SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES

When ‘FAILURE’

Is an OPTION

Feeling free to fail in acting class can result in the most uninhibiting, informative work you’ll ever do.

BY MARK DUNDAS WOOD |[email protected]

t its best, a professional acting class is like a studio-sized petri dish: A a fertile place where experimentation prompts all sorts of warm, woolly, fascinating organisms to appear. Unlike the actor’s workaday life— where you go to auditions, get cast according to type, show up, hit your mark, and then go home—in acting liant. There were very [few] in-betweens with him…. I think there are very few class you can feel free to make offbeat choices, take big chances, and investigate characters and situations far people like that.” apart from your usual, commercially dictated niche. But, with an open attitude, student actors can likewise learn to embrace the Actors willing to take risks in the classroom contend that doing so leaves them feeling rejuvenated, that it idea of going out on an artistic limb. boosts their creative growth. And yet, as the performers Back Stage spoke with for this article explained, main- After a prolonged hiatus from performing, Elaine Marlowe recently returned taining a spirit of innovation, exploration, and adventure in class is sometimes easier said than done. to the classroom. She is currently taking a class in the Meisner technique, taught by Rochelle Oliver at HB Studio (www.hbstudio.org) in New York, and a scene THE JOY OF TAKING CHANCES study class with Tom Grail of the TG Theater Group (www.tgtheatergroup. Clifford Bañagale is probably best known for his role as Diesel in the Sacha com). “I try all kinds of things,” she says of her work in Grail’s class. “I totally Baron Cohen film “Brüno.” Bañagale first studied at the American Musical make an idiot of myself, I know. But everyone else does too, so it’s okay.” Conor O’Farrell and Dramatic Academy, but more recently he has worked with actor-teacher Among other things, Marlowe tackles roles she would never be hired to play Marcie Smolin at the Actors Circle (www.theactorscircle.com) in Los Angeles. “in real life,” she says. She worked, for instance, on a monologue from William He recalls one exercise in Smolin’s class in which he stretched himself beyond Saroyan’s “The Cave Dwellers” that was meant for a young woman of 18 or 19. While preparing a scene from his comfort level, attempting something that might have bombed horribly. Neil Simon’s “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” she was coached by Grail to play it as Tennessee Williams, “Marcie has this stash of random props and clothing that people have Eugene O’Neill, or David Mamet might have written it. This exercise led her to discover the different colors dropped off over the years,” Bañagale says. “You’re assigned a partner, and available to her—shades she could incorporate into the scene when she returned to playing it as written. you go in there and you dress up. And when you come out, they give you a scenario. I dressed up in, like, a pimp outfit. I came up with an accent, and I was TEACHER-SUPPORTED Clifford Bañagale just in a whole different place. I didn’t really make an excuse for my vulgarity RISK-TAKING or my missteps in doing the exercise.” When acting instructors encourage discovery through improvisation and Others in the class responded positively to what Bañagale was doing, and as he continued, he found himself provide direction of the sort that Grail gave Marlowe, it can lead actors to move playing off their reactions. There was an element of “working the room” in what he did, but it somehow felt beyond a play-it-safe mentality. right. “I think it’s very important for every actor to get out of their head and realize that it’s not just about San Antonio, Texas–based actor Kristopher Thomas has taken workshops making [the work] your own,” he says, “but also about making it accessible to other people to connect with.” with local teachers Brad Milne (www.safilmacademy.com) and Nikki Young Smolin applauds the courage it takes to do the kind of thing Bañagale did—to go places other actors (www.primadonnaproductions.com). He remembers one improvisation exer- wouldn’t even consider. “You can bet that Johnny Depp…went in there and made some interesting choices” cise with Milne in which students were asked to identify their first behavioral when he was a student, she says. “Some of the things he’s done with some of his characters, people in an acting impulse and then do the exact opposite. Thomas’ character in the scene was class situation would have said, ‘What are you doing?’ With Jack Sparrow, for example, he started with Keith having a fight with his girlfriend. Instead of blaming her, Thomas reversed Richards. That was his inspiration, and he honed it. He took a little bit of this and a little bit of that—and a lot Elaine Marlowe course: He had the character blame himself. The exercise may sound as though of Johnny. Because that’s the other thing: The thing that makes those crazy choices and those risks work is that it’s intended to curb an actor’s intuition, but Thomas found that it instead actors add themselves to the mix. You’ve got to keep a piece of yourself in everything you do. That brings it opened him to new possibilities. When “you do any activity and it becomes habit,” he says, “sometimes you back to reality.” can get into a repetitive nature and you don’t really explore anymore.” Los Angeles actor Paul Linke became familiar to audiences when he played Officer Arthur Grossman on DIFFERENT ROLES, television’s “CHiPs.” Later he became known for the one-man show he wrote about losing his wife to cancer, DIFFERENT CHALLENGES “Time Flies When You’re Alive.” Recently he returned to acting class, studying with Brian Reise (www.brian- Conor O’Farrell, who founded the Actors Refuge studio (www.theactorsrefugeclass.com) in L.A., studied reiseacting.com). early in his career with Michael Moriarty, who epitomizes the “You’ll only be as good as you dare to be bad” Linke is fortunate to have received positive reinforcement when he took a risk in his very first acting class, school of acting, O’Farrell says. “I’ve never known anybody who took more risks onstage. Sometimes they taught by Gretchen Kanne at the University of Southern California back in the early 1970s. He remembers were miserable failures. So when he was bad, he was really bad. And when he was brilliant, he was really bril- Continued on page 28— BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 27

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—continued from page 27 was so much tension in the classroom. The students were so afraid of of a scene that may or may not work for that character. And then there’s presenting a solo scene, dealing with substance abuse and lost love, using making a mistake. Everything had to be sor t of at performance level. I going in there with the objective of ‘being experimental’—which I think the song “The End” by the Doors. It was an unusual sort of scene for the felt that that was not for me. I needed something a little less restr ictive, is not going about the scene properly . It’s like you’re experimenting for class, and the room was quiet when Linke finished. Kanne told him his where I could do what I needed to do and grow.” the sake of the experiment, and you’re not trying to elucidate something work was “very brave” and encouraged him to next work with a partner that you’ve seen in the text. I don’t know too many people who would on a scene from a Mur ray Schisgal play. But when the class staged a TO RISK OR NOT TO RISK? try to do that. But I can see acting teacher s calling you out if they think “best of” presentation at the end of the semester, Kanne asked that Marlowe’s observation underscores you’re trying to be different just for the sake of being different.” Linke revive the Doors piece. a basic conundr um in the teaching of “That was really important, because it validated the risk I’d taken,” he acting—or perhaps in the teaching of WHEN FAILURE says. “And it gave me the experience of trying to repeat it.” anything. Students are supposed to be EQUALS GROWTH open to learning through trial and error, What happens after you land unceremoniously on y our face when STARTING UP but they tend to fear er ror so greatly that you try something new and or iginal in the classroom? Occasionally , AND STARTING OVER they skip the trial. They make safe choices. unmitigated disaster. Yost remembers being “ridiculed” by a professor Linke’s experience may have been a They try to please teacher. This becomes in grad school when she tr ied to perfor m an ex ercise that involved case of beg inner’s luck. By their na ture, especially problematic if the instr uctor personalizing an external object. It turned out she hadn’t followed the of course, classes in the basics of acting has any influence in the other par ts of directions. She simply wasn’t prepared. offer fewer opportunities for doing one’s an actor’s career. When Thomas began Marla Yost Sometimes actors realize tha t their failure is the result of not own thing than classes for more-seasoned classes with Milne and Young in San committing fully to an acting choice due to some sor t of inhibition. performers. O’Farrell points out, though, Antonio, he realized they were also involved in casting local productions. “That’s great, actually,” Yost says, “because then you’re facing that fear. that for newcomers, the very act of taking He says, “There’s a little bit of nervousness there: ‘If I screw around and You’re trying to work through it. And some really exciting stuff can those first steps entails r isk. If students am bad in class, then they’re not gonna think I’m good and they’ re not happen, in the moment, to get through that.” “begin to access those parts of themselves gonna call me later.’ ” Sensitive and wise teachers know that a student’s failure works best that they either didn’t know were there or In workshops taught by casting directors or others with hiring power, as a teaching moment, not as an occasion for repr imand. Bañagale Paul Linke that they just rarely had sho wn people— actors may naturally feel inhibited about tr ying something unusual recalls floundering in an exercise in Smolin’s class. “We stopped class especially people in a public venue—it’s or risky. Smolin w ouldn’t discourage an actor from signing up for for a second and talked about wh y it wasn’t working,” he remembers. really risky for them,” he says. such workshops, but she feels they shouldn’ t be the only classes tha t “It wasn’t like, ‘Shame on y ou, you didn’t do it r ight.’ It w as more In a similar w ay, seasoned actor s who are steeped in a par ticular performers take. like, ‘See how this scene is going? This is what I mean about going off technique take risks when they open themselves to an entirely different Is there ever a time when actors should limit their experimentation— subject and why it doesn’t work.’ It was more like an ‘a-ha’ experience.” approach to their craft. It may prove challenging, and even frustrating, when they should censor themselv es—in an acting class? Marlo we When students get discouraged in class, they ma y find solace in for such actors to go back to square one, to work with an instructor who admits to v ery few restraints . She ad vises against such ob viously recalling that all actor s—even highly acclaimed ones—go through believes that his or her job is to drill actors in a new set of skills. Marlowe outlandish choices as stripping off clothes in the classroom or a ttacking similar struggles at points in their training. Linke recalls the late actor- notes that there is less room for personal innovation in the Meisner class fellow students physically, but that’s about it. “If I crawl on a lap or get director-teacher Charles Nelson Reilly telling him about studying with she’s taking than there is in her scene study class . Meisner’s technique physical in some way or I put m y arms around [other students] or kiss Uta Hagen and Herber t Berghof—in a class where Reilly’ s fellow “is A, B, C, D,” she says. “It’s a very good technique, but basically he’s them, I always check beforehand,” she adds. “Otherwise you’re invading students included Hal Holbrook, Jack Albertson, Geraldine Page, and broken acting down to a very scientific process.” their privacy.” Jack Lemmon. Some teachers’ very nature seems to work against student-generated Marla Yost, a New York actor who has studied at the T. Schreiber “They were terrible,” Reilly told Linke of his no w-legendary discovery. Some teacher s are ster n taskmasters. Some ha ve an ego- Studio (www.tschreiber.org), Primary Stages’ Einhorn School of classmates. “You went to do the scene from ‘Death of a Salesman’ with driven “guru” sensibility. Others come off as intimida ting, perhaps Performing Arts (www.primarystages.org/espa), and elsewhere, advises the two brothers, and everyone would go, ‘Arrgh, no!’ But you go into without intending to be. “I audited a class from a very famous teacher,” actors to approach with care the whole idea of “experimentation” in class every time and you grow. You commit to it. You just keep working remembers Marlowe. “I would never have taken from her, because there scene work: “There’s taking a risk and making a choice in the moment at it.” <

28 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM

0616 SPOT ASC LA feature.indd 28 6/14/11 2:46 PM diate, and advanced; Free info session with eight-week on-camera acting and improvi- www.theactorspace.com Michelle Danner; Ongoing sation classes for children and teens, ages 818-754-4442 SPOTLIGHT ON The Acting Studio at Edgemar provides 6 to 17. Industry showcases held twice see Joe Palese LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES professional classes for film, television and yearly. Edgemar is also home to Scene Bit, stage, including on-camera, voice, improv, the multimedia evening of theater where ACTOR MUSCLE and SitCom Comedy with Brad Garret. Stu- students perform their best scenes on and Beverly Leech he following is a list of Los Angeles–area stage and film dents work on challenging writing ranging off camera for agents, managers, directors, [email protected] from classics to contemporary, well-known casting directors, and other entertainment www.actormuscle.com acting schools, teachers, and coaches organized by cat- authors to new original scripts. The Acting professionals. I am a 30+ year acting professional in the- T Studio supports the process of develop- Other:On-Camera Technique; Improv and atrer, film, and television, and studied with ing one’s original work and believes Comedy the late, great Stella Adler. Although primarily egory and alphabetically. strongly that every actor has an important grounded in the Adler Technique, I’m also personal story to tell. The studio also offer Each of the entries contains the following information, THE ACTOR SPACE Continued on page 30— 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, interme- diate, or advanced students are taught, whether auditing is permitted, whether classes are ongoing or by sessions, any special emphasis used in classes or coaching, and whether a work-study program is offered. Descriptions of the class, school, or coaching are provided by the instructor or insti- tution and edited by Back Stage. For our complete listing, go to www.backstage.com/spotlights. Schools or teachers who have been omitted may con- tact, 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.

three sets of three-week shows over the ACTING TECHNIQUE/ course of an 11-week period. Students can SCENE STUDY perform every week but not all sketches are approved, so collaboration is encouraged. 3 DAY DEMO AND THE TOTAL The sketch comedy writing course is a col- laborative class series that includes a show WORKSHOP FOR ACTING, on the ACME stage, using sketches written CREATED BY MICHAEL SAVAGE in the class. ACME also offers a four-week [email protected] “Stand-up Comedy Course,” which includes www.3daydemo.com; one-on-one instruction, group sessions, and www.thetotalworkshopforacting.com a performance at the end of the course. 818-762-5769 Each student receives a DVD of their final Private coaching available; All levels; Certain performance. ACME additionally offers a times of the year 12-week performance lab ($575) focus- Savage is an alumni member of the Tony ing on performance skills that requires an Award honoree The Acting Company, found- audition. ed by John Houseman and Margot Harley and a former star of “General Hospital.” Now THE ACTING CENTER OF LOS has his own Award Winning Film Company, www.TheFilmmaker.me. ANGELES 5514 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 AARON MCPHERSON STUDIO [email protected] Hollywood, CA www.theactingcenterla.com [email protected] 323-962-2100 www.aaronmcphersonstudio.com 20-50 students per class; private coaching 323-445-4930 and career consultation by appt.; All levels; 12 students max (audition class), 40 max No auditing, no audition, but an interview is (scene study); All levels; Auditing is not per- required; Scene study runs monthly; improv mitted; $25 consultations credited toward runs in eight-week sessions; Work study avail- first month of class; Ongoing able by invitation only to dedicated students Actor, coach, and director Aaron McPher- The Acting Center is an acting school that son offers classes in on-camera audition produces uniformly confident, completely technique and scene study. He is recom- certain actors who can create any charac- mended by Larry Moss and is profiled in his ter, in any emotion, in any situation, instantly. book “The Intent to Live.” Classes are composed of exercises, cold Other:On-Camera Technique; Audition Tech- reading, scene study, and improv. Also nique/Cold Reading acting and improv class for kids & teens. Classes meet Mon. and Wed. 7-10 p.m., Tue. AARON SPEISER ACTING and Thu. 7-10pm, and Sun. 1-6 p.m. $280 per STUDIO month for adult classes. Call for kids class 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd. pricing. Parking available for a small fee. See Los Angeles, CA 90035 student bookings on Facebook and Twitter. [email protected] www.aaronspeiser.com THE ACTING CORPS 310-399-4567 5508 Cahuenga Blvd. 25-40 students per class; private coaching North Hollywood, CA 91601 available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 6- [email protected] to 8-week sessions and ongoing www.theactingcorps.com Speiser specializes in 21st-century acting 818-753-2800 for film and television in his ongoing classes Average 16 students per class; All levels; which include master class for the working Interview is required for audit; Ongoing; Work ANTHONY MEINDL’S ACTOR WORKSHOP professional actor, advanced and intermedi- study/interniship offered from time to time. ate scene study, and basic technique for The premier short-term Los Angeles acting beginning actors. Specialty classes include conservatory believes that to do anything actor voice training, dialects and accents, well, one must do it every day, and one must improvisation, and teen technique/scene do it extensively, guided by experts in that A new, revolutionary approach to acting is upon us. study. Tuition includes a minimum of two field. Acting Corps offers the original Actors’ classes per week giving students a guaran- Boot Camp in its new facility in the NoHo teed opportunity to work weekly and there Arts District. It is a four-week, every-day, in- is also private coaching, career counseling your-face technique-based acting program, and image consulting available. which not only teaches amazing acting technique but also applies it to cold reading ACME COMEDY THEATRE and scene study. All instructors are accom- 135 N. La Brea Ave. plished, currently working professionals with Los Angeles, CA 90036 extensive on-set and teaching experience. [email protected] After the Actors’ Boot Camp, some actors Rediscover what you always thought acting should be: www.acmecomedy.com are invited to the Actors’ Boot Camp II — 323-525-0202 ext. 525 eight weeks of deeper acting technique 20 students max; All levels; some classes and on camera scene work, as well as require an audition; Auditing with permission learning how to sell yourself as an actor, ACME offers improv, sketch, and standup which includes getting out there and audi- classes for all levels, including improv and tioning. At the end of Boot Camp II, every sketch fundamentals, as well as advanced actor also receives professionally shot and classes. The “Elements” and “Advanced directed material for their reels. For those Improv” series are four-week blocks that working on specific career goals, there is an can be taken at any time, with “Elements” Advanced Program, a three-month course eight weeks total, and “Advanced Improv” of study where actors work with instructors 12 weeks. Students are encouraged to take on achieving concrete creative and profes- Step into the future of creating. the full series, but transfer credit from train- sional career goals. ing at other recognized improv schools is It’s not the line that comes next, it’s the moment. negotiable. The improv performance class THE ACTING STUDIO AT teaches ACME’s signature “Soap Opera” EDGEMAR format, including character development Michelle Danner and Larry Moss and pitching, costume selection, and for- 2437 Main St. mat structure. The 12-week class includes Santa Monica, CA 90405 a performance on the ACME stage using www.actingstudioatedgemar.com www.anthonymeindl.com • 323.852.6963 characters developed in class. The sketch 310-392-0815 performance course is ACME’s most inten- Class size varies; private coaching available sive class. Students write, pitch, and perform (in-person and via Skype); Beginner, interme-

BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 29 not permitted; By sessions Rossi, a veteran actor-director, is head of act- JACK WALTZER SPOTLIGHT ON ing at LACC’s Theatre Academy, the oldest LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES continuous actor-training program on the SPECIAL 12-DAY INTENSIVE ACTING WORKSHOP IN LA West Coast. He does individual coaching for film, TV, and theater auditions. Periodically from September 10th until September 22nd, 2011 —continued from page 29 produces showcases for agents, managers, www.rickwalterstheatrecraft.com and casting directors. trained in Uta Hagen, Meisner, and Strasberg 323-876-1100 techniques, and studied Chekhov with 10-12 students per class; private coaching Dustin Hoffman, Sigourney Weaver and Roman Polanski Eugene Lazarov, of the Moscow Art Theatre. available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; ALBERT DAYAN Ongoing [email protected] all agree that it would be most valuable for any professional actor to 818-314-7540 ACTOR’S ART THEATRE Since 1961 Rick Walters has taught actors have the opportunity to study and work with Jack Waltzer. to tap into their own unique experiences to 8-14 students per class; private coaching 6128 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 110 available; Intermediate and advanced; Los Angeles, CA 90048 reveal more natural responses of character. To read in full detail exactly what Dustin Hoffman, Sigourney His classes include cold reading, scene Auditing is permitted; Ongoing [email protected] Dayan places an emphasis on craft and Weaver and Roman Polanski say about Jack Waltzer’s work in www.actorsart.com study, improvisation, audition scenes, and monologues. Also produces video reels. not industry concerns, and directs his actors their Letters of Recommendation, visit Jack Waltzer’s website: 323-857-5891 to unsentimentally address their bad habits 12 students max; private coaching avail- and expand their range. www.jackwaltzer.com able; All levels; Free introductory session is THE ACTORS WORKOUT STUDIO given with interview/audition; Ongoing 4735 Lankershim Blvd. Jolene Adams and the Actor’s Art Theatre North Hollywood, CA 91602 ALEXANDERTECH WORKS Jean-Louis Rodrigue, Kristof Konrad teaches acting technique, script analysis, [email protected] Former students who have studied and coached with Jack Waltzer include: PO Box 3194 directing, play and solo show development. www.actorsworkout.com Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Jon Voight, Sigourney Weaver, Geena Davis, Teri Garr, Sharon Stone, All classes are available in private or semipri- 818-766-2171 [email protected] Paula Wagner, David Proval, Richard Romanus, Ken Sylk, Barry Primus, vate sessions. 16 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- ted; Ongoing www.alexandertechworks.com among others. 310-443-4483, Fax: 310-443-4483 THE ACTOR’S LAB Fran Montano, an actor for more than 30 years and a teacher for over 25, special- 12-15 students per class; private coaching J.D. Lewis available; All levels; Auditing arranged by Jack Waltzer trained exclusively as an actor for many years with Stella Adler, [email protected] izes in “troubleshooting actors’ blocks.” To that end, he says, classes are small, “very appointment; By sessions Sanford Meisner, Lee Strasberg, Robert Lewis, Uta Hagen and Elia Kazan. www.theactorslab.com For over 30 years AlexanderTech Works has 310-621-3900 individualized, and it’s very much an intense workout where everyone works every class.” provided courses in L.A., N.Y., and Europe He is a member of The Actors Studio. 20 students per class; private coaching by AmSAT certified teachers that help actors available; All levels; Auditing not permitted His classes, based on Meisner technique, include exercises, improv, cold reading, and gain a fundamental awareness, control, and J.D. Lewis, known for coaching many top- freedom of the self in performance. FOR INFORMATION AND INTERVIEW name actors in the industry, offers ongoing scene study. Montano is also the artistic call: 310-801-4734 cold reading, scene study, and career guid- director of the Actors Workout Studio, where ance classes. class members regularly mount perfor- ALEXIA ROBINSON STUDIO mances and industry-invited scene nights. 13500 Ventura Blvd. or email: [email protected] Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 THE ACTOR/ARTIST GROUP His ongoing weekly workshops divide into Visit: www.jackwaltzer.com beginning and advanced, and he requires [email protected] WORKSHOP - PETER-HENRY an interview and audit. www.alexiarobinsonstudio.com; www.smart- and also the documentary teaser SCHROEDER actors.com jackwaltzer.com/teaser1.html PHS Productions ACTORS WORKSHOP STUDIOS 818-779-1118 8447 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 401 5703 Oberlin Dr., Ste. 210 8-12 students per class; private coaching Beverly Hills, CA 90211 San Diego, CA 92121 available; All levels; Free audit of the scene [email protected] [email protected] study class is offered; Ongoing; Work study www.actorartist.com www.actorsworkshopstudios.com available 310-407-3530 or 310-277-2355 858-587-6666 Seen on E! Entertainment and in the L.A. CASTING DIRECTOR 6 students max; private coaching available; 15 students max; Beginner, intermediate, Times, this celebrity coach offers scene study All levels; Observation by invitation only; and advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongo- (TV and film training) and online training for Ongoing; Internship available in some cases ing adults, teens and kids. MELISSA SKOFF Peter-Henry Schroeder teaches progressive Established in 1989, the Actors Workshop Stu- and unique workshops that focus on relax- dio provides on-camera training in film and ALLAN RICH ation and concentration techniques, as well television acting and audition techniques www.allanrich.com, www.aleapfromthe- Improve Your Skills! as audition preparation, cold reading, and based on the Meisner approach. method.com scene study. 323-465-4007 Book The Job! THE ACTORS WORKSHOP Private coaching only; Beginning, intermedi- THE ACTORS CENTER www.theactorsworkshop.com ate, and advanced; Auditing is not permit- Professional Level Ongoing Cold Reading Michael Butler 949-855-4444 ted; Ongoing [email protected] All levels; Auditing not permitted Rich teaches any actor the same “organic www.actorscenter.net; www.actorscenter. Under the direction R.J. Adams, workshops technique” he uses in his own work. Rich’s and Audition Technique Classes. com are held twice weekly with an emphasis on book “A Leap From the Method” is now on 310-459-5064 film and TV audition techniques, cold read- the syllabus at Cal State Northridge, where Casting Director for 100+ Features and TV Shows. Small class sizes; All levels; Auditing is permit- ings, on-camera scene work, and marketing he teaches 15 times a year. ted; Ongoing and imaging guidance. Butler believes “training is more than a mat- ALLEN NELSON Classes are intended for working actors ter of technique,” and the center’s goal “is to ACTORS’ ATELIER [email protected] & actors who should be working! get you working at a level of excellence.” Susie Thomas 818-786-7154, Fax: 818-787-6375 5714 Lankershim Blvd. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced THE ACTORS CIRCLE North Hollywood, CA 91602 Nelson coaches privately for auditions Classes frequented by industry guests. Marcie Smolin www.actors-atelier.com and monologues, and works in-depth with 4475 Sepulveda Blvd. 818-308-7981 actors who need to learn or strengthen their Students work every week. Culver City, CA 90230 14 students max; All levels; Up to two free technique. [email protected] audits; By sessions and ongoing Private coaching available www.theactorscircle.com The Atelier offers a supportive place where AMERICAN MUSICAL AND 310-837-4536 students can find answers, where teachers DRAMATIC ACADEMY 8-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing who are experts in their field offer encour- 6305 Yucca St. Reasonable Rates not permitted; Ongoing agement, and where students can also find Los Angeles, CA 90028 Offers television and film acting workshops collaboration among their peers. [email protected] Also Offering Ongoing for children, teens, and adults, in scene www.amda.edu study, cold reading, improv, character devel- 323-469-3300/866-374-5300, Fax: 323-469- opment, and interview technique. THE ACTORS’ PRACTICE FIELD - Kids’ Classes and Teen Classes! KIMBERLY K. WILSON 5246 [email protected] 20 students per class; Intermediate and ACTORS CREATIVE WORKSHOP advanced; Auditing not permitted; Ongo- 818-760-2058 www.maggieandannie.com 2703 W. Olive Ave. 310-927-3119 ing with fall, spring, and summer semesters; Burbank, CA 91505 Private coaching available; One free audit, Offers extensive scholarship opportunities www.melissaskoff.com [email protected] call for interview AMDA, America’s premier college of per- www.trulyacting.com forming arts, offers actors a chance to train — No guarantee of employment — Writer-director Wilson has 15 years’ experi- 310-418-4229 ence as acting coach in the “Meisner-Con- with, and learn from, a faculty comprising 10-12 students per class; private coaching rad-No Acting” approach. Courses include accomplished actors, directors, choreogra- available; All levels; Free workshops for actors TV/film audition workout, scene study, and phers, dancers, designers, and educators to meet the coaches; 4- to 6- week sessions cold reading/on-camera. who inspire and work with students on an as well as ongoing classes and workshops individual basis. AMDA is the only performing Offers audition technique, intensives on arts college that offers Bachelor of Fine Arts mastering the internet, comedy, voice over, AIA STUDIOS degrees and conservatory studies programs on-camera techniques, and scene study. 2210 W. Olive Ave., Ste. 320 with campuses in both New York and Los Staff consists of industry professionals. Burbank, CA 91506 Angeles. The integrated program offers train- [email protected] ing in singing, acting, and dance. The studio THE ACTORS SANCTUARY www.aiastudios.com program trains students in acting for stage, 818-563-4142, Fax: 818-841-7118 film, and television. The dance theater pro- West Hollywood, CA 20-24 students per class; All levels; Auditing [email protected] gram is designed to give you the physical is permitted with audition; Ongoing; Limited training expected in the professional world, www.dhtcb.com and www.theactorssanctu- internships available ary.com while providing the opportunity for addition- AIA Studio has spent over 22 years guiding al training in acting and vocal technique. 818-506-6194 actors with professional excellence by pro- No student limit; private coaching available; AMDA also offers BFA programs in acting, viding industry instruction, career guidance, dance, performing arts, and musical theater. All levels; Free one-time audit available; and the opportunity to build relationships Ongoing AMDA New York is located at 211 W. 61st St., with industry experts. New York, NY 10023. Actor David Hall has worked in film, television, Other:Business of Acting and stage with some of the most respected Other:Conservatory/University filmmakers in the entertainment Industry including Mel Brooks, John Frankenheimer, AIDA - AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE AMERICAN NATIONAL Terrence Malick, Garry Marshall, Gordon OF DRAMATIC ARTS ACADEMY OF PERFORMING Parks, Aaron Spelling, and Gene Wilder. He is AIDA Theatre also a director for television and stage. Hall’s 6444 Santa Monica Blvd. ARTS 10944 Ventura Blvd. Actor’s Sanctuary, a scene-study/mono- Los Angeles, CA 90038 Studio City, CA 91604 logue class, begins each week with an exer- [email protected] 818-763-4431 cise that often consists of cold reading, and www.aidaacting.com Auditing permitted in some cases; Ongoing audition technique work. The purpose of this 323-378-5319 The Academy is a nonprofit organization work is to prepare the actor for the interviews 10-15 students per class; All levels; accepts that offers classes in acting, ballet, modern and auditions that are at the heart of the international students and will sponsor them jazz, tap-dancing, improv, cold reading, audition process. The second half of the with a student visa; Auditing is permitted; scene study, observation, pantomime, stage class is devoted to scene-study and mono- Ongoing; In the diploma program there presence, and musical comedy. logue work. Hall believes monologues are is industry placement similar to internship also a tool through which the actor, without available a film demo, can, if the opportunity presents Artistic director Paul Parker’s mission is to AMY LYNDON’S COLD itself in a casting session, perform something train and coach aspiring and seasoned READING/BOOKING CLASSES right on the spot. actors in the renowned Australian tech- Studio City, CA Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading nique. Focus is on helping actors access [email protected] their full emotional range and broaden their http://thelyndontechnique.com ACTORS THEATRECRAFT artistic palette. 818-760-8501, Fax: 818-760-2006 22-30 students per class; Advanced; Audit- WORKSHOP ing not permitted; Ongoing Rick Walters AL ROSSI Lyndon teaches three cold reading/ 7445 1/4 W. Sunset Blvd. 818-902-1538/323-953-4000, ext. 2975 booking classes that have proved to help Los Angeles, CA 90046 12 students max; private coaching avail- hundreds of actors break through into the [email protected] able; Intermediate and advance; Auditing

