SPOTLIGHT ON

Brad Greenquist, right, with Falk Hentschel and Ava Bogle PHILIPPE STELLA

à la

Why rehearsal cubes and a card table are no longer the only acting-class aids you’ll need BY MARK DUNDAS WOOD | [email protected]

ot so many years ago, acting classes were fairly un- complicated affairs. You needed a spacious, well-lit studio. You would add perhaps a few chairs and tables or movable blocks for scene study work. Top that with a teacher who knew what he or she was about, plus students eager to master the craft, and you were set. In some cases, that model still holds. But many, if not most, acting classes have become decidedly more complex. Continued on page A2—

BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A1

0617 SPOT ASC LA.indd A1 6/14/10 5:58 PM SPOTLIGHT ON

Greenquist and Jul Koehler PHILIPPE STELLA

—continued from page A1 Consider the catalogue of equipment that acting teacher Brad Greenquist (www.bradgreenquist.com) uses in his acting-for-the-camera classes. “I have a Panasonic DVX100A camera that I shoot with, usually on a tripod but sometimes hand- held or with a dolly,” he reports. “I have a boom and a boom pole and a Røde mike, and also an Audio-Technica lavaliere system with a portable receiver-mixer, which allows me to use two lavs to pick up clean audio from two actors and/or for my instruction or commentary. I also have a basic Lowel light kit—three lights; a C-stand for backlight; and a few small specials that I employ from time to time, the latest being an on-camera Obie for quick, simple front light. And lots of cables and power cords!” But all that is just for starters. Greenquist also uses a television monitor, a DVD/VHS player, and “these little gizmos from Pin- nacle that allow me to record directly onto flash drives,” he says. Then there’s Greenquist’s “peripheral stuff”: reflectors, apple boxes, slates, sandbags, a “furnie pad,” and tapes in various colors to mark the actors’ positions. So, are today’s acting classes becoming more about the technology and less about the human element? Back Stage asked Green- quist and other instructors about how they incorporate technical elements into the classroom and how they manage to keep the focus on the students’ artistic growth rather than on the hardware. The Next Best Thing to Being There Greenquist explains that he is, first and foremost, an actor. He has booked jobs consistently in theater, television, and film for decades. His goal as a teacher, he says, is to approximate the technological realities that an actor would face when stepping onto the set of a major feature film or television series. For instance, he helps students practice with “racking focus.” “You have to maybe wait a moment in the scene for the focus to land on you before you turn and say your line,” he explains. He also helps students learn how to move the face toward the lens, how to speak effectively into boom and body microphones, and how to “deliver a two-shot without turning it into a profile.” Greenquist’s pedagogy has evolved along with the technology. He began with a simple camcorder to record the actors’ work. Only gradually did he amass his techie treasure trove. He says the focus in his classes is always on making the actor adept with actions and movements that may feel uncomfortable but that register on camera as perfectly natural: “Last week I said to one actor, ‘Look, throughout the scene, do not take your eyes off the actress you Brad Greenquist are working with, and do not blink. And if you have to blink, do it on her line. Because the editor is going to cut to her on her line, and that’s when you can blink or scratch your nose or do anything with your face that you can’t let anyone see. But as soon as your line starts, you have to be looking at her and not blinking.’ And it made the performance so much stronger.” Falk Hentschel, a longtime student of Greenquist’s who recently booked a role in the new Tom Cruise film “Knight and Day,” claims that the classes have made him feel much more at ease on real-life movie shoots. “When I finally went on bigger movie sets, it definitely gave me a level of comfort, because nobody on set tells you” things, he says. “I mean, people expect you to know it or USC School of Theatre seeks to learn quick. I felt that I had an advantage in not freaking out when this or that term was used.” PART-TIME LECTURER IN VOICE See What You’re Doing Here? High-tech elements also prove valuable in courses that focus on audition technique or voiceover work. Jana Bozeman wanted to The USC School of Theatre is taking applications for a part-time adjunct improve her commercial auditioning skills and was drawn to classes taught by Stuart K. Robinson (www.stuartkrobinson.com) in Lecturer in Voice for the undergraduate B.A. and B.F.A. programs. Nine Los Angeles. She says the value of his course work is that it helps her understand the psychology of the audition room. month contract, renewable each year. Responsibilities include teaching “Stuart will play the part of the camera guy in an audition,” Bozeman explains. “He’ll teach you how to navigate auditions and voice at the undergraduate level and vocal coaching on productions. make smart choices, listening to what the camera guy tells you but also listening to your instincts and gearing your audition toward Subject areas include voice, speech, dialects, with a particular emphasis booking and toward being seen—having your eyes seen.” Like Greenquist, Robinson is an on Shakespeare text and heightened language. Terminal degree (M.F.A., actor. But he also did a stint in a commercial casting office, where he picked up tips and strate- Stuart K. PhD or equivalent) preferred, with professional performance and gies for consistently booking work. Robinson teaching experience. Extensive training in one or more vocal pedagogies Perhaps his most important tool is his Sony PD-150 camera. “I like it because it doesn’t (Fitzmaurice, Linklater, Berry, Rodenberg, Lessac, etc.). Teacher require a lot of light,” he says. “In situations where the background isn’t great, it still gives certi¿ cation in one or more is an advantage. Background in movement true images. It really gives students a sense of what they look like in auditions. I can also roll training is helpful. Enthusiasm to collaborate and integrate with diverse tape and digitize things and edit if they need me to tape auditions that they’re going to submit pedagogical approaches and across disciplines. Salary commensurate online.” with experience. Interested persons should submit résumés, teaching Robinson’s dexterity with the camera, he says, allows him to show students their particular philosophy and three references (letters of recommendation audition weaknesses—something that would not be possible if he merely set up a stationary

helpful) by email (preferred, to [email protected]) or mail to: camera for a medium-range shot. “For example,” he says, “one actor may have nervous en- RAGAIN TIFFANY ergy in their body and be shuffling from foot to foot. I then open up for a very wide shot and Paul Backer show them how that happens. Another student may be really uncomfortable with their arms. So I make sure that I include that. A Director of Undergraduate Voice and Movement third actor has a little bit of nervous tension in the jaw line, so I zoom in.” USC School of Theatre In addition to the audition class, Robinson teaches a scene study and demo reel course, which culminates in an on-location 1029 Childs Way shoot that provides students with clips featuring them in starring roles. For these shoots, he uses even more sophisticated camera, lighting, and sound equipment. Los Angeles, 90089-0791 The University of Southern values diversity and is committed Sound Advice to equal opportunity in employment. For more information, visit us at These days, to be a viable voiceover actor, you need to be much more tech-savvy than in the old days, when you would travel to http://theatre.usc.edu/. a studio to record your auditions. David Lawrence XVII (www.davids.com), an actor (“Heroes”) who teaches voiceover classes in Los Angeles, says of the new reality, “Today you’re basically receiving an email with a PDF or a Word document that has the script in it, and you’re expected to have home equipment that you can record your audition with—with studio quality or near studio qual- A2 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0617 SPOT ASC LA.indd A2 6/14/10 5:58 PM ity—and then send that audition back choosing how to distribute the actors on to your agent, who will assemble all the stage,” says Vily. SPOTLIGHT ON auditions that he or she has asked for.” In a print modeling course at the He adds, “There are some agencies that Colorado School of Acting (www will not represent you if you do not have .coloradoschoolofacting.com) in Den- home equipment.” ver, a local professional photographs What has happened in the business students in the class. According to one of voice acting, Lawrence explains, is of the school’s founders, Troy Horne, Techno-Proficiency a bumpkin and leave with a positive who use technology get more turns at a phenomenon he calls “disinterme- shots taken in class are projected on- Increasingly, technology is second sense of accomplishment.” bat, he says. “If auditions and work is a diation.” In effect, the middlemen have screen and analyzed so the students nature to student actors. “It’s a part of But even someone like Lawrence numbers game, you’re absolutely going disappeared. Now, he says, with web- become aware of which poses work for the culture,” says Robinson, although sometimes meets resistance, especially to get more work if you get more oppor- sites like Voice123.com and Voices.com, them and which do not. Photos taken he notes that a big part of his instruc- from older students. He recalls a conver- tunities to audition.” < booking a job very often boils down to of them in real-life situations are also tion still involves getting actors comfort- sation with one actor: “I said, ‘So, how a two-party dia- made available to buyers of stock pho- able with the camera. “I think it’s going do you get your auditions when your logue: “Hi, I’d like tography, so the students can “earn as to be a tough road to make a living in a agent sends them to you?’ ‘Oh, I have You can now read to buy your voice” they learn.” business where you live in front of the my nephew come in every other day or our Spotlights and and “Hey, I’ve got Horne says the school also offers camera if you don’t have a real good re- so and see if I have any email.’ I’m like, special sections online. a voice you’d like to students assistance in building their lationship with the camera.” ‘Okay, if he comes in on Wednesday or buy.” own websites, including instruction Teachers strive to have patience Thursday and you’ve got an audition on Did you miss reading our Each of Law- in search-engine optimization. “You with technophobic pupils. Carol Her- Tuesday, what happens?’ ‘Well, I guess Spotlight on Comedy and rence’s classes fo- need to find out what terms people are man, a student of Lawrence’s, notes, I miss out on that one.’ And that drove cuses on either a searching and how to get yourself to “David’s great sense of humor makes me crazy.” Improv? Visit particular line of Troy Horne come up high under those searches,” learning fun, even for those who Lawrence equates this sort of tech- voice work (com- he says, “because traffic is also a big, consider themselves technically chal- nophobia to being an actor in L.A. who BACKSTAGE.COM mercials, interactive voice response, big key toward getting exposure for lenged. One can walk into a David refuses to drive or an actor in New York /SPOTLIGHT etc.) or a particular aspect of voice ca- your career.” Lawrence voiceover class feeling like who won’t use taxis or subways. Those reer management, such as how to find an agent or how to deal with online casting. He explains what would occur, for instance, in a course dedicated to children’s audio books: “There will be sample material from children’s books, and I’ll direct on the performance of that material. Then I record that in Pro Tools and send their little miniclip later on that night. You can use that as a bridge between not having any demo at all and eventually getting a full-on demo produced” in the children’s audio book category. One tool that Lawrence uses is an ap- plication he developed called Rehearsal, for script work and memorization (www .youtube.com/watch?v=vig6vF8PlII). With it, you can receive a script or au- dition sides in a PDF file, forward it to a secret email address on the Rehearsal server, and then bring it up on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. You can scroll through the script, highlight your lines and cues, and make notations. You can also record yourself in an audio loop that plays simultaneously as the written the most qualified faculty in LA script scrolls. Technology permeates Lawrence’s classes. Students even register for them through an online ticketing system, us- ing a PayPal account. He also distributes the syllabus and homework assignments NOW ENROLLING online. Picture This Not all classes Summer Foundation Intensive, June 2010 rely on the same t e c h n o l o g i c a l This 6-week intensive explores the language and principles of modern acting bounties as those of Greenquist, Robinson, and technique, including action, circumstance, and justification. Students will develop Lawrence. Cast- ing director Jandiz a foundation from which to build themselves as actors as well as human beings. Estrada teaches Falk auditioning-for- Hentschel the-camera courses in New York City. The extent to which Evening Conservatory, September 2010 she is able to use technology depends in part on the various studios where she teaches. “In some classes,” she says, “I Now accepting applications for this one-year conservatory program through use a program on a computer that is hooked up to a camera that uploads the June 15th, 2010. Join one of the best conservatory programs in Los Angeles! footage and instantly converts it into a condensed file.” Even fairly basic technology—such as digital still photography—can be a boon to the acting curriculum. When Professional Actor’s Workshop, June 2010 Buenos Aires, Argentina–based Back Stage reader Mariana Vily took Laura This class explores the do’s and don’t’s of acting for TV and Film. Students will Silva’s Shakespearean acting course last year, she was surprised that digital work film scenes with working actor and coach Brad Henke. photos were snapped during impro- visations. When Vily saw the photos, she was struck not only by the way her memory of the exercises differed from THE HIGHEST STANDARDS, A WORLD-CLASS FACULTY, the pictorial representation but also by the way the spontaneously generated ar- LIMITED CLASS SIZES, RESPONSIBLE TRAINING rangement of actors seemed pictorially designed. When it came time to stage scenes, the class drew on their memory of the improvisations. “I suppose those 310-497-1430 www.ronburrus.com pictures were a good reference when BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A3

0617 SPOT ASC LA.indd A3 6/14/10 5:58 PM studied with Wynn Handman or come the actor SPOTLIGHT ON anything!” I knew I could That was that. This name had be. For myself, haunted me for over a decade, and I believe in ex- I was determined that it would periencing all never get the better of me again. techniques. If I began my search. He’s not listed you discover and doesn’t advertise, but I man- s o m e t h i n g How did you choose your acting teacher? aged to track him down by way of new that works a New York Times article. Upon for you, by all creativity, they remind me of why the world of art and acting, you’ve my inquiry, I found that Mr. means take it and add it to your Veronika Dash I chose this career and the deep likely overheard dozens of con- Handman’s class met twice per actor’s toolbox. It’s important to New York; ‘Cadillac Records,’ passion one must possess to pur- versations about whose classes week, four hours per session, and know exactly what you want from ‘Rescue Me’ sue it. are most worthwhile. Respected required lots of outside rehearsal, a teacher and what you want to any of the acting teachers I As actors, we always word of mouth is un- because every student worked ev- work on. Mchoose to work with I find want to do well, give doubtedly the best way ery time. I also found that most Lesly Kahn has a true passion through word-of-mouth sugges- Oscar-worthy per- to find the right teacher of his students have trained with for the craft and understands why tions from my fellow actors. If formances, and im- for you. For me, about him for years. actors can get so caught up. She someone recommends a teacher press others with our 15 years ago a fellow Today, after being a student realizes the challenges we face they liked, I’ll transformations. Yet actor, who had much of Wynn’s for more than three day to day and how important it research him I’ll never forget when ASK more experience than years, I have an award-winning is to have a solid support system or her online my acting coach told I, was always going one-woman show, “Brownsville in our lives. After asking fellow and ask if I can me that in order to be- AN on about her teacher, Bred.” I count myself amongst actors about her program, visiting audit the class come a great actor, “you Wynn Handman. It the most fortunate actors in the her website, and meeting Lesly before com- must let go of the want ACTING was as if, if you hadn’t world, to have learned from and personally, I was ready to take the mitting to it. I to be good and just be STUDENT studied with him, you gotten to know the now 88-year- plunge. Classes can be expensive, usually know in the moment.” Anytime I feel hadn’t really studied at all. I must old Wynn Handman. so it was really important to me to whether or myself judging my performance admit, back then I didn’t dare get a full evaluation of the studio. not he or she while I’m acting, I hear his Ro- think I was qualified enough to be Lesly has helped me take copy is right for me within the first 15 manian voice in the back of my accepted into a class of students Rachel Germaine and understand exactly what the minutes. Does the teacher bring head: “The magic is broken.” The cherry-picked by Mr. Handman. Los Angeles; ‘The Sarah Silver- writer is asking me to do. I can something new to the table? Will great teachers I’ve chosen have A few years man Program,’ ‘The Riches’ now look at my auditions not as he or she give me personal atten- taught me to find the magic and later, I was have a B.A. in theater and have overwhelming obstacles but as op- tion? And most importantly, can the different techniques to cap- taking an Ibeen taking class on and off portunities to be the solution to the teacher inspire me to be bet- ture it consistently. eight-week on- for years. When I moved to L.A. the production’s problem. Class ter? camera tech- and began auditioning for film should be the place where you can The teachers I learn the most nique class. and television, I found myself in fall down over and over and not from are the ones who challenge Elaine del Valle My teacher a whole new world of obstacles. feel like an idiot. Lesly provides a me and aren’t afraid to criticize New York; ‘The Sopranos,’ noted that she I knew I had talent, but why was fantastic environment where “dar- my work, even when I think I’ve ‘Dora the Explorer’ was trained I getting overwhelmed by such ing to suck” is your only option. mastered it. They constantly of- hen the student is ready, by none other seemingly underwhelming sides? fer new pearls of wisdom, such “Wthe master will come.” than Wynn Handman. Ten years I wanted a class that focused on Reported by Sarah Kuhn as “Don’t go bigger; go deeper” There is no sentence that bet- later, a more confident, more ex- current multi- and single-camera [email protected] or “Never call cut on your per- ter describes my experience in perienced me was sitting in the material. I wanted a teacher who Read more Ask a Professional @ formance” or “Trust your inner choosing my acting teacher. office of a legit agent. She looked had his or her ear to the ground genius.” By constantly feeding If you’ve been in the business and knew how to help me get over WWW.BACKSTAGE.COM/ at my résumé, ran down my train- ASKAPRO my curiosity and engaging my a long time and are immersed in ing, and said, “It’s not as if you’ve my auditioning hurdles and be-

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0617 SPOT ASC LA.indd A4 6/14/10 5:59 PM voice over, on-camera techniques, the opportunity presents itself in a SPOTLIGHT ON and scene study. Staff consists of casting session, perform something industry professionals. right on the spot. Other: Audition Technique/Cold THE ACTORS SANCTUARY Reading West Hollywood, CA [email protected] ACTORS THEATRECRAFT he following is a list of Los Angeles–area stage and film acting schools, teachers, and coaches organized by www.dhtcb.com and WORKSHOP category and alphabetically. www.theactorssanctuary.com Rick Walters T (818) 506-6194 (323) 876-1100 Each of the entries contains the following information, if applicable: name of teacher or school; address; No limit; private coaching also avail- Private coaching also available; All phone and fax numbers; email address and/or website; average number of students per class; whether begin- able; All levels; Free one-time audit levels; Auditing permitted once only; ning, intermediate, or advanced students are taught; whether auditing is permitted; whether classes are ongo- available; Ongoing ongoing ing or by sessions; any special emphasis used in classes or coaching; whether a work/study program is offered. Actor David Hall has worked in film, Since 1961 Rick Walters has taught Descriptions of the class, school, or coaching are provided by the instructor or institution and edited by Back television, and stage with some of actors to tap into their own unique Stage. the most respected filmmakers in experiences to reveal more natural Schools or teachers who have been omitted may contact, in writing, Listings, c/o Back Stage, 5055 Wilshire the entertainment industry includ- responses of character. His classes ing Mel Brooks, John Frankenheimer, include cold reading, scene study, Blvd., 6th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036, so that we may include you in our next list. Terrence Malick, Garry Marshall, improvisation, audition scenes, and Gordon Parks, Aaron Spelling, and monologues. ACTING TECHNIQUE/ THE ACTING CENTER ACTOR’S ART THEATRE Gene Wilder. He is also a direc- OF LOS ANGELES 6128 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 110 tor for television and stage. Hall’s THE ACTORS WORKOUT STUDIO SCENE STUDY 5514 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 Actor’s Sanctuary, a scene-study/ 4735 Lankershim Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028 [email protected] monologue class, begins each North Hollywood, CA 91602 AARON MCPHERSON STUDIO [email protected] www.actorsart.com week with an exercise that often [email protected] West Hollywood, CA www.theactingcenterla.com (323) 969-4953 consists of cold-reading, and audi- www.actorsworkout.com aaron@aaronmcphersonstudio. (323) 962-2100 12 students max; private coaching tion technique work. The purpose (818) 766-2171 com 20-50 students per class; private available; All levels; Free introductory of this work is to prepare the actor 16 students max.; All levels; Free www.aaronmcphersonstudio.com coaching and career consulta- session is given with interview/audi- for the interviews and auditions that audits; Ongoing 310-918-5335 tion by appt.; All levels; No audit- tion; Ongoing are at the heart of the audition pro- Fran Montano, an actor for more Class size varies, 12 max. for audi- ing, no audition, but an interview Jolene Adams and the Actor’s Art cess. The second half of the class is than 25 years and a teacher for tioning class, 40 max. for scene is required; Ongoing; improv runs Theatre teaches acting technique, devoted to scene-study and mono- over 20, specializes in “trouble- study; day and evening sessions in eight week sessions; Work study script analysis, directing, play and logue work. This is scripted material shooting actors’ blocks.” To that available; all levels; auditing permit- possibly available for dedicated solo show development. All classes that the actor has memorized and end, he says, classes are small, ted with industry referral; small audit- students are available in private or semipri- rehearsed and is performed without “very individualized, and it’s very ing fee for others; month by month The Acting Center is an acting vate sessions. a script. Hall believes monologues much an intense workout where basis school that produces uniformly are also a tool through which the Actor, teacher, director Aaron confident, completely certain actors THE ACTOR’S LAB actor, without a film demo, can, if Continued on page A6— McPherson received a master’s who can create any character, J.D. Lewis degree in acting from the Califor- in any emotion, in any situation - [email protected] nia Institute of the Arts and has instantly. Classes are composed of www.theactorslab.com trained under Larry Moss, Jeffrey exercises, cold reading, scene study (310) 621-3900 COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP Tambor, Patsy Rodenberg, and the and improv. Also acting and improv 20 students per class; private American Conservatory of Theatre. class for kids and teens. Classes coaching available; All levels; Audit- 6 WEEK ON-CAMERA His credits include appearances meet 7-10 p.m. Mon.-Wed., Tues.- ing not permitted on the television series “24,” “NCIS”, Thurs., and Sun. from 1 to 6 p.m. J.D. Lewis, known for coaching and “”; in the films Cost is $280 per month for adult many top-name actors in the indus- “Street Kings,” “PornStar,” and “Cruel classes. Call for kids class pricing. try, offers ongoing cold reading, Learn How To Make 30 Seconds Work For You. Intentions”; and on stage in “Death Gated parking available. See stu- scene study, and career guidance of a Salesman,” “Fool for Love,” and dent bookings on Twitter. classes. “Speaking in Tongues.” McPherson offers classes in on-camera audition THE ACTING CORPS THE ACTOR/ARTIST GROUP AUDITION TO WIN technique and scene study, with 5508 Cahuenga Blvd. WORKSHOP - PETER-HENRY the focus on both technical and North Hollywood, CA 91601 SCHROEDER with TERRY BERLAND organic acting. [email protected] PHS Productions Other: On-Camera Technique; Audi- www.theactingcorps.com 8447 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 401 tion Technique/Cold Reading (818) 753-2800 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Small class size; Interview is required; [email protected] CASTING DIRECTOR AARON SPEISER Ongoing www.actorartist.com ACTING STUDIO Short-term acting conservatory (310) 407-3530 or (310) 277-2355 & author of 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd. that favors a daily concentrated 6-8 students max; private coaching Los Angeles, CA 90035 approach. Offers the original four- is available; All levels; Observation [email protected] week, every day, Meisner-based pro- by invitation only; Ongoing; Intern- BREAKING www.aaronspeiser.com gram, that not only teaches the leg- ship possible if related to college (310) 399-4567 endary technique but also applies credit INTO 25-45 students per class; private it to cold reading and scene study. Peter-Henry Schroeder teaches pro- coaching available; all levels; after gressive and unique workshops that COMMERCIALS an interview, one audit is allowed in THE ACTING STUDIO focus on relaxation and concentra- most classes for a $25 fee; ongoing AT EDGEMAR tion techniques, as well as audition Speiser specializes in on-camera Michelle Danner and Larry Moss preparation, cold reading, and acting for film and television. His 2437 Main St. scene study. Includes meeting an agent. ongoing classes include beginning Santa Monica, CA 90405 technique, cold-reading, police www.actingstudioatedgemar.com THE ACTORS CENTER 310-275-0601 tactics for actors, voice, dialect (310) 392-0815 Michael Scott Butler Enrollment does not guarantee employment and accent, intermediate and Class size varies; private coach- [email protected] advanced scene study, an invita- ing is available (in-person and via www.actorscenter.com tion-only master class, and casting Skype); beginner, intermediate, and (310) 459-5064 NOW INTERVIEWING director, business of acting, and advanced; free information session Small classes; Intermediate and comedy seminars. A comprehen- with Michelle Danner; ongoing advanced; Auditing not permitted; sive teen program is also offered. Pri- The Acting Studio at Edgemar 45th Ongoing year! vate coaching for auditions, career provides professional classes for Scott Butler believes “training is counseling, and image consulting film, television, and stage includ- more than a matter of technique,” are available. ing on-camera, voice, improv, and and the Center’s goal “is to get you stand-up. Students work on chal- working at a level of excellence.” JULES AARON lenging writing ranging from clas- (323) 660-7342 sics to contemporary, well known THE ACTORS CIRCLE “I looked around the class and said ‘I’m home, they can’t hurt me now, Aaron, the former head of of gradu- authors to new original scripts. The Marcie Smolin forget therapy.’ This is home, someplace real special. I felt safe, ate programs at CalArts and U.C. Acting Studio supports the process 4475 Sepulveda Blvd. it gave me freedom.” Riverside, is an award-winning of developing one’s original work Culver City, CA 90230 – ROBIN WILLIAMS – director and acting teacher. He has and believe strongly that every [email protected] "The HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP took me from fearful to fearless." won numerous directing awards. By actor has an important personal www.theactorscircle.com – BRYAN CRANSTON – audition only. story to tell. Eight-week on-camera (310) 837-4536 “I learned it was okay to be silly. It was okay to be foolish. or acting and improvisation classes 8-14 per class; All levels; Auditing not It gave me freedom to go out there and do it.” ACTEEN-ACTING FOR TEENS on Sat. or Sun are available to kids permitted; Ongoing – PENNY MARSHALL – Rita Litton, Director and teens, ages 6 to 17. Industry Offers television and film acting 35 W. 45th St., 6th floor showcases held twice yearly. Edge- workshops for children, teens, and “Class changed Penny’s life, and it changed my life.” New York, NY 10036 mar is also home to “Media-Bites,” adults, in scene study, cold reading, – GARRY MARSHALL – [email protected] the multi-media evening of theater improv, character development, “THE HARVEY LEMBECK WORKSHOP was for me a support group. www.acteen.com where students perform their best and interview technique. A place where I had the freedom to fall on my face.” (212) 391-5915 scenes on-and- off camera for – JOHN RITTER – 8-12 students average per class; agents, managers, directors, casting ACTORS CREATIVE WORKSHOP private coaching; All levels; Auditing directors, and other entertainment 2703 W. Olive Ave. A CLASS CAN LEAD TO A CAREER is permitted; By sessions: year-round professionals. Burbank, CA 91505 FORMER STUDENTS INCLUDE: KIM CATTRALL • JOHN LARROQUETTE and summer academy Other: On-Camera Technique; [email protected] Film, television, theater, commer- Improv and Comedy www.trulyacting.com JENNA ELFMAN • TED MCGINLEY • ALAN RACHINS • MARY KAYPLACE cials, improvisation, musical theater, 10-12 students per class; private LENNY CLARK • speech, Meisner, Shakespeare, THE ACTOR SPACE coaching available; All levels; Free monologue and audition classes www.theactorspace.com workshops for actors to meet the THE HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP for teens ages 13-15 and 16-20. (818) 754-4442 coaches; 4-6 week sessions as well 310.271.2831 Other: Young Performers; Audition see Joe Palese as ongoing classes and workshops Technique/Cold Reading; On-Cam- Offers audition technique, intensives www.harveylembeckcomedyworkshop.com era Technique on mastering the internet, comedy, CALL FOR UPCOMING SESSION

