Head of the Class

Prominent acting teachers—like David Legrant—and the students they’ve inspired

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Tobey Maguire and David Legrant DAVID BORTOLUCCI DAVID

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0930 SPOT ASC LA Teachers.indd 13 9/28/10 3:28 PM SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES

David Legrant and Tobey Maguire David Legrant By Jenelle Riley [email protected]

lyson Hannigan believes that if David Legrant hadn’t become an acting teacher, he could have had a g reat career w riting A bumper stickers. “David has t hese great sayings,” enthuses the “How I Met Your Mother” star, who began studying with Le- grant when she was 20. “I wish I’d written them down because they were so clever and t hey help me every t ime I t hink of t hem.” L e- grant has a k nack for distilling his years’ worth of k nowledge into memorable phrases—one of Hannigan’s favorites is “If you’re going to paint a pic ture, are you going to p aint it w ith your own eye or someone’s else’s?”—that encourage actors to take charge. Fortunately for actors such as Hannigan, Tobey Maguire, Danny Glover, Bernadette Peters, and Steve Martin, Legrant opted out of

DAVID BORTOLUCCI DAVID the bu mper-sticker bu siness a nd s tuck w ith h is p assion: teaching generations of actors the craft he knows and loves. “Acting can be Walton Goggins difficult, no doubt,” Legrant says. “But it should also be fun. Class on “Justified” is something you ought to enjoy.” Actors seem to have enjoyed their time w ith L egrant; h is s tudents s peak of h im i n fond, p assionate terms. “I’ve gotten so much from David over the years, and so much joy from being in his class and just spending time with him,” says Maguire, who was 18 when he met Legrant. “He’s helped me a lot as an actor and, really, as a person.” Legrant was born in 1923 in Los Angeles into the business—sort of. His father was a c arpenter in the film industry. Legrant was in the Air Corps (now Air Force) in World War II as a flight engineer, and when he left the service, he used the G.I. bill to study acting. He performed on a lo cal television show and appeared in small movie roles, but he opted to move to New York in the late 1940s to pursue stage work. He met singer-actor Barbara Cook at a resort where he was performing “Jewish Borscht Belt comedy,” and the two married in 1952. T he following year, t hey embarked on a n ational tou r of “Oklahoma” together. He also began studying at the Actor’s Studio with L ee St rasberg, during a g olden a ge of t he i nstitute. “Mari- lyn Monroe and I were in the same class together,” Legrant recalls. “She learned a lot from me, and I learned a whole lot from her. She

FX was a gorgeous, wonderful woman.” According to h is s on w ith C ook, A dam L egrant, the e lder L e- grant g ot i nto t eaching at t he u rging of his t hen w ife. “ He h ad coached my mot her, a nd it w as her suggestion he s tart teaching,” Adam Legrant, also an actor, reveals. “And it was perfect for him. Teaching is beyond imparting information to people; it’s inspiring them and leading them along a path to a place you can’t describe in words.” Students say the teacher made a point of always being avail- able to his students. Constance Towers, currently starring as villain- ess Helena Cassadine on “General Hospital,” appeared in the 1967 Lincoln C enter pr oduction o f “ Showboat” w ith C ook. “ I w ould stand in the wings and watch Barbara, and I could just see the tools he’d given her,” Towers reveals. “When I was going to do ‘Carousel’ in 1969, I was having t rouble f inding t he character, and everyone said there was only one person to go to: David Legrant. I called him at 11 o’clock at night, and he told me to come right over. We worked until 3 a.m., and I instantly k new I had found a jewel in my life.” As a child, Adam Legrant remembers his father on the phone for two or t hree hou rs s ome n ights, c oaching B ernadette Peters. To- day, Peters r ecalls t he b est adv ice s he e ver g ot f rom he r t eacher. “The best quote from David—and I repeat it all the time when a Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel young person asks me for advice—is, ‘Never copy anyone,’ ” Peters on “How I Met Your Mother” CBS

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0930 SPOT ASC LA Teachers.indd 14 9/28/10 3:32 PM SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES says. “ ‘There is only one of you in It was the jolt I needed.” the world. The best thing you have Legrant s ays si mply t hat he h as to o ffer i s y our o riginality. I f t hey learned to b e “gentle but d emand- Larry Moss and Jason Alexander already h ave a R obert D e N iro or ing.” And when it comes to the kind Meryl Streep, why would they need of s tudents he l ikes, he s ums it up By Mark Dundas Wood another one?’ ” succinctly by saying, “People who [email protected] Legrant taught in New York until are hungry. You can’t cook for peo- 1978, when he mo ved back to Los ple w ho a ren’t h ungry.” H e p oints t w as J ason Alexander’s wife, Daena E. Title, who Angeles. He continued to teach, em- to M aguire a s s omeone w ho c ame introduced him to acting teacher Lar ry Moss. This phasizing the need for na turalness to h im a nd w as a lways a nxious t o I was in the early 1980s, when Alexander appeared and believ ability. Sa ys Leg rant, “I learn mor e. “ Tobey ke eps g row- in a workshop production at Manhattan Theatre Club. tell actor s not to sho w me ‘upset,’ ing,” Legrant praises. “And he h as Title, who had studied with Moss, invited the teacher to but to be upset. If y ou make it be- the right attitude. If you’re going to the performance, hoping tha t she might con vince her lievable for yourself, you will make give t he t ime, y ou’re g oing to g et husband to w ork with him. Moss w as impressed with it believable for the audience. ” Troy better.” T hough L egrant t echni- what he saw of Alexander in the workshop. “I can’t re- Kelly has studied with Legrant for cally r etired a f ew mont hs a go, he member the pla y,” says Moss. “I can’t remember who 17 y ears and sa ys the classes ha ve still t alks of c oaching a nd p erhaps was in it. I remember this one moment of a kind of con- not only helped him as an actor b ut starting up a ne w c lass he re a nd nection he had with himself. It was very deep and emo- also in his career as an insurance there. Goggins, for one, is eager to tionally powerful.” agent. “The lessons I’v e lear ned get back to work with him. “I hope Alexander describes their fir st meeting, after the MTC have helped me speak in front of he ne ver s tops,” G oggins s ays. “A performance: “He came striding over to me. He introduced hundreds of people and sell the real- generation of actors will be missing himself, and I was well-aware of who he was. But suddenly ity that is m yself,” Kelly notes . “He something without his presence.” Continued on page 16—

taught me how to be believable with GETTY IMAGES someone else’s words in a script—to make those words my own.” Another s kill L egrant he lps to t each i s r elaxation. “ The bi g- gest problem we have in acting is nervousness,” L egrant s ays. “ So many people are controlled by their nerves. They rush what they’re do- ing and don ’t truly let themselves feel what they should. Many times, teaching i s h elping t hem u nder- stand that.” It’s a f eeling t hat ac tor W alton Goggins r efers t o a s “ a s ense o f abandonment.” G oggins, s tar of the F X s eries “ The S hield” a nd “Justified,” was 19 years old when he w as r eferred to L egrant’s c lass. “I h ad no c raft but a lot of he art and a lot of e motion,” Goggins re- calls. “ I went t o t his m an n eeding more t han a t eacher but a g round- ing force in my life. And I knew five minutes i nto t he c onversation t hat my life was about to change.” Han- CONGRATULATIONS TO MASTER TEACHER RON BURRUS, BACKSTAGE nigan recalls an exercise where stu- dents had to s ing a nu rsery rhyme, READER’S CHOICE FOR ‘FAVORITE ON CAMERA TEACHER 2010!’ one s yllable at a t ime. “ It w as t er- rifying,” she admits. “It was prob- ably two months before I could get through one w ithout c rying. Y ou were e xposing y ourself i n s uch a weird way.” But the result, she says, NOW ENROLLING FALL 2010! was undeniable. “I would hold my- self back so much, and he really pulled me out of t hat and gave me the c onfidence t o b e b igger than I thought I c ould b e. It a bsolutely Acting Technique Intensive, October helped me in the audition room and helped me book ‘Buffy the Vampire This 6 week program explores the language and principles of the acting technique Slayer,’ which was the beginning of my c areer, really.” A grees “ Rose- including action, circumstance, and justification in an intensive style format. Students will anne” star Sara Gilbert, “David has a way of t aking an actor out of t he develop a foundation from which to build themselves as actors as well as human beings. idea of acting a nd i nto t he state of being. H e t aught m e t o l eave s elf- consciousness at the door.” Legrant a lso f elt s trongly a bout Professional Actor’s Workshop creating a safe haven for his actors. “David’s c lass w as a pl ace w here you le t e verything j ust h ang out ,” This class explores the do’s and don’t’s of acting for TV and Film. Students will Maguire notes. “I was so self-con- scious when I f irst walked in, but I work on film scenes with working actor and coach Brad Henke. On-Going. could be v ulnerable a nd face chal- lenges a nd f ears I n ever t hought I w ould. He c an b e tou gh but not in a w ay t hat d egrades p eople. He Evening Conservatory, January 2011 speaks the truth but never to shame a person. He k nows how to g et the response from you t hat you need.” Now accepting applications for this one-year conservatory program. Join one of Goggins r ecalls a t ime w hen L e- grant pulled him aside with a tough the best conservatory programs in Los Angeles! message. “He said, ‘You know you don’t h ave t he looks, so you d amn well better get t he t alent. A nd you have somet hing spe cial, so I wa nt THE HIGHEST STANDARDS, A WORLD-CLASS FACULTY, you to be the hardest-working man in t his r oom,’ ” G oggins r ecalls LIMITED CLASS SIZES, RESPONSIBLE TRAINING with a l augh. “ And I we nt home and w as a l ittle d epressed, think- ing, ‘David just called me ugly.’ But I u nderstood w hat he w as s aying, 310-497-1430 www.ronburrus.com and I a lways worked twice as hard. LA BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 15

0930 SPOT ASC LA Teachers.indd 15 9/28/10 3:33 PM SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES —continued from page 15 class in Santa Monica, Calif. Alexander he was there in front of me—this g igan- was filming “Seinfeld” a t the time b ut tic, passionate, insane beast. And he said would come to class to w ork on scenes to me, ‘You are v ery, v ery good. Really from Shakespeare’s “Richard III.” Some- excellent. And I could make y ou much times the class would continue until 1a.m. better.’ ” “He was so interested in being a good ac- Flattered and taken aback, Alexander tor,” Moss says. “Stella Adler used to say, replied, “Oh, really? And how long would ‘It’s not enough to ha ve talent. You have it take y ou to make me much better?” to have a talent for your talent.’ And Jason He expected an “artsy-fartsy” rejoinder. really had that in spades.” “If you work your ass off,” Moss replied, Alexander especially admires tw o “I can change y our career in a y ear.” of his teacher’ s skills. The first is Moss’ Admiring this succinct ans wer, Alexan- ability to dem ystify the acting process . der enrolled in a musical thea ter perfor- Moss, Alexander explains, crea ted a mance course that Moss was conducting step-by-step for mula for character de- at Circle in the Square. On his fir st day velopment: a list of questions designed in the class, Alexander perfor med the to help actor s make choices . “And he song “Love Rev olution” from “I Lo ve insisted that the ans wers to those ques- My Wife,” a musical that Moss had acted tions contain specifics, not generalities.” in on Broadw ay. “Love Revolution” was The other skill Alexander apprecia tes written for a female character. But as ren- is Moss’ ability to identify and help re- dered by Alexander, the number became move “emotional or beha vioral blocks the plaintive squeak of a mousy man who that prevent actors from experiencing or longed to be a s winger. In the cour se of portraying something fully.” the perfor mance, Alexander r ipped off As Alexander prog ressed in his craft, his coat and unbuttoned his shirt to reveal he began to view Moss as a “colleague a 1970s-style gold chain. As Moss recalls, rather than an icon.” For his part, Moss he then “started to dance in a groovy sensed a kinship with Alexander that was way.” The class literally got up on their rooted in their mutual, lifelong passion chairs to roar approval. for theater. “We have loved and been in-

Remembers Moss, “I said to him, ‘Ja- volved in and committed to being in the STRONG SHILOH son, that was pretty top-notch work, on performing ar ts since the time w e were any stage.’ But what I noticed in him— little children,” he says. was so fascinating and what made me and it w asn’t necessar ily a bad thing— Moss suggests that Alexander’s “Sein- go, ‘Oh, I really w ant to collabora te was a kind of tremendous sheen on his feld” celebr ity might ha ve stymied a Howard Fine with this person for a long time,’ is the work, a slick quality. And because I had lesser performer. “It’s very difficult when fact that once I got the job, Howard seen him go deeper in tha t workshop, I people love you on the lev el that George was like, ‘Now you can let all of tha t said, ‘I think we need to w ork on mate- [Costanza] was loved for so man y years go. Go back to the v ery beg inning rial that is darker and more vulnerable. ’ to get that out of people’s minds and have and Carla Gugino and don’t know what you’re going to And he went for it and began to work on them sa y, ‘Oh, he’ s an actor . He’ s not do at all. At this point, it’s about be- ballads and all different kinds of songs.” George.’ That’s the ter ror of television.” By Sarah Kuhn giving her the tools to do so. ing as uncomfor table as possible, so Moss was unlike other teacher s Alex- Moss contends that Alexander “does not [email protected] “Sometimes I’ll enter something you can really disco ver on a deeper ander had studied with. “He was as in- walk with his fame” and values work over where the [character] is v ery differ- level.’ That was truly the biggest key I tuitive and insightful as any person I have acclaim. arla Gugino loves the thrill of ent from m yself, b ut there’s al ways could’ve ever had.” ever known,” the actor says. “He was silly Noting Alexander’s work as a director, disappearing into characters, that w ay of needing to connect to , Fine has continued to coach and holy-cow funny. And I was intrigued writer, and ar tistic director of L.A. ’s Re- C of becoming one with ev- where do y ou find it inside?” she Gugino throughout her career b ut and compelled b y him ev ery step of the prise Theatre Compan y, Moss predicts erything, from nurturing matriarchs muses. “The key for me and wha t’s notes that their relationship has nev- way.” that the coming y ears will be crea tively (“Spy Kids”) to hard-charg ing go- exciting is when I feel like I’m inhab- er dev olved into “neurotic depen- So began a decades-long partnership rewarding for his longtime pupil. He getters (“Entourage”). F ans often iting them: They are in m y bones . dency.” “I never go on set, ” he sa ys that included work on both coasts. Moss says he hopes Alexander will continue to express amazement a t her ability to That’s always a g reat reminder tha t with a chuckle. “Carla’s the ar tist. learned that Alexander was “relentless stretch as an actor, as w ell—to work on capture such a wide range of per so- I get from Howard.” Imagine the surgeon br inging their in his work ethic.” Many years after tha t Shakespeare and Pinter and Chekhov, as nas, but Gugino credits her longtime The idea tha t every character can teacher into the opera ting room. initial meeting , Moss taught an ev ening he did in seasons past. acting teacher, Ho ward Fine, with be discovered within is a central par t It w ould not inspire confidence. If of Fine’ s teachings and something I have to go on set, boy, have I not that has resonated with Gugino in all done my job.” their years of working together. “Ev- Adds Gugino, “I think that is real- ery character y ou’re going to pla y is ly unique to [Howard], which speaks found inside y ou,” says Fine. “I love to his confidence. He has this amaz- to sa y, ho w man y character s do w e ing g ift of teaching and of collabo- play in the cour se of a day? One of rating. There’s not an ego-or iented the g reat misconceptions about act- ownership over really ev en his o wn ing is this idea of a character tha t’s work or his own craft. We cheer each a put-on. As Carla said, y ou might other and suppor t each other as have completely different habits, mutual ar tists in a w ay that’s really but there’s a par t of y ou that is tha t healthy.” character.” Fine speaks proudly of Gug ino’s Gugino and Fine fir st met near many accomplishments, but he has a the da wn of her career, when she special place in his heart for the the- was a teen actor looking for a good ater work he has coached her on: She coach. The actor’ s agent, P eter followed up her triumphant perfor- Levine, introduced the duo, but they mance in “After the Fall” with turns didn’t work together extensively un- in “Suddenly Last Summer, ” op- til Gugino needed to hone her audi- posite Blythe Danner, and “Desire tion for the 2004 Broadw ay revival Under the Elms.” of Arthur Miller’ s “After the F all.” “Who leaves Los Angeles in the She says, “I really felt like I needed winter to go into the cold to do a somebody who had a real sense play where y ou kill y our child?” he and histor y and pro wess in ter ms says bemusedly. “I so admire Carla of thea ter.” Recalls Fine, “She w as for what she does, and to be a part of up against incredible odds . Coming that with her is remarkable.” from L.A., it’s an immediate stigma, That said, there w as one poten- and Carla had done a lot of televi- tially uncomfor table moment tha t sion and film. She was up against all arose when Fine trekked out to New the New York theater actresses, and York to see Gug ino in “Suddenly it’s cliquish. She had to be better Last Summer .” Thinking tha t he’ d than better.” be sea ted somewhere unobtr usive, Fine’s methods clicked so w ell for Fine couldn’ t help b ut panic when Gugino that she realized she w anted he realized he was sitting “dead cen- to w ork with him forev er—and she ter in the front ro w.” “And their set nabbed the role. “We w orked in a was not raised, ” he sa ys, laughing. very par ticular way for the audition, “I’m thinking , ‘Oh no. I’m directly because there were certain aspects of in her sightline. And I don’t want to the play that no one had quite gotten be.’ I tried to make myself small. But to,” she sa ys. “It was about going all then after it star ted, I didn’ t think the way there for the audition in order about it. I got so absorbed in her to actually get the job. But then what performance.”

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0930 SPOT ASC LA Teachers.indd 16 9/28/10 3:34 PM SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES Sam Weisman and Zuzanna Szadkowski By Sarah Kuhn [email protected]

uzanna Sz adkowski h ad a lways i magined a c ertain career path for herself: character parts, lots of theater, Z very l ittle t elevision. “ I t hought I w as a t heater ac tor and TV was for, like, 20-year-old girls who are blond and size 2,” she says, chuckling. “I didn’t think that was a place where I would find employment.” All that changed when Szadkowski met teacher-director Sam Weisman, who was brought in to helm one of her MFA classes at Harvard University’s American Repertory Theater Institute. “He was ve ry d ifferent f rom t he ot her fac ulty we had,” she recalls. “He has a lmost l ike X-ray v ision: He c an see the way that you work, and he c an talk to you and make changes i n your pr ocess i n a ve ry pr ecise way. It r esonated with me because he helps you see how you’re perceived, gets you out of your head, and gives you direct advice.” Some of the ad vice Weisman gave Szadkowski opened up her mind in terms of her career. “He helped me to see a char- acter actor’s path in a different w ay,” she says. “I had a much smaller pigeonhole for m yself, and he changed the w ay that I perceived myself. He’s the first person who ever told me that I could work in television, and he helped me to see that there was her was really t ruthful. I t hink she really gets it a nd under- school, the Sam Weisman Studio, in New York. “I think he a variety of character roles. He blew open my self-perception.” stands how she can create opportunities for herself when she has found this really big love for spending time with students, This ultimately led Szadkowski to her most high-profile role, as walks into the room to audition.” and he w ants to c reate a ne w path in his life where he’s do- scene-stealing housekeeper Dorota on the CW ser ies “Gossip Szadkowski a nd Weisman d eveloped s uch a r apport t hat ing more and more of t hat,” she says. “I jumped all over the Girl.” The character developed into such a fan favorite that the they e nded up ke eping i n touc h a fter t he ac tor g raduated chance to help him out.” network commissioned a series of webisodes centering on her. from A RT. “For me , it ’s r eally c ool w hen a t eacher c ares For h is p art, W eisman c an’t w ait t o e ncourage u p-and- Weisman, meanwhile, feels t hat t he m issing e lement he about not just the work that you do in the room but the career coming thespians in the same way he once encouraged Sza- gave Szadkowski was simple: honest encouragement. “She’s that you’re able to have,” she says. “He knows the industry. dkowski. “ I t ry to e mpower ac tors i n a r eal w ay by s aying, really enjoyed a lot of s uccess for a y oung character ac tress When I g raduated, he’s t he g uy I c alled to s ay, ‘I h ave t his ‘Look, you are your own set of resources,’ ” he says. “I try to because, very often, character actors have to wait 15, 20 years audition; how do I prepare?’ ” paint the picture of, this is what the working situation is, and I before they start to work,” he says. “I just felt, in her case, she Now t he d uo i s c ementing t heir b ond e ven f urther: Sz a- try to get them to understand that they have to figure out how really needed encouragement, and the encouragement I gave dkowski has partnered w ith Weisman to op en a ne w acting they fit into the fabric of an entire endeavor.”

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BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 17

0930 SPOT ASC LA Teachers.indd 17 9/28/10 3:37 PM SPOTLIGHT ON LOS A NGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES

he following is a list of Los Angeles–area stage and film acting T schools, teachers, and coaches organized by category and alphabetically. Each of the entries contains the following information, if applicable: name of teacher or school; address; phone and fax numbers; email address and/or website; average number of students per class; whether beginning, intermediate, or advanced students are taught; whether auditing is permitted; whether classes are ongoing or by sessions; any special emphasis used in classes or coaching; whether a work/study pro- gram is offered. Descriptions of the class, school, or coaching are pro- vided by the instructor or institution and edited by Back Stage. Schools or teachers who have been omitted may contact, in writing, Listings, c/o Back Stage, 5055 Wilshire Blvd., 6th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036, so that we may include you in our next list. ACTING TECHNIQUE/ 16-20. Other: Young Performers; Audition Tech- SCENE STUDY nique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Tech- nique AARON MCPHERSON STUDIO West Hollywood, CA THE ACTING CENTER OF [email protected] LOS ANGELES www.aaronmcphersonstudio.com 5514 Hollywood Blvd. 310-918-5335 Los Angeles, CA 90028 12 students max (audition class), 40 max [email protected] (scene study); day and evening sessions www.theactingcenterla.com available; All levels; Auditing permitted 323-962-2100 with industry referral; small auditing fee for 20-50 students per class; private coach- others; Month by month basis ing and career consultation by appt.; All Actor, teacher, director Aaron McPherson levels; No auditing, no audition, but an offers classes in on-camera audition tech- interview is required; Ongoing; improv runs nique and scene study, with the focus on in eight-week sessions; Work study possibly both technical and organic acting. available for dedicated students Other: On-Camera Technique; Audition The Acting Center is an acting school Technique/Cold Reading that produces uniformly confident, com- pletely certain actors who can create any AARON SPEISER ACTING STUDIO character, in any emotion, in any situa- 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd. tion, instantly. Classes are composed of Los Angeles, CA 90035 exercises, cold reading, scene study, and [email protected] improv. Also acting and improv class for www.aaronspeiser.com kids & teens. Classes meet Mon. and Wed. 310-399-4567 7-10 p.m., Tue., Thu., and Sun. 1-6 p.m. 25-45 students per class; private coach- $280 per month for adult classes. Call for ing available; All levels; After an interview, kids class pricing. Gated parking avail- ®, ®, one audit allowed in most classes for a able. See student bookings on Twitter. 95 Oscars 236 Emmys $25 fee; Ongoing ®* Speiser has been a trainer and coach THE ACTING CORPS 83 Tonys in the industry for over 25 years, having 5508 Cahuenga Blvd. worked with numerous acclaimed actors North Hollywood, CA 91601 including Will and Jada Smith, Virginia [email protected] Madsen, Jennifer Lopez, Gerard Butler, L.L. www.theactingcorps.com Cool J., the Wayans brothers, Shannyn 818-753-2800 ONE Sossamon, Mandy Moore, Dwayne “The Small class sizes; All levels; Interview is Rock” Johnson, Brooke Shields, and Jeff required; Ongoing Foxworthy. Several of his actors, including Short-term conservatory offering a daily LEGENDARY Madsen and Smith, have gone on to be concentrated approach. The Meisner- nominated for Academy Awards and based program not only teaches the other notable recognition. He has worked legendary technique but also applies it to with several directors and producers as cold reading and scene study. SCHOOL well including F. Gary Gray of “The Italian Job,” Michael Mann of “Public Enemies,” THE ACTING STUDIO AT EDGEMAR Francis Lawrence of “I Am Legend,” Neal Michelle Danner and Larry Moss • College Degree Israel of “Finding Neverland,” Oliver Stone, 2437 Main St. Adam Shankman, Wayne Wang, and Santa Monica, CA 90405 Conservatory Program Peter Berg. Speiser’s approach is “specifi- www.actingstudioatedgemar.com cally designed for professional actors, or 310-392-0815 actors who want to be professional, it’s Class size varies; private coaching avail- • Scholarships & very specific and no-nonsense.” The studio able (in-person and via Skype); Beginner, specializes in on-camera acting for film intermediate, and advanced; Free info Student Housing and television. Ongoing classes include session with Michelle Danner; Ongoing beginning technique, cold-reading, The Acting Studio at Edgemar provides • Four-Week improv, voice, dialect and accent, inter- professional classes for film, television and mediate and advanced scene study, an stage, including on-camera, voice, improv & Two-Week invitation-only master class, and casting and Sit-Com Comedy with Brad Garret. director, business of acting, and comedy Students work on challenging writing Summer Intensives seminars. A comprehensive teen program ranging from classics to contemporary, is also offered. Private coaching for audi- well-known authors to new original scripts. tions, career counseling, and image con- The Acting Studio supports the process sulting are available. of developing one’s original work and believes strongly that every actor has Apply now for Winter 2011 JULES AARON an important personal story to tell. The 323-660-7342 studio also offer eight-week on-camera Aaron, the former head of of graduate acting and improvisation classes for ACT NOW! programs at CalArts and U.C. Riverside, children and teens, ages 6 to 17. Industry is an award-winning director and acting showcases held twice yearly. Edgemar is teacher. He has won numerous directing also home to Scene Bit, the multimedia Visit www.aada.org awards. By audition only. evening of theater where students per- form their best scenes on- and off-camera or call 800.222.2867 ACTEEN-ACTING FOR TEENS for agents, managers, directors, casting Rita Litton, Director directors and other entertainment profes- 35 W. 45th St., 6th floor sionals. *AADA alumni have been nominated for all of these awards and more. New York, NY 10036 Other: On-Camera Technique; Improv [email protected] and Comedy www.acteen.com 212-391-5915 THE ACTOR SPACE 8-12 students per class; private coaching www.theactorspace.com available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 818-754-4442 By sessions: year-round and summer see Joe Palese academy Film, television, theater, commercials, ACTOR’S ART THEATRE improvisation, musical theater, speech, 6128 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 110 Meisner, Shakespeare, monologue and Los Angeles, CA 90048 audition classes for teens ages 13-15 and [email protected]