30 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM 1 percent booking category by providing a 323-601-5310, Fax: 212-689-0087 Says Wolff about his approach to acting, 15-guideline map to booking. 16 students per class; private coaching “If you want to glow like a star, you have available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; to walk through the fire. Which means you SPOTLIGHT ON ANDREW BENNE STUDIO Ongoing; Available for conservatory stu- have to work without a net, to make bold, LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES 4930 Lankershim Blvd. dents only exciting choices. You have to make every North Hollywood, CA 91601 Offers an acting technique intensive, script/ scripted moment seem unscripted. You www.andrewbenne.com character breakdown, on-camera film work- have to work with controlled abandon. shops, on-going classes, master classes and My classes are small, and everybody advanced, and professional; Ongoing BERG STUDIO 818-386-5867/818-521-5336 Dino S. Ladki is a working casting direc- All levels; Auditing is permitted NY/LA business of acting seminar, and a works each week, with sufficient time to 3245 Casitas Ave. two-year evening conservatory program. work and rework the scenes, which are tor who helps actors “determine the best Los Angeles, CA 90039 Develops professional actors, with a focus scene deliveries for them as individuals.” on each actor’s individual training needs to from current TV shows, films, and plays — [email protected] many of them casting and shooting right He believes that each actor’s unique www.thebergstudios.com book paid acting work, rooted in moment- ART WOLFF qualities should be encouraged to shine to-moment work. [email protected] now. And I teach all my classes. If you 323-666-3382 study with me, you are taught by me.” through the character while also staying 20 students per class; private audition www.artwolff.com true to the role as written. ANDREW UTTER - MOTHER OF 323-276-1299 coaching available; All levels; Auditing is Small class size; private coaching; Audit- THE ARTIST THEATRE GROUP permitted; Ongoing INVENTION ACTING SCHOOL ing not permitted; admission by interview; Anthony Montes BARBARA GANNEN Gregory Berger-Sobeck and the Berg Studios [email protected] Ongoing 3634 Coldwater Canyon Ave. [email protected] was selected as “Favorite Scene Study Class” www.utteracting.com Two-time Academy Award winner Sean Fireside Room 323-793-6959 by Back Stage readers in 2010. Gregory 18 students max; Auditing not permitted; Penn says: “Art Wolff has a special gift Studio City, CA 91604 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not Berger-Sobeck (Berg) is a graduate of the 10-week sessions every 3 months for getting the best out of an actor’s tal- [email protected] permitted; Ongoing Yale School of Drama, which has trained Andew Utter brings the acting technique ent. He has the understanding of craft to http://theartisttheatregroup.homestead. Gannen teaches at the Margie Haber Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Paul Newman, learned at the Yale School of Drama to his build on that talent and the generosity com Studio and at Santa Monica College. She is Liev Shreiber, Frances McDormand, etc. He courses and workshops. Technique is pre- of spirit to encourage the confidence an 818-400-2270 or 818-705-4364 located in the West Hollywood area and is has taught Emmy Award winners and Emmy sented through exercises, discussion, and actor needs to apply his craft to his tal- Auditing of the first class is allowed available for private coaching. nominees alongside Juilliard and Yale dra- scene work. ent.” As a teacher, Art Wolff spent seven ATG offers acting technique and scene ma grads. His emphasis is television and film. years on the faculty of NYU’s Tisch School study, and encourages students to take BASIL HOFFMAN Classes are small and provide a supportive ANNE HULEGARD of the Arts; as a director, he’s helmed the work out of the classroom and create [email protected]. environment where individual attention is [email protected] 16 TV pilots, including “Seinfeld,” and their own opportunities. 818-247-0302 given. Classes cover scene study, commer- www.hulegard.com five Broadway plays, including “Penn Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not cial and theatrical on-camera, and cold 310-621-6303 & Teller.” For 25 years, Wolff has taught, permitted; Ongoing reading. There are industry showcases and 15 students max; private coaching avail- THE AUDITION COACH guest speakers. Day and evening classes coached, or directed many of New York West Hollywood, CA Hoffman, a character actor and the able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 7-week are offered. Mr. Berger-Sobeck also teaches and Hollywood’s top actors, including [email protected] author of “Cold Reading and How to Be sessions workshops in New York City and Sydney Kate Walsh, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and www.audition-tape.com Good at It” and “Acting and How to Be Hulegard’s workshops include: scene study, Australia. The technique he teaches is “a Dakota Fanning. Matthew Modine called 310-289-4962 Good at It” (with a foreword by Sydney Pol- improv, monologues, commercials, camera, Wolff “one of the major artists in my life.” Private coaching only; Intermediate, lack) teaches and coaches. Continued on page 32— auditioning, the business of acting, and a showcase performance. ANNIE GRINDLAY STUDIO 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 403 Los Angeles, CA 90036 [email protected] www.anniegrindlay.com 323-954-1200, Fax: 323-954-1200 14 students max; private coaching avail- able; All levels; Free 90-min. workshop held twice a month; Monthly 4-week intensives Los Angeles and ongoing Annie Grindlay is an actress, teacher, and, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization most importantly, someone who nurtures the artist within the actor. She began teaching in 1988 and opened her own studio in 2009, “The Audition Experience.” Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading ANTHONY MEINDL’S ACTOR’S WORKSHOP 7801 Melrose Ave., Ste. 6 Los Angeles, CA 90046 [email protected] www.anthonymeindl.com 323-852-6963 10-24 students per class; All levels; Free audit available; Ongoing With his holistic approach to the study of acting, Meindl provides ongoing classes to performers of all levels. Set in the Meta Theatre on Melrose (at Ogden), the Lab is a safe environment where regular casting director and agent workshops offer visibility and business education. Meindl says he strongly diverges from traditional techniques, requiring the actor “to use the totality of who he or she is, to first embody, then transform. The actor learns how to expand conscious- ness when approaching a character and take your training to the next level simultaneously propels growth and healing through elevated self-expression.” He has taught Los Angeles actors for the last eight years. Previously he taught in New York City, where he studied and worked with Circle Professional Conservatory begins in September! Repertory Theatre and Sande Shurin. AQUILA/MORONG STUDIO FOR Be a part of one of the most prestigious conservatory programs in the nation. ACTORS 1680 Vine St., Ste. 303 Limited spots available. Apply NOW! Los Angeles, CA 90028 [email protected] www.aquilamorongstudio.com 12-20 students per class; Advanced and professional; teens to adult; One free audit permitted; 8- to-12-week sessions Casting directors Deborah Aquila and Acting Technique Intensive with Ron Burrus Donna Morong have opened a studio in the heart of Hollywood for the serious profes- This 6-week intensive is ideal for the committed actor who is looking to learn and sional actor to hone their craft for Film and TV using techniques developed by Stella Adler and Sanford Meisner. enrich their craft. Students will explore acting technique in the shortest amount of THE ARDAVANY APPROACH time with the highest results. Tom Ardavany 517 Ocean Front Walk, Ste. 8 Venice, CA 90291 [email protected] www.theapproach.net 310-450-2848 12-16 students per class; private coaching available; All levels; Auditing permitted on a Script & Character Analysis with Jane Fleiss case-by-case basis; Ongoing; Work study/ internship available This program provides a systematic approach to creating a dynamic character based Tom Ardavany has been assisting actors professionally for 15 years. The “Ardavany Approach” is a unique method to enhance on a writer’s work. perception and creative expression for actors. By utilizing “the approach,” the actor connects to his inner present power source for maximum impact on camera and onstage. ART MANKE Professional Actor’s Workshop [email protected] 323-273-1544 This class is ideal for the working actor who wants to widen their emotional range and make more Private coaching only; available for on-set coaching; All levels Manke is an award-winning director of the- exciting and connected choices. Students workout weekly with a variety of TV and Film Scripts. ater and television with 20 years of coach- ing experience. He is a co-founder and former artistic director of L.A.’s A Noise Within. THE HIGHEST STANDARDS, A WORLD-CLASS FACULTY, LIMITED CLASS SIZES, PROFESSIONAL TRAINING THE ART OF ACTING STUDIO 1017 North Orange Dr., Orange Square Los Angeles, CA 90038 [email protected] 323-601-5310 1017 North Orange Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90038 www.artofactingstudio.com www.artofactingstudio.com LABACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 31 The focus is on the reality of the acting busi- on both coasts as one of “The Best Audition Year-round program of drama workshops ness; teaching actors how to develop their Coaches” in Back Stage’s NY and L.A. 2009 and performances offered to the visually SPOTLIGHT ON skills so they can audition more effectively. polls. Our business is changing at lightening and/or physically disabled free of charge. LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES speed and Caryn helps you stay abreast Theater company tours an original play BRUCE GLOVER of the trends but also shares insights and designed to educate the public on disability —continued from page 31 310-398-2539 practical tools to keep deepening your craft. issues with public performances each year. Private coaching available; All levels Out-of-work casting directors workshops now systematic approach for identifying and Studio CIty, CA 91602 You might remember this veteran actor as abound. Some are great networking but CHARLOTTE CORNWELL personalizing a character’s driving need/ 818-754-6222 Bond villain Mr. Wint in “Diamonds Are Forev- don’t blow your intro there or your money 310-383-0910 objective and engaging the actor — voice, 10-12 students per class; private coaching er,” Jack’s pal Duffy in “Chinatown,” or Grady in the wrong places. Caryn preps you for Private coaching only; Advanced and pro- body, mind, spirit — in its active pursuit. It is available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; in the three “Walking Tall”s. Glover offers both the real working audition and the fessional a repeatable step-by-step process ensuring 6-week sessions; Interships available classes on cold reading, auditions, tapes, CD workshop environment, as well as the A member of the USC School of Theater fac- results.” Long has worked in casting since the mid- accents, and career counseling. increasing requests for self taping. Audition ulty, Cornwell is a classically trained English 1970s, as an actor, agent, teacher, and is skills emphasis is on preparation, in-depth actor with more than 30 years experience in BERNARD HILLER ACTING best-known for her work with James Dean genre-specific script analysis, tips for effec- film, TV, and theater. BRUCE KATZMAN tive on-camera auditions, goal setting in “Rebel Without a Cause.” Offers classes in [email protected] STUDIO and passion, the essential uses of breath, improv, commercials, television, and film. 818-613-5252 14370 Ventura Blvd. eliminating self-sabotage and nerves, effort- CHEKHOV STUDIO 12 students max; private coaching avail- Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 lessness, and the “freedom to play.” There INTERNATIONAL BILL HOWEY ACTING STUDIO able; Intermediate and advanced; Auditing [email protected] are many handouts for future guidance Hollywood, CA 855 N. Hollywood Way is permitted; Ongoing www.bernardhiller.com and reference. Also teaches advanced [email protected] Burbank, CA 91505 Katzman has been teaching since 1988. His 818-625-8300 scene study with co-teacher/Boston Court www.chekhovstudio.com [email protected] classes focus on the major plays of Anton 20-25 students per class; private sessions co-artistic director, Jessica Kubzansky. Private 213-509-5315 www.billhowey.com Chekhov and other great playwrights. He are available; Immediate, advanced, and coaching and shoots HD audition tapes in 12 students max; private coaching avail- 818-433-7445 also offers private coaching in Shakespeare, professional (some beginners); Auditing is her WeHo studio. able; Intermediate, advanced, and profes- not permitted; introductory private acting 14 students per class; private coaching modern plays, preparation for auditions, sional; Auditing permitted in some cases; 1- session required; Ongoing, plus international available; Intermediate to advanced, age coaching for film, and is a faculty member to 2-month intensives year-round and ongo- master classes year-round 18 and up; Auditing permitted with special at Stella Adler Studio-LA. CATHLEEN LESLIE ing; Work study available in certain cases [email protected] Bernard Hiller teaches the latest film acting permission; Ongoing Individualized and powerful actor training 310-278-8113 techniques and helps actors overcome Howey’s goal is to get actors to be the most tailored specifically to your needs. On- CANDY KANIECKI HERMAN Small classes; private coaching available; All blocks and fears by finding their unique vulnerable, the most emotional, have the [email protected] camera cold reading, scene study, and levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing inner quality and shows them the road to most intention, have the most charm, and www.candykaniecki.com technique classes. Leslie’s classes are part sense memory success. be the most affecting. In short, become the 818-386-0080, 310-508-7131 and part scene work, based on her studies Other:On-Camera Technique most compelling actor in the room. All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing with Strasberg, Adler, and her work with Elia CHRIS JORIE Longtime celebrity-coach Kaniecki Herman Kazan. She teaches the membership of the Burbank, CA BOB BURGOS conducts audition technique and cold BETH BRICKELL Actors Studio West weekly, and looks for stu- [email protected] at The Complex Hollywood [email protected] reading classes and offers private coaching. http://home.earthlink.net/~cjdirects 323-653-5947 dents who have a true passion and desire 6472 Santa Monica Blvd. to learn their craft. Private coaching only; All levels; Ongoing Los Angeles, CA 90038 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not CARMEN MILITO Jorie has worked with a number of dis- [email protected] permitted; Ongoing [email protected] tinguished talents in his over 35 years of www.luminousfilms.net/actingclass.pdf Burgos has worked on and Off-Broadway www.carmenmilito.com CATLIN ADAMS ACTING LAB experience in television, film, and theater. He Los Angeles, CA 310-274-0185/323-854-1082 and in theaters across the country. He has 818-760-2448 is currently accepting a limited number of [email protected] 16 students per class; All levels; First class taught at NYU, Art Center in Pasadena, Private coaching only students for private coaching. www.actinglab.com free and open to anyone; By sessions and and has been an on-set acting coach on Carmen coaches for auditions and mono- 323-851-8811 ongoing; No numerous films and television shows. He cur- logues, as well as teaching scene study, Limited class size; private coaching avail- CLAIR SINNETT Strasberg, Meisner, Adler: Actor/Director/ rently offers private coaching for auditions exercises and script analysis. She is a mem- able; All levels; Working audit permitted; 531 Main St. #1135 Actors Studio member Beth Brickell studied and training. ber of the Actors Studio Playwright/Directors Ongoing, Monday professional class; Thurs- El Segundo, CA 90245 with these three giants. She uses their exer- Unit, Women in Film, and the Lincoln Center day craft class [email protected] cises, improvs and scene study in her class. BRIAN MULLIGAN Directors Lab West. www.actorsworking.com [email protected] Classes focus on developing the actor’s craft and cover improvisation, sensory work, 310-606-0813, Fax: 310-414-0010 BEVERLY HILLS PLAYHOUSE 323-719-2545 CARYN’S SPACE FOR ACTORS 20 students per weekend intensive; 6-10 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not auditioning techniques, camera work exer- 254 S. Robertson Blvd. Caryn West cises, monologue, and scene study. students per workshop; All levels; workshops Beverly Hills, CA 90211 permitted; Ongoing 7506 Lexington Ave. for children and adults; Auditing is permitted [email protected] Mulligan, a former instructor at NYC’s River- West Hollywood, CA 90046 except for weekend intensives; Ongoing www.beverlyhillsplayhouse.com side Shakespeare Academy and founder of [email protected] CHANGING PERCEPTIONS Sinnett offers intensive two-day TV/film audi- 310-855-1556 NYC’s Impro!, offers one-on-one coaching for www.carynwest.com THEATRE BY THE BLIND & tion and marketing workshops, based on Auditing permitted with special permission TV, film, and theater auditions. 323-876-0394 (office); 818-693-4625 (cell) PHYSICALLY DISABLED her book “Actors Working-The Actor’s Guide The BHP is one of L.A.’s oldest and most 8-14 students per class; private coaching Greg Shane, executive director to Marketing Success”, and ongoing TV/film respected acting schools and offers ongo- BRIAN REISE ACTING STUDIOS available; Intermediate, advanced, and 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Ste. 502 acting and commercial acting workshops. ing intensive scene study classes to instruct 7954 Fountain Ave. professional; Auditing is permitted; Classes in Los Angeles, CA 90049 aspiring professionals in the areas of acting, Los Angeles, CA 90046 late Jan.-July, late Aug.-Dec.; Scene Study is [email protected] CLAY BANKS FILM ACTING career administration, and attitude. www.brianreise.com month to month with 8-week minimum. Audi- www.creoutreach.org 323-874-5593, Fax: 323-874-5593 tion intensives offered year-round; Work study 310-902-8220 STUDIO 10061 Riverside Dr. All levels; An orientation session is required is sometimes permitted 10-15 students per class; All levels; Auditing is BEVERLY LONG Toluca Lake, CA 91601 for admission; Ongoing Caryn West coaches many working actors permitted; 16 week sessions; Work study and Moorpark Studios [email protected] 11425 Moorpark St. Reise’s classes specialize in cold reading. and stars. She is the only teacher selected internships available

ATLANTICACTING CLASSES IN THE TECHNIQUEACTING DEVELOPED BY DAVID MAMETSCHOOL & WILLIAM H. MACY NEW YORK CITY SUMMER FALL SUMMER INTENSIVE - 6 WEEKS BEGINNING EARLY JULY 2.5 YEAR CONSERVATORY - SEPTEMBER TECHNIQUE AND SCENE STUDY - 5 WEEKS BEGINNING MID-JULY EVENING CONSERVATORY - OCTOBER ONGOING WORKSHOPS - BEGINNING MID-JULY FOUNDATION WORKSHOP - OCTOBER