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—continued from page A5 is to train and coach aspiring and [email protected] everyone works every class.” His seasoned actors in the renowned www.coldreadingclasses.com classes, based on Meisner tech- Australian technique. Focus is on (818) 760-8501, Fax: (818) 760-2006 nique, include exercises, improv, helping actors access their full Three students per class; Auditing cold reading, and scene study. emotional range and broaden their not permitted; Ongoing Montano is also the artistic director artistic palette. Lyndon has six cold reading/book- of the Actors Workout Studio, where ing classes that she says help the class members regularly mount ALAN FEINSTEIN & PAUL TUERPÉ student break through into the performances and industry-invited ACTING STUDIO 1 percent booking category by scene nights. His ongoing weekly [email protected] providing a 15-guideline map to workshops divide into beginning www.feinstein-tuerpe.com booking. and advanced, and he requires an (323) 650-7766 interview and audit. Private coaching available; admis- ANDREW BENNE STUDIO sion by interview only 4930 Lankershim Blvd. ACTORS WORKSHOP STUDIOS Veteran working actors Feinstein North Hollywood, CA 91601 5703 Oberlin Dr., Ste. 210 and Tuerpé offer five ongoing www.andrewbenne.com San Diego, CA 92121 classes which cover scene study (818) 386-5867 [email protected] from beginning to advanced, fun- All levels; Auditing is permitted www.actorsworkshopstudios.com damental and emotional exercises, Develops professional actors, with (858) 587-6666 on-camera cold reading, and the a focus on each actor’s individual 15 students maximum; Beginner, newly added voice training. training needs to book paid acting Intermediate, and Advanced; Audit- work, rooted in moment-to-moment ing permitted; Ongoing ALEXANDERTECHWORKS work. Established in 1989, the Actors Work- Jean-Louis Rodrigue, Kristof Konrad shop Studio provides on-camera P.O. Box 3194 ANDREW UTTER - MOTHER OF training in film and television acting Beverly Hills, CA 90212 INVENTION ACTING SCHOOL and audition techniques based on [email protected] [email protected] the Meisner approach. www.alexandertechworks.com www.utteracting.com (310) 443-4483, Fax: (310) 443-4483 Andew Utter brings the acting THE ACTORS WORKSHOP 12-15 students per class; private technique learned at the Yale [email protected] coaching available; All levels; Audit- School of Drama to his courses and www.theactorsworkshop.com ing arranged by appointment; By workshops. Technique is presented (949) 855-4444 sessions through exercises, discussion, and WRITING & PERFORMING All levels; Auditing not permitted For over 30 years AlexanderTech scene work. Under the direction R.J. Adams, Works has provided courses in LA, COMEDY WORKSHOP workshops are held twice weekly NY, and Europe by AmSAT certified ANNIE GRINDLAY STUDIO with an emphasis on film and TV teachers that help actors gain a 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 403 Saturday June 19, 2010 ~ 11am – 2pm audition techniques, cold readings, fundamental awareness, control, Los Angeles, CA 90036 on-camera scene work, and mar- and freedom of the self in perfor- [email protected] (ongoing classes starting in July and individual instruction available) keting and imaging guidance. mance. www.anniegrindlay.com With award-winning television (323) 954-1200, Fax: (323) 954-1200 ACTORS’ ATELIER ALEXIA ROBINSON STUDIO Class size varies; all levels, private and fi lm writer/performer Susie Thomas 13500 Ventura Blvd. coaching available; monthly free 5714 Lankershim Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 workshop is held for students to RICK NAJERA North Hollywood, CA 91602 [email protected] experience Grindlay’s technique; “Rick Najera is one of the best acting/writing coaches [email protected] www.alexiarobinsonstudio.com, ongoing and by session in the industry. I have seen him direct and mentor www.actors-atelier.com www.arskids.com Annie Grindlay is an actress, teach- talent for years. He’s turned our CBS Diversity (818) 308-7981 (818) 779-1118 er, and most importantly someone Showcase into one the best ones in the U.S.” 14 students max. per class; All levels; Free audit of the scene study class who nurtures the artist within the is offered actor. She began teaching in 1988 – Fern Orenstein, Vice President Casting, CBS Up to two free audits; Ongoing and by session With more than 20 years of industry and opened her own studio in The Atelier offers a supportive place experience, this protégé of legend- 2009. Grindlay’s approach starts Bethel Encino ~ 17500 Burbank Blvd., Encino, CA 91316 where students can find answers, ary coach Roy London offers scene by answering the question “what ONLY $75! REGISTER NOW @ [email protected] where teachers who are experts in study, commercial workshops, and does it mean to be an artist” and their field offer encouragement, and cold reading/audition technique builds from there. “I feel at times, 213-500-7837 ~ ricknajera.com where students can also find col- classes. Hollywood strips away the art and laboration among their peers. encourages a paint-by-numbers AMERICAN MUSICAL AND type of approach. I strive to change THE ACTORS’ PRACTICE FIELD - DRAMATIC ACADEMY that.” As the major studios continue KIMBERLY K. WILSON 6305 Yucca St. to go with “sure bet” actors, Grind- [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90028 lay believes it is crucial that actors, www.maggieandannie.com [email protected] more now than ever, walk into audi- (310) 375-2724 www.amda.edu tion rooms with their imaginations Private coaching available; One (323) 469-3300 or (866) 374-5300, flowing. She teaches that the writer free audit, call for interview Fax: (323) 469-5246 puts 50 percent on the page and Writer-director Wilson has 15 years’ 20 students per class; Intermediate the rest is up to the actor. Actors too experience as acting coach in and advanced; Auditing is permit- are storytellers. Having a specific the “Meisner-Conrad-No Acting” ted; Ongoing with fall, spring, and point of view about everything approach. Courses include TV/film summer semesters; Offers extensive an actor says allows them to take audition workout, scene study, and scholarship opportunities ownership of the words and make cold reading/on-camera. AMDA, America’s Premier Col- authentic “me” not “my character” lege of Performing Arts, is the only choices. AIA STUDIOS Performing Arts College that offers Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading 2210 W. Olive Ave., Ste. 320 Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degrees and Burbank, CA 91506 Conservatory Studies Programs with [email protected] campuses in both New York and Los ANTHONY MEINDL’S ACTOR’S www.aiastudios.com Angeles. The Integrated program WORKSHOP (818) 563-4142, Fax: (818) 841-7118 offers training in singing, acting, 7801 Melrose Ave., Ste. 6 20-24 students per class; All levels; and dance. The Studio program Los Angeles, CA 90046 Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; trains students in acting for stage, [email protected] Limited internships available film, and television. AMDA also offers www.anthonymeindl.com AIA Studio has spent over 22 years BFA programs in acting, dance and (323) 852-6963 guiding actors with professional musical theater. AMDA New York is All levels; Free auditing is available; excellence by providing industry located at 211 West 61st St., New Ongoing instruction, career guidance and York, NY 10023, (800) 367-7908 or Meindl’s holistic approach to acting the opportunity to build relation- (212) 787-5300. diverges from traditional techniques. ships with industry experts. Other: Conservatory/University Actors learn to expand conscious- Other: Business of Acting ness while simultaneously propel- AMERICAN NATIONAL ling growth and healing through AIDA-AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ACADEMY OF PERFORMING elevated self-expression. DRAMATIC ARTS ARTS AIDA Theatre 10944 Ventura Blvd. PHYLLIS APPLEGATE 6444 Santa Monica Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604 One-On-One Hollywood, CA 90038 (818) 763-4431 (323) 655-5167 [email protected] Audition required; Year round Private coaching only; All levels www.aidaacting.com The Academy is a nonprofit organi- “Audition and perform with power,” (323) 378-5319 zation that offers classes in acting, says Emmy-nominated character 10-15 students average per class; ballet, modern jazz, tap-dancing, actor Applegate, who studied on All levels; accepts international stu- improv, cold reading, scene study, scholarship at the Lee Strasberg dents and will sponsor them with a observation, pantomime, stage Institute. She offers ongoing indi- student visa; Auditing is permitted; presence, and musical comedy. vidual performance coaching com- Ongoing; In the diploma program bining Strasberg’s methods with there is industry placement similar AMY LYNDON’S COLD her own professional experience to internship available READING/BOOKING CLASSES to actors, singers, and business Artistic director Paul Parker’s mission Studio City, CA professionals. She coaches individu- A6 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A6 6/14/10 5:51 PM SPOTLIGHT ON One Week Intensive als on audition techniques, cold (818) 768-5574 readings, character creation, scene 4 students per class; All levels; Audit- study, and text interpretation. On-set ing not permitted; Ongoing Scene Study Master Class coaching available. Beecher’s Stage 13 offers four weeks of coaching in scenes or commer- AQUILA/MORONG STUDIO cials for $60. For beginners or profes- For Professional Actors FOR ACTORS sionals alike. 1680 Vine St., Ste. 806 Hollywood, CA 90028 THE BERG STUDIO with HOWARD FINE [email protected] c/o The Hayworth Theater (323) 460-6292 643 Carondelet St. Private coaching available; Los Angeles, CA 90057 Advanced and professional; teens [email protected] to adult; No auditing; By session www.thebergstudios.com World renowned acting Casting directors Deb Aquila (323) 666-3382 and Donna Morong offers master Private coaching available; All lev- coach and author of classes based on the teachings els; Audition required of and Meisner based Gregory Berger-Sobeck teaches the Fine on Acting: technique and scene study classes Yale School of Drama technique. a Vision of the Craft for professional teens and young Classes cover scene work, com- adults. mercial and theatrical audition on-camera, and cold reading, and THE ARDAVANY APPROACH meet twice a week. Tom Ardavany 517 Ocean Front Walk, Ste. 8 BERNARD HILLER July 19th – July 23rd 10am – 2:00pm Venice, CA 90291 ACTING STUDIO [email protected] 14370 Ventura Blvd. $650 for the week for participants – Space is limited www.theapproach.net Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (310) 450-2848 [email protected] Participation subject to approval by instructor. 8-12 students per class; private www.bernardhiller.com coaching; All levels; Auditing permit- (818) 781-8000 Please submit photo, resume, and/or demo reel. ted on a case-by-case basis; Ongo- 15-20 students per class; private ing; Work study/internship available sessions are available; Immediate, Tom Ardavany has been assist- advanced, and professional levels ing actors professionally for fifteen (some beginners); Introductory The Howard Fine Acting Studio years. The “Ardavany Approach” private lesson required; Ongoing, is a unique method to enhance plus international master classes 1445 N. Las Palmas Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028 perception and creative expres- year-round sion for actors. By utilizing “the Bernard Hiller teaches the latest film 323-962-3188 • info@howardfi ne.com approach,” the actor connects to acting techniques and helps actors his inner present power source for overcome blocks and fears by find- For more details visit our website: www.howardfi ne.com maximum impact on-camera and ing their unique inner quality and on-stage. Ardavany’s insightful and shows them the road to success. For those who wish to audit the fee is $200.00 for the week or $50.00 per day advanced approach helps actors Other: On-Camera Technique define and perform the right action every time. The Aproach Studio, BEVERLY HILLS PLAYHOUSE located in Venice Beach, provides 254 S. Robertson Blvd. an open, inspirational environment Beverly Hills, CA 90211 for actors to develop their craft. [email protected] Approach actors have gone on to www.beverlyhillsplayhouse.com win multiple Emmys, Golden Globes, (310) 855-1556 awards and nominations. New No auditions, but an interview is Monday, Tuesday evening classes in required for admission Hollywood, across from Paramount “The BHP is one of L.A.’s oldest and Studios. most respected acting schools,” says executive director Allen Barton. THE ARTIST THEATRE GROUP The BHP offers ongoing intensive Anthony Montes scene study classes to instruct 3634 Coldwater Canyon Ave. aspiring professionals in the areas Fireside Room of acting, career administration, Studio City, CA 91604 and attitude. “Instruction focuses [email protected] on identifying the goal of honest, http://theartisttheatregroup authentic, moment-to-moment, .homestead.com behavior-oriented acting work, and (818) 400-2270 or (818) 705-4364 finding each actor’s individual way Auditing of the first class is allowed into that work, rather than on rote ATG offers acting technique and enforcement of a certain school scene study, and encourages stu- of acting technique,” says Barton. dents to take the work out of the “High-quality, well-rehearsed scene classroom and create their own study is emphasized, with exercises opportunities. few and far between.”

THE AUDITION COACH LARRY BIEDERMAN - DIRECTING West Hollywood, CA AND ACTING CLASSES [email protected] [email protected] www.audition-tape.com www.larrybiederman.net (310) 289-4962 (818) 486-6399 Private coaching; Intermediate, Ranges from 8-12, depending upon advanced, and professional levels; the class; Actors: intermediate and Ongoing above. Directors: all levels; Auditing Dino S. Ladki is a working casting permitted; sliding scale available; director who helps actors “deter- 8-12 sessions; some classes elect to mine the best scene deliveries for continue them as individuals.” He believes Biederman identifies the artist’s indi- that each actor’s unique qualities viduality and teaches students to should be encouraged to shine invest and express that uniqueness through the character while also in their work. He encourages direc- staying true to the role as written. tors to take his scene study classes and actors to take his directing CYB BARNSTABLE workshop. [email protected] (818) 501-4734 BILL HOWEY ACTING STUDIO Small classes, private coaching also 855 N. Hollywood Way available Burbank, CA 91505 Barnstable, who studied at Herbert [email protected] Berghof Studio in New York and has www.billhowey.com been teaching for over 15 years in (818) 433-7445 Los Angeles, offers a positive, sup- 14 students per class; private portive, and challenging environ- coaching available; Intermediate to ment for the actor. advanced, age 18 and up; Auditing with approval beforehand; Ongoing ROBERT BEECHER Howey’s goal is to get actors to be Stage 13 the most vulnerable, the most emo- 10749 New Haven St., #15 tional, have the most intention, have Sun Valley, CA 91352 the most charm, and be the most [email protected] affecting. In short, become the most www.stage13.com Continued on page A8— BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A7

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—continued from page A7 and Women in Film. She teaches (213) 486-4229/ (310) 650-4030 compelling actor in the room. scene study and script analysis. 24 students per class; private coaching also available; All levels; JAMES BOLT SANDRA CARUSO Auditing not permitted; Ongoing [email protected] 11916 Saltair Terrace Classes include relaxation, sensory (323) 559-9466 Los Angeles, CA 90049 work, scenes from TV, film, and con- Private coaching; All levels; Auditing [email protected] temporary theatre, and improvs. is permitted; Ongoing (310) 476-5113 Current clients include , Bolt describes his approach to Private coaching Cameron Diaz, Keri Russell, Scott coaching act ors as “honoring the Caruso, a current professor in the Speedman, etc. Voice & diction for actors character’s experience.” He is cur- UCLA School of Theater, Film, and rently available by appointment to Television, studied with Meisner, CHEKHOV STUDIO Accent reduction coach actors for specific auditions, Strasberg, Hagen, Katsalas, and INTERNATIONAL roles, and acting jobs. graduated from the NYU Theatre Hollywood, CA Acquire an accent for a role Department, and holds a master’s [email protected] JIM BONTEMPO degree from UCLA. www.chekhovstudio.com [email protected] (202) 465-5315 (323) 383-4444 SHAWNA CASEY 12 students max. per class; private Class size varies; semi-private [email protected] coaching available; Intermediate, coaching available; All levels; Audit- www.nowcasting.com/shawna- advanced, professional; One to two By licensed speech pathologists ing by special arrangement only casey month intensives year round; Work Bontempo is a graduate of the (310) 390-5984 study available in certain cases Contact us at 800-597-9691 Neighborhood Playhouse School of Free consultation Makela teaches students how to Theatre under Sanford Meisner and Casey, an award-winning actor, embrace the moment, combat Free consultation trained in Los Angeles with Nina coaches actors for auditions. She anticipation and stage fright, and Foch. He has privately coached is also experienced in English as a live truthfully under the imaginary www.elocutionsolution.com actors, directors, and writers for second language and in accent circumstances an actor creates, numerous projects for more than reduction. with the help of an actor’s physical 20 years. imagination and spatial awareness. DIANA CASTLE BRIAN REISE ACTING STUDIOS The Imagined Life DANIEL CHODOS 7954 Fountain Ave. 5615 San Vicente Blvd. [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90046 Los Angeles, CA 90019 www.danielchodos.com www.brianreise.com [email protected] (323) 422-5013 (323) 874-5593, Fax: (323) 874-5593 www.theimaginedlife.com 10-20 students per class; All levels; All levels; An orientation session is (323) 936-6818 Auditing is permitted; By sessions; required for admission; Ongoing 40 students max. per class; private Work study/internships available A Working Actor Teaching Reise’s classes specialize in cold coaching available; All levels; Chodos, a veteran who has taught “ reading. The focus is on the reality Auditing not permitted; interview at Dartmouth College and Temple a Unique Way to Work.” of the acting business; teaching required; Ongoing University, offers traditional scene actors how to develop their skills so Artistic director of The Imagined study focusing on stage technique they can audition more effectively. Life, Castle has been teaching and and on-camera technique, with BEEN DIRECTED BY: coaching actors for over 15 years. periodic showcasing. , Ridley Scott, Brian BETH BRICKELL Her ongoing scene study class at The Complex Hollywood emphasizes “a creative state of DIANE CHRISTIANSEN DePalma, Simon West,Taylor Hackford, mind and the use of imagination.” North Hollywood and Valencia, CA F. Gary Gray, Phil A. Robinson, Philip 6472 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90038 [email protected] Noyce, Frank Darabont and Dwight [email protected] CATLIN ADAMS ACTING LAB www.dianechristiansen.com Little among others. www.luminousfilms.net/actingclass Los Angeles, CA (818) 523-8283 .pdf [email protected] 6-30 students per class; private ACTED WITH: 16; All levels; First class free and www.actinglab.com and on-set coaching available; All (323) 851-8811 levels; Auditing is permitted at $20 Clint Eastwood,Aaron Eckhart, Nic Cage, John Malkovich, open to anyone.; Tuesdays, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m., beginning July 6. First Limited class size; private coaching per class; Ongoing in NoHo and by Leo DiCaprio, Vin Diesel, Burt Lancaster, Kevin Costner, semester is 12 weeks. Then ongoing is available; All levels; Working audit semesters in Valencia; Annual schol- Sam Rockwell, Bill Paxton, James Earl Jones,Ving Rhames, with different levels of prior training.; permitted; Ongoing, Monday pro- arship at NoHo location Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, James Garner, No fessional class; Thursday craft class Christiansen is an acting/life coach Andy Griffith, Dick Van Dyke, David Duchovny and Strasberg, Meisner, Adler: Actor/ Classes focus on developing the who offers professional classes Kevin Bacon among others. Director/Actors Studio member Beth actor’s craft and cover improvisa- for kids, teens, and adults and life Brickell studied with these three tion, sensory work, auditioning coaching sessions for actors and giants. She uses their exercises, techniques, camera work exercises, other artists. INDUSTRY INTERFACE ON-CAMERA WORK improvs and scene study in her monologue, and scene study. class. THE CIRCUS THEATRICALS EVENING AND DAY CLASSES MARK CHAET STUDIO FOR ACTORS EUGENIA BUERKLIN [email protected] P.O. Box 586 Los Angeles, CA www.markchaet.com Culver City, CA 90232 (818) 980-9828 [email protected] (818) 547-9018 [email protected] www.eugeniabuerklin.com and Private coaching only; Beginners; www.circustheatricals.com www.eastinstudio.com www.lumin8.us Auditing not permitted (310) 701-0788 (818) 761-9042 Chaet teaches business for actors. Professional; Auditing not permitted. 16 students average per class; pri- He focuses on goal-setting and Admission by audition/interview vate coaching available; All levels; methods for organizing and only Auditing is not permitted; newcom- advancing one’s career. Led by artistic director Jack Stehlin ers invited to take a single class; (Showtime’s “Weeds,” Juilliard grad), Ongoing classes, workshops, and CHANGING PERCEPTIONS the studio offers scene study, TV/ private sessions; Offers work/study - THEATRE BY THE BLIND & film classes as well as membership program PHYSICALLY DISABLED to award-winning theatre company, Eugenia Buerklin is an award-win- Greg Shane, artistic director all for one fee. Class address: 2511 ning director and the developer of [email protected] Wilshire Blvd., L.A., CA a technique based on intuition and www.creoutreach.org the mind-body connection. “We (310) 428-4696 JOEL COLMAN take acting out of the thinking mind 10-15 students average; All levels; [email protected] and put it back in the feeling body Auditing is permitted; 16 week ses- www.professionalactingclass.com where it belongs.” sions; Work study and internships (310) 454-1959 Other: Young Performers available 8-10 per class; Auditing permitted by Year-round program of drama work- appointment BOB BURGOS shops and performances serving Colman teaches acting from a [email protected] visually and/or physically disabled working director’s point of view, (323) 653-5947 adults ages 18-plus. Weekly work- emphasizing comedy, voice correc- Private coaching shops in basic acting technique, tion, character analysis, timing, and Burgos has worked on and Off- improvisation, theater games, move- auditioning. “How To Win In Hollywood” Broadway and in theaters across ment, voice, emotional strengthen- Yvette Morton is currently teaching acting at the Hollywood Entertainment Musuem the country. He has taught at NYU, ing and tuning, character analysis, COMMERCIAL ACTING and script interpretation are offered and has been teaching for the County of Los Angeles for over 7 years. Art Center in Pasadena, and has WITH BUDDY POWELL been an on-set acting coach free of charge. Original works are [email protected] on numerous films and television created by theater company mem- (818) 763-8081 Special Promotional workshop for serious actors only. shows. bers in weekly rehearsals. Theater Class size varies; all levels; registra- Staring July 10, 2010 for 4 weeks company tours an original play tion free to adults over 62; ongoing, in Burbank, Ca. 4:30-6:30pm. CARMEN MILITO designed to educate the public on enrollment open year-round Beginner-Intermediate are welcome. [email protected] disability issues with public perfor- Featured on “Visiting With Huell Only $100.00 www.carmenmilito.com mances each year. Howser. “ classes are designed for (818) 760-2448 beginners who are interested in 4 more information go to: Private coaching SHARON CHATTEN the world of television commercial http://shobizconnect.blogspot.com Carmen is a member of the Actors Venice, CA acting. Studio Playwright/Directors Unit, the [email protected] or call: 626-497-8492 Lincoln Center Directors Lab West, www.sharonchatten.com

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CHARLOTTE CORNWELL (818) 314-7540 (310) 383-0910 Dayan places an emphasis on craft A member of the USC School of The- and not industry concerns, and ater faculty, Cornwell is a classically directs his actors to unsentimen- trained English actor with more than tally address their bad habits and 30 years experience in film, TV, and expand their range. theater. THE DEE WALLACE LINDSAY CROUSE ACTING STUDIO [email protected] www.dwsactingstudio.com www.lindsaycrouse.org (818) 876-0386 (310) 573-6288 Wallace’s classes have limited Private coaching also available enrollment; loosely based on the Crouse, an acclaimed star of film, techniques of Meisner and Charles television, and theater, offers classes Conrad, they focus on moving that clearly define what the actor’s actors through blocks that stand in job really is and show actors the their way. high road - that acting is at heart a spiritual profession. LAUREN DICKEY 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 2124 ROBERT D’AVANZO Los Angeles, CA 90036 2811 Magnolia Blvd. [email protected] Burbank, CA 91505 www.laurendickey.com [email protected] (310) 927-7754 www.robertdavanzo.com Dickey’s philosophy is that an actor (818) 508-0723 only has a few minutes to dazzle the 16 students per class; Intermediate, casting director, producers, or direc- advanced, and professional levels; tor, and to make the most of that Auditing is permitted by appt.; time is key. Ongoing and by sessions D’Avanzo describes his classes as DOUG WARHIT “dynamic and thorough scene ON-CAMERA COLD READING study classes where the actor works AND SCENE STUDY every week in a prepared scene.” Castaway Studios Based on teachings of . 8899 Beverly Blvd. Teaches six week on-camera cold Los Angeles, CA 90048 reading class. [email protected] www.dougwarhit.com MICHELLE DANNER (310) 479-5647 at The Acting Studio at Edgemar 14 students per class; All levels; 2437 Main St. Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Santa Monica, CA 90405 Doug’s classes are specifically www.actingstudioatedgemar.com designed to prepare the actor for 310-392-0815 work in film and television. (Actors Class size varies; private coaching bring their own DVDs to record their available; beginner, intermediate, work.) Each month actors show- and advanced; free informational case their work in front of an indus- session try guest. Acting coach and director Michelle Danner has worked with a wide DUANE WHITAKER’S FILM range of notable talent including ACTORS WORKSHOP Chris Rock, Penelope Cruz, James [email protected] Franco, Salma Hayek, and Zooey www.duanewhitaker.com Deschanel. Her classes include (323) 856-4767 on-camera, scene study, and the Duane Whitaker brings years of “Golden Box” intensive. Danner is practical experience as a working also known for her “Scene Bites” actor-writer-director to his workshop. industry showcase. The class is designed to teach a Other: On-Camera Technique; Audi- realistic and usable approach to tion Technique/Cold Reading the craft of screen acting.

