or an application. The policies in this guide say which, where the school states it.
  2. Say which class you want to see. Name the class, the day and, if the studio has several teachers, the teacher. Ask for the class you would actually join, not the most advanced one.
  3. Ask what kind of audit it is. Will you observe, or are you expected to participate? Do you need to prepare anything, such as a monologue?
  4. Ask about the fee before you go. If there is one, ask whether it is credited toward tuition if you enroll, and by when you would need to enroll for the credit to apply.
  5. Confirm the logistics. Arrival time, parking, how long the class runs, and whether you must stay for the whole class (several schools ask auditors to arrive early and stay to the end).

On Arlo, class pages whose listing says the class can be audited have a Request to audit button. It sends your request to the school when the school can receive it through Arlo, and otherwise saves it and points you to the school's own contact details. Where Arlo does not know a class's policy, an Ask whether you can audit button sends the question instead.

What to watch for while you audit

An audit is only useful if you watch for the right things. Bring a notebook and look for these:

  • How many students work. Count how many people get up during the class. If you would join a class of twenty and only five work each week, do the math on how often you would.
  • What the notes sound like. Good notes are specific and usable: the next time the actor does the scene, you can see the change. Notes that are vague, or mostly about the teacher, are a warning sign.
  • How the teacher treats people. Watch how the teacher talks to a student who is struggling. Firm and demanding is common in acting training; humiliating is not acceptable.
  • How the students talk about the class. If you get a chance, ask one or two students what they have gotten out of it and how long they have been there.
  • Whether the class matches its description. If the website says on-camera, is there a camera? If it says beginners, are there beginners in the room?

Afterward, give it a day before you decide. A good audit should leave you wanting to work in that room, not feeling pressured to pay on the spot. Pressure to commit immediately, or promises about auditions and representation, are reasons to slow down; see the guide to pay-to-meet casting workshops for the legal side.

Audit etiquette

  • Be on time and stay to the end unless the school has told you otherwise. Leaving at the break tells the teacher you have already decided.
  • Put your phone away. Do not record or photograph students' work.
  • Sit where you are put and stay out of the playing space.
  • Thank the teacher on the way out, and follow up by email if you have questions about enrolling.

When a school does not mention audits

Most LA schools do not state an audit policy on their website at all. That does not mean they refuse; many simply handle it by email. Write a short, specific note: who you are, which class you are interested in, and whether you could observe one session. If the answer is no, ask whether there is an intro class, a trial class or a drop-in instead.

If you find a school's policy has changed, or a school on this list no longer offers audits, please report a correction. Arlo rechecks school sites regularly, and each policy below shows the date it was last checked.

Questions actors ask

Can you audit an acting class in LA for free?

Often, yes. As of October 8, 2026, 25 LA schools describe a free audit or free first class on their own websites, usually arranged in advance by form, email or phone. Each school's policy is quoted in this guide.

How much does it cost to audit an acting class?

It depends on the school; stated audit fees range from $10 to $40 (10 schools, as of October 8, 2026). Some schools credit the fee toward tuition if you enroll; ask before you pay.

Which LA acting studios do not allow audits?

As of October 8, 2026, Margie Haber Studio, MC² Actors Studio, The Archibald Studio, The Commercial Class, The Vertical Class, and Westside Comedy Theater say on their own site that they do not offer audits. Some offer an intro session or a drop-in instead.

What if a school does not mention auditing?

Ask. As of October 8, 2026, 187 of the 238 schools in Arlo's directory do not state an audit policy on their site, which does not mean they refuse. Email the school and ask whether you can observe one class.

Is auditing the same as a free trial class?

Not quite. An audit is usually a seat in a real class you are considering, often as an observer. A trial or intro class is a sample session for newcomers. Both are good ways to try a school; ask which one the school means.

Do I have to participate when I audit?

Only if the school says so. Many audits are observation only, while some studios run working audits where you join the exercises. Ask when you book, and ask whether you need to prepare anything.

Sources

  1. School facts: each school's own website, as recorded on its Arlo profile with the date last checked.

How we made this guide

Written by Arlo Editors. School facts come from each school's own website: Arlo's software reads the school's pages and keeps only facts the page text supports, with the date it was checked. Background on techniques and rules comes from the sources listed above. Lists are alphabetical unless a section says otherwise. Schools cannot pay to appear in a guide or to change their place in it, and Arlo does not rate teachers. Read Arlo's methodology or report a correction.

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