Class Options in Los Angeles

This page is provided so that actors who have had travelled to the USA and had some experience of LA can provide their ‘opinions’ about their experience and the individual qualities of classes they have discovered.  The information presented is not definitive and is based on personal observations but it is a guide so that you can further your own research as to which approach might be best for you.

Rebecca Asha   Rebecca spent 6 months in LA in 2010.  In that time she performed in two plays, did a number of classes and acquired a manager.  She now has a 3-year US work visa and is planning to return as soon as she can.  The following are her thoughts on the classes she attended and what she learnt about other options.   Rebecca describes her interests as … ‘my preference is the Meisner Technique with movement, voice work, repetition as well as scene study.’   Rebecca’s List is … THE ACTORS CORP in NORTH HOLLYWOOD I took the one month bootcamp which I loved because it was consistent daily training starting from scratch with Meisner (people of all levels can do it) you have an optional daily workout in the morning then half a day of classes focusing on repetition, connecting with the other actor, physical movement, breathing, scene study and improvisation. It was very practical and all about being physically comfortable, making choices, then listening to the other actor. No deliberate emotional stuff. It's also the cheapest short course I could find.http://www.theactingcorps.com/

LARRY MOSS

I watched a play reading by one of his classes, and I though they were fantastic. The space is a large theatre and they are very much about the set/space and focuses mainly on scene study and character. The classes are weekly though.

THE BEVERLEY HILLS PLAYHOUSE

I have never attended anything there however heard from friends it was the place to study serious scene work, I think. 

http://www.bhplayhouse.com/

STELLA ADLER/LEE STRASBERG

Although Lee Strasburg and Stella Adler are well known, locals did not recommend them to me.  I was told if you are an Australian going to the US you will only meet other foreigners in these courses and it's better to make local contacts so I didn’t try them.

TVI

I found TVI was quite expensive and not a great option if you want to be taken seriously by managers and casting directors in the USA.  

Rebecca is the first to offer her thoughts for this page. Have you done the trip? Why not share your experience....???