DAVID KAGEN’S SCHOOL OF PIERO DUSA FILM ACTING Piero Dusa Creative Studio 4854 Laurel Canyon Blvd. 1453 Third St. Promenade, Ste. 608 Studio City, CA 91607 Santa Monica, CA 90401 davidkagenschoolinformation@ [email protected] davidkagen.com www.pierodusa.com www.davidkagen.com (310) 393-9378, Fax: (310) 209-8502 (818) 752-9678 Limited class sizes; private coach- 12 students max.; private coaching ing available; All levels; Interview by available; All levels; One-on-one phone required first; Ongoing client session with Kagen for interested specific syllabus students; Ongoing Since 1985, Dusa has coached and Kagen has been coaching around directed a distinguished list of well the world for more than 35 years. His known actors. Dusa offers exclusive highly successful students include coaching and consultation for , Robin Wright-Penn and actors and writer that will take your Alec Baldwin, and he now offers acting and writing skills to the next ongoing on-camera classes. level.

DAVID LeGRANT STUDIO WAYNE C. DVORAK FOR ACTING 1949 Hillhurst Ave. [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90027 www.studioforacting.com www.waynedvorak.com (818) 506-0717 (323) 462-5328 LeGrant has spent 60 years in show 12 per class; Beginner, intermedi- business. He accepts students by ate, and professional; Free audit interview only. required; Sessions twice a year Dvorak has been a teacher for over DAVID ZIMMERMAN - 20 years and holds a BFA and an MEET THE BIZ MFA in theater. He teaches a full Los Angeles, CA two-year professional level Meisner [email protected] program. www.davidzimmerman.biz Other: Business of Acting (323) 868-9913 Small class size, private coaching EITNER AND TAINI - SCENE available; All levels; Auditing by per- STUDY CLASS mission; Ongoing Don Eitner and Jayne Taini Each class explores different areas 5215 Lankershim Blvd., Studio B of acting, including but not limited North Hollywood, CA to scene study, monologues, improv, [email protected] connection, cold reading, and (323) 661-7885 learning from the pros. 16 students max.; private coach- Other: Business of Acting; Audition ing available; Some experience Technique/Cold Reading required Class work emphasizes the develop- ALBERT DAYAN Continued on page A10— BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A9

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—continued from page A9 focusing on how to audition and BARBARA GANNEN embrace an outlook for long-term [email protected] ment and personalization of char- success by consistently getting call- (323) 793-6959 acters, cold reading, play evalua- backs and bookings. Classes are private coaching; all levels; auditing tion, and monologue. located in a full-time casting facility. not permitted; ongoing Other: Commercials/Voiceover Gannen teaches at the Margie ELEPHANT THEATRICAL - Haber Studio and at Santa Monica TRAINING LAB J.D. FERRANTINO College. She is located in the West [email protected] www.screenactorsstudio.com Hollywood area and is available for www.elephantstageworks.com (310) 358-5942 private coaching. (323) 962-1632 See the Screen Actors Studio. Elephant Stageworks provides a LAURA GARDNER unique opportunity for a practical FIRST TAKE [email protected] acting education. Actors are offered www.lauragardner.org and a professional and thoughtful ACTING PROGRAM Nancy Berwid www.howardfine.com approach to learning their craft. 11967 Ventura Blvd. (323) 957-4764 Studio City, CA 12-25 students per class; private ELIZABETH MESTNIK ACTING [email protected] coaching available; All levels; Audit- STUDIO www.firsttake.org ing is permitted Thursday nights; 6581 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 364-0525 Varies; Work study available occa- Hollywood, CA 90038 15-30 students per class; All levels; sionally [email protected] Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Gardner trained with Carol Rosen- www.emasla.com Berwid’s holistic approach prepares feld and Uta Hagen. Gardner (323) 528-6280 actors for work in film and TV by teaches scene study and basic 16 students per class; All levels; combining acting and audition technique at the Howard Fine Act- Auditing for some classes is permit- technique, as well as instruction in ing Studio as well as interview/audi- ted; Four week workshops, 12 week the marketing and networking side tion intensive workshops. classes, and nine month programs; of the business. Work study available after six JOHN GEGENHUBER months of enrollment LESLIE FLEMING-MITCHELL (213) 248-9478 Offers a two-year Meisner training Altadena/Pasadena, CA All levels program, as well as beginning act- [email protected] Gegenhuber conducts intensive ing workshops, audition technique, www.lesliefleming-mitchell.com workshops in Spolin Improvisation, voice for the actor, advanced (310) 991-4162 created by the visionary teacher scene study and various workshops 2-6 per class; private coaching Viola Spolin. A veteran of 20 years offered by industry professionals. also available; All levels; Interview on stage, screen, and television, his required; Sessions classes emphasize applying impro- ELLEN GERSTEIN - ACTING Leslie has worked extensively in front visational techniques to scene work WORKSHOP of and behind the camera as actor, and audition technique. www.ellengerstein.com director, casting director, acting (323) 852-0276 coach on and off the set. Her small GENE BUA - ACTING FOR LIFE Small classes, private coach- classes include filmed auditions 3435 W. Magnolia Blvd. ing available; all ages; interview and scene work for TV and film. Burbank, CA required [email protected] Gerstein, a member of the Actors FOR THE LOVE www.genebua.com Studio’s actors unit and the writer- OF ACTING (818) 547-3810 director unit, teachers acting tech- Ivy Jones Private coaching also available; nique, scene study, cold reading/ [email protected] All levels; Auditing not permitted; auditioning, and in-depth script www.ivyjones.net Ongoing analysis. (818) 906-0935 or (818) 512- 5426 Bua offers ongoing morning and 12 students average; private coach- evening classes at the Banshee The- VAN EPPERSON ing available; All levels; Auditing is ater in Burbank, that specialize in ITA Workshop Academy permitted; Ongoing deep emotional work for those who 10820 W. Washington Blvd. Combines the dogma of Meisner, “dare to become more powerful in Culver City, CA 90232 Hagen, and Adler, all of whom she their art and in their lives.” [email protected] has studied with. She is a 30-year (310) 592-8675, (310) 839-8311 for veteran of TV, film, and theater, and GLORIA GIFFORD • Scene study in the Art of Persuasion reservations was a regular on “.” CONSERVATORY • Improv from courtroom dramas (including Law and Order) Private coaching available; All levels North Hollywood, CA Epperson is a working professional NATALIE FORD [email protected] ACTOR’S CLASS starting the fi rst week of June: actor with extensive film, TV, and [email protected] www.gloriagiffordconservatory.com STAGING COURT I stage credits, as well as directing (310) 428-1840 (310) 535-4999 or (323) 465-4427 credits. He offers on-camera cold 20 students max.; private coach- Private coaching available; Begin- reading and audition technique ing available; All levels; Interview ner, advanced, and professional; classes. required; Sessions for classes; work- Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing shops and coaching are ongoing Gifford (of BHP, AFI, Milan) has been THE ERIC MORRIS ACTORS Ford specializes in audition prepara- teaching for over 25 years and has WORKSHOP tion and creative performance. She been a working actor for over 30. 5657 Wilshire Blvd. brings into her teaching technique Offers scene study, improv, cold Los Angeles, CA 90036 her background of over 15 years reading, staged readings, business [email protected] of casting, directing, and acting of the business, and showcases. www.ericmorris.com expertise. Voice, Speech & Dialect Lessons (323) 466-9250 EXPERT LESSONS IN VOICE, SPEECH, DIALECTS Other: Audition Technique/Cold BRUCE GLOVER 20 students average per class; pri- Reading; On-Camera Technique (310) 398-2539 and ACCENT REDUCTION include work on vate coaching available; all levels; Private coaching available breathing, relaxation, resonance, free audit available; ongoing MARILYN FOX Glover recently completed his 74th articulation, and communication. Morris’ system is based on the [email protected] film, “Buffalo Bushido,” in which he Method, but, as Morris puts it, it (310) 301-3971, ext. 10#, or (310) played three characters. Glover Specific speech drills are used to exercise the “goes light-years beyond” the origi- 820-7122 offers classes on cold reading, audi- articulators, improve phrasing, accent reduction, nal Stanislavsky system. Indeed the All levels; Auditing by permission; tions, tapes, accents, and career and acquire General American speech. process he teaches is of his own Ongoing sessions; Volunteers for counseling. creation. A teacher for more than general help accepted Lessons in dialects include specific vowel and 45 years, Morris is the author of five consonant changes, resonance, rhythm and Marilyn Fox, artistic director of Pacific THE GOBETTI-ORMENY books about acting. He teaches Resident Theatre, offers classes on intonation patterns, and drills in the dialect. ACTING STUDIO three classes each week; each is scene study, cold reading, improvi- c/o The Victory Theatre Center between five and six hours long. All Contact Sandi Massie at 818-903-4016 or email [email protected]. sation, and strengthening imagina- 3326 Victory Blvd. classes are kept intimate and small tion. Burbank, CA 91505 so that every actor works in each [email protected] class. Cost is $250 per month. A MARJORIE GAINES www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org complimentary audit is offered. Mor- (818) 481-4466 (818) 841-4404 Casting Director/Private Coach ris also offers weekend workshops Private coaching; ongoing 16 students max.; Intermediate; and private lessons. Gaines has taught acting for the- Free audit required; Ongoing; Work HARRIET GREENSPAN atre majors at Cal State Long Beach study/internship available FAWNDA MCMAHAN - and Pasadena City College. She Maria Gobetti is a working direc- privately coaches young actors. COMMERCIAL BREAK offers private coaching in audition tor, producer, and actor with more 310 Casting Studios preparation and basic technique. than 25 years of teaching experi- 2329 Purdue Ave. ence. A well-known director, she Harriet casts movies and series for Nickelodeon, Warner Los Angeles, CA 90064 ELIZABETH GAMZA has directed the majority of plays Bros and Paramount and specializes in kids, teens and [email protected] [email protected] at the Victory Theatre Center, many www.commercialbreakla.com www.elizabethgamza.com of them garnering critic’s choice young adults. She also teaches workshops in Los Angeles. (818) 807-6939, (310) 775-6617 (818) 481-2774 reviews from the major critics. She 8-10 students per class; private Private and on-set coaching also is a member of the DGA, with film Coaching contact: 818-601-6698 or coaching available; All levels; Paid available; Auditing is permitted and TV directing credits. Along audit by permission Classes focus on scene study, cold with Tom Ormeny, she is co-artistic [email protected] Offers classes for adults and teens reading, and audition technique. director of the Victory. The Victory’s

A10 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A10 6/14/10 5:51 PM SPOTLIGHT ON                  opening presentation was the world Hoffman, a character actor and premiere of Beth Henley’s The Miss the author of “Cold Reading and  Firecracker Contest, written when How To Be Good at It,” offers classes   ' " Henley was Gobetti’s student. Orme- on cold reading and professional ny is the 2001 Ovation Award winner acting.    for leadership in theater. Gobetti and Ormeny teach ongoing acting HOLLYWOOD ACTING classes, including a beginning class WORKSHOP &# on basic Meisner techniques, a film Los Angeles/Orange County, CA $  #        and theater scene study class for info@hollywoodactingworkshop. intermediate and advanced stu- com         dents, and an advanced character hollywoodactingworkshop.com      % and comedy class with attention to (310) 717-2181 ' $ on-camera techniques. “With two 12-16 students per class; All levels;      working theaters at the Victory The- Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; atre Center, the emphasis is on the Internships available         ability to realize moment-to-moment Provides casting director workshops relationships in-depth and quickly,” and professional-level television, Gobetti says. has said, commercial and film acting classes  “They do the finest work as coaches for adults and teenagers. and in their theaters.” Classes are limited to 16 students and cost $240 HOLLYWOOD ACTORS STUDIO per month. A free audit is required. Eric Stone, founder Victory Theatre Center, 3326 W. Vic- 8879 West Pico Blvd., Ste. 4 ! tory Blvd., Burbank. Beverly Hills, CA 90035 [email protected] NIKOLAI GUZOV www.actingconnection.com 12125 Riverside Dr. (310) 205-9219 Valley Village, CA 91607 10-15 students per class; private [email protected] coaching available; All levels; Audit- #       www.guzovactingstudio.com ing is permitted; Ongoing (213) 448-7648, Fax: (818) 753-5203 Develops actors of all levels includ-   # 2-12 students per class; All levels; ing star performers for film, television, Auditing is permitted in some cases; performance, stage, and voice-  %  #$' Sessions depend on the need of overs. Cold-reading, scene study, the student; Work study available performance, film and TV technique,  "!  $ ! ! upon request in-depth character work, and impro- Guzov, a Russian acting teacher visation. originally from St. Petersburg, spe-   (        cializes in the Chekhov technique HOLLYWOOD FILM & ACTING " !"   and offers private, group, and semi- ACADEMY private classes. 1786 N. Highland Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028       HARRY MASTROGEORGE (323) 962-85554 PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP The HFAA rogram is for beginning Los Angeles, CA and advanced actors. Students [email protected] who complete the program will be www.harrymastrogeorge.com able to analyze scripts, find actions (818) 509-0789 and objectives in their scenes, Private coaching available; all levels develop the sense of spontaneity Mastrogeorge, who has been needed to do improv, and develop teaching acting since 1956, self-presence. Actors will be able to THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE believes acting is a state of mind: build their character and be natural innocence, imagination, and vulner- and believable in the process. ability. Classes are held at the Hud- son Theater in Los Angeles. THE HONG ACTING WORKSHOP Hollywood, CA HELENE KRESS - [email protected] HOLLYWOOD ACTING COACH www.jameshong.com [email protected] (310) 246-9379 http://helenekressactingcoach. Private and group coaching avail- weebly.com able; Beginners and intermediate; (323) 225-1962 Interview before acceptance; Ses- Private coaching; All levels; Auditing sions at certain times of the year by permission; By sessions Empower yourself in interviews, jobs, MICHAEL D. Helene Kress, star of VH1’s “I Know and life. Learn the acting tech- My Kid’s a Star,” offers private acting niques of James Hong, actor of over lessons that focus on fully under- 450 TV and film roles, most recently FREDERICK standing character, mastering an celebrated for his role as father of Voted best Alexander Teacher in audition, and booking the job. Jack Black’s “Po” in Kung Fu Panda. los angeles magazine’s “Best of LA” JACK HELLER HOWARD FINE ACTING STUDIO (323) 850-6328 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. Private coaching Hollywood, CA 90028 “If you have ever had stage fright or physical & vocal stress... Jack Heller is an award-winning [email protected] director and a working actor. He www.howardfine.com this work is for you!” studied with Harold Clurman, Robert (323) 962-3188, Fax: (323) 962-8332 Lewis, and Uta Hagen. All levels; An audit and industry referral are required; Year-round Specializes in working Taught at San Diego’s DANIEL HENNING Fine, who began his studio in 1985, with Actors, Singers Old Globe Theater in their mfa at The Blank Theatre Company is the former director of American [email protected] Musical and Dramatic Academy’s and Dancers Acting program for a decade www.theblank.com acting department, and he stud- (323) 871-8018 ied with the Moscow Art Theatre. All levels; Auditing is permitted Heidi Helen Davis, Laura Gardner, Over 30 years teaching On staff at the Joanne Baron/ sometimes; By sessions Ted Brunetti, and Marilyn McIntyre experience - trained in D.W. Brown Acting Studio Henning teaches an ongoing also teach classes. The curriculum scene study class that focuses on includes Comprehensive Technique, England with first generation for over 25 years unlocking an actor’s hidden poten- Application to Scene Study, and Alexander Teachers tial through script and character The Relationship Between Home- analysis, voice and relaxation work, work and Rehearsal, then moves and skill work to get the job. on to intermediate, advanced, and Contact: 800 260-5133 or 310 880-7700 master scene study. The studio also [email protected] CANDY KANIECKI HERMAN offers Singing for Actors, with David [email protected] Coury; Alexander Technique, taught alextechworkshops-international.com www.candykaniecki.com by Jean-Louis Rodriguez and Kristof (818) 386-0080, (310) 508-7131 Konrad; Solo Performances, with All levels; Free introductory audit is Davis; Fade In: The Fundamentals of offered; Ongoing Screenwriting, with Laurence Rosen- Longtime celebrity-coach Kaniecki thal; Film and Television On-Camera Herman conducts audition tech- Intensive: Being Directed on Set, with nique and cold reading classes Brunetti; and Personalization: Emo- and offers private coaching. tional and Sensory Access Work- shop, taught by McIntyre. An audit BASIL HOFFMAN and industry referral are required. (818) 247-0302 Private sessions available Continued on page A12— BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A11

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Summer —continued from page A11 JEANIE HACKETT: SCENE STUDY 12 students max. per class; All levels; ANNE HULEGARD AND AUDITION TECHNIQUE Auditing is permitted after interview; [email protected] The Deaf West Theatre Ongoing Intensive Asher, who has been teaching www.hulegard.com 5112 Lankershim Blvd. (310) 621-6303 North Hollywood, CA 91601 and directing successfully for over 15 students max. per class; private [email protected] 30 years, offers three ongoing on- coaching available; All levels; Audit- www.jeaniehackett.com camera scene study classes with On-Camera Techniques ing is permitted; Seven week ses- (818) 763-5933 lots of technique and lots of cam- sions Classical workshop: 26 students, era time ($250 per month), a cold Producer, director, writer, and actor Audition technique: 12-14 students reading class ($250 for six weeks), August 9 – August 20, 2010 Anne Hulegard has been teaching per class; All levels; Auditing is per- and an improvisation class ($195 an acting workshop in the South mitted; By sessions; Limited number per month). Class size is limited, Bay for 20 years. Her workshop of internships available with Antae- so everyone works in every class. “I include: scene study, improvisa- us Company work with actors between classes tion, monologue work, commercial, Hackett, Artistic Director of the at no charge,” says Asher. “There are stage and camera work (see on Antaeus Company and author of no limits to the time you can spend Star Quality Development youtube), auditioning, the busi- “The Actor’s Chekhov” and “Toward learning and doing, getting help ness of acting and a showcase Mastery,” teaches a variety of class- with your career, or the techniques August 23 – September 3, 2010 performance. “Develop your craft, es in classical contemporary scene we use to get results.” Asher’s studio advance your career, follow your study and audition technique. has produced the award-winning dreams, face your fears, and feed Other: Classical “Actors at Work” DVD series, “Get- our soul in an inspiring, professional, ting the Part”, “Casting Directors”, safe and fun space.” JEFF HARDWICK CASTING “Agents”, and “Directors on Acting.” 3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd. #1158 Asher also produces state-of-the-art www.steinleinproductions.com HULL ACTORS STUDIO Studio City, CA 91604 demo reels for actors. “I discover something new each time,” says Santa Monica, CA [email protected] actor Nancie Rooney, a working Phone: (323) 934 6280 [email protected] www.jeffhardwickcasting.com actor student of Asher’s. “It makes www.lorriehull.com (818) 752-9898, Fax: (818) 752-9890 sense to have many different tools. (310) 828-0632 10 students max.; private coaching I am so eager to get to that next 10 students maximum per class; pri- available; Intermediate, advanced, level.” vate coaching available; All levels; and professional levels; Auditing Free introductory class; Ongoing; not permitted; Sessions three to four Work study available for students times a year; Internship program JOHN KIRBY STUDIO studying at least a year available [email protected] Dianne Hull, protege of Kazan, and A veteran agent and casting direc- (323) 467-7877 Lorrie Hull, offers classes and work- tor with over 20 years experience, Private coaching available shops in relaxation, concentration, Hardwick offers intensive commer- Kirby offers scene study classes as improv, sense memory, learning the cial and theatrical workshops that well as a young professional’s class role, cold reading, audition tech- offer targeted techniques for audi- that focuses on Uta Hagen’s funda- niques, and scene study. tioning actors to book the part. mentals with emphasis on exploring a character, script analysis, and INSTONE ACTORS STUDIO - JEREMIAH COMEY STUDIOS finding the human condition. [email protected] NORA STONE JOHN SUDOL ACTING STUDIOS P.O. Box 8982 www.jeremiahcomey.com 11650 Riverside Dr., Ste. 11 Los Angeles, CA 91372 (818) 248-4104 North Hollywood, CA 91602 [email protected]; All levels; Auditing permitted with thejohnsudolactingstudio@yahoo [email protected] a fee .com www.instoneactorsstudio.com Comey has been teaching film act- www.johnsudolstudio.com (818) 888-3867 ing and training actors in Hollywood (818) 505-1223 Private coaching available; Intro- for the past 30 years. He teaches his Private coaching available ductory audit permitted own approach called “The Art of An industry-recognized training Stone offers technique, scene study, Film Acting,” which is also the title of and career development studio for cold reading, and improvisation. For his book. actors that provides commercial acceptance she requires an inter- and theatrical training, career guid- view, a strong commitment, and JILL PLACE BRANDACT ance, one-on-one coaching, and coachability BRANDING FOR ACTORS - COACHING AND E-BOOKS the opportunity to build relation- ships. THE IVANA CHUBBUCK STUDIO The Acting Intuitive 1309 Montecito Dr. 7201 Melrose Ave., Ste. 206 CHRIS JORIE Los Angeles, CA 90046 Los Angeles, CA 90031 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.chrisjorie.com www.chubbucktechnique.com www.actingintuitive.com Private coaching; all levels (323) 935-2100, Fax: (323) 465-1900 (323) 225-9850 Jorie has worked with a number of Introductory, advanced, master; Place helps actors create their own distinguished talents in his over 35 Auditing is available by appoint- personal brand and offers career years of experience in television, ment only; Ongoing consulting and headshot coaching. film, and theater. He is currently Chubbuck has taught such actors Place also publishes the e-zine Act- accepting a limited number of stu- as , Halle Berry, Jake Gyl- ing Magic and is a regular contribu- dents for private coaching. lenhaal, and . Her tor to NowCasting.com. self-named technique guides actors how to use their emotions not as an JOANNE BARON/ JROSE STUDIO end result, but as a way to empow- D.W. BROWN STUDIO North Hollywood, CA AARONMcPHERSON er a goal. 320 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 200 [email protected] ACTING STUDIO Santa Monica, CA 90401 www.jrosestudio.com JAMES LEVINE [email protected] (323) 799-1183 Aaron McPherson Acting Studio offers the perfect combination of classes for www.baronbrown.com One-on-one coaching by appoint- TYPECASTING INC. ment only; All levels every actor. Classes range from how to get the job, On-Camera Audition Class, c/o 310 Casting Studios (310) 451-3311 to how to prepare for the role, Scene Study Seminar. These classes assist 24 students max. in most cases; Jamie Rose has been a professional 2329 Purdue Ave. actor in film, television, and theater professional actors with the auditioning process and the character development Los Angeles, CA 90064 Contact for details; Ongoing and by sessions for over 30 years and has literally needed to perfect and fi nesse every role. Aaron has over 20 years experience [email protected] thousands of auditions under her in the industry working in TV, fi lm and stage. Aaron has worked closely with and www.typecastinginc.com The studio offers a variety of pro- grams for the professional and belt. Her teaching methods are implements techniques from industry legend Larry Moss. (310) 775-6616 eclectic and practical. Space is limited select pre-professional actor, writer, director, and producer. Other: Audition Technique/Cold aaronmcphersonstudio.com Levine works as a commercial Reading; Private Coaching director and teaches an ongoing JOCELYN JONES 310.918.5335 commercial workshop that focuses JUNE CHANDLER’S ACTORS on audition skills, improv technique, ACTING STUDIO making better choices, and book- 1107 N. Kings Rd. WORKSHOP ing work. West Hollywood, CA 90069 at the Zydeco Studios [email protected] 11317 Ventura Blvd. JANET ALHANTI STUDIO (310) 576-0545 Studio City, CA 91604 [email protected] PO Box 17920 50 students max. per class; private www.junechandler.com Beverly Hills, CA 90209 coaching also available; All levels; (626) 355-4572 www.janetalhantistudios.com Auditing not permitted; Ongoing 6-16 students per class; All levels; (323) 465-7511 Ms. Jones is formerly of Milton Kat- Auditing is permitted; All year, but Private coaching available; Sessions selas’ Beverly Hills Playhouse and classes vary Alhanti studied with Meisner and a private coach to some of the Chandler and her staff of work- # Phillip Burton. She teaches a profes- best known film and TV stars in the ing professionals teach nearly 20 Anne Hulegard’s Acting Workshop is 1 sional 20-week technique class industry. different classes allowing for indi- twice a year, in January and July, in the South Bay for 20 years! vidualized training programs and that involves exercises and scene JOEL ASHER STUDIO the development of well-rounded Check out Anne’s workshops on YouTube. work. 13448 Albers St. actors. Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 310-621-6303 • [email protected] www.joel-asher-studio.com (818) 785-1551 A12 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