18 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 18 9/28/10 3:59 PM www.actorsart.com THE ACTORS CIRCLE to reveal more natural responses of 323-969-4953 Marcie Smolin character. His classes include cold read- 12 students max; private coaching avail- 4475 Sepulveda Blvd. ing, scene study, improvisation, audition able; All levels; Free introductory session is Culver City, CA 90230 scenes, and monologues. ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES given with interview/audition; Ongoing [email protected] Jolene Adams and the Actor’s Art Theatre www.theactorscircle.com THE ACTORS WORKOUT STUDIO ACTORS’ ATELIER www.aidaacting.com teaches acting technique, script analysis, 310-837-4536 4735 Lankershim Blvd. Susie Thomas 323-378-5319 directing, play and solo show develop- 8-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing North Hollywood, CA 91602 5714 Lankershim Blvd. 10-15 students per class; All levels; ment. All classes are available in private not permitted; Ongoing [email protected] North Hollywood, CA 91602 accepts international students and will or semiprivate sessions. Offers television and film acting work- www.actorsworkout.com [email protected] sponsor them with a student visa; Audit- shops for children, teens, and adults, in 818-766-2171 www.actors-atelier.com ing is permitted; Ongoing; In the diploma THE ACTOR’S LAB scene study, cold reading, improv, charac- 16 students max; All levels; Free audits; 818-308-7981 program there is industry placement simi- J.D. Lewis ter development, and interview technique. Ongoing 14 students max; All levels; Up to two free lar to internship available [email protected] Fran Montano, an actor for more than 30 audits; Ongoing and by session Artistic director Paul Parker’s mission is to www.theactorslab.com ACTORS CREATIVE WORKSHOP years and a teacher for over 25, special- The Atelier offers a supportive place train and coach aspiring and seasoned 310-621-3900 2703 W. Olive Ave. izes in “troubleshooting actors’ blocks.” where students can find answers, where actors in the renowned Australian tech- 20 students per class; private coaching Burbank, CA 91505 To that end, he says, classes are small, teachers who are experts in their field offer nique. Focus is on helping actors access available; All levels; Auditing not permitted [email protected] “very individualized, and it’s very much encouragement, and where students can their full emotional range and broaden J.D. Lewis, known for coaching many top- www.trulyacting.com an intense workout where everyone also find collaboration among their peers. their artistic palette. name actors in the industry, offers ongo- 10-12 students per class; private coach- works every class.” His classes, based on ing cold reading, scene study, and career ing available; All levels; Free workshops Meisner technique, include exercises, THE ACTORS’ PRACTICE FIELD - ALAN FEINSTEIN & PAUL TUERPÉ guidance classes. for actors to meet the coaches; 4-6 week improv, cold reading, and scene study. KIMBERLY K. WILSON ACTING STUDIO sessions as well as ongoing classes and Montano is also the artistic director of the [email protected] [email protected] THE ACTOR/ARTIST GROUP workshops Actors Workout Studio, where class mem- www.maggieandannie.com www.feinstein-tuerpe.com WORKSHOP - PETER-HENRY Offers audition technique, intensives on bers regularly mount performances and 310-375-2724 323-650-7766 SCHROEDER mastering the internet, comedy, voice industry-invited scene nights. His ongoing Private coaching available; One free Private coaching available; All levels; PHS Productions over, on-camera techniques, and scene weekly workshops divide into beginning audit, call for interview Admission by interview only; Ongoing 8447 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 401 study. Staff consists of industry profession- and advanced, and he requires an inter- Writer-director Wilson has 15 years’ experi- Veteran working actors Feinstein and Tuer- Beverly Hills, CA 90211 als. view and audit. ence as acting coach in the “Meisner- pé offer classes which cover scene study, [email protected] Conrad-No Acting” approach. Courses fundamental and emotional exercises, www.actorartist.com THE ACTORS SANCTUARY ACTORS WORKSHOP include TV/film audition workout, scene on-camera cold reading, and the newly 310-407-3530 or 310-277-2355 West Hollywood, CA STUDIOS study, and cold reading/on-camera. added voice training. 6-8 students max; private coaching [email protected] 5703 Oberlin Dr., Ste. 210 available; All levels; Observation by invita- www.dhtcb.com and San Diego, CA 92121 AIA STUDIOS ALEXANDERTECHWORKS tion only; Ongoing; Internship possible if www.theactorssanctuary.com [email protected] 2210 W. Olive Ave., Ste. 320 Jean-Louis Rodrigue, Kristof Konrad related to college credit 818-506-6194 www.actorsworkshopstudios.com Burbank, CA 91506 PO Box 3194 Peter-Henry Schroeder teaches progres- No student limit; private coaching avail- 858-587-6666 [email protected] Beverly Hills, CA 90212 sive and unique workshops that focus on able; All levels; Free one-time audit avail- 15 students max; Beginner, intermediate, www.aiastudios.com [email protected] relaxation and concentration techniques, able; Ongoing and advanced; Auditing is permitted; 818-563-4142, Fax: 818-841-7118 www.alexandertechworks.com as well as audition preparation, cold Led by actor-director David Hall, Sanctu- Ongoing 20-24 students per class; All levels; Audit- 310-443-4483, Fax: 310-443-4483 reading, and scene study. ary offers scene-study/monologue class- Established in 1989, the Actors Workshop ing not permitted; Ongoing; Limited 12-15 students per class; private coach- es that meet every week and emphasize Studio provides on-camera training in film internships available ing available; All levels; Auditing arranged THE ACTORS CENTER cold-reading and audition technique and television acting and audition tech- AIA Studio has spent over 22 years guid- by appointment; By sessions Michael Scott Butler exercises. niques based on the Meisner approach. ing actors with professional excellence For over 30 years AlexanderTech Works [email protected] Other: Audition Technique/ by providing industry instruction, career has provided courses in LA, NY, and www.actorscenter.com Cold Reading THE ACTORS WORKSHOP guidance, and the opportunity to build Europe by AmSAT certified teachers that 310-459-5064 [email protected] relationships with industry experts. help actors gain a fundamental aware- Small class sizes; Intermediate and ACTORS THEATRECRAFT www.theactorsworkshop.com Other: Business of Acting ness, control, and freedom of the self in advanced; Auditing not permitted; Ongo- WORKSHOP 949-855-4444 performance. ing Rick Walters All levels; Auditing not permitted AIDA - AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF Scott Butler believes “training is more than 323-876-1100 Under the direction R.J. Adams, workshops DRAMATIC ARTS ALEXIA ROBINSON STUDIO a matter of technique,” and the Center’s Private coaching available; All levels; are held twice weekly with an emphasis AIDA Theatre 13500 Ventura Blvd. goal “is to get you working at a level of Auditing permitted once only; on film and TV audition techniques, cold 6444 Santa Monica Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 excellence.” Ongoing readings, on-camera scene work, and Los Angeles, CA 90038 Since 1961 Rick Walters has taught actors marketing and imaging guidance. [email protected] to tap into their own unique experiences Continued on page 20—

Were you ever a Professional Young Performer? You may have Unclaimed Income you don’t know about.

Contact The Actors Fund “Coogan” Funds were created to set aside a to find out about claiming these funds. portion of young performers’ earnings until adulthood. The Actors Fund is a trustee of CALL 323.933.9244 ext. 40 or Coogan earnings that haven’t been claimed. VISIT www.unclaimedcoogan.org to learn more.

BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 19

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 19 9/28/10 3:59 PM Private coaching; Intermediate, KATE GEER’S advanced, and professional; Ongoing Dino S. Ladki is a working casting director who helps actors “determine the best ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES scene deliveries for them as individuals.” He believes that each actor’s unique qualities should be encouraged to shine SURVIVAL SCHOOL ™ —continued from page 19 Other: Audition Technique/ through the character while also staying true to the role as written. [email protected] Cold Reading www.alexiarobinsonstudio.com, CYB BARNSTABLE smartactors.com ANTHONY MEINDL’S ACTOR’S [email protected] 818-779-1118 WORKSHOP 818-501-4734 8-12 students per class; private coach- 7801 Melrose Ave., Ste. 6 Small classes; private coaching available ing available; All levels; Free audit of the Los Angeles, CA 90046 Barnstable, who studied at Herbert Berg- scene study class is offered; Ongoing; [email protected] hof Studio in New York and has been Work study available www.anthonymeindl.com teaching for over 15 years in Los Angeles, Seen on E! Entertainment and in the LA 323-852-6963 offers a positive, supportive, and challeng- Times, this celebrity coach offers scene 10-24 students per class; All levels; Free ing environment for the actor. study (TV and film training) and online audit available; Ongoing training for adults, teens and kids. With his holistic approach to the study of acting, Meindl provides ongoing classes ROBERT BEECHER AMERICAN MUSICAL AND to performers of all levels. Set in the Meta Stage 13 Theatre on Melrose (at Ogden), the Lab 10749 New Haven St., #15 DRAMATIC ACADEMY Sun Valley, CA 91352 6305 Yucca St. is a safe environment where regular cast- [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90028 ing director and agent workshops offer www.stage13.com [email protected] visibility and business education. Meindl 818-768-5574 www.amda.edu says he strongly diverges from traditional 4 students per class; All levels; Auditing not 323-469-3300/866-374-5300, techniques, requiring the actor “to use permitted; Ongoing Fax: 323-469-5246 the totality of who he or she is, to first Beecher’s Stage 13 offers four weeks of 20 students per class; Intermediate embody, then transform. The actor learns coaching in scenes or commercials for and advanced; Auditing is permitted; how to expand consciousness when www.ShakespeareSurvival.com $60. For beginners or professionals alike. Ongoing with fall, spring, and summer approaching a character and simultane- ously propels growth and healing through (310) 455-4295 semesters; Offers extensive scholarship BERG STUDIO opportunities elevated self-expression.” He has taught 3245 Casitas Ave. AMDA, America’s premier college of Los Angeles actors for the last eight years. Los Angeles, CA 90039 “We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life performing arts, offers actors a chance to Previously he taught in New York City, [email protected] is rounded with a sleep.” –Prospero, The Tempest, Shakespeare train with, and learn from, a faculty com- where he studied and worked with Circle www.thebergstudios.com prising accomplished actors, directors, Repertory Theatre and Sande Shurin. 323-666-3382 choreographers, dancers, designers, and 20 students per class; All levels; Free audit- educators who inspire and work with stu- PHYLLIS APPLEGATE ing; Ongoing dents on an individual basis. AMDA is the 323-655-5167 Gregory Berger-Sobeck teaches the only performing arts college that offers Private coaching only; All levels Yale School of Drama technique, which Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and conser- The Emmy-nominated Applegate studied has trained Meryl Streep, Edward Nor- vatory studies programs with campuses at the Lee Strasberg Institute on scholar- ton, Sigourney Weaver, Jodie Foster, Liev in both New York and Los Angeles. The ship and offers ongoing individual perfor- Schreiber, Paul Giamatti, and Frances integrated program offers training in sing- mance coaching combining Strasberg’s McDormand. All students are offered free ing, acting, and dance. The studio pro- “A Working Actor Teaching methods with her own. On-set coaching audition coaching outside of class, and gram trains students in acting for stage, also available. classes are very small, giving individual- film, and television. AMDA also offers BFA a Unique Way to Work.” ized attention. Class covers scene work, programs in acting, dance, and musical AQUILA/MORONG STUDIO FOR commercial and theatrical audition theater. AMDA New York is located at 211 BEEN DIRECTED BY: on-camera, cold reading, industry show- W. 61st St., New York, NY 10023. ACTORS cases, and guest speakers. Class meets Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Brian Other: Conservatory/University 1680 Vine St., Ste. 806 Los Angeles, CA 90028 twice a week, and every actor works every DePalma, Simon West,Taylor Hackford, class. Berger has an MFA from Yale and AMERICAN NATIONAL ACADEMY [email protected] F. Gary Gray, Phil A. Robinson, Philip 323-460-6292 has worked many years in New York as a OF PERFORMING ARTS Noyce, Frank Darabont and Dwight Private coaching available; Advanced private coach. He has numerous Broad- 10944 Ventura Blvd. and professional; teens to adult; Auditing way credits, as well as credits in film and Little among others. Studio City, CA 91604 not permitted; By session television. The technique he teaches is “a 818-763-4431 Casting directors Deb Aquila and Donna systematic approach for identifying and ACTED WITH: Audition required; Year round Morong offers master classes based on personalizing a character’s driving need/ The Academy is a nonprofit organization Clint Eastwood,Aaron Eckhart, Nic Cage, John Malkovich, the teachings of Stella Adler and Meis- objective and engaging the actor - voice, that offers classes in acting, ballet, mod- ner based technique and scene study body, mind, spirit - in its active pursuit. It is Leo DiCaprio, Vin Diesel, Burt Lancaster, Kevin Costner, ern jazz, tap-dancing, improv, cold read- classes for professional teens and young a repeatable step-by-step process ensur- Sam Rockwell, Bill Paxton, James Earl Jones,Ving Rhames, ing, scene study, observation, pantomime, adults. ing results.” All levels. Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, James Garner, stage presence, and musical comedy. Andy Griffith, Dick Van Dyke, David Duchovny and THE ARDAVANY APPROACH BERNARD HILLER ACTING STUDIO Kevin Bacon among others. AMY LYNDON’S COLD READING/ Tom Ardavany 14370 Ventura Blvd. BOOKING CLASSES 517 Ocean Front Walk, Ste. 8 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 INDUSTRY INTERFACE ON-CAMERA WORK Studio City, CA Venice, CA 90291 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.bernardhiller.com http://thelyndontechnique.com www.theapproach.net 818-781-8000 EVENING AND DAY CLASSES 818-760-8501, Fax: 818-760-2006 310-450-2848 15-20 students per class; private sessions 22-30 students per class; Advanced; Audit- 12-16 students per class; private coach- are available; Immediate, advanced, and (818) 980-9828 ing not permitted; Ongoing ing available; All levels; Auditing permitted professional (some beginners); Introduc- Lyndon teaches 3 cold reading/booking on a case-by-case basis; Ongoing; Work tory private lesson required; Ongoing, plus www.eastinstudio.com classes that has proven to help hundreds study/internship available international master classes year-round of actors break through into the 1 per- Tom Ardavany has been assisting actors Bernard Hiller teaches the latest film act- cent booking category by providing a professionally for fifteen years. The “Arda- ing techniques and helps actors over- 15-guideline map to booking. vany Approach” is a unique method to come blocks and fears by finding their enhance perception and creative expres- unique inner quality and shows them the ANDREW BENNE STUDIO sion for actors. By utilizing “the approach,” road to success. • Launch into every audition with 4930 Lankershim Blvd. the actor connects to his inner present Other: On-Camera Technique unbreakable confi dence! North Hollywood, CA 91601 power source for maximum impact www.andrewbenne.com on-camera and on stage. Ardavany’s BEVERLY HILLS PLAYHOUSE • Deliver compelling and inspiring 818-386-5867 insightful and advanced approach 254 S. Robertson Blvd. All levels; Auditing is permitted helps actors define and perform the right Beverly Hills, CA 90211 performances that book! Develops professional actors, with a action every time. The Approach Studios, [email protected] • Master every tool you will ever need focus on each actor’s individual training located in Venice Beach and Hollywood, www.beverlyhillsplayhouse.com needs to book paid acting work, rooted in provide open, inspirational environments 310-855-1556 for acting success in Los Angeles. moment-to-moment work. for actors to develop their craft. Approach Interview required for admission actors have gone on to win multiple The BHP is one of L.A.’s oldest and most LA’s Best Kept Secret for Actors! – LA Splash Magazine ANDREW UTTER - MOTHER OF Emmys, Golden Globes, awards and respected acting schools and offers INVENTION ACTING SCHOOL nominations. Hollywood location: 646 N. ongoing intensive scene study classes www.sacredactor.com [email protected] Beachwood Dr. to instruct aspiring professionals in the www.utteracting.com areas of acting, career administration, [email protected] • 310-392-8212 Andew Utter brings the acting technique THE ARTIST THEATRE GROUP and attitude. learned at the Yale School of Drama to Anthony Montes his courses and workshops. Technique is 3634 Coldwater Canyon Ave. LARRY BIEDERMAN - DIRECTING presented through exercises, discussion, Fireside Room AND ACTING CLASSES CASTING DIRECTOR MELISSA SKOFF and scene work. Studio City, CA 91604 [email protected] [email protected] www.larrybiederman.net Improve Your Skills!! Book The Job!! ANNIE GRINDLAY STUDIO http://theartisttheatregroup.homestead 818-486-6399 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 403 .com 8-12 students per class; Actors: intermedi- Advanced ongoing cold reading, Los Angeles, CA 90036 818-400-2270 or 818-705-4364 ate and above. Directors: all levels; Audit- scene study and audition technique classes. [email protected] Auditing of the first class is allowed ing permitted; sliding scale available; 8-12 www.anniegrindlay.com ATG offers acting technique and scene sessions; some classes elect to continue Casting Director for 100+features and TV shows. 323-954-1200, Fax: 323-954-1200 study, and encourages students to take Biederman identifies the artist’s individual- Class size varies; private coaching avail- the work out of the classroom and create ity and teaches students to invest and Classes frequented by industry guests. able; All levels; Monthly free workshop is their own opportunities. express that uniqueness in their work. He Students work every week. held; Ongoing and by session encourages directors to take his scene Annie Grindlay is an actress, teacher, and THE AUDITION COACH study classes and actors to take his direct- Private coaching available. most importantly someone who nurtures West Hollywood, CA ing workshop. 818-760-2058 • www.melissaskoff.com the artist within the actor. She began [email protected] teaching in 1988 and opened her own — No guarantee of employment — www.audition-tape.com BILL HOWEY ACTING STUDIO studio in 2009, “The Audition Experience.” 310-289-4962 855 N. Hollywood Way

20 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 20 9/28/10 4:00 PM Burbank, CA 91505 and holds a master’s degree from UCLA. interview required; Ongoing [email protected] Artistic director of the Imagined Life, www.billhowey.com CARYN’S SPACE FOR ACTORS Castle has been teaching and coach- 818-433-7445 Caryn West ing actors for over 15 years. Her ongoing 14 students per class; private coaching 7506 Lexington Ave. scene-study class emphasizes “a creative ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES available; Intermediate to advanced, age West Hollywood, CA 90046 state of mind and the use of imagination.” 18 and up; Auditing with approval before- [email protected] hand; Ongoing www.carynwest.com CATLIN ADAMS ACTING LAB CHANGING PERCEPTIONS www.sharonchatten.com Howey’s goal is to get actors to be the 323-876-0394/818-693-4625 Los Angeles, CA - THEATRE BY THE BLIND & 213-486-4229/310-650-4030 most vulnerable, the most emotional, 8-14 students per class; private coaching [email protected] PHYSICALLY DISABLED 24 students per class; private coaching have the most intention, have the most available; Intermediate, advanced, and www.actinglab.com Greg Shane, executive director available; All levels; Auditing not permit- charm, and be the most affecting. In professional; Auditing is permitted; Classes 323-851-8811 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Ste. 502 ted; Ongoing short, become the most compelling actor in late Jan.-May, late Aug., and early Sept. Limited class size; private coaching avail- Los Angeles, CA 90049 Classes include relaxation, sensory work, in the room. Audition intensives offered year round; able; All levels; Working audit permitted; [email protected] scenes from TV, film, and contemporary Work study is sometimes permitted Ongoing, Monday professional class; www.creoutreach.org theatre, and improvs. Current clients JAMES BOLT Emphasis is on preparation, script analy- Thursday craft class 310-902-8220 include Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Keri Rus- [email protected] sis, different theater and camera genres, Classes focus on developing the actor’s 10-15 students per class; All levels; Audit- sell, Scott Speedman, etc. 323-559-9466 goal setting, professionalism, creative risk- craft and cover improvisation, sensory ing is permitted; 16 week sessions; Work Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing is taking, the essential uses of breath, effort- work, auditioning techniques, camera work study and internships available CHEKHOV STUDIO INTERNATIONAL permitted; Ongoing lessness and the “freedom to play.” exercises, monologue, and scene study. Year-round program of drama workshops Hollywood, CA Bolt describes his approach to coach- and performances offered to the visually [email protected] ing act ors as “honoring the character’s DIANA CASTLE MARK CHAET and/or physically disabled free of charge. www.chekhovstudio.com experience.” He is currently available by The Imagined Life [email protected] Theater company tours an original play 202-465-5315 appointment to coach actors for specific 5615 San Vicente Blvd. www.markchaet.com designed to educate the public on dis- 12 students max; private coaching avail- auditions, roles, and acting jobs. Los Angeles, CA 90019 818-547-9018 ability issues with public performances able; Intermediate, advanced, and profes- [email protected] Private coaching only; Beginners; Auditing each year. sional; One- to two-month intensives year JIM BONTEMPO www.theimaginedlife.com not permitted round; Work study available in certain [email protected] 323-936-6818 Chaet teaches business for actors. He SHARON CHATTEN cases 323-383-4444 40 students max; private coaching avail- focuses on goal-setting and methods for Venice, CA Makela teaches students how to Class size varies; semi-private coaching able; All levels; Auditing not permitted; organizing and advancing one’s career. [email protected] available; All levels; Auditing by special Continued on page 22— arrangement only Bontempo is a graduate of the Neigh- borhood Playhouse School of Theatre under Sanford Meisner and trained in Los WHEN YOU’RE READY TO DO WHAT YOU CAME HERE FOR™ Angeles with Nina Foch. He has privately coached for more than 20 years.

BRIAN REISE ACTING STUDIOS 7954 Fountain Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 www.brianreise.com 323-874-5593, Fax: (323-874-5593 All levels; An orientation session is required for admission; Ongoing Reise’s classes specialize in cold reading. The focus is on the reality of the acting business; teaching actors how to develop their skills so they can audition more effectively. BETH BRICKELL FOCUSING ON ACTING FOR FILM & TELEVISION at The Complex Hollywood 6472 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 ■ [email protected] Technique Class www.luminousfilms.net/actingclass.pdf 16 students per class; All levels; First class ■ free and open to anyone; By sessions and Scene Study ongoing; No Strasberg, Meisner, Adler: Actor/Direc- ■ tor/Actors Studio member Beth Brickell The Master Class studied with these three giants. She uses their exercises, improvs and scene study. in her class. ■ The Actor's Voice

EUGENIA BUERKLIN Los Angeles, CA ■ Diction, Dialect, and Accents [email protected] www.eugeniabuerklin.com and www.lumin8.us ■ Cold Reading and Audition Techniques 818-761-9042 16 students per class; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; ■ Improvisation newcomers invited to take a single class; Ongoing classes, workshops, and private sessions; Offers work/study program ■ Teen Techniques & Scene Study Eugenia Buerklin is an award-winning director and the developer of a tech- nique based on intuition and the mind- ■ Private Coaching body connection. “We take acting out of the thinking mind and put it back in the feeling body where it belongs.” Other: Young Performers

BOB BURGOS [email protected] 323-653-5947 Private coaching only Burgos has worked on and Off-Broadway and in theaters across the country. He has taught at NYU, Art Center in Pasadena, and has been an on-set acting coach on numerous films and television shows. “Behind every great actor is a great teacher.” – Will Smith “Aaron has such an intuitive understanding of the spirits, bodies, minds, and hearts of many different characters.” CARMEN MILITO “I got the most important job of my life because of Aaron.” I won’t make – Shannyn Sossamon [email protected] a move without him. – Virginia Madsen www.carmenmilito.com 818-760-2448 “I would recommend Aaron to anyone who is serious about acting.” Private coaching only “Aaron coached me into my breakthrough movie Selena, and kept me – Ashley Johnson Carmen is a member of the Actors Stu- focused on my acting.” – Jennifer Lopez dio Playwright/Directors Unit, the Lincoln “He’s our man. If you need a teacher call Aaron.” Center Directors Lab West, and Women in Film. She teaches scene study and script “I love Aaron’s passion…He’s amazing.” – The Rock – Marlon & Shawn Wayans analysis. “Aaron has been an inspiration to me in both the craft & career of acting.” “My career changed once I started working with Aaron. He gives me the SANDRA CARUSO – LL Cool J tools to book the job.” – Bree Turner 11916 Saltair Terrace Los Angeles, CA 90049 [email protected] 310-476-5113 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90035 Private coaching only Caruso, a professor in the UCLA School of 310-399-4567 Theater, Film, and Television, studied with www.AaronSpeiser.com [email protected] Meisner, Strasberg, Hagen, Katselas, grad- uated from the NYU Theatre Department,

BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 21

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 21 9/28/10 4:00 PM 310-393-9378, Fax: (310-209-8502 Limited class sizes; private coaching available; All levels; Interview by phone ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES required first; Ongoing client specific syl- labus —continued from page 21 advanced; Free informational session Since 1985, Dusa has coached and embrace the moment, combat anticipa- Acting coach and director Michelle directed a distinguished list of well known tion and stage fright, and live truthfully Danner has worked with a wide range of actors. Dusa offers exclusive coaching under the imaginary circumstances an notable talent, including Gerard Butler, and consultation for actors and writer actor creates, with the help of an actor’s Chris Rock, Penelope Cruz, James Franco, that will take your acting and writing skills physical imagination and spatial aware- Salma Hayek and Zooey Deschanel. Her to the next level. ness. classes include on-camera, scene study, and the Golden Box intensive. Danner is WAYNE C. DVORAK DANIEL CHODOS also known for her Scene Bites industry 1949 Hillhurst Ave. [email protected] showcase. Los Angeles, CA 90027 www.danielchodos.com Other: On-Camera Technique; Audition www.waynedvorak.com 323-422-5013 Technique/Cold Reading 323-462-5328 10-20 students per class; All levels; Audit- 12 students per class; private coaching ing is permitted; By sessions; Work study/ DAVID KAGEN’S available; Beginner, intermediate, and internships available SCHOOL OF FILM ACTING professional; Free audit required; Sessions Chodos, a veteran who has taught at 4854 Laurel Canyon Blvd. twice a year Dartmouth College and Temple University, Studio City, CA 91607 Dvorak has been a teacher for over 20 offers traditional scene study focusing on davidkagenschoolinformation@ years and holds a BFA and an MFA in stage technique and on-camera tech- davidkagen.com theater. He teaches a full two-year profes- nique, with periodic showcasing. www.davidkagen.com sional level Meisner program. 818-752-9678 Other: Business of Acting DIANE CHRISTIANSEN 12 students max; private coaching avail- North Hollywood and Valencia, CA able; All levels; One-on-one session with EITNER AND TAINI - [email protected] Kagen for interested students; Ongoing SCENE STUDY CLASS www.dianechristiansen.com Kagen has been coaching around the Don Eitner and Jayne Taini 818-523-8283 world for more than 35 years. His highly 5215 Lankershim Blvd., Studio B 6-30 students per class; private and on-set successful students include Ted Danson, North Hollywood, CA coaching available; All levels; Auditing Robin Wright and Alec Baldwin, and he [email protected] permitted at $20 per class; Ongoing now offers ongoing on-camera classes. 323-661-7885 in NoHo and by semesters in Valencia; 10 students max; private coaching avail- Annual scholarship at NoHo location DAVID LEGRANT STUDIO FOR able; Some experience required; Auditing Christiansen is an acting/life coach who ACTING is permitted; Ongoing offers professional classes for kids, teens, [email protected] Class work emphasizes the development and adults and life coaching sessions for www.studioforacting.com and personalization of characters, cold actors and other artists. 818-506-0717 reading, play evaluation, and monologue. LeGrant has spent 60 years in show busi- THE CIRCUS THEATRICALS STUDIO ness. He accepts students by interview ELEPHANT THEATRICAL - FOR ACTORS only. TRAINING LAB P.O. Box 586 6322 Santa Monica Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232 DAVID ZIMMERMAN - MEET THE BIZ Los Angeles, CA 90038 [email protected] Los Angeles, CA [email protected] www.circustheatricals.com [email protected] www.elephantstages.com 310-701-0788 www.davidzimmerman.biz 323-962-0046 Professional; Auditing not permitted. 323-868-9913 Elephant Stageworks is home to five Admission by audition/interview only Small class size; private coaching avail- working theaters, providing a unique Led by artistic director Jack Stehlin (Show- able; All levels; Auditing by permission; opportunity for a practical acting educa- time’s “Weeds,” Juilliard grad), the studio Ongoing tion. Actors are offered a professional and offers scene study, TV/film classes as well Each class explores different areas of act- thoughtful approach to learning their as membership to award-winning theater ing, including but not limited to: scene craft. company, all for one fee. Class address: study, monologues, improv, connection, 2511 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., CA cold reading, and learning from the pros. ELIZABETH MESTNIK ACTING Other: Business of Acting; Audition Tech- STUDIO COMMERCIAL ACTING WITH nique/Cold Reading 6581 Santa Monica Blvd. BUDDY POWELL Los Angeles, CA 90038 [email protected] ALBERT DAYAN [email protected] www.buddypowell.com [email protected] www.emasla.com 818-763-8081 818-314-7540 323-528-6280 Class size varies; All levels; Registration free 8-14 students per class; private coaching 16 students per class; All levels; Auditing to adults over 62; Ongoing, enrollment available; Intermediate and advanced; for some classes permitted; Four-week open year-round Auditing is permitted; By sessions workshops, 12-week classes, and nine- Featured on “Visiting With Huell Howser. “ Dayan places an emphasis on craft and month programs; Work study available classes are designed for beginners who not industry concerns, and directs his after six months of enrollment are interested in the world of television actors to unsentimentally address their Offers a two-year Meisner training commercial acting. bad habits and expand their range. program, as well as beginning acting workshops, audition technique, voice for CHARLOTTE CORNWELL THE DEE WALLACE ACTING STUDIO the actor, advanced scene study and 310-383-0910 www.dwsactingstudio.com various workshops offered by industry Private coaching only; Advanced and 818-876-0386 professionals. professional Limited enrollment and private coaching; A member of the USC School of Theater online classes available; All levels; By ses- ELLEN GERSTEIN - ACTING faculty, Cornwell is a classically trained sions and ongoing WORKSHOP English actor with more than 30 years Loosely based on the techniques of www.ellengerstein.com experience in film, TV, and theater. Meisner and Charles Conrad, Wallace’s 323-852-0276 lessons focus on moving actors through Small classes; private coaching available; LINDSAY CROUSE blocks that stand in their way. All ages; Interview required [email protected] Gerstein, a member of the Actors Studio’s MARILYN MCINTYRE www.lindsaycrouse.org DOUG WARHIT ON-CAMERA COLD actors unit and the writer-director unit, 310-573-6288 READING AND SCENE STUDY teachers acting technique, scene study, Private coaching available Castaway Studios cold reading/auditioning, and in-depth A CTOR/COACH/TEACHER Crouse, an acclaimed star of film, televi- 8899 Beverly Blvd. script analysis. sion, and theater, offers classes that clear- Los Angeles, CA 90048 ~ SAG / AFTRA / AEA ~ ly define what the actor’s job really is and [email protected] VAN EPPERSON show actors the high road - that acting is www.dougwarhit.com ITA Workshop Academy at heart a spiritual profession. 310-479-5647 10820 W. Washington Blvd. Private Coaching • On-going Classes at 14 students per class; All levels; Auditing is Culver City, CA 90232 Howard Fine Acting Studio & Ted Brunetti Studio ROBERT D’AVANZO permitted; Ongoing [email protected] 2811 Magnolia Blvd. Doug’s classes are specifically designed 310-839-8311 Specializing in PERSONALIZATION Burbank, CA 91505 to prepare the actor for work in film and 10 students max; private coaching avail- [email protected] television. (Actors bring their own DVDs able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; www.MarilynMcIntyre.com ~ 818.601.1463 www.robertdavanzo.com to record their work.) Each month actors Ongoing 818-508-0723 showcase their work in front of an industry Epperson is a working professional actor 16 students per class; Intermediate, guest. with extensive film, TV, and stage credits, advanced, and professional; Auditing as well as directing credits. He offers on- is permitted by appt.; Ongoing and by DUANE WHITAKER’S FILM ACTORS camera cold reading and audition tech- sessions WORKSHOP nique classes. Private Coaching & D’Avanzo describes his classes as [email protected] “dynamic and thorough scene study www.duanewhitaker.com THE ERIC MORRIS ACTORS On-Camera Classes 323-856-4767 classes where the actor works every week WORKSHOP • Currently Creator & Exec. Producer, in a prepared scene.” Based on teachings Duane Whitaker brings years of practi- 5657 Wilshire Blvd. of Uta Hagen. Teaches six-week on-cam- cal experience as a working actor- Network Prime Time Pilot Los Angeles, CA 90036 • Uta Hagen's protege for over 18 years era cold reading class. writer-director to his workshop. The class is designed to teach a realistic and usable [email protected] • Runner Up “Favorite Acting Teacher & Coach” approach to the craft of screen acting. www.ericmorris.com MICHELLE DANNER 323-466-9250 at The Acting Studio at Edgemar 2008 & 2010 Reader’s Choice Awards 20 students average per class; private 2437 Main St. PIERO DUSA – SEE LISTING FOR DETAILS – coaching available; All levels; Free audit Santa Monica, CA 90405 Piero Dusa Creative Studio available; Ongoing www.actingstudioatedgemar.com 1453 Third St. Promenade, Ste. 608 Morris’ system is based on the Method, For Coaching & Class Information: 310-392-0815 Santa Monica, CA 90401 but, as Morris puts it, it “goes light-years Class size varies; private coaching [email protected] 310.403.0213 – [email protected] beyond” the original Stanislavsky system. available; Beginner, intermediate, and www.pierodusa.com Continued on page 24— 22 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 22 9/28/10 4:00 PM COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP 6 WEEK ON-CAMERA One Week Intensive Learn How To Make 30 Seconds Work For You. Scene Study Master Class AUDITION TO WIN For Professional Actors with TERRY BERLAND with HOWARD FINE CASTING DIRECTOR & author of BREAKING INTO COMMERCIALS World renowned acting Learn how to give the coach and author of small commercial space Fine on Acting: multiple dimensions and a Vision of the Craft reveal depth and layers of your personality in less than 30 seconds. December 13th – 17th • 10am – 2:00pm $650 for the week for participants – Space is limited Includes meeting an agent. Participation subject to approval by instructor. 310-275-0601 Please submit photo, resume, and/or demo reel. Enrollment does not guarantee employment

The Howard Fine Acting Studio 1445 N. Las Palmas Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028 323-962-3188 • info@howardfi ne.com For more details visit our website: www.howardfi ne.com For those who wish to audit the fee is $25.00 per day, $20.00 for current students.

Study where actors working today go to class and coach! Study with MARJORIE BALLENTINE

Nelsan Ellis – True Blood (HBO) James Liao – Battle: Los Angeles (Columbia), 24, Prison Break Olga Merediz – Currently playing John Leguizamo’s mother in Fugly with Debra Messing Amaury Nolasco – Chase (NBC), The Rum Diary with Johnny Depp, Armored Gary Oldman Victor Rasuk – How To Make It In America (HBO) Krysten Ritter – VAMPS (Dir. Amy Heckerling), Gravity (Starz), Breaking Bad (AMC), She’s Out Of My League (Paramount) Talent House Academy Genesis Rodriguez – Female lead in new Will Ferrell movie House of My Father, Entourage Sam Upton – The Lincoln Lawyer (Lionsgate) with Mathew McConaughey and Great Acting Careers Start Here William H. Macy “Teen and young actors need extra support and training Nadine Velazquez – The League (FX), My Name is Earl (NBC) to be ready for this competitive L.A. market. That is why Mathew St. Patrick – Six Feet Under I coach exclusively at the academy. Students really get Gale Harold – Fertile Ground the tools to succeed.” – Krisha Bullock, CSA Casting Director “iCarly” “Victorious” Marjorie Ballentine is a protégé of legendary and acclaimed acting teacher Stella Adler. Marjorie www.talenthouseacademy.com had her own acting conservatory in New York City and has over 20 years of teaching experience. 310-404-3731 Call to schedule a time to audit Marjorie’s class! 323–877–5038 www.marjorieballentine.com

BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 23

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 23 9/28/10 4:00 PM teaching for over 25 years and has by permission; By sessions THE HONG ACTING been a working actor for over 30. Offers Helene Kress, star of VH1’s “I Know My Kid’s WORKSHOP scene study, improv, cold reading, staged a Star,” offers private acting lessons that Hollywood, CA ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES readings, business of the business, and focus on fully understanding character, [email protected] showcases. mastering an audition, and booking the www.jameshong.com —continued from page 22 MARJORIE GAINES job. 310-246-9379 Morris is the author of six books about [email protected] BRUCE GLOVER Private coaching available year-round; acting and teaches three classes each 818-481-4466 310-398-2539 DANIEL HENNING group sessions at certain times of the week. Private coaching only; All levels; Ongoing Private coaching available at The Blank Theatre Company year; Periodic internship program; Begin- Gaines has taught acting for theatre You might remember this veteran actor [email protected] ners and intermediate; Interview before FAWNDA MCMAHAN - majors at Cal State Long Beach and as Bond villain Mr. Wint in “Diamonds Are www.theblank.com acceptance; Sessions at certain times of COMMERCIAL BREAK Pasadena City College. She offers private Forever,” Jack’s pal Duffy in “Chinatown,” or 323-871-8018 the year 310 Casting Studios coaching in audition preparation and Grady in the three “Walking Tall”s. Glover All levels; Auditing permitted sometimes; Empower yourself in interviews, jobs, and 2329 Purdue Ave. basic technique. offers classes on cold reading, auditions, By sessions life. Learn the techniques of James Hong, Los Angeles, CA 90064 tapes, accents, and career counseling. Henning teaches an ongoing scene actor of over 450 TV and film roles, most [email protected] ELIZABETH GAMZA study class that focuses on unlocking an recently celebrated for his role as father of www.commercialbreakla.com [email protected] THE GOBETTI-ORMENY actor’s hidden potential through script Jack Black’s Po in “Kung Fu Panda.” 818-807-6939, 310-775-6617 www.elizabethgamza.com ACTING STUDIO and character analysis, voice and relax- 8-10 students per class; private coaching 818-481-2774 c/o The Victory Theatre Center ation work, and skill work to get the job. HOWARD FINE ACTING STUDIO available; All levels; Paid audit by permis- Private and on-set coaching also avail- 3326 Victory Blvd. 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. sion able; Auditing is required before joining a Burbank, CA 91505 CANDY KANIECKI HERMAN Los Angeles, CA 90028 Offers classes for adults and teens focus- class; Ongoing [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ing on how to audition and embrace an Classes focus on scene study, cold read- www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org www.candykaniecki.com www.howardfine.com outlook for long-term success by consis- ing, and audition technique. 818-841-4404 818-386-0080, 310-508-7131 323-962-3188, Fax: 323-962-8332 tently getting callbacks and bookings. 16 students max.; Intermediate; Free audit All levels; Free introductory audit is offered; All levels; An audit and industry referral are Classes are located in a full-time casting BARBARA GANNEN required; Ongoing; Work study/internship Ongoing required; Year-round facility. [email protected] available Longtime celebrity-coach Kaniecki Her- Fine, who began his studio in 1985, is the Other: Commercials/Voiceover 323-793-6959 Classes include basic Meisner tech- man conducts audition technique and former director of American Musical and Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing niques, film and theater scene study, and cold reading classes and offers private Dramatic Academy’s acting department, FIRST TAKE not permitted; Ongoing an advanced character and comedy coaching. and he studied with the Moscow Art ACTING PROGRAM Gannen teaches at the Margie Haber class with attention to on-camera tech- Theatre. The curriculum includes Compre- Nancy Berwid Studio and at Santa Monica College. She niques. BASIL HOFFMAN hensive Technique, Application to Scene 11967 Ventura Blvd. is located in the West Hollywood area and 818-247-0302 Study, and The Relationship Between Studio City, CA is available for private coaching. GRAHAM BECKEL Private coaching available Homework and Rehearsal, then moves on [email protected] Magicopolis Hoffman, a character actor and the to intermediate, advanced, and master www.firsttake.org LAURA GARDNER 1418 Fourth St. author of “Cold Reading and How to Be scene study. The studio also offers Singing 310-364-0525 [email protected] Santa Monica, CA 90401 Good at It,” offers classes on cold reading for Actors, with David Coury; Alexander 15-30 students per class; All levels; Audit- www.lauragardner.org, [email protected] and professional acting. Technique, taught by Jean-Louis Rodrigue ing is permitted; Ongoing www.howardfine.com www.grahambeckelexclusive.com and Kristof Konrad; Dancing for Actors, Berwid’s holistic approach prepares 323-957-4764 All levels; Auditing permitted for scene- HOLLYWOOD ACTING taught by Scott Alan Hislop; Comedy actors for work in film and TV by combin- 12-25 students per class; private coaching study portion of the class; Ongoing WORKSHOP Improv, taught by Tim Bagley; and Person- ing acting and audition technique, as available; All levels; Auditing is permitted In class you will learn tools to free your Los Angeles/Orange County, CA alization: Emotional and Sensory Access well as instruction in the marketing and Thursday nights; Varies; Work study avail- imagination, challenge your creativity, [email protected] Workshop, taught by McIntyre. networking side of the business. able occasionally and establish your own unique point hollywoodactingworkshop.com Gardner trained with Carol Rosenfeld and of view from which to draw characters 310-717-2181 ANNE HULEGARD LESLIE FLEMING-MITCHELL Uta Hagen. Gardner teaches scene study and tell a story. Actors choose their own 12-16 students per class; All levels; Audit- [email protected] Altadena/Pasadena, CA and basic technique at the Howard Fine material, often working and collaborating ing is permitted; Ongoing; Internships www.hulegard.com [email protected] Acting Studio as well as interview/audi- toward ultimate production. available 310-621-6303 www.lesliefleming-mitchell.com tion intensive workshops. Provides casting director workshops and 15 students max; private coaching avail- 310-991-4162 NIKOLAI GUZOV professional-level television, commercial able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 2-6 students per class; private coaching JOHN GEGENHUBER 12125 Riverside Dr. and film acting classes for adults and Seven week sessions available; All levels; Interview required; 213-248-9478 Valley Village, CA 91607 teenagers. Hulegard’s workshops include: scene Sessions All levels [email protected] study, improv, monologues, commercials, Leslie has worked extensively in front of Gegenhuber conducts intensive work- www.guzovactingstudio.com HOLLYWOOD ACTORS STUDIO camera, auditioning, the business of act- and behind the camera as actor, director, shops in Spolin Improvisation, created 213-448-7648, Fax: (818-753-5203 Eric Stone, founder ing and a showcase performance. casting director, acting coach on and off by the visionary teacher Viola Spolin. A 2-12 students per class; All levels; Audit- 8879 W. Pico Blvd., Ste. 4 the set. Her small classes include filmed veteran of 20 years on stage, screen, and ing permitted in some cases; Sessions Beverly Hills, CA 90035 HULL ACTORS STUDIO auditions and scene work for TV and film. television, his classes emphasize applying depend on the need of the student; Work [email protected] Santa Monica, CA improvisational techniques to scene work study available upon request www.actingconnection.com [email protected] FOR THE and audition technique. Guzov, a Russian acting teacher originally 310-205-9219 www.lorriehull.com LOVE OF ACTING from St. Petersburg, specializes in the 10-15 students per class; private coach- 310-828-0632 Chekhov technique and offers private, 10 students max; private coaching avail- Ivy Jones GENE BUA - ACTING FOR LIFE ing available; All levels; Auditing is permit- group, and semiprivate classes. able; All levels; Free introductory class; www.ivyjones.net 3435 W. Magnolia Blvd. ted; Ongoing Ongoing; Work study available for stu- 818-906-0935/818-512-5426 Burbank, CA Develops actors of all levels including dents studying at least a year 12 students average; private coaching [email protected] star performers for film, television, perfor- HARRY MASTROGEORGE Dianne Hull, protege of Kazan, and Lor- available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; www.genebua.com mance, stage, and voiceovers. Cold-read- 818-547-3810 PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP ing, scene study, performance, film and TV rie Hull, offers classes and workshops in Ongoing Los Angeles, CA Private coaching available; All levels; technique, in-depth character work, and relaxation, concentration, improv, sense Combines the dogma of Meisner, Hagen, [email protected] Auditing not permitted; Ongoing improvisation. memory, learning the role, cold reading, and Adler, all of whom she has studied www.harrymastrogeorge.com Bua offers ongoing morning and evening audition techniques, and scene study. with. She is a 30-year veteran of TV, film, 818-509-0789 classes at the Banshee Theater in Bur- HOLLYWOOD FILM & ACTING and theater, and was a regular on “The Private coaching available; All levels bank, that specialize in deep emotional ACADEMY INSTONE ACTORS STUDIO - Waltons.” Mastrogeorge, who has been teaching work for those who “dare to become 1786 N. Highland Ave. NORA STONE acting since 1956, believes acting is a more powerful in their art and in their Los Angeles, CA 90028 P.O. Box 8982 state of mind: innocence, imagination, MARILYN FOX lives.” www.hwfaa.com Los Angeles, CA 91372 [email protected] and vulnerability. Classes are held at the 323-962-85554 [email protected] 310-301-3971, ext. 10/310-820-7122 GLORIA GIFFORD CONSERVATORY Hudson Theater in Los Angeles. The HWFAA program is for beginning and www.instoneactorsstudio.com All levels; Auditing by permission; Ongo- North Hollywood, CA advanced actors. Students who com- 818-888-3867/800-527-2575 ing sessions; Volunteers for general help [email protected] HELENE KRESS - HOLLYWOOD plete the program will be able to analyze Private coaching available; Introductory accepted www.gloriagiffordconservatory.com ACTING COACH scripts, find actions and objectives in their audit permitted Marilyn Fox, artistic director of Pacific 310-535-4999 or 323-465-4427 [email protected] scenes, develop the sense of spontaneity Stone offers technique, scene study, cold Resident Theatre, offers classes on scene Private coaching available; Beginner, http://helenekressactingcoach.weebly needed to do improv, and develop self- reading, and improvisation. For accep- study, cold reading, improvisation, and advanced, and professional; Auditing not .com presence. Actors will be able to build their tance she requires an interview, a strong strengthening imagination. permitted; Ongoing 323-225-1962 character and be natural and believable commitment, and coachability. Gifford (of BHP, AFI, Milan) has been Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing in the process.

(714) 708-5577 scr.org/education

24 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 24 9/28/10 4:00 PM THE IVANA CHUBBUCK STUDIO Chekhov” and “Toward Mastery,” teaches www.baronbrown.com 7201 Melrose Ave., Ste. 206 a variety of classes in classical contempo- 310-451-3311 Los Angeles, CA 90046 rary scene study and audition technique. 24 students max; Ongoing and by ses- [email protected] Other: Classical sions ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES www.chubbucktechnique.com The studio offers a variety of programs for 323-935-2100, Fax: 323-465-1900 JEFF HARDWICK CASTING the professional and select pre-profession- 323-467-7877 JUNE CHANDLER’S Introductory, advanced, master; Auditing 3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd. #1158 al actor, writer, director, and producer. Private coaching available ACTORS WORKSHOP available by appointment only; Ongoing Studio City, CA 91604 Kirby offers scene study classes as well at the Zydeco Studios Chubbuck has taught such actors as [email protected] JOCELYN JONES as a young professional’s class that 11317 Ventura Blvd. Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Jake Gyllenhaal, www.jeffhardwickcasting.com ACTING STUDIO focuses on Uta Hagen’s fundamentals Studio City, CA 91604 and Charlize Theron. Her self-named 818-752-9898, Fax: 818-752-9890 1107 N. Kings Rd. with emphasis on exploring a character, [email protected] technique guides actors to use their emo- 10 students max; private coaching West Hollywood, CA 90069 script analysis, and finding the human www.junechandler.com tions not as an end result but as a way to available; Intermediate, advanced, and [email protected] condition. 626-355-4572 empower a goal. professional; Auditing not permitted; Ses- 310-576-0545 16 students max; All levels; Auditing is per- sions three to four times a year; Internship 50 students max; private coaching avail- JOHN SUDOL ACTING STUDIOS mitted; Ongoing plus 6-week intensives JAMES LEVINE TYPECASTING INC. program available able; All levels; Auditing not permitted; 11650 Riverside Dr., Ste. 11 For over 20 years, Chandler and her c/o 310 Casting Studios A veteran agent and casting director with Ongoing North Hollywood, CA 91602 staff have taught commercials, acting, 2329 Purdue Ave. over 20 years experience, Hardwick offers Ms. Jones is formerly of Milton Katselas’ [email protected] improv, and image with top industry level Los Angeles, CA 90064 intensive commercial and theatrical work- Beverly Hills Playhouse and a private www.johnsudolstudio.com techniques. Performances, showcases, [email protected] shops that offer targeted techniques for coach to some of the best known film 818-505-1223 and career counseling are part of the www.typecastinginc.com auditioning actors to book the part. and TV stars in the industry. 10 students per class; private coaching experience. 310-775-6616 available; All levels; Auditing is sometime Space is limited JEREMIAH COMEY STUDIOS JOEL ASHER STUDIO permitted; 1-day intensives, 8-week pro- JUST BREATHE Levine works as a commercial director 12215 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 111 13448 Albers St. grams, and ongoing classes; Work study Barbara Beneville and teaches an ongoing commercial Studio City, CA 91604 Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 available Hollywood, CA workshop that focuses on audition skills, [email protected] [email protected] In addition to providing theatrical and [email protected] improv technique, making better choices, www.jeremiahcomey.com www.joel-asher-studio.com commercial training, Sudol is the origina- 323-969-4944 and booking work. 818-248-4104 818-785-1551 tor of The Language of The Face, the non- 12 students max; also private and semi- All levels; Auditing permitted with a fee; 12 students max; All levels; Auditing per- verbal means of communication that private coaching; All levels; Auditing JANET ALHANTI STUDIO Ongoing mitted after interview; Ongoing defines the difference between film and is permitted; Ongoing, plus weekend PO Box 17920 Comey has been teaching film acting Asher, who has been teaching and direct- stage acting. workshops in LA, NY, Atlanta, Dallas, and Beverly Hills, CA 90209 and training actors in Hollywood for ing successfully for over 30 years, offers Nashville www.janetalhantistudios.com the past 30 years. He teaches his own three ongoing on-camera scene study CHRIS JORIE Beneville’s class consists of all phases of 323-465-7511 approach called “The Art of Film Acting,” classes with lots of technique and lots of [email protected] study: auditioning, character develop- Private coaching available; Sessions which is also the title of his book. camera time ($250 per month), a cold www.chrisjorie.com ment, cold reading, improv, Meisner Alhanti studied with Meisner and Phil- reading class ($250 for six weeks), and Private coaching only; All levels exercises, monologues, scene study, and lip Burton. She teaches a professional JILL PLACE BRANDACT BRANDING an improvisation class ($195 per month). Jorie has worked with a number of dis- script breakdown. 20-week technique class twice a year, in FOR ACTORS - COACHING AND Class size is limited, so everyone works in tinguished talents in his over 35 years of Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading January and July, that involves exercises E-BOOKS every class. “I work with actors between experience in television, film, and theater. and scene work. The Acting Intuitive classes at no charge,” says Asher. “There He is currently accepting a limited num- KAREN KALENSKY 1309 Montecito Dr. are no limits to the time you can spend ber of students for private coaching. [email protected] JEANIE HACKETT: SCENE STUDY Los Angeles, CA 90031 learning and doing, getting help with 818-481-2244 AND AUDITION TECHNIQUE [email protected] your career, or the techniques we use to JROSE STUDIO Private coaching only; All level The Deaf West Theatre www.actingintuitive.com get results.” Asher’s studio has produced North Hollywood, CA Kalensky teaches at Cal State Long 5112 Lankershim Blvd. 323-225-9850 the award-winning “Actors at Work” DVD [email protected] Beach and is the consulting artistic direc- North Hollywood, CA 91601 Place helps actors create their own per- series, “Getting the Part”, “Casting Direc- www.jrosestudio.com tor of the Interplayers Theatre. A former [email protected] sonal brand and offers career consulting tors”, “Agents”, and “Directors on Acting.” 323-799-1183 casting director, she understands what www.jeaniehackett.com and headshot coaching. Place also pub- Asher also produces state-of-the-art demo Private coaching only; All levels to look for in the audition. She also offers 818-763-5933 lishes the e-zine Acting Magic and is a reels for actors. “I discover something new Jamie Rose has been a professional actor speech and dialect coaching. Classical workshop: 26 students, Audition regular contributor to NowCasting.com. each time,” says actor Nancie Rooney, a in film, television, and theater for over 30 Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction technique: 12-14 students; All levels; Audit- working actor student of Asher’s. “It makes years and has literally thousands of audi- ing is permitted; By sessions; Limited num- JOANNE BARON/ sense to have many different tools. I am tions under her belt. Her teaching meth- KATE MCGREGOR-STEWART ber of internships available with Antaeus D.W. BROWN STUDIO so eager to get to that next level.” ods are eclectic and practical. Stage Light Inc. Company 320 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 200 Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; 6623 W. Olympic Blvd. Hackett, Artistic Director of the Antaeus Santa Monica, CA 90401 JOHN KIRBY STUDIO Private Coaching Los Angeles, CA 90048 Company and author of “The Actor’s [email protected] [email protected] Continued on page 26—

BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 25

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 25 9/28/10 4:00 PM not permitted in acting, voice, singing, dance, move- 8-19 students per class; All levels; Auditing Writer-director-producer Knowles feels ment, and film and TV. not permitted; Ongoing; Financial aid that teaching is not much more than Other: Young Performers; Audition Tech- available ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES providing an environment for students to nique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Tech- Levin has been teaching for over eight develop trust in themselves, which devel- nique; Conservatory/University years and offers scene study, improv, audi- —continued from page 25 JUDY KERR ops confidence. Each actor’s journey is tion and cold reading classes. [email protected] [email protected] his/her own. LENA HARRIS STUDIO www.katemcgregorstewart.com www.actingiseverything.com Beverly Hills, CA 90210 LINDA BERRY’S BERRYWOOD 323-939-3384 818-505-9373 L.A. ON-CAMERA [email protected] Linda Berry Private coaching available; All levels Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing TRAINING CENTER www.lenaharris.com 4710 Hillcrest Ave. McGregor-Stewart’s technique includes not permitted; Ongoing 10545 Burbank Blvd. 310-226-7034 La Mesa, CA 91941 style, characterization, script breakdown, Kerr is the author “Acting Is Everything: Sherman Oaks, CA 94123 10-12 students per class; private coach- [email protected] and improvisation. She holds workshops An Actor’s Guidebook for a Successful [email protected] ing available; All levels; Auditing not per- www.berrywood.net in Denver, Vancouver, and New York, and Career in Los Angeles.” She covers act- 323-839-0800 mitted; Ongoing 310-410-1836/619-507-6395 is a sought-after media coach. ing and film techniques for the camera Founded by actor Jamison Haase, LAOTC Each actor is filmed every week at the Private and on-set coaching only; All lev- and show-business techniques to boost is an on-camera school that specializes in Lena Harris Workshop, providing actors els; specializes in beginner and intermedi- BRUCE KATZMAN careers. training actors in real, easy to learn, cam- with a video showcase to stream (and ate, kids/teens; Auditing not permitted; [email protected] era techniques raise their performance email) to agents and other industry Ongoing 818-613-5252 KIMBERLY JENTZEN - above the competition. sources around the world via a state-of- Berry offers training at her San Diego Class size limited; private coaching THE JENTZEN TECHNIQUE the-art online broadcast platform and center and workshops in L.A. for actors. available; Intermediate and advanced; [email protected] LARRY MOSS STUDIO Lena’s own YouTube Channel (www Training includes monologue work, on- Ongoing www.kimberlyjentzen.com See The Acting Studio at Edgemar. .youtube.com/user/lenaharrisstudio). camera cold reading, and scene study Katzman has been teaching since 1988. 818-779-7770 Other: On-Camera Technique; Audi- Lena Harris, an award-winning actor, preparing actors for auditioning and get- His classes focus on the major plays of 16 students per class; private coaching tion Technique/Cold Reading; Voice/ author, and director, was awarded the ting the role. Anton Chekhov and other great play- available; All levels; Auditing permitted, Dialects/Accent Reduction; Improv and Back Stage West/Drama-Logue Award for wrights. He also offers private coaching in acceptance by interview only; Ongo- Comedy her role as Elaine Nevazio in Neil Simon’s LISA DALTON STUDIOS INC. Shakespeare, modern plays, preparation ing; Work study available for long-term “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.” Prior to open- [email protected] for auditions, and coaching for film. students LAURA JAMES’ THE ACTING ing her workshop 14 years ago, Lena www.lisadaltonstudios.com, Kimberly Jentzen has been featured in WORKSHOP began her career as an actor, dancer, www.chekhov.net EDDIE KEHLER numerous publications and voted “Favor- [email protected] and model. 818-761-5404 Lena’s workshops consist of an on-cam- [email protected] ite Acting Coach” in Los Angeles multiple 818-562-3075 Lisa Dalton offers courses in technique, era basic boot camp for beginners and www.eddiekehler.com times by Back Stage West. With more than Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing is cold reading, on-camera commercials, an on-camera technique “master class” 310-292-6163 20 years capturing the essence of artistry, permitted; Ongoing scene study, career management, pro- for the advanced actor that are based Intermediate to advanced; By sessions incorporating Chekhov, Adler, Strasberg Teacher-director-actor James, who has motional skills, and soap opera. on the Stanislavski System and Sanford and ongoing and Meisner, Kimberly Jentzen is an worked professionally around the world, Meisner exercises. These techniques give Kehler offers Stanislavsky- and Meisner- expert in artistic creation. offers a technique meant to “empower LISA ROBERTSON STUDIO actors the ability to be spontaneous, alive, based classes that give actor tools and She is the creator of the “Jentzen Tech- the actor to communicate as specifically, [email protected] truthful, and in the moment. Additional experiences to draw from and take com- nique,” a series of power tools designed to effectively, and as powerfully as possible.” www.lisarobertsonstudio.com workshop techniques train the actor mand of their choices. Each student is cultivate the master-level actor. Jentzen’s 310-367-4136 to look at a script, memorize it, break it guaranteed to work every class. approach helps build a necessary foun- LAVALLE ACTORS WORKSHOP 15-20 students per class; private coaching dation, providing actors the motivations 4645 Van Nuys Blvd., Ste. 202 down, and deliver a stellar performance available; Intermediate, advanced, and and needs to create authentic charac- Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 that results in getting the job. Actors work professional; Auditing is permitted; head- KEN LERNER STUDIO on monologues, dialects, and impedi- [email protected] ters. Jentzen’s focus is to guide students [email protected] shot and résumé required for all audits, ments (e.g. blindness or addiction). Lena www.kenlerner.com of all levels to find their artistic fuel and www.lavalleactorsworkshop.com referral helpful; Ongoing; Work study avail- recently authored an article for Back 818-753-7744 constantly challenge themselves. Jentzen 818-788-2183, Fax: 818-788-6981 able to students who have completed a Stage on dialects. Her book, ”Twenty-Five Private coaching available; Beginner to believes, “To master skill, an actor must find 20 students max; private coaching avail- year of training with Lisa 5-Minute Power Scenes,” published by advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongo- the fire to make strong, active choices for able; All levels; Free audit; Ongoing Robertson has been a major acting Smith and Kraus, can be purchased at ing performance consistency.” Classes con- LaValle teaches a way of “creating coach for the past eight years coaching Samuel French Bookstores and online at Lerner offers cold reading and scene centrate on helping actors discover how a character that draws from the vast series leads and award-winning film roles. Amazon.com. study classes in a challenging but nurtur- to own it, eliminating fear and creating an experiences that each individual actor A protégé of Larry Moss, she teaches ing style. He has acted steadily in movies, honest character from beginning to end. possesses.” scene study and on-camera audition TV shows, commercials, and plays and In her class, an actor’s craft is continuously CATHLEEN LESLIE intensives. [email protected] passes his on-set knowledge to his stu- molded and applied. Professional training NATALIA LAZARUS 310-278-8113 dents. classes are offered in scene study, cold Promenade Playhouse and Conservatory LIZA MONJAUZE PRODUCTIONS reading, audition technique, on-camera 1404 Third Street Promenade Small classes; private coaching available; Los Angeles, CA KENT KLINEMAN training, character tools, script breakdown, Santa Monica, CA 90401 All levels; Auditing not permitted [email protected] Leslie’s classes are part sense memory ACTING STUDIO and improvisation, with an emphasis on [email protected] www.lizamonjauzeproductions.com and part scene work, based on her stud- 323-656-9424 3447 Motor Ave. individual attention. Jentzen also holds her www.promenadeplayhouse.com ies with Strasberg, Adler, and her work with 30-45 cast members; Ages 8-18; Fall, Los Angeles, CA 90034 popular “Cold Reading Weekend Inten- 310-656-8070, Fax: (310-656-8069 Elia Kazan. She looks for students who spring, and summer sessions [email protected] sive,” “Singing for Actors, Acting for Singers Lazarus, founder of the Promenade Play- have a true passion and desire to learn Liza Monjauze Productions have created www.kentklineman.com Intensive” as well as her “Essence Week- house and Promenade Conservatory, is a their craft. a place for children and young adults to 323-665-6776 end Intensive.” Her new book, “Acting With private and international coach for Holly- build confidence, improve theater skills, 12 students per class; private coaching Impact, Power Tools to Ignite the Actors wood celebrities on sets and in institutions LESSAC SUMMER VOICE AND BODY and create lifelong friendships. available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Passion” is an upcoming release. throughout the world. Other: Young Performers; Ongoing TRAINING WORKSHOPS [email protected] Singing/Musical Theater In this scene study class, Klineman com- IRIS KLEIN THE LEE STRASBERG THEATRE AND www.lessacinstitute.com bines Meisner-based Repetition with 213-612-5224 FILM INSTITUTE - LOS ANGELES 603-862-1963 Linklater voice work to enhance each [email protected] Carie Blomquist BEVERLY LONG 10-14 students per class; All levels; Audit- student’s creative impulses and produce www.actingclassnow.com 7936 Santa Monica Blvd. Moorpark Studios ing not permitted; Summer only truthful connection between scene 10-15 students per class; private coach- Los Angeles, CA 90046 11425 Moorpark St. For almost 40 years, these workshops partners. ing available; All levels; Auditing is not [email protected] Studio CIty, CA 91602 permitted; Ongoing www.strasberg.com have offered intensive training in voice, [email protected] JANICE KENT Klein, who studied with Sanford Meisner 323-650-7777 body, and text exploration. Programs are 818-754-6222 intended for those in performance, in 10-12 students per class; private coaching [email protected] and Janet Alhanti, offers a scene study 12-16 students per class; All levels; Audit- education, in broadcasting, or in com- available; All levels; Auditing not permit- www.janicekent.com and technique class. She also coaches ing not permitted; full application process munications. ted; Six-week sessions; Interships available 818-906-2201 actors for theater, film, and television audi- for certificate program; 2-year certificate Long has worked in casting since the mid- Private audition coaching only; Auditing tions. program; full- or part-time introductory 1970s, as an actor, agent, teacher, and is not permitted; Ongoing program, workshops, and intensives; Offers LIFEBOOK ACTING ACADEMY Allen Levin best-known for her work with James Dean With more than 30 years of experience MICHAEL KNOWLES limited work study program The Space Theatre in “Rebel Without a Cause.” Offers classes as an actor, director, and coach, Kent 1531 S. Bedford St. The Strasberg Institute’s Method acting 665 N. Heliotrope Dr. in improv, commercials, television, and film. designed her “Life Coaching” approach Los Angeles, CA 90035 classes and programs challenge actors Los Angeles, CA 90004 to aid the actor in understanding and [email protected] to work on themselves as creative artists [email protected] identifying the fears and processes that www.michaelknowles.com and at the same time work on the role - to THE LOST STUDIO www.lifebookacting.com block making risky choices bold and 646-489-1126 leave behind conventional expressions 130 S. La Brea Ave. 323-244-4620/818-415-9568 playful. Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing and find their own unique voices. Classes Los Angeles, CA 90036

26 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 26 9/28/10 4:00 PM ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES www.theloststudio.com the Life of the Person. Actors begin with 323-933-6944 taking an “intensive” course at their level, 20 students max; private coaching avail- followed by an ongoing course. Intensives able; All levels; Call for interview; Ongoing $500-$650, ongoing $250. Private coach- Award-winning director Cinda Jackson ing available. Before enrolling, students offers scene study and sensory classes. must attend orientations, held at the Classes include a four-day-per-week inten- studio every Monday at 1:30 p.m.; bring a sive class and a master class. Also home headshot and résumé. of the Les Enfants Magiques children’s classical theater workshop. MARJORIE BALLENTINE STUDIO 665 N. Heliotrope Dr. LYNETTE MCNEILL STUDIO Los Angeles, CA 90004 www.lynettemcneillstudio.com www.marjorieballentine.com 310-274-1085 323-877-5038 Ongoing 15-25 students per class; private coach- McNeill offers classes designed to meet a ing available; All levels; Auditing is permit- wide range of professional needs. Class ted; interview required for technique class; offerings include scene study, technique, Ongoing and audition preparation. Stella Adler’s protégé and critically acclaimed theater director, with over 20 ROBERT F. LYONS years of experience, Marjorie Ballentine [email protected] believes in the craft of acting, not in www.insideacting.com “chance.” “I’m interested in an actor 818-766-6480 who wants a career, not a five-minute Private coaching available; All levels; fly-by-night spot on the latest hit series. Hol- Ongoing lywood demands professionalism, tough- Lyons is a working actor-teacher who ness, and range. An actor must enter wants his students to “learn what to apply the audition with utter confidence in his and how to apply with actual workable choices – and the ability to change them technique.” Students who have studied on a dime if requested – with equally with Lyons include Juliette Lewis, Heather talented, interesting choices. Craft! Craft! Locklear, Danny Masterson, Clea DuVall, Craft! It always comes back to craft!” Jason Dohring, and many others. Pro- Since arriving in L.A. in 2003, Marjorie fessional classes and private sessions has successfully coached and taught offered. Gary Oldman, Nelsan Ellis, Krysten Ritter, Victor Rasuk, Amaury Nolasco, Nadine MAKING IT ON BROADWAY Velazquez, Gale Harold, Mathew St. Pat- [email protected] rick, Chad Lindberg, and others. Her most www.makingitonbroadway.net recent work is with client Genesis Rodri- 40 students per class; All levels; Auditing guez, who booked and is currently shoot- not permitted; Sessions in the summer ing the female lead in Will Ferrell’s upcom- and winter ing movie “The House of My Father.” Making It on Broadway is a weeklong intensive where students explore the MARLA LADD - MYSTERIUM realities of what it means to be a mod- 3122 E. Chapman Ave. ern Broadway professional. Classes are Orange, CA 92866 taught by Broadway professionals. [email protected] or [email protected] NED MANDERINO www.mysteriumshop.com Manderino Workshop 714-602-7975/714-501-8215 P.O. Box 27758 Small class size for individual attention; Los Angeles, CA 90027 private coaching also available; All lev- ®, ®, [email protected] els; Auditing permitted with advanced 95 Oscars 236 Emmys www.manderino.com permission; Ongoing; Work study possibly 323-665-0123 available ®* 12 students max Ladd is the artistic director and owner of 83 Tonys Manderino, a post-Stanislavsky acting Mysterium, where she is an Orange Coun- coach, combines total Method principles ty acting coach, specializing in audition that he learned initially from Stella Adler preparation and last-minute coaching. and from his close friends and mentors Mysterium now also has an on-camera ONE Lee Strasberg and Harold Clurman. class and an afterschool program along with dance and acting classes. ART MANKE [email protected] FRANCO MASSIMO LEGENDARY 323-273-1544 323-850-8580 Private coaching only; available for on-set Class size varies; Professional coaching; All levels Massimo, also known as Rik Martino, is an SCHOOL Manke is an award-winning director of acting coach who works in Italian and theater and television with 20 years of English. He specializes in improvisation in coaching experience. He is a co-founder front of the camera. Go to www.youtube • College Degree and former artistic director of L.A.’s A Noise .com to see samples of his work. Within. Conservatory Program MATTHEW BARRY’S WORKSHOP JEFFREY MARCUS Matthew Barry Los Angeles, CA [email protected] • Scholarships & [email protected] www.matthewbarryteaches.com www.jeffreymarcus.com 818-759-4425 Student Housing 323-965-9392 14 students max; All levels; ages 18+; 12 students per class; private coaching Auditing not permitted; By sessions available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Casting director Matthew Barry helps • Four-Week Ongoing actors develop a game plan where Hol- Marcus uses a heart-centered and lywood is the business and the actor is & Two-Week practical approach to accessing your the product. Auditioning techniques, char- depths as an actor. He assists actors on acter study, cold reading techniques, and Summer Intensives TV, features, and stage and accepts refer- scene study. rals from agents, managers, and casting Other: Improv and Comedy; Business of directors. Acting Apply now for Winter 2011 MARGIE HABER STUDIOS KATHLEEN MAZZOLA Margie Haber [email protected] 971 N. La Cienega Blvd., #207 310-924-9380 Los Angeles, CA 90069 Class size limited ACT NOW! [email protected] Mazzola, known for her simple, direct, and www.margiehaber.com oftentimes hilarious method of teaching, Visit www.aada.org 310-854-0870, Fax: (310-854-0462 focuses on improvisation, scene study, 12 students max; Fundamental, intermedi- and preparing the actor for auditions and or call 800.463.8990 ate, and master; Auditing not permitted; a professional career. Ongoing Margie Haber Studios offers on-camera MARILYN MCINTYRE *AADA alumni have been nominated for all of these awards and more. audition technique and cold reading Howard Fine Acting Studio workshops. With more than 30 years of 1445 N. Las Palmas experience, Haber is an internationally Los Angeles, CA 90028 renowned auditioning coach and has [email protected] taught A-list Hollywood actors her tech- www.marilynmcintyre.com or nique that is based on her book, “How www.howardfine.com to Get the Part Without Falling Apart.” 818-601-1463/323-962-3188/310-403-0213 Among her clients: Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, 14-16 (scene study), 10 max (person- Vince Vaughn, Heather Locklear, Kristin alization); private coaching available; Davis, Mariska Hargitay, and Molly Sims. All All levels; Auditing required (except for of the studio’s instructors train in Haber’s personalization classes); Ongoing (scene method, Stop Acting and Start Living Continued on page 28— BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 27

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 27 9/28/10 4:00 PM NATALIE FORD, PROFESSIONAL PRIVATE ACTING COACH PO Box 398 ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES Santa Monica, CA 90406 [email protected] —continued from page 27 www.facebook.com/natalie.ford study) and limited (personalization); Work MICHAEL D. NYE DYNAMIC ACTING 310-428-1840 12 students max; private coaching avail- study available Valley Village, CA able; All levels; Auditing not permitted; Marilyn McIntyre specializes in personal- [email protected] Ongoing ization, using a variety of techniques to www.askanactingquestion.com Ford specializes in on-camera coaching help the actor safely discover and explore 818-509-1629 for audition preparation and technique what effectively allows them to access 6 students max; private coaching avail- for actors in LA and NY. She brings to her and bring their most personal, authentic, able; Intermediate, advanced, and pro- teaching her background of over 15 and unique self to the work. She coaches fessional; Auditing not permitted; phone years of casting, directing, and acting privately for theater, film, and television interview required; Ongoing expertise. from the audition through finessing a role Actor-director Nye (“House, M.D.”, “Heroes”, Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; in production. Rates vary, depending on “Big Love”) uses innovative warm-ups, On-Camera Technique the needs of the actor and the project. exercises, and scenes to achieve dynam- She also teaches personalization and ic, powerful, and consistent actor perfor- scene study at the Howard Fine Acting mances for film, television, and stage. ALLEN NELSON Studio in Hollywood, as well as on-camera [email protected] classes at the Ted Brunetti Studio, and at MICHAEL E. RYAN’S 818-786-7154, Fax: 818-787-6375 the SAG Conservatory at AFI. Ms. McIntyre Nelson coaches privately for auditions FILM ACTING CLUB and monologues, and works in-depth has been acting professionally for 30+ North Hollywood, CA with actors who need to learn or strength- years, playing lead roles on and off Broad- [email protected] en their technique. way, regional theaters, and in LA where www.michaeleryan.com, she has garnered many awards and www.oncamerafilmactingclass.com THE NEW COLLECTIVE LA nominations. She also works extensively 323-839-5461 Greg Braun in television and film. Ms. McIntyre trained 10 students max; All levels; Auditing is 6440 Santa Monica Blvd. at the North Carolina School of the Arts required; Ongoing; Work study possible in Los Angeles, CA 90038 (BFA), Penn State (MFA), and with Michael hardship cases [email protected] Shurtleff, Uta Hagen, and is featured on Coach Ryan formed his film acting work- www.newcollectivela.com Uta Hagen’s acting class video. She has shop “for the dedicated actor who loves 323-228-1880 been teaching for over 25 years in conser- practicing and improving on their craft of 15 student max; All levels; Auditing is per- vatories, universities, and private studios film acting.” including Cal State-Northridge, USC, LACC mitted; Ongoing; No The New Collective LA is a monthly Theatre Academy, and U of Texas. MICHAEL WOOLSON STUDIO Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; membership organization for actors. We www.michaelwoolson.com On-Camera Technique are the only Studio in Los Angeles that 323-933-7133 offers unlimited classes for an affordable All levels; Auditing is permitted monthly rate. FABIANA MEDICI “Woolson has proven himself to be the [email protected] go-to coach for actors who are serious NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY www.theactorstemple.com about their craft.” - Noela Hueso, The [email protected] 323-930-8986 Hollywood Reporter. Michael Woolson is www.nyfa.com 15 students max; All levels; Auditing not the author of the highly acclaimed and TheThe OrchardOrchard 818-733-2600 permitted; first class is free; Ongoing; recently released books “The Work of an This academy offers one-year and short- Will work with actors who are struggling Actor” and “Emotion on Demand: An AnAn Acting WorkshopWorkshop term programs in directing for film, acting financially Actor’s Workbook for Mastering Emotional for film, screenwriting, producing, and Medici has coached directors, theater Triggers.” Inspired by legendary acting 3-D animation and special effects. Year- companies, and television casts, inter- coaches such as Adler, Meisner, Hagen, Our goal at The Orchard is to offer a healthy and round, summer, and evening workshops nationally and in the United States. She and his mentor, Larry Moss (whom he available, as are hands-on total immer- balanced environment for creativity and collaboration helps actors develop their own method of taught for), Michael Woolson shares the sion workshops. The academy now offers work, aiding in their self-confidence and fundamentals of the craft in a clear and Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts that cultivates, nurtures, guides and supports your empowerment. concise manner. “Michael has an ability degree programs. Located in Universal to bring out emotional depth and hon- talent, as well as helps you discover your own unique Studios; branches in New York and Lon- THE MET THEATRE esty in any actor. He gives them a solid don. truth. Our interest is to provide you with helpful 1089 N. Oxford Ave. technique to create brave, multilayered Los Angeles, CA 90029 performances that stand out from the rest. technical tools to ensure you gain the confi dence you [email protected] As a casting director, that’s exactly what NICOLAS COSTER STUDIO www.themettheatre.com I look for.” -Johanna Ray, Casting Director, [email protected] need to develop your special acting abilities. 323-957-1152, Fax: 323-957-1831 “Inglourious Basterds.” Advanced scene www.nicolascoster.com Private coaching available; Auditing is study, on-camera/auditioning, and tech- 213-952-5685 permitted; Ongoing and by semesters nique classes are available. 10-15 students max; private coaching Offers professional theater and film labs available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; for actors, writers, and directors. Labs are MILLIE SLAVIN STUDIOS By sessions Now Accepting Students… Coster, on faculty at NY Film Academy, led by working professionals. 310-582-3485 L.A., trained at the Royal Academy of Slavin’s training includes extensive study Dramatic Art and the Neighborhood Play- MICHAEL COOKE ACTING SCHOOL with Uta Hagen and Roy London. She www.theorchardactingworkshop.com house and with Lee Strasberg, Sanford 1507 Seventh St., Ste. 172 offers a variety of services for group or Meisner, Milton Katselas, and Frank Silvera. Santa Monica, CA 90401-2605 private instruction, including scene study, Santa Monica, CA [email protected] technique, cold reading, and preparation www.soundfeelings.com/best_ for auditions. NATALIJA NOGULICH acting_schools.htm www.natalijanogulich.com 310-482-8720 MOJO ACTOR’S 323-464-1222 Private coaching available; Auditing is Private coaching available; All levels WORKSHOP With over 25 years experience, Michael permitted Cristen Kauffman Michelle Martin Gossett offers classes on acting technique, Nogulich has been teaching for over 18 [email protected] audition preparation, script analysis, on- years and is the founder of the Grace 323-821-4362 camera technique, vocal control, stage Players Theatre Company in Los Angeles. 12-18 students per class; private coach- presence, and improvisation. She offers scene study classes focusing ing available; Intermediate to advanced Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; on the Stanislavsky approach to acting. only; Scheduled audit available On-Camera Technique An actor, director, and coach with over THE ORCHARD ACTING thirty years experience, Michele Martin MICHAEL D. FREDERICK Gossett teaches advanced and inter- WORKSHOP 1526 14th St., Ste. 110 mediate acting. Her workshop covers Cristen Kauffman Santa Monica, CA 90404 technique, scene study, and auditioning, 1529 11th St. [email protected] drawing on a combination of Chekhov, Santa Monica, CA 90401 www.alextechworkshops-international Hagen, Meisner, and Morris. 310-284-8166 .com Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; [email protected] 800-260-5133/301-880-7700 On-Camera Technique; Business of Acting www.theorchardactingworkshop.com 10-12 students per class; private coach- All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing ing available; All levels; Auditing not per- BRIAN MULLIGAN The Orchard Acting Workshop offers a mitted; Ongoing healthy and balanced environment for [email protected] If you have ever had stage fright, vocal or creativity and collaboration that culti- 323-719-2545 physical stress, the Alexander Technique is vates, nurtures, guides, and supports your Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing for you! These classes will guide you to a talent as well as helps you discover your not permitted; Sessions as needed dynamic experience of kinesthetic light- own unique truth. We provide you with Mulligan, a former instructor at NYC’s ness, wherein thinking becomes clearer, helpful technical tools to ensure you gain Riverside Shakespeare Academy and feelings balanced, sensations livelier, and the confidence you need to develop your founder of NYC’s Impro!, offers one-on-one movement more pleasurable. Michael D. special acting abilities. coaching for TV, film, and theater audi- Frederick is an internationally recognized tions. Accent Reduction Now teacher in the field of psycho-physical JIM OTIS learning. He originally trained as an actor Work With L.A.’S Best LAUREN PATRICE NADLER 818-543-7479 at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in Bris- Private coaching only; All levels; No audit- [email protected] tol, England, followed with training as an ing; Flexible scheduling Derra Huxley, CA Certifi ed Speech Pathologist www.laurenpatricenadler.com Alexander teacher in London. He taught Otis offers two private courses: a TV/film 818-202-0774 for over a decade at the Old Globe The- intensive, covering TV/film, commercial By reducing your foreign accent or regional dialect, you can: Limited enrollment; private coaching and atre’s MFA program in San Diego and for auditioning technique, cold reading, and consulting available; All levels; Auditing • Be considered for more diverse roles over 25 years at the renowned Sanford business strategy; and a monologue encouraged; Ongoing Meisner-based Baron/Brown Acting Stu- intensive. • Speak more confi dently Nadler is actively directing independent dio in Santa Monica. Michael has over films while coaching and teaching ongo- • Improve overall communication skills 30 years experience working with actors, ing scene study and improvisation class- JOE PALESE and was voted best Alexander Technique es. Her students work on top TV shows, film, The Actor Space classesl tailoredil d to fi t your scheduleh d l teacher in Los Angeles Magazine’s “Best and national commercials. 14106 Magnolia Blvd. (818) 385-1716 • www.AccentReductionNow.com of LA.”Other: Audition Technique/Cold Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Reading [email protected] 28 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 28 9/28/10 4:00 PM ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES Scott Colomby Workshop www.theactorspace.com www.belletheplay.com Create Your Build Your Own Take Charge of Scene 818-754-4442 323-356-5051, Fax: 323-851-1454 Own Showcase Professional Demo Reel Your Career Study Private coaching available; All levels; One Small classes; private coaching avail- audit permitted; acceptance by interview; able; Auditing is permitted upon request; Ongoing Ongoing “Scott is a new generation of teacher, for the next generation Actor-director-writer Palese’s class focuses Randolph teaches concrete, universal on scene study, improv, cold reading, and tools, with an emphasis on finding joy in of actor.” sensory work. the work. Her class is supportive and nur- — Thomas Carter, 3-time Emmy Award-winning Director turing while pushing each actor to take JEFFERY PASSERO risks and go beyond perceived limitations. “The keenest insight into the art & craft of acting of anyone Studio City, CA [email protected] DALE REHFELD I know.” www.jeffpassero.com [email protected] — Kario Salem Emmy award winning writer of “Don King in America” 818-506-8400 www.daleyclass.com 12 students per class; private audition 818-986-9733 coaching available; All levels; Auditing Private coaching available Scott’s credits include: D’Annunzio in “Caddyshack,” Brian in “Porky’s I, II & III,” plus over encouraged; Ongoing; Work study avail- Rehfeld combines a cold reading/act- able ing class with a hands-on showcase in 100 other feature films & TV shows, including “One Day at a Time” and “Days of Our Lives.” Passero offers scene study and audition an effort to create “a supportive, intimate technique classes. He has a successful workshop setting.” casting career of more than 50 mov- ies and began his acting career at the ALLAN RICH Tuesday Nights @ 7:30PM Roundabout Theatre before taking over www.allanrich.com, casting there. www.aleapfromthemethod.com at the Theatre Asylum 323-465-4007 THE PINE CREEK BLONDE Private coaching only; Professional 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90038 ACTING STUDIO Rich teaches serious professionals the Gene Desrochers same “organic technique” he uses in his 10951 Pico Blvd., Ste. 203 own work. Rich’s newest book is “A Leap The most comprehensive acting class in Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA From the Method: An Organic Approach [email protected] to Acting.” covering much more than Scene Study. 310-709-6545 Private coaching available; All levels; RICHARD SEYD ACTING STUDIO Come to LEARN, be INSPIRED, and GROW into a GREAT ACTOR Auditing is permitted; Ongoing 4949 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 203 Desrochers offers comprehensive classes Los Angeles, CA 90027 in a supportive, positive environment. on audition technique, scene study, and [email protected] career counseling. www.seydways.com 323-668-1475 PLAYHOUSE WEST SCHOOL AND 12 students per class; Intermediate to pro- For more information call: 323-650-6472 REPERTORY THEATRE fessional; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing 4250 Lankershim Blvd. Voted by readers of Back Stage for the CALL FOR A FREE AUDIT! North Hollywood, CA 91602 last three years as one of the top four act- www.playhousewest.net ing schools in Los Angeles. “Richard Seyd Check our website at www.ScottColomby.com 818-881-6520 knows what he’s doing. You cannot do Free audit required better,” says Peter Coyote. Founded in 1981, the playhouse, which has a second North Hollywood location, ROB REECE ACTORS WORKSHOP Playhouse West Studio Two, regularly [email protected] develops and stages plays with members www.methodacting.com of the advanced technique class. 310-497-0611/415-928-8929 (San Fran- cisco) POWER POISE Free audit available PERFORMANCE WITH Rob Reece is a 37-year veteran of film, TV, Most People SHARON JAKUBECY and theatre. Based in Los Angeles with [email protected] classes in San Francisco, Reece teaches www.alexandertechniquela.org Progressive Method Acting, which he 310-383-1796 describes as “in-depth instrument work, Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing craft tools described and demonstrated, understanding tension, inspiration, char- Blow Auditions not permitted; complimentary assess- ments offered; Ongoing acter work, script analysis, and the uncon- In the Power Poise Performance program, scious creative process.” you gain tools to release interfering ten- sion that stops you from achieving your Because… RON BURRUS peak potential. You develop a heightened physical awareness, an ability to quiet STUDIO OF ACTING and calm your nerves, and a connected- at the Pico Playhouse ness to your voice that fills a room. Using 10508 W. Pico Blvd. 1. They don’t get to audition frequently enough the Alexander Technique, Sharon helps Los Angeles, CA 90064 writers, singers, actors, musicians, cam- [email protected] to build a relaxed confidence. era operators, and directors claim their www.ronburrus.com confidence by learning how to master- 310-497-1430, Fax: 212-689-0087 fully return to a balanced, neutral, and 16 students per class; private coaching 2. They prepare the material, but they don't grounded stature. Without the tension of available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; prepare themselves to handle adjustments on the fear, you can “nail” demanding perfor- Year-round; Available for conservatory mances, auditions, and high-stakes meet- students only fly or extraneous distractions. ings with a resonant and engaging voice Offers a foundation technique intensive, and an open and charismatic body script/character breakdown, on-camera language. She is on the faculty at Stella film workshops, master classes and NY/ 3. They haven’t adapted their acting Adler Academy of Acting-LA in Hollywood. LA business of acting seminar, and a one- The LA Opera, Women in Theater, The year evening conservatory program. to the camera. Dating Coach, Vox Humana, Unknown Theater, and Children’s Hospital have AL ROSSI sought her to teach her “secret weapons” 818-902-1538/323-953-4000, ext. 2975 Deal with the work-life realities of actors. that help their members be loose, light, 12 students max and dynamic when under pressure. Excel Rossi, a veteran actor-director, is head of Use Audition Simulations to prep auditions and stay in shape. onstage, on camera, and in the spotlight acting at LACC’s Theatre Academy, the with Sharon Jakubecy. oldest continuous actor-training program on the West Coast. Shakespeare is his Handle anything that throws you off at auditions or on set. STEVE RAILSBACK specialty. Artworks Theatre Develop Camera-Sense: how you adapt your acting to the camera. 6583 Santa Monica Blvd. STAN ROTH Los Angeles, CA 90038 West Hollywood, CA [email protected] [email protected] Paul Gutrecht, MFA UC San Diego 310-780-7080 www.stanroth.com 14 students max; private coaching avail- 323-930-2424 www.auditionandactingcoach.com able; All levels; Auditing is permitted Limited class sizes; private coaching avail- Actor and coach Steve Railsback was a able; All levels; Auditing not permitted; student of Lee Strasberg and the Actors Ongoing 1-888-732-3257 – Speak with us at Actorfest. Studio and has spent several years Stan Roth teaches cold reading and working in film, television, and theater. scene study intensive classes and offers Railsback feels an actor’s performance private audition coaching at his studio in is more than the memorization of words the West Hollywood area. Admission is by and exclusively works with actors commit- interview and audition. ted to and passionate about their craft. Other: Audition Technique/ Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading Cold Reading