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32 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM www.claybanksstudio.com development and script analysis. mand of their choices. Each student is guar- 323-578-1936 anteed to work every class. 12-14 students per class; Advanced and THE DEE WALLACE ACTING SPOTLIGHT ON professional; Auditing is permitted by EITNER AND TAINI - SCENE LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES appointment with a fee; Ongoing; Inquire for STUDIO www.dwsactingstudio.com details and availability STUDY CLASS 818-876-0386 Don Eitner and Jayne Taini Can you hold frame? What is a film director Limited enrollment and private coaching; 5215 Lankershim Blvd., Studio B ultimately looking for? Do you deliver effec- and personalization of characters, cold [email protected] online classes available; All levels; By ses- North Hollywood, CA tive emotional intensity in an ECU (extreme reading, play evaluation, and monologue. www.elephantstages.com sions and ongoing [email protected] close-up)? This on-camera, no-nonsense 323-962-0046 Loosely based on the techniques of Meisner 323-661-7885 acting and audition technique is geared Elephant Stageworks is home to five working and Charles Conrad, Wallace’s lessons 10 students max; private coaching avail- ELEPHANT THEATRICAL - specifically for film acting. All students work theaters, providing a unique opportunity focus on moving actors through blocks that able; Some experience required; Auditing is TRAINING LAB every class. All scenes recorded as mp4 files. for a practical acting education. Actors stand in their way. Master classes only. permitted; Ongoing 6322 Santa Monica Blvd. Class work emphasizes the development Los Angeles, CA 90038 Continued on page 34— CLIFF WEISSMAN [email protected] DERYN WARREN [email protected] 661-803-5038 www.derynwarren.com Cliff Weissman has been teaching and 323-936-0195 coaching young actors on auditions for Small classes; private coaching available; over 30 years. He is available for private and Beginner and professional; Auditing not per- on set coaching throughout Los Angeles. mitted; Ongoing Warren, a film director-writer-actor and 1›‹äiÅȋÓçÑ wÑ- ÞӈiÅ›Ñ >’‹w ś‹>Ñ CYB BARNSTABLE author of the popular “How to Make Your [email protected] Audience Fall in Love with You,” offers ongo- 818-501-4734 ing classes in audition and film/stage Small classes; private coaching available; technique. Says Warren, “I teach how to Beginning, intermediate, and advanced; By risk, how to use yourself in the situation and >ÈÓiÅÑ wÑÑ 5-week sessions and ongoing not a character, and how to rise above the Barnstable, who has over 20 years’ experi- crowd by making exciting choices. I have ence teaching in L.A., has helped launch directors and casting directors calling me to many actors into commercials, TV, and film. cast my students because they are so good. F‹›iÑ
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VӋ›€ She has extensive training at the Herbert My class is recommended by the head of Berghof Studios in New York and has HBO casting, among others.” An article in worked in all aspects of the industry. She the L.A. Times on the class said, “Her com- offers a very nurturing, supportive, and yet ments are dead-eye accurate.” The small AUDITION LOCATIONS challenging environment. classes include script analysis, improv, and cold readings. “You work at least three times iåÑ9 ő DALE REHFELD a night,” she says. She currently offers an [email protected] advanced class as well as a new beginner ˆ‹V>€ www.daleyclass.com class in the Mid-Wilshire area - $270 for six 818-986-9733 weeks. “It is one of the less expensive classes ->›ÑÅ>›V‹ÈV Private coaching available in town because my students won’t let me Rehfeld combines a cold reading/acting raise my prices,” she says. She also coaches  ÈÑ
›€i’iÈ class with a hands-on showcase in an effort actors for auditions. “My students tell me to to create “a supportive, intimate workshop emphasize that this class improves much ›Ñ°ˆ Ó È\Ñ 
ÑÈÓÞ`i›ÓÈы›ÑÑ setting.” more than just your audition skills, and also ²>ÓÑŋ€ˆÓ³ÑThe DisputeÑ>›`ÑÑ that I get my students work,” says Warren. st DANIEL CHODOS ²Li’ å³ÑOur Lady of 121 Street. [email protected] DIANA CASTLE www.danielchodos.com The Imagined Life 323-422-5013 5615 San Vicente Blvd. 10-20 students per class; All levels; Auditing Los Angeles, CA 90019 UÑ
Ñ/ˆÅiiŠ9i>ÅÑ ›ÈiÅä>Ó ÅçÑ-Óç’iÑ*Å €Å>– is permitted; By sessions; Work study/intern- [email protected] ships available www.theimaginedlife.com UÑޒ’Ñ-Vˆ ’>ÅȈ‹°ÈÑ
ä>‹’>L’i Chodos, a veteran who has taught at Dart- 323-936-6818 mouth College and Temple University, offers 40 students max; private coaching avail- traditional scene study focusing on stage able; All levels; Auditing not permitted; inter- 7‹ÓˆÑV’ ÈiѰŠ拖‹ÓçÑÓ Ñ>’’Ñ wÑӈiі> ÅÑÈÓÞ`‹ ÈÑÑ technique and on-camera technique, with view/audition required; Ongoing >›`Ñӈi>ÓÅiÈы›Ñ ÈÑ
›€i’iÈ]Ñ1- ÑÈÓ>›`Èы›ÑӈiÑVi›ÓiÅÑÑ periodic showcasing. Castle’s “The Imagined Life” philosophy and practical application: acting as the art wÑ ›iÑ wÑӈiі ÈÓÑä‹LÅ>›ÓÑ>ÅÓÈÑ>›`Ñi›ÓiÅÓ>‹›–i›ÓÑÑ DANIEL HENNING of the empathetic imagination. Teaching V ––Þ›‹Ó‹iÈы›ÑӈiÑ1›‹Ói`Ñ-Ó>Óiȵ at The Blank Theatre Company ongoing scene study classes as well as [email protected] coaching actors for 20 yrs. www.theblank.com 323-871-8018 DIANE CHRISTIANSEN All levels; Auditing permitted sometimes; By North Hollywood and Valencia, CA  Åі Åiы›w Ŗ>Ӌ ›Ñ>L ÞÓÑ ÞÅрÅ>`Þ>ÓiÑ°Å €Å>–È]ÑV ›Ó>VÓÑÞÈÑ>ÓÑÑ sessions [email protected] Henning teaches an ongoing scene study www.dianechristiansen.com class that focuses on unlocking an actor’s 818-523-8283 ˆÓÓ°\ÐÐӈi>ÓÅiµÞÈVµi`ÞЀÅ>`Þ>ÓiÑÑNÑÑÛ§ÕµnÛ§µ}§ÎÕÑÑNÑÑ –>‹’\ÑÈ Ó€Å>`JÞÈVµi`Þ hidden potential through script and charac- 6-30 students per class; private and on-set ter analysis, voice and relaxation work, and coaching available; All levels; Auditing per- USC admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. skill work to get the job. mitted at $20 per class only once; Ongoing in NoHo and by semesters in Valencia; We DAVID KAGEN’S SCHOOL OF offer work study and have an annual schol- arship at NoHo location FILM ACTING Christiansen is an acting/life coach who 4854 Laurel Canyon Blvd. offers professional classes for kids, teens, and Studio City, CA 91607 adults and life coaching sessions for actors davidkagenschoolinformation@davidka- and other artists. Agent and casting director gen.com workshops for kids, teens and adults in two www.davidkagen.com locations. 818-752-9678 12 students max; private coaching avail- able; All levels; One-on-one session with DIG WAYNE Kagen for interested students; Ongoing www.digwayne.com Kagen has been coaching around the 213-793-1864 world for more than 35 years. His highly suc- 20 students max; Auditing on a pre- cessful students include Ted Danson, Robin approved basis Wright, and Alec Baldwin, and he now offers Wayne is a former instructor at the Lee ongoing on-camera classes. Strasberg Institute and a life member of the Actor’s Studio. His ongoing classes focus on the study and practice of the Method, stress- FOUR-YEAR DAVID LEGRANT STUDIO FOR ing relaxation, animal work, and sensory ACTING exercises. [email protected] BACHELORS www.studioforacting.com DOUG WARHIT ON-CAMERA LeGrant has spent 60 years in show busi- OFcampuses FINE ARTS in ness. He accepts students by interview only. COLD READING AND SCENE STUDY andNEW YORK and DAVID NATHAN SCHWARTZ Castaway Studios [email protected] 8899 Beverly Blvd. LOS ANGELES www.davidnathanschwartz.com Los Angeles, CA 90048 TWO-YEAR 310-435-4322 [email protected] Private audition and on-set coaching avail- www.dougwarhit.com able 310-479-5647 CONSERVATORY800-367-7908 Schwartz helps the actor develop and 14 students per class; All levels; Auditing is define his or her own set of flexible and permitted; Ongoing programs in practical approaches to acting and the Doug’s classes are specifically designed to auditioning process. prepare the actor for work in film and televi- sion. (Actors bring their own DVDs to record ACTING, their work.) Each month actors showcase DAVID S. ZIMMERMAN - MEET their work in front of an industry guest. THE BIZ MUSICAL Los Angeles, CA [email protected] DUANE WHITAKER’S FILM THEATRE www.meetthebiz.net ACTORS WORKSHOP 323-868-9913 Studio City, CA and DANCE Small class size; private coaching available; [email protected] All levels; Auditing permitted by special per- www.duanewhitaker.com mission; Ongoing 323-856-4767 Each class explores different areas of acting, Advanced; Ongoing campuses in including but not limited to: scene study, Duane Whitaker brings years of practical monologues, improv, connection, cold read- experience as a working actor-writer-director NEW YORK and ing, and learning from the pros. to his workshop. The class is designed to Other:Business of Acting; Audition Tech- teach a realistic and usable approach LOS ANGELES nique/Cold Reading to the craft of screen acting. All work is on camera. DEBRA WATSON 800-367-7908 Beverly Hills, CA EDDIE KEHLER [email protected] [email protected] www.debrawatson.net www.eddiekehler.com amda.edu 512-452-7972 310-292-6163 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not Intermediate to advanced; By sessions and permitted; interview by phone; Summer ses- ongoing sions, July 15 through Aug. 2 only Kehler offers Stanislavsky- and Meisner- Watson offers basic cold reading tech- based classes that give actor tools and niques for actors which include character experiences to draw from and take com- REGIONAL AUDITIONS • SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 33 “They do the finest work as coaches and in their theaters.” SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES HARRY MASTROGEORGE Puppets are Back! PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP —continued from page 33 Los Angeles, CA [email protected] are offered a professional and thoughtful [email protected] www.harrymastrogeorge.com Puppet School is a fun place approach to learning their craft. www.firsttake.org 818-509-0789 310-364-0525 Private coaching available; All levels ELIZABETH GAMZA 15-30 students per class; All levels; Auditing is Mastrogeorge, who has been teaching where imagination and creativity meet. [email protected] permitted; Ongoing acting since 1956, believes acting is a state www.elizabethgamza.com Berwid’s holistic approach prepares actors of mind: innocence, imagination, and vul- Add to your skill set today! 818-481-2774 for work in film and TV by combining acting nerability. Classes are held at the Hudson Private and on-set coaching also available; and audition technique, as well as instruc- Theater in Los Angeles. Auditing is required before joining a class; tion in the marketing and networking side of Call 818.986.9944 Ongoing the business. HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY Or visit www.PuppetSchool.com Classes focus on scene study, cold reading, and audition technique. FOR THE LOVE OF ACTING WORKSHOP Ivy Jones Helaine Lembeck, Artistic Director ELIZABETH MESTNIK ACTING www.ivyjones.net [email protected] 818-906-0935 or 818-512-5426 www.harveylembeckcomedyworkshop.com STUDIO 12 students average; private coaching 310-271-2831 7600 Melrose Ave.,Unit J available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 20-22 students per class; private coaching Los Angeles, CA 90046 Ongoing also available; Beginning, intermediate, and [email protected] Combines the dogma of Meisner, Hagen, advanced; Audits by arrangement only; www.emasla.com and Adler, all of whom she has studied with. Ongoing 323-528-6280 READRE THE BOOK… She is a 30-year veteran of TV, film, and the- Emmy-winning director Michael Lembeck 16 students per class; All levels; Auditing for ater, and was a regular on “The Waltons.” and his sister Helaine Lembeck took over TTAKEA THE CLASS. some classes permitted; 4-week workshops, these comedy classes 28 years ago, 19 years 12-week classes, and 9-month programs; after the late Harvey Lembeck began the Work study available after 6 months of enroll- FRANCO MASSIMO workshop. The workshop offers classes aimed “I“I wwish every actor who auditioned ment 323-850-8580 at the trained working actor wanting to spe- fforor me had read this book fi rst.” Professional actor training in the heart of Hol- Class size varies; Professional cialize in comedy. Workshops are designed lywood. 2-year Meisner technique program, Massimo, also known as Rik Martino, is an to teach the actor how to play comedy – CARRIE FRAZIER beginning acting workshops, advanced acting coach who works in Italian and Eng- legitimately in a scene, using improv as a tool scene study, and on-camera technique. lish. He specializes in improvisation in front of to enhance comedic skills for sitcoms, TV, and HeadH of HBO Films Casting the camera. Go to www.youtube.com to see film. Students participate onstage three or ELLEN GERSTEIN - ACTING samples of his work. four times each night. Critiques are by instruc- WORKSHOP tors only. Former students include Robin Wil- [email protected] THE FRISCH STUDIO liams, Bryan Cranston, Penny Marshall, John Peter Frisch www.ellengerstein.com Ritter, Kim Cattrall, John Larroquette, Jenna c/o The Promenade Playhouse Deryn Warren 323-852-0276 Elfman, Ted McGinley, Marilu Henner, Mary 1404 Third Street Promenade Small classes; private coaching available; All Kay Place, Lenny Clark, Alan Rachins, Scott Santa Monica, CA 90401 ages; Interview required; Ongoing Baio, David Leisure, Sally Kirkland, and Sharon [email protected] Gerstein, a member of the Actors Studio’s Stone. www.thefrischstudio.com actors unit and the writer-director unit, teach- Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study 805-451-6789 ers acting technique, scene study, cold 12-14 students per class; Intermediate and learn how to RISK and get noticed… reading/auditioning, and in-depth script HELENE KRESS - HOLLYWOOD advanced; Auditing is permitted; By sessions analysis. Peter Frisch has run Carnegie Mellon drama, ACTING COACH Call Deryn at 323-936-0195 with tenures at Juilliard, Boston University, [email protected] ERIC MORRIS ACTORS Harvard, etc.; directed 160 productions in http://helenekressactingcoach.weebly.com Go to DerynWarren.com WORKSHOP the NY regional theater; produced shows for 323-225-1962 5657 Wilshire Blvd. CBS and Fox; and directed award-winning Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing by Los Angeles, CA 90036 film. Approach is specific, constructive, and permission; By sessions [email protected] imagination-based, culled from many sourc- Helene Kress, star of VH1’s “I Know My Kid’s a www.ericmorris.com es but shaped into clear approaches to Star,” offers private acting lessons that focus 323-466-9250 preparation, rehearsal, and auditions. Priority on fully understanding character, mastering 20 students average per class; private is on specific skills and individual progress. an audition, and booking the job. coaching available; All levels; Free audit Students are encouraged to approach their AUDITION INTENSIVES available; Ongoing work boldly and with a spirited sense of play. HOLLYWOOD ACTING with Morris’ system is based on the Method, but, Emphasis on risk-taking and transformation. WORKSHOP Caryn West as Morris puts it, it “goes light-years beyond” Everybody works every time. Audition and Los Angeles/Orange County, CA the original Stanislavsky system. Morris is the interview required. “The method that Peter [email protected] one of “THE BEST AUDITION COACHES” author of seven books about acting and taught is still one that I use today — he gave hollywoodactingworkshop.com teaches three classes each week. me the tools to access, emotionally and 310-717-2181 (both BACK STAGE West & East) intellectually, very dense material.” — Juli- 12-16 students per class; All levels; Auditing is EUGENIA BUERKLIN anne Moore. permitted; Ongoing; Internships available Los Angeles, CA Provides casting director workshops, talent NYC June 23-26 [email protected] GENE BUA - ACTING FOR LIFE agent showcases and professional-level www.eugeniabuerklin.com and 3435 W. Magnolia Blvd. television, commercial and film acting LA July 7-10 www.lumin8.us Burbank, CA classes for adults and teenagers. Workshops 818-761-9042 [email protected] and classes available: “on camera” acting, Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not www.genebua.com cold reading, auditioning technique, scene Private Coaching 818-693-4625 permitted; Ongoing 818-547-3810 study, script analysis, commercial auditions, Eugenia Buerklin is an award-winning direc- Private coaching available; All levels; Audit- improvisation, soap opera technique, host- www.carynwest.com tor and the developer of a technique based ing not permitted; Ongoing ing, monologues, voice over, private coach- on intuition and the mind-body connection. Bua offers ongoing morning and evening ing, etc. “We take acting out of the thinking mind classes at the Banshee Theater in Burbank, and put it back in the feeling body where that specialize in deep emotional work for HOLLYWOOD ACTORS STUDIO it belongs.” those who “dare to become more powerful Eric Stone, founder Other:Young Performers in their art and in their lives.” 8879 W. Pico Blvd., Ste. 4 Beverly Hills, CA 90035 BOOKINGS DON’T LIE… FABIANA MEDICI GLORIA GIFFORD [email protected] 400 [email protected] CONSERVATORY www.actingconnection.com www.theactorstemple.com North Hollywood, CA 310-205-9219 323-930-8986 [email protected] 10-15 students per class; private coaching STUDENT BOOKINGS 15 students max; All levels; Auditing not per- www.gloriagiffordconservatory.com available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; mitted; first class is free; Ongoing; Will work 310-535-4999 or 323-465-4427 Ongoing with actors who are struggling financially Private coaching available; Beginner, Develops actors of all levels including star Medici has coached directors, theater com- advanced, and professional; Auditing not performers for film, television, performance, IN 20 MONTHS panies, and television casts, internationally permitted; Ongoing stage, and voiceovers. Cold-reading, scene WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CONTACT US NOW. and in the United States. She helps actors Gifford (of BHP, AFI, Milan) has been teach- study, performance, film and TV technique, develop their own method of work, aiding in ing and rehabilitating careers for over 25 in-depth character work, and improvisation. Call (323) 962-2100 The Acting Center their self-confidence and empowerment. years and has been a working actor for over 5514 Hollywood Blvd. 30. Offers scene study, improv, cold reading, THE HONG ACTING WORKSHOP Hollywood, CA 90028 FAWNDA MCMAHAN - staged readings, business of the business, Hollywood, CA (323) 962-2100 COMMERCIAL BREAK and showcases. [email protected] the actingcenter www.jameshong.com the new school for actors theactingcenterla.com [email protected] 310 Casting Studios 2329 Purdue Ave. THE GOBETTI-ORMENY ACTING 310-246-9379 Los Angeles, CA 90064 Private coaching available year-round; STUDIO group sessions at certain times of the year; [email protected] c/o The Victory Theatre Center www.commercialbreakla.com All levels; Interview before acceptance; Ses- 3326 Victory Blvd. sions at certain times of the year; Periodic 818-807-6939 Burbank, CA 91505 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not internship program [email protected] Empower yourself in interviews, jobs, and life. permitted; Weekends www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org Success in this industry comes from skill, con- Learn the techniques of James Hong, actor 818-841-4404, Fax: 818-766-7065 of over 500 TV and film roles, most recently fidence, and knowledge. Commercial Break 16 students max.; Beginner, intermediate, focuses on improving all three, teaching you celebrated for his role as Mr. Ping, father of and advanced; Free audit required; Ongo- Jack Black’s Po in “Kung Fu Panda 2.” how to audition at your full potential and ing; Work study/internship available embrace an outlook for long-term success Maria Gobetti is a working director, pro- by consistently getting call-backs. ducer, and actor with more than 25 years of HOWARD FINE ACTING STUDIO Other:Commercials/Voiceover teaching experience. A well-known director, 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. she has directed the majority of plays at Los Angeles, CA 90028 THE FIGURA STUDIO the Victory Theatre Center — many of them [email protected] Maria Louisa Figura garnering critic’s choice reviews from the www.howardfine.com 19143 Bassett St. major critics. She is a member of the DGA, 323-962-3188, Fax: 323-962-8332 Reseda, CA 91335 with film and TV directing credits. Along with All levels; An audit and industry referral are [email protected] Tom Ormeny, she is co-artistic director of the required; Year-round thefigurastudio.vpweb.com Victory. The Victory’s opening presentation Fine, who began his studio in 1985, is the 310-487-7511 was the world premiere of Beth Henley’s former director of American Musical and All levels; By sessions The Miss Firecracker Contest, written when Dramatic Academy’s acting department. Aside from scene study and audition class- Henley was Gobetti’s student. Ormeny is the The studio curriculum includes comprehen- es, Maria Louisa offers a variety of classes 2001 Ovation Award winner for leadership in sive technique and scene study. and workshops such as voice-over and theater. Gobetti and Ormeny teach ongoing commercial auditioning from some of the acting classes, including a beginning class HULL ACTORS STUDIO best agents, casting directors, and working on basic Meisner techniques, a film and Santa Monica, CA professionals. theater scene study class for intermediate [email protected] DID YOU KNOW... Other:On-Camera Technique; Commer- and advanced students, and an advanced www.methodactingclassesla.com cials/Voiceover character and comedy class with attention 310-828-0632 iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad users: Download the new app to on-camera techniques. “With two working 10 students max; private coaching avail- Call Sheet: Casting, Agent, and Manager Contacts FIRST TAKE ACTING PROGRAM theaters at the Victory Theatre Center, the able; All levels; Free introductory class; Nancy Berwid emphasis is on the ability to realize moment- Ongoing; Work study available for students GO TO BACKSTAGE.COM/CALLSHEETAPP 11967 Ventura Blvd. to-moment relationships in-depth and studying at least a year Studio City, CA 91604 quickly,” Gobetti says. Ron Howard has said, Dianne Hull (protege of Kazan) and Lorrie

34 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM Hull (author of best selling book on acting intensive commercial and theatrical work- JOE PALESE and directing) offer classes, intensives and shops that offer targeted techniques for The Actor Space short-term study in relaxation, concentra- auditioning actors to book the part. 14106 Magnolia Blvd. SPOTLIGHT ON tion, improv, sense memory, learning the Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES role, cold reading, audition techniques, and JEFFERY PASSERO [email protected] scene study. Studio City, CA www.theactorspace.com [email protected] 818-754-4442 www.jeffpassero.com Private coaching available; All levels; One sensory work. 323-882-6433 INSTONE ACTORS STUDIO - Small class sizes; private coaching available; NORA STONE 818-506-8400 audit permitted; acceptance by interview; 12 students per class; private audition Ongoing Beginner, intermediate, and advanced; P.O. Box 8982 JOE SALAZAR Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Los Angeles, CA 91372 coaching available; All levels; Auditing Actor-director-writer Palese’s class focuses [email protected] [email protected] encouraged; Ongoing; Work study available on scene study, improv, cold reading, and www.theactingteacher.com Continued on page 36— www.instoneactorsstudio.com Passero offers scene study and audition 818-888-3867/800-527-2575 technique classes. He has a successful Private coaching available; Introductory casting career of more than 50 movies and audit permitted began his acting career at the Roundabout Stone offers technique, scene study, cold Theatre before taking over casting there. reading, and improvisation. For acceptance she requires an interview, a strong commit- JEFFREY MARCUS ment, and coachability. Los Angeles, CA [email protected] IRIS KLEIN www.jeffreymarcus.com [email protected] 323-965-9392 www.actingclassnow.com 12 students per class; private coaching 213-612-5224 available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; 10-15 students per class; private coaching Ongoing available; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; Marcus uses a heart-centered and practical Ongoing approach to accessing your depths as an Klein, who studied with Sanford Meisner actor. He assists actors on TV, features, and and Janet Alhanti, offers an audition-to-film stage and accepts referrals from agents, scene class, an eight-day acting intensive, managers, and casting directors. and a moment-to-moment class. She also coaches actors for theater, film, and televi- JEREMIAH COMEY STUDIOS sion auditions. 12215 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 111 Studio City, CA 91604 THE IVANA CHUBBUCK STUDIO [email protected] 7201 Melrose Ave., Ste. 206 www.jeremiahcomey.com Los Angeles, CA 90046 818-248-4104 [email protected] All levels; Auditing permitted with a fee; www.chubbucktechnique.com Ongoing 323-935-2100, Fax: 323-465-1900 Comey has been teaching film acting and Introductory, advanced, master; Auditing training actors in Hollywood for the past 30 available by appointment only; Ongoing years. He teaches his own approach called Chubbuck has taught such actors as Brad “The Art of Film Acting,” which is also the title Pitt, Halle Berry, Jake Gyllenhaal, Charlize of his book. Theron, and James Franco. Her self-named technique guides actors to use their emo- JILL PLACE - ACT INTUITIVE tions not as an end result but as a way to COACH AND BRANDACT empower a goal. CREATOR 1122 Tierra Alta Dr. JAMES BOLT Pasadena, CA 91104 [email protected] [email protected] 323-559-9466 www.actingintuitive.com Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing is 626-538-8538, Fax: 626-765-6137 permitted; Ongoing Place has studied with and written about Bolt describes his approach to coaching the greatest acting coaches of the 20th act ors as “honoring the character’s experi- century. She has combined all that into her ence.” He is currently available by appoint- Act Intuitive classes, the best of 20th-century ment to coach actors for specific auditions, technique with 21st-century spirit. Place is roles, and acting jobs. also an acting branding coach and writes a monthly column for NowCasting.com. New JAMES LEVINE classes starting now. TYPECASTING INC. c/o 310 Casting Studios JIM BONTEMPO 2329 Purdue Ave. [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90064 323-383-4444 [email protected] Class size varies; semi-private coaching www.typecastinginc.com available; All levels; Auditing by special 310-775-6616 arrangement only Space is limited Bontempo is a graduate of the Neighbor- Levine works as a commercial director and hood Playhouse School of Theatre under teaches an ongoing commercial workshop Sanford Meisner and trained in Los Angeles that focuses on audition skills, improv tech- with Nina Foch. He has privately coached nique, making better choices, and booking for more than 20 years. work. JIM OTIS Maria Gobetti “Maria Gobetti is the finest of JANET ALHANTI STUDIO 818-543-7479 coaches...she is simply the best... PO Box 17920 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not Director ~ Coach ~ DGA Beverly Hills, CA 90209 permitted; Flexible scheduling www.janetalhantistudios.com Otis offers two private courses: a TV/film both passionate and highly 323-465-7511 intensive, covering TV/film, commercial audi- professional about her acting classes. I’m proud to be on their board Private coaching available; Sessions tioning technique, cold reading, and busi- Alhanti studied with Meisner and Phillip ness strategy; and a monologue intensive. of directors.” –Ron Howard (Director/Producer/Actor) Burton. She teaches a professional 20-week technique class twice a year, in January JOANNE BARON/D.W. BROWN and July, that involves exercises and scene work, as well as a 10-week children’s tech- STUDIO 320 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 200 “She raised me to a whole new level of artistry & professionalism.” nique class in April. Santa Monica, CA 90401 [email protected] – Steve Park (Actor “Fargo,” etc.) JANICE KENT www.baronbrown.com [email protected] 310-451-3311, Fax: 310-451-1407 “She is so enlightening www.janicekent.com 24 students max; All levels; By sessions and 818-906-2201 ongoing to my acting and writing.” Private coaching only; Auditing not permit- The Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio ted; Ongoing offers a variety of programs for the –Beth Henley (Actress/Writer With more than 30 years of experience as professional and select preprofessional an actor, director, and coach, Kent designed actor, writer, director, and producer. “Crimes of the Heart,” etc.) her “Life Coaching” approach to aid the Previous president of the Directors Guild actor in understanding and identifying the of America and Oscar nominee Mar- fears and processes that block making risky tha Coolidge praises the studio as “a 3 Levels of Classes • Cold Reading • Scene Study • Meisner Tech • On Camera Critique choices bold and playful. renowned environment for training preprofessional actors and creating At The Award-Winning Victory Theatre •Free Audit Required •(818) 841-4404 JEANIE HACKETT: SCENE STUDY stars.” Preprofessional programs include AND AUDITION TECHNIQUE a six-week intensive and others. The The Deaf West Theatre studio also offers continuing education 5112 Lankershim Blvd. programs, including a master class, vital North Hollywood, CA 91601 acting, classical style work, audition [email protected] technique, character interpretation and www.jeaniehackett.com script analysis, and a scene study lab for 818-506-5436 working actors, providing an intensive Classical workshop: 26 students, Audition opportunity for actors ready to commit technique: 12-14 students; All levels; Auditing to the pursuit of excellence in their craft. Rick is permitted; By sessions; Limited number of It is among a handful of acting schools internships available with Antaeus Company registered with the California Bureau of Hackett, artistic director of the Antaeus Com- Private Postsecondary and Vocational pany and author of “The Actor’s Chekhov” Education. The studio also produces films and “Toward Mastery,” teaches a variety of using its talent (“Perfume” and “Allie & Zieff’s  commercials  animation classes in classical contemporary scene Me”) and offers on-set coaching for films, study and audition technique. having coached Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Halle Berry. Other:Classical  industrials  audio books JEFF HARDWICK CASTING JOCELYN JONES ACTING 3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Ste. 1158 STUDIO yellowbirdcasting@ Studio City, CA 91604 1107 N. Kings Rd. [email protected] West Hollywood, CA 90069 yahoo.com www.jeffhardwickcasting.com [email protected] 818-752-9898, Fax: 818-752-9890 310-576-0545 (323) 651-1666 10 students max; private coaching avail- 50 students max; private coaching avail- • classes able; Intermediate, advanced, and profes- able; All levels; Auditing not permitted; sional; Auditing not permitted; Sessions three Ongoing to four times a year; Internship program Ms. Jones is formerly of Milton Katselas’ Bev- available erly Hills Playhouse and a private coach to • privates Make the v.o. demo that gets results A veteran agent and casting director with some of the best known film and TV stars in over 20 years experience, Hardwick offers the industry.

BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 35 323-665-6776 NOW INTERVIEWING 12 students per class; private coaching SPOTLIGHT ON available; All levels; Auditing is permitted LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES and encouraged; Ongoing 46th In this scene study class, Klineman com- year! —continued from page 35 bines Meisner-based repetition with Linklater voice work to enhance each student’s Classes focus on scene study, monologue creative impulses and produce truthful con- JUDY KERR nection between scene partners. work, character creation, improvisational [email protected] skills, on-camera, cold reading, and audition www.actingiseverything.com techniques that are designed to create the KIMBERLY JENTZEN - THE “I looked around the class and said ‘I’m home, they can’t hurt me now, 818-505-9373 environment of auditions. Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not JENTZEN TECHNIQUE forget therapy.’ This is home, someplace real special. I felt safe, permitted; Ongoing [email protected] it gave me freedom.” JOEL ASHER STUDIO Kerr is the author “Acting Is Everything: An www.kimberlyjentzen.com – ROBIN WILLIAMS – 13448 Albers St. Actor’s Guidebook for a Successful Career 818-779-7770 Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 in Los Angeles.” She covers acting and film 16 students per class; private coaching "The HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP took me from fearful to fearless." [email protected] techniques for the camera and show-busi- available; All levels; Auditing is permitted, – BRYAN CRANSTON – www.joel-asher-studio.com ness techniques to boost careers. acceptance by interview only; Special 818-785-1551 courses offered at certain times of the year, “I learned it was okay to be silly. It was okay to be foolish. 12 students max; All levels; Auditing permit- JULES AARON such as “Singing for Actors, Acting for Sing- It gave me freedom to go out there and do it.” ted after interview; Ongoing 323-660-7342 ers,” and ongoing; Work study available for – PENNY MARSHALL – Asher, who has been teaching and direct- Aaron, the former head of of graduate long-term students ing successfully for over 30 years, offers three With more than 20 years capturing the “Class changed Penny’s life, and it changed my life.” programs at CalArts and U.C. Riverside, is an ongoing on-camera scene study classes award-winning director and acting teacher. essence of artistry, incorporating Chekhov, – GARRY MARSHALL – with lots of technique and lots of camera By audition only. Adler, Strasberg, and Meisner, Kimberly “THE HARVEY LEMBECK WORKSHOP was for me a support group. time ($250 per month), a cold reading class Jentzen is an expert in artistic creation. She ($250 for six weeks), and an improvisation is the creator of the Jentzen Technique, a A place where I had the freedom to fall on my face.” class ($195 per month). Class size is limited, JUNE CHANDLER’S ACTORS series of power tools designed to cultivate – JOHN RITTER – so everyone works in every class. “I work with WORKSHOP the master-level actor. Jentzen’s approach actors between classes at no charge,” says at the Zydeco Studios helps build a necessary foundation, instilling A CLASS CAN LEAD TO A CAREER Asher. “There are no limits to the time you 11317 Ventura Blvd. within an actor the motivations and needs can spend learning and doing, getting help Studio City, CA 91604 of authentic characters. FORMER STUDENTS INCLUDE: KIM CATTRALL • JOHN LARROQUETTE with your career, or the techniques we use [email protected] to get results.” Asher’s studio has produced www.junechandler.com JENNA ELFMAN • TED MCGINLEY • ALAN RACHINS • MARY KAYPLACE 626-355-4572 L.A. ON-CAMERA TRAINING the award-winning “Actors at Work” DVD CENTER series, “Getting the Part,” “Casting Directors,” 16 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- LENNY CLARK • SHARON STONE ted; Ongoing plus 6-week intensives 10545 Burbank Blvd., Ste. 105 “Agents,” and “Directors on Acting.” Asher Sherman Oaks, CA 94123 also produces state-of-the-art demo reels For over 20 years, Chandler and her staff THE HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP have taught commercials, acting, improv, [email protected] for actors. “I discover something new each 323-839-0800 time,” says actor Nancie Rooney, a working and image with top industry level tech- 310.271.2831 niques. Performances, showcases, and Founded by actor Jamison Haase, LAOTC actor student of Asher’s. “It makes sense to is an on-camera school that specializes in www.harveylembeckcomedyworkshop.com have many different tools. I am so eager to career counseling are part of the experi- ence. training actors in real, easy to learn, camera get to that next level.” techniques which raise their performance CALL FOR UPCOMING SESSION above the competition. JOHN GEGENHUBER JUST BREATHE 213-248-9478 Barbara Beneville All levels Hollywood, CA LARRY BIEDERMAN - SCENE Gegenhuber conducts intensive workshops [email protected] STUDY CLASSES & COACHING in Spolin Improvisation, created by the 323-969-4944 [email protected] visionary teacher Viola Spolin. A veteran of 12 students max; also private and semi- www.larrybiederman.net 20 years on stage, screen, and television, his private coaching; All levels; Auditing is 818-486-6399 classes emphasize applying improvisational permitted; Ongoing sessions split between 8-12 students per class; Actors: intermediate techniques to scene work and audition L.A. and Atlanta, plus weekend workshops in and above. Directors: all levels; Auditing is technique. N.Y., Dallas, and Nashville permitted; sliding scale available; 8-12 ses- Beneville’s class consists of all phases of sions; some classes elect to continue study: auditioning, character development, Biederman identifies the artist’s individuality JOHN KIRBY STUDIO cold reading, improv, Meisner exercises, and teaches students to invest and express [email protected] monologues, scene study, and script break- that uniqueness in their work. His actors 323-467-7877 down. learn to speak their words with spontaneity Private coaching available Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading and emotion, to express their characters in Kirby offers scene study classes as well as a their entire bodies, and to invest and reveal young professional’s class that focuses on KAREN KALENSKY their uniqueness in any role. Directing work- Uta Hagen’s fundamentals with emphasis shops also offered. on exploring a character, script analysis, and [email protected] finding the human condition. 818-481-2244 The Acting School of Actors ASHLEY ARGOTA of True Jackson VP, Private coaching only; All levels LARRY MOSS STUDIO Kalensky teaches at Cal State Long Beach www.larrymossstudio.com and Buckett and Skinners Epic Adventures… JOHN SUDOL ACTING STUDIOS and is the consulting artistic director of the 310-392-0815 and TYLER HOECHLIN of Tom Hanks’ Film Road to Perdition 11650 Riverside Dr., Ste. 11 Interplayers Theatre. A former casting direc- The Larry Moss Studio is now the Acting North Hollywood, CA 91602 tor, she understands what to look for in the Studio at Edgemar (see that listing for and MTV’s Teen Wolf [email protected] audition. She also offers speech and dialect contact info), led by renowned acting www.johnsudolstudio.com coaching. coach Michelle Danner. The studio 818-505-1223 Other:Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction provides well-rounded actors training, 10 students per class; private coaching including scene study, on-camera audi- available; All levels; Auditing is sometimes On-Camera Commercial, TV. & Film Training KATE MCGREGOR-STEWART tioning technique, improv, voice, cast- permitted; 1-day intensives, 8-week pro- ing director workshops, celebrity guest grams, and ongoing classes; Work study Stage Light Inc. Ages begin at 3 ½… Teen… Young Adults 6623 W. Olympic Blvd. teachers, and sitcom classes. The studio available provides actors with a place to grow In addition to providing theatrical and com- Los Angeles, CA 90048 CALL FOR FREE CLASS – (323) 463-8655 Ofc. [email protected] artistically and create riveting, unique mercial training, Sudol is the originator of characters that tell stories illuminating The Language of The Face, the non-verbal www.katemcgregorstewart.com 323-939-3384 the human condition. Classes meet days, Now Enrolling for Summer Session – means of communication that defines the evening and weekends, to fit anyone’s difference between film and stage acting. Private coaching available; All levels June 25th – August 27th McGregor-Stewart’s technique includes schedule. 6- to 12-month programs with style, characterization, script breakdown, M1 visas with OPT are available. JOHN SWANBECK and improvisation. She holds workshops in www.actorsclubhouse.com 1731 N. Normandie Ave., #19 Denver, Vancouver, and New York, and is a LAURA GARDNER Los Angeles, CA 90027 sought-after media coach. [email protected] 6472 Santa Monica Blvd. #210 L.A., CA 90038 [email protected] www.lauragardner.org, www.howardfine. www.blueswanfilms.com KATHLEEN MAZZOLA com ( of Hollywood) 310-722-8463 323-957-4764 ♥ – Call for more information 8 students per class; Intermediate and [email protected] 310-924-9380 12-25 students per class; private coaching advanced; Auditing not permitted; Call for available; All levels; Auditing is permitted schedule; Work study/internship program Class size limited Mazzola, known for her simple, direct, and Thursday nights; Varies; Work study available available occasionally Work with a reputable director to develop a oftentimes hilarious method of teaching, focuses on improvisation, scene study, and Gardner trained with Carol Rosenfeld and repertoire of creative choices that will help Uta Hagen. Gardner teaches scene study you deliver and develop your “target market” preparing the actor for auditions and a pro- fessional career. and basic technique at the Howard Fine character(s). Learn what director really look Acting Studio as well as interview/audition for in auditions and how to deliver those intensive workshops. things in your auditions. KATT SHEA 13273 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 104 JOSEPH PEARLMAN Studio City, CA 91604 LAURA JAMES’ THE ACTING 310 Studios [email protected] WORKSHOP 2329 Purdue Ave. www.kattshea.com [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90064 661-268-8611 818-562-3075 [email protected] 12 students per class; limited class size; Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing is www.josephpearlman.com private and on-set coaching available; All permitted; Ongoing 917-754-2221 levels; Private session/first class for $40; Year- Teacher-director-actor James, who has 10 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- round and ongoing worked professionally around the world, ted; Ongoing Well-known, Peabody Award–winning, Sun- offers a technique meant to “empower Joseph Pearlman is a private and on-set dance Festival nominee, acclaimed writer- the actor to communicate as specifi- coach for actors, musicians, comedians, etc. director Shea offers cold reading/audition cally, effectively, and as powerfully as He works with clients like Zooey Deschanel prep classes that bring the joy back to act- possible.” and also coaches presenters for all the ing, and private coaching. Also offered is the major award ceremonies like the Oscars, “Bring It” class, which teaches actors how to LAUREN PATRICE NADLER Grammys, and Emmys. Joseph was recently bring their prep to the set. Studio City and [email protected] named in the industry’s “Top Ten Acting Santa Clarita locations. www.laurenpatricenadler.com Gurus” by Heidi Levitt’s New York Times- Limited enrollment; private coaching and reviewed “Actor Genie” application. KEN LERNER STUDIO consulting available; Intermediate and Other:On-Camera Technique; Classical; [email protected] advanced; Auditing encouraged; Ongoing Improv and Comedy; Young Performers; www.kenlerner.com Nadler is actively directing independent Audition Technique/Cold Reading 818-753-7744 films while coaching and teaching ongo- Private coaching available; Beginner to ing scene study and improvisation classes. JROSE STUDIO advanced; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing Her students work on top TV shows, film, and North Hollywood/Malibu, CA Lerner offers cold reading and scene study national commercials. [email protected] classes in a challenging but nurturing style. www.jrosestudio.com Students work every week in class. He has LAVALLE ACTORS WORKSHOP 323-799-1183 been teaching for 25 years, acted steadily 4645 Van Nuys Blvd., Ste. 202 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not in movies, TV shows, commercials, plays, and Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 permitted; Ongoing shares his on-set experiences to his students. [email protected] Jamie Rose has been a professional actor in www.lavalleactorsworkshop.com film, television, and theater for over 30 years KENT KLINEMAN ACTING 818-788-2183, Fax: 818-788-6981 and has literally thousands of auditions STUDIO 20 students max; private coaching avail- under her belt. She specializes in private act- 7023 Melrose Ave. (at La Brea Ave.) able; All levels; Free audit; Ongoing ing and audition coaching. Los Angeles, CA LaValle teaches a way of “creating a char- Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; [email protected] acter that draws from the vast experiences Private Coaching www.kentklineman.com that each individual actor possesses.”