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JUST BREATHE coach, Kent designed her “Life Barbara Beneville Coaching” approach to aid the actor Hollywood, CA in understanding and identifying the [email protected] fears and processes that block mak- (323) 969-4944 ing risky choices bold and playful. 12 students max; also private and semi-private coaching; All levels; JUDY KERR Auditing is permitted; Ongoing, [email protected] plus weekend workshops in LA, NY, www.actingiseverything.com Atlanta, , and Nashville (818) 505-9373 Beneville’s class consists of all phas- Private coaching only; All levels; es of study: auditioning, character Auditing not permitted; Ongoing development, cold reading, improv, Kerr is the author “Acting Is Everything: Meisner exercises, monologues, An Actor’s Guidebook for a Successful scene study, and script breakdown. Career in Los Angeles.” She covers act- Other: Audition Technique/Cold ing and film techniques for the camera Reading and show-business techniques to boost careers. KAREN KALENSKY [email protected] KIMBERLY JENTZEN - (818) 481-2244 THE JENTZEN TECHNIQUE Private coaching [email protected] Kalensky teaches at Cal State Long www.kimberlyjentzen.com Beach and is the consulting artistic (818) 779-7770 director of the Interplayers Theatre. 16 students average per class; pri- A former casting director, she under- vate coaching available; All levels, stands what agents and casting beginners to masters; Auditing per- directors look for in the audition. mitted, acceptance is by interview only; Ongoing; Work study available KATE McGREGOR-STEWART for long-term students Stage Light Inc. Kimberly Jentzen has been featured 6623 W. Olympic Blvd. in numerous publications and Los Angeles, CA 90048 voted “Favorite Acting Coach” in [email protected] Los Angeles multiple times by Back www.katemcgregorstewart.com Stage West. With more than 20 years (323) 939-3384 capturing the essence of artistry, Private coaching available; all skill incorporating Chekhov, Adler, Stras- levels welcome berg and Meisner, Kimberly Jentzen McGregor-Stewart’s technique is an expert in artistic creation. includes style, characterization, She is the creator of the inspiring script breakdown, and improvisa- “Jentzen Technique,” a series of tion. She holds workshops in Denver, essential power tools designed to Vancouver, and New York, and is a cultivate the master level actor. sought-after media coach. Jentzen’s approach helps build a necessary foundation, providing BRUCE KATZMAN actors the motivations and needs (818) 613-5252 to create authentic characters. Limited in size; ongoing Jentzen’s focus is to guide students Katzman has been teaching since of all levels to find their artistic fuel 1988. His classes focus on the major and constantly challenge them- plays of Anton Chekhov and other selves. Jentzen believes, “To master great playwrights. He also offers skill, an actor must find the fire to private coaching in Shakespeare, make strong, active choices for THE VOICECASTER modern plays, preparation for audi- performance consistency.” Classes tions, and coaching for film. concentrate on helping actors discover how to own it, eliminating EDDIE KEHLER fear and creating an honest char- Voiceover Workshops [email protected] acter from beginning to end. In her www.eddiekehler.com class, an actor’s craft is continuous- (310) 292-6163 ly molded and applied. Jentzen’s All Levels + Animation Intermediate to advanced studio has become one of the Kehler offers Stanislavsky- and Mei- most creative environments for an sner-based classes that give actor actor to grow in. She is regarded Study with Huck Liggett, owner of The Voicecaster tools and experiences to draw from by some one of the best acting and take command of their choic- coaches, and her studio one of the es. Each student is guaranteed to top acting schools in Los Angeles. work every class. Professional training classes are 818-841-5300 offered in scene study, cold read- KEN LERNER STUDIO ing, audition technique, on-camera [email protected] training, character tools, script CELEBRATING 30 YRS OF VOICEOVER CASTING www.kenlerner.com breakdown, and improvisation, (818) 753-7744 with an emphasis on individual Private coaching also available; attention. Jentzen also holds her Beginner to advanced; Auditing is popular “Cold Reading Weekend permitted; Ongoing Intensive,” “Singing for Actors, Act- Lerner offers cold reading and ing for Singers Intensive” as well as scene study classes in a challeng- her “Essence Weekend Intensive.” ing but nurturing style. He has acted Her new book, “Acting with Impact, steadily in movies, TV shows, com- Power Tools to Ignite the Actors Pas- Rick mercials, and plays and passes his sion” is an upcoming release. on set knowledge to his students. IRIS KLEIN KENT KLINEMAN [email protected] Zieff’s  commercials  animation ACTING STUDIO (213) 612-5224 3447 Motor Ave. Klein, who studied with Sanford Los Angeles, CA 90034 Meisner and Janet Alhanti, offers a  industrials  audio books [email protected] scene study and technique class. www.kentklineman.com She also coaches actors for theater, yellowbirdcasting@ (323) 665-6776 film, and television auditions. yahoo.com 12 students per class; private coaching available; All levels; Audit- MICHAEL KNOWLES (323) 651-1666 ing is permitted; Ongoing 1531 S. Bedford St. • classes In this scene study class, Klineman Los Angeles, CA 90035 combines Meisner-based Repetition [email protected] with Linklater voice work to enhance www.michaelknowles.com • privates Make the v.o. demo that gets results each student’s creative impulses (646) 489-1126 and produce truthful connection Private coaching only; All levels; between scene partners. Auditing not permitted Writer-director-producer Knowles JANICE KENT feels that teaching is not much [email protected] more than providing an environ- www.janicekent.com ment for students to develop trust (818) 906-2201 in themselves which develops Private audition coaching only; confidence. Each actors journey is Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing their own. With more than 30 years of experi- ence as an actor, director, and Continued on page A14—

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0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A13 6/14/10 5:51 PM SPOTLIGHT ON MARK TILLMAN, C. S. A. CASTING DIRECTOR FOR T.V. & FILM

—continued from page A13 LENA HARRIS STUDIO per year; Work study/internships are CENE TUDY L.A. ON-CAMERA Beverly Hills, CA 90210 available S S TRAINING CENTER [email protected] A team of working actors coach 10545 Burbank Blvd. www.lenaharris.com, in LA and Orange County and AUDITION TECHNIQUE Sherman Oaks, CA 94123 www.youtube.com/lenaharrisstudio offer group improv and on-camera [email protected] (310) 226-7034 classes. Students are currently on www.laactorscenter.com 10-12 per class; private coaching “United States of Tara,” “The Middle,” (323) 839-0800 available; All levels; Auditing not per- and many commercials. To build confidence and Founded by actor Jamison Haase, mitted; Ongoing LAOTC is an on-camera school that Each actor is filmed every week at LINDA BERRY’S BERRYWOOD help you in the audition specializes in training actors in real, the Lena Harris Workshop, providing Linda Berry ~ easy to learn, camera techniques actors with a video showcase to P.O. Box 251455 raise their performance above the stream (and email) to agents and Glendale, CA 91225 competition. other industry sources around the [email protected] Over twenty years experience world via a state-of-the-art online www.berrywood.net casting TV movies, series, LARRY MOSS STUDIO broadcast platform and Lena’s own L.A. (310) 410-1836, or S.D. (619) See the Acting Studio at Edgemar YouTube Channel (www.youtube 507-6395 pilots & indie features .com/user/lenaharrisstudio). Lena Private and on-set coaching only; LAURA JAMES’ THE ACTING Harris, an award-winning actor, All levels; specializes in beginner author, and director, was awarded and intermediate, kids/teens; Audit- FREE AUDIT ~ LIMITED SEATING WORKSHOP the Back Stage West/Drama-Logue ing not permitted; Ongoing [email protected] Award for her role as Elaine Nevazio Berry offers training at her San Diego (818) 562-3075 in Neil Simon’s “Last of the Red Hot center and workshops in LA for Contact (310) 557-2565 Private coaching only; All levels; Lovers.” Prior to opening her work- actors. Training includes monologue Auditing is permitted; Ongoing shop 14 years ago, Lena began work, on-camera cold reading, and Check him out on imdb.com Teacher-director-actor James, who her career as an actor, dancer, and scene study preparing actors for has worked professionally around model. Lena’s workshops consist of auditioning and getting the role. Available for seminars nationwide! the world, offers a technique meant an on-camera basic boot camp to “empower the actor to communi- for beginners and an on-camera LISA DALTON STUDIOS INC. cate as specifically, effectively, and technique “master class” for the [email protected] as powerfully as possible.” advanced actor that are based www.lisadaltonstudios.com, on the Stanislavski System and www.chekhov.net LaVALLE ACTORS WORKSHOP Sanford Meisner exercises. These (818) 761-5404 4645 Van Nuys Blvd., Ste. 202 techniques give actors the ability to Lisa Dalton offers courses in tech- Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 be spontaneous, alive, truthful, and nique, cold reading, on-camera HEADSTART [email protected] in the moment. Additional workshop commercials, scene study, career EXPOSURE • GUIDANCE • ANSWERS www.lavalleactorsworkshop.com techniques train the actor to look at management, promotional skills, (818) 788-2183, Fax: (818) 788-6981 NOT JUST ANOTHER ACTOR’S WORKSHOP a script, memorize it, break it down, and . 20 students max per class; private and deliver a stellar performance coaching available; All levels; Free that results in getting the job. Actors LISA ROBERTSON STUDIO audit class; Ongoing Everything you need to start (or re-start) your career... work on monologues, dialects, and [email protected] LaValle teaches a way of “creating impediments (e.g. blindness or www.lisarobertsonstudio.com in one weekend! a character that draws from the addiction). Lena recently authored (310) 367-4136 vast experiences that each indi- PANEL: INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES an article for Back Stage on dia- Private coaching available; Inter- vidual actor possesses.” lects. Her book,”Twenty-Five 5-Minute Find out what industry professionals have to say. Plus get a mediate, advanced, and profes- Power Scenes,” published by Smith Includes guest agent, manager, producer, and director. JUMP START KIT sional levels; Auditing is permitted; NATALIA LAZARUS and Kraus, can be purchased at headshot and résumé required for including discounts on Promenade Playhouse and GUEST CASTING DIRECTOR Samuel French Bookstores and all audits, referral helpful; Ongoing; Conservatory online at Amazon.com. Audition for and get feedback on your materials professional headshots Work study available to students 1404 Third Street Promenade who have completed a year of from a top casting director. and a Samuel French Santa Monica, CA 90401 goodie bag. CATHLEEN LESLIE training with Lisa GUEST CAREER COACH DALLAS TRAVERS [email protected] [email protected] Robertson has been a major acting www.promenadeplayhouse.com (310) 278-8113 coach in film and TV for the past The Actor’s Business Blueprint. Learn the number discounts on (310) 656-8070, Fax: (310) 656-8069 one marketing rule every actor must know. Small classes; private coaching eight years coaching series leads professional Lazarus, founder of the Promenade available; All levels; Auditing not and award winning film roles. A ON YOUR FEET WORKOUTS headshots – Playhouse and Promenade Conser- permitted protégé of Larry Moss, she teaches vatory, is a private and international (COLD READING, INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE, AND MORE) your choice of Leslie’s classes are part sense mem- scene study and on-camera audi- coach for Hollywood celebrities on ory and part scene work, based tion intensives. CLEAR INSTRUCTION AND GUIDANCE 3 wonderful sets and in institutions throughout on her studies with Strasberg, Adler, (RESUME WORKSHOPPING, GOAL SETTING, photographers. the world. and her work with Elia Kazan. She LIZA MONJAUZE PRODUCTIONS MATERIALS CRITIQUE) looks for students who have a true Los Angeles, CA THE LEARNING ANNEX passion and desire to learn their [email protected] www.learningannex.com craft. www.lizamonjauzeproductions.com NEXT WORKSHOP INTENSIVE HAPPENS IN L.A. (310) 478-6677 (310) 384-9424 JUNE 26TH AND 27TH – 9AM-7PM Premier producer of seminars, LESSAC SUMMER VOICE AND 30-45 cast members; Ages 8 to 18; SPOTS ARE LIMITED – $375. lectures, workshops, and expos for BODY TRAINING WORKSHOPS Fall, spring, and summer sessions adults. One-night classes offered on [email protected] Liza Monjauze Productions have PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected] a variety of subjects. www.lessacinstitute.com created a place for children and Other: On-Camera Technique; (603) 862-1963 young adults to build confidence, Improv and Comedy; Commer- 10-14 students per class; All levels; improve theater skills, and create cials/Voiceover; Business of Acting Auditing not permitted; Summer lifelong friendships. only Other: Young Performers; Singing/ CASTING DIRECTOR MELISSA SKOFF THE LEE STRASBERG For almost 40 years, these work- Musical Theater THEATRE AND FILM INSTITUTE - shops have offered intensive train- Improve Your Skills!! Book The Job!! LOS ANGELES ing in voice, body, and text explo- BEVERLY LONG Advanced ongoing cold reading, Carie Blomquist ration. Programs are intended for Moorpark Studios 7936 Santa Monica Blvd. those in performance, in education, 11425 Moorpark St. scene study and audition technique classes. Los Angeles, CA 90046 in broadcasting, or in communica- Studio CIty, CA 91602 Casting Director for 100+features and TV shows. [email protected] tions. [email protected] Classes frequented by industry guests. www.strasberg.com (818) 754-6222 (323) 650-7777 LIFEBOOK ACTING ACADEMY 10-12 students per class; private Students work every week. 12-16 students average per class; Allen Levin coaching available; All level; Audit- Private coaching available. All levels; Auditing is not permitted; The Space Theatre ing not permitted; Six week sessions; full application process for certifi- 665 N. Heliotrope Dr. Interships available 818-760-2058 • www.melissaskoff.com cate program includes brief essay, Los Angeles, CA 90004 Long has worked in casting since — No guarantee of employment — resume, and letters of reference; [email protected] the mid-1970s, as an actor, agent, Two-year certificate program; full www.lifebookacting.com teacher, and is best-known for her or part-time introductory program, (323) 244-4620/(818) 415-9568 work with James Dean in “Rebel workshops, and intensives; Offers 8-19 students per class; All levels; Without a Cause.” Offers classes in limited work study program Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; improv, commercials, television, and KATE GEER’s The Strasberg Institute’s Method Financial aid available film. acting classes and programs chal- ™ Levin has been teaching for over SHAKESPEARE SURVIVAL SCHOOL lenge actors to work on themselves eight years and offers scene study, THE LOST STUDIO as creative artists and at the same improv, audition and cold reading 130 S. La Brea Ave. Let me help you perfect your craft and get the job. time work on the role - to leave classes. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Classes include scene study and monologue work, behind conventional expressions [email protected] which are “Geered” toward giving you and find their own unique voices. LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTING! http://loststudioca.lycos.com Classes in acting, voice, singing, Los Angeles and Orange County, (323) 933-6944 confi dence in handling the classics. dance, movement, and film and TV. CA Call for interview Proper Technique Stressed Other: Young Performers; Audition [email protected] Award-winning director Cinda Jack- Technique/Cold Reading; On- www.lightscameraacting.com son offers scene study and sensory After you conquer the classics, the rest is easy! Camera Technique; Conservatory/ (714) 356-9800 or (323) 819-6538 classes. Classes include a four-day- University Private coaching available. Informal, but intense. 8 students per class; private coach- per-week intensive class of scene ing available; All levels; Auditing is study, sensory, and improvisation. www.ShakespeareSurvival.com Call: (310) 455-4295 permitted; Seven five-week sessions

A14 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A14 6/14/10 5:51 PM SPOTLIGHT ON

LYNETTE McNEILL STUDIO Intensives $500-$650, ongoing $250. and nominations. She works exten- www.lynettemcneillstudio.com Private coaching available. Before sively in television and film, and is (310) 274-1085 enrolling, students must attend ori- currently playing a series regular on McNeill offers classes designed entations, held at the studio every the upcoming nightly HD series for to meet a wide range of profes- Monday at 1:30 p.m.; bring a head- Fox, “Watch Over Me.” Ms. McIntyre sional needs. Class offerings include shot and résumé. trained at the North Carolina scene study, technique, and audi- School of the Arts (BFA), Penn State tion preparation. MARLA LADD - MYSTERIUM (MFA), and with Michael Shurtleff, 3122 E. Chapman Ave. Uta Hagen, et al., and is featured on ROBERT F. LYONS Orange, CA 92866 “Uta Hagen’s Acting Class” video, [email protected] [email protected] or Part 2. She has been teaching for www.insideacting.com [email protected] more than 25 years in conservato- (818) 766-6480 www.mysteriumshop.com ries, universities, and private studios, Private coaching available; All lev- (714) 602-7975/(714) 501-8215 including Cal State-Northridge, els; Ongoing Small class size for individual atten- USC, LACC Theater Academy, and Lyons is a working actor-teacher tion; private coaching also avail- the University of . Ms. McIntyre who wants his students to “learn able; All levels; Auditing permitted currently teaches a personaliza- what to apply and how to apply with advanced permission; Ongo- tion workshop and an ongoing with actual workable technique.” ing; Work study possibly available scene study class at the Howard Students who have studied with Ladd is the artistic director and Fine Acting Studio, (323) 962-3188; Lyons include Juliette Lewis, Heather owner of Mysterium, where she is and on-camera classes at the Ted Locklear, Danny Masterson, Clea an Orange County acting coach, Brunetti Studio, (310) 663-3331. Pri- DuVall, Jason Dohring, and many specializing in audition preparation vate coaching for film, theater, and others. Professional classes and pri- and last-minute coaching. Myste- television is available from audition vate sessions offered. rium now also has an on-camera through finessing a role in produc- class and an afterschool program tion. Rates vary depending on the MAKING IT ON BROADWAY along with dance and acting needs of the actor and the project. [email protected] classes. Other: Audition Technique/Cold www.makingitonbroadway.net Reading; On-Camera Technique 40 students per class; All levels; MARNIE SAITTA and Auditing not permitted; Sessions in DON PHILLIP SMITH FABIANA MEDICI the summer and winter (323) 654-8912 [email protected] Making it on Broadway is a week- Private coaching available www.theactorstemple.com long intensive where students Saitta and Smith offer one-day work- (323) 930-8986 “For the serious actor, explore the realities of what it shops and ongoing scene study, 15 students max.; All levels; Audit- means to be a modern Broadway cold readings, and on-camera ing not permitted; first class is free; professional. Classes are taught by technique. Ongoing; Will work with actors who let the journey begin.” Broadway professionals. are struggling financially FRANCO MASSIMO Medici has coached directors, NED MANDERINO (323) 850-8580 theater companies, and televi- “Whenever I have a session with Alan I walk Manderino Workshop class size varies; professional sion casts, internationally and in P.O. Box 27758 Massimo, also known as Rik Martino, the United States. She helps actors out of there a better actor—EVERYTIME.” Los Angeles, CA 90027 is an acting coach who works in develop their own method of work, [email protected] Italian and English. He specializes in aiding in their self-confidence and –KYLE BORNHEIMER www.manderino.com improvisation in front of the camera. empowerment. Star of CBS’s Monday Nite Comedy (323) 665-0123 He is also the owner of Roma Films, 12 students max. USA. THE MET THEATRE “Worst Week” Manderino, a post-Stanislavsky act- 1089 N. Oxford Ave. ing coach, combines total Method MATTHEW BARRY’S WORKSHOP Los Angeles, CA 90029 principles that he learned initially Matthew Barry [email protected] from Stella Adler and from his close [email protected] www.themettheatre.com ALAN FEINSTEIN friends and mentors Lee Strasberg www.matthewbarryteaches.com (323) 957-1152, Fax: (323) 957-1831 and Harold Clurman. (818) 759-4425 Private coaching available; Audit- 16 students max. per class; All levels; ing is permitted; Ongoing and by ART MANKE ages 18-plus; Auditing not permit- semesters (323) 273-1544 ted; Four week workshops at certain Offers professional theater and film Also available for on-set coaching times of the year labs for actors, writers, and directors. Scene Study, Emotional Exercise, Manke is an award-winning direc- Casting director Matthew Barry Labs are led by working profession- On-Camera Cold Reading, tor of theater and television with 20 helps actors develop a game als. and Voice Classes available. years of coaching experience. He plan where Hollywood is the busi- is a co-founder and former artistic ness and the actor is the product; MICHAEL COOKE ACTING director of L.A.’s A Noise Within. auditioning techniques, character SCHOOL Take your passion, make it your profession!! study, cold reading techniques, and 1507 Seventh St., Ste. 172 scene study. Santa Monica, CA 90401-2605 JEFFREY MARCUS • Los Angeles, CA Other: Improv and Comedy; Busi- www.soundfeelings.com/best_ Admission by interview Private Coaching [email protected] ness of Acting acting_schools.htm (323) 650-7766 • www.alanfeinsteinactingstudio.com.com www.jeffreymarcus.com 310-482-8720 (323) 965-9392 KATHLEEN MAZZOLA Group classes and private coach- Private coaching available; All lev- [email protected] ing; all levels els; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing (310) 924-9380 With over 25 years experience Marcus blends Stanislavsky based Class size limited teaching acting and comedy Eric’s system, based on techniques with his master’s in spiri- Mazzola, known for her simple, improvisation for professionals, tual psychology. He assists actors on direct, and oftentimes hilarious nonprofessionals, and students, Stanislavski, goes light years TV, features, and stage and accepts method of teaching, focuses on Michael offers small classes and beyond the original system. referrals from agents, managers, improvisation, scene study, and pre- private coaching on acting tech- and casting directors. paring the actor for auditions and a nique, audition preparation, script professional career. analysis, on-camera technique, • Eric Morris has been teaching MARGIE HABER STUDIOS vocal control, stage presence, and for 50 years improvisation. Michael is an actor Margie Haber MARILYN McINTYRE • Author of six best selling books 971 N. La Cienega Blvd., #207 Howard Fine Acting Studio and performer who has worked with Los Angeles, CA 90069 1445 N. Las Palmas such notables as Adam Rifkin, Paul • Everyone works each class [email protected] Hollywood, CA 90028 Verhoven, and David Lynch. MASTER TEACHER www.margiehaber.com [email protected] Other: Audition Technique/Cold (310) 854-0870, Fax: (310) 854-0462 www.marilynmcintyre.com or Reading; On-Camera Technique 12 students max. per class; Funda- www.howardfine.com Eric Morris Actors Workshop mental, intermediate, master; Audit- (818) 601-1463 and (323) 962-3188 MICHAEL D. NYE DYNAMIC ing not permitted; Ongoing 14-16 (scene study), 10 max. ACTING “I’m looking for a few serious actors who are Margie Haber Studios offers on- (personalization), private coach- Valley Village, CA camera audition technique and ing available; All levels; Auditing [email protected] willing to take the journey to craftsmanship. cold reading workshops. With more required (except for personalization www.askanactingquestion.com I teach people how ‘not to act’,but to than 30 years of experience, Haber classes); Ongoing (scene study) (818) 509-1629 is an internationally renowned audi- and limited (personalization); Work 6 students max.; private coaching experience in reality what the character feels.” tioning coach and has taught A-list study available available; Intermediate, advanced, Hollywood actors her technique Ms. McIntyre specializes in “per- and professional; Auditing not per- that is based on her book, “How to sonalization,” using a variety of mitted; phone interview required; Get the Part Without Falling Apart.” techniques to help the actor safely Ongoing Among her clients: Brad Pitt, Halle discover and explore what effec- Actor-director Nye (“House, M.D.”, Berry, Vince Vaughn, Heather Lock- tively allows them to access and “Heroes”, “Big Love”) uses innovative lear, Kristin Davis, Mariska Hargitay, bring their most personal, authentic, warm-ups, exercises, and scenes and Molly Sims. All of the studio’s and unique self to the work. She has to achieve dynamic, powerful, and instructors train in Haber’s method, been acting professionally for more consistent actor performances for Stop Acting and Start Living the Life than 30 years, playing lead roles on film, television, and stage. All of Eric’s books are available of the Person. Actors begin with tak- Broadway, Off-Broadway, in regional ing an “intensive” course at their lev- theaters, and in Los Angeles where at fine bookstores everywhere. el, followed by an ongoing course. she has garnered many awards Continued on page A16— BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A15