RANDOLPH STUDIO FOR ACTOR THE SACRED ACTOR TRAINING Josh Galitsky Kate Randolph 3017B Second St. [email protected] Santa Monica, CA 90405 Continued on page 30— BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 29

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 29 9/28/10 4:00 PM 10 students max; industry referral only; Intermediate, advanced, and profes- sional; Free audit required; Ongoing, every ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES Tuesday evening Nelson, coach to stars and working actors —continued from page 29 is to spark passion in students that will for over 25 years, teaches weekly on-cam- [email protected] ultimately forward their acting career to era classes. Work and notes are recorded www.sacredactor.com the next level. on the actor’s mini-DVD or memory stick. 310-392-8212 Other: Conservatory/University 6-10 students per class; All levels; Auditing KATT SHEA by appt. only; Sessions start each month; SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE P.O. Box 3195 Work study may be available through ACTORS’ WORKSHOP Santa Clarita, CA 91386 accompanying theaters 1211 Fourth St., Ste. 201 www.kattshea.com A safe, nurturing, nonjudgmental space Santa Monica, CA 90401-1391 661-268-8611 for all levels to break through fears, per- [email protected] Limited class size; private and on-set form your most genuine, powerful work www.santamonicaplayhouse.com coaching available; All levels and audition with unbreakable confi- 310-394-9779, ext. 673, Fax: (310-393-5573 Well-known Peabody award-winning writ- dence and book. Advanced classes pro- Private coaching available er-director Shea offers scene study, script duce dynamic original work for live stage “To the actor,” says co-artistic director analysis, cold reading, and audition prep performance. Chris DeCarlo, “class is that special envi- classes, as well as private coaching at her ronment we create for ourselves in which Studio City and Santa Clarita locations. JOE SALAZAR we may practice the ritual of discovering 323-882-6433 our creative being.” That’s the kind of CLAIR SINNETT Small class sizes; private coaching environment DeCarlo strives to create at 531 Main St. #1135 available; Beginner, intermediate, and the Santa Monica Playhouse in this eight- El Segundo, CA 90245 advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing week workshop that uses improv to teach [email protected] Classes focus on scene study, monologue actors to make powerful and immediate www.actorsworking.com work, character creation, improvisational choices for auditions, as well as perfor- 310-606-0813, Fax: 310-414-0010 skills, and audition techniques that are mance work, by unleashing creativity, 10-20 students per class; All levels; Audit- designed to create the environment of developing exciting characters, and ing is permitted except for weekend inten- auditions. conquering the critic within. He is entering sives; Ongoing his 40th year as director of the workshop. Sinnett offers intensive two-day TV/film SAM CHRISTENSEN STUDIOS Acceptance to classes is by interview only. audition and marketing workshops, 10440 Burbank Blvd. based on her book “Actors Working-The North Hollywood, CA 91601 DAVID NATHAN SCHWARTZ Actor’s Guide to Marketing Success”, and [email protected] [email protected] on going workshops. www.samchristensen.com www.davidnathanschwartz.com 818-506-0783, Fax: 818-506-8941 310-435-4322 MARCIE SMOLIN 14 students max; All levels; Auditing not Private audition and on-set coaching 4475 Sepulveda Blvd. permitted; Ongoing; Work study available available Culver City, CA 90230 Christensen, a former casting director for Schwartz helps the actor develop and [email protected] VOTED BEST COMEDY “M*A*S*H,” teaches ongoing classes that define his or her own set of flexible and www.theactorscircle.com assist actors in becoming the most confi- practical approaches to acting and the 310-837-4536 dent, powerful, and compelling individu- auditioning process. 8-12 students per class; All levels; Reduced CLASS IN LOS ANGELES! als they can be. class fee; Ongoing; Work study/internships SCOTT COLOMBY WORKSHOP available SANDRA K. HORNER [email protected] Smolin, who began as a child actor and PERFORMANCE STUDIO www.scottcolomby.com was a regular on two TV series, has been coaching actors for over 18 years. She Alumni include Perform standup [email protected] 323-650-6472 had a student or two in almost every performers and www.sandrakhorner.com Auditing is encouraged blockbuster film this summer. writers from: at a comedy 818-997-6740, Fax: (818-997-6740 Colomby’s workshop has expanded 6-12 students per class; private coaching its horizons. Originally conceived as a club in only SOUTH COAST REPERTORY ELLEN available; All levels; Free monthly demo class geared toward the actor’s personal P.O. Box 2197 FRIENDS 10 weeks! classes; Ongoing; Barters are available growth within the confines of a scene Horner teaches a pure form of Robert study group, it has now added showcas- Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2197 PUNK’D Lewis’ script analysis which empowers ing and production of plays. Colomby [email protected] RENO 911 your auditions and puts you in command said his reasons are multifaceted: In his www.scr.org 714-708-5577, Fax: 714-708-5529 THE EX LIST of any text. opinion, scene study class can limit an actor’s spheres of concentration to him- 18 students (youth and teen class); 20 KATH AND KIM Call today for a (adult class); 30 (professional intensive); THE SANFORD MEISNER CENTER self, while working in a class on a play, All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing; OPRAH 5124 Lankershim Blvd. then producing it, challenges an actor FREE Workstudy permitted on a case-by-case North Hollywood, CA 91601 to explore his role from a larger perspec- DR. PHIL Introductory Class! basis [email protected] tive. Actors who appreciate this will start This respected Orange County theater and winners of www.themeisnercenter.com to understand the arc of their characters has an extensive education program 818-509-9651 within a piece of writing - an awareness through the Theatre Conservatory, direct- California’s 20 students max; All levels; Auditing that should open up opportunities, in 888.624.4233 ed by Hisa Takakuwa. The conservatory Funniest Female allowed after interview only; By sessions Colomby’s view, because actors will better includes a progressive multiyear youth The Sanford Meisner Center believes that appreciate the intent of the writer, director, and Classes now and teen program, with its introductory the purpose of an acting school is to get producer, and casting director. Auditing is enrolling. summer theater workshop. The adult pro- actors working professionally, and that encouraged. The Ice House gram, for those 18 and older, offers weekly begins with professional level training. Superbowl of Easy payment evening classes in beginning through To do something well, you need to do it SCOTT SEDITA ACTING STUDIOS Comedy plan available. advanced acting, improvisation, acting every day. With those tenets in mind, the Scott Sedita, Tony Rago for the camera, musical theater, screen- center has developed powerful programs 526 N. Larchmont Blvd. writing, and play writing. The four acting to get actors results.Launched in 1995 by Los Angeles, CA 90004 levels take students from the fundamen- Sanford Meisner and Martin Barter, the [email protected] tals through advanced technique, includ- center is the only school in Los Angeles www.scottseditaacting.com; STANDUPCOMEDYCLASS.COM ing individual instruction in performance, founded with Mr. Meisner himself. Now www.sitcomacting.com; scene work, characterization, and script headed by Martin Barter, Mr. Meisner’s www.makingitinhollywoodbook.com analysis. The Professional Intensive Pro- assistant for over 12 years, the center 323-465-6152, Fax: 323-465-6202 gram is an eight-week summer course for teaches the Meisner technique in it’s 16 students per class; All levels; Limited serious career actors, who are accepted original two-year program the way Sandy auditing permitted; contact the studio for through audition. Classes include audi- taught it. Accelerated five-week intensives specifics; Ongoing tion technique, script analysis, voice, are also offered, as well as graduate-level Former agent and casting director Scott Shakespeare, and physical character- scene-study classes and screenwriting Sedita, the 2008 Back Stage Readers ization. The director of the Professional classes. Graduates have gone on to win Choice winner for favorite acting coach, Intensive Program is LADCC winner Karen 10 Academy Awards, eight Emmys, and is also the author of the best-selling books Hensel, who teaches alongside a staff six Tonys. “The Eight Characters of Comedy” and of seasoned professionals.Other: Young Other: Conservatory/University “Scott Sedita’s Guide to Making It in Hol- lywood.” The Sedita Studio is where the Performers THE SANFORD MEISNER STUDIO actor’s craft and career come together. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Alex Taylor Sedita has helped developed the careers of Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, MUSICAL THEATRE www.toa.edu 323.463.2500 4150 Riverside Dr., Ste. 205 Burbank, CA 91505 Christopher Meloni, Emma Roberts, Josh Mo Caudell [email protected] Duhamel, Chace Crawford and many P.O. Box 2023 www.thesanfordmeisnerstudio.com others. Sedita is best known for his One Malibu, CA 90265 818-335-1140 Day Comedy Intensive and Professional www.musicaltheatreproductions.com 12-14 students per class; All levels; Inter- Audition Technique class. Todd Rohr- 310-456-1763 view required for acceptance, audit by bacher heads the comedy department Southern California Musical Theatre offers arrangement after the interview; Onging and teaches the On-Camera TV/Film musical theater for children, teens, and intensives; traditional Meisner programs Comedy class. Deborah Quayle teaches adults. Newcomers work with professional BOOKINGS DON’T LIE… begin in January and in September the On-Camera TV/Film Drama class. Pat- actors. 400 Led by Alex Taylor, The Sanford Meisner rick Munoz teaches Nuts & Bolts, an Intro- Studio is a dynamic and inspiring act- duction to TV/Film Acting and provides STAGING COURT ACTORS LAB ing center that gives students a clear, training in voice and speech. Elizabeth Cheryl Lubin STUDENT BOOKINGS step-by-step approach to the craft of Bauman teaches the on-camera kids at The Complex Hollywood acting. The studio’s pure Meisner train- workshop. 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. ing allows actors to gain confidence in Los Angeles, CA 90038 IN 20 MONTHS their artistic choices and develop the SHAWN NELSON FILM ACTING [email protected] WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CONTACT US NOW. complete freedom to express. The studio MASTER CLASS www.stagingcourtworkshops.com believes an acting school in Los Angeles c/o Actor’s Workout Studio 818-317-0140 Call (323) 962-2100 The Acting Center should provide an actor the training to 4735 Lankershim Blvd. 15 students max; All levels; Auditing is per- 5514 Hollywood Blvd. work quickly and creatively and provide Studio City, CA 91602 mitted; Ongoing Hollywood, CA 90028 students a comprehensive set of “acting [email protected] Staging Court offers a unique, nurturing, the actingcenter (323) 962-2100 shawnnelson.info and rigorous approach to improvisation the new school for actors theactingcenterla.com [email protected] tools” that support them throughout their acting career. The studio’s primary goal 818-762-8439 and scene study for actors in the heart 30 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 30 9/28/10 4:00 PM of Hollywood. A renowned nationwide wolf Theatre’s acclaimed ensemble in an able; All levels; Auditing is permitted and speaker on courtroom drama, she uses environment where actors’ work is respect- mandatory; Ongoing techniques from the courtroom to help ed and practicing craft is paramount. Award-winning actor Giosa, who trained students recognize nuance, passion, extensively with Larry Moss, teaches a ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES sense of place, and intense scene study STEVE TRUITT COACHING unique emotional technique. Classes and audition techniques. [email protected] focus on scene study, emotional exercises, honor of working with George C. Scott, commercials for more than 20 years, www.stevetruitt.com script analysis, and advanced character Jack Lemmon, Drew Carey, Wanda Sykes, co-author of the book “Breaking Into STEINLEIN PRODUCTIONS INSTITUTE 310-463-9056 work. Mike Epps, Nichole Tom, Tyra Banks, Mya, Commercials,” and called on nationally Iris Steinlein Private coaching only; Auditing not per- Busta Rhymes, Mark Feuerstein (“Royal to teach commercial acting. In L.A., she 5405 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 273 mitted; Ongoing JOHN SWANBECK Pains”), Bob Koherr, Valarie Pettiford, and offers a six-week on-camera workshop. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Truitt is a working host as well as a certi- 1731 N. Normandie #19 many other renowned actors, athletes, [email protected] fied life coach and NLP practitioner. He Los Angeles, CA 90027 and musicians. Brunetti works with the THEATRE GROUP STUDIO www.steinleinproductions.com coaches actors in hosting, standup, copy [email protected] major networks, studios, casting directors, Lorinne Vozoff, artistic director 323-934-6280 interpretation, and guides them to discov- www.swanbeckstudios.com agents and managers, preparing clients 2653 S. Robertson Blvd. 15 students max; Beginner and intermedi- ering the keys to success. 310-722-8463 for auditions and performances on-set/ Los Angeles, CA 90034 ate; Auditing not permitted; By sessions, 8 students per class; All levels; Auditing not on-location. His on-camera classes focus [email protected] private coaching year-round; All partici- STUART ROGERS’ ACTING STUDIO permitted; By sessions on the “practical professional skills and www.theatregroupstudio.com pants will undergo an audition for a short- Theatre Tribe A working film director teaches specific, awareness” needed to build bridges 310-839-9771 film shot in August 5267 Lankershim Blvd. tangible skills that directors require in from the classroom to the professional 12 students max; All levels; Auditing not Young actors receive intensive training on North Hollywood, CA 91601 auditions and that actors can quickly workplace, and how to “prepare to work, permitted; Ongoing the international level. Learn innovative [email protected] and easily apply to their auditions, in not audition.” New classes include Being Theatre Group Studio teaches Method techniques for your craft and gain new www.stuartrogersstudios.com order to be both cinematic and powerful Directed, where actors are directed in film acting using objective, problem, action, perspectives during this individualized 888-579-5738 on camera. and television scenes each week; and emotional memory, and imagination program. Private coaching available; All levels; By Up Close and Personal, taught by Marilyn along with the inner creative state, super sessions and ongoing TAKE AFTER TAKE McIntyre, which deals with personaliza- objective, and core as defined by Stan- STEPHANIE LLOYD ON CAMERA Rogers has taught for the last 10 years. [email protected] tion of the material applied to working islavsky. ACTORS’ WORKSHOP His students have won Emmys, Golden www.takeaftertake.com with a camera, in particular, the close-up 949-497-8274 Globes, and Tony Awards. The studio offers Veteran actor-producer-director Dennis shots. Brunetti keeps with his mentor Uta THEATRE WEST ASSOCIATE Private coaching available classes in scene study and audition tech- Sakamoto offers two one-day professional Hagen’s principle of keeping prices as PROGRAM Billed as “the L.A. Workshop in Orange nique for all levels. workshops to prepare actors for the reality affordable as possible for actors he works 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W. County,” Lloyd’s actors training center Other: Audition Technique/ of acting on a film set. with. Los Angeles, CA 90068 focuses on talent development, career Cold Reading [email protected] coaching, and establishing connections TED BRUNETTI STUDIO TERRY BERLAND - 818-851-4839 in the entertainment industry. STUDIO C ARTISTS 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. BERLAND CASTING Audition is required John Coppola and Michael Sonntag Hollywood, CA 90028 Terry Berland This program provides a weekly three- STEPHEN BOOK ACTING 6448 Santa Monica Blvd. [email protected] c/o 310 Casting Studios hour class conducted by Laura James, WORKSHOP Los Angeles, CA 90038 310-403-0123 2329 Purdue Ave. professional director-teacher-actor. The- [email protected] [email protected] 8-12 per class; private coaching available; Los Angeles, 90064 atre West has been a professional artistic www.stephenbook.com www.studiocartists.com All levels; Call for free audit, enrollment www.berlandcasting.com cooperative for actors, writers, directors 323-461-4263 323-988-1175, Fax: 323-988-2144 by interview and referral only; Work study 310-775-6608 and designers for almost 50 years. Private coaching available; Must attend 20 students max; All levels; Auditing is per- available 13 students per class; All levels a free seminar to be eligible to apply; mitted; Ongoing; Internships are available Uta Hagen’s protégé for over 18 years, Bru- Berland teaches an on-camera tech- TIGERTAINMENT STUDIOS Ongoing Offers a curriculum of acting classes, netti works as producer, director, coach, nique workshop designed to enable tal- Westwood, CA Book, an author and former faculty mem- career-related seminars, and workshops. actor, faculty, and guest faculty at the ent to give the small commercial space [email protected] ber at Juilliard and USC, teaches a tech- Teachers are industry professionals who most prestigious directing and acting multiple dimensions and reveal depth www.tigertainment.com nique for improvising performances while train each actor to use and market his programs and institutions across the U.S., and layers of their personality in less than 310-287-9809 speaking scripted lines. or her individual talents, assets, and per- including the USC School of Cinematic 30 seconds. She says, “through becom- 12 students max; All levels; Auditing per- sonality. Arts (graduate and undergraduate film ing familiar with how to utilize space, mitted with RSVP; Classes periodically STEPPENWOLF WEST directors); USC’s Peter Stark Program beats, and moments, talent will then have throughout the year; Work study available [email protected] SUSAN GIOSA’S ACTING (graduate producers); The American Film control of their audition and be able to Director-producer Michael John’s studio www.steppclasseswest.com WORKSHOP Institute (directors and producers); and apply who they are and how they feel to offers acting workshops in cold reading, Small class sizes; Free introductory work- Santa Monica, CA Occidental College (directors). As an any given situation. The end result will be improv, scene study, audition techniques, shops several times a year; 10-to-12-week [email protected] actor, Ted has worked with Diane Paulus, a performance that is connected and and stage combat. sessions www.susangiosa.com Rob Marshall, Jerry Zaks, Al Pacino, and involved in the scene, as opposed to a Offers exclusive scene study classes and 310-828-8544 Whoopi Goldberg, among others. As a sell.” Berland is a Cleo Award-winning workshops taught by members of Steppen- 20 students max, Private coaching avail- coach and assistant, Ted has had the casting director who has been casting Continued on page 32—

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BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 31

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 31 9/28/10 4:00 PM DEBRA WATSON Alderson came to Los Angeles in 1994 AUDITION Beverly Hills, CA and now offers the Meisner technique [email protected] in its intended two-year study period. TECHNIQUE/ ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES www.debrawatson.net Classes meet twice a week, and include COLD READING 512-452-7972 a number of exercises that act as steps for actors to use in their instinctive and —continued from page 31 THE VALLETTA WORKSHOP Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing THE CASTING PLAYHOUSE not permitted; interview by phone intuitive approach to character. MARK TILLMAN, CSA Al Valletta Raleigh Studios Watson offers basic cold reading tech- www.tillmancasting.com [email protected] 650 N. Bronson Ave. niques for actors which include character ART WOLFF 310-557-2565 www.vallettaworkshop.com Los Angeles, CA 90004 development and script analysis. [email protected] Tillman has been casting for 25 years. 760-941-3208 or 760-271-0501 [email protected] www.artwolff.com Classes focus on understanding the char- 20 students max; All levels; One audit per- www.thecastingplayhouse.com DIG WAYNE 323-276-1299 acter, freeing emotions, and strengthen- mitted; Ongoing 310-922-6821 www.digwayne.com Small class size; private coaching; Audit- ing communication to help his students Valletta has taught acting for film and 14 students max; private coaching avail- 213-793-1864 ing not permitted; admission by interview; in the audition. TV for over 30 years. His workshop offers able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing 10-week programs on film and TV acting, 20 students max; Auditing on a pre- Ongoing Two-time Academy Award winner Sean TIM PHILLIPS STUDIO - L.A. with showcases presented throughout the approved basis Created by CD Jason Buyer,the Casting year. Classes for adults, teens, and kids. Wayne is a former instructor at the Lee Penn says: “Art Wolff has a special gift for 2124 S. Redondo Blvd. Playhouse offers kids, teens, and adults Strasberg Institute and a life member of getting the best out of an actors’ talent. Los Angeles, CA 90016 group and private audition technique the Actor’s Studio. His ongoing classes He has the understanding of craft to build [email protected] THE VINCENT CHASE WORKSHOP classes, all on camera with honest and focus on the study and practice of the on that talent and the generosity of spirit www.timphillipsstudio.com 7221 W. Sunset Blvd. direct feedback. Method, stressing relaxation, animal work, to encourage the confidence an actor 310-772-8262 Los Angeles, CA 90046 Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study [email protected] and sensory exercises. needs to apply his craft to his talent.” As a Private coaching available; Interview and teacher, Art Wolff spent seven years on the www.vincentchaseworkshop.com PAUL GUTRECHT referral required for all classes; Ongoing WCI STUDIOS-BILLY COWART faculty of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts; as and by sessions 323-851-4819 888-732-3257 7542 Collett Ave. a director, he’s helmed 16 TV pilots, includ- Phillips currently has three ongoing audi- Private coaching available for auditions [email protected] Lake Balboa, CA ing “Seinfeld,” and five Broadway plays, tion classes, monthly lectures, and a and film assignments [email protected] [email protected] including “Penn & Teller.” For 25 years, Wolff quarterly scene study class with an invited The workshop holds classes six days per Ongoing www.wcistudios.com has taught, coached, or directed many presentation at the end. week that include scene study, cold read- Small classes, semiprivate and private ing labs and techniques, dialects and 310-230-5358 of New York and Hollywood’s top actors including Kate Walsh, Joseph Gordon Lev- coaching that focus on the work-life TOM TODOROFF speech, commercials, comedy, improv, 8 students per class; private coaching realities of actors. Whoever gets enough camera techniques, and acting theory. available; All levels; serious students only; itt, and Dakota Fanning. Matthew Modine STUDIO called Wolff “one of the major artists in auditions to stay relaxed and confident Two hour intro session and one free class; about the process? Use ongoing audition at the Magicopolis Theatre Ongoing my life.” Says Wolff about his approach 1418 Fourth St. THE VISION ACTING STUDIO simulations to prep for any upcoming Justine Visone The studio specializes in the right brain to acting, “If you want to glow like a star, Santa Monica, CA 90401 auditions and to stay in shape in between 818-506-4302 and the physiology of feelings. Classes you have to walk through the fire. Which [email protected] them. Learn to handle anything that Interview required are on-camera and in audition format, means you have to work without a net, www.tomtodoroff.com throws you off, ranging from a distracting Uses the Meisner technique word games, with industry guest teachers in addition to to make bold, exciting choices. You have 310-428-3388 waiting room environment to on-the-fly improvisation exercises, monologues, and staff, and a 13-hour marketing intensive. to make every scripted moment seem The class provides a personalized road adjustments to your work at auditions or cold reading on-camera to record prog- unscripted. You have to work with con- map to reach your highest potential as on-set. Develop camera sense: how you ress. Workshops include professional guest CLIFF WEISSMAN trolled abandon. My classes are small, an actor in a uniquely supportive studio. adapt your acting to the camera. Please speakers and a professional showcase. 661-803-5038 and everybody works each week, with Actors work on scenes, monologues, also see our ad in this issue. A New York-trained theater actor, Weiss- sufficient time to work and rework the auditioning, musical pieces, cold reading, man studied with Margie Haber, Tim scenes, which are from current TV shows, on-camera technique, and original mate- WALLACE AUDITION TECHNIQUE DAVID LEHMAN STUDIO Castaway Studios Phillips, and Caryn West. He teaches and films, and plays - many of them casting rial. Also has NY studio. and shooting right now. And I teach all Julia Huffman, teacher and director [email protected] coaches audition and cold-reading 1819 W. Verdugo www.wallaceauditiontechnique.com workshops. my classes. If you study with me, you are TONY TORRISI’S ACTING taught by me.” Burbank, CA WORKSHOP 323-960-7852 [email protected] 8 students max; All levels; Auditing on a WEIST-BARRON-HILL ACTING FOR 310-569-1439 www.filmactingcoach.com case-by-case basis; Classes run in 6-week TELEVISION AND FILM THE WORKSHOP WITH Small class sizes; private coaching avail- JEFFREY TAMBOR 818-845-1549 cycles 4300 W. Magnolia 12 students max; All levels; Free audit able; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Santa Monica Playhouse Voted favorite audition teacher in the Burbank, CA 91505 available; Ongoing A 35-year acting veteran, he now teaches 1211 Fourth St. 2010 Back Stage readers’ choice poll, Wal- [email protected] After studying with David for 8 years, Julia classes covering cold reading, improvisa- Santa Monica, CA 90401 lace’s technique gives actors the tools to www.weistbarronhillacting.com Huffman is now the studio director and tion, scene work, and camera technique, [email protected] relax, own the room, and book the job. 818-846-5595 teacher of David Lehman’s Studio. Class- for “a well-rounded approach.” www.jeffreytamborworkshop.com All levels; Auditing is permitted es cover cold reading and on camera 323-644-3380 DERYN WARREN Offers an array of on-camera classes, but memorized scenes. THE TOTAL WORKSHOP FOR Private coaching available; All levels; [email protected] the centerpiece is the ten session com- Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study ACTING, CREATED BY www.derynwarren.com mercial TV workshop. They use their own Auditing is permitted; Ongoing MICHAEL SAVAGE Elizabeth Payne’s practical approach to 323-936-0195 cold reading technique, devised over the JAMES HARPER [email protected] Small classes; private coaching available; years. training helps actors identify their cast- www.thetotalworkshopforacting.com ing, play to their strengths for auditions, [email protected] Intermediate to advanced 818-749-4678 818-762-5769 Warren, a film director-writer-actor, and WENDY HAINES IGNITE YOUR establish a professional game plan, and Private coaching available; Auditing is make their work stand out from the crowd. Private coaching only; All levels; Ongoing author of the popular “How to Make Your CAREER WORKSHOPS A Juilliard grad, award-winning actor/ permitted Audience Fall in Love with You,” offers [email protected] Class time is devoted to a combination of Savage is an alumni member of the Tony group and individual exercises and scene producer, and casting associate, he has ongoing classes in audition and film/ www.wendyhaines.com taught at universities and colleges. Harper Award honoree The Acting Company, stage technique. Says Warren. “I teach 310-395-3246 study. She combines Stanislavsky-based founded by John Houseman and Mar- methods with improv theater games and specializes in audition coaching and how to risk and how to rise above the 30 students per class; private coaching ongoing once the job is secured. got Harley and a former star of “General crowd by making exciting choices. I have available; All levels; Auditing not permit- outside-in techniques to give the actor a Hospital.” variety of ways “in” to the text. Payne is a Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; directors and casting directors calling me ted; Ongoing; Work study available upon On-Camera Technique to cast my students because they are so request professional actor and coach; she holds TVI ACTORS STUDIO an MFA in acting from the American Con- good. My class is recommended by the Haines developed a system to master the JACK HELLER 14429 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 118 head of HBO casting, among others.” An “inner game” of succeeding in your act- servatory Theater, where she was a com- Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 pany and faculty member. She has also 323-850-6328 article in the L.A. Times on the class said, ing career. “Discover what holds you back, Private coaching only; All levels [email protected] ‘Her comments are dead-eye accurate.” effectively move beyond what keeps you taught at the American Musical Theater www.tvistudios.com of San Jose and the San Francisco Shake- Jack Heller is an award-winning direc- The small classes include script analysis, stuck, and set goals to achieve what you tor and a working actor. He studied with 818-784-6500, Fax: 818-784-6533 improv, and cold readings. “You work want.” speare Festival. Most recently she helped 16 students per class; All levels; Auditing found, develop, and coordinate Jeffrey Harold Clurman, Robert Lewis, and Uta three times a night,” she says. She cur- Hagen. is permitted for some courses; By sessions rently offers an intermediate/advanced WILLIAM ALDERSON STUDIO Tambor’s advanced acting workshop. and ongoing; Internships and work study class in the Mid-Wilshire area, $240 for six 1103 N. El Centro Ave. Ongoing classes for all levels are held available Tue. evenings, 7-11 p.m., at the Sidewalk KARI NISSENA weeks. She also coaches actors for audi- Los Angeles, CA 90038 [email protected] TVI offers comprehensive and affordable tions. “My students tell me to emphasize [email protected] Studio Theater in Toluca Lake. The cost is acting classes, workshops, and seminars $250 every six weeks. Auditing is encour- www.karinissena.com that this class improves much more than www.aldersonstudio.com 213-397-8069 in all of its locations, including acting for just your audition skills, and also that I get 323-466-0799 aged, and an interview is required for film, television, and musical theater. acceptance. Private coaching to large seminars; All my students work,” says Warren. 16 students max; private coaching avail- levels; Free phone consult; Ongoing able; All levels; Ongoing and special events; Possible work study