36 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM THE LEE STRASBERG THEATRE AND FILM INSTITUTE - LOS ANGELES SPOTLIGHT ON Carie Blomquist LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES 7936 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 [email protected] LINDA BERRY’S BERRYWOOD Colin Egglesfield. All of the studio’s instruc- www.strasberg.com Linda Berry tors train in Haber’s philosophy: “stop acting 323-650-7777 4710 Hillcrest Ave. and start living the life of the person.” Actors 12-16 students per class; All levels; Auditing La Mesa, CA 91941 begin with taking an “intensive” course at not permitted; full application process for [email protected] their level, followed by an ongoing course. certificate program; 2-year certificate pro- www.berrywood.net Intensives $500-$650, ongoing $250. Private gram; full- or part-time introductory program, 310-410-1836/619-507-6395 coaching available. Before enrolling, stu- workshops, and intensives; Offers limited Private and on-set coaching only; All levels; dents must attend an orientation, held at work study program specializes in beginner and intermediate, the studio every Monday at 1:30 p.m.; bring The Strasberg Institute’s Method acting kids/teens; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing a headshot and résumé. Also has classes for classes and programs challenge actors to Berry offers training at her San Diego center kids and teens. work on themselves as creative artists and and workshops in L.A. for actors. Training at the same time work on the role — to includes monologue work, on-camera cold MARIA GOBETTI leave behind conventional expressions and reading, and scene study preparing actors c/o The Victory Theatre find their own unique voices. Classes in act- for auditioning and getting the role. 3326 W. Victory Blvd. ing, voice, singing, dance, movement, and Burbank, CA 91505 film and TV. [email protected] Other:Young Performers; Audition Tech- LINDSAY CROUSE [email protected] www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org nique/Cold Reading; On-Camera Tech- 818-841-4404 nique; Conservatory/University www.lindsaycrouse.org 310-573-6288 All levels; Free audit required; Ongoing Private coaching available Working closely with her students, Maria LENA HARRIS STUDIO Crouse, an acclaimed star of film, television, Gobetti teaches the Meisner basics tech- Beverly Hills, CA 90210 and theater, offers classes that clearly define nique on an individual basis — while also [email protected] what the actor’s job really is and show employing available video facilities. Her www.lenaharris.com actors the high road — that acting is at classes are small, allowing only the best LA’S TOP ACTING COACH 310-226-7034 heart a spiritual profession. and most dedicated actors. This exclusivity is Class sizes vary but are kept small; private advantageous in that it gives all the actors coaching available; All levels; Auditing not an opportunity to work in every class. permitted; Ongoing LISA DALTON STUDIOS INC. www.josephpearlman.com [email protected] Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Each actor is filmed every week at the Lena Commercials/Voiceover Harris Workshop, providing actors with a www.lisadaltonstudios.com, www.chekhov. video showcase to stream (and email) to net 818-761-5404 MARILYN FOX agents and other industry sources around [email protected] 917-754-2221 the world via a state-of-the-art online broad- Lisa Dalton offers courses in technique, cold reading, on-camera commercials, scene 310-301-3971, ext. 10; 310-820-7122 cast platform and Lena’s own YouTube All levels; Auditing by permission; Ongo- Channel (www.youtube.com/user/lenahar- study, career management, promotional skills, and soap opera. ing sessions; Volunteers for general help ~ free audits to all classes by appointment risstudio). Lena Harris, an award-winning accepted actor, author, and director, was awarded Marilyn Fox, artistic director of Pacific Resi- the Back Stage West/Drama-Logue Award LISA ROBERTSON STUDIO dent Theatre, offers classes on scene study, for her role as Elaine Nevazio in Neil Simon’s [email protected] www.lisarobertsonstudio.com cold reading, improvisation, and strengthen- “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.” Prior to opening ing imagination. her workshop 14 years ago, Lena began 310-367-4136 her career as an actor, dancer, and model. 15-20 students per class; private coaching Lena’s workshops consist of an on-camera available; Intermediate, advanced, and MARILYN MCINTYRE basic boot camp for beginners and an professional; Auditing is permitted; headshot Los Angeles, CA on-camera technique “master class” for and résumé required for all audits, referral [email protected] the advanced actor that are based on the helpful; Ongoing; Work study available to www.marilynmcintyre.com, www.howardfine. StanislavskY System and Sanford Meisner students who have completed a year of com, www.tedbrunettistudio.com exercises. These techniques give actors the training with Lisa 818-601-1463/323-962-3188/310-403-0213 ability to be spontaneous, alive, truthful, Robertson has been a major acting coach 14-16 (scene study), 10 max (personaliza- and in the moment. Additional workshop for the past eight years coaching series tion); private coaching available; All levels; techniques train the actor to look at a script, leads and award-winning film roles. A pro- Auditing required (except for personalization memorize it, break it down, and deliver a stel- tégé of Larry Moss, she teaches scene study classes); Ongoing (scene study) and limited lar performance that results in getting the and on-camera audition intensives. (personalization); Work study available job. Actors work on monologues, dialects, Marilyn McIntyre specializes in personaliza- and impediments (e.g., blindness or addic- THE LOST STUDIO tion, using a variety of techniques to help tion). Lena recently authored an article for 130 S. La Brea Ave. the actor safely discover and explore what Back Stage on dialects. Her book, “Twenty- Los Angeles, CA 90036 effectively allows them to access and bring Five 5-Minute Power Scenes,” published by www.theloststudio.com their most personal, authentic, and unique Smith and Kraus, can be purchased at 323-933-6944 self to the work. She coaches privately for Samuel French Bookstores and online at 20 students max; private coaching avail- theater, film, and television from the audition Amazon.com. able; All levels; Call for interview; Ongoing through finessing a role in production. She Award-winning director Cinda Jackson offers also teaches personalization and scene scene study and sensory classes. Classes study at the Howard Fine Acting Studio in Voice & diction for actors LESLIE FLEMING-MITCHELL Hollywood, as well as the on-camera class Altadena/Pasadena, CA include a four-day-per-week intensive class and a master class. Also home of the Les “Up Close & Personal” at the Ted Brunetti [email protected] Studio, and at the SAG Conservatory at AFI. Accent reduction www.lesliefleming-mitchell.com Enfants Magiques children’s classical the- ater workshop. Ms. McIntyre has been acting professionally 310-991-4162 for 30+ years, playing lead roles on and off Acquire an accent for a role 10 students max; private coaching available Broadway, in regional theaters, and in L.A., for auditions; All levels; Auditing is permitted; LYNETTE MCNEILL STUDIO where she has garnered many awards and 4- to 8-week sessions 5636 Melrose Ave., SFS nominations. She also works extensively Acting coach for film and TV auditions. Los Angeles, CA 90038 in television and film. Ms. McIntyre trained Films/sends audition tapes when required. [email protected] at the UNC School of the Arts (BFA), Penn Has worked extensively as actor, CD and www.lynettemcneillstudio.com State (MFA), and with Michael Shurtleff, Uta By licensed speech pathologists acting coach on and off set. Teen acting/ 310-274-1085 Hagen, and others. She is featured on Uta filmmaking intensives offered throughout All levels; Auditing permitted by invitation Hagen’s acting-class video. She has been year. only; Ongoing teaching for over 25 years in conservatories, Contact us at 800-597-9691 McNeill offers classes designed to meet a universities, and private studios including LESLY KAHN & COMPANY wide range of professional needs. Class Cal State-Northridge, USC, LACC Theatre Free consultation 1720 N. La Brea Ave. offerings include scene study, technique, Academy, U of Texas, etc. Los Angeles, CA 90046 and audition preparation. Also have industry Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; [email protected] speakers, on-camera and in-house casting On-Camera Technique www.elocutionsolution.com www.leslykahn.com workshops. 323-969-9900 MARJORIE BALLENTINE STUDIO 14 students per class average; All levels; MAKING IT ON BROADWAY 665 N. Heliotrope Dr. Auditing not permitted; Ongoing; Work [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90004 study/internship offered infrequently and www.makingitonbroadway.net [email protected] only after the actor has studied with us for a 40 students per class; All levels; Auditing www.marjorieballentine.com period of time not permitted; Sessions in the summer and 323-877-5038 Lesly’s core classes are right-brain, thought- winter 15-25 students per class; private coaching based “non-technique” classes designed Making It on Broadway is a weeklong inten- available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; to enhance your raw talent and/or prior sive where students explore the realities of interview required for technique class; audi- SINGING LESSONS - ALL STYLES training. They teach you to break down not what it means to be a modern Broadway tion required for scene study; Ongoing; Call only your text, and your instinct, but also the professional. Classes are taught by Broad- regarding internships business itself as well, so that you can con- way professionals. Stella Adler’s protégé and a critically sistently and effortlessly perform at the peak acclaimed theater director, with over 20 Prevent vocal damage. of your ultimate ability. We offer individual MARCIE SMOLIN years of experience, Marjorie Ballentine audition and dialogue coaching as well as 4475 Sepulveda Blvd. believes in the craft of acting, not in acting tutorials, on-set coaching and filmed Culver City, CA 90230 “chance.” “I’m interested in an actor who Learn to sing high notes with ease. coaching. [email protected] wants a career, not a five-minute fly-by-night www.theactorscircle.com spot on the latest hit series. Hollywood Hungarian-born, Cherie Valaray LESSAC SUMMER VOICE AND 310-837-4536 demands professionalism, toughness, and BODY TRAINING WORKSHOPS 8-12 students per class; All levels; Reduced range. An actor must enter the audition with [email protected] class fee; Ongoing; Work study/internships utter confidence in his choices — and the www.lessacinstitute.com available ability to change them on a dime if request- 818-712-0103 www.hbr2.com 603-862-1963 Smolin, who began as a child actor and ed — with equally talented, interesting 10-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing was a regular on two TV series, has been choices. Craft! Craft! Craft! It always comes not permitted; Summer only coaching actors for over 18 years. back to craft!” Since arriving in L.A. in 2003, For almost 40 years, these workshops have Marjorie has successfully coached and offered intensive training in voice, body, and MARGIE HABER STUDIO taught Gary Oldman, Nelsan Ellis, Krysten text exploration. Programs are intended Margie Haber Ritter, Victor Rasuk, Tanya Raymonde, Nadine for those in performance, in education, in 971 N. La Cienega Blvd., #207 Velazquez, Gale Harold, Mathew St. Patrick, broadcasting, or in communications. Los Angeles, CA 90069 Chad Lindberg, and others. [email protected] LIFEBOOK ACTING ACADEMY www.margiehaber.com MARJORIE GAINES Allen Levin 310-854-0870, Fax: 310-854-0462 [email protected] The Space Theatre 12-15 students per class; Fundamental, inter- 818-481-4466 665 N. Heliotrope Dr. mediate, and master; Auditing not permit- Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not Los Angeles, CA 90004 ted; Ongoing permitted; Ongoing [email protected] Margie Haber Studio offers on-camera Gaines has taught acting for theater majors www.lifebookacting.com audition technique and cold reading work- at CSU Long Beach and currently teaches 323-244-4620 or 818-415-9568 shops. With more than 30 years of experi- at Pasadena City College. She offers private 15-30 students per class; All levels; Auditing is ence, Haber is an internationally renowned coaching in audition preparation, public permitted; Ongoing; Financial aid available auditioning coach and has taught A-list speaking, and basic technique. Levin has been teaching for over eight years Hollywood actors her technique that is and offers scene study, improv, cold read- based on her book, “How to Get The Part MARK CHAET ing, auditions, guest speakers, and career Without Falling Apart.” Among her clients: [email protected] coaching. Classes are held Thursdays. Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Vince Vaughn, Heather www.markchaet.com Locklear, Kristin Davis, Mariska Hargitay, and Continued on page 38— BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 37 MOJO ACTOR’S WORKSHOP NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY PIERO DUSA Diana Brown 100 Universal City Plaza, Building 9128, Ste Piero Dusa Creative Studio SPOTLIGHT ON [email protected] 179 1453 Third St. Promenade, Ste. 608 LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES 323-821-4362 Universal City, CA 91602 Santa Monica, CA 90401 12-18 students per class; private coaching [email protected] [email protected] —continued from page 37 available; Intermediate to advanced only; www.nyfa.com www.pierodusa.com Scheduled audit available; 3-month sessions 818-733-2600, Fax: 818-733-4074 310-393-9378, Fax: 310-209-8502 818-693 3455 and movement more pleasurable. Michael and ongoing 12 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- Limited class sizes; private coaching avail- Private coaching only; Beginner and inter- D. Frederick taught for over a decade at An actor, director, and coach with over 30 ted; Ongoing able; All levels; Interview by phone required mediate; Auditing not permitted the Old Globe Theatre’s MFA program in years’ experience, Michele Martin Gossett This academy offers one-year, two-year, and for audit; Ongoing client specific syllabus Chaet teaches business for actors. He focus- San Diego and for over 25 years at the teaches advanced and intermediate act- short-term programs in acting for film as well Since 1985, Dusa has coached and direct- es on goal-setting and methods for organiz- renowned Sanford Meisner-based Baron/ ing. Her workshop covers technique, scene as directing for film, screenwriting, produc- ed a distinguished list of well-known actors. ing and advancing one’s career. Brown Acting Studio in Santa Monica. study, and auditioning. ing, photography, game design, and 3-D Dusa offers exclusive coaching for actors Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; animation. Year-round, summer, and evening and writers on The Character Preference On-Camera Technique; Business of Acting workshops available, as are hands-on total System that will take your acting and writing MARK TILLMAN, CSA immersion workshops. The academy now skills to the next level. www.marktillmancasting.com MICHAEL D. NYE DYNAMIC offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine 310-557-2565 NATALIA LAZARUS ACTING Promenade Playhouse and Conservatory Arts degree programs in acting. Located at Tillman has been casting for 25 years. Valley Village, CA THE PINE CREEK BLONDE 1404 Third Street Promenade Universal Studios; branches in New York and Classes focus on understanding the char- [email protected] ACTING STUDIO Santa Monica, CA 90401 Abu Dhabi. acter, freeing emotions, and strengthening www.askanactingquestion.com Gene Desrochers [email protected] communication to help his students in the 818-509-1629 10951 Pico Blvd., Ste. 203 www.promenadeplayhouse.com audition. 6 students max; private coaching available; NICOLAS COSTER STUDIO Los Angeles, CA 310-656-8070, Fax: 310-656-8069 [email protected] Intermediate, advanced, and professional; [email protected] 12 students per class; All levels; Auditing is www.nicolascoster.com Auditing is permitted; phone interview 310-709-6545 MARLA LADD - MYSTERIUM permitted; 10-week sessions 213-952-5685 19211 Dodge Ave. required; Ongoing Private coaching available; All levels; Audit- Lazarus, founder of the Promenade Play- 10-15 students max; private coaching Santa Ana, CA 92705 Actor-director Nye (“House, M.D.”, “Heroes”, ing is permitted; Ongoing house and Promenade Conservatory, available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; By [email protected] or marla@ “Big Love”) uses innovative warm-ups, exer- Desrochers offers comprehensive classes on is a private and international coach for sessions mysteriumshop.com cises, and scenes to achieve dynamic, pow- audition technique, scene study, and career Hollywood celebrities on sets and in insti- Coster ia an adjunct professor at University www.mysteriumshop.com erful, and consistent actor performances for counseling. tutions throughout the world. of Georgia, on the faculty at NY Film Acad- 714-505-3454 film, television, and stage. emy, LA, trained at the Royal Academy of Small class size for individual attention; Dramatic Art, the Neighborhood Playhouse, PLAYHOUSE WEST SCHOOL AND private coaching also available; All levels; NATALIE FORD, PROFESSIONAL MICHAEL E. RYAN’S FILM and with Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, REPERTORY THEATRE Auditing permitted with advanced permis- PRIVATE ACTING COACH Milton Katselas, and Frank Silvera. 4250 Lankershim Blvd. sion; Ongoing; Work study possibly available ACTING CLUB PO Box 398 North Hollywood, CA North Hollywood, CA 91602 Ladd is the artistic director and owner of Santa Monica, CA 90406 [email protected] www.playhousewest.net Mysterium, where she is an Orange County [email protected] NIKOLAI GUZOV 818-881-6520 www.michaeleryan.com, www.oncamerafil- 12125 Riverside Dr. acting coach, specializing in audition prep- www.facebook.com/natalie.ford Free audit is required. mactingclass.com Valley Village, CA 91607 aration and last-minute coaching. Myste- 310-428-1840 Robert Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum found- 323-839-5461 [email protected] rium now also has an on-camera class and 12 students max; private coaching avail- ed this school in 1981. The faculty members 10 students max; All levels; Auditing is www.guzovactingstudio.com an afterschool program along with dance able; All levels; Auditing not permitted but take an ensemble approach to teaching required; Ongoing; Work study possible in 213-448-7648, Fax: 818-753-5203 and acting classes. private interview/meeting suggested; in the theatre’s ongoing beginning, inter- hardship cases 2-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing Ongoing mediate, advanced, and senior advanced Coach Ryan formed his film acting work- permitted in some cases; Sessions depend Ford specializes in on-camera coaching classes. The playhouse, which has a second MATTHEW BARRY’S WORKSHOP shop “for the dedicated actor who loves on the need of the student; Work study avail- Matthew Barry for audition preparation and technique North Hollywood location, Playhouse West practicing and improving on their craft of able upon request [email protected] for actors in L.A. and N.Y. She brings to Studio Two, also regularly develops and film acting.” Guzov, a Russian acting teacher originally www.matthewbarryteaches.com her teaching her background of over 15 stages plays with members of the senior from St. Petersburg, specializes in the Chek- 818-759-4425 years of casting, directing, and acting advanced class. hov technique and offers private, group, and 14 students max; All levels; ages 18+; Audit- MICHAEL KNOWLES expertise. 1531 S. Bedford St. semiprivate classes. ing not permitted; By sessions Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Los Angeles, CA 90035 RANDOLPH STUDIO FOR ACTOR Casting director Matthew Barry helps actors On-Camera Technique [email protected] develop a game plan where Hollywood is THE ORCHARD ACTING TRAINING www.michaelknowles.com Kate Randolph the business and the actor is the product. 646-489-1126 NED MANDERINO WORKSHOP [email protected] Auditioning techniques, character study, Manderino Workshop Cristen Kauffman Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not www.belletheplay.com cold reading techniques, and scene study. P.O. Box 27758 1745 Warnall Ave. permitted 323-356-5051, Fax: 323-851-1454 Other:Improv and Comedy; Business of Los Angeles, CA 90027 Los Angeles, CA 90024 Writer-director-producer Knowles feels that Small classes; private coaching available; Acting [email protected] [email protected] teaching is not much more than providing Auditing is permitted upon request; Ongo- www.manderino.com www.theorchardactingworkshop.com an environment for students to develop trust ing 323-665-0123 310-284-8166 THE MET THEATRE in themselves, which develops confidence. Randolph teaches concrete, universal tools, 12 students max All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing 1089 N. Oxford Ave. Each actor’s journey is his/her own. with an emphasis on finding joy in the work. Manderino, a post-Stanislavsky acting The Orchard Acting Workshop offers a Los Angeles, CA 90029 Her class is supportive and nurturing while coach, combines total Method principles healthy and balanced environment for [email protected] pushing each actor to take risks and go www.themettheatre.com MICHAEL WOOLSON STUDIO that he learned initially from Stella Adler and creativity and collaboration that cultivates, [email protected] beyond perceived limitations. 323-957-1152, Fax: 323-957-1831 from his close friends and mentors Lee Stras- nurtures, guides, and supports your talent as www.michaelwoolson.com Private coaching available; Auditing is per- berg and Harold Clurman. well as helps you discover your own unique 323-933-7133 mitted; Ongoing and by semesters truth. We provide you with helpful technical RICHARD SEYD ACTING STUDIO All levels; Auditing is permitted 4949 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 203 Offers professional theater and film labs for tools to ensure you gain the confidence Woolson, author of “The Work of an Actor” THE NEW AMERICAN STUDIO Los Angeles, CA 90027 actors, writers, and directors. Labs are led by you need to develop your special acting and “Emotion on Demand: An Actor’s FOR ACTORS [email protected] working professionals. abilities. Workbook for Mastering Emotional Triggers,” P.O. Box 586 www.seydways.com teaches advanced scene study, on-cam- Culver City, CA 90232 323-668-1475 MICHAEL COOKE ACTING era/auditioning, and technique classes. [email protected] ORGANIC ACTING 12 students per class; Intermediate to profes- Andrea Tate www.thenewamericanstudio.com sional; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing SCHOOL [email protected] 1507 Seventh St., Ste. 172 310-701-0788 Voted by readers of Back Stage for the last MICHELLE DANNER www.organicacting.com Santa Monica, CA 90401-2605 6-20 students per class; Beginner, interme- three years as one of the top four acting at The Acting Studio at Edgemar 818-802-2620 [email protected] diate, advanced, and professional.; Free schools in Los Angeles. “Richard Seyd knows 2437 Main St. 10-15 students per class; Private coaching www.soundfeelings.com/best_acting_ studios to meet teachers at times; admission what he’s doing. You cannot do better,” says Santa Monica, CA 90405 available; All levels schools.htm by audition/interview only; By sessions and Peter Coyote. www.michelledannerstudio.com Organic Acting is taught by award-win- 310-482-8720 ongoing 310-392-0815 ning director and teacher Andrea Tate. Private coaching available; All levels Led by artistic director Jack Stehlin, the Class size varies; private coaching available; Andrea teaches an acting technique ROB REECE ACTORS With over 25 years’ experience, Michael studio offers scene study, technique, TV/ Beginner, intermediate, and advanced; Free that combines Meisner and the Method offers classes on acting technique, audition film, commercial, voice and speech, and WORKSHOP informational session with a focus on following your own [email protected] preparation, script analysis, on-camera tech- movement classes. Class address: The Acting coach and director Michele Danner impulses and instincts. She uses Impro- www.methodacting.com nique, vocal control, stage presence, and New American Theatre (formerly Circus has worked with a wide range of notable visation skills as well to bring out your 310-497-0611/415-928-8929 (San Francisco) improvisation. Theatricals) : 2511 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., CA talent including Chris Rock, Penelope Cruz, unique take on a character. Andrea’s Free audit available Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; 90057. James Franco, Salma Hayek, Zooey Descha- clients have played lead roles in theater, Rob Reece is a 37-year veteran of film, TV, On-Camera Technique nel. Her classes include on-camera, scene film and TV. and theater. Based in Los Angeles with study, and the Golden Box intensive. THE NEW COLLECTIVE LA classes in San Francisco, Reece teaches Pro- Greg Braun MICHAEL D. FREDERICK Other:On-Camera Technique; Audition Tech- gressive Method Acting, which he describes 1526 14th St., Ste. 110 6440 Santa Monica Blvd. PHYLLIS APPLEGATE nique/Cold Reading 323-655-5167 as “in-depth instrument work, craft tools Santa Monica, CA 90404 Los Angeles, CA 90038 Private coaching only; on-set coaching also described and demonstrated, understand- [email protected] [email protected] MILLIE SLAVIN STUDIOS available; All levels ing tension, inspiration, character work, script www.alextechworkshops-international.com www.newcollectivela.com millie slavin studios.com The Emmy-nominated Applegate studied analysis, and the unconscious creative 800-260-5133/301-880-7700 323-228-1880 310-582-3485 at the Lee Strasberg Institute on scholar- process.” 10-12 students per class; private coaching 15 student max; All levels; Auditing is permit- Private coaching only ship and offers ongoing individual perfor- available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; ted; Ongoing Slavin’s training includes extensive study mance coaching combining Strasberg’s Ongoing The New Collective LA is a monthly mem- ROBERT BEECHER with Uta Hagen and Roy London. She offers methods with her own. She coaches Stage 13 These Alexander Technique classes will bership organization for actors. We are the a variety of services for group or private individuals on audition techniques, cold 10749 New Haven St., #15 guide you to a dynamic experience of kin- only studio in Los Angeles that offers a con- instruction, including scene study, technique, readings, character creation, scene Sun Valley, CA 91352 esthetic lightness, wherein thinking becomes servatory atmosphere for an affordable cold reading, and preparation for auditions. study, and text interpretation. [email protected] clearer, feelings balanced, sensations livelier, monthly rate.

38 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM www.stage13.com 14 students max; All levels; Auditing not per- THE SANFORD MEISNER STUDIO 818-768-5574 mitted; Ongoing; Work study available Alex Taylor 4 students per class; All levels; Auditing not Christensen, a former casting director for 4150 Riverside Dr., Ste. 205 SPOTLIGHT ON permitted; Ongoing “M*A*S*H,” teaches ongoing classes that 4150 Riverside Dr., Ste. 205, CA 91505 LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES Beecher’s Stage 13 offers four one-hour assist actors in becoming the most confi- [email protected] sessions of one-on-one coaching on dent, powerful, and compelling individuals www.thesanfordmeisnerstudio.com scenes, commercials, monologues, cold they can be. 818-335-1140 casing and production of plays. [email protected] reading, or interview material for $80 on 12-14 students per class; All levels; Interview shawnnelson.info an ongoing basis or by appointment. required for acceptance, audit by arrange- SANDRA CARUSO 818-762-8439 ment after the interview; Onging intensives; SCOTT SEDITA ACTING STUDIOS 11916 Saltair Terrace 10 students max; industry referral only; traditional Meisner programs begin in Janu- Scott Sedita, Tony Rago ROBERT D’AVANZO Los Angeles, CA 90049 Intermediate, advanced, and professional; ary and in September 526 N. Larchmont Blvd. 2811 Magnolia Blvd. [email protected] Free audit required; Ongoing, every Tuesday Led by Alex Taylor, The Sanford Meisner Stu- Los Angeles, CA 90004 Burbank, CA 91505 310-476-5113 evening dio is a dynamic and inspiring acting center [email protected] [email protected] Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not Nelson, coach to stars and working actors that gives students a clear, step-by-step www.scottseditaacting.com; www.sitco- www.robertdavanzo.com permitted; Ongoing for over 25 years, teaches weekly on-camera approach to the craft of acting. The studio’s macting.com; www.makingitinhollywood- 818-508-0723 Caruso, actor/director and professor in the classes. Work and notes are recorded on the pure Meisner training allows actors to gain book.com 16 students per class; Intermediate, UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, actor’s mini-DVD or memory stick. advanced, and professional; Auditing is per- studied with Meisner, Strasberg, Hagen, and confidence in their artistic choices and 323-465-6152, Fax: 323-465-6202 mitted by appt.; Ongoing and by sessions Katselas, graduated from the NYU Theatre develop the complete freedom to express. 16 students per class; private coaching D’Avanzo describes his classes as Department, and holds a master’s degree Other:Conservatory/University available.; All levels; Limited auditing per- SOUTH COAST REPERTORY “dynamic and thorough scene study from UCLA. mitted; contact the studio for specifics; P.O. Box 2197 classes where the actor works every week SANTA CLARITA SCHOOL OF Ongoing Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2197 in a prepared scene.” Based on teach- Former agent and casting director Scott [email protected] SANDRA K. HORNER PERFORMING ARTS Sedita, the 2008 Back Stage Readers’ www.scr.org ings of Uta Hagen. Teaches 6-week on- 23502 Lyons Ave. Ste. 105 camera cold reading class. PERFORMANCE STUDIO Choice winner for favorite acting coach, is 714-708-5577, Fax: 714-708-5529 [email protected] Santa Clarita, CA 91321 also the author of the best-selling books “The 18 students (youth and teen class); 20 www.sandrakhorner.com [email protected] Eight Characters of Comedy” and “Scott (adult class); 30 (professional intensive); All ROBERT F. LYONS 818-997-6740, Fax: 818-997-6740 www.scsopa.com Sedita’s Guide to Making It in Hollywood.” levels; Auditing is not permitted; Ongoing; [email protected] 6-12 students per class; private coaching 661-222-7910Other:Young Performers The Scott Sedita Acting Studio is where the Work study permitted on a case-by-case www.insideacting.com available; All levels; Free monthly demo actor’s craft and career come together. basis 818-766-6480 classes; Ongoing; Barters are available SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE Sedita has helped developed the careers This respected Orange County theater has Private coaching available; All levels; Ongo- Horner teaches a pure form of Robert Lewis’ of Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Christopher an extensive education program through ing ACTORS’ WORKSHOP script analysis which empowers your audi- 1211 Fourth St., Ste. 201 Meloni, Emma Roberts, Josh Duhamel, the Theatre Conservatory, directed by Hisa Lyons is a working actor-teacher who tions and puts you in command of any text. Chace Crawford, and many others. The Takakuwa. The conservatory includes a wants his students to “learn what to apply Santa Monica, CA 90401-1391 [email protected] Scott Sedita Acting Studio is divided into two progressive multiyear youth and teen pro- and how to apply with actual workable departments: comedy and drama. Scott gram, with its introductory summer theater technique.” Students who have studied THE SANFORD MEISNER CENTER www.santamonicaplayhouse.com 5124 Lankershim Blvd. teaches the One Day Sitcom Intensive, and workshop. The adult program, for those 18 with Lyons include Juliette Lewis, Heather 310-394-9779, ext. 673, Fax: 310-393-5573 North Hollywood, CA 91601 On-Camera Sitcom class with Tony Rago. and older, offers weekly evening classes Locklear, Danny Masterson, Clea DuVall, 15 students max; private coaching avail- [email protected] Scott also teaches the Professional Audition in beginning through advanced acting, Jason Dohring, and many others. able; All levels; Auditing not permitted; 6- to www.themeisnercenter.com 12-week sessions; Internships available Technique class. Deborah Quayle teaches improvisation, acting for the camera, musi- 818-509-9651 “To the actor,” says co-artistic director Chris the On-Camera TV/Film Drama class. Patrick cal theater, screenwriting, and play writing. THE SACRED ACTOR 20 students max; All levels; Auditing allowed DeCarlo, “class is that special environ- Munoz teaches Nuts & Bolts, Introduction The four acting levels take students from Josh Galitsky after interview only; By sessions ment we create for ourselves in which we to TV/Film Acting, and provides training in the fundamentals through advanced tech- 3017B Second St. The Sanford Meisner Center believes that may practice the ritual of discovering our voice and speech. Elizabeth Bauman teach- nique, including individual instruction in Santa Monica, CA 90405 the purpose of an acting school is to get creative being.” That’s the kind of environ- es the on-camera kids workshop. performance, scene work, characterization, [email protected] actors working professionally, and that ment DeCarlo strives to create at the Santa and script analysis. The Professional Intensive www.sacredactor.com begins with professional-level training. Monica Playhouse in this eight-week work- SHARON CHATTEN Program is an eight-week summer course 310-392-8212 To do something well, you need to do shop that uses improv to teach actors to Venice, CA for serious career actors, who are accepted 6-10 students per class; All levels; Audit- it every day. With those tenets in mind, make powerful and immediate choices for [email protected] through audition. Classes include audition ing by appt. only; Sessions start each the center has developed powerful pro- auditions, as well as performance work, by www.sharonchatten.com technique, script analysis, voice, Shake- month; Work study may be available grams to get actors results. Launched unleashing creativity, developing exciting 213-486-4229/310-650-4030 speare, and physical characterization. The through accompanying theatres in 1995 by Sanford Meisner and Martin characters, and conquering the critic within. Private coaching available; All levels; Ongo- director of the Professional Intensive Program A safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmen- Barter, the center is the only school in Los He is entering his 40th year as director of ing is LADCC winner Karen Hensel, who teaches tal environment. “Devised Theatre” Angeles founded with Mr. Meisner him- the workshop. Acceptance to classes is by Ongoing classes include: scene work for film alongside a staff of seasoned professionals. approach uses challenging, fun, explor- self. Now headed by Martin Barter, Mr. interview only. & TV, audition techniques, relaxation, sensory Other:Young Performers atory process to conquer fears and Meisner’s assistant for over 12 years, the work, and improvs. Current clients include: create dynamic, original material for center teaches the Meisner technique Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Justin Bieber, Marg production. SCOTT COLOMBY WORKSHOP STAGING COURT ACTORS LAB in its original two-year program the way [email protected] Helgenberger, Keri Russell, and Scott Speed- Cheryl Lubin Sandy taught it. Accelerated five-week www.scottcolomby.com man. at The Complex Hollywood SAM CHRISTENSEN STUDIOS intensives are also offered, as well as 323-650-6472 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. 10440 Burbank Blvd. graduate-level scene-study classes and Auditing is encouraged SHAWN NELSON FILM ACTING Los Angeles, CA 90038 North Hollywood, CA 91601 screenwriting classes. Graduates have Colomby’s workshop was originally con- [email protected] [email protected] gone on to win 10 Academy Awards, MASTER CLASS www.stagingcourtworkshops.com ceived as a class geared toward the actor’s c/o Actor’s Workout Studio www.samchristensen.com eight Emmys, and six Tonys. personal growth within the confines of a 818-317-0140 818-506-0783, Fax: 818-506-8941 Other:Conservatory/University 4735 Lankershim Blvd. scene study group, but now includes show- Studio City, CA 91602 Continued on page 40—

BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 39 STEVE TRUITT COACHING mitted; Ongoing performance of its life through him. [email protected] Theatre Group Studio teaches Method act- SPOTLIGHT ON www.stevetruitt.com ing using objective, problem, action, emo- THE VISION ACTING STUDIO LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES 310-463-9056 tional memory, and imagination along with Justine Visone Private coaching only; Auditing not permit- the inner creative state, super objective, and 818-506-4302 —continued from page 39 ted; Ongoing core as defined by Stanislavsky. 12-15 students per class; private coaching Truitt is a working host as well as a certified available; Interview required 15 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- ty,” Lloyd’s actors training center focuses on life coach and NLP practitioner. He coaches THEATRE WEST ASSOCIATE Uses the Meisner technique word games, ted; Ongoing talent development, career coaching, and actors in hosting, standup, copy interpreta- PROGRAM improvisation exercises, monologues, and Staging Court offers a unique, nurturing, establishing connections in the entertain- tion, and guides them to discovering the 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W. cold reading on-camera to record prog- and rigorous approach to improvisation ment industry. keys to success. Los Angeles, CA 90068 ress. Workshops include professional guest and scene study for actors in the heart of [email protected] speakers and a professional showcase. Hollywood. A renowned nationwide speaker STEPHEN BOOK ACTING STUART ROGERS’ ACTING 323-851-4839 on courtroom drama, Lubin uses techniques STUDIO 6-20 students per class; All levels; Audition WALLACE AUDITION TECHNIQUE from the courtroom to help students rec- WORKSHOP [email protected] Theatre Tribe is required; Ongoing; Internship program Castaway Studios ognize nuance, passion, sense of place, www.stephenbook.com 5267 Lankershim Blvd. available with $10-per-month fee and a [email protected] and intense scene study and audition 323-461-4263 North Hollywood, CA 91601 work requirement of 10 volunteer hours per www.wallaceauditiontechnique.com techniques. Private coaching available; Must attend a [email protected] month. 323-960-7852 free seminar to be eligible to apply; Ongo- www.stuartrogersstudios.com This program provides a weekly three-hour 8 students max; All levels; Auditing on a STAN ROTH ing 888-579-5738 class conducted by Laura James, profes- case-by-case basis; Classes run in 6-week West Hollywood, CA Book, an author and former faculty member Private coaching available; All levels; By ses- sional director-teacher-actor. Theatre West cycles [email protected] at Juilliard and USC, teaches a technique for sions and ongoing has been a professional artistic cooperative Voted favorite audition teacher in the 2010 www.stanroth.com improvising performances while speaking Rogers has taught for the last 10 years.His for actors, writers, directors and designers for Back Stage Readers’ Choice poll, Wallace’s 323-930-2424 scripted lines. students have won Emmys, Golden Globes, almost 50 years. technique gives actors the tools to relax, 2 students per class; private coaching and Tony Awards. The studio offers classes own the room, and book the job. available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; in scene study and audition technique for TIGERTAINMENT STUDIOS Ongoing STEPPENWOLF WEST [email protected] all levels. Westwood, CA WAYNE C. DVORAK Stan Roth teaches 2-person cold reading www.steppclasseswest.com Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading [email protected] 1949 Hillhurst Ave. and scene study intensive classes and offers Small class sizes; All levels; advanced level www.tigertainment.com Los Angeles, CA 90027 private audition coaching at his studio in requires audition; Free introductory work- STUDIO C ARTISTS 310-287-9809 www.waynedvorak.com the West Hollywood area. Admission is by shops several times a year; 8-to-12-week ses- John Coppola and Michael Sonntag 12 students max; All levels; Auditing permit- 323-462-5328 interview and audition. sions, special workshops vary 6448 Santa Monica Blvd. ted with RSVP; Classes periodically through- 12 students per class; private coaching Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading Offers exclusive scene study, viewpoints, Los Angeles, CA 90038 out the year; Work study available available; Beginner, intermediate, and pro- and improvisation classes as well as [email protected] Director-producer Michael John’s studio fessional; Free audit required; Sessions twice STEINLEIN PRODUCTIONS audition, on-camera, and Shakespeare www.studiocartists.com offers acting workshops in cold reading, a year INSTITUTE workshops. Classes are taught by mem- 323-988-1175, Fax: 323-988-2144 audition techniques, and stage combat. Dvorak has been a teacher for over 20 years Iris Steinlein bers of Steppenwolf Theatre’s acclaimed 20 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- and holds a BFA and an MFA in theater. He 5405 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 273 ensemble and award-winning profes- ted; Ongoing; Internships are available TIM PHILLIPS STUDIO - LA/NY teaches a full two-year professional level Los Angeles, CA 90036 sionals in an environment where actors’ Offers a curriculum of acting classes, career- 2124 S. Redondo Blvd. Meisner program. [email protected] work is respected and practicing craft is related seminars, and workshops. Teachers Los Angeles, CA 90016 Other:Business of Acting www.steinleinproductions.com paramount. are industry professionals who train each [email protected] 323-934-6280 actor to use and market his or her individual www.timphillipsstudio.com WCI STUDIOS-BILLY COWART 15 students max; Beginner and intermedi- STEVE RAILSBACK talents, assets, and personality. 310-772-8262 (LA); 212-505-5593 (NY) 7542 Collett Ave. ate; Auditing not permitted; By sessions, Artworks Theatre 10 students per class; private coaching Lake Balboa, CA private coaching year-round; All participants 6583 Santa Monica Blvd. SUSAN GIOSA’S ACTING available; Advanced and professional; [email protected] will undergo an audition for a short film shot Los Angeles, CA 90038 WORKSHOP Interview and audit required for all classes; www.wcistudios.com in August 310-780-7080 Santa Monica, CA Ongoing 310-230-5358 Young actors receive intensive training on 14 students max; private coaching avail- [email protected] Phillips currently has three ongoing “On 8 students per class; private coaching avail- the international level. Learn innovative tech- able; All levels; Auditing is permitted www.susangiosa.com Camera” audition classes and monthly able; All levels; serious students only; adults niques for your craft and gain new perspec- Actor and coach Steve Railsback was a 310-828-8544 “Sherlock Holmesing The Text” lectures. and children; Two-hour intro session and one tives during this individualized program. student of Lee Strasberg and the Actors 20 students max, Private coaching available; free class; Ongoing Studio and has spent several years working All levels; Auditing is permitted and manda- TOM TODOROFF STUDIO The studio of working actors specializes in STEPHANIE LLOYD ON CAMERA in film, television, and theater. Railsback feels tory; Ongoing at the Magicopolis Theatre realism, overcoming the right/left brain bat- an actor’s performance is more than the Award-winning actor Giosa, who trained 1418 Fourth St. tle, and the physiology of feelings. Classes ACTORS’ WORKSHOP are on-camera and in audition format, with 949-497-8274 memorization of words and exclusively works extensively with Larry Moss, teaches a Santa Monica, CA 90401 with actors committed to and passionate unique emotional technique. Classes focus [email protected] industry guest teachers in addition to staff, Private coaching available and a 13-hour marketing intensive. Billed as “the L.A. Workshop in Orange Coun- about their craft. on scene study, emotional exercises, script www.tomtodoroff.com Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading analysis, advanced character work, and 310-428-3388 auditioning. Class size varies; All levels; Ongoing WEIST-BARRON-HILL ACTING The class provides a personalized road map FOR TELEVISION AND FILM TAKE AFTER TAKE to reach your highest potential as an actor 4300 W. Magnolia Blvd. COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP [email protected] in a uniquely supportive environment. Actors Burbank, CA 91505 www.takeaftertake.com work on scenes, monologues, auditioning, [email protected] Veteran actor-producer-director Dennis musical pieces, cold reading, on-camera www.weistbarronhillacting.com 6 WEEK ON-CAMERA Sakamoto offers two one-day professional technique, and original material. Ongoing 818-846-5595 workshops to prepare actors for the reality of weekly class in N.Y. Two-day intensives every All levels; Auditing is permitted acting on a film set. other month in L.A. Offers an array of on-camera classes, but Learn How To Make 30 Seconds Work For You. the centerpiece is the 10-session commer- TED BRUNETTI STUDIO TONY TORRISI’S ACTING cial TV workshop. They use their own cold 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave. WORKSHOP reading technique, devised over the years. Los Angeles, CA 90028 310-569-1439 AUDITION TO WIN [email protected] Small class sizes; private coaching available; WENDY HAINES IGNITE YOUR www.tedbrunettistudio.com Auditing is permitted; Ongoing CAREER WORKSHOPS 310-403-0213 A 35-year acting veteran, he now teaches [email protected] with TERRY BERLAND 8-10 per class; private coaching available; classes covering cold reading, improvisation, www.wendyhaines.com All levels; Call for free audit, enrollment by scene work, and camera technique, for “a 310-395-3246 CASTING DIRECTOR & author of interview and referral only; By sessions and well-rounded approach.” 30 students per class; private coaching ongoing; Work study available available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; BREAKING INTO COMMERCIALS Uta Hagen’s protégé, producer, director, TVI ACTORS STUDIO Ongoing; Work study available upon request coach, and actor, Ted Brunetti is executive 14429 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 118 Haines developed a system to master the producer/creator of a half-hour pilot for Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 “inner game” of succeeding in your acting Fox, in addition to several other multimedia [email protected] career. “Discover what holds you back, effec- projects in development. Ted is faculty/ www.tvistudios.com tively move beyond what keeps you stuck, Learn how to give the guest faculty at the most prestigious direct- 818-784-6500, Fax: 818-784-6533 and set goals to achieve what you want.” ing and acting programs/institutions across 16 students per class; All levels; Auditing small commercial space the U.S., training directors and producers at is permitted for some courses; By sessions THE WORKSHOP WITH JEFFREY USC’s School of Cinematic Arts as well as and ongoing; Internships and work study multiple dimensions and their Peter Stark Program, YouTube Creative available TAMBOR Santa Monica Playhouse Institute, The American Film Institute, and TVI offers comprehensive and affordable 1211 Fourth St. reveal depth and layers Occidental College; and training actors acting classes, workshops, and seminars in Santa Monica, CA 90401 at the Ted Brunetti Studio, HB Studio (NYC), all of its locations, including acting for film, [email protected] of your personality in less The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, television, and musical theater. SAG Conservatory, Howard Fine Studio, etc. www.jeffreytamborworkshop.com than 30 seconds. Brunetti has worked with James Gandolfini, Private coaching available; All levels; Audit- THE VALLETTA WORKSHOP ing is permitted; Ongoing George C. Scott, Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Al Valletta Whoopi Goldberg, Drew Carey, Mark Feuer- The Workshop provides a challenging yet [email protected] safe environment for artists to test their stein (role for “Royal Pains”), Wanda Sykes, www.vallettaworkshop.com Mike Epps, Nichole Tom, Tyra Banks, Mya, boundaries, grow and reignite the passion Includes meeting an agent. 760-941-3208 or 760-271-0501 that led them to career in the arts. Scott Krinsky, Bren Foster, Stephen Sondheim, 20 students max; All levels; One audit permit- Jerry Zaks, Donald Petrie, Dan Petrie, Sr., ted; Ongoing 310-275-0601 Rob Marshall, Diane Paulus, and many oth- Valletta has taught acting for film and AUDITION Enrollment does not guarantee employment ers. Brunetti’s on-camera acting/audition TV for over 30 years. His workshop offers TECHNIQUE/ classes focus on “Preparing to WORK, Not 8-week programs on film and TV acting, with Audition”; Marilyn McIntyre’s “Up Close & showcases presented throughout the year. COLD READING Personal” on “Personalization of Material + Classes for adults, teens, and kids. Camera Work”; and “The Business of Acting,” THE CASTING PLAYHOUSE on having professional materials and tools VAN EPPERSON Raleigh Studios in place. Brunetti keeps fees as affordable 650 N. Bronson Ave. as possible. ITA Workshop Academy 10820 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004 Culver City, CA 90232 [email protected] THE WILLIAM ALDERSON [email protected] www.thecastingplayhouse.com ACTING STUDIO 310-839-8311 310-922-6821 1103 N. El Centro Ave. 10 students max; private coaching avail- 14 students max; private coaching avail- Los Angeles, CA 90038 able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongo- able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongo- [email protected] ing ing www.aldersonstudio.com Epperson is a working professional actor Created by CD Jason Buyer,the Casting 323-466-0799 with extensive film, TV, and stage credits, as Playhouse offers kids, teens, and adults 12-16 students per class; private coaching well as directing credits. He offers on-camera group and private audition technique available; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; cold reading and audition technique classes, all on camera with honest and Ongoing classes. direct feedback. William Alderson has been teaching the Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study Meisner technique for over 40 years. Through THE VINCENT CHASE CHARLENE TILTON AND BOB various exercises and scene study students are professionally trained to use their instinc- WORKSHOP RUSCH 1206 N. Detroit St. T.U. Studios tive and intuitive approach to character. All 10943 Camarillo St. students work in every class. West Hollywood, CA 90046 [email protected] North Hollywood, CA 91602 www.vincentchaseworkshop.com [email protected] THEATRE GROUP STUDIO 323-851-2685 www.tiltonruschacting.com Lorinne Vozoff, artistic director 2-8 students per class; private coaching 323-229-2753 2653 S. Robertson Blvd. available for auditions and film assignments; 15 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- Los Angeles, CA 90034 All levels; Auditing is permitted and recom- ted; Ongoing [email protected] mended On-camera audition technique for half-hour www.theatregroupstudio.com The workshop is geared to teach the actor comedy, hourlong drama, and film roles 310-839-9771 how to make his audience give the best by putting the actor in a professional audi- 12 students max; All levels; Auditing not per- 40 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM tion setting. Helps the actor make strong their careers. Skoff creates a positive environ- ence, but will consider beginners with strong choices, improve their cold-reading skills, ment that encourages actors to challenge potential. Tuitions vary. and develop better “in the room” presence, their skills and make exciting choices. SPOTLIGHT ON which enables them to audition with more Industry professionals visit and work with the JENIFER PARKER - NO FEARE LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES confidence. class. Skoff holds a B.A. in theater, film, and Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study; On- television from UCLA. Classes are purchased SHAKESPEARE PO Box 92299 Camera Technique by the month. Disclaimer: No guarantee of Pasadena, CA 91109 employment. In her 30-plus years in the business, Barry [email protected] SANDY HOLT/VOICECASTER DAVID LEHMAN STUDIO Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study has been an audition teacher, appeared [email protected] 626-660-8818 in more than 400 national TV commer- 310-271-8217 Julia Huffman, teacher and director Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not 1819 W. Verdugo PAUL GUTRECHT cials, cast hundreds more, published tape Private coaching available permitted; Ongoing programs for actors on the market, and Sandy Holt, a Chicago Second City alum, Burbank, CA [email protected] 20+ years’ experience training contempo- [email protected] www.auditionandactingcoach.com directed an Off-Broadway musical. Barry’s teaches a voiceover workshop for commer- rary actors to successfully handle Shake- programs offer commercial, improv, hosting, cials and animation that covers sharpening www.filmactingcoach.com 888-732-3257 speare, European, and American classical 818-749-3628 Ongoing and acting workshops. audition skills and booking the job, making styles of acting with confidence and techni- the copy your own and being original, hav- 12 students max; All levels; Free audit avail- Small classes, semiprivate and private cal proficiency . able; Ongoing coaching that focus on the work-life realities COMMERCIAL ACTING WITH ing fun playing different characters, and After studying with David for 8 years, Julia of actors. Use ongoing audition simulations BUDDY POWELL improvising and learning recording tech- Huffman is now the studio director and to prep for any upcoming auditions. Learn KATE GEER’S SHAKESPEARE Hollywood and North Hollywood, CA niques. Holt produces demos custom-made teacher of David Lehman’s Studio. Classes to handle anything that throws you off, from SURVIVAL SCHOOL www.buddypowell.com to the actor’s talents. cover cold reading and on-camera memo- a distracting waiting-room environment to Kate Geer Class size varies; Adult beginner; Auditing Other:Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction rized scenes. on-the-fly adjustments to your work at audi- [email protected] is permitted; registration free to adults over Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study tions or on set. www.shakespearesurvival.com 62; Ongoing; enrollment open September STUART STONE CASTING Other:On-Camera Technique 310-455-4295 through June [email protected] 15 students max; All levels; Auditing not per- Learn the skills necessary to pursue a career www.commercialacting.net ELIZABETH BAUMAN mitted; Ongoing contact@elizabethbaumanactingcoach. in commercial acting. Free registration for 323-645-4433 THE RICHARD LAWSON STUDIOS The purpose of Geer’s class is to give com 4450 Tobias Ave. students 60+. Award-winning casting director for com- each actor a solid base in the classics. www.elizabethbaumanactingcoach.com Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 mercials, voiceovers, film, print, and television, Geer believes after an actor conquers the 323-385-5237 [email protected] Stuart Stone has created a commercials classics “the rest is easy.” Students of all DAN BALESTRERO - Private coaching for individuals and small www.richardlawson.net/studio/index.html workshop to teach actors how to audition levels work together in the same environ- MASTERINGVOICEOVER.COM groups; All levels; Ongoing 818-793-8767, Fax: 818-990-0369 with his proven audition techniques that has ment using an integration of approaches. Agua Dulce, CA 91390 Bauman apecializes in monologue work, Scene study: 50 students; improv: 20 stu- helped many actors book commercial and Basic scansion, text analysis, verse, and [email protected] training the actor to engage the material dents; on-camera: 20 students; ongoing film jobs, learn what advertisers and direc- prose are taught to lay a solid technical www.masteringvoiceover.com and develop an intimate connection with it. audition: 20 students; private coaching tors are looking for, understand their type, foundation for the actor. Students expand 661.450 6004 or 310.827.3500 She will also construct custom monologues available; All levels; Auditing not permitted and develop what makes a successful work- and perfect audition material, polish the 10 students max; private coaching avail- for an actors, drawing from their own per- but there is a free open class once a month; ing commercial actor. His students become fine points of speech and delivery tech- able; All levels; Free introductory seminar; sonal experiences and values. 16-week sessions (on-camera class) and working actors. nique, and work on more intricate scenes Ongoing ongoing from Shakespeare as well as other classic Dan Balestrero has taught vocal technique Lawson is an award-winning actor-director HOLLY POWELL STUDIOS literature. Actors are encouraged and for actors, singers and voiceover artists for TERRY BERLAND - BERLAND with 40 years’ experience and 30 years’ 11650 Riverside Dr., #3 welcome to use the class to develop con- over a quarter of a century. Balestrero’s CASTING experience as a master teacher, offering Studio City, CA 91602 temporary audition monologues. Each classes and workshops emphasize cold Terry Berland scene study classes, improv classes, on- [email protected] actor is treated on an individual basis reading skills, breath and voice develop- c/o 310 Casting Studios camera auditioning classes, on-camera www.hollypowellstudios.com according to their own needs and inter- ment, voiceover styles, naturalness of 2329 Purdue Ave. classes (acting for film, filmmaking and 818-377-4588 ests. Classes are located at the Carousel delivery, home studio setup, and business Los Angeles, CA 90064 career concept development). 12 students max; Professional; admission to Stage, Topanga, CA. Geer has extensive networking skills. Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study class is by referral or a picture and resume list of theatrical credits, including roles in Continued on page 42— must be submitted; Auditing not permitted; repertory with ACT, APA, Stratford Shake- JEFF GERRARD CASTING 4-week sessions RISA BRAMON GARCIA MASTER speare Festival, and the Los Angeles INTENSIVE FOUR-WEEK Emmy Award–winning former casting direc- CLASS Theatre Center. She is currently active in tor, Holly Powell, teaches 4-week audition Los Angeles, CA television and film and has worked with COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP workshops that demystify the audition pro- [email protected] such notables as Eve Le Gallienne, Ellis [email protected] cess. Other actors “act as” producers as the risabg.com Rabb, William Ball, Jules Irving, and John www.jeffgerrard.com actor travels through the “pre-read” with the 818-986-9777 Houseman. Geer is a founding member 818-782-9900, Fax: 818-782-0030 casting director, the “callback” for producers, 15-20 actors per master class; Professional; of Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. 10-12 students max; private coaching avail- reading for studio executives and “testing” Auditing not permitted; By monthly sessions She has been a teacher and a director able; All levels; Auditing is not permitted; By at the network. All auditions are on-camera A full-day workshop that focuses on the of classical and contemporary acting for sessions only four times per year and tools are given to transform the actor’s audition and acting for the camera: inter- many years. Ms. Geer is building a small Jeff Gerrard has been offering this commer- mental focus into that of an athlete. preting the text, making the best choices for repertory group to perform free Shake- cial intensive for over 25 years. The four-week Other:On-Camera Technique the scene and the character, connecting speare for the public. workshop is offered four times a year and with the other character(s), staying truthful, covers the business and technical side of authentic, relaxed, confident while making commercial acting, including specific kinds JACK HELLER MARTIN JAGO of commercial demands: eating, singing, 323-850-6328 the boldest choices for oneself. Class is by Los Angeles, CA Private coaching only; All levels invitation, with professional references. m.o.s., props, cue cards, dialogue-driven [email protected] spots, and improvisations with fellow actors. Jack Heller is an award-winning director, Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study www.martinjago.net working actor, and lifetime member the 323-590-2865 Actors Studio. He studied with Harold Clur- STEVE EASTIN STUDIO 15-20 students per class; All levels; Auditing is KALMENSON & KALMENSON man, Robert Lewis, and Uta Hagen. 10107 Camarillo St. permitted; Classes by appt. only VOICE CASTING Toluca Lake, CA 91602 Jago’s special emphasis is on classical the- Donna DuBain, director of education JAMES HARPER [email protected] ater, focusing on Shakespeare. Author of “To 105 S. Sparks St. [email protected] www.eastinstudio.com Play or Not to Play,” an acting Shakespeare Burbank, CA 91506 818-749-4678 818-980-9828 how-to book. He adopts a practical, on-your- [email protected] Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not Private coaching available; Free audit feet working method to the Bard. www.kalmenson.com permitted; Ongoing provided Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study; 818-377-3600, ext. 111 A Juilliard graduate, an award-winning Eastin offers one of L.A.’s most respected Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction; On- 8-10 students per class; All levels; Auditing is actor/producer, and casting associate/ ongoing acting workshops at his studio in Camera Technique; Audition Technique/ not permitted; Ongoing consultant, he has taught master classes at Toluca Lake, Calif. Steve is a veteran work- Cold Reading The owners of Kalmenson & Kalmenson numerous universities and colleges through- ing actor himself. His scene with George A NOISE WITHIN commercial voice casting service have out the United States. Mr. Harper specializes Clooney and Anna Kendrick from Jason 234 S. Brand Blvd. spent over 25 years educating actors. in audition coaching and ongoing once Reitman’s “Up in the Air” appeared on the Glendale, CA 91204 Voiceover classes are available for all levels the job is secured. 2010 Academy Awards broadcast twice. He [email protected] and are taught in the same full-service Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study; On- has also had lead roles in such noteworthy www.anoisewithin.org recording studios where auditions are held Camera Technique films as “Field of Dreams,” “Con Air,” “Catch 818-240-0910, ext. 5 daily. Improv and scene study classes also Me If You Can,” “The Black Dahlia” and 5-20 students per class; private coaching offered. MARCI LIROFF’S AUDITION “Matchstick Men,” to name just a few. His available; All levels, including children; Work- recent guest-star TV appearances include ing audits are permitted; Ongoing; Acting KILLIAN’S COMMERCIAL BOOTCAMP “Cold Case,” “NCIS, “ and a recurring role [email protected] and production internships offered in fall WORKSHOP on “Dexter.” Eastin teaches all classes. They www.marciliroff.com and spring Killian McHugh are on camera with playback offered every 818-784-5434 The company offers conservatory and [email protected] fourth class. DVDs are available for student Small class size; private coaching available internship programs that provide focused, www.killiansworkshop.com use. Each student works every class and all via Skype; For working professionals, not personal attention from skilled, working pro- 323-645-6296 scene material is provided by the studio. beginners; Auditing is not permitted; Ses- fessionals in a welcoming environment that 12-15 students per class; All levels; Auditing Casting director workshops are offered in sions at certain times of the year; visit web- seeks to develop the whole artist.Conserva- not permitted; Sessions year-round association with producer Elise Hodge. A site for announcements tory classes include Speaking Shakespeare, Killian’s workshops are designed to empow- free audit is offered. A unique approach to Casting director Marci Liroff has a passion Acting Shakespeare, and the Classics er the actor and take the guessing out of acting is taught that eschews all “methods.” for teaching as well as casting. From “Blade Workout. the audition process. His technique puts the Tuition is $195 per month. Runner” and “ET” to “Mean Girls” and “Freaky actor in control and provides the knowledge Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study Friday” from “Indiana Jones and the Temple WILL GEER THEATRICUM and confidence needed to book the job. of Doom” and “Footloose” to “Ghosts of BOTANICUM ACADEMY OF THE Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study Girlfriends Past,” Marci Liroff has long been CLASSICAL one of the busiest casting directors in Hol- CLASSICS Ellen Geer, artistic director ORANGE COUNTY lywood. Having worked for over 30 years THE ANTAEUS ACADEMY 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd. COMMERCIAL ACTING with the industry’s top producers, directors, 5114 Lankershim Ave. Topanga, CA 90290 and actors, her extensive knowledge of the WORKSHOP North Hollywood, CA 91601 [email protected] casting process is invaluable for anyone Rod Michaelson [email protected]/theacademy www.theatricum.com looking to make the most of their audition [email protected] www.antaeus.org 310-455-2322, ext. 222, Fax: 310-455-3724 opportunities. www.occaw.com 818-506-5436, Fax: 818-506-5436 10-16 students per class; All levels; Ellen Other:Business of Acting 714-832-1895 26-28 students per class; Intermediate to Geer’s master class limited to professional 5-6 students per class; private coaching advanced; Auditing is permitted; Classical actors and directors, audition required; available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; MELISSA SKOFF Styles and Advanced Classical Styles meet Auditing not permitted; By sessions and 6-week sessions (beginning), 5-week ses- [email protected] in fall and spring; Shakespeare Workout ongoing; Internships available as well as sions (advanced) www.melissaskoff.com is ongoing; Limited work study internships a limited number of professional training Ron Michaelson, the “Ditech Guy” and a 818-760-2058 available packages working actor for more than 20 years, teach- Private coaching available for all ages; The Antaeus Academy offers advanced Offerings include a five-week, 90-hour es beginning and advanced on-camera Advanced and professional; Audition is training in the classics to actors ages 18-35. summer intensive Shakespeare seminar; commercial classes. His school, based in required for audit; Ongoing classes for A project of The Antaeus Company, L.A.’s a four-weekend, 65-hour winter intensive Tustin, also offers an improv class, a cold adults, ongoing teens and kids classes classical theater ensemble, the Academy shakespeare seminar; spring and summer reading technique class, and a scene study Casting director Skoff teaches cold reading trains actors in classical styles in a series of eight-week Shakespeare scene study and sitcom class. and audition technique classes for working 12-14 week scene study workshops. Classes monologue workshops; a winter eight-week Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; and advanced actors. Skoff teaches actors meet weekly and are moderated by a rotat- master class in classical theater; and a vari- Improv and Comedy how to get the callback and how to book ing group of Antaeus Company members, ety of technique workshops. the job. She has cast more than 100 feature directors, and acting teachers. Moderators Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study SANDRA MERRILL COMMERCIAL films, MOWs, pilots, and series. In 2001 she have included: Alfred Molina, Annette Ben- was named among Hollywood’s Top 20 TV ing, Gregory Itzin, and Kate Burton, among CLASS Casting Directors by Ross Reports. Her experi- others. Antaeus Artistic Director Jeanie COMMERCIALS/ [email protected] ence covers drama and comedy, including Hackett hosts most sessions. Each workshop VOICEOVER www.sandramerrill.com sketch comedy. There is an emphasis on culminates in a scene presentation for 323-662-7720 3-6 students per class; private coaching improvisation in the class, and she has invited guests, and actors who complete CAROLYNE BARRY’S worked with many well-known comics. Skoff two 14-week sessions become eligible for available; Ongoing has been a casting executive at Warner promotion into the A2, The Antaeus Acad- COMMERCIAL, IMPROV, AND A former casting director and talent agent, Bros. and Fox Broadcasting, as well as cast- emy Company of upcoming professional ACTING WORKSHOPS Merrill teaches on-camera commercial ing projects independently. Skoff has a keen actors. All actors participating in Academy www.carolynebarry.com classes and offers an insider’s perspective eye for talent and cast such stars as Vince Programs are eligible for casting in Antaeus 323-654-2212 into the casting process and successful Vaughn, Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Company readings, workshops, and produc- 14-18 students per class; All levels; Interview audition techniques. Prior acting experience Downey Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer, David Spade, tions. Admission by audition only; looking required for auditing; By sessions and ongo- recommended. Lauren Graham, and Catherine Bell early in for actors with classical training and experi- ing

BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 41 John Ruskin was Sanford Meisner’s appren- deliver shots: long, medium, two-shot, close-up, DANCE FOR THE ACTOR - tice, studying with him in New York and walk and talk, handheld, dolly, etc. Students THERESA HAYES SPOTLIGHT ON teaching for him at the Neighborhood are taught to think in shots, to understand Theresa Hayes LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES Playhouse in New York. The Ruskin School editing as it affects the actor and how to use 8205 Santa Monica Blvd., #1-132 offers a two-year course of study in the Mei- the technology to their advantage. West Hollywood, CA 90046 —continued from page 41 sner technique, as well as a master class for Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study [email protected] those who have previously completed the www.dancefortheactor.com two-year program. CHAD MCCORD ACTORS STUDIO 310-923-4787 www.berlandcasting.com com/home Other:Young Performers 310-775-6608 661-253-7853 717 N. Highland Ave., Ste. 24 No class size limit; private coaching available; All levels 8-15 students per class; Auditing not permit- Los Angeles, CA 90038 Beginner, intermediate; private coaching for Berland teaches an on-camera technique ted; Fall entrance only STELLA ADLER ACADEMY OF [email protected] all levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing workshop designed to enable talent to One of the nation’s leading professional ACTING - LOS ANGELES www.chadmccord.com Offers dance classes specifically for perform- give the small commercial space multiple training programs with an environment A Studio for Actors 323-868-9225 or 323-939-7339 ing artists. Theresa Hayes (“Sophisticated dimensions and reveal depth and layers designed to support the creation of new 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Fl. 10 students max; All levels; also youth class for Ladies,” “Dreamgirls,” “The Tap Dance Kid,”) is of their personality in less than 30 seconds. work and original interpretation. Los Angeles, CA 90028 ages 13-18; Auditing not permitted; must do a cum laude graduate of UCLA, where she She says, “Through becoming familiar with [email protected] consultation before enrolling; Ongoing received her B.A. in theater arts. how to utilize space, beats, and moments, EAST WEST PLAYERS ACTORS www.stellaadler-la.com Chad McCord offers weekly classes specializ- talent will then have control of their audition 323-465-4446, Fax: 323-469-6049 ing in script analysis, organic preparation and MIME THEATRE STUDIO and be able to apply who they are and CONSERVATORY 10-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing is audition technique. All classes are on-camera, Marilyn Tokuda [email protected] how they feel to any given situation. The end permitted; Ongoing; Work study available using current pilot, film, and TV material only. 120 N. Judge John Aiso St. www.mimetheatrestudio.com result will be a performance that is connect- Founded by one of the world’s most respect- Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study; Audi- Los Angeles, CA 90012 310-494-MIME ed and involved in the scene, as opposed ed acting teachers, the Stella Adler Studio tion Technique/Cold Reading [email protected] Private coaching also available; All levels; to a sell.” Berland is a Cleo Award-winning offers a two-year conservatory program and www.eastwestplayers.org Auditing not permitted; 2-day intensive work- casting director who has been casting com- individual classes. With six terms each year, CREATIVE COMBUSTION ACTING 213-625-7000, ext. 15, Fax: 213-625-7111 shops, ongoing weekly classes mercials for more than 20 years, co-author classes include: acting technique, film/stage 8-12 students per class; All levels; Auditing STUDIO Actors learn how to “make the invisible vis- of the book “Breaking Into Commercials,” scene study, script analysis, theater to film permitted with permission of the instructor; [email protected] ible,” using the body to express character, and called on nationally to teach com- audition technique, styles of acting, voice, Ongoing; Limited number of full and work- www.ccactingstudio.com thought, and emotion, and how to better mercial acting. In L.A., she offers a six-week movement, improvisation, Shakespeare, Chek- study scholarships available 310-285-6777 understand and use their movement. MTS on-camera workshop. hov, stage combat, dance, dialects, accent The nation’s largest producers of Asian 12 students max; private coaching available; director Lorin Eric Salm is a graduate of the reduction, and commercial skills, all culmi- All levels; Auditing permitted if contacted in Marcel Marceau Paris International School American artistic work and the longest- nating in a play/film production. Ongoing VOICEPRINT WEST running professional theater of color in the advance; Sessions Sept.-May with ongoing of Mimodrama and has been teaching for c/o 310 Casting Studios professional class instructors include Benicio intensives throughout the year over 20 years. country, they offer classes for emerging and Del Toro, Holland Taylor, Mark Ruffalo, Kate 2329 Purdue St. professional artists. Director and acting coach Joshua Finkel Los Angeles, CA 90064 Mulgrew, and Anthony Zerbe. offers classes for actors and public speakers SINGING/ [email protected] of all ages and levels. All work is on-camera www.voiceprintwest.com ORANGE COUNTY HIGH THEATRE OF ARTS and taped. MUSICAL THEATER 310-275-0601 SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Hollywood Plaza Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Act- All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing 1010 N. Main St. 6755 Hollywood Blvd., #500 ing Technique/Scene Study AUDITION SUCCESS WITH Seminars, workshops, one-day workouts and Santa Ana, CA 92701 Los Angeles, CA 90028 MICHAEL SARTOR events. Special home reads and self direct, [email protected] [email protected] JD FERRANTINO www.ocsarts.net Studio City, CA and marketing seminars offered. Up-to-the- www.toa.edu See the Screen Actors Studio. [email protected] minute training with working industry profes- 714-560-0900, Fax: 714-664-0463 323-463-2500, Fax: 323-463-2645 20-30 students per class; Must have min. 2.0 818-763-4898 sionals Terry Berland, Nick Omana, Allen Lulu 6-10 students per class; Application and 12 students max; private coaching available; GPA; Auditing not permitted; Aug.-June with audition required for entry into the program; LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTING! and others. Los Angeles and Orange County, CA All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing summer, weekend, and evening classes 12-week trimesters, 2-year program; Limited [email protected] L.A./NYC vocal coach and frequent audition available; Varies by conservatory work study and scholarships up to $5,000 www.lightscameraacting.com pianist, Sartor coaches performers seeking to CONSERVATORY/ Nationally recognized as a premier arts available 714-356-9800 develop musical theater performance skills. school, OCHSA encourages artistic creativity Theatre of Arts opened in 1927 and has UNIVERSITY 8 students per class; private coaching avail- He assists in selecting and arranging unique and academic excellence while providing evolved through the leadership of outstand- able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Seven audition material. students with a environment focused on ing directors like Max Reinhardt and Michael ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY five-week sessions per year; Work study/intern- individual growth, opportunity, and diversity. Chekhov into today’s accredited college for Acting School ships are available BILL HALLER - VOICE TEACHER 79 New Montgomery St., 4th Fl. the contemporary actor. PACIFIC CONSERVATORY OF A team of working actors coach in L.A. and 818-780-8240 San Francisco, CA 94105-3410 Orange County and offer group improv Private coaching opnly; All levels; Auditing not www.academyart.edu/ep/acting-school/ THE PERFORMING ARTS UCLA EXTENSION DEPARTMENT and on-camera classes. Students currently permitted; Ongoing index.html at Allan Hancock College OF ENTERTAINMENT STUDIES appear in “United States of Tara,” “The Middle,” Bill Haller trains singers in pop/Broadway belt 800-544-2787 800 S. College Dr. AND PERFORMING ARTS and many commercials. technique. He was named one of the top pri- Auditing not permitted; Ongoing Santa Maria, CA 93454-6399 [email protected] Other:Improv and Comedy; Acting Tech- vate coaches in Back Stage West’s 2006 Best Founded by artists for artists, the Academy [email protected] www.uclaextension.edu/entertainmentstud- nique/Scene Study of L.A. readers’ poll. of Art University, San Francisco, School of www.pcpa.org ies Motion Pictures & Television/Acting contin- 805-928-7731, Fax: 805-928-7506 310-825-9064 ON-CAMERA CLASSES WITH BOB GARRETT ues to improve and expand its accredited 12-18 students per class; admission by audi- This program offers a diverse and compre- A.A., BFA, and MFA programs. Recent classes tion; All levels; Auditing by permission only; By CHRISTINNA CHAUNCEY [email protected] hensive acting curriculum taught by indus- 3575 Cahuenga Blvd. West www.bobgarrett.net have been added under the supervision of sessions; EMC Program try professionals. Courses cover all aspects department director Diane Baker: Advanced Each year, 30 students train as members of Ste. 125 818-506-5526 of the business, from using props on set to Los Angeles, CA 90068 Master class available; All levels; Auditing not Acting for Performance; Advanced Voice: the professional equity company and also managing a career. Speech and Singing; Advanced Movement: graduate with approximately 76 units of [email protected] permitted; By sessions, six times per year Alexander Technique; and Modern Dance. lower-division drama credits. www.oncameraclasses.com Garrett offers private voice classes and musi- These classes assume a love and dedica- ON-CAMERA 818-720-3052 cal theater workshops. His techniques focus tion to the acting craft. All classes are taught PROMENADE PLAYHOUSE AND TECHNIQUE 10 students per class; private coaching avail- on breath control and support, expanding in world-class facilities with top industry able; All levels; interview required; Auditing is range, voice placement, calming nerves, and professionals. CONSERVATORY permitted; Ongoing classes as well as sea- preparation of audition—technically, emotion- 1404 Third St. Promenade ANDREA MORRIS’ ONLINE sonal; Work-study program available ally, and presentationally. Santa Monica, CA 90401 AUDITIONING AND ON-CAMERA Focuses on developing strong cold-read, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF [email protected] audition, and on-camera skills specific to tele- CAROL WEISS MUSICAL THEATER DRAMATIC ARTS - LA www.promenadeplayhouse.com CLASS vision. Chauncey has more than 15 years’ pro- 1336 N. La Brea Ave. 310-656-8070, Fax: 310-656-8069 Los Angeles, CA 90027 WORKSHOP fessional experience in front of and behind 1249 N. Lodi Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90028 10-15 students per class; private coaching [email protected] the camera. [email protected] available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; www.andreamorris.com/class Los Angeles, CA 90038 Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading; Act- [email protected] www.aada.edu Four quarters a year with customized pro- 323-744-1253 ing Technique/Scene Study 800-222-2867, Fax: 323-464-1128 grams available monthly; Work-study pro- 8 students max; All levels; Ongoing www.carolweissmusic.com Class focused on online auditioning and 323-460-6006 12-16 students per class; All levels; Auditing gram available SCREEN ACTORS STUDIO not permitted; Ongoing Since 1995, founder and artistic director, detailed on-camera work. Students are Class size varies; All levels encouraged to use the class either as a train- Sonia Lopes, JD Ferrantino Carol Weiss is an accomplished musical America’s first and foremost acting conser- Natalia Lazarus has been at the helm of Los Angeles, CA 90048 vatory, The Academy was founded in 1884 the Conservatory, which includes an Equity- ing tool or in conjunction with their represen- director, who has worked at the Sacramento tation. For instance, an actor’s coached audi- [email protected] Music Circus, the Los Angeles Civic Light to train actors in the disciplines required to approved theater, renowned 3rd Street www.screenactorsstudio.com be a working professional. The Los Angeles Comedy & The Promenade Players Theatre tion is uploaded to a private video link which Opera, and the South Bay CLO. Her classes the actor’s rep can then forward to casting. 310-358-5942 prepare students for musical theater the way campus offers a two-year conservatory Company. The Conservatory helps actors 12 students max; private coaching for audi- program, culminating in an Associate of with customized programs through Meisner, Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study singers train for opera. tions available; All levels; Free class audit and Other:Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction Arts degree in acting. Areas covered in the Adler, Strasberg, on-camera, and screenwrit- audition; Ongoing; Work study/internship conservatory program are acting, voice ing. BRAD’S CLASS! FILM ACTING program available and speech, movement, theater history and WORKSHOP Lopes and Ferrantino teach on-camera CAROLE D’ANDREA styles, fencing, makeup, musical theater, and THE RUSKIN SCHOOL OF Brad Greenquist [email protected] workshops at Exclusive Casting for all levels. www.caroledandrea.com Shakespeare, among others. ACTING The Promenade Playhouse They offer film and commercial classes for kids Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study 1404 Third St. 310-281-7116 3021 Airport Ave. and adults. 15-20 students per class; private coaching Santa Monica, CA 90405 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study; Com- CALARTS SCHOOL OF THEATER [email protected] available; All levels; Auditing is permitted; [email protected] mercials/Voiceover Ongoing 24700 McBean Parkway www.ruskinschool.com www.bradsclass.com Valencia, CA 91355-2340 12 students max; private coaching available; D’Andrea’s 50-year career includes the origi- 310-390-4212, Fax: 310-397-4920 PHYSICAL THEATER/ nal Broadway “West Side Story” (also the film) [email protected] Class size varies; Auditing is permitted; inter- All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing www.calarts.edu and http://theatercalarts. Actor Brad Greenquist teaches students to MOVEMENT and “Gypsy.” She has directed productions view required; Ongoing Continued on page 61—