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A15 6/14/10 5:51 PM Desrochers offers comprehensive last three years as one of the top four SPOTLIGHT ON classes on audition technique, scene acting schools in Los Angeles. “Rich- study, and career counseling. ard Seyd knows what he’s doing. You cannot do better,” says Peter Coyote. PLAYHOUSE WEST SCHOOL AND REPERTORY THEATRE ROB REECE ACTORS WORKSHOP www.playhousewest.net [email protected] —continued from page A15 ALLEN NELSON ORANGE COUNTY (818) 881-6520 www.methodacting.com (310) 497-0611; in , MICHAEL E. RYAN’S [email protected] PROFESSIONAL ACTORS’ Free audit required Founded in 1981, the playhouse, (415) 928-8929 FILM ACTING CLUB (818) 786-7154, Fax: (818) 787-6375 WORKSHOP WITH Nelson coaches privately for audi- which has a second North Hollywood Free audit available North Hollywood, CA ELIZABETH KENT location, Playhouse West Studio Two, Rob Reece, a 37-year veteran of film, tions and monologues, and works in- [email protected] [email protected] regularly develops and stages plays TV, and theatre, teaches progres- depth with actors who need to learn (949) 675-3272 www.michaeleryan.com; with members of the advanced tech- sive . He is currently or strengthen their technique. 10 students max. www.oncamerafilmactingclass.com nique class. teaching in India until June 2010, but (323) 839-5461 Kent has over 16 years experience THE NEW COLLECTIVE LA his daughter, casting director Amy 10 students max.; All levels; Auditing is as an acting coach for film, TV, and Reece, has taken over his class. required; Ongoing; year round; Work Greg Braun theater. Her students have found STEVE RAILSBACK Art/works Theatre study possible in hardship cases 6440 Santa Monica Blvd. professional representation through 6583 Santa Monica Blvd. RON BURRUS STUDIO OF ACTING Coach Ryan formed his film acting Hollywood, CA 90038 her annual actors showcase in Los Hollywood, CA 90038 at the Pico Playhouse workshop “for the dedicated actor [email protected] Angeles. [email protected] 10508 W. Pico Blvd. who loves practicing and improving www.newcollectivela.com (310) 780-7080 Los Angeles, CA 90064 on their craft of film acting.” (323) 228-1880 ORANGE COUNTY class size not over 14; private coach- [email protected] 15 max; All levels; Yes; Ongoing; No SONG & DANCE CO. The New Collective LA is a monthly ing available; all levels; yes www.ronburrus.com MILLIE SLAVIN STUDIOS 5860 Westminster Blvd. Actor and coach Steve Railsback (310) 497-1430, Fax: (212) 689-0087 www.millieslavinstudios.com membership organization for actors, Westminster, CA 92683 the only studio in Los Angeles that was a student of Lee Strasberg and 16 students per class; private coach- (310) 582-3485 [email protected] the Actors Studio and has spent ing available; All levels; Auditing is Slavin’s training includes extensive offers unlimited classes for an afford- www.orangecountysonganddance able monthly rate. several years working in film, televi- permitted; Year-round; Available for study with Uta Hagen and Roy Lon- .com sion, and theater. He made his film conservatory students only don. She offers a variety of services for (714) 897-4475, Fax: (714) 899-9675 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY debut in “The Visitors,” directed by Offers a foundation technique inten- group or private instruction, including This company offers acting for the Elia Kazan and was recognized for sive, script/character breakdown, scene study, technique, cold reading, [email protected] camera, addressing script reading, www.nyfa.com his notable performance as Charles on-camera film workshops, master and preparation for auditions. camera presence, cold reading, and Manson in the 1976 television mini- classes and NY/LA business of act- (818) 733-2600 audition techniques. Character anal- This academy offers one-year and series “Helter Skelter.” Railsback’s ing seminar, and a one-year evening MOJO ACTOR’S WORKSHOP ysis and portrayal will be presented in classes meet twice weekly and focus conservatory program. Michelle Martin Gossett short-term programs in directing for an on-camera environment. film, acting for film, screenwriting, on concentration, relaxation, and [email protected] authentication. Railsback feels an AL ROSSI 818-624-1880 producing, and 3-D animation and JIM OTIS special effects. Year-round, summer, actor’s performance is more than the (818) 902-1538 or (323) 953-4000, ext. Class size ranges from 12 to 18; pri- (818) 543-7479 memorization of words and exclu- 2975 vate coaching available; intermedi- and evening workshops available, Private coaching; All levels; No audit- as are hands-on total immersion sively works with actors committed to 12 students maximum ate to advanced only; a scheduled ing; flexible scheduling and passionate about their craft. Rossi, a veteran actor-director, is head audit is available workshops. The academy now offers Otis offers two private courses: a TV/ Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Other: Audition Technique/Cold of acting at LACC’s Theatre Academy, An actor, director, and coach with film intensive, covering TV/film, com- Reading the oldest continuous actor-training over thirty years experience, Michele Arts degree programs. Located in Uni- mercial auditioning technique, cold versal Studios; branches in New York program on the West Coast. Shake- Martin Gossett teaches advanced reading, and business strategy; and a RANDOLPH STUDIO speare is his specialty. and intermediate acting. Her work- and London. monologue intensive. shop covers technique, scene study, FOR ACTOR TRAINING Kate Randolph STAN ROTH and auditioning, drawing on a com- NICOLAS COSTER STUDIO JOE PALESE [email protected] [email protected] bination of Chekhov, Hagen, Meisner, [email protected] The Actor Space (323) 882-6669 www.stanroth.com and Morris. www.nicolascoster.com 14106 Magnolia Blvd. Small classes; private coaching avail- (323) 930-2424 Other: Audition Technique/Cold (213) 952-5685 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 able Limited number; private coaching Reading; On-Camera Technique; Busi- 10-15 students max.; also private [email protected] Randolph teaches concrete, univer- available; All levels; Auditing not per- ness of Acting coaching; All levels; Auditing is permit- www.theactorspace.com sal tools, with an emphasis on finding mitted; Ongoing ted; By sessions (818) 754-4442 Coster, on faculty at NY Film Acad- joy in the work. Her class is supportive Stan Roth teaches Cold Reading & TONI MOSS-TRENTON Private coaching is available; All and nurturing while pushing each Scene Study Intensive Classes and (213) 252-0830, Fax: (213) 389-1856 emy, L.A., trained at the Royal levels; One audit is permitted; accep- Academy of Dramatic Art and the actor to take risks and go beyond offers private audition coaching at Small classes and private coaching; tance is by interview; Ongoing perceived limitations. his studio in the West Hollywood area. all levels; ongoing Neighborhood Playhouse and with Actor-director-writer Palese’s class Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Milton Admission is by interview & audition. Moss-Trenton has an extensive back- focuses on scene study, improv, cold Other: Audition Technique/Cold ground in theater and film and has Katselas, and Frank Silvera. DALE REHFELD reading, and sensory work. [email protected] Reading been teaching Method acting for www.daleyclass.com over 10 years. She also accepts pri- KARI NISSENA JEFFERY PASSERO (818) 986-9733 THE SACRED ACTOR vate students on a sliding scale basis. [email protected] Studio City, CA Private coaching is available Josh Galitsky www.karinissena.com [email protected] (213) 397-8069 Rehfeld combines a cold reading/ 3017B Second St. BRIAN MULLIGAN www.jeffpassero.com acting class with a hands-on show- Santa Monica, CA 90405 [email protected] Private coaching to large seminars; (818) 506-8400 All levels; Free phone consult; Ongo- case in an effort to create “a support- [email protected] (323) 719-2545 12 students per class; private audi- ive, intimate workshop setting.” www.sacredactor.com Private coaching; All levels; Auditing ing and special events; Possible work tion coaching available; All levels; study available (310) 392-8212 not permitted; Sessions as needed Auditing encouraged; Ongoing; Work 6-10 students per class; All levels; Mulligan, a former instructor at NYC’s Coaching and career development ALLAN RICH study available www.allanrich.com, Auditing by appt. only; Sessions start Riverside Shakespeare Academy specializing in realistic acting and Passero offers scene study and audi- www.aleapfromthemethod.com each month; Work study may be and founder of NYC’s Impro!, offers creating major breakthroughs on the tion technique classes. He has a (323) 465-4007 available through accompanying one-on-one coaching for TV, film, and business side. successful feature film casting career Private coaching only; All levels; seri- theatres theater auditions. of more than 50 movies and began NATALIJA NOGULICH ous actors only A safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmen- his acting career at the Roundabout Rich teaches serious professionals the tal environment. “Devised Theatre” LAUREN PATRICE NADLER www.natalijanogulich.com Theatre before taking over the cast- (323) 464-1222 same “organic technique” he uses in approach uses challenging, fun, [email protected] ing there. his own work. Rich’s newest book is “A exploratory process to conquer fears www.laurenpatricenadler.com Private coaching available; Auditing allowed Leap From the Method: An Organic and create dynamic, original mate- (818) 202-0774 THE PINE CREEK BLONDE ACTING Approach to Acting.” rial for production. Limited enrollment; private coaching Nogulich has been teaching for over STUDIO 18 years and is the founder of the and consulting available; All levels; Gene Desrochers THE RICHARD LAWSON JOE SALAZAR Auditing encouraged; Ongoing Grace Players Theatre Company in 10951 Pico Blvd., Ste. 203 Los Angeles. She offers scene study STUDIOS AT THE BEVERLY HILLS (323) 882-6433 Nadler is actively directing indepen- Los Angeles, CA Small class sizes; private coaching dent films while coaching and teach- classes focusing on the Stanislavsky [email protected] PLAYHOUSE approach to acting. c/o The Beverly Hills Playhouse available; Beginner/intermediate ing ongoing scene study and impro- (310) 709-6545 and advanced; Auditing is permitted; visation classes. Her students work Private coaching available; All levels; 254 S. Robertson Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Ongoing on top TV shows, film, and national Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Classes focus on scene study, mono- commercials. [email protected] www.richardlawsonstudios.com logue work, character creation, (818) 793 -8767 improvisational skills, and audition Maria Gobetti “...Maria is simply Private coaching available; All lev- techniques that are designed to cre- els; No auditing. Deposit required to ate the environment of auditions. Director ~ Coach ~ DGA the best coach.” reserve a seat; Twelve-week courses, –Ron Howard (Director) must be taken from beginning to end SAM CHRISTENSEN STUDIOS Lawson is an award-winning actor- 10440 Burbank Blvd. director with 30 years’ experience, North Hollywood, CA 91601 “She is so enlightening to my acting and writing.” having appeared in more than 50 [email protected] –Beth Henley (Writer –“Crimes Of The Heart” – Pulitzer Prize, etc.) films, 100 TV shows, and 50 plays. He www.samchristensen.com offers a course titled “The On-Camera (818) 506-0783, Fax: (818) 506-8941 Audition and Cold Reading Class,” 14 students max. per class; All levels; “She raised me to a whole new level of artistry & professionalism.” which provides DVD documentation Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing; to students by the course’s end. Work study available –Steve Park (Actor – “Fargo,” etc.) Christensen, a former casting direc- RICHARD SEYD ACTING STUDIO tor for “M*A*S*H,” teaches ongoing “She’s an inspired teacher!” 4949 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 203 classes that assist actors in becom- –Ann E. Wareham Hollywood, CA 90027 ing the most confident, powerful, and [email protected] compelling individuals they can be. (Producer – CenterTheatre Group,etc.) www.seydways.com (323) 668-1475 SANDRA K. HORNER 12 students per class; Intermediate PERFORMANCE STUDIO 3 Levels of Classes • Cold Reading • Scene Study • Meisner Tech • On Camera Critique to professional; Auditing is permitted; [email protected] Ongoing www.sandrakhorner.com At The Award-Winning Victory Theatre •Free Audit Required •(818) 841-4404 Voted by readers of Backstage for the (818) 997-6740, Fax: (818) 997-6740

A16 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A16 6/14/10 5:51 PM 6-12; private coaching available; All Schwartz helps the actor develop levels; Free monthly demo classes; and define his or her own set of flex- SPOTLIGHT ON Ongoing; Barters are available ible and practical approaches to Horner teaches a pure form of acting and the auditioning process. Robert Lewis’ script analysis which empowers your auditions and puts SCOTT COLOMBY WORKSHOP you in command of any text. [email protected] www.scottcolomby.com Smolin, who began as a child actor beginner and intermediate; audit- ticing craft is paramount. THE SANFORD MEISNER CENTER (323) 650-6472 and was a regular on two TV series, ing not permitted; At certain times 5124 Lankershim Blvd. Auditing is encouraged has been coaching actors for over of the year, private coaching avail- STEVE TRUITT COACHING North Hollywood, CA 91601 Colomby’s workshop was origi- 18 years. She had a student or two able all year around [email protected] [email protected] nally conceived as a class geared in almost every blockbuster film this Young actors receive intensive train- www.stevetruitt.com www.themeisnercenter.com toward the actor’s personal growth summer. ing on the international level. Learn (310) 463-9056 (818) 509-9651 within the confines of a scene study innovative techniques for your craft Private coaching; Auditing not per- 20 students maximum; All levels; group, but now includes showcas- SOUTH COAST REPERTORY and gain new perspectives during mitted; Ongoing Auditing allowed after interview ing and production of plays. P.O. Box 2197 this individualized program. Part one Truitt is a working host as well as a only; By sessions Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2197 starts August 9: On-Camera Tech- certified life coach and NLP practi- The Sanford Meisner Center SCOTT SEDITA ACTING STUDIOS [email protected] niques, On-Camera Presence. Part tioner. He coaches actors in hosting, believes that the purpose of an Scott Sedita, Tony Rago www.scr.org two starts August 20: Star Quality standup, copy interpretation, and acting school is to get actors work- 526 N. Larchmont Blvd. (714) 708-5577, Fax: (714) 708-5529 Development, Goal Setting, Career guides them to discovering the keys ing professionally, and that begins Los Angeles, CA 90004-1300 18 in the youth and teen class; 20 Management. to success. with professional level training. To do [email protected] in the adult class; 28 in the profes- something well, you need to do it www.scottseditaacting.com; sional intensive; All levels; Auditing is STUART ROGERS’ ACTING every day. With those tenets in mind, www.sitcomacting.com; permitted; Ongoing; Workstudy per- STEPHANIE LLOYD ON CAMERA the center has developed power- STUDIO www.makingitinhollywoodbook. mitted on a case-by-case basis ACTORS’ WORKSHOP Theatre Tribe ful programs to get actors results. com This respected Orange County (949) 497-8274 5267 Lankershim Blvd. Launched in 1995 by Sanford Mei- (323) 465-6152, Fax: (323) 465-6202 theater has an extensive education Private coaching available North Hollywood, CA 91601 sner and Martin Barter, the center 16 students per class; All levels; Lim- program through the Theatre Con- Billed as “the L.A. Workshop in [email protected] is the only school in Los Angeles ited auditing is permitted; contact servatory, directed by Hisa Takaku- Orange County,” Lloyd’s actors www.stuartrogersstudios.com founded with Mr. Meisner himself. the studio for specifics; Ongoing wa. The conservatory includes a training center focuses on talent (888) 579-5738 Now headed by Martin Barter, Mr. Former agent and casting director five-year youth and teen program, development, career coaching, Private coaching available Meisner’s assistant for over 12 years, Scott Sedita, the 2008 Back Stage with its introductory summer theater and establishing connections in the Rogers has taught for the last 10 the center teaches the Meisner Readers Choice winner for best workshop. The adult program, for entertainment industry. years. He offers scene study for all technique in it’s original two-year acting coach, is also the author those 18 and older, offers weekly levels. program the way Sandy taught it. of the bestselling books “The Eight evening classes in beginning STEPHEN BOOK ACTING Accelerated five-week intensives are Characters of Comedy” and “Scott through advanced acting, improvi- WORKSHOP also offered, as well as graduate- Sedita’s Guide to Making It in Hol- STUDIO C ARTISTS sation, acting for the camera, musi- [email protected] John Coppola and Michael level scene-study classes and lywood.” The Sedita Studio is where cal theater, and playwriting. The four www.stephenbook.com Sonntag screenwriting classes. Graduates the actor’s craft and career come acting levels take students from the (323) 461-4263 6420 W. Sixth St. have gone on to win 10 Academy together. Sedita has helped devel- fundamentals through advanced Private coaching available; Must Los Angeles, CA 90048 Awards, eight Emmys, and six Tonys. oped the careers of Matt LeBlanc, technique, including individual attend a free seminar to be eligible [email protected] Other: Conservatory/University , Christopher Meloni, instruction in performance, scene to apply. An additional audition www.studiocartists.com Emma Roberts, Josh Duhamel, work, characterization, and script may be required; Ongoing (323) 988-1175, Fax: (323) 988-2144 THE SANFORD MEISNER STUDIO Chase Crawford and many oth- analysis. The Professional Intensive Book, an author and former fac- 20 students max per class; All levels; Alex Taylor ers. Sedita is best known for his Program is an eight-week summer ulty member at Juilliard and USC, Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; 4150 Riverside Dr., Ste. 205 One Day Comedy Intensive and course for serious career actors, teaches a technique for improvis- Internships are available Burbank, CA 91505 Professional Audition Technique who are accepted through audi- ing performances while speaking Offers a curriculum of acting class- [email protected] class. Todd Rohrbacher heads the tion. Classes include audition scripted lines. es, career-related seminars, and www.thesanfordmeisnerstudio.com comedy department and teaches technique, script analysis, voice, workshops. Teachers are industry (818) 335-1140 the On-Camera TV/Film Comedy Shakespeare, and physical charac- STEPPENWOLF WEST professionals who train each actor Class size ranges from 12 -14; 14 is class. Deborah Quayle teaches the terization. The director of the Profes- [email protected] to use and market his or her individ- the maximum; all levels; initial inter- On-Camera TV/Film Drama class. sional Intensive Program is LADCC www.steppclasseswest.com ual talents, assets, and personality. view required for acceptance, audit Patrick Munoz teaches Nuts & Bolts, winner Karen Hensel, who teaches Small class sizes; Free introductory by arrangement after the interview; an Introduction to TV/Film Acting alongside a staff of seasoned pro- workshops several times a year; Ten SUSAN GIOSA’S ACTING onging intensives; traditional Meis- and provides training in voice and fessionals. to twelve week sessions ner programs begin in January and speech. Elizabeth Bauman teaches WORKSHOP Offers exclusive scene study classes Santa Monica, CA again in September the on-camera kids workshop. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA and workshops taught by members Led by Alex Taylor, The Sanford [email protected] CHILDREN’S THEATRE of Steppenwolf Theatre’s acclaimed www.susangiosa.com Meisner Studio is a dynamic and SHAWN NELSON FILM ACTING Mo Caudell ensemble in an environment where inspiring acting center that gives (310) 828-8544 MASTER CLASS P.O. Box 2023 actors’ work is respected and prac- Continued on page A18— students a clear, step-by-step c/o Actor’s Workout Studio Malibu, CA 90265 approach to the craft of acting. The 4735 Lankershim Blvd. www.childrenstheatre.tv, studio’s pure Meisner training allows Studio City, CA 91602 www.myspace.com/ actors to gain confidence in their [email protected] childrenstheatre artistic choices and develop the shawnnelson.info (310) 456-1763 complete freedom to express. The (818) 762-8439 Southern California Children’s The- studio believes an acting school 10 students max per class, indus- atre offers musical theater for chil- in Los Angeles should provide an try referral only; Intermediate, dren, teens, and adults. Newcomers actor the training to work quickly advanced, and professional; Free work with professional actors. and creatively and provide students audit required; Ongoing, every Tues- a comprehensive set of “acting day evening tools” that support them through- STAGING COURT ACTORS LAB Nelson, coach to stars and working Cheryl Lubin out their acting career. The studio’s actors for over 25 years, teaches at The Complex Hollywood primary goal is to spark passion in weekly on-camera classes. Work 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. students that will ultimately forward and notes are recorded on the Hollywood, CA 90038 their acting career to the next level. actor’s mini-DVD or memory stick. [email protected] Other: Conservatory/University www.stagingcourtworkshops.com KATT SHEA (818) 317-0140 SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE P.O. Box 3195 15 students max.; All levels; Auditing ACTORS’ WORKSHOP Santa Clarita, CA 91386 is permitted; Ongoing 1211 Fourth St., Ste. 201 www.kattshea.com Staging Court offers a unique, nur- On The Set Santa Monica, CA 90401-1391 (661) 268-8611 turing, and rigorous approach to theatre@santamonicaplayhouse Limited class size, private and on-set improvisation and scene study for .com coaching available; all levels actors in the heart of Hollywood. Workshop www.santamonicaplayhouse.com Well-known Peabody award-winning Discount for early A renowned nationwide speaker Seating is Limited! registration! (310) 394-9779, ext. 673, Fax: (310) writer-director Shea offers scene on courtroom drama, she uses Seating limited. 393-5573 study, script analysis, cold reading, techniques from the courtroom to Directed by award-winning fi lmaker Private coaching available and audition prep classes, as well help students recognize nuance, David Heavener who is producing a Ongoing classes “To the actor,” says co-artistic direc- as private coaching at her Studio passion, sense of place, and intense new Drama/Comedy series shot on Hi- (including 1-day shoot) tor Chris DeCarlo, “class is that City and Santa Clarita locations. scene study and audition tech- special environment we create for Def. All participants in this cutting-edge Saturdays, 1pm – 4pm niques. Courtroom situations offer Four classes, $295.00 ourselves in which we may practice CLAIR SINNETT actors a chance to hone stage acting class will be starring in the series. the ritual of discovering our creative 531 Main St. #1135 presence with concrete and power- being.” That’s the kind of environ- El Segundo, CA 90245 ful objectives, and the Actors Lab Call 818.679.4642 www.DavidHeavener.com ment DeCarlo strives to create at [email protected] enhances skill and confidence for [email protected] the Santa Monica Playhouse in www.actorsworking.com any play, film, or television role. While this eight-week workshop that uses (310) 606-5626, Fax: (310) 606-0823 Staging Court features a special improv to teach actors to make Sinnett offers intensive two-day TV/ emphasis on courtroom drama powerful and immediate choices film audition and marketing work- in the improvisational segment of for auditions, as well as perfor- shops, based on her book “Actors each class, students choose their mance work, by unleashing creativ- Working-The Actor’s Guide to Mar- own scene work to prepare for per- ity, developing exciting characters, keting Success.” formance portion of each class. and conquering the critic within. He is entering his 40th year as director MARCIE SMOLIN STEINLEIN PRODUCTIONS of the workshop. Acceptance to 4475 Sepulveda Blvd. classes is by interview only. INSTITUTE Culver City, CA 90230 Iris Steinlein [email protected] 5405 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 273 DAVID NATHAN SCHWARTZ www.theactorscircle.com Los Angeles, CA 90036 [email protected] (310) 837-4536 [email protected] www.davidnathanschwartz.com 8-12 students per class; All levels; www.steinleinproductions.com (310) 435-4322 Reduced class fee; Ongoing; Work (323) 934-6280 Private audition and on-set coach- study/internships available Small groups up to 15 students; ing available BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A17

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A17 6/14/10 5:51 PM offers an intermediate/advanced available; All levels; Ongoing SPOTLIGHT ON class in the Mid-Wilshire area. $240 for Alderson came to Los Angeles in six weeks. She also coaches actors 1994 and now offers the Meisner for auditions. “My students tell me to technique in its intended two-year emphasize that this class improves study period. Classes meet twice much more than just your audition a week, and include a number of skills,” says Warren. exercises that act as steps for actors —continued from page A17 The TOA conservatory program (818) 762-5769 to use in their instinctive and intuitive Private coaching available; all levels provides an exciting and stimulat- Private coaching is available; Audit- DEBRA WATSON approach to character. of classes offered; auditing permitted; ing training within a practical multi- ing is permitted Beverly Hills, CA ongoing media discipline and guides the Savage is an alumni member of the [email protected] ART WOLFF Award-winning stage actor and student in fulfilling their potential as Tony Award honoree The Acting Com- www.debrawatson.net [email protected] coach Giosa trained extensively with a professional actor in a highly com- pany, founded by John Houseman (512) 452-7972 www.artwolff.com renowned acting teacher Larry Moss. petitive industry. Classes encourage and Margot Harley and a former star Private coaching; All levels; Auditing (323) 276-1299 Geared to the serious performer, her self discovery as the basis of talent of “General Hospital.” not permitted; interview by phone Small class size; private coaching; ongoing classes focus on scene from which all good acting evolves. Watson offers basic cold reading No auditing, admission by interview; study, emotional memory work, Students learn to work from individual TVI ACTORS STUDIO techniques for actors which include Ongoing sensory work, script analysis, and truth and integrity. 14429 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 118 character development and script For 25 years Wolff has taught, advanced character work. Other: Conservatory/University Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 analysis. coached, or directed many of Hol- www.tvistudios.com lywood’s best know actors such as JOHN SWANBECK THEATRE WEST ASSOCIATE (818) 784-6500 DIG WAYNE Kate Walsh, Joseph Gordon Levitt, 1731 N. Normandie #19 PROGRAM All levels www.digwayne.com and Dakota Fanning. Los Angeles, CA 90027 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W. TVI offers comprehensive and afford- (213) 793-1864 [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90068 able acting classes, workshops, and 20 students maximum per class; THE WORKSHOP WITH JEFFREY www.swanbeckstudios.com (818) 851-4839 seminars in all of its locations, includ- auditing is on a pre-approved basis TAMBOR (310) 722-8463 Audition is required ing acting for film, television, and Wayne is a former instructor at the Santa Monica Playhouse Eight students per class; All levels; This program provides a weekly musical theatre. Lee Strasberg Institute and a life 1211 Fourth St. Auditing not permitted; By sessions three-hour class conducted by Laura member of the Actor’s Studio. His Santa Monica, CA 90401 A working film director teaches specif- James, professional director-teacher- THE VALLETTA WORKSHOP ongoing classes focus on the study [email protected] ic, tangible skills that directors require actor. Theatre West has been a profes- Al Valletta and practice of the Method, stressing jeffreytamborworkshop.com in auditions and that actors can sional actor-membership theater for [email protected] relaxation, animal work, and sensory (323) 644-3380 quickly and easily apply to their audi- approximately over 45 years. www.vallettaworkshop.com exercises. Private coaching available; All levels; tions, in order to be both cinematic (760) 749-1086 or (760) 801-9070 Auditing is permitted; Ongoing and powerful on camera. TIGERTAINMENT STUDIOS 20 students max per class; All levels; WCI STUDIOS - BILLY COWART Payne’s practical approach to train- Westwood, CA One audit is permitted; Ongoing 7542 Collett Ave. ing helps actors identify their casting, TAKE AFTER TAKE [email protected] Valletta has taught acting for film Lake Balboa, CA play to their strengths for auditions, [email protected] www.tigertainment.com and TV for over 30 years. His workshop [email protected] establish a professional game plan, www.takeaftertake.com (310) 287-9809 offers ten week programs on film and www.wcistudios.com and make their work stand out from (310) 601-3088 12 students max per class; All levels; TV acting, with showcases presented (310) 230-5358 the crowd. Class time is devoted to Veteran actor-producer-director Den- Auditing permitted with RSVP; Classes throughout the year. 8 students per class; private coach- a combination of group and indi- nis Sakamoto offers two one-day pro- periodically throughout the year; ing available; All levels; serious stu- vidual exercises and scene study. fessional workshops to prepare actors Work study available THE VINCENT CHASE WORKSHOP dents only; Two hour intro session and She combines Stanislavsky-based for the reality of acting on a film set. Director-producer Michael John’s 7221 W. Sunset Blvd. one free class; Ongoing methods with improv theatre games studio offers acting workshops in cold Los Angeles, CA 90046 The studio specializes in the right and outside-in techniques to give TED BRUNETTI STUDIO reading, improv, scene study, audition [email protected] brain and the physiology of feelings. the actor a variety of ways “in” to the [email protected] techniques, and stage combat. www.vincentchaseworkshop.com Classes are on-camera and in audi- text. Payne is a professional actor and (310) 403-0123 (323) 851-4819 tion format, with industry guest teach- coach; she holds an MFA in acting 8-12 per class; also private coaching; MARK TILLMAN, CSA Private coaching also available for ers in addition to staff, and a 13-hour from the American Conservatory The- Call for free audit, enrollment by inter- www.tillmancasting.com auditions and film assignments marketing intensive. ater, where she was a company and view and referral only (310) 557-2565 The workshop holds classes six days faculty member. She has also taught Brunetti Studio offers on-camera From “MacGyver” and “Stephen per week that include scene study, CLIFF WEISSMAN at the American Musical Theater acting, audition, scene study, cold King’s: It” to MTV’s “” and cold reading labs and techniques, (661) 803-5038 of San Jose and the San Francisco reading and commercial classes “The Show,” including dialects and speech, commercials, A New York-trained theater actor, Shakespeare Festival. Most recently as well as coaching and tapings for award-winning indie films, Tillman has comedy, improv, camera techniques, Weissman studied with Margie Haber, she helped found, develop, and coor- auditions. been casting for 25 years. He cast and acting theory. Tim Phillips, and Caryn West. He dinate ’s advanced actors such as Cuba Gooding Jr., teaches and coaches audition and acting workshop. Ongoing classes for TERRY BERLAND - Hilary Swank, Brittany Murphy, and THE VISION ACTING STUDIO cold-reading workshops. all levels are held Tue. evenings, 7-11 p.m., at the Sidewalk Studio Theater in BERLAND CASTING Adrien Brody early in their careers. Justine Visone Classes focus on understanding the (818) 506-4302 WEIST-BARRON-HILL ACTING FOR Toluca Lake. The cost is $250 every six Terry Berland weeks. Auditing is encouraged, and c/o 310 Casting Studios character, freeing emotions, and Interview required TELEVISION AND FILM strengthening communication to Uses the Meisner technique word 4300 W. Magnolia an interview is required for accep- 2329 Purdue Ave. tance. Los Angeles, 90064 help his students in the audition. games, improvisation exercises, Burbank, CA 91505 monologues, and cold reading [email protected] www.berlandcasting.com WYNN MARLOW ACTORS (310) 775-6608 TIM PHILLIPS STUDIO-L.A. on-camera to record progress. Work- www.weistbarronhillacting.com Berland teaches an on-camera 2124 S. Redondo Blvd. shops include professional guest (818) 846-5595 WORKSHOP technique workshop designed to Los Angeles, CA 90016 speakers and a professional show- All levels; Auditing is permitted (310) 470-7973 enable talent to give the small com- [email protected] case. Offers an array of on-camera classes, Private coaching available; All levels mercial space multiple dimensions www.timphillipsstudio.com but the centerpiece is the ten session Marlow offers scene study and cold and reveal depth and layers of their (310) 772-8262 WALLACE AUDITION TECHNIQUE commercial TV workshop. They use reading classes based on the “12 personality in less than 30 seconds. Private coaching sessions available; Castaway Studios their own cold reading technique, Guideposts” in Michael Shurtleff’s She says, “through becoming famil- Interview and referral required for all [email protected] devised over the years. “Audition.” She teaches actors how to iar with how to utilize space, beats, classes; Ongoing and by sessions www.wallaceauditiontechnique.com produce the truest, fullest, and most and moments, talent will then have Phillips currently has three ongoing (323) 960-7852 WENDY HAINES IGNITE YOUR compelling work. control of their audition and be able audition classes, monthly lectures, Eight students max per class; All lev- CAREER WORKSHOPS to apply who they are and how they and a quarterly scene study class els; Auditing on a case by case basis; [email protected] feel to any given situation. The end with an invited presentation at the Classes run in six week cycles www.wendyhaines.com AUDITION result will be a performance that end. Wallace teaches a technique which (310) 395-3246 is connected and involved in the he says “ensures confidence and Private coaching available TECHNIQUE/ scene, as opposed to a sell.” Berland TOM TODOROFF STUDIO consistency in high-pressure audition Haines developed a system to master COLD READING is a Cleo Award-winning casting at the Magicopolis Theatre situations,” and allows actors to “con- the “inner game” of succeeding as director who has been casting com- 1418 Fourth St. vey their distinctive energy, own the an actor. “Discover what holds you THE CASTING PLAYHOUSE mercials for more than 20 years, Santa Monica, CA 90401 room, and book the job.” back, effectively move beyond what Raleigh Studios co-author of the book “Breaking Into [email protected] keeps you stuck, and set goals to 650 N. Bronson Ave. Commercials,” and called on nation- www.tomtodoroff.com DERYN WARREN achieve what you want.” Los Angeles, CA 90004 ally to teach commercial acting. In (310) 428-3388 [email protected] [email protected] L.A., she offers a six-week on-camera “Are you ready to change your life?” www.derynwarren.com CARYN WEST www.thecastingplayhouse.com workshop. asks Tom Todoroff. Todoroff believes (323) 936-0195 Caryn’s Space for Actors (310) 922-6821 his actor training will put you on track 15 maximum; private coaching 7506 Lexington Ave. 14 students max.; private coaching THEATRE GROUP STUDIO and provide you with a personal- available; intermediate, advanced West Hollywood, CA 90046 available; All levels; Auditing is permit- Lorinne Vozoff, artistic director ized road map to reach your highest and professional only; auditing not [email protected] ted; Ongoing 2653 S. Robertson Blvd. potential. Actors work on scenes, permitted www.carynwest.com Created by CD Jason Buyer,The Cast- Los Angeles, CA 90034 monologues, audition pieces, cold Warren, a film director-writer-actor, (323) 876-0394 ing Playhouse offers kids, teens, and [email protected] reading, and on-camera technique. offers ongoing classes in audition 8-14 students per class; private adults group and private audition www.theatregroupstudio.com Also has NY studio. and film technique. “I teach how to coaching available; Intermediate, technique classes,all on camera with (310) 839-9771 risk, how to rise above the crowd, and advanced, or professional; Auditing honest and direct feedback. All levels TONY TORRISI’S ACTING how to make exciting choices. I have is permitted; Classes in late Jan.-May, Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study Theatre Group Studio Los Angeles WORKSHOP directors and casting directors calling late Aug., and early Sept. Audition teaches Method acting using the (310) 569-1439 me to cast my students because they intensives offered year round; Work JAMES HARPER technique of objective, problem, and Small class sizes; private coach- are so good. My book, called ‘How study is sometimes permitted [email protected] action, along with the “inner creative ing available; Auditing is permitted; to Make Your Audience Fall in Love Class emphasis is on preparation, in- (818) 749-4678 state,” “super objective,” and “core” as Ongoing With You,’ came out last year. Check depth script analysis, understanding Currently; private classes only; All lev- defined by Stanislavsky. A 35-year acting veteran, he now out my website DerynWarren.com. different theater and camera genres, els; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing teaches classes covering cold read- Among others, my class is recom- goal setting, professionalism, cre- A Juilliard grad, award-winning actor/ THEATRE OF ARTS ing, improvisation, scene work, and mended by the head of HBO casting. ative risk-taking, the essential uses of producer, and casting associate, he El Capitan Bldg. camera technique, for “a well-round- She said, ‘I wish every person who breath, and the “freedom to play.” has coached privately, as well as 6834 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 500 ed approach.” auditioned for me had read [Deryn’s] taught at universities and colleges. Hollywood, CA 90028 book first.’ “ An article in the L.A. Times WILLIAM ALDERSON STUDIO Harper specializes in audition coach- www.toa.edu THE TOTAL WORKSHOP on the class said, “Her comments 1103 N. El Centro Ave. ing and ongoing once the job is 323-463-2500, Fax: 323-463-2645 FOR ACTING, CREATED BY are dead-eye accurate.” The small Hollywood, CA 90038 secured. Class size varies; an application and MICHAEL SAVAGE classes include script analysis, improv www.aldersonstudio.com Other: Acting Technique/Scene interview are required for entry into [email protected] and cold readings, “So you work three (323) 466-0799 Study; On-Camera Technique the program www.thetotalworkshopforacting.com times a night,” she says. She currently 16 students max.; private coaching