32 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 32 9/28/10 4:00 PM ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES THE WORKSHOP available sion from UCLA. Classes are purchased by Coaching and career development the month. Disclaimer: No guarantee of specializing in realistic acting and creat- employment. WITH JEFFREY TAMBOR ing major breakthroughs on the business Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study side. STEVE EASTIN STUDIO MARCI LIROFF’S AUDITION 10107 Camarillo St. BOOTCAMP Toluca Lake, CA 91602 [email protected] [email protected] A CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP www.marciliroff.com www.eastinstudio.com 818-784-5434 818-980-9828 FOR ACTORS, WRITERS AND DIRECTORS. Small class size; private coaching avail- Private coaching available; Free audit able via Skype; For working professionals, provided not beginners; By session Steve Eastin Studio offers ongoing on- Casting director Marci Liroff has a pas- camera instruction to small classes sion for teaching as well as casting. From of working actors and actors starting “Blade Runner” and “ET” to “Mean Girls” out. Eastin, who has been teaching for and “Freaky Friday,” from “Indiana Jones 20 years, is known for his lead roles in and the Temple of Doom” and “Footloose” “Con Air,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Field of to “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past,” Liroff has Dreams,” “A Man Apart,” and “Up In the Air.” long been one of the busiest casting Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study directors in Hollywood. Having worked for over 30 years with the industry’s top pro- ducers, directors, and actors, her extensive BUSINESS OF ACTING knowledge of the casting process is When Jeffrey Tambor began The Workshop, he wanted to establish a forum where invaluable for anyone looking to make THE ACTOR’S JOURNEY the most of their audition opportunities. artistic collaboration–not the business–led the way. At The Workshop you can Stanley Livingston, CEO and lead Liroff offers three-night intensive courses in instructor Los Angeles to learn how to “nail it.” Hers Studio City, CA expand and develop your craft as well as rediscover your voice as an artist. is a hone-and-tone course, not a funda- 323-656-4275 mental skills class, and is aimed at work- [email protected] ing professionals, not those with limited www.theactorsjourney.com audition experience. The course provides 15 students per class; All levels; Auditing a clear perspective on the business of LOCATION not permitted; By sessions The Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St. in Santa Monica acting and explores audition techniques, The Actor’s Journey is not about “acting” audition etiquette, online opportunities, or “performance skills.” The Actor’s Journey EMAIL and covers the do’s and don’ts of audi- [email protected] is a powerful new program developed to tioning from the points of view of directors, teach aspiring actors the industry-specific producers, studio executives and casting business and career-development skills directors.Other: Business of Acting Classes are led by Jeffrey Tambor, Elizabeth Payne, John Walcutt and Larry Clarke. needed to launch, advance, and sustain Enrollment is ongoing. THE RICHARD LAWSON STUDIOS careers. These are skills not taught at any of the schools, colleges, universities, 4450 Tobias Ave. or academies that teach “acting.” Why Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 spend years, if not decades, down in the [email protected] WWW.JEFFREYTAMBORWORKSHOP.COM trenches? Learn everything about the www.richardlawsonstudios.com “industry” and how to function in it from 818-793-8767, Fax: 818-990-0369 100 distinguished and award-winning 20 students per class; private coaching entertainment-industry veterans who have available; All levels; Auditing not permit- already traveled down the road you are ted but there is a free open class once a about to take. These are not teachers far month; 16-week courses, must be taken removed from the processes that lead to from beginning to end work; these are professionals who have Lawson is an award-winning actor- been there, done that - and succeeded. director with 30 years experience, having Four-session program lets you learn from appeared in more than 50 films, 100 TV the ultimate authorities how to make all shows, and 50 plays. He offers a “profes- the right decisions and career moves sional development program.” from day one. 10107 Camarillo St. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study Toluca Lake, CA 91602 RISA BRAMON GARCIA MASTER CLASS c/o Avery Schreiber Theatre CLASSICAL 11050 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 THE ANTAEUS ACADEMY [email protected] 5114 Lankershim Ave. 818-986-9777 North Hollywood, CA 91601 MICHAEL 61 students per class; Professional; Audit- [email protected] ing not permitted; By sessions www.antaeus.org A full-day workshop that focuses on the 818-506-5436, Fax: 818-506-5479 FREDERICK audition: interpreting the text, making 26-28 students per class; Intermediate to the best choices for the scene and the advanced; Auditing is permitted; Classical character, connecting with the other Styles meets in Fall and Spring; Shake- character(s), staying truthful, honest, speare Workout is ongoing; Limited work Specializes in working Taught at San Diego’s authentic, and still making the boldest study internships available with Actors, Singers Old Globe Theater in their mfa choices for oneself. Class is by invitation, A project of the Antaeus Company, with professional references. the academy trains actors in classical and Dancers Acting program for a decade Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study styles in a series of 12-week scene study workshops. All actors participating in the MELISSA SKOFF classical styles are eligible for casting in [email protected] Antaeus Company readings, workshops, Alexander Technique Teacher Voted best Alexander Teacher www.melissaskoff.com and productions. Admission to workshop with over 30 years in LOS ANGELES magazine’s 818-760-2058 by audition only; will consider profession- Ongoing classes for adults. New ongo- als and beginners with strong potential. teaching experience “Best of LA” ing teen classes and kids classes; private coaching availabel for all ages; MARTIN JAGO Advanced and professional; Audition is Los Angeles, CA required www.martinjago.net Trained in England Trained as an actor at Casting director Skoff teaches cold read- 626-379-0205 ing and audition technique classes for All levels; Classes by appt. only with fi rst generation The Bristol Old Vic Theatre working and advanced actors. She has Jago’s special emphasis is on classical Alexander Teachers School, Bristol, England cast more than 100 feature films, MOWs, theater, focusing on Shakespeare. He also pilots, and series. In 2001 she was named teaches contemporary on-camera tech- among Hollywood’s Top 20 TV Casting nique, cold-reading, scene prep, impro- Directors by Ross Reports. Her experience visation, and more, combining a range Contact: 800 260-5133 or 310 880-7700 covers drama and comedy, including of approaches from the works of a wide sketch comedy. There is an emphasis on array of theater and film practitioners. [email protected] improvisation in the class, and she has Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; alextechworkshops-international.com worked with many well-known comics. Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction; On- Skoff has been a casting executive at Camera Technique; Audition Technique/ Warner Bros. and Fox Broadcasting, as Cold Reading well as casting independently. Skoff has a keen eye for talent and has cast such JENIFER PARKER - NO FEARE stars as Vince Vaughn, Jim Carrey, Jen- SHAKESPEARE nifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr., Michelle [email protected] Pfeiffer, David Spade, Lauren Graham, 626-660-8818 and Catherine Bell early in their careers. Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing Skoff creates a positive environment that not permitted; Ongoing encourages actors to challenge their 20+ years experience providing a solid skills and make exciting choices. Industry technical foundation for contemporary professionals visit and work with the class. actors to gain confidence handling Skoff holds a B.A. in theater, film, and televi- Continued on page 34— BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 33

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 33 9/28/10 4:00 PM a cold reading technique class, and a scene study sitcom class. Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES Improv and Comedy —continued from page 33 SANDRA MERRILL COMMERCIAL Shakespeare and other period plays. COMMERCIAL ACTING FOR ADULTS CLASS WITH ADRIENNE OMANSKY [email protected] KATE GEER’S SHAKESPEARE Westside Community Adult School www.sandramerrill.com SURVIVAL SCHOOL 310-914-3565 323-662-7720 Kate Geer All levels; Registration free for adults over A former casting director and talent [email protected] 60; By sessions agent, Merrill teaches on-camera com- www.shakespearesurvival.com This course provides older adults with the mercial classes and offers an insider’s 310-455-4295 fundamental skills necessary to pursue perspective into the casting process and Limited enrollment; private coaching another career in the field of commercial successful audition techniques. available acting, as well as the opportunity to apply The purpose of Geer’s class is to give competencies learned in this course by SANDY HOLT/VOICECASTER each actor a solid base in the classics. performing in industry and community [email protected] Geer believes after an actor conquers the showcases. 310-271-8217 classics “the rest is easy.” Students of all Private coaching available levels work together in the same environ- JEFF GERRARD CASTING INTENSIVE Sandy Holt, a Chicago Second City ment using an integration of approaches. FOUR-WEEK COMMERCIAL alum, teaches a voiceover workshop Basic scansion, text analysis, verse, and WORKSHOP for commericals and animation that prose are taught to lay a solid technical www.jeffgerrard.com covers sharpening audition skills and foundation for the actor. Students expand 818-782-9900 booking the job, making the copy your and perfect audition material, polish the 10 students max; private coaching avail- own and being original, having fun play- fine points of speech and delivery tech- able; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; ing different characters, and improvising nique, and work on more intricate scenes By sessions and learning recording techniques. Holt from Shakespeare as well as other classic Jeff Gerrard Casting has been offering produces demos custom-made to the literature. Actors are encouraged and this commercial intensive class for over 25 actor’s talents. welcome to use the class to develop con- years. The four-week workshop is offered Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction temporary audition monologues. Each four times a year and covers the business actor is treated on an individual basis and technical side of commercial acting, STUART STONE CASTING according to their own needs and inter- including specific kinds of commercial www.stonecasting.tv ests. Classes are located at the Carousel demands: eating, singing, m.o.s., props, 323-866-1811, ext. 127 Stage, Topanga, CA. Geer has extensive cue cards, dialogue-driven spots, and Call for interview, wait list available list of theatrical credits, including roles in improvisations with fellow actors. A casting director for commercials, repertory with ACT, APA, Stratford Shake- voiceovers, film, print, and television, Stuart speare Festival, and the Los Angeles KALMENSON & KALMENSON VOICE Stone has created a commercials work- Theatre Center. She is currently active in CASTING shop to teach actors how to audition for television and film and has worked with Donna DuBain, director of education the audition and excel in booking jobs, such notables as Eve Le Gallienne, Ellis 105 S. Sparks St. with a variety of techniques designed to Rabb, William Ball, Jules Irving, and John Burbank, CA 91506 help forward your career through your Houseman. Geer is a founding member [email protected] auditions. He is the author of “Acting Out: of Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. www.kalmenson.com Your Personal Coach to a Money-Making She has been a teacher and a director 818-377-3600, ext. 111 Career in Television Commercials.” His of classical and contemporary acting for 8-10 students per class; All levels; Auditing workshop is an intensive taught over many years. is not permitted; Ongoing four weeks, one class per week, and is The owners of Kalmenson & Kalmenson designed to help students learn what A NOISE WITHIN commercial voice casting service have advertisers and directors are looking 234 S. Brand Blvd. spent over 25 years educating actors. for, how to get callbacks and turn the Glendale, CA 91204 Voiceover classes are available for all callbacks into bookings, find the inside [email protected] levels and are taught in the same full- understanding of what makes a success- www.anoisewithin.org service recording studios where auditions ful working commercial actor, and more. 818-240-0910, ext. 5 are held daily. Improv and scene study 5-20 students per class; private coaching classes also offered. available; All levels, including children; CONSERVATORY/ Voice & diction for actors Working audits are permitted; Ongoing; KILLIAN’S COMMERCIAL Acting and production internships offered WORKSHOP UNIVERSITY Accent reduction in fall and spring Killian McHugh The company offers conservatory and [email protected] ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY Acquire an accent for a role internship programs that provide focused, www.killiansworkshop.com Acting School personal attention from skilled, working 323-645-6296 79 New Montgomery St., 4th Floor professionals in a welcoming environment 12-15 students per class; All levels; Audit- San Francisco, CA 94105-3410 that seeks to develop the whole artist. ing not permitted; Sessions year round www.academyart.edu/ep/ Conservatory classes include Speaking Killian’s workshops are designed to acting-school/index.html Shakespeare, Acting Shakespeare, and empower the actor and take the guess- 800-544-2787 By licensed speech pathologists the Classics Workout. ing out of the audition process. His Founded by artists for artists, the Acad- technique puts the actor in control and emy of Art University offers expanded and Contact us at 800-597-9691 WILL GEER THEATRICUM provides the knowledge and confidence accredited A.A., BFA, and MFA programs, BOTANICUM ACADEMY OF THE needed to book the job. with classes that assume a love and Free consultation CLASSICS Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study dedication to the acting craft. All classes Ellen Geer, artistic director are taught in world-class facilities with top www.elocutionsolution.com 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd. MEGAN FOLEY CASTING industry professionals. Topanga, CA 90290 13425 Ventura Blvd. [email protected] Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 AMERICAN ACADEMY OF www.theatricum.com [email protected] DRAMATIC ARTS - LA 310-455-2322, ext. 222, Fax: 310-455-3724 www.meganfoleycasting.com 1336 N. La Brea Ave. NOW INTERVIEWING 10-16 students per class; All levels; Ellen 818-216-9350 Los Angeles, CA 90028 Geer’s master class limited to professional 10-12 students per class; All levels; Audit- [email protected] 45th actors and directors, audition required; ing for the ongoing class only; Year-round; www.aada.org year! Auditing not permitted; By sessions and Work study program available 800-222-2867, Fax: 323-464-1128 ongoing; Internships available as well as Megan and Chuck Marra offer a weekly 12-25 students per class; All levels; Audit- a limited number of professional training class as well as their famous one-day ing not permitted; Ongoing packages commercial intensives for adults and for The oldest acting school in the English- Offerings include a five-week, 90-hour kids. They also offer online mentoring and speaking world, the Academy was found- summer intensive Shakespeare seminar; coaching. ed in 1884 and the Los Angeles branch “I looked around the class and said ‘I’m home, they can’t hurt me now, a four-weekend, 65-hour winter intensive opened in 1974. Located in the heart of forget therapy.’ This is home, someplace real special. I felt safe, shakespeare seminar; spring and sum- MICHAEL DONOVAN CASTING Hollywood, AADA LA continues the tradi- it gave me freedom.” mer eight-week Shakespeare scene COMMERCIAL CLASS tion of excellence with its fully accredited – ROBIN WILLIAMS – study and monologue workshops; a 7805 Sunset Blvd., Sye. 200 two-year conservatory program, culminat- ing in an Associate of Arts degree. Areas "The HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP took me from fearful to fearless." winter eight-week master class in classi- Los Angeles, CA 90046 – BRYAN CRANSTON – cal theater; and a variety of technique www.michaeldonovancasting.com covered in the conservatory program workshops. 323-655-9020 include acting, voice and speech, move- “I learned it was okay to be silly. It was okay to be foolish. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study Small class size; private coaching avail- ment, theater history and styles, fencing, It gave me freedom to go out there and do it.” able; Ongoing makeup, musical theater, and Shake- – PENNY MARSHALL – Busy film, television, theater, and com- speare among others. Classes in working “Class changed Penny’s life, and it changed my life.” COMMERCIALS/ mercial casting director Michael Dono- on camera are offered in the second – GARRY MARSHALL – van teaches a three-week commercial year where students apply what they’ve VOICEOVER learned to film media. A select group of “THE HARVEY LEMBECK WORKSHOP was for me a support group. technique class. Classes are taught on-camera. students are accepted into a third-year A place where I had the freedom to fall on my face.” repertory company. In addition, AADA – JOHN RITTER – CAROLYNE BARRY’S COMMERCIAL, IMPROV, AND ACTING ORANGE COUNTY COMMERCIAL offers four and two week summer inten- A CLASS CAN LEAD TO A CAREER WORKSHOPS ACTING WORKSHOP sives in acting for the camera, audition technique, and youth theater. AADA New www.carolynebarry.com Rod Michaelson York is located at 120 Madison Avenue, FORMER STUDENTS INCLUDE: KIM CATTRALL • JOHN LARROQUETTE 323-654-2212 [email protected] New York, NY 10016, 800-463-8990.Other: JENNA ELFMAN • TED MCGINLEY • ALAN RACHINS • MARY KAY PLACE All levels; Interview required www.occaw.com Acting Technique/Scene Study LENNY CLARK • SHARON STONE In her 30-plus years in the business, Barry 714-832-1895 has been an audition teacher, appeared Private coaching available; All levels; CALARTS SCHOOL OF THEATER THE HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP in more than 400 national TV commer- Auditing is permitted cials, cast hundreds more, published tape Ron Michaelson, the “Ditech Guy” and 24700 McBean Parkway 310.271.2831 programs for actors on the market, and a working actor for more than 20 years, Valencia, CA 91355-2340 www.harveylembeckcomedyworkshop.com directed an Off-Broadway musical. Barry’s teaches beginning and advanced on- [email protected] programs offer commercial, improv, and camera commercial classes. His school, www.calarts.edu and acting workshops. based in Tustin, also offers an improv class, http://theatercalarts.com/home CALL FOR UPCOMING SESSION 661-253-7853

34 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 34 9/28/10 4:00 PM ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES 8-15 students per class; Auditing by spe- hood Playhouse in New York. The Ruskin cial permission only School offers a two-year course of study in One of the nation’s leading professional the Meisner technique, as well as a mas- training programs with an environment ter class for those who have previously designed to support the creation of new completed the two-year program. work and original interpretation. Other: Young Performers

EAST WEST PLAYERS ACTORS STELLA ADLER ACADEMY OF CONSERVATORY ACTING - LOS ANGELES Marilyn Tokuda A Studio for Actors 120 N. Judge John Aiso St. 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Fl. Thanks to everyone for voting for Los Angeles, CA 90012 Los Angeles, CA 90028 [email protected] [email protected] www.eastwestplayers.org www.stellaadler-la.com 213-625-7000, ext. 15 323-465-4446, Fax: 323-469-6049 ANTHONY MEINDL’S ACTOR WORKSHOP 8-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing 10-14 students per class; All levels; Audit- permitted with permission of the instructor; ing is permitted; Ongoing; Work study and acknowledging that a new, revolutionary Ongoing; Limited amount of full and work available study scholarships available Founded by one of the world’s most approach to acting is upon us. The nation’s largest producers of Asian respected acting teachers, the Stella American artistic work and the longest Adler Studio offers a two-year conservato- running professional theater of color in ry program and individual classes. With six the country, they offer classes for emerg- terms each year, classes include: acting ing and professional artists. technique, film/stage scene study, script analysis, theater to film audition tech- ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL nique, styles of acting, voice, movement, Rediscover what you always thought acting should be: OF THE ARTS improvisation, Shakespeare, Chekhov, 1010 N. Main St. stage combat, dance, dialects, accent Santa Ana, CA 92701 reduction, and commercial skills, all culmi- [email protected] nating in a play/film production. Ongoing www.ocsarts.net professional class instructors include Beni- 714-560-0900, Fax: 714-664-0463 cio Del Toro, Holland Taylor, Mark Ruffalo, 20-30 students per class; Must have min. Kate Mulgrew, and Anthony Zerbe. 2.0 GPA; Auditing not permitted; Aug.- June with summer, weekend, and evening THEATRE OF ARTS classes available; Varies by conservatory 6834 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 500 Step into the future of creating. Nationally recognized as a premier arts Los Angeles, CA 90028 school, OCHSA encourages artistic cre- [email protected] It’s not the line that comes next, it’s the moment. ativity and academic excellence while www.toa.edu providing students with a environment 323-463-2500, Fax: 323-463-2645 focused on individual growth, opportunity, 6-10 students per class; Application and diversity. and interview required for entry into the program; 12-week trimesters; Limited www.anthonymeindl.com • 323.852.6963 PACIFIC CONSERVATORY OF THE work study and scholarships up to $5000 PERFORMING ARTS available at Allan Hancock College Theatre of Arts opened in 1927 and has 800 S. College Dr. evolved through the leadership of out- Santa Maria, CA 93454-6399 standing directors like Max Reinhardt and [email protected] Michael Chekhov into today’s boutique www.pcpa.org college for the contemporary actor. TOA 805-928-7731, Fax: 805-928-7506 president James Warwick oversees the 12-18 students per class; admission by film, television, and theater programs to audition; All levels; Auditing by permission ensure the highest quality of teaching, only; By sessions; EMC Program productions, and preparation for a suc- Each year, 30 students train as members cessful acting career. of the professional equity company and also graduate with approximately 76 units UCLA EXTENSION DEPARTMENT of lower-division drama credits. OF ENTERTAINMENT STUDIES AND PERFORMING ARTS PROMENADE PLAYHOUSE AND [email protected] CONSERVATORY www.uclaextension.edu/entertainment 1404 Third St. Promenade studies Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-825-9064 [email protected] This program offers a diverse and com- www.promenadeplayhouse.com prehensive acting curriculum taught by 310-656-8070, Fax: 310-656-8069 industry professionals. Courses cover all 10-15 students per class; private coach- aspects of the business, from handling ing available; All levels; Auditing is permit- weaponry onstage to managing a ted; Four quarters a year with customized career. programs available monthly; Workstudy program available The Promenade Conservatory, an IMPROV accredited acting school, offers profes- sional training within a two- or three-year AND COMEDY degree program, an international pro- gram for foreign students with F-1 visa ACME COMEDY THEATRE available, as well as a part-time program. 135 N. La Brea Ave. Since 1995, founder and artistic director Los Angeles, CA 90036 Natalia Lazarus has been at the helm [email protected] of the Conservatory, which includes an www.acmecomedy.com Equity-approved theater, renowned 3rd 323-525-0233 or 323-525-0202 ext. 525 Street Comedy and The Promenade Play- 20 students max; All levels; some classes ers Theatre Company. Ms. Lazarus also require an audition; Auditing with permis- extends her expertise as a celebrity and sion international Coach privately and on sets. ACME offers improv, sketch, and standup Advisory board members include premier classes for all levels, including improv and actors and top industry professionals, sketch fundamentals, as well as advanced including Alfred Molina; Ken Jeong; Mark classes. The “Elements” and “Advanced Measures, head of the commercials, on Improv” series are four-week blocks that camera & voice division at the Abrams can be taken at any time, with “Elements” Artists Agency; and Syd Field, known by eight weeks total, and “Advanced Improv” CNN as “the guru of screenwriting.” The PC 12 weeks. Students are encouraged to take is located in the Santa Monica business the full series, but transfer credit from train- district, minutes from the beach. The Con- ing at other recognized improv schools is servatory helps actors with customized negotiable. The improv performance class programs through Meisner, Adler, Stras- teaches ACME’s signature “Soap Opera” berg, On Camera, Screenwriting, Creating format, including character development The One Person Show Techniques, and and pitching, costume selection, and for- The Creative Keys To Success. mat structure. The 12-week class includes a performance on the ACME stage using THE RUSKIN SCHOOL OF ACTING characters developed in class. The sketch 3021 Airport Ave. performance course is ACME’s most inten- Santa Monica, CA 90405 sive class. Students write, pitch, and perform [email protected] three sets of three-week shows over the www.ruskinschool.com course of an 11-week period. Students can 310-390-4212, Fax: 310-397-4920 perform every week, but not all sketches Class size varies; Auditing is permitted; are approved, so collaboration is encour- interview required; Ongoing aged. The sketch comedy writing course is John Ruskin was Sanford Meisner’s a collaborative class series that includes a apprentice, studying with him in New York show on the ACME stage, using sketches and teaching for him at the Neighbor- Continued on page 36— BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 35

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 35 9/28/10 4:00 PM IMPRO THEATRE Email [email protected] or call (646) 831-0404 1727 N. Vermont, Ste. 211 to rock your next audition! Los Feliz, CA 90027 ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES [email protected] SAMARA BAY has coached film, television, and www.improtheatre.com —continued from page 35 10-20 students per class; All levels; Audit- 323-401-6162 Broadway stars for AUDITIONS as well as ON SET. written in the class. ACME also offers a four- ing permitted in the beginner class; 4-to- 15 students per class; Nonactors to profes- After just a one-hour session you'll pick up the week “Stand-up Comedy Course,” which 8-week workshops throughout the year; sional; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing and workshops; Internships programs confidence you need to walk into a role with includes one-on-one instruction, group Internships available sessions, and a performance at the end of This approach to improvisation organizes available ANY ACCENT AT ALL… the course. Each student receives a DVD of teams of performers in athletic-style The Impro Theatre School teaches the their final performance. ACME additionally competition. L.A.’s own 21-plus-years pro- skills necessary to improvise full-length “I loved working with offers a 12-week performance lab ($575) fessional team offers improv workshops, plays. They focus on truth in the moment and allow comedy to arise out of that. you, Samara. You make focusing on performance skills that requires plus a Sunday team that performs for the an audition. public. learning and mastering a IMPROV COMEDY WAY WITH dialect so much fun and ACTORS IMPROV STUDIO THE EMPTY STAGE ANDY GOLDBERG 10707 Magnolia Blvd. IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY Andy Goldberg so gratifying. You ex- North Hollywood, CA 91601 THEATRE Avery Schreiber Theatre plain everything beauti- [email protected] Bill Johnson 11050 Magnolia Blvd. fully, so that even the www.actorsimprovstudio.com [email protected] North Hollywood, CA 91601 818-790-3413 www.emptystage.com www.offthewallcomedy.net most subtle nuances are 16 students max; All levels; Free audit is 310-600-6109 310-283-4027 easy to grasp. And permitted; Ongoing All levels; One-time registration fee Private coaching available; Ongoing Goldberg, author of “Improv Comedy,” thanks for being so sup- Bill Applebaum, founder of Actors Improv required Studio, offers ongoing improv workshops Offers basic and intermediate improv has been teaching for more than 20 portive in the process.” that help actors and writers become classes as well as drop-in advanced years. His classes emphasize character – Willi Burke, more creative, spontaneous, and relaxed. classes. There are weekend performances development through exercises, games, as well as sketch shows on Thu. at 8 p.m., and scene work. Broadway actress BANG COMEDY THEATRE featuring members of the improv classes.