42 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM —continued from page 42 weaponry. Working voiceover professional Bremers offers voiceover classes and pro workouts in Orange of “Company,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “Damn COMBAT AT BEVERLY HILLS and San Diego counties and also produces SPOTLIGHT ON Yankees,” and offers courses on singing per- voiceover demos and house minutes. Bremers LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES FENCERS’ CLUB additionally offers classes in accent reduction, formance, scene study, cold reading, mono- [email protected] singing, and songwriting. logues, and exercises. www.swordcombat.com 310-266-5151/310-204-0085 BONNIE BIZOZA - ACCENT ON Derra Huxley, M.A., is a Calif. state-certified MARY MCGREGOR Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing speech pathologist, who helps actors reduce JESSICA DRAKE 818-762-0309 by permission ACCENT foreign accents and regional dialects, speak Private coaching only; All levels 323-662-1831 Instructors are professional fight directors 818-783-0473 more clearly, become more easily under- Private coaching only; All levels McGregor works to combine the necessary and swordmasters. They provide classes, Private coaching only; on-set coaching avail- stood, widen their professional options, and techniques to help you “free your sound.” Says The Juilliard-trained Drake has been coaching workshops, and private coaching for actors in able build self-confidence. Classes tailored to fit actors in dialect, speech and Shakespeare for McGregor, “In acting and in singing it is nec- combat for screen and stage, with a particu- Ms. Bizoza offers accent/dialect training and your schedule. essary to understand what your instrument more than 20 years, with credits that include lar focus on swordplay. accent reduction for beginners and estab- “W,” “Milk,” “The Pink Panther” with Steve Martin, can do for you.” lished professionals. She is a licensed speech DIALECT UP Other:Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction West Hollywood, CA “The Terminal,” “Forrest Gump,” AMC’s “The DAVE LEA’S MOTION PICTURE therapist and an experienced dialect coach [email protected] Walking Dead,” and HBO’s “Band of Brothers” who uses a multisensory approach adapted www.samarasworld.com/classes and “Six Feet Under.” STUNT/FIGHT TRAINING to the student’s learning style to achieve OUR LEARNING SPOT MUSICAL Burbank, CA 646-831-0404 authentic, natural speech patterns. THEATRE CLASSES [email protected] Private coaching only; All levels; Ongoing KELLY REITER: REEL ENGLISH Madilyn Clark Studios www.davelea.com Samara Bay is a fun, fast, phonetics coach [email protected] 10852 Burbank Blvd. 818-603-9696 BREATH whose long list of successful clients includes www.reelenglishcoach.com North Hollywood, CA 91601 Unlimited students per class; All levels; Auditing Natsuko Ohama Broadway, television, and film actors in N.Y. 323-957-4758 [email protected] not permitted, but you are given a 10-minute [email protected] and L.A. Bay offers coaching on-set or via Private coaching available; All levels; Assess- www.ourlearningspot.com assessment; Ongoing; call for appointment www.natsukoohama.com Skype for if you have an audition tomorrow, ment interview required; Ongoing 818-760-1964 Actors advance your on-camera fighting skills 818-754-2400 you’re looking to master accents that match Standard American dialect specialist Reiter’s 8 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- including weapons, dynamic styles, flashy Private coaching available your type, or you keep hearing you need to character study approach gives her students ted; Ongoing kicks. Fight audition prep. Choreographed Natsuko Ohama, a teacher of Kristin Linklater’s reduce your foreign or regional accent and the tools, confidence, and professional Ameri- Acting, singing, and dance training in a pro- routines created and filmed for your show reel. approach, uses exercises that involve breath, learn “standard American.” can voice they need, from getting an agent fessional, safe, and encouraging environment. Not to make you fit in but stand out. sound vibration, physical work, emotions, to getting the part. Work one-on-one with working industry pros thought, and text. DIAMANTE VOCAL STUDIO who give students the tools for success as a FILM FIGHTING L.A. [email protected] musical theater performer. LEIGH GILBERT Robert G. Goodwin CARLA PEREZ 323-466-7881 [email protected] Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study; Audi- [email protected] [email protected]; imaginesinging@ Private coaching only tion Technique/Cold Reading 323-692-5704 www.filmfightingla.com, www.stuntfighting- gmail.com Edward Diamante teaches a speech-level Limited class sizes; All levels; Auditing is permit- workout.com www.imaginesinging.com technique that has supported 112 Grammy ted; Ongoing PUPPET SCHOOL 310-447-8438 626-482-8648 Award winners while they were recording. He Gilbert offers privates and group classes. 13440 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 108 14 students max; All levels; Auditing not per- All levels helps actors who don’t sing professionally Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 mitted; Ongoing with new classes starting on Carla Perez has a master’s in voice perfor- but who want to learn to control their voices through exercise, or who have injured their LISA POPEIL’S VOICEWORKS [email protected] the first Sunday of each month mance. She teaches a “full-body presence” Sherman Oaks, CA voices through laryngitis or other vocal illness. www.puppetschool.com Learn how to fight for contemporary films from technique-singing from head to toe, address- [email protected] 818-986-9944 Robert Goodwin. He has worked on “Sherlock ing vowels, breath, support, musicianship, www.popeil.com Auditing is not permitted; 12 students max; All Holmes,” “WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011,” and interpretation, and stylistic nuance. DR. CAROLE MOSKOVITZ, M.A., 818-906-7229 levels; Ongoing trained Christian Bale for “Batman Begins.” D.S.S. Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing Puppet School is composed of a group of cre- CAROL TINGLE VOICE STUDIO Marina del Rey, CA 90292 not permitted; Ongoing ative artists with a passion for puppetry. Teach- SAMURAI STAGE COMBAT 2918 #C Santa Monica Blvd. [email protected] Popeil teaches vocal control, range, power, ers are primarily who we are, but we also love Los Angeles, CA Santa Monica, CA 90404 www.singingfromtheheart.com creating emotional magic, speech improve- to share our gifts and talents through puppet [email protected] [email protected] 310-821-SONG ment, vocal projection for acting, vocal making and performance. Puppetry is a www.samuraistagecombat.com www.caroltingle.com Small classes; private coaching available; health, sight singing, demo recording, perfor- thriving art form, both in the U.S. and abroad, 310-849-1466 310-828-3100 All levels mance coaching, audition preparation. that we at Puppet School are privileged to All levels; By sessions and ongoing Private coaching available; All levels Moskovitz draws upon a wide range of tra- perpetuate and preserve. We invite you to join Michi Yamato, a former member of the Tingle works with singers placing emphasis on ditional and creative modalities to help her us on our wondrous journey! LOUISE CHAMIS original “Power Ranger” stunt team and stunt the development of the voice within the style clients expand vocal range, broaden com- 818-985-0130 coordinator, teaches Japanese stage com- of the singer, as well as safe, healthy vocal munication skills, develop inner listening and Private coaching only; All levels RICHARD FREDRICKS: I TEACH bat, karate, sword fighting, gymnastics, and production, audition preparation, and alleviat- dialogue rhythms, and strengthen breath Chamis’ workshops are a place for voiceover ANYONE HOW TO SING! trampoline techniques. ing performance anxiety. work.Other:Empowerment Coach actors “to learn, to work out, and to stretch.” 3520 Hughes Ave. Students analyze copy to find out what they Culver City, CA 90034-7558 SWORDPLAY FENCING STUDIOS CORFF VOICE STUDIO ELISABETH HOWARD’S VOCAL are selling and how best to sell it. She has [email protected] [email protected] Bob Corff POWER ACADEMY been teaching for over 26 years and is the www.richardfredricks.com www.swordplayla.com; www.timweske.com www.corffvoice.com www.vocalpowerinc.com voice of the Queen in “Snow White” in all cur- 310-838-3355, Fax: 310-838-0505 818-566-1777 323-851-9042 800-829-7664 rent Disney projects. Private coaching only; master classes upon Private coaching available 4 students max; private coaching available; Howard, founder of the Vocal Power Academy, request; All levels, all styles; Auditing of a Teaches all edged weapons, including Auditing permitted with student invite; Ongo- is an internationally acclaimed vocal techni- M.J. LALLO friend’s lesson is permitted; Ongoing Olympic-style fencing. Ongoing film and ing cian and vocal stylist. A Juilliard graduate and 4020 W. Magnolia Blvd, Ste. K Fredricks, who performed with the New York stage-combat classes focus on extreme detail Veteran performer and voice/performance on the vocal staff at Pepperdine University, she Burbank, CA 91505 City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera as a to safety, balance, footwork, and confidence coach Bob Corff is author of “The Bob Corff has conducted vocal technique workshops [email protected] principal baritone, teaches the breath sup- in memorization of choreography. Speakers Voice Method” and “The Bob Corff in 10 countries. www.creatingvoices.com port/breathing technique he has used for Singers Method” available on CD or as a 818-149-5255 more than 40 years. VOICE/DIALECTS/ download. Along with his wife, Claire (with 10 students max; All levels; By sessions and Other:Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction whom he has written and produced the ELIZABETH BURNETTE ACCENT REDUCTION [email protected] ongoing SINGING WITH CHERIE VALARAY CD and workbook “Achieving the Standard Award-winning voiceover artist Lallo has American Accent,” also downloadable), Corff 310-480-6377 4872 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 342 4 students max; private coaching available; worked for Disney, Universal Interactive, Fox Woodland Hills, CA 91364 ACCURATE ENGLISH offers accent courses for actors on CD and Kids, TV Guide, GNC, and has done more download, and private lessons in L.A. or via All levels but mainly works with professionals [email protected] 13101 Washington Blvd., Ste. 231 by referral; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing than 100 commercials, CD-ROMs, and feature www.hbr2.com Los Angeles, CA 90066 Skype on how the voice works and how to film ADR. She has been teaching commercial make your vocal instrument work for you in Burnette specializes in coaching foreign 818-712-0103 [email protected] actors to speak standard American English and animation voiceover for 12 years. Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing per- www.accurateenglish.com the best possible way. Remember, “Your voice is your other face.” (no region) for film, television, and stage. She mitted with special permission; Ongoing; Work 310-568-0077 has been coaching in L.A. for 15 years. MARC CASHMAN-CASHMAN study available Private coaching only Valaray specializes in advanced vocal tech- Lisa Mojsin, M.A., speaks five languages, has DARLENE KOLDENHOVEN COMMERCIALS: THE CASHMAN nique, operatic training, performance skills, an acting background, and has taught at the Studio City, CA ELOCUTION SOLUTION CACHE OF VOICE ACTING stage presence and many other professional college and university level. She helps her stu- [email protected] [email protected] www.elocutionsolution.com TECHNIQUES skills for all singers. dents learn to speak accurately and clearly. www.darlenekoldenhoven.com, www.artofs- [email protected] 800-597-9691 Other:Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction inging.com www.cashmancommercials.com 4 students per class; All levels; Auditing not 818-980-2840 661-222-9300 ADELE CABOT permitted, but free 30-minute evaluation is Private coaching available; All levels; Auditing Audits encouraged, payment plan available THE STEVEN MEMEL STUDIO [email protected] offered; Ongoing not permitted; Ongoing This Clio-winning casting director and pro- www.stevenmemel.com www.lavoicejoy.com Elocution Solution’s speech pathologists offer Koldenhoven offers vocal coaching and tech- ducer instructs beginning, intermediate, and 818-789-0474 818 800-0301 individual or group sessions in voice and niques for projection, diction, breathing, pitch, advanced actors on the tricks of the trade in Private coaching only; All levels 10 students max; private coaching available; diction for actors, including breathing, relax- and rhythm. She is the author of the book with developing a successful radio/TV voiceover Memel has had a multifaceted career as a All levels; Auditing not permitted; Ongoing ation exercises, pitch adjustment, projection, singer, actor, and director, as well as an inter- Cabot is a Designated Linklater Voice Coach, seven instructional CDs “Tune Your Voice” and career. teaches all styles and all ages. resonance, and voice care. They also work nationally acclaimed teacher. He has helped specializing in acting, voice, speech, dialects with actors on reducing or acquiring accents everyone from beginning singers to Grammy (including General American), audition prep, and learning specific speech patterns such MARJORY TAYLOR’S VOICE Award–winning recording artists such as and last-minute or MFA acting programs. DEBORAH ELLEN VOCAL STUDIOS as those associated with hearing difficul- MASTERY Maroon 5, actor Drew Barrymore, and Tony Los Angeles and Simi Valley, CA ties, strokes, and stuttering. Additionally they 310-246-1743 Award–winning Broadway performers. ALAN SHATERIAN [email protected] specialize in articulation and tongue thrust Dr. Marjory Taylor, Ph.D., Ed.D. teaches voice Other:Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction [email protected] www.deborahellen.com therapy. Free evaluation. Located in the San building, diction, broadcast English, com- 310-824-2720 310-422-9166 Fernando Valley. mercials, cold reading, accent correction, VALERIE FAHREN Private coaching only Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not and other aspects of communication and Glendale, CA Shaterian has a Ph.D. in linguistics and pho- permitted; Ongoing performance. Deborah Ellen is one of the top vocal coach- GODEANE GRACE EAGLE, M.A. [email protected] netics, and offers private coaching in speech [email protected] www.valeriefahren.com and dialect, foreign languages, and charac- es in L.A. and Ventura Country. She teaches a technique that can be applied to all styles of www.godeanegraceeagle.com MUSIC 1 ON 1 818-815-8584 ter preparation. 310-450-5735 [email protected] Private coaching only; All levels; By sessions music. She is also a published songwriter with A&R contacts at major labels. All levels www.music1on1.com Taking an actor/singer to the next level of his/ ALISO CREEK PRODUCTIONS - Eagle teaches singing, speech, pitch training, 310-430-4802 her career, tailor-made programs for each WILLIAM WILLIAMS and stage voice. 20 students per class; All levels; Auditing not person, voice coaching, cold reading prep, 4106 W. Burbank Bl. or P.O. Box 10006 DEBORAH SHULMAN VOICE permitted; Sessions every quarter at AFTRA/ audition prep, scene study, studio coach- Burbank, CA 91510 STUDIOS HOWARD AUSTIN’S VOCAL POWER SAG ing, recording studio coaching, how to do a www.alisocreek.net [email protected] Classes designed to help a singer develop meeting, industry showcasing. www.deborahshulman.com SCHOOL what is necessary to make a living as a singer 818-954-9931 North Hills, CA Other:Voice/Dialects/Accent Reduction 323-851-7344 in Los Angeles. 4-6 students per class; Free studio visit with [email protected] consultation available Private coaching available Shulman teaches performing strategies, how www.borntosing.com STAGE COMBAT/ Williams has been producing commercials for 800-929-7464 or 818-895-7464 PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING WITH 20 years. His six-week classes in commercial to find your own performance personality, STUNTS and, most importantly, she helps you increase Private or shared coaching; Introductory half JULIE DANIELS and animation voiceover meet in a recording price session; Ongoing; Instructor training [email protected] studio under real-life performing conditions. your self-confidence as a complete performer. ACADEMY OF THEATRICAL available www.teechspeech.com Howard Austin, creator of the Vocal Power 818-623-8960 COMBAT ANGEL DIVA MUSIC DEREK GRAYDON Method, says his training will develop your Private coaching only; All levels and ages; c/o Swords Fencing Studio www.angeldivamusic.com [email protected] voice control, personal style, and perfor- Auditing not permitted; Ongoing 2115 N. Glenoaks Blvd. 818-888-5885 www.derekgraydon.com mance power. Voice, speech, accent reduction, proper Burbank, CA 91504 Accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, and 323-656-9356 breathing techniques, articulation, projection, Graydon is a Juilliard-trained star of Broadway [email protected] record producer, Jan Linder-Koda creates JEFFREY ALLEN’S VOCAL ARTS and interpretation, with the goal being “a fully www.theatricalcombat.com radio-ready recording packages for moti- and opera. He offers the “bel canto” tech- textured voice that sells your strengths as an 818-364-8420 vated singer-songwriters. She specializes in nique. Dame Judi Dench says he is “unsur- CENTER actor.” P.O. Box 4056 All levels; Auditing by permission; introduc- artist development, writes or co-writes songs passed,” John Travolta calls him “magic.” Other:Audition Technique/Cold Reading tory fight class held at beginning of month; with clients, and records songs in her state-of- Valley Village, CA 91617 Ongoing the-art Pro Tools studio. DERRA HUXLEY “ACCENT [email protected] Dan Speaker and Jan Bryant offer several www.vocalsuccess.com RICK ZIEFF’S UNBELIEVABLY FUN REDUCTION NOW” 818-782-4332; 800-644-4707 x22, Fax: 818-782- VOICEOVER CLASS levels of fight scene training that cover safety BEVERLY BREMERS’ VOICERCISE Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 and the primary techniques of hand-to- 4412 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Allen offers professional voice-strengthening 323-651-1666 hand combat, broadsword, quarterstaff, and www.beverlybremers.com or www.voicercise. www.accentreductionnow.com cutlass plus slaps, punches, kicks, falls, and and problem-solving for speech or singing, 8-10 students per class; private coaching net 818-385-1716, Fax: 818-385-1796 onstage, and in the studio, as well as audi- available; All levels; By sessions throws. Advanced training includes double 949-874-0616 Individuals and small groups of 2-3; All levels; cutlass, rapier, dagger, theatrical saber, French tion/demo preparation. All ages, levels, and Rick Zieff teaches mike technique for TV and 6 students max; private consultation avail- Auditing not permitted; free screening/dem- styles. classical smallsword, and a variety of exotic able; All levels; Auditing is permitted; Ongoing onstration offered; Ongoing Continued on page 62— BACKSTAGE.COM | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | 61 www.joytheatre.com came so I could go again,” says Jeffrey, age ™ 818-505-9355 9. “I made my stage debut at Santa Monica SPOTLIGHT ON Ongoing Playhouse,” says Kate Hudson. Acceptance is LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS COACHES All things comedy, sketch, standup, charac- by interview only. ters, improv etc. A fun way for kids of all levels Jeff Black, VP, General Manager —continued from page 61 to get up on stage and build confidence for the future. Our encouraging style of teaching SEAN HOWSE Jamie Painter Young Luke Crowe [email protected] is designed to nurture the creative side using Editor-in-Chief National Casting Editor radio commercials, animation, narration, and 10 students per class; private coaching avail- 323-309-7718 the tools of comedy. audio books. As a busy voiceover actor, direc- able; All levels; One visit permitted; Ongoing All levels; Auditing is permitted; By sessions [EDITORIAL] tor, and casting director, he emphasizes the six-week cycles; one session per week Howse has been teaching acting to teenag- Executive Editors ...... Dany Margolies (LA) importance of character development, text DGA member, voice director and casting KIDS ON CAMERA ers for over a decade and trained under David Sheward (NY) analysis, and making strong creative choices on 2,000+ cartoons (98 “Transformers,” 92 “GI Phil De Champlain Joanne Linville and Stella Adler. Classes run in Film & Television Editor ...... Jenelle Riley at the microphone. He guides actors through Joe”s, 65 “Jem”s, 65 “Conan”s) plus hundreds 10944 Ventura Blvd. three-month semesters and incorporate the Columns/NY Theater Reviews Editor. . . Erik Haagensen preparing a demo that will be their “calling of spots for Kellogg’s, Pilsbury, StarKist, etc. Studio CIty, CA 91604 Adler technique. News & Features Editor...... Daniel Holloway card” to the voiceover world. He cast the [email protected] Senior Features Writer ...... Simi Horwitz Academy Award-winning animated short “The www.stopdreamin.com Features Writer...... Jessica Gardner ChubbChubbs!” and directed the animated YOUNG PERFORMERS 818-500-0037 STACY REED [email protected] LA Theater Writer/Critic...... Les Spindle feature “Steamboy” (starring Patrick Stewart 10-14 students per class; All levels; One time 323-871-8018 Senior Copy Editor ...... David Fairhurst and Alfred Molina). Rick coaches adults and THE ACTING CAMP free audit; Ongoing; Internship available with Ongoing Copy Editor...... Toby Hill children at his studio in West Hollywood. Rick’s Erik Lingvall film school Research Editor ...... Pete Keeley Producer of the award-winning Blank Theatre fun, fast-paced style makes him one of L.A.’s 11560 Calle Real Phil De Champlain’s classes focus is on on- Research and Casting Associate ...... Michael Company, Reed teaches a class for children most sought-after teachers for adults and Santa Barbara, CA 93117 camera auditioning, cold reading, improvisa- Patrick Coughlin and teens that combine professional training children. [email protected] tion, and film and TV scene study, helping Editorial Assistant ...... Frank Nestor with creative dramatics in an environment www.theactingcamp.com students discover what makes them unique Senior Columnists . . .Jackie Apodaca, Jean Schiffman that is challenging and nurturing. Columnists. . . Dina Appleton, Jordana Capra, David ROBERT EASTON 424-265-0022 inside. Finkle, Paul Haber, John Henny, Michael Kostroff, 818-985-2222 64 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- David H. Lawrence XVII, Kristine Oller, Easton is best-known as the “Henry Higgins ted; By sessions LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE - TALENTORIUM Lisa Jo Sagolla, Heidi Schooler, Armin Shimerman, of Hollywood” for his extensive and highly The Acting Camp (TAC) is an all-inclusive Montré Burton, creative director Chuck Sloan, Mark Dundas Wood three-day experience for young performers YOUTH THEATRE 1042 Princeton Dr. specialized dialect coaching. Easton has Donna Inglima Contributing Writers ...... Mark Blankenship, taught more than 2,600 performers. Recent and their parents. At TAC, the young talent Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Ron Cohen, Jeff Favre, Jason Fitzgerald, work with and learn from L.A.’s best acting [email protected] [email protected] Harry Forbes, Pete Hammond, Hoyt Hilsman, Oscar-winning coaching sessions include www.lagunaplayhouse.com Forest Whittaker (“The Last King of Scotland”). coaches, while their parents interact with www.talentorium.com Travis Michael Holder, Stacey Jackson, Leonard experienced industry professionals and par- 949-497-2787, ext. 202, Fax: 949-497-3287 310-802-2074 Jacobs, Clifford Lee Johnson III, Karl Levett, Amy Helen Hunt (“As Good as It Gets”), and Robin 10-14 students per class; Beginner, intermedi- Williams (“Good Will Hunting”). ents of working actors. The event culminates Talentorium has built its reputation on the Lyons, Eric Marchese, Wayne Melton, Paul Menard, in a showcase performance in front of top ate, and advanced; Auditing not permitted; creation of a curriculum that runs the full per- Marc Miller, Mitch Montgomery, Dink O’Neal, Gwen casting directors, agents, and mangers. 1-year audition based conservatory, ongoing formance-to-production gamut. A dedicated Orel, Mark Peikert, Andy Propst, Gerard Raymond, ROWENA BALOS non-audition workshop classes, and summer talent executive (“T.E.”) guides each and Ronni Reich, Ben Rock, David A. Rosenberg, Andrew [email protected] theater workshops; Unpaid intern/work study every one of Talentorium’s students, which has Salomon, Melinda Schupmann, Madeleine Shaner, www.rowenabalos.com ACTING FOR CHILDREN & TEENS AT opportunities occasionally exist Nicole Villeneuve, Neal Weaver, proved to be an indispensable too, as the T.E. 310-285-8489 EDGEMAR CENTER FOR THE ARTS This acclaimed regional theater offers a is an ideal partner to the parents. Jennie Webb, Robert Windeler Balos offers short-term and ongoing work- 2437 Main St. variety of acting and creative drama classes Contributing Photographers. . Alana Cundy, Francine Santa Monica, CA 90405 Daveta, Robin Holland, Blake Gardner, Kevin Parry shops and private coaching in voice ongoing for youths ages 6-18. Classes are production, speech, accent reduction, and www.edgemar.org taught by theater professionals after school TEEN ACTORS LAB Los Angeles, CA [CASTING] Shakespeare. She has taught at many acting 310-399-3666 and in weekend workshops. Manager of Casting Development . . . Thom Klohn, CSA studios, universities, and theater companies Private coaching available [email protected] www.teenactorslab.com Casting Editor...... Melinda Loewenstein around the world, including, NYU, UCLA, Edgemar, made up of two state-of-the-art LIZA MONJAUZE Associate Casting Editor . . Sarah McKinley Oakes (LA) CalArts, the Howard Fine Acting Studio, the theaters and an art gallery complex in Santa 310-428-7055 Assistant Casting Editors...... Andrew Valvano, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, the Sydney The- Monica, offers on-camera, cold reading, and PRODUCTIONS 30 students max; All levels; Auditing not per- Sri Gordon, Daniel Lehman, acting and improvisation classes for ages Los Angeles, CA mitted; Ongoing Jesse Austin Landberg, Byron Karlevics (NY) atre Company, American Conservatory The- ater, and Antaeus Classical Theatre Company. 6-17. Students will perform in a showcase for [email protected] Teen Actor’s Lab is for passionate young [ART & PRODUCTION] parents and agents at Edgemar at the end www.lizamonjauzeproductions.com actors of all levels. All classes culminate in a 323-656-9424 showcase performed for invited audiences, Art Director...... Eric Hernandez (LA) SANDI MASSIE of the eight-week session. Private coaching is Production Manager ...... Shenaya Archer (LA) available. Fantastical Story Hour for ages 3-6: 30-45 cast members; Ages 8-18; Fall, spring, including industry guests, and have earned a Associate Art Director ...... William Scalia (LA) [email protected] and summer sessions reputation for excellence. www.sandiemassie.com Through costume, storytelling, and music, chil- Graphic Production Artist...... Gene Williams (NY) dren create an enchanted magical kingdom Liza Monjauze Productions has created a Graphic Production Artist...... Joe Garcia (LA) 818-903-4016 place for children and young adults to build Massie is a coach for voice, speech, dialects, and explore their creativity and dramatic flair TOTAL IMPROV KIDS [SALES & MARKETING] confidence, improve theater skills, and create The Avery Schreiber Theatre and accent reduction. She has been a lifelong friendships. Advertising Manager...... Allen Buhl (NY) coach of theater, television, and film for the AGOURA CHILDREN’S 11050 Magnolia Blvd. Senior Account Executives. . . Richard H. Johnston (LA) Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study; North Hollywood, CA 91601 past 20 years and teaches relaxation, breath THEATRE Singing/Musical Theate Gerry Sankner (NY) support, resonance, diction, and many other [email protected] Advertising Sales Supervisor. . . . . Rick Tyberg (LA) Ellen Marano and Susan Elton, directors aspects of voice. www.totalimprovkids.com Account Executive...... Joseph Malone (LA) 28240 Agoura Rd. #202 MARNIE COOPER SCHOOL OF 818-481-8072 Graphic Designer ...... Larry Johnson (NY) Agoura Hills, CA 91301 12-14 students per class; All levels; Auditing Sales Coordinator...... Christina Nieto (NY) [email protected]; susan@ ACTING INC. THE STUTTERING FOUNDATION www.marniecooper.com is permitted; Ongoing; Possible work study [BACKSTAGE.COM] www.stutteringhelp.org agourachildrenstheatre.com available www.agourachildrenstheatre.com 818-760-8009 Online Managing Editor...... Tom Penketh 800-992-9392 Total Improv Kids uses the art of theatrical Offers information on stuttering and referrals 818-389-1799 or 818-225-1459 Private coaching available Associate Web Editor ...... Suzy Evans An acting teacher and coach with over 20 improvisation to offer children a means of for speech therapists that specialize in the 8-12 students per class; private coaching tapping into and expanding their imagina- [CIRCULATION & OPERATIONS] disorder. available; All levels; Auditing not permitted; years of experience, Cooper specializes in Group Circulation Director...... Neil Eisenberg audition preparation and published a how-to tions, nurturing important life skills, and allow- Ongoing plus summer camps ing children to find the greatest potential in Finance Director ...... Rebecca Eacret Agoura’s first children’s theater. Improv and acting book for children and their parents SUSAN BLU (available at www.howdoiact.com). themselves and each other.Other:Improv and EDITORIAL OFFICE [email protected] cold reading classes for teens ages 13-19, Comedy 770 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10003 www.blupka.com and theater and improv classes for ages 6-14. (212) 493-4420 • Fax: (646) 654-5743 818-509-1483 Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study; Improv ORANGE COUNTY PROFESSIONAL [email protected] and Comedy TRACY MARTIN/ 5055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 Small classes; All levels ACTORS’ WORKSHOP WITH Susan Blu, voiceover actor and voice director, KOACHING KIDS & TEENS (323) 525-2356 • Fax: (323) 525-2354 ELIZABETH KENT Toluca Lake, CA [email protected] teaches classes in voiceover for commercial BARB NORTH THE KIDZ KOACH [email protected] [email protected] and animation. Students get tons of booth 22647 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 422 949-675-3272 CASTING DEPARTMENT www.koachingkids.com time. Woodland Hills, CA 91364 10 students max; All levels; Ongoing NY: (212) 493-4420 • Fax: (646) 654-5742 818-752-8487 [email protected] [email protected] Kent has over 18 years experience as an 10 students max; private coaching available; LA: (323) 525-2358 • Fax: (323) 525-2268 www.funnycoach.com acting coach for film, TV, and theater. Her stu- VANESSA MIZZONE All levels; Auditing for agents and managers [email protected] 818-347-5098 dents have found professional representation [email protected] only; Classes offered four times a year; Pos- DISPLAY ADVERTISING 310-968-7631 Private coaching only through her coaching in Los Angeles. North works with children and their parents in sible work study available NY: (212) 493-4420 • Fax: (646) 654-5744 Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not Since Martin’s classes began in 1998, her [email protected] permitted; Ongoing what she calls “a fun and nurturing environ- ORANGE COUNTY SONG & LA: (323) 525-2225 • FAX: (323) 525-2226 ment.” She teaches children acting and audi- students have worked as leads in major films, Mizzone is on the theatre arts faculty at both DANCE CO. as series regulars, and guest stars in TV series, CUSTOMER SERVICE Santa Monica College and East Los Angeles tion strategies, and works with parents “to help navigate the business.” 5860 Westminster Blvd. commercials, voiceover s, and animated (800) 658-8372 • Fax: (847) 291-4816 College. She offers voice and speech coach- Westminster, CA 92683 series. Martin offers classes for ages 6-18 and PO Box 3595, Northbrook, IL 60065-3595 ing for actors, including accent reduction, [email protected] [email protected] audition “koaching” in film, TV, and voiceover. based in the Linklater voice method with a BB’S KIDS ACTING WORKSHOP www.orangecountysonganddance.com LIST RENTAL Skinner approach to speech. WITH BELINDA BALASKI 714-897-4475, Fax: 714-899-9675 THE YOUNG ACTOR’S Andrea Szabo, List Rental Manager . . . (646) 654-5889 Belinda Balaski This company offers acting for the camera, REPRINTS Santa Monica, CA addressing script reading, camera presence, STUDIO VOCAL STYLINGS 5215 Lankershim Blvd. For reprints of editorial or ads, contact [email protected] [email protected] cold reading, and audition techniques. Char- Los Angeles, CA Wright’s Media www.vocalstylings.com www.bbskids.com acter analysis and portrayal will be presented 877-652-5295, [email protected] www.youngactorsstudio.com 310-737-9387 323-650-KIDS (5437) in an on-camera environment.Other:Acting 310-281-7545 PERMISSION Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not 10-16 students per class; All levels; Auditing not Technique/Scene Study; Singing/Musical Adult classes also available; Auditing is per- For one-time use of our content, as a full article, permitted; Ongoing and by appointment permitted; Three 8-week sessions per year, one Theater excerpt or production prop, contact Vocal Stylings offers private singing lessons 6-week summer session; Work study/payback mitted Dana Parra at (212) 493-4112 and in-studio vocal production to give you system available Offers coaching and training for young actors, QUIT ACTING!! ages 4-18, and uses the basics of the Stan- BACK STAGE the freedom to perform with greater passion, Balaski has more than 40 years of acting 5312 Radford Ave., Ste. 5 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 power, emotion, and energy. experience in the business, and 25+ years of islavsky system to help them learn to use their Editorial/Casting: (212) 493-4420 Valley Village, CA 91607 personal unique qualities in their acting. teaching kids and teens, as well as her invalu- [email protected] Casting Fax: 646-654-5742 able parent seminars. Advertising: (212) 493-4420 • Fax: (646) 654-5744 VOCAL YOGA www.quitacting.com Heather Lyle 818-437-1911 YOUNG ACTORS CAMP 5055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 Azusa Pacific University [email protected] CARTER THOR STUDIO “ON THE Private coaching only; All levels; Auditing not Editorial: 323-525-2356 Los Angeles, CA Casting: 323-525-2358 • Fax: 323-525-2268 www.vocalyoga.com permitted; Ongoing MARK” YOUNG ACTOR CLASS [email protected] Advertising: 323-525-2225 • Fax: 323-525-2226 310-200-0506 Laura Lasky’s ongoing monthly sessions for 12417 Ventura Ct. www.youngactorscamp.com Private coaching and group instruction avail- kids and teens are designed to help her stu- Studio City, CA 91604 909-982-8059, Fax: 909-482-2011 able; All levels dents “find out what’s holding [them] back [email protected] 10-12 students per class; All levels; Summer Vocal Yoga offers technique for singing, act- and quit it.” Her one-on-one classes/coaching 818-760-9426 only ing, and public speaking. emphasize individualized training including 20 students max; All levels; Auditing is permit- We are largest and most well-rounded resi- audition techniques and specialty workshops Richard Beckman, Chief Executive Officer ted; Per class, month-to-month basis, and dential child/teen acting program in the U.S. including “crying on cue.” Debi Chirichella, Chief Financial Officer/ THE VOICECASTER VOICEOVER ongoing YAC was named a top 5 camp by the Travel Chief Operating Officer WORKSHOPS The studio now offers a class for young actors, Channel, a distinction owed to the great Howard Appelbaum, President, Business Development Huck Liggett 9-18, that it describes as “revolutionary.” The THE SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE celebrity guest and iconic companies that Gautam Guliani, Chief Technology Officer 1832 W. Burbank Blvd. goal is to help young actors develop con- EDUCATION CONSERVATORY help teach our young actors about the Hol- Dana Miller, Senior Vice President, Creative Services Burbank, CA 91506 fidence and fluidity in front of the camera 1211 Fourth St. lywood film industry. The training is second-to- Joshua Engroff, Senior Vice President, Online [email protected] through the understanding of scene study, Santa Monica, CA 90401 none as we bring in award-winning teachers Doug Bachelis, Vice President, Marketing www.voicecaster.com script analysis, and cold reading. [email protected] to challenge the most experienced young Madeline Krakowsky, Vice President, Circulation 818-841-5300, Fax: 818-841-2085 www.santamonicaplayhouse.com actor. Meghan Milkowski, Corporate Production Director 10-12 students per class; private coach- HARRIET GREENSPAN 310-394-9779, ext. 673, Fax: 310-393-5573 Richard Tang, Vice President, Finance ing available; Beginner, intermediate, and 818-266-6698 10-15 students per class; All levels; Auditing not YOUNG ACTORS SPACE Jody Blanford, Controller advanced; Auditing not permitted; 4- to All levels; Once per month permitted; Sessions in each season; Internship Rob Schoorl, Vice President, Human Resources 5918 Van Nuys Blvd. 6-week sessions A casting director for over 20 years, Greens- program is available Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 Andrew Min, Vice President, Licensing The Voicecaster workshops, headed by owner pan currently casts for the Nickelodeon This conservatory, now celebrating 50 years of James A. Finkelstein, Chairman [email protected] Huck Liggett, focus on exploring and discover- network and offers private coaching and continuous theatrical and educational servic- www.youngactorsspace.com Back Stage founded in 1960 ing the strength of each individual so that he intensive workshops for kids, teens, and young es to the community, offers extensive training 818-785-7979, Fax: 818-989-0172 by Ira Eaker and Allen Zwerdling or she has a better idea of how to approach adults. for actors from beginners through profession- 15 students max; private coaching available; VO professionally. als, year-round. A variety of workshops for all All levels; Auditing is permitted; Fall, winter, and JOY THEATRE - JOSH AND JANIECE ages, preschool through adult, focus on audi- spring sessions; summer conservatory WALLY (NO-B.S.!) BURR JARY MINNICK tion technique, communication skills, musical Established in 1979, this school for young pro- VOICEOVER WORKSHOPS The Raven Playhouse theater, character development, movement fessionals offers weekly classes for students, [email protected] 5233 Lankershim Blvd. for the stage, voice, and performance, with a ages 5 to adult, in scene study, improvisa- www.wallyburr.com North Hollywood, CA 91601 new camera technique class. Alumni bring tion, audition techniques, and sensory work. 818-763-2618 [email protected] their youngsters so that they can share in Other:Acting Technique/Scene Study the process. “I could not wait until tomorrow 62 | SPOTLIGHT ON LOS ANGELES ACTING SCHOOLS & COACHES | JUNE 16-22, 2011 | BACKSTAGE.COM