A18 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A18 6/14/10 5:51 PM SPOTLIGHT ON THE ACTORS SANCTUARY FILM/TV/STAGE

DAVID LEHMAN Calif. Steve is a veteran working actor and actors who complete two Julia Huffman, teacher and director himself. His scene with George Cloo- 14-week sessions become eligible for 1819 W. Verdugo ney and Anna Kendrick from Jason promotion into the A2, The Antaeus Burbank, CA Reitman’s “Up in the Air” appeared Academy Company of upcom- [email protected] on the 2010 ing professional actors. All actors www.filmactingcoach.com broadcast twice. He has also had participating in Academy Programs (818) 845-1549 lead roles in such noteworthy films are eligible for casting in Antaeus 12 people maximum; All levels; Free as “Field of Dreams,” “Con Air,” “Catch Company readings, workshops, and audit available; Ongoing Me If You Can,” “The Black Dahlia” productions. Admission by audition After studying with David for eight and “Matchstick Men,” to name just a only; looking for actors with classical David Hall – Actor, Director, Writer years, Julia Huffman is now the stu- few. His recent guest-star TV appear- training and experience, but will con- SCENE STUDY dio director and teacher of David ances include “Dexter,” “Cold Case,” sider beginners with strong potential. Lehman’s Studio. Classes cover cold “NCIS,” and a recurring role on “Gilm- Tuitions vary. MONOLOGUE reading and on camera memorized ore Girls.” Eastin teaches all classes. COLD-READING scenes. They are on camera with playback MARTIN JAGO Mary McGregor AUDITION TECHNIQUE Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study offered every fourth class. DVDs are Los Angeles, CA available for student use. Each stu- www.martinjago.net Actress MARCI LIROFF’S AUDITION dent works every class and all scene (626) 379-0205 Singer ALL LEVELS • WORK EACH CLASS • FREE AUDIT BOOTCAMP material is provided by the studio. All levels; Classes by appt. only Teacher Reasonable Rates • Private Coaching Available [email protected] Casting director workshops are Jago’s special emphasis is on classi- “Training That Leads To Work” www.marciliroff.com offered in association with producer cal theater, focusing on Shakespeare. Teach Elise Hodge. A free audit is offered. A He also teaches contemporary on- can... 818-784-5434 who Visit: www.theactorssanctuary.com Small class size; private coaching unique approach to acting is taught camera technique, cold-reading, hose available via Skype; for working that eschews all “methods.” Tuition is scene prep, improvisation, and more, T Contact: [email protected] professionals, not for beginners; by $195 per month. combining a range of approaches 818-762-0309 (818) 506-6194 session Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study from the works of a wide array of the- Casting director Marci Liroff has a ater and film practitioners. passion for teaching as well as cast- Other: Acting Technique/Scene ing. From “Blade Runner” and “ET” to BUSINESS OF ACTING Study; Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduc- “Mean Girls” and “Freaky Friday,” from tion; On-Camera Technique; Audition Technique/Cold Reading In How to Make Your Audience Fall in LOVE with “Indiana Jones and the Temple of PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACHING Doom” and “Footloose” to “Ghosts of Morgana Rae You, you’ll fi nd out how to go beyond the obvious Girlfriends Past,” Liroff has long been www.charmedlifecoaching.net JENIFER PARKER - and unleash your most exciting self in every role. one of the busiest casting directors NO FEARE SHAKESPEARE (310) 704-9566 From Shakespeare to in Hollywood. Having worked for Morgana Rae is a certified master [email protected] over 30 years with the industry’s top results coach, published author, and (626) 660-8818 soap operas, veteran acting producers, directors and actors, her seminar leader with over 10 years Private coaching only; All levels; Audit- coach Deryn Warren helps you extensive knowledge of the casting experience helping entertainment ing is not permitted; Ongoing make the best of any script. process is invaluable for anyone look- professionals leverage their strengths 20-plus years experience providing ing to make the most of their audition and thrive in the business. She co- a solid technical foundation for con- Deryn Warren opportunities. Liroff offers three-night leads workshops with transition temporary actors to gain confidence intensive courses in Los Angeles to coach and talent manager Heather handling Shakespeare and other learn how to “nail it.” Hers is a hone- Rem titled “Take Command of Your period plays. Expert Advice on Acting Technique, “I wish every actor who auditioned and-tone course, not a fundamental Career: Mastering the Inner and Script Analysis, and Taking Risks— for me had read this book fi rst.” skills class, and is aimed at working KATE GEER’S SHAKESPEARE Outer Game for Success in the Enter- Includes a Special Section by — CARRIE FRAZIER professionals not those with limited tainment Industry.” SURVIVAL SCHOOL Head of HBO Films Casting audition experience. The course pro- Kate Geer Michael Shurtleff, author of AUDITION vides a clear perspective on the busi- [email protected] ness of acting and explores audition (310) 455-4295 CLASSES: Perfect your acting and audition technique techniques, audition etiquette, online CLASSICAL Limited enrollment; private coaching and rise above the crowd. opportunities, and covers the do’s available and don’ts of auditioning from the A NOISE WITHIN The purpose of Geer’s class is to Call Deryn at 323-936-0195. Go to DerynWarren.com points of view of directors, producers, 234 S. Brand Blvd. give each actor a solid base in for more info on classes or to preview the book. studio executives and casting direc- Glendale, CA 91204 the classics. Geer believes after an tors. [email protected] actor conquers the classics “the rest Other: Business of Acting www.anoisewithin.org is easy.” Students of all levels work (818) 240-0910, ext. 5 together in the same environment MELISSA SKOFF 5-20 students per class; private using an integration of approaches. www.melissaskoff.com coaching available; All levels, includ- Basic scansion, text analysis, verse, (818) 760-2058 ing children; Working audits are and prose are taught to lay a solid Small classes; specializes in private pernitted; Ongoing; Acting and pro- technical foundation for the actor. coaching; Advanced and profes- duction internships offered in fall and Students expand and perfect audi- sional; An audition is required spring tion material, polish the fine points This is THE class! Casting director Skoff teaches cold A Noise Within is one of only a hand- of speech and delivery technique, reading and audition technique ful of theaters in North America and work on more intricate scenes classes for working and advanced that maintain a resident company from Shakespeare as well as other actors. She has cast more than 100 performing in rotating repertory on a classic literature. Actors are encour- This is it. feature films, MOWs, pilots, and series. year-round basis, and offers an act- aged and welcome to use the class In 2001 she was named among Hol- ing conservatory, and internships. to develop contemporary audition Erika Christensen - Traffic, Upside of Anger, Swimfan lywood’s Top 20 TV Casting Directors monologues. Each actor is treated by Ross Reports. Her experience cov- THE ANTAEUS ACADEMY on an individual basis according ers drama and comedy, including 5114 Lankershim Ave. to their own needs and interests. the actingcenter sketch comedy. There is an emphasis North Hollywood, CA 91601 Classes are located at the Carousel the new school for actors theactingcenterla.com Call (323)962-2100 on improvisation in the class, and she [email protected] Stage, Topanga, CA. Geer has exten- has worked with many well-known www.antaeus.org sive list of theatrical credits, including comics. Skoff has been a casting (818) 506-5436, Fax: (818) 506-5479 roles in repertory with A.C.T., A.P.A., executive at Warner Bros. and Fox 26-28 students per class; Intermedi- Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and Broadcasting, as well as casting ate to advanced; Auditing is permit- the Los Angeles Theatre Center. She is independently. Skoff has a keen eye ted; Classical Styles meets in Fall and currently active in television and film for talent and has cast such stars as Spring; Shakespeare Workout is ongo- and has worked with such notables ® Jennifer Aniston, David Spade, Lauren ing; Limited workstudy internships as Eve Le Gallienne, Ellis Rabb, William Lisa Popeil’s Voiceworks Graham, Harry Hamlin, , available Ball, Jules Irving, and John House- Vince Vaughn, and The Antaeus Academy offers man. Geer is a founding member of # AUDITION PREP early in their careers. Skoff creates advanced training in the classics to Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. # a positive environment that encour- actors ages 18-35. A project of The She has been a teacher and a direc- ACCOMPANIMENT CDS ages actors to challenge their skills Antaeus Company, L.A.’s Classical tor of classical and contemporary # IGITAL ECORDING and make exciting choices. Industry Theater Ensemble, the Academy acting for many years. D R professionals visit and work with the trains actors in classical styles in a # ALL STYLES –ALL LEVELS class. Skoff holds a B.A. in theater series of 12-14 week scene study THEATRICUM from UCLA. Classes are purchased by workshops. Classes meet weekly and BOTANICUM ACADEMY “LA’s Top the month. DISclaimer: No guarantee LISA POPEIL are moderated by a rotating group OF THE CLASSICS Voice Expert” 818-906-7229 of employment of Antaeus Company members, Ellen Geer, artistic director MFA in Voice www.popeil.com Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study directors, and acting teachers. Mod- 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd. erators have included: Andy Robin- Topanga, CA 90290 STEVE EASTIN STUDIO son, Daniel Sullivan, Dakin Matthews, [email protected] 10107 Camarillo St. Alfred Molina, Annette Bening, Grego- www.theatricum.com Toluca Lake, CA 91602 ry Itzin, Stephanie Shroyer, Tom Moore, (310) 455-2322, ext. 222, Fax: (310) [email protected] Olympia Dukakis, Brendon Fox, Jona- 455-3724 www.eastinstudio.com than Lynn, Art Manke, Sabin Epstein, 10-16 students per class; All levels (818) 980-9828 Jessica Kubzansky, Jeffrey Nordling, welcome in most classes; Ellen Geer’s Private coaching available; Free Andrew Barnicle, and Kate Burton, master class is limited to profes- audit provided among others. Antaeus Artistic Direc- sional actors and directors, audition Eastin offers one of L.A.’s most tor Jeanie Hackett hosts most ses- required; Auditing is not permitted; respected ongoing acting work- sions. Each workshop culminates in a Ongoing; Internships available as shops at his studio in Toluca Lake, scene presentation for invited guests, Continued on page A20— BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A19