457 N. Fairfax Ave. IO WEST *********Contact Samara Bay Los Angeles, CA 90036 THE GAY MAFIA IMPROV COMEDY 6336 Hollywood Blvd. at Dialect Up to: *prep last- [email protected] WORKSHOP Los Angeles, CA 90028 minute sides for an audition *gain long-term mastery of an www.bangstudio.com [email protected] [email protected] accent or arsenal of accents that match your type *learn "Stan- 323-653-6886 www.thegaymafia.net, http://west.ioimprov.com/ dard American" if your foreign or regional accent is getting in the 14 students max; Auditing is permitted; By www.mikeplayer.net 323-962-7560 way… $10 DISCOUNT IF YOU MENTION THIS AD*********** semester 10-12 students per class; All levels; Audit- Born in Chicago 25 years ago, IO is best L.A.’s oldest home of long-form improv, ing is permitted; Work study is available known for its long-form improvisation, Bang is known for bringing truth to actors’ This workshop is led by Mike Player, direc- including the signature form “The Harold” comedy and its classes take students tor and head writer for the improv/sketch (and for its alumni: Mike Myers, Andy Dick, from basics through complex character comedy troupe The Gay Mafia and a Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Andy Richter, work and long-form improvisation in just graduate of the Warner Bros. comedy writ- to name a few). IO West offers six levels over a year. ers’ workshop. of improvisation classes and three levels of writing classes. Additional workshops WRITERS!!! BARB & STEVE NORTH’S COMEDY THE GROUNDLINGS SCHOOL include sitcom writing, musical improv, WORKSHOP 7307 Melrose Ave. and audition workshops. Stage time is Want to submit a one-act to Acts on The Edge 2011? www.funnycoach.com Los Angeles, CA guaranteed with showcase and perfor- 818-347-5098 [email protected] mance opportunities in the improv and Edgemar Center for the Arts Steve North (“the Comedy Coach”) and www.groundlings.com writing classes. New classes begin every his wife Barb’s Comedy Workshops offer a 323-934-4747 eight weeks. and The Edgemar Theatre Group complete comedy development environ- Small class sizes; All levels; Auditing not ment from beginner to professional. The permitted but auditions are run like the JACQUIE LOWELL’S Are now accepting Original, Unpublished, workshops focus on the North’s “comedic first day of a class and are free; Sessions IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY character” method of training perform- every six weeks throughout the year CLASSES Unproduced Short Plays for… ers to be comedians rather than comics, This 30-year-old sketch comedy institution, San Diego, CA students regularly perform in the “Beyond home of the famous Groundlings per- [email protected] Standup” show. forming troupe, offers improvisation class- www.teachimprov.com es taught by Groundlings and alumni in 858-581-0050 ACTS ANNE BEATTS a safe, structured, and supportive atmo- 8-16 students per class; All levels; Sample [email protected] sphere. Students with previous acting or class available for $20; Ongoing ON THE http://modernmirth.com/anne/ improv experience are recommended to Lowell has taught improv in San Diego annebeatts.html audition for Basic, the first level of the core for the last 35 years and has performed 310-273-1637 program which teaches the fundamen- with and directed several improvisational Beatts, the Emmy-winning original “Sat- tals of the Groundlings’s world-renowned comedy performing troupes. She teaches EDGE: urday Night Live” writer, teaches sketch form of improv. Extension workshops for creativity workshops for business and comedy writing-performing in a course beginners are also offered that do not education. that culminates in a performance for an require an audition. Sessions begin every 2nd Annual One-Act Short Play Festival invited audience in a recognized com- six weeks; specific registration dates are JUDY BROWN’S STAND-UP COMEDY edy venue. available on the website or by phone. WORKSHOP Performances April-June 2011 Santa Monica, CA BOBBIE OLIVER - STANDUP H2F COMEDY WORKSHOPS [email protected] ACADEMY Barbara Holliday and Dave Reinitz 310-663-7019 Submission Deadline: December 1, 2010 Bobbie Oliver 3406 W. Burbank Blvd. Private, intensive coaching; All levels; Ice House Comedy Club Main Room Burbank, CA 91505 Ongoing Go to www.edgemarcenter.org/events 24 N. Mentor Ave. www.comedycasting.com Brown helps students turn their natural Pasadena, CA 818-845-9721 sense of humor into a professional com- for Submission Guidelines [email protected] All levels; Auditing not permitted; By ses- edy act. Along the way, she says, they’ll www.standupacademy.net sions learn comedy timing, delivery, and joke 323-697-8287 Classes focus on joke structure and build- writing, and graduate with a comedy 12 students per class; private coaching ing the basics of riffing, tagging, joke writ- monologue. available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; ing, creating charcater, finding a voice, Four sessions per year improv, sketch, and working the crowd. JUDY CARTER’S STAND-UP COMEDY Comedian Bobbie Oliver teaches three WORKSHOPS ongoing standup comedy classes in HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY [email protected] eight-week sessions. Class ends with a WORKSHOP www.comedyworkshops.com graduation show in the main room. Helaine Lembeck, Artistic Director 310-915-0555 [email protected] 15 students per class; All levels; Auditing TERRY BOLO www.harveylembeckcomedyworkshop is permitted; 4 class sessions per year. 323-650-5968 .com 8-week sessions Small class size; All levels 310-271-2831 Carter, author of the book “The Comedy Bolo, an original founding member of the Private coaching available; Beginning, Bible,” teaches how to transform life experi- Groundlings, teaches a half-day crash intermediate, and advanced; Audits by ences into a standup comedy act. course in improv, familiarizing people with arrangement only the rules and structure. Emmy-winning director Michael Lembeck GERRY KATZMAN and his sister Helaine Lembeck took over 1822 Hyperion Ave. THE COMEDY ACADEMY these comedy classes 27 years ago, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Craig Anton 19 years after the late Harvey Lembeck 323-251-1286 [email protected] began the workshop. The workshop offers [email protected] www.thecomedyacademy.com classes aimed at the trained working www.standupcomedyclass.com 310-413-6633 actor wanting to specialize in comedy. All levels; By sessions Limited class size; private coaching avail- Workshops are designed to teach the Voted “Favorite Comedy Class in L.A.” able; All levels actor how to play comedy legitimately by Back Stage magazine’s reader’s poll, Comedy Academy emphasis is on com- in a scene, using improv as a tool to Gerry Katzman has a magical and kind edy scene study. Classes show actors enhance comedic skills for sitcoms, TV, way of coaching people into being how to bring more of themselves to each and film. Students participate onstage themselves onstage with unique, fresh, role and how to dig out and discover the three or four times each night. Critiques innovative, personal and laugh-out-loud funny. are by tinstructors only. Former students standup routines. Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study include Robin Williams, Penny Marshall, John Ritter, Kim Cattrall, Bryan Cranston, L.A. CONNECTION COMEDY COMEDYSPORTZ LOS ANGELES John Larroquette, Jenna Elfman, Ted PRODUCTIONS 733 N. Seward St. McGinley, Marilu Henner, Mary Kay Place, Kent Skov, artistic director Los Angeles, CA 90038 Lenny Clark, Alan Rachins, Scott Baio, 13442 Ventura Boulevard [email protected] David Leisure, Sally Kirkland, and Sharon Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 www.comedysportzla.com Stone. [email protected] 323-871-1193, Fax: 323-871-1192 Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study www.laconnectioncomedy.com

36 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 36 9/28/10 4:00 PM 818-710-1320 818-410-7529 CREATIVE COMBUSTION ACTING All levels 10-12 students max; private coaching STUDIO L.A.’s longest-running improv company available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; [email protected] offers performance training and an adult Ongoing; Occasionally will have interns www.ccactingstudio.com ACTING SCHOOLSOLS COACHESO improv repertory company that allows help at improv shows 310-285-6777 members to perform before a live audi- Founder/director of the comedy improv 12 students max; private coaching ence on a weekly basis. group, Slow...Children at Play, Simek offers available; All levels; Auditing permitted if No class size limit; private coaching www.bobgarrett.net ongoing improv and scene study classes, contacted in advance; Sessions Sept.- available; Beginner, intermediate; private 818-506-5526 MERILYN CARNEY: IMPROVISATION including character development and May with ongoing intensives throughout coaching for all levels; Auditing is permit- Master class available AND COLD READING/CLASSES audition techniques. the year ted; Ongoing Garrett offers private voice classes and AND PRIVATE COACHING Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study Director and acting coach Joshua Finkel Offers dance classes specifically for musical theater workshops. His tech- [email protected] offers classes for actors and public speak- performing artists. Theresa Hayes (“Sophis- niques focus on breath control and www.merilyncarney.com STEVE KAPLAN’S COMEDY ers of all ages and levels. All work is on- ticated Ladies,” “Dreamgirls,” “The Tap support, expanding range, voice place- 323-620-1689 INTENSIVE camera and taped. Dance Kid,”) is a cum laude graduate ment, calming nerves, and preparation 8-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing [email protected] Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; of UCLA, where she received her B.A. in of audition-technically, emotionally, and is permitted; Ongoing every Wednesday www.kaplancomedy.com Acting Technique/Scene Study theater arts. presentationally. afternoon; Scholarship program available 818-718-7570 Carney teaches actors how to trust them- 10-16 students per class; Advanced to JD FERRANTINO MIME THEATRE STUDIO MARY MCGREGOR selves in auditions and how to give a full professional; Auditing not permitted; By See the Screen Actors Studio. [email protected] 818-762-0309 performance in a cold reading using sessions; Work study available www.mimetheatrestudio.com Private coaching only; All levels improvisational techniques to set the Day One: The hidden tools and tech- LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTING! 310-494-MIME McGregor works to combine the neces- actor free. niques of comedy are explored through Los Angeles and Orange County, CA MTS teaches students how to “make the sary techniques to help you “free your exercises, improv, and theater games. Day [email protected] invisible visible,” using the body to express sound.” Says McGregor, “In acting and in JODI MILLER Two: You apply the tools to text - TV, theater, www.lightscameraacting.com thought and emotion, and how to physi- singing it is necessary to understand what 323-525-0202 and film. 714-356-9800/323-819-6538 calize the actor’s interaction with his envi- your instrument can do for you.” Miller offers a standup course separate 8 students per class; private coaching ronment. MTS director Lorin Eric Salm is Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction from the curriculum at the ACME that available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; a graduate of the Marcel Marceau Paris consists of group classes, private lessons, ON-CAMERA Seven five-week sessions per year; Work International School of Mimodrama and OUR LEARNING SPOT MUSICAL and a final performance, after which the study/internships are available has been teaching for over 15 years. THEATRE CLASSES student receives a DVD. TECHNIQUE A team of working actors coach in L.A. Madilyn Clark Studios and Orange County and offer group 10852 Burbank Blvd. MUSICAL IMPROV WITH ANDREA MORRIS’S ONLINE improv and on-camera classes. Students SINGING/ North Hollywood, CA 91601 MICHAEL POLLOCK AUDITIONING AND ON-CAMERA currently appear in “United States of Tara,” [email protected] www.michaelpollock.com CLASS “The Middle,” and many commercials. MUSICAL THEATER www.ourlearningspot.com 323-466-1714 Los Angeles, CA 90027 Other: Improv and Comedy; Acting Tech- 818-760-1964 Pollock is the author of “Musical Improv [email protected] nique/Scene Study AUDITION SUCCESS WITH MICHAEL 8 students max; All levels; Auditing is per- Comedy: Creating Songs in the Moment” www.andreamorris.com/class SARTOR mitted; Ongoing book and CD, now in use at the Second 323-744-1253 ON-CAMERA CLASSES WITH Studio City, CA Acting, singing, and dance training in City Training Centers. He is the musical 8 students max; All levels; Ongoing CHRISTINNA CHAUNCEY [email protected] a professional, safe, and encouraging director at Second City Los Angeles and Class focused on online auditioning and 3575 Cahuenga Blvd. West 818-763-4898 environment. Work one-on-one with work- teaches musical improv classes. detailed on-camera work. Students are Ste. 125 12 students max; private coaching avail- ing industry pros who give students the encouraged to use the class either as a Los Angeles, CA 90068 able; All levels; Auditing not permitted; tools for success as a musical theater PAUL RYAN’S TV HOSTING & training tool or in conjunction with their [email protected] Year-round performer. COMEDY STUDIO representation. For instance, an actor’s www.oncameraclasses.com L.A./NYC vocal coach and frequent audi- Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; Audition Technique/Cold Reading 4645 Van Nuys Blvd. Ste. 202 coached audition is uploaded to a pri- 818-720-3052 tion pianist, Sartor coaches performers Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 vate video link which the actor’s rep can 10 students per class; private coaching seeking to develop musical theater per- [email protected] then forward to casting. available; All levels; interview required; formance skills. He assists in selecting and RICHARD FREDRICKS: I TEACH www.paulryanproductions.com Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study Auditing is permitted; Ongoing classes arranging unique audition material. ANYONE HOW TO SING! 818-788-2190, Fax: 818-788-0706 as well as seasonal; Work study program 3520 Hughes Ave. 8 students per intensive; private coach- BRAD’S CLASS! FILM ACTING available BILL HALLER - VOICE TEACHER Culver City, CA 90034-7558 ing available; All levels; Auditing not WORKSHOP Focuses on developing strong cold-read, http://anuptempoandaballad.blogspot [email protected] permitted; Ongoing; Possible work study Brad Greenquist audition, and on-camera skills specific to .com www.richardfredricks.com available The Promenade Playhouse television. Chauncey has more than 15 818-780-8240 310-838-3355, Fax: 310-838-0505 Intensive takes place the last Sunday of 1404 Third St. years’ professional experience in front of Bill Haller trains singers in pop/Broadway Private coaching only; master classes the month, as well as private coaching for Santa Monica, CA 90401 and behind the camera. belt technique. He was named one of the upon request; All levels, all styles; Auditing auditions and on-set. Paul is the author [email protected] Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading; top private coaches in Back Stage West’s of a friend’s lesson is permitted; Ongoing of “The Art of Comedy: Getting Serious www.bradsclass.com Acting Technique/Scene Study 2006 Best of L.A. readers’ poll. Fredricks, who performed with the New About Being Funny,” published by Ran- 12 students max; private coaching avail- York City Opera and the Metropolitan dom House. able; All levels; auditing is permitted; SCREEN ACTORS STUDIO CAROL WEISS MUSICAL THEATER Opera as a principal baritone, teaches Ongoing Sonia Lopes, JD Ferrantino WORKSHOP the breath support/breathing technique SANDI C. SHORE’S STAND UP Actor Brad Greenquist teaches students Los Angeles, CA 90048 1249 N. Lodi Pl. he has used for more than 40 years. COMEDY WORKSHOP to deliver shots: long, medium, two-shot, [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90038 Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction [email protected] close-up, walk and talk, handheld, dolly, www.screenactorsstudio.com [email protected] www.sandishore.com etc. Students are taught to think in shots, 310-358-5942 www.carolweissmusic.com SINGING WITH CHERIE VALARAY Shore offers four- and eight-week sessions. to understand editing as it affects the 12 students max; private coaching for 323)460-6006 4872 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 342 A textbook is required: “Sandi Shore’s actor and how to use the technology to auditions available; All levels; Free class Class size varies; All levels Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Secret to Standup Success.” Workshops their advantage. audit and audition; Ongoing; Work study/ Carol Weiss is an accomplished musical [email protected] are held at the Comedy Store at 916 Pearl Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study internship program available director,who has worked at the Sacra- www.soundfeelings.com/singing_lessons St., La Jolla. 858-454-9176. Lopes and Ferrantino teach on-camera mento Music Circus, the Los Angeles Civic .htm CHAD MCCORD workshops at Cast Away and Exclusive Light Opera, and the South Bay CLO. Her 818-712-0103 THE SECOND CITY ACTORS STUDIO Casting for adults and kids. They also do classes prepare students for musical the- Private coaching only; All levels; Free trial lesson; Ongoing; Work study available TRAINING CENTER 717 N. Highland Ave., Ste. 24 agent showcases and casting director ater the way singers train for opera. Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction Valaray specializes in advanced vocal 6560 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd floor Los Angeles, CA 90038 workshops. technique, operatic training, performance Los Angeles, CA 90028 [email protected] Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; skills, stage presence and many other [email protected] www.chadmccord.com Commercials/Voiceover CAROLE D’ANDREA professional skills for all singers. www.secondcity.com/hollywood 323-868-9225 or 323-939-7339 www.caroledandrea.com Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction 323-464-8542, Fax: 323-464-1861 10 students max; All levels; also youth 310-281-7116 class for ages 13-18; Auditing not permit- Auditing is permitted 16 students max; All levels; Auditing is per- PHYSICAL THEATER/ THE STEVEN MEMEL STUDIO mitted; Ongoing; Work study/internships ted; must do consultation before enrolling; D’Andrea’s 50-year career includes the www.stevenmemel.com available Ongoing MOVEMENT original Broadway “West Side Story” (also 818-789-0474 Classes in improvisation and sketch Chad McCord offers weekly classes spe- the film) and “Gypsy.” She has directed Private coaching only; All levels comedy for actors of all ages. Called the cializing in script analysis, organic prepa- DANCE FOR THE ACTOR - THERESA productions of “Company,” “Bye Bye Memel has had a multifaceted career “Ivy League of Comedy,” the Second City ration and audition technique. All classes HAYES Birdie,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “Damn as a singer, actor, and director, as well as has trained many of the country’s leading are on-camera, using current pilot, film, Theresa Hayes Yankees,” and offers courses on singing an internationally acclaimed teacher. comedy actors, writers, and directors. and TV material only. 8205 Santa Monica Blvd., #1-132 performance, scene study, cold reading, The Memel Method for Voice and Perfor- Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; West Hollywood, CA 90046 monologues, and exercises. mance has helped everyone from begin- Audition Technique/Cold Reading [email protected] TIM SIMEK ners to Grammy Award-winning recording [email protected] www.dancefortheactor.com BOB GARRETT www.slowchildrenimprov.com 310-923-4787 [email protected] Continued on page 38—

Rick Zieff’s  commercials  animation  industrials  audio books yellowbirdcasting@ yahoo.com (323) 651-1666 • classes

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BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 37

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 37 9/28/10 4:00 PM A graduate of Northwestern University with a B.A. in speech and music, Bea- trice teaches vocal production, how to “For the serious actor, ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES increase power and range, diaphrag- matic breathing and placement, and self- let the journey begin.” —continued from page 37 skills including weapons, mesmerizing confidence for auditions in all styles. She artists such as Maroon 5 and Tony Award- styles, flashy kicks. Fight audition prep. Not has appeared on television with Janet winning Broadway performers. to make you fit in but stand out. Jackson, Steve Allen, and Melissa Man- Other: Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction chester, and is the teacher of two winners “Whenever I have a session with Alan I walk FILM FIGHTING L.A. of the Heroes and Legends Scholarship out of there a better actor—EVERYTIME.” Robert G. Goodwin Awards. [email protected] –KYLE BORNHEIMER SOLO SHOWS www.filmfightingla.com, BEVERLY BREMERS’ VOICERCISE www.taowesttaichi.com www.voicercise.net Star of CBS’s Monday Nite Comedy MARK W. TRAVIS 310-447-8438 949-874-0616 10322 Mary Bell Ave. Classes include a stunt fighting class. Private consultation available “Worst Week” Shadow Hills, CA 91040 Monthly workshops include European Working voiceover professional Bremers [email protected] swords, Asian weapons, Filipino weapons, offers voiceover classes and pro workouts www.markwtravis.com Shao-lin and Hong Kong fighting. in Orange and San Diego counties and 818-273-9273 also produces voiceover demos and 6 students per class; private coaching SAMURAI ACTION STUDIO house minutes. Bremers additionally offers ALAN FEINSTEIN available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; [email protected] classes in accent reduction, singing, Ongoing; Work study is available www.samuraiaction.com songwriting, and cold reading. For the past 22 years, Mark W. Travis has 310-849-1466 been involved in the development of All levels; Ongoing BONNIE BIZOZA - ACCENT ON solo shows for hundreds of actors and Michi Yamato, a former member of the ACCENT Scene Study, Emotional Exercise, performers. original “Power Ranger” stunt team and 818-783-0473 On-Camera Cold Reading, stunt coordinator, teaches Japanese Private coaching only; on-set coaching STACIE CHAIKEN WHAT’S THE and Voice Classes available. stage combat, karate, sword fighting, available STORY? STUDIO gymnastics, and trampoline techniques. Bizoza offers accent/dialect training 2nd St. and Main St. and accent reduction for beginners Take your passion, make it your profession!! Los Angeles, CA SWORDPLAY FENCING STUDIOS and established professionals. She is a [email protected] [email protected] licensed speech therapist and an expe- www.whatsthestoryla.com; www.swordplayla.com; rienced dialect coach who uses a mul- Admission by interview • Private Coaching www.staciechaiken.com www.timweske.com tisensory approach adapted to the stu- 310-450-1312, Fax: 213-625-1025 818-566-1777 dent’s learning style to achieve authentic, (323) 650-7766 • www.alanfeinsteinactingstudio.com.com 12 students max; All levels; Auditing not Private coaching available natural speech patterns. permitted; Ongoing, with evening and Teaches all edged weapons, including weekend intensives; Work study available Olympic-style fencing. Ongoing film and LUCILLE BLISS Stacie’s expertise is solo performance. She stage-combat classes focus on extreme 415-824-8188 or 323-667-1169 works in group process with writers who detail to safety, balance, footwork, and “Working legend” Bliss teaches private artists wrestling with personal material, for confidence in memorization of choreog- voice-acting lessons. Her work focuses the stage, the page, and the screen. raphy. on career training, interpretation, mike techniques, audition procedures, and TRUTH, LIES AND MEMORY: animation. CREATING THE ONE-PERSON SHOW Terrie Silverman VOICE/DIALECTS/ BREATH [email protected] ACCENT REDUCTION Natsuko Ohama www.creativerites.com breath@natsukoohamacom 310-281-3175 ACCENT ON ACTING - www.natsukoohama.com Limited class size; private coaching and ADAM LEGRANT 818-754-2400 script consultations available; 10-week www.accentonacting.com Private coaching available sessions 323-878-2288 Natsuko Ohama, a teacher of Kristin ON-CAMERA Terrie Silverman leads the program Admission by interview Linklater’s approach, uses exercises that designed to guide actors through the LeGrant trains the non-native English involve breath, sound vibration, physical process of developing and performing a speaker in speech and drama, including work, emotions, thought, and text. WORKSHOP solo play, whether the actor is looking for accent reduction and speech training a way to begin, continue, or polish mate- in Standard American English, audition ADELE CABOT rial in a supportive, safe environment. preparation, and cold reading tech- 818-368-1365 AWESOME, ORIGINAL SCENES Spontaneous writing exercises, move- niques. He also offers monologue and Cabot is a designated Linklater voice ment, music, and drawing allows students scene work. teacher and acting coach. Her other spe- FILMED EVERY WEEK FOR to write and create organically with the cialties include audition coaching and class culminating in a works-in-progress ACCURATE ENGLISH acting Shakespeare. EMAILING TO performance. 13101 Washington Blvd., Ste. 231 Los Angeles, CA 90066 CAROL TINGLE VOICE STUDIO CASTING DIRECTORS! www.accurateenglish.com Santa Monica, CA STAGE COMBAT/ 310-568-0077 www.caroltingle.com Private coaching only 310-828-3100 310-226-7034 STUNTS Lisa Mojsin, M.A., speaks five languages, Private coaching available; All levels has an acting background, and has Tingle works with singers placing empha- SEE ACTORS VIDEOS AT ACADEMY OF THEATRICAL taught at the college and university level. sis on the development of the voice COMBAT She helps her students learn to speak within the style of the singer, as well as c/o Swords Fencing Studio accurately and clearly. safe, healthy vocal production, audition lenaharris.com 2115 N. Glenoaks Blvd. preparation, and alleviating performance Burbank, CA 91504 ALISO CREEK PRODUCTIONS - anxiety. LOS ANGELES [email protected] WILLIAM WILLIAMS www.theatricalcombat.com www.alisocreek.net DR. CAROLE MOSKOVITZ, M.A., 818-364-8420 818-954-9931 D.S.S. All levels; Auditing by permission; introduc- 4-6 students per class; Free studio visit with Marina del Rey, CA 90292 tory fight class is held approx. every other consultation available [email protected] month; Ongoing Williams has been producing commer- www.singingfromtheheart.com Dan Speaker and Jan Bryant offer several cials for 20 years. His six-week classes in 310-821-SONG levels of fight scene training that cover- commercial and animation voiceover Small classes; private coaching available; safety and the primary techniques of meet in a recording studio under real-life All levels hand to hand combat, broadsword, quar- performing conditions. Moskovitz draws upon a wide range of terstaff, and cutlass plus slaps, punches, traditional and creative modalities to kicks, rolls, falls, and throws. Advanced ANGEL DIVA MUSIC help her clients expand vocal range, training includes double cutlass, rapier, www.angeldivamusic.com broaden communication skills, develop dagger, theatrical saber, French classi- 818-888-5885 inner listening and dialogue rhythms, and cal smallsword, and a variety of exotic Accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, strengthen breath work. weaponry. and record producer, Jan Linder Koda Other: Empowerment Coach creates radio-ready recording packages COMBAT AT BEVERLY HILLS for motivated singer-songwriters. She LOUISE CHAMIS FENCERS’ CLUB specializes in artist development, writes or 818-985-0130 [email protected] co-writes songs with clients, and records Private coaching only; All levels www.swordcombat.com songs in her state-of-the-art Pro Tools Chamis’ workshops are a place for 310-266-5151/310-204-0085 studio. voiceover actors “to learn, to work out, Private coaching available; All levels; and to stretch.” Students analyze copy to Auditing by permission ROWENA BALOS find out what they are selling and how Instructors are professional fight directors www.rowenabalos.com best to sell it. She has been teaching and swordmasters. They provide classes, 310-285-8489 for over 26 years and is the voice of the workshops, and private coaching for Balos offers short-term and ongoing work- Queen in “Snow White” in all current Dis- actors in combat for screen and stage, shops and private coaching in voice pro- ney projects. with a particular focus on swordplay. duction, speech, accent reduction, and Shakespeare. She has taught at many CORFF VOICE STUDIO DAVE LEA’S MOTION PICTURE acting studios, universities, and theatre Bob Corff STUNT/FIGHT TRAINING companies around the world, including, www.corffvoice.com Burbank, CA NYU, UCLA, CalArts, the Howard Fine Act- 323-851-9042 [email protected] ing Studio, the Stratford Shakespeare Fes- Veteran performer and voice/perfor- www.davelea.com tival, the Sydney Theatre Company, Ameri- mance coach Bob Corff is author of “The 818-603-9696 can Conservatory Theater, and Antaeus Bob Corff Speakers Voice Method” on CD Unlimited students per class; All levels; Classical Theatre Company. or tape and “The Bob Corff Singers Meth- Auditing not permitted, but you are given od” on CD or tape. Along with his wife, a 10 minute assessment; Ongoing; week- BEATRICE Claire (with whom he has written and pro- ends only 310-273-5940 duced the CD and workbook “Achieving Actors advance your on-camera fighting the Standard American Accent”), Corff