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A19 6/14/10 5:51 PM 800 S. College Dr. entertainmentstudies SPOTLIGHT ON Santa Maria, CA 93454-6399 (310) 825-9064 [email protected] This program offers a diverse and www.pcpa.org comprehensive acting curriculum (805) 928-7731, Fax: (805) 928-7506 taught by industry professionals. 12-18 per class; admission by audi- Courses cover all aspects of the tion; All levels; Auditing by permission business, from handling weaponry —continued from page A19 Donovan teaches a three-week com- AMERICAN CONSERVATORY only; By sessions; EMC Program onstage to managing a career. well as a limited number of profes- mercial technique class. Classes are Each year, 30 students train as THEATER members of the professional equity sional training packages taught on-camera. 30 Grant Ave., 6th fl. company and also graduate with This summer repertory company and San Francisco, CA 94108 approximately 76 units of lower-divi- 300-seat outdoor amphitheater in ORANGE COUNTY [email protected] IMPROV AND sion drama credits. the Santa Monica Mountains is also COMMERCIAL ACTING www.actactortraining.org COMEDY home to a professional theater train- (415) 439-2350 WORKSHOP PROMENADE PLAYHOUSE AND ing program that was launched more Rod Michaelson Class size varies; All levels; Auditing ACME COMEDY THEATRE than 30 years ago by actor-director www.occaw.com not permitted; Ongoing; Some finan- CONSERVATORY 1404 Third St. Promenade 135 N. La Brea Ellen Geer. For adults, offerings (714) 832-1895 cial aid available Santa Monica, CA 90401 Los Angeles, CA 90036 include a five-week, 90-hour summer Private coaching is also available; A leader in actor training accord- [email protected] [email protected] Intensive Shakespeare Seminar; a audits are allowed ing to U.S. News & World Report, the www.promenadeplayhouse.com www.acmecomedy.com four-weekend, 65-hour winter Intensive Ron Michaelson, the “Ditech Guy” ACT Conservatory trains actors of all (310) 656-8070, Fax: (310) 656-8069 (323) 525-0233 or Shakespeare Seminar; spring and and a working actor for more than ages and levels. Its Master of Fine Arts 10-15 students per class; private (323) 525-0202 ext. 525 summer eight-week Shakespeare 20 years, teaches beginning and program is for those choosing acting coaching available; All levels; Audit- 20 students max per class; All levels, scene study and monologue work- advanced on-camera commercial as a profession. This highly selective ing is permitted; Four quarters a year some classes require an audition; shops; a winter eight-week master classes. His school, based in Tustin, program offers a three-year course with customized programs available Auditing with permission class in classical theater (taught by also offers an improv class, a cold of training designed to educate and monthly; Workstudy program avail- ACME offers improv, sketch, and Ellen Geer); a variety of technique reading technique class, and a stimulate the most creative, promising able stand-up classes for all levels, includ- workshops (improvisation, fencing, scene study sitcom class. actors, selected through nationwide ing improv and sketch fundamentals, Alexander Technique, rhetoric, text auditions. Additionally, the Summer The Promenade Conservatory, an accredited acting school, offers as well as advanced classes. Sketch analysis, period movement, voice, SANDRA MERRILL Training Congress, for students ages comedy writing is also available. and speech), as well as an Equity- 19 and older, consists of one eight- professional Training within a two COMMERCIAL CLASS or three year degree program, an candidacy Acting Internship Program. www.sandramerrill.com week intensive and one two-week ACTORS IMPROV STUDIO Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study classical studies course, ending in a International Program for foreign stu- (323) 662-7720 dents with F-1 Visa available, as well 10707 Magnolia Blvd. A former casting director and talent class presentation for fellow students, North Hollywood, CA 91601 conservatory faculty, and staff. Studio as a part time program. Since 1995, agent, Merrill teaches on-camera Founder and Artistic Director, Natalia [email protected] COMMERCIALS/ commercial classes and offers an ACT is the company’s part-time eve- www.actorsimprovstudio.com ning and weekend acting program Lazarus has been at the helm of the insider’s perspective into the cast- Conservatory, which includes an (818) 790-3413 VOICEOVER ing process and successful audition designed to provide affordable and 16 students max per class; All levels; A convenient classes for beginning Equity approved theatre, renowned techniques. 3rd Street Comedy & The Promenade free audit is permitted; Ongoing CAROLYNE BARRY’S through professional-level adult stu- Bill Applebaum, founder of Actors COMMERCIAL, IMPROV, AND dents. ACT’s Young Conservatory for Players Theatre Company. Ms. Lazarus STUART STONE CASTING also extends her expertise as a celeb- Improv Studio, offers ongoing improv ACTING WORKSHOPS www.commercialacting.info ages 8-19 offers classes in acting, workshops that help actors and writ- musical theatre, voice, speech, audi- rity and international coach privately www.carolynebarry.com (323) 866-1811 and on sets. Advisory board mem- ers become more creative, spontane- (323) 654-2212 Call for interview, wait list available tion, improv, movement, and more. All ous, and relaxed. instructors are working professionals. bers include premier actors and top Interview is required A casting director for commercials, industry professionals, including Alfred In her 30-plus years in the business, voiceovers, film, print, and television, ACT is accredited by the Accrediting BANG COMEDY THEATRE Commission for Senior Colleges and Molina, Ken Jeong, Mark Measures, Barry has been an audition teacher, Stuart Stone has created a com- head of the Commercials, On Cam- 457 N. Fairfax Ave. appeared in more than 400 national mercials workshop to teach actors Universities of the Western Association Los Angeles, CA 90036 of Schools and Colleges. era & Voice Division at the Agency TV commercials, cast hundreds more, how to audition for the audition and Abrams Artists, and Syd Field, known [email protected] published tape programs for actors excel in booking jobs, with a variety of www.bangstudio.com CALARTS SCHOOL OF THEATER by CNN as “the guru of screenwriting.” on the market, and directed an Off- techniques designed to help forward The PC is located in the Santa Moni- (323) 653-6886 Broadway musical. Barry’s programs your career through your auditions. 24700 McBean Parkway 14 students max; Auditing available; Valencia, CA 91355-2340 ca business district, just minutes from offer commercial, improv, and acting He is the author of “Acting Out: Your the beach and is one of the leading By semester workshops. Personal Coach to a Money-Making www.calarts.edu and L.A.’s oldest home of long-form improv, http://theatercalarts.com/home schools in Achieving Excellence in Career in Television Commercials.” His Film, Television & Theatre. The Conser- Bang is known for bringing truth to JEFF GERRARD CASTING workshop is an intensive taught over (661) 253-7853 actors’ comedy and its classes take 8-15 per class; Auditing by special vatory helps actors with customized INTENSIVE FOUR-WEEK four weeks, one class per week, and is programs through Meisner, Adler, students from basics through com- COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP designed to help students learn what permission only plex character work and long-form The Cal Arts School of Theater is one Strasberg, On Camera, Screenwrit- www.jeffgerrard.com advertisers and directors are looking ing, Creating The One Person Show improvisation in just over a year. (818) 782-9900 for, how to get callbacks and turn of the nation’s leading professional training programs with an environ- Techniques and The Creative Keys To 10 students maximum, private theatri- the callbacks into bookings, find the Success. BARB & STEVE NORTH’S COMEDY cal coaching also available inside understanding of what makes ment designed to support the cre- WORKSHOP ation of new work and original inter- Jeff Gerrard Casting has been offer- a successful working commercial www.funnycoach.com pretation. Productions and class work THE RUSKIN SCHOOL OF ACTING ing this commercial intensive class for actor, and more. (818) 347-5098 complement each other, challenging 3021 Airport Ave., Studio 113 over 25 years. The four-week workshop Steve North (“the Comedy Coach”) students to redefine performance on Santa Monica, CA 90405 is offered four times a year and cov- and his wife Barb’s Comedy Work- the basis of an appreciation for the- [email protected] ers the business and technical side of shops offer a complete comedy CONSERVATORY/ ater traditions. www.ruskinschool.com commercial acting, including specific (310) 390-4212, Fax: (310) 397-4920 development environment from kinds of commercial demands: eat- UNIVERSITY beginner to professional, including EAST WEST PLAYERS ACTORS Varies; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing ing, singing, m.o.s., props, cue cards, Two-year course of study in the Mei- private lessons and three levels of dialogue-driven spots, and improvisa- ACADEMY OF ART CONSERVATORY sner technique, as well as a master workshop/performing groups. The Marilyn Tokuda tions with fellow actors. UNIVERSITY class for those who have previously workshops focus on the North’s 120 N. Judge John Aiso St. Acting School completed the two-year program. “comedic character” method of Los Angeles, CA 90012 KILLIAN’S COMMERCIAL 79 New Montgomery St., 4th Floor Guest teachers have included Sir training performers to be comedians [email protected] WORKSHOP San Francisco, CA 94105-3410 Anthony Hopkins, Dylan McDermott, rather than comics, students regularly www.eastwestplayers.org Killian McHugh www.academyart.edu/ep/acting- and Carol Burnett. perform in the “Beyond Standup” [email protected] school/index.html (213) 625-7000, ext. 15 show, 8-12 students per class; All levels; www.killiansworkshop.com (800) 544-2787 STELLA ADLER ACADEMY OF (323) 645-6296 Founded by artists for artists, the Auditing permitted with permission ANNE BEATTS of the instructor; Ongoing; Limited ACTING - LOS ANGELES 12-15 students per class; All levels; Academy of Art University offers A Studio for Actors [email protected] Auditing not permitted; Sessions year expanded and accredited A.A., BFA, amount of full and work study schol- http://modernmirth.com/anne/ arships available 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd fl. round and MFA programs, with classes that Hollywood, CA 90028 annebeatts.html Killian’s workshops are designed to assume a love and dedication to the The nation’s premier Asian Pacific (310) 273-1637 American theater offers comprehen- [email protected] empower the actor and take the acting craft. All classes are taught in www.stellaadler-la.com Beatts, the Emmy-winning original guessing out of the audition process. world-class facilities with top industry sive, year-round conservatory classes “Saturday Night Live” writer, teaches for emerging and professional art- (323) 465-4446, Fax: (323) 469-6049 His technique puts the actor in con- professionals. 10-14 students per class; All levels; sketch comedy writing-performing in trol and provides the knowledge and ists. East West Players is dedicated to a course that culminates in a perfor- providing a safe space where people Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Work confidence needed to book the job. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF study available mance for an invited audience in a Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study DRAMATIC ARTS - LA can learn at their own pace, take recognized comedy venue. risks, and experiment without distrac- Founded by one of the world’s most 1336 N. La Brea Ave. tions. respected acting teachers, the Stella MEGAN FOLEY CASTING Los Angeles, CA 90028 Adler Studio offers a two-year conser- BOBBIE OLIVER - STANDUP 13425 Ventura Blvd. [email protected] ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL vatory program and individual class- ACADEMY Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 www.aada.org es. With six terms each year, classes Bobbie Oliver [email protected] (800) 222-2867, Fax: (323) 464-1128 OF THE ARTS include: acting technique, film/stage Ice House Comedy Club Main Room 1010 N. Main St. www.meganfoleycasting.com 12-25 students per class; All levels; scene study, script analysis, theater 24 N. Mentor Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92701 (818) 216-9350 Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing to film audition technique, styles of Pasadena, CA [email protected] 10-12; All levels; Auditing for the ongo- The oldest acting school in the acting, voice, movement, improvisa- [email protected] www.ocsarts.net ing class only; Year round; Work study English-speaking world, the Academy tion, Shakespeare, Chekhov, stage www.standupacademy.net (714) 560-0900, Fax: (714) 664-0463 program available was founded in 1884 on the East combat, dance, dialects, accent (323) 697-8287 20-30; Must have min. 2.0 GPA; Audit- Megan and Chuck Marra offer a Coast to train actors in the basics reduction, and commercial skills, all 12 students per class; private lessons ing not permitted; Aug.-June with sum- weekly class as well as their famous of their craft, and the Los Angeles culminating in a play/film production. available; All levels; Auditing is permit- mer, weekend, and evening classes one-day commercial intensives for branch, founded in 1974, continues Ongoing professional class instructors ted; Four sessions per year available; Varies by conservatory adults and for kids. They also offer the tradition with its two-year conser- include Benicio Del Toro, Holland Tay- Comedian Bobbie Oliver teaches Nationally recognized as a premier online mentoring and coaching. vatory program, culminating in an lor, Mark Ruffalo, Kate Mulgrew, and three ongoing standup comedy arts school, OCHSA encourages artis- Associate of Arts degree in acting. Anthony Zerbe. classes in eight-week sessions. Class MICHAEL DONOVAN CASTING Areas covered in the conserva- tic creativity and academic excel- ends with a graduation show in the lence while providing students with COMMERCIAL CLASS tory program are acting, voice and UCLA EXTENSION DEPARTMENT main room. www.michaeldonovancasting.com speech, movement, theater history a environment focused on individual growth, opportunity, and diversity. OF ENTERTAINMENT STUDIES AND (323) 655-9020 and styles, fencing, makeup, musical PERFORMING ARTS TERRY BOLO Small class size, private coaching theater, and Shakespeare, among entertainmentstudies@uclaextension (323) 650-5968 available others. PACIFIC CONSERVATORY OF THE Small class size PERFORMING ARTS .edu Busy film, television, theater, and com- Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study www.uclaextension.edu/ Bolo, an original founding member of mercial casting director Michael at Allan Hancock College A20 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A20 6/14/10 5:51 PM the Groundlings, teaches a half-day HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY crash course in improv, familiarizing WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT ON people with the rules and structure. Helaine Lembeck, Artistic Director [email protected] THE COMEDY ACADEMY www.harveylembeckcomedywork- Craig Anton shop.com [email protected] (310) 271-2831 www.thecomedyacademy.com Private coaching available; Begin- Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Work 10-16 students per class; Advanced (310) 413-6633 ning, intermediate and advanced; JUDY CARTER’S STAND-UP study/internships available to professional; Auditing not permit- Limited class size; private coaching Audits by arrangement only COMEDY WORKSHOPS Classes in improvisation and sketch ted; By sessions; Work study available available; All levels Emmy-winning director Michael Lem- [email protected] comedy for actors of all ages. Called Day One: The hidden tools and Comedy Academy emphasis is on beck and his sister Helaine Lembeck www.comedyworkshops.com the “Ivy League of Comedy,” the techniques of comedy are explored comedy scene study. Classes show took over these comedy classes 27 (310) 915-0555 Second City has trained many of the through exercises, improv, and theater actors how to bring more of them- years ago, 19 years after the late Har- Carter, author of the book “The Com- country’s leading comedy actors, games. Day Two: You apply the tools selves to each role and how to dig vey Lembeck began the workshop. edy Bible,” teaches how to transform writers, and directors. to text - TV, theatre and film. out and discover the funny. The workshop offers classes aimed at life experiences into a standup Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study the trained working actor wanting to comedy act, a one-person show, or a TIM SIMEK specialize in comedy. Workshops are sitcom script and offers three levels of [email protected] ON-CAMERA COMEDYSPORTZ LOS ANGELES designed to teach the actor how to standup classes. www.slowchildrenimprov.com 733 N. Seward St. play comedy legitimately in a scene, (818) 410-7529 TECHNIQUE Los Angeles, CA 90038 using improv as a tool to enhance L.A. CONNECTION COMEDY 10-12 max.; private coaching; All lev- [email protected] comedic skills for sitcoms, TV, and film. els; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; CHAD McCORD ACTORS STUDIO www.comedysportzla.com Students participate onstage three or PRODUCTIONS Kent Skov, artistic director Occasionally will have interns help at 717 N. Highland Ave., Ste. 24 (323) 871-1193, Fax: (323) 871-1192 four times each night. Critiques are 13442 Ventura Boulevard improv shows Los Angeles, CA 90038 10-20 students per class; All levels; by tinstructors only. Former students Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Founder/director of the comedy [email protected] Auditing is permitted in the beginner include Robin Williams, Penny Mar- [email protected] improv group, Slow...Children at Play, www.chadmccord.com class; Four to eight week workshops shall, John Ritter, Kim Cattrall, Bryan www.laconnectioncomedy.com Simek offers ongoing improv and (323) 868-9225 or (323) 939-7339 throughout the year; Internships avail- Cranston, John Larroquette, Jenna (818) 710-1320 scene study classes, including char- 10 students max per class; All levels; able Elfman, Ted McGinley, Marilu Henner, All levels acter development and audition also youth class for ages 13-18; Audit- This approach to improvisation orga- Mary Kay Place, Lenny Clark, Alan L.A.’s longest-running improv com- techniques. ing not permitted; must do consulta- nizes teams of performers in athletic- Rachins, Scott Baio, David Leisure, pany offers performance training and Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study tion before enrolling; Ongoing style competition. L.A.’s own 21-plus- Sally Kirkland, and Sharon Stone. an adult improv repertory company Chad McCord offers weekly classes years professional team offers improv Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study that allows members to perform STEVE KAPLAN’S COMEDY specializing in script analysis, organic workshops, plus a Sunday team that before a live audience on a weekly INTENSIVE preparation and audition technique. performs for the public. IMPRO THEATRE basis. [email protected] All classes are on-camera, using cur- 1727 N. Vermont, Ste. 211 www.kaplancomedy.com rent , film, and TV material only. THE EMPTY STAGE Los Feliz, CA 90027 MERILYN CARNEY: (818) 718-7570 IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY [email protected] Continued on page A22— IMPROVISATION AND COLD THEATRE www.improtheatre.com [email protected] (323) 401-6162 READING/CLASSES AND PRIVATE www.emptystage.com 15 students per class; Non-actors to COACHING (310) 470-3560 professional; Auditing not permitted; [email protected] All levels; One-time registration fee Ongoing and workshops; Internships www.merilyncarney.com “Stop acting. required programs available (323) 620-1689 Offers basic and intermediate improv The Impro Theatre School teaches Eight to 12 students per class; All Start living the classes as well as drop-in advanced the skills necessary to improvise full- levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing classes. There are weekend perfor- length plays. They focus on truth in every Wednesday afternoon; Scholar- life of the person.” mances as well as sketch shows on the moment and allow comedy to ship program available Carney teaches actors how to trust Thu. at 8 p.m., featuring members of arise out of that. –MARGIE HABER the improv classes. themselves in auditions and how IMPROV COMEDY WAY WITH to give a full performance in a cold THE GAY MAFIA IMPROV ANDY GOLDBERG reading using improvisational tech- niques to set the actor free. COMEDY WORKSHOP Andy Goldberg [email protected] Avery Schreiber Theatre Brad Pitt www.thegaymafia.net, 11050 Magnolia Blvd. JODI MILLER (323) 525-0202 www.mikeplayer.net North Hollywood, CA 91601 Miller offers a standup course sepa- 10-12 students per class; All levels; www.offthewallcomedy.net rate from the curriculum at the ACME Halle Berry Auditing is permitted; Work study is (310) 283-4027 that consists of group classes, private available Private coaching available; Ongoing lessons, and a final performance, This workshop is led by Mike Player, Goldberg, author of “Improv Comedy,” Vince Vaughan after which the student receives a director and head writer for the has been teaching for more than 20 DVD. improv/sketch comedy troupe The years. His classes emphasize charac- Gay Mafia and a graduate of the ter development through exercises, Mariska Hargitay Warner Bros. comedy writers’ work- games, and scene work. MUSICAL IMPROV WITH shop. MICHAEL POLLOCK Haaz Sleiman IO WEST www.michaelpollock.com THE GROUNDLINGS SCHOOL 6336 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 466-1714 7307 Melrose Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028 Pollock is the author of “Musical 971 N. La Cienega Blvd. #207 Los Angeles, CA [email protected] Improv Comedy: Creating Songs in [email protected] http://west.ioimprov.com/ the Moment” book and CD, now in LA, CA 90069 www.groundlings.com (323) 962-7560 use at the Second City Training Cen- (323) 934-4747 Born in Chicago 25 years ago, IO is ters. He is music director of Second 310-854-0870 Small class sizes; All levels; Auditing best known for its long-form improvi- City Los Angeles and teaches musi- not permitted but auditions are run sation, including the signature form cal improv classes. www.margiehaber.com like the first day of a class and are “The Harold” (and for its alumni: Mike free; Sessions every six weeks through- Myers, Andy Dick, Tina Fey, Chris Farley, PAUL RYAN’S TV HOSTING & out the year and Andy Richter, to name a few). IO COMEDY STUDIO This 30-year-old sketch comedy insti- West offers six levels of improvisation 4645 Van Nuys Blvd. Ste. 202 AQUILA MORONG tution, home of the famous Ground- classes and three levels of writing Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 lings performing troupe, offers improvi- classes. Additional workshops include [email protected] STUDIO FOR ACTORS sation classes taught by Groundlings sitcom writing, musical improv, and www.paulryanproductions.com and alumni in a safe, structured, and audition workshops. Stage time is (818) 788-2190, Fax: (818) 788-0706 supportive atmosphere. Students guaranteed with showcase and per- 8 students per intensive; private DEB AQUILA and DONNA MORONG with previous acting or improv experi- formance opportunities in the improv coaching available; All levels; Audit- ence are recommended to audition and writing classes. New classes ing is not permitted; Ongoing; Pos- offer classes: for Basic, the first level of the core begin every eight weeks. sible work study available program which teaches the funda- Intensive takes place the last Sun- mentals of the Groundlings’s world- JACQUIE LOWELL’S day of the month, as well as private SCRIPT INTERPRETATION renowned form of improv. Extension IMPROVISATION CLASSES coaching for auditions and on-set. workshops for beginners are also [email protected] Paul is the author of “The Art of Com- MASTER SCENE STUDY offered that do not require an audi- www.jacquielowell.com edy: Getting Serious about Being tion. Sessions begin every six weeks; (858) 581-0050 Funny” published by Random House. MEISNER TECHNIQUE I & II specific registration dates are avail- Lowell has taught improv in San able on the website or by phone. Diego for the last 30 years and has SANDI C. SHORE’S STAND UP AUDITION TECHNIQUE performed with and directed several COMEDY WORKSHOP H2F COMEDY WORKSHOPS improvisational comedy performing [email protected] SUMMER TEEN INTENSIVE Barbara Holliday and Dave Reinitz troupes. She teaches creativity work- www.sandishore.com 3406 W. Burbank Blvd. shops for business and education. Shore offers four- and eight-week ses- We are a process oriented studio for actors who wish to Burbank, CA 91505 sions. A textbook is required: “Sandi www.comedycasting.com JUDY BROWN’S STAND-UP Shore’s Secret to Standup Success.” improve their craft. Emphasis is placed on preparation (818)845-9721 COMEDY WORKSHOP Workshops are held at the Comedy and doing the work needed to bring the character to All levels; no auditing permitted Santa Monica, Store at 916 Pearl St., La Jolla. (858) life. For a complete list of our classes and to learn more The H2F Comedy Workshops promote [email protected] 454-9176. stand-up comedy as an art form, (310) 663-7019 about our teachers please go to: incorporating raw talent with tech- One-on-one, intensive coaching; All THE SECOND CITY TRAINING nique. Classes focus on joke structure levels; Ongoing CENTER www.aquilamorongstudio.com and building the basics of riffing, tag- Brown helps students turn their natu- 6560 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd floor ging, joke writing, creating charcater, ral sense of humor into a professional Hollywood, CA FOR INQUIRIES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION: finding a voice, improv, sketch, and comedy act. Along the way, she says, [email protected] working the crowd. they’ll learn comedy timing, delivery, www.secondcity.com/hollywood [email protected] and joke writing, and graduate with a (323) 464-8542, Fax: (323) 464-1861 comedy monologue. 16 students max. per class; All levels; 1680 Vine St #303, Hollywood CA 90028

BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A21

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A21 6/14/10 5:51 PM to hand combat (including rolls, falls, Williams has been producing com- SPOTLIGHT ON and throws), broadsword, quarterstaff, mercials for 20 years. His six-week and cutlass plus slaps, punches, kicks, classes in commercial and animation falls and throws. Advanced training voiceover meet in a recording studio includes double cutlass, rapier, dag- under real-life performing conditions. ger, theatrical saber, French classical smallsword, and a variety of exotic ANGEL DIVA MUSIC tional School of Mimodrama and has cal theatre. He trained at McCune weaponry. www.angeldivamusic.com —continued from page A21 been teaching for over 15 years. School of Music in Salt Lake City and (818) 888-5885 Other: Acting Technique/Scene was a member of Utah Opera Com- COMBAT AT BEVERLY HILLS Accomplished actor, singer, song- Study; Audition Technique/Cold pany in the 1980s. FENCERS’ CLUB writer, and record producer, Jan Reading [email protected] Linder Koda creates radio-ready SINGING/ SINGING WITH CHERIE VALARAY www.swordcombat.com recording packages for motivated CREATIVE COMBUSTION ACTING MUSICAL THEATER 4872 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 342 (310) 266-5151 or (310) 204-0085 singer-songwriters. She specializes in STUDIO Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Private coaching available; All levels; artist development, writes or co-writes [email protected] AUDITION SUCCESS WITH www.soundfeelings.com/singing_ Auditing by permission songs with clients, and records songs www.ccactingstudio.com MICHAEL SARTOR lessons.htm Instructors are professional fight direc- in her state-of-the-art Pro Tools studio. (310) 285-6777 Studio City, CA 818-757-0600 tors and swordmasters. They provide 12 students max.; private coaching [email protected] private; free trial lesson classes, workshops, and private ROWENA BALOS also available; All levels; Auditing (818) 763-4898 Valaray specializes in advanced coaching for actors in combat for www.rowenabalos.com permitted if contacted in advance; 12 students max per class; private vocal technique, operatic training, screen and stage, with a particular (310) 285-8489 Sessions Sept.-May with ongoing coaching available; All levels; Audit- performance skills, stage presence focus on swordplay. Balos offers short-term and ongoing intensives throughout the year ing not permitted; Year-round and many other professional skills for workshops and private coaching in Director and acting coach Joshua L.A./NYC vocal coach and frequent all singers. DAVE LEA’S MOTION PICTURE voice production, speech, accent Finkel offers classes for actors and audition pianist, Sartor coaches per- Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduc- STUNT/FIGHT-TRAINING reduction, and Shakespeare. She public speakers of all ages and levels. formers seeking to develop musical tion Burbank, CA has taught at many acting studios, All work is on-camera and taped. theater performance skills. He assists [email protected] universities, and theatre companies Other: Audition Technique/Cold in selecting and arranging unique www.davelea.com around the world, including, NYU, Reading; Acting Technique/Scene audition material. (818) 603-9696 UCLA, CalArts, the Howard Fine Acting Study SOLO SHOWS All levels; Ongoing; weekends only Studio, the Stratford Shakespeare Fes- BILL HALLER-VOICE TEACHER The level of screen fighting has been tival, the Sydney Theatre Company, IRENE PINN: THE ART OF THE ONE- American Conservatory Theater, and ON-CAMERA CLASSES WITH http://anuptempoandaballad raised. Students can advance their Antaeus Classical Theatre Company. CHRISTINNA CHAUNCEY .blogspot.com PERSON SHOW on-camera fighting skills in various [email protected] 3575 Cahuenga Blvd. West (818) 780-8240 fighting styles-including weapons, (323) 650-2391 Ste. 125 Bill Haller trains singers in pop/Broad- fine-tune hand combat, kicks, and BEATRICE Weekly classes in writing and per- Los Angeles, CA 90068 way belt technique. He was named kickboxing. Fight audition prep. (310) 273-5940 forming a solo show are taught by [email protected] one of the top private coaches in A graduate of Northwestern Univer- Emmy and Theatre World Award-win- www.oncameraclasses.com Back Stage West’s 2006 Best of L.A. FILM FIGHTING L.A. sity with a B.A. in speech and music, ning director-producer Irene Pinn. (818) 720-3052 readers’ poll. www.filmfightingla.com, Beatrice teaches vocal production, 10 students per class; private coach- www.taowesttaichi.com how to increase power and range, ing available; All levels; interview STACIE CHAIKEN WHAT’S THE (310) 447-8438 diaphragmatic breathing and place- CAROL WEISS MUSICAL THEATER ment, and self-confidence for audi- required; Auditing is permitted; Ongo- WORKSHOP STORY? STUDIO The club is a group of people learn- 2nd St. and Main St. tions in all styles. She has appeared ing classes as well as seasonal; Work 1249 N. Lodi Pl. ing to safely but realistically act Los Angeles, CA on television with Janet Jackson, study program available Hollywood, CA 90038 action scenes for film, television, and [email protected] Steve Allen, and Melissa Manchester, Focuses on developing strong cold- [email protected] theatre. Classes include a stunt fight- www.whatsthestoryla.com or www. and is the teacher of two winners of read, audition, and on-camera skills www.carolweissmusic.com ing class. Monthly workshops include staciechaiken.com the Heroes and Legends Scholarship specific to television. Chauncey has (323)460-6006 European swords, Asian weapons, (310) 450-1312, Fax: (213) 625-1025 Awards. more than 15 years’ professional Class size varies; all levels Filipino weapons, Shao-lin and Hong 12 students max.; All levels; Auditing experience in front of and behind the Carol Weiss is an accomplished musi- Kong fighting. not permitted; Ongoing, with evening BEVERLY BREMERS’ VOICERCISE camera. cal director,who has worked at the and weekend intensives; Work study www.voicercise.net Other: Audition Technique/Cold Sacramento Music Circus, the Los SAMURAI ACTION STUDIO available (949) 874-0616 Reading; Acting Technique/Scene Angeles Civic Light Opera, and the www.samuraiaction.com Stacie’s expertise is solo performance. Private consultation available Study South Bay CLO. Her classes prepare (310) 849-1466 She works in group process with writ- Working voiceover professional students for musical theater the way Michi Yamato teaches Japanese ers who artists wrestling with personal Bremers offers voiceover classes and SCREEN ACTORS STUDIO singers train for opera. stage combat include karate, sword material, for the stage, the page, and pro workouts in Orange and San Sonia Darmei-Lopes Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduc- fighting, gymnastics, and trampoline the screen. Diego counties and also produces Exclusive Casting tion techniques. He is a former member 7700 Sunset Blvd. of the original “Power Ranger” stunt voiceover demos and house minutes. Bremers additionally offers classes in Los Angeles, CA 90048 CAROLE D’ANDREA TRAVIS-JOHNTZ team and coordinated more than [email protected] accent reduction, singing, songwrit- [email protected] www.caroledandrea.com 100 episodes as a stunt coordinator. www.travis-johntz.com ing, and cold reading. www.screenactorsstudio.com (310) 281-7116 (818) 679-7077 (310) 358-5942 Audits allowed SWORDPLAY FENCING STUDIOS 6 students per class; private coach- BONNIE BIZOZA 14 students max.; private coaching D’Andrea’s 50-year career includes www.swordplayla.com, ing available; All levels; Auditing is (818) 783-0473 for auditions available; All levels; Free the original Broadway “West Side www.timweske.com permitted; Ongoing On-set coaching available class audit and audition; Ongoing; Story” (also the film) and “Gypsy.” She (818) 566-1777 For the past 16 years, Mark Travis and Through her company “Accent on Work study/internship program avail- has directed productions of “Com- Tim Weske’s SwordPlay, with locations Frederick Johntz have been involved Accent,” Bizoza offers accent/dialect able pany,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Guys and in Burbank and Reseda, teaches all in the development of solo shows for training and accent reduction for Darmei-Lopes teaches on camera Dolls,” and “Damn Yankees,” and offers edged weapons, including Olympic- hundreds of actors and performers. beginners and established profes- workshops at CastAway and Exclu- courses on singing performance, style fencing. Ongoing film and stage- sionals. She is a licensed speech sive Casting for adults and kids. She scene study, cold reading, mono- combat classes and private lessons therapist and an experienced dialect also does agent showcases, casting logues, and exercises. TRUTH, LIES AND MEMORY: focus on extreme detail to safety, director workshops. CREATING THE ONE-PERSON balance, footwork, and confidence in coach who provides private train- Other: Acting Technique/Scene SHOW memorization of choreography. ing using a multisensory approach BOB GARRETT adapted to the student’s learning Study; Commercials/Voiceover [email protected] Terrie Silverman www.creativerites.com style to achieve authentic, natural www.bobgarrett.net speech patterns. (818) 506-5526 (310) 281-3175 VOICE/DIALECTS/ LImited class size. 10-week sessions, PHYSICAL THEATER/ Master class also available LUCILLE BLISS Garrett offers private voice classes private coaching and script consulta- ACCENT REDUCTION (415) 824-8188 or (323) 667-1169 MOVEMENT and musical theater workshops. His tions available “Working legend” Bliss teaches pri- techniques focus on breath control Terrie Silverman leads the program ACCENT ON ACTING - ADAM vate voice-acting lessons. Her work DANCE FOR THE ACTOR - and support, expanding range, voice designed to guide actors through the LeGRANT focuses on career training, interpreta- THERESA HAYES placement, calming nerves, and process of developing and perform- www.accentonacting.com tion, mike techniques, audition proce- Theresa Hayes preparation of audition-technically, ing a solo play, whether the actor is (323) 878-2288 dures, and animation. 8205 Santa Monica Blvd., #1-132 emotionally, and presentationally. looking for a way to begin, continue, Admission by interview West Hollywood, CA 90046 or polish material in a supportive, LeGrant trains the non-native Eng- [email protected] safe environment. Spontaneous writ- lish speaker in speech and drama, BREATH OUR LEARNING SPOT Natsuko Ohama www.dancefortheactor.com Los Angeles, CA ing exercises, movement, music, and including accent reduction and [email protected] (310) 923-4787 www.ourlearningspot.musicteachers drawing allows students to write and speech training in Standard Ameri- www.natsukoohama.com No class size limit; private coaching helper.com create organically with the class can English, audition preparation, (818) 754-2400 available; Beginner, intermediate; pri- 818-760-1964 culminating in a works-in-progress and cold reading techniques. He also Private coaching available vate coaching for all levels; Auditing Class size varies; all levels performance. offers monologue and scene work. Natsuko Ohama, a teacher of Kristin is permitted; Ongoing Top notch acting, singing, and danc- Linklater’s approach, uses exercises Offers dance classes specifically for ing training in a professional, safe, ACCURATE ENGLISH that involve breath, sound vibration, performing artists. Theresa Hayes and encouraging environment. 13101 Washington Blvd., Ste. 231 STAGE COMBAT/ physical work, emotions, thought, and (“Sophisticated Ladies,” “Dreamgirls,” Come work one-on-one with Tony- Los Angeles, CA 90066 text. “The Tap Dance Kid,”) is a cum nominated Broadway producer STUNTS www.accurateenglish.com laude graduate of UCLA, where she Heather Provost, one of LA’s most (310) 568-0077 received her B.A. in theater arts. sought-after voice teachers, Dan ACADEMY OF THEATRICAL One-on-one classes ADELE CABOT Callaway, Broadway dance captain COMBAT Lisa Mojsin, M.A., speaks five lan- (818) 368-1365 MIME THEATRE STUDIO Angel Creeks, and a host of other c/o Swords Fencing Studio guages, has an acting background, Cabot is a designated Linklater voice www.mimetheatrestudio.com industry professionals who give stu- 2115 N. Glenoaks Blvd. and has taught at the college and teacher and acting coach. Her other (866) 444-MIME dents the tools for success as a musi- Burbank, CA 91504 university level. She helps her students specialties include audition coach- In the only year-round mime classes cal theater performer. [email protected] learn to speak accurately and clearly, ing and acting Shakespeare. in Los Angeles, MTS teaches actors, Other: Acting Technique/Scene www.theatricalcombat.com and to “gain confidence to go after dancers, comedians, singers, and Study; Audition Technique/Cold (818) 364-8420 the roles they really want.” CAROL TINGLE VOICE STUDIO storytellers how to “make the invisible Reading All levels; Auditing by permission; www.caroltingle.com visible,” using the body to express introductory fight class is held approx. ALISO CREEK PRODUCTIONS - 310-828-3100 thought and emotion, and how to DAVID RISHTON every other month; Ongoing WILLIAM WILLIAMS Tingle, a performer and voice teacher physicalize the actor’s interaction with [email protected] Dan Speaker and Jan Bryant offer www.alisocreek.net for almost 40 years, works with sing- his environment. MTS director Lorin (323) 461-5204 several levels of fight scene training (818) 954-9931 ers of all ages, levels, and styles. She Eric Salm is a three-year graduate of Rishton offers private piano and voice that cover Broadsword, Cutlass,safety 4-6 students; free studio visit with con- offers private instruction and perfor- the Marcel Marceau Paris Interna- coaching with an emphasis on musi- and the primary techniques of hand sultation is available mance workshops in her Santa Moni-

A22 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A22 6/14/10 5:52 PM ca studio where emphasis is placed www.deborahshulman.com/ on the development of the voice teaching.html SPOTLIGHT ON within the style of the singer, as well (323) 851-7344 as safe, healthy vocal production, Private coaching available audition preparation, and alleviat- Shulman teaches performing ing performance anxiety. strategies, how to find your own performance personality, and, most DR. CAROLE MOSKOVITZ, M.A., importantly, she helps you increase is permitted; Ongoing M.J. LALLO tion exercises to help non-native D.S.S. your self-confidence as a complete Gilbert offers privates and group 4020 W. Magnolia Blvd, Ste. K speakers of English learn basic act- Marina del Rey, CA 90292 performer. classes. Burbank, CA 91505 ing technique while improving their www.singingfromtheheart www.creatingvoices.com language skills. 310-821-SONG (7664) DIAMANTE VOCAL STUDIO GODEANE GRACE EAGLE, M.A. (818) 980-6576 Small classes, private coaching; all (323) 466-7881 (310) 450-5735 10 students maximum VANESSA MIZZONE levels Edward Diamante teaches a Eagle teaches singing, speech, Award-winning voiceover artist Lallo [email protected] With over 35 years experience as speech-level technique that has pitch training, and stage voice. has worked for Disney, Universal (310) 968-7631 a performer and coach, Moskovitz supported 112 Grammy Award win- Interactive, Fox Kids, TV Guide, GNC, Private coaching only draws upon a wide range of tra- ners while they were recording. He DEREK GRAYDON and has done more than 100 com- Mizzone is on faculty at both Santa ditional and creative modalities helps actors who don’t sing profes- [email protected] mercials, CD-ROMs, and feature film Monica College and East Los Ange- to help her clients expand vocal sionally but who want to learn to www.derekgraydon.com ADR. She has been teaching com- les College. She offers voice and range, broaden communication control their voices through exercise, (323) 656-9356 mercial and animation voiceover speech coaching for actors based skills, develop inner listening and or who have injured their voices Graydon is a Juilliard-trained star of for 12 years. in the Linklater voice method with a dialogue rhythms, and strengthen through laryngitis or other vocal Broadway and opera. He offers the Skinner approach to speech. breath work. Moskovitz specializes in illness. “bel canto” technique. Dame Judi LISA POPEIL’S soul-centered creative and outside- Dench says he is “unsurpassed,” VOICEWORKS MUSIC 1 ON 1 the-box solutions, breaking goals JESSICA DRAKE John Travolta calls him “magic.” Sherman Oaks, CA [email protected] down into daily doable actions. (323) 662-1831 [email protected] (310) 430-4802 Other: Empowerment Coach The Juilliard-trained Drake has been HOWARD AUSTIN’S VOCAL www.popeil.com 20 students per class; All levels; coaching actors in dialect and (818) 906-7229 Auditing not permitted; Sessions speech for more than 20 years, with POWER SCHOOL LOUISE CHAMIS North Hills, CA Private coaching available; All lev- every quarter at AFTRA/SAG (818) 985-0130 credits that include “Memoirs of [email protected] els; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Vocal coaching, sight singing, and Chamis’ workshops are a place a Geisha,” “The Pink Panther” with www.borntosing.com Training in “all things voice,” is group classes. for voiceover actors “to learn, to Steve Martin, “Catch Me If You Can,” (800) 929-7464 or (818) 895-7464 how Popeil describes her work. work out, and to stretch.” Students “L.A. Confidential,” “Forrest Gump,” Private or shared sessions; Introduc- Students can get private coach- ORIGINAL analyze copy to find out what they “The Green Mile,”” HBO’s Band of tory half price session; Ongoing; ing in jazz, belting, legit, pop, and VOICE BANK are selling and how best to sell it. Brothers,” and “Six Feet Under.” She Instructor training available rock. She works on vocal control, George Crowell She has been teaching for over 26 also coaches actors for Shake- Howard Austin, creator of the Vocal range, power, creating emotional (818) 846-2002 or (800) 500-6661 years and is the voice of the Queen speare. Power Method, says training with magic, speech improvement, vocal George Crowell has run this coach- in “Snow White” in all current Disney him will develop your voice control, projection for acting, vocal health, ing and training facility since 1980 projects. ROBERT EASTON personal style, and performance sight singing, demo recording, under the name Voice Bank (later (818) 985-2222 power. performance coaching, audition changed to Original Voice Bank). Easton is best-known as the “Henry CORFF VOICE STUDIO preparation. Located in Sherman Crowell is a veteran voiceover per- Higgins of Hollywood Inc.” for his Bob Corff Oaks, Popeil is a voice researcher, former with more than 20 years of extensive and highly special- JEFFREY ALLEN VOCAL STUDIO www.corffvoice.com www.vocalsuccess.com international lecturer, pianist, record- experience who teaches two tracks: ized dialect coaching, which has (323) 851-9042 (818) 782-4332 ing engineer, and voice expert. first, the basics (“good, intelligent resulted in many nominations and Veteran performer and voice/per- Allen offers professional voice- interpretation of the written mate- awards, including Oscars, Emmys, formance coach Bob Corff is author strengthening and problem-solving MARC CASHMAN - rial”), and second, characterization. Golden Globes, SAG, and Cannes of “The Bob Corff Speakers Voice for speech or singing, onstage, and Film Festival awards. In addition to CASHMAN COMMERCIALS: Method” on CD or tape and “The in the studio, as well as audition/ his dialect workshops, Easton has THE CASHMAN CACHE OF OVATION EARPROMPTER Bob Corff Singers Method” on CD demo preparation. All ages, levels, or tape. Along with his wife, Claire also taught more than 2,600 stu- VOICE ACTING TECHNIQUES TRAINING AND SALES and styles. www.earprompter.com (with whom he has written and dents comedy improv, characteriza- www.cashmancommercials.com (888) 327-7766 produced the CD and workbook tion, and cold reading. (661) 222-9300 The Earprompter allows you to deliv- “Achieving the Standard American JULIE OSBURN’S VOICE Audits encouraged, payment plan er your lines without memorizing or Accent”), Corff offers private and ELISABETH HOWARD’S VOCAL RE-TRAINING available notes, and with minimum prepara- group lessons on how the voice (310) 989-2803 This Clio-winning casting director POWER ACADEMY tion time. Actor, public speaker, and works and how to make your speak- www.vocalpowerinc.com Osburn teaches a combination of and producer instructs beginning, consultant Brian Collins has been ing voice work for you in the best (800) 829-7664 body work: breathing exercises with intermediate, and advanced actors conducting his one-day Earprompt- possible way. Howard, founder of the Vocal Power Pilates and Alexander to strengthen on the tricks of the trade in develop- er seminar for actors and corporate Academy, is an internationally support muscles and release ten- ing a successful radio/TV voiceover speakers for over 20 years. DAN BALESTRERO - acclaimed vocal technician and sion in the body, then vocal therapy career. exercises together with singing exer- MASTERINGVOICEOVER.COM vocal stylist. A Juilliard graduate and on the vocal staff at Pepper- cises, that use the body’s relaxed MARJORY TAYLOR’S VOICE CARLA PEREZ 13700 Marina Pointe Dr., Ste. 623 [email protected] dine University, she has conducted strength to center and focus the MASTERY Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (818) 409-9619 vocal technique workshops in 10 sound. (310) 246-1743 [email protected] All levels countries. Marjory Taylor has operated her www.masteringvoiceover.com Carla Perez has a master’s in voice 310-827-3500 KALMENSON & KALMENSON own voice school, The House of VOICE CASTING Voice (now known as Voice Mas- performance. She teaches a “full- Ten students maximum per class; ELIZABETH BURNETTE body presence” technique-singing [email protected] 105 S. Sparks St. tery), for over 18 years. She teaches private coaching available; begin- from head to toe - addressing vow- (310) 480-6377 Burbank, CA 91506 voice building, diction, broadcast ner to pro; free introductory seminar; els, breath, support, musicianship, 4 students max. per class; private www.kalmenson.com english, commercials, cold read- ongoing interpretation, and stylistic nuance. Dan Balestrero has taught vocal coaching available; All levels but (818) 377-3600 ing, accent correction, and other technique for actors, singers and mainly works with professionals; The owners of Kalmenson & Kal- aspects of communication and voiceover artists for over a quarter Auditing not permitted; Ongoing menson commercial voice casting performance. PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING of a century. Balestrero’s classes Burnette specializes in coaching service have spent over 25 years WITH JULIE DANIELS and workshops emphasize cold foreign actors to speak standard educating actors. Voiceover classes SANDI MASSIE (818) 623-8960 reading skills, breath and voice American English for film, television, are available for all levels and are [email protected] All levels and ages development, voiceover styles, natu- and stage. She has been coaching taught in the same full-service www.sandiemassie.com Professionally Speaking offers pri- ralness of delivery, home studio set- in L.A. for 14 years. recording studios where auditions (818) 903-4016 vate coaching in voice, speech, up, and business networking skills. are held daily. Improv and scene Massie is a coach for voice, speech, and accent reduction. Emphasis in ELOCUTION SOLUTION study classes also offered. dialects, and accent reduction. She training includes proper breathing DAVE & DAVE INC. [email protected] has been teaching and coaching techniques, articulation, projection, 4421 Lankershim Blvd. www.elocutionsolution.com KELLY REITER: REEL ENGLISH theater, television, and film for the and interpretation, with the goal Toluca Lake, CA 91602 (800) 597-9691 www.reelenglishcoach.com past 20 years. She teaches relax- being “a fully textured voice that www.everythingvo.com Free evaluation (323) 957-4758 ation, breath support, resonance, sells your strengths as an actor.” (818) 508-7578, Fax: (818) 508-5830 Elocution Solution’s speech patholo- Assessment interview required diction, and many other aspects of Publisher Dave Sebastian Williams gists offer individual or group ses- Standard American dialect special- voice. RICHARD FREDRICKS: I TEACH of www.VoiceOverResourceGuide. sions in voice and diction for actors, ist Reiter has been coaching actors ANYONE HOW TO SING! com offers “One Stop for Everything including breathing, relaxation exer- in L.A. since 1989. Her character MARY McGREGOR 3520 Hughes Ave. Voice Over”: recording studios, web- cises, pitch adjustment, projection, study approach gives her students (818) 762-0309 Culver City, CA 90034-7558 site design, home studio installation, resonance, and voice care. They the tools, confidence, and profes- McGregor works to combine the [email protected] VO studio equipment, and graphic also work with actors on reducing sional American voice they need, necessary techniques to help you www.richardfredricks.com design for DVDs, CDs, packaging, or acquiring accents and learn- from getting an agent to getting “free your sound.” Says McGregor, (310) 838-3355, Fax: (310) 838-0505 post cards, and stationery. ing specific speech patterns such the part. “In acting and in singing it is neces- Private coaching only; master as those associated with hearing sary to understand what your instru- classes upon request; All levels, all DEBORAH ELLEN VOCAL difficulties, strokes, and stuttering. DARLENE KOLDENHOVEN ment can do for you.” styles; Auditing of a friend’s lesson is STUDIOS Additionally they specialize in artic- [email protected] permitted; Ongoing [email protected] ulation and tongue thrust therapy. (818) 980-2840 MENTOR LANGUAGE INSTITUTE - Fredricks, who performed with the www.deborahellen.com Free evaluation. Located in the San Koldenhoven offers vocal coaching MICHAEL BUCKLIN New York City Opera and the Met- (310) 422-9166 Fernando Valley. and techniques for projection, dic- [email protected] ropolitan Opera as a principal bari- Private coaching only; All levels; tion, breathing, pitch, and rhythm. www.mentoresl.com tone teaches the breath support/ Auditing not permitted; Ongoing LEIGH GILBERT She is the author of the book “Tune (310) 887-0777 breathing technique he has used Deborah Ellen is one of the top [email protected] Your Voice” and teaches all styles, Private coaching available for more than 40 years. vocal coaches in LA and Ventura (323) 692-5704 levels, and ages. Bucklin combines the Meisner tech- Country. She teaches a technique Limited class sizes; All levels; Auditing nique with original accent reduc- Continued on page A24— that can be applied to all styles of music. She is also a published song- writer with A&R contacts at major labels.

DEBORAH SHULMAN VOICE STUDIOS [email protected] www.3DayDemo.com

BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | A23

0617 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd A23 6/14/10 5:52 PM Howse has been teaching acting to teens that combine professional SPOTLIGHT ON teenagers for over a decade and training with creative dramatics in trained under Joanne Linville and an environment that is challenging Stella Adler. Classes run in three- and nurturing. month semesters and incorporate the Adler technique. THE SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE EDUCATION —continued from page A23 power, emotion, and energy. Styles YOUNG PERFORMERS JOY THEATRE - JOSH and CONSERVATORY include rock, R&B, pop, Broadway. JANIECE JARY MINNICK 1211 Fourth St. RICK ZIEFF’S UNBELIEVABLY FUN The Raven Playhouse Santa Monica, CA 90401 Areas of specialization include ACTING FOR CHILDREN & TEENS VOICEOVER CLASS vocal power, breathing techniques, 5233 Lankershim Blvd. [email protected] (323) 651-1666 extension of range, and style devel- AT EDGEMAR CENTER FOR THE North Hollywood, CA 91601 www.santamonicaplayhouse.com Rick Zieff teaches mike technique for opment. All levels welcome. Dis- ARTS [email protected] (310) 394-9779, Fax: (310) 393-5573 TV and radio commercials, anima- count packages available. 2437 Main St. www.joytheatre.com 10-15 students per class; All levels; tion, narration, and audiobooks. As Santa Monica, CA 90405 (818) 505-9355 Auditing is not permitted; Sessions in a busy voiceover actor, director, and www.edgemarcenter.org Ongoing each season; Internship program is casting director, he emphasizes the VOCAL YOGA Heather Lyle (310) 399-3666 Joy Theatre offers classes in comedy available importance of character develop- www.vocalyoga.com Private coaching available geared to give young actors the tools This conservatory, now celebrating ment, text analysis, and making (310) 200-0506 Edgemar, made up of two state-of- and confidence for onstage perfor- fifty years of continuous theatrical strong creative choices at the micro- Vocal Yoga offers technique for sing- the-art theaters in Santa Monica, mance and in their personal world. and educational services to the phone. He guides actors through ing, acting, and public speaking. offers on-camera, cold reading, and community, offers extensive training preparing a demo that will be their acting and improvisation classes for K12 for actors from beginners through “calling card” to the voiceover THE VOICECASTER VOICEOVER ages 6-17. Students will perform in a www.k12.com professionals, year-round. A variety world. He cast the Academy Award- showcase for parents and agents WORKSHOPS (866) 968-7512 of workshops for all ages, preschool winning animated short “The Chub- at Edgemar at the end of the eight- K12 is an online curriculum provider through adult, focus on audition bChubbs!” and directed the ani- Huck Liggett week session. Private coaching is 1832 W. Burbank Blvd. for students in grades K through 12. technique, communication skills, mated feature “Steamboy” (starring available. Fantastical Story Hour for It has a patented system for virtual musical theater, character devel- Patrick Stewart and Alfred Molina). Burbank, CA 91506 ages 3-6: Children create through [email protected] schooling that includes online les- opment, movement for the stage, Rick coaches adults and children at costume character, storytelling, sons, built-in assessments, planning voice, and performance, with a new his studio in West Hollywood. Rick’s www.voicecaster.com and music an enchanted magical (818) 841-5300, Fax: (818) 841-2085 tools, and traditional materials such theater skills crash course. Alumni fun, fast-paced style makes him one kingdom and explore their creativity as books, art supplies, and scientific bring their youngsters so that they of L.A.’s most sought-after teachers 10-12 students average per class; and dramatic flair. private coaching available; begin- equipment. “If you need a school or can share in the process. “I could for adults and children. learning program designed to meet not wait until tomorrow came so I ner, intermediate, advanced; audit- AGOURA CHILDREN’S THEATRE ing not permitted; four and six week the needs of young professional could go again,” says Jeffrey, age 9. ROY SAMUELSON Ellen Marano, director sessions performing artists, K12 can provide “I made my stage debut at Santa THE VOICE OVER WORK OUT 28240 Agoura Rd. #202 The Voicecaster is celebrating its you with one, no matter where you Monica Playhouse,” says Kate Hud- Agoura Hills, CA 91301 LOUNGE (VOWOL) 30th year casting for radio and live or how often you travel,” say the son. Acceptance is by interview only. Hollywood foothills areas, CA [email protected]; television commercials, as well as folks at K12. [email protected] susan@agourachildrenstheatre. industrials, animation, narration, TOTAL IMPROV KIDS www.vowol.com com CD ROMS, voices of toys, and more. KIDS ON CAMERA The Avery Schreiber Theatre (310) 439-9036 www.agourachildrenstheatre.com Huck Liggett, owner and head Phil De Champlain 11050 magnolia Blvd. All levels; Auditing not permitted; (818) 389-1799 or (818) 225-1459 of casting, and his staff work on 10944 Ventura Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 Ongoing and certain series 8-12 students average; private voiceover skills from microphone Studio CIty, CA 91604 [email protected] VOWOL offers a “playful and positive coaching available; All levels; Audit- technique to translating and [email protected] www.totalimprovkids.com gym” for actors to work on record- ing not permitted; Ongoing plus breaking down copy, as well as www.stopdreamin.com (818) 481-8072 ings at a recording studio, learning summer camps introducing the most current trends (818) 500-0037 12-14 students per class; All levels; from guest hosts. Agoura’s first children’s theatre. in advertising. Says Liggett, “Our 10-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; Pos- Improv and cold reading classes for approach is focused on exploring One time free audit; Ongoing; sible work study available teens ages 13-19, and theatre and SANDY HOLT/VOICECASTER and discovering the strength of Internship available with film school Total Improv Kids uses the art of improv classes for ages 6-14. (310) 271-8217 each individual so that he or she Phil De Champlain’s coaching is theatrical improvisation to offer chil- Other: Acting Technique/Scene Private coaching available would have a better idea of how based on his own experience as dren a means of tapping into and Study; Improv and Comedy Sandy Holt, a Chicago Second City to approach VO professionally. We an actor, writer, and director. Classes expanding their imaginations, nurtur- alum, teaches a voiceover work- meet each student at the level they focus is on on-camera auditioning, ing important life skills, and allowing shop that covers sharpening audi- bring to a class and help them BARB NORTH THE KIDZ KOACH cold reading, improvisation, film and children to find the greatest potential tion skills and booking the job, mak- build from that point.” Courses meet 22647 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 422 TV scene study, helping students in themselves and each other. ing the copy your own and being in four- and six-week sessions, $300- Woodland Hills, CA 91364 discover what makes them unique original, making money, having fun $550. No auditing. No requirements [email protected] inside. TRACY MARTIN/ playing different characters, and for admission to beginning levels; www.funnycoach.com KOACHING KIDS & TEENS improvising and learning recording higher-level classes require prior pro- (818) 347-5098 LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE - Toluca Lake, CA techniques. Holt produces demos fessional VO training. Private coaching only YOUTH THEATRE [email protected] custom-made to the actor’s talents. North works with children and their [email protected] www.koachingkids.com WALLY (NO-B.S!) BURR parents in what she calls “a fun and www.lagunaplayhouse.com (818) 752-8487 nurturing environment.” She teaches ALAN SHATERIAN VOICEOVER WORKSHOPS Donna Inglima, (949) 497-2787, ext. 10 students max. per class; private (310) 824-2720 children acting and audition strate- [email protected] 202 coaching also available; All levels; Shaterian has a Ph.D. in linguistics gies, and works with parents “to help www.wallyburr.com 10-16 students per class; Begin- Auditing for agents and managers and phonetics, and offers private navigate the business.” (818) 763-2618 ner, intermediate, and advanced; only; Classes offered four times a coaching in speech and dialect, 10 students per class; private Ongoing; special summer theater year; private coaching year round; foreign languages, and character BB’S KIDS ACTING WORKSHOP coaching available; All levels; One session as well; Intern/work study Possible work study available preparation. visit permitted; Ongoing six week WITH BELINDA BALASKI opportunities occasionally exist Since Martin’s classes began in cycles; one session per week Belinda Belaski This acclaimed regional theater 1998, over 20 agencies and man- THE STEVEN MEMEL STUDIO DGA member, voice director and www.bbskids.com offers a variety of acting and agers have referred young students www.stevenmemel.com casting on 2000-plus cartoons (98 (323) 650-5437 creative drama classes ongoing to her and her students work in TV, (818) 789-0474 Transformers, 92 GI Joes, 65 Jems, 65 10-16 students per class for youths ages 6-18. Classes are film, and commercials. Martin offers Memel has had a multifaceted Conans) plus hundreds of spots for Balaski has been acting since age 5 taught by theater professionals after classes and audition coaching in career as a singer, actor, and direc- Kellogg’s, Pillsbury, StarKist, etc. and has more than 40 years of expe- school and in weekend workshops. film, TV, and voiceover. tor, as well as an internationally rience in the business. She earned acclaimed teacher. He has experi- WARREN B. MEYERS an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award, MARNIE COOPER SCHOOL OF THE YOUNG ACTOR’S STUDIO two Robbies, and several Emmy ence in all areas of the arts and has 11615 Addison Street ACTING INC. 5215 Lankershim Blvd. nominations. For over 18 years she worked onstage, in film, on televi- Valley Village, CA 91601 www.marniecooper.com Los Angeles, CA has taught kids and teens in a vari- sion, and in the recording studio. [email protected] (818) 760-8009 www.youngactorsstudio.com ety of eight-week classes, as well as www.wbmvo.com An acting teacher and coach with (310) 281-7545 informational parent seminars. THE STUTTERING FOUNDATION (818) 985-1359, Fax: (818) 985-1342 over 20 years of experience, Coo- Adult classes also available; audit- www.stutteringhelp.org Meyers teaches techniques for a per offers advanced classes (ages ing is allowed (800) 992-9392 successful career in voiceovers. CARTER THOR STUDIO “ON THE 5-21), private coaching, on-set Class Act offers coaching and train- As this organization reminds us, He has 25 years’ experience hiring MARK” YOUNG ACTOR CLASS coaching, and weekend workshops. ing for young actors, ages 4-18, and stuttering hasn’t stopped actors like and directing voiceover talents for 12417 Ventura Ct. She specializes in audition prepara- uses the basics of the Stanislavsky Nicholas Brendon (Xander in “Buffy national and local radio and TV Studio City, CA 91604 tion and recently published a how- system to help them learn to use the Vampire Slayer”) from making spots, narrations, promos, books on (818) 760-9426 to acting book for children and their their personal unique qualities their mark in Hollywood. tape, and interactive CD-Roms. Mey- The studio now offers a class for parents (available at www.howdoi- in their acting. A full conserva- ers is now accepting a limited num- young actors, 9-18, that it describes act.com). tory day or a choice of individual SUSAN BLU ber of talented beginners (adults as “revolutionary.” The goal is to help classes that include stage combat, [email protected] and children), as well as working young actors develop confidence QUIT ACTING!! comedy, improv, voice, audition www.blupka.com professionals. Sessions are available and fluidity in front of the camera 5312 Radford Ave., #5 technique, acting technique, and (818) 763-8500 by appointment only. Meyers offers through the understanding of Valley Village, CA 91607 production are available. Small classes; All levels a free introductory meeting, afford- scene study, script analysis, and www.quitacting.com Susan Blu, voiceover actor and able rates, in Valley Village. Meyers is cold reading. (818) 437-1911 YOUNG ACTORS SPACE voice director, teaches classes in considered one of L.A.’s most experi- Laura Lasky’s ongoing monthly 5918 Van Nuys Blvd. voiceover for commercial and ani- enced voiceover directors. HARRIET GREENSPAN sessions for kids and teens are Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 mation. Students get tons of booth (818) 266-6698 designed to help her students [email protected] time. YOUNG VOICES A casting director for the past 20 “find out what’s holding [them] www.youngactorsspace.com (323) 651-1666 years, Greenspan is currently cast- back and quit it.” Her small classes (818) 785-7979, Fax: (818) 989-0172 VOCAL STYLINGS This voiceover training class for per- ing for the Nickelodeon network. and private coaching emphasize 15 students max.; private coaching [email protected] formers ages 7-17 incorporates TV Past credits include features, MOWs, on-camera and audition training, available; All levels; Auditing is per- www.vocalstylings.com and radio commercials, animation, pilots, soaps, and series. Greenspan “because the audition is the job.” mitted; Fall, winter, and spring ses- (310) 737-9387 improv, theatre games, and techni- offers private coaching and inten- sions; summer conservatory Private coaching only; All levels; cal exercise to create this market- sive workshops for kids, teens, and STACY REED Established in 1979, this school for Auditing not permitted; Ongoing able craft. Classes are taught by young adults. [email protected] young professionals offers weekly and by appointment casting director Alison Stuart (Acad- (323) 662-7734 classes for students, ages 5 to adult, Vocal Stylings offers private singing emy Award-winning animation short SEAN HOWSE Ongoing in scene study, improvisation, audi- lessons and in-studio vocal produc- “The ChubbChubbs”). [email protected] Producer of the award-winning tion techniques, and sensory work. tion to free the artist in you, helping (323) 309-7718 Blank Theatre Company, Reed Other: Acting Technique/Scene you perform with greater passion, All levels; Auditing is permitted teaches a class for children and Study <

A24 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 17-23, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

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