38 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 38 9/28/10 4:00 PM offers private and group lessons on how the voice works and how to make your speaking voice work for you in the best possible way. ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES DAN BALESTRERO - include “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “The Pink levels, and styles. MASTERINGVOICEOVER.COM Panther” with Steve Martin, “Catch Me 13700 Marina Pointe Dr., Ste. 623 If You Can,” “L.A. Confidential,” “Forrest KELLY REITER: REEL ENGLISH Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Gump,” “The Green Mile,” and HBO’s “Band www.reelenglishcoach.com [email protected] of Brothers” and “Six Feet Under.” She also 323-957-4758 www.masteringvoiceover.com coaches actors for Shakespeare. Private coaching available; All levels; Singing, Speech and Accent Elimination 310-827-3500 Assessment interview required 10 students max; private coaching avail- ROBERT EASTON Standard American dialect specialist Is your voice getting in the way of your acting? able; All levels; Free introductory seminar; www.roberteaston.org Reiter’s character study approach gives Ongoing 818-985-2222 her students the tools, confidence, and Do you want to learn to sing the newest styles? Dan Balestrero has taught vocal tech- Easton is best-known as the “Henry Hig- professional American voice they need, nique for actors, singers and voiceover gins of Hollywood Inc.” for his extensive from getting an agent to getting the part. Yoga for the Voice Workshops artists for over a quarter of a century. Bal- and highly specialized dialect coach- estrero’s classes and workshops empha- ing. In addition to his dialect workshops, DARLENE KOLDENHOVEN Specialist in the newest method for healthy belting and size cold reading skills, breath and voice Easton has also taught more than 2,600 [email protected] development, voiceover styles, natural- students comedy improv, characteriza- www.darlenekoldenhoven.com, current styles of singing. ness of delivery, home studio setup, and tion, and cold reading. www.artofsinging.com Certifi ed Voicework for acting. B.M. and M.M. in Voice. business networking skills. 818-980-2840 ELISABETH HOWARD’S VOCAL Private coaching available; All levels DEBORAH ELLEN VOCAL STUDIOS POWER ACADEMY Koldenhoven offers vocal coaching and Individual and Group Instruction [email protected] www.vocalpowerinc.com techniques for projection, diction, breath- www.deborahellen.com 800-829-7664 ing, pitch, and rhythm. She is the author of Affordable classes through Santa Monica College for 310-422-9166 Howard, founder of the Vocal Power Acad- the book with seven CDs “Tune Your Voice” Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing emy, is an internationally acclaimed vocal and teaches all styles and all ages. actors and singers. Upcoming SMC Classes: not permitted; Ongoing technician and vocal stylist. A Juilliard • Vocal Yoga Class Oct. 2 Deborah Ellen is one of the top vocal graduate and on the vocal staff at Pepper- M.J. LALLO coaches in LA and Ventura Country. She dine University, she has conducted vocal 4020 W. Magnolia Blvd, Ste. K • 6 week Contemporary Singing Class starts Oct. 7 teaches a technique that can be applied technique workshops in 10 countries. Burbank, CA 91505 to all styles of music. She is also a pub- [email protected] • Speech Skills Workshop for Acting or Business: Nov. 6 lished songwriter with A&R contacts at ELIZABETH BURNETTE www.creatingvoices.com major labels. [email protected] 818-149-5255 www.vocalyoga.com 310-200-0506 310-480-6377 10 students max; All levels; By sessions DEBORAH SHULMAN VOICE 4 students max; private coaching avail- and ongoing STUDIOS able; All levels but mainly works with Award-winning voiceover artist Lallo has [email protected] professionals; Auditing not permitted; worked for Disney, Universal Interactive, Fox www.deborahshulman.com/teaching Ongoing Kids, TV Guide, GNC, and has done more .html Burnette specializes in coaching foreign than 100 commercials, CD-ROMs, and 323-851-7344 actors to speak standard American Eng- feature film ADR. She has been teaching Private coaching available lish for film, television, and stage. She has commercial and animation voiceover for Shulman teaches performing strategies, been coaching in L.A. for 14 years. 12 years. how to find your own performance per- sonality, and, most importantly, she helps ELOCUTION SOLUTION LISA POPEIL’S VOICEWORKS you increase your self-confidence as a [email protected] Sherman Oaks, CA complete performer. www.elocutionsolution.com [email protected] 800-597-9691 www.popeil.com DERRA HUXLEY “ACCENT Free evaluation 818-906-7229 REDUCTION NOW” Elocution Solution’s speech pathologists Private coaching available; All levels; Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 offer individual or group sessions in voice Auditing not permitted; Ongoing [email protected] and diction for actors, including breath- Popeil teaches vocal control, range, www.accentreductionnow.com ing, relaxation exercises, pitch adjustment, power, creating emotional magic, speech 818-385-1716, Fax: 818-385-1796 projection, resonance, and voice care. improvement, vocal projection for acting, Individuals and small groups of 2-3; All They also work with actors on reducing or vocal health, sight singing, demo record- levels; Auditing not permitted; free dcreen- acquiring accents and learning specific ing, performance coaching, audition ing/demonstration offered; Ongoing speech patterns such as those associ- preparation. Is your foreign accent or regional dialect ated with hearing difficulties, strokes, and getting in the way of your career? Are you stuttering. Additionally they specialize in MARC CASHMAN-CASHMAN frequently asked to repeat yourself? Are articulation and tongue thrust therapy. COMMERCIALS: THE CASHMAN people focusing more on your accent than Free evaluation. Located in the San Fer- CACHE OF VOICE ACTING on what you are saying? Work with L.A.’s fin- nando Valley. TECHNIQUES est accent reduction specialist, Derra Hux- [email protected] ley, M.A., Calif.-certified speech pathologist, LEIGH GILBERT www.cashmancommercials.com to reduce foreign accents and regional [email protected] 661-222-9300 dialects, speak more clearly, become more 323-692-5704 Audits encouraged, payment plan avail- easily understood, widen your professional Limited class sizes; All levels; Auditing is able options, and build self-confidence. Classes permitted; Ongoing This Clio-winning casting director and pro- tailored to fit your schedule. Gilbert offers privates and group classes. ducer instructs beginning, intermediate, and advanced actors on the tricks of the DIALECT UP GODEANE GRACE EAGLE, M.A. trade in developing a successful radio/TV West Hollywood, CA [email protected] voiceover career. [email protected] www.godeanegraceeagle.com www.samarasworld.com/classes 310-450-5735 MARJORY TAYLOR’S VOICE 646-831-0404 All levels MASTERY Private coaching only; All levels; Ongoing Eagle teaches singing, speech, pitch 310-246-1743 Samara Bay offers coaching on-set or via training, and stage voice. Marjory Taylor teaches voice building, Skype for if you have an audition tomor- diction, broadcast English, commercials, row, you’re looking to master accents that DEREK GRAYDON cold reading, accent correction, and match your type, or you keep hearing you [email protected] other aspects of communication and POWER, POISE & PERFORMANCE need to reduce your foreign or regional www.derekgraydon.com performance. accent and learn “standard American.” 323-656-9356 Bay is a fun, fast, phonetics coach whose Graydon is a Juilliard-trained star of SANDI MASSIE visit www.AlexanderTechniqueLA.com long list of successful clients includes Broadway and opera. He offers the “bel [email protected] Broadway, television, and film actors in N.Y. canto” technique. Dame Judi Dench says www.sandiemassie.com SHARON JAKUBECY and L.A. She has an MFA from Brown/Trin- he is “unsurpassed,” John Travolta calls 818-903-4016 Certifi ed Alexander TechniqueTeacher ity and trained with the RSC’s Cicely Berry him “magic.” Massie is a coach for voice, speech, and Juilliard’s Kate Wilson; she’s coached dialects, and accent reduction. She has (310) 383-1796 12 Broadway/off-Broadway productions HOWARD AUSTIN’S VOCAL POWER been a coaching of theater, television, and is on faculty at Pace University teach- SCHOOL and film for the past 20 years and teach- Excel on stage, on camera and in the spotlight. ing “dialects for the actor” when she’s in North Hills, CA es relaxation, breath support, resonance, New York. Reasonable rates for one-hour [email protected] diction, and many other aspects of voice. sessions and a sliding scale for multises- www.borntosing.com Email [email protected] to book your sion packages available. 800-929-7464 or 818-895-7464 VANESSA MIZZONE Alexander Technique assessment at ACTORFEST on Nov. 6 Private or shared coaching; Introductory [email protected] DIAMANTE VOCAL STUDIO half price session; Ongoing; Instructor 310-968-7631 diamantesings@yahoo,com training available Private coaching only 323-466-7881 Howard Austin, creator of the Vocal Power Mizzone is on faculty at both Santa Moni- Private coaching only Method, says training with him will devel- ca College and East Los Angeles College. Edward Diamante teaches a speech- op your voice control, personal style, and She offers voice and speech coaching for level technique that has supported 112 performance power. actors based in the Linklater voice meth- Grammy Award winners while they were od with a Skinner approach to speech. recording. He helps actors who don’t sing JEFFREY ALLEN’S VOCAL ARTS professionally but who want to learn to CENTER MUSIC 1 ON 1 control their voices through exercise, or P.O. Box 4056 [email protected] who have injured their voices through Valley Village, CA 91617 310-430-4802 laryngitis or other vocal illness. [email protected] 20 students per class; All levels; Auditing www.vocalsuccess.com not permitted; Sessions every quarter at JESSICA DRAKE 818-782-4332, Fax: 818-782-4412 AFTRA/SAG 323-662-1831 Allen offers professional voice-strength- Vocal coaching, sight singing, and group Private coaching only; All levels ening and problem-solving for speech or classes. The Juilliard-trained Drake has been singing, onstage, and in the studio, as well coaching actors in dialect and speech as audition/demo preparation. All ages, for more than 20 years, with credits that Continued on page 40—

BACKSTAGE.COM | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 39

0930 SPOT ASC LA listings.indd 39 9/28/10 4:00 PM directors from networks like Disney, Nickel- North Hollywood, CA 91601 [email protected] odeon, Fox Family, CBS and the CW. After [email protected] www.santamonicaplayhouse.com the showcase, the actors and their par- www.joytheatre.com 310-394-9779, ext. 673, Fax: (310-393-5573 ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES ents meet with each of the casting direc- 818-505-9355 10-15 students per class; All levels; Audit- tors, get direct feedback, pick their brains, Ongoing ing not permitted; Sessions in each sea- —continued from page 39 www.vocalyoga.com and leave the camp on a first-name basis All things comedy, sketch, standup, char- son; Internship program is available CARLA PEREZ 310-200-0506 with these top decision-makers. Unlike acters, improv etc. A fun way for kids of This conservatory, now celebrating 50 [email protected] All levels; Private coaching and group most acting camps, TAC is unique in that all levels to get up on stage and build years of continuous theatrical and 818-409-9619 instruction available it takes place in an actual “camp” setting, confidence for the future. Our encour- educational services to the community, All levels Singing (all styles), speech and diction, at the El Capitan Canyon Resort. The idea aging style of teaching is designed to offers extensive training for actors from Carla Perez has a master’s in voice and voice work for actors. Expert in con- is to give actors and parents the tools to nurture the creative side using the tools beginners through professionals, year- performance. She teaches a “full-body temporary styles for musical theatre as well achieve success, while enjoying the ben- of comedy. round. A variety of workshops for all ages, presence” technique-singing from head as Bel Canto techniques. The latest tech- efits of a beautiful outdoor environment. preschool through adult, focus on audi- to toe, addressing vowels, breath, support, niques for healthy and beautiful belting are All TAC participants can join in fun camp KIDS ON CAMERA tion technique, communication skills, musicianship, interpretation, and stylistic used. Since the voice is the instrument of activities, indulge in the camp surround- Phil De Champlain musical theater, character development, nuance. the actor, Vocal Yoga technique helps the ings and let their creativity run wild! 10944 Ventura Blvd. movement for the stage, voice, and per- actor find his best resonance, vocal power, Studio CIty, CA 91604 formance, with a new theater skills crash PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING WITH range, and freedom. Vocal Yoga workshops ACTING FOR CHILDREN & TEENS AT [email protected] course. Alumni bring their youngsters so that they can share in the process. “I JULIE DANIELS use techniques from Yoga, Chi Gong, Alex- EDGEMAR CENTER FOR THE ARTS www.stopdreamin.com 818-500-0037 could not wait until tomorrow came so [email protected] ander Technique, Feldenkrais, Bel Canto, 2437 Main St. 10-14 students per class; All levels; One I could go again,” says Jeffrey, age 9. “I www.teechspeech.com Roy Hart Extended Voice Work, Fitzmaurice Santa Monica, CA 90405 time free audit; Ongoing; Internship avail- made my stage debut at Santa Monica 818-623-8960 Voicework, and multicultural sounding to www.edgemarcenter.org able with film school Playhouse,” says Kate Hudson. Accep- Private coaching only; All levels and ages free the authentic voice. Affordable classes 310-399-3666 Phil De Champlain’s classes focus is on tance is by interview only. Voice, speech, accent reduction, proper available through Santa Monica College. Private coaching available on-camera auditioning, cold reading, breathing techniques, articulation, pro- SMC classes: six-week contemporary sing- Edgemar, made up of two state-of-the-art improvisation, film and TV scene study, TALENTORIUM jection, and interpretation, with the goal ing styles, one-day speech and diction theaters in Santa Monica, offers on-cam- helping students discover what makes Montré Burton, creative director being “a fully textured voice that sells your workshop, one-day voice work for actors era, cold reading, and acting and impro- them unique inside. 1042 Princeton Dr. strengths as an actor.” workshop, one-day Vocal Yoga workshop. visation classes for ages 6-17. Students Marina del rey, CA 90292 Other: Audition Technique/Cold Reading The book “Vocal Yoga” comes out fall 2010. will perform in a showcase for parents Currently available: Vocal Yoga Singing and agents at Edgemar at the end of the LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE - YOUTH THEATRE 310-802-2074 [email protected] RICK ZIEFF’S UNBELIEVABLY FUN Exercises CD. eight-week session. Private coaching is Donna Inglima available. Fantastical Story Hour for ages [email protected] www.talentorium.com VOICEOVER CLASS 3-6: Through costume, storytelling, and www.lagunaplayhouse.com Talentorium is a performance and pro- [email protected] THE VOICECASTER VOICEOVER music, children create an enchanted 949-497-2787, ext. 202 duction studio that specializes in working 323-651-1666 WORKSHOPS magical kingdom and explore their cre- 10-16 students per class; Beginner, with young actors. It provides the kind of 8-10 students per class; private coaching Huck Liggett ativity and dramatic flair intermediate, and advanced; Ongoing; training that helps students become the available; All levels; By sessions 1832 W. Burbank Blvd. special summer theater session as well; best artists they can be while imparting Rick Zieff teaches mike technique for TV Burbank, CA 91506 AGOURA CHILDREN’S THEATRE Intern/work study opportunities occasion- leadership qualities to them. Talentorium and radio commercials, animation, narra- [email protected] Ellen Marano, director ally exist has built its reputation on the creation tion, and audiobooks. As a busy voiceover www.voicecaster.com 28240 Agoura Rd. #202 This acclaimed regional theater offers of a curriculum that runs the full perfor- actor, director, and casting director, he 818-841-5300, Fax: 818-841-2085 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 a variety of acting and creative drama mance-to-production gamut. A dedicat- emphasizes the importance of character 10-12 students per class; private coach- [email protected]; classes ongoing for youths ages 6-18. ed talent executive (“T.E.”) guides each development, text analysis, and making ing available; Beginner, intermediate, and [email protected] Classes are taught by theater profes- and every one of talentorium’s students. strong creative choices at the micro- advanced; Auditing not permitted; 4-6 www.agourachildrenstheatre.com sionals after school and in weekend This is a phenomenal advantage to the phone. He guides actors through pre- week sessions 818-389-1799 or 818-225-1459 workshops. academy’s young-adult students; it has paring a demo that will be their “calling The Voicecaster is celebrating its 30th 8-12 students per class; private coaching also proven to be an indispensable tool card” to the voiceover world. He cast the year casting for radio and television com- available; All levels; Auditing not permit- MARNIE COOPER SCHOOL OF to its kid and teenage students, as the T.E. Academy Award-winning animated short mercials, as well as industrials, animation, ted; Ongoing plus summer camps is an ideal partner to the parents. “The ChubbChubbs!” and directed the narration, CD-ROMS, voices of toys, and ACTING INC. Agoura’s first children’s theater. Improv animated feature “Steamboy” (starring more. Huck Liggett, owner and head of www.marniecooper.com and cold reading classes for teens ages TOTAL IMPROV KIDS Patrick Stewart and Alfred Molina). Rick casting, and his staff work on voiceover 818-760-8009 13-19, and theater and improv classes for The Avery Schreiber Theatre coaches adults and children at his studio skills from microphone technique to trans- Private coaching available ages 6-14. 11050 magnolia Blvd. in West Hollywood. Rick’s fun, fast-paced lating and breaking down copy, as well An acting teacher and coach with over Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; North Hollywood, CA 91601 style makes him one of L.A.’s most sought- as introducing the most current trends in 20 years of experience, Cooper specializ- Improv and Comedy [email protected] after teachers for adults and children. advertising. Says Liggett, “Our approach es in audition preparation and published is focused on exploring and discovering a how-to acting book for children and www.totalimprovkids.com 818-481-8072 ROY SAMUELSON the strength of each individual so that he BARB NORTH THE KIDZ KOACH their parents (available at 22647 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 422 www.howdoiact.com). 12-14 students per class; All levels; Audit- THE VOICE OVER WORK OUT or she would have a better idea of how to approach VO professionally. We meet Woodland Hills, CA 91364 ing is permitted; Ongoing; Possible work LOUNGE (VOWOL) each student at the level they bring to [email protected] ORANGE COUNTY PROFESSIONAL study available [email protected] a class and help them build from that www.funnycoach.com ACTORS’ WORKSHOP WITH Total Improv Kids uses the art of theatrical www.vowol.com point.” Courses meet in four- and six-week 818-347-5098 improvisation to offer children a means 310-439-9036 ELIZABETH KENT sessions, $300-$550. No auditing. No Private coaching only [email protected] of tapping into and expanding their All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing requirements for admission to beginning North works with children and their par- imaginations, nurturing important life skills, and certain series 949-675-3272 levels; higher-level classes require prior ents in what she calls “a fun and nurturing 10 students max; All levels; Ongoing and allowing children to find the greatest VOWOL offers a “playful and positive professional VO training. environment.” She teaches children acting potential in themselves and each other. gym” for actors to work on recordings at Kent has over 16 years experience as and audition strategies, and works with an acting coach for film, TV, and theater. Other: Improv and Comedy a recording studio, learning from guest WALLY (NO-B.S!) BURR VOICEOVER parents “to help navigate the business.” hosts. Her students have found professional WORKSHOPS representation through her annual actors TRACY MARTIN/KOACHING KIDS BB’S KIDS ACTING WORKSHOP & TEENS ALAN SHATERIAN [email protected] showcase in Los Angeles. Teaches ages www.wallyburr.com WITH BELINDA BALASKI 6-18. Toluca Lake, CA [email protected] 818-763-2618 Belinda Belaski [email protected] 310-824-2720 10 students per class; private coaching www.bbskids.com www.koachingkids.com Private coaching only ORANGE COUNTY SONG & DANCE available; All levels; One visit permitted; 323-650-5437 818-752-8487 Shaterian has a Ph.D. in linguistics and CO. Ongoing six week cycles; one session 10-16 students per class; 8-week classes 10 students max; private coaching avail- phonetics, and offers private coaching in 5860 Westminster Blvd. per week Balaski has more than 40 years of experi- able; All levels; Auditing for agents and speech and dialect, foreign languages, Westminster, CA 92683 DGA member, voice director and casting ence in the business.For over 18 years managers only; Classes offered four times and character preparation. [email protected] on 2000+ cartoons (98 “Transformers,” 92 she has taught kids and teens, as well as www.orangecountysonganddance.com a year; Possible work study available “GI Joes,” 65 “Jems,” 65 “Conans”) plus informational parent seminars. 714-897-4475, Fax: 714-899-9675 Since Martin’s classes began in 1998, over THE STUTTERING FOUNDATION hundreds of spots for Kellogg’s, Pillsbury, 20 agencies and managers have referred www.stutteringhelp.org This company offers acting for the cam- StarKist, etc. CARTER THOR STUDIO “ON THE era, addressing script reading, camera young students to her and her students 800-992-9392 MARK” YOUNG ACTOR CLASS work in TV, film, and commercials. Martin Offers information on stuttering and refer- presence, cold reading, and audition WARREN B. MEYERS 12417 Ventura Ct. offers classes and audition coaching in rals for speech therapists that specialize in techniques. Character analysis and por- 11615 Addison Street Studio City, CA 91604 film, TV, and voiceover. the disorder. trayal will be presented in an on-camera Valley Village, CA 91601 818-760-9426 environment. [email protected] The studio now offers a class for young THE YOUNG ACTOR’S STUDIO SUSAN BLU Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study; 818-985-1359, Fax: 818-985-1342 actors, 9-18, that it describes as “revolu- Singing/Musical Theater 5215 Lankershim Blvd. [email protected] Meyers teaches voiceover technique. tionary.” The goal is to help young actors Los Angeles, CA www.blupka.com He has 25 years’ experience hiring and develop confidence and fluidity in front of www.youngactorsstudio.com 818-509-1483 QUIT ACTING!! directing voiceover talents for national the camera through the understanding 310-281-7545 Small classes; All levels 5312 Radford Ave., Ste. 5 and local radio and TV spots, narrations, of scene study, script analysis, and cold Adult classes also available; Auditing is Susan Blu, voiceover actor and voice Valley Village, CA 91607 promos, books on tape, and interactive reading. permitted director, teaches classes in voiceover for www.quitacting.com CD-Roms. 818-437-1911 Offers coaching and training for young commercial and animation. Students get HARRIET GREENSPAN actors, ages 4-18, and uses the basics of tons of booth time. All levels 818-266-6698 Laura Lasky’s ongoing monthly sessions the Stanislavsky system to help them learn A casting director for the past 20 years, to use their personal unique qualities in VOCAL STYLINGS YOUNG PERFORMERS for kids and teens are designed to help Greenspan is currently casting for the her students “find out what’s holding their acting. [email protected] Nickelodeon network. Past credits include [them] back and quit it.” Her small classes www.vocalstylings.com THE ACTING CAMP features, MOWs, pilots, soaps, and series. and private coaching emphasize on- YOUNG ACTORS SPACE 310-737-9387 310-486-8193 Greenspan offers private coaching and camera and audition training, “because 5918 Van Nuys Blvd. Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing [email protected] intensive workshops for kids, teens, and the audition is the job.” Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 not permitted; Ongoing and by appoint- www.theactingcamp.com young adults. [email protected] ment All levels; By sessions www.youngactorsspace.com Vocal Stylings offers private singing les- The Acting Camp (TAC) is a three-day- STACY REED SEAN HOWSE [email protected] 818-785-7979, Fax: 818-989-0172 sons and in-studio vocal production to weekend intensive for kids, teens, and [email protected] 323-871-8018 15 students max; private coaching avail- free the artist in you, helping you perform parents. At TAC, the young talent work with 323-309-7718 Ongoing able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Fall, with greater passion, power, emotion, and learn from L.A.’s best acting coaches, All levels; Auditing is permitted; By sessions Producer of the award-winning Blank The- winter, and spring sessions; summer con- and energy. Styles include rock, R&B, pop, while their parents interact with top youth Howse has been teaching acting to atre Company, Reed teaches a class for servatory Broadway. Areas of specialization include agents and parents of “working actors.” teenagers for over a decade and trained children and teens that combine profes- Established in 1979, this school for young vocal power, breathing techniques, exten- TAC’s team of highly experienced acting under Joanne Linville and Stella Adler. sional training with creative dramatics in professionals offers weekly classes for sion of range, and style development. coaches cover essential acting tools such Classes run in three-month semesters and an environment that is challenging and students, ages 5 to adult, in scene study, All levels welcome. Discount packages as on-camera audition technique, impro- incorporate the Adler technique. nurturing. improvisation, audition techniques, and available. visation, cold reads, monologues, scene sensory work. study, voice (accents, singing, projecting, JOY THEATRE - JOSH AND JANIECE Other: Acting Technique/Scene Study VOCAL YOGA enunciating), and movement. On the THE SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE Heather Lyle final day of the camp, the actors perform JARY MINNICK EDUCATION CONSERVATORY [email protected] prepared scenes in front of 10 top casting The Raven Playhouse 1211 Fourth St. 5233 Lankershim Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 40 | SPOTLIGHT ON ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | SEPT. 30-OCT. 6, 2010 | BACKSTAGE.COM

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