FAQ
01.
What Technique Do You Teach?
Actually, unlike many acting teachers, I don’t teach an acting technique. I know that might sound counterintuitive, but over the years, I’ve seen how acting techniques can get actors stuck in their heads, stressing them out because they feel obligated to follow the “rules.” Paradoxically, many actors join my acting class with a technique—and then realize the benefit of letting it go to work with my approach. It’s kind of like that moment in Star Wars when Yoda tells Luke Skywalker, “You must unlearn what you have learned.” Only then could Luke begin to trust his own talent, instincts, and gifts to become a Jedi Knight. I’ve personally studied several acting techniques over a twelve-year period, and in a single “aha” moment, I dropped them all. I realized that the way you work should be as effortless as breathing. At the time, I didn’t even know how much those techniques were choking my creativity, putting me in my head, and blocking my instincts. That “aha” moment is now the foundation of what I teach in my acting classes today.
02.
Do You Offer Online Acting Classes?
Yes, I offer an Online Acting Class on Zoom for actors who aren’t in Los Angeles. I work with talented actors from all over the world in my online acting class, including the East Coast, Northern California, and Europe.
03.
I Have Previous Training and Experience, What Makes This Class Different?
What makes my acting class different is that it gives you the rare opportunity to let go of your training and technique. It’s an exhilarating way of working as an actor that builds confidence like nothing I’ve ever experienced myself or seen in the actors I work with. I once heard the wonderful singer Lionel Richie from the Commodores say, “Let go of your training wheels and let your talent speak for itself.” Join us in my in-person acting class in Los Angeles, or in my acting class on Zoom to experience this for yourself.
04.
How Much Do Acting Classes Cost?
The cost for my acting class is $350 per month, which includes four sessions. Unlike many acting classes in Los Angeles, where actors only get 15-20 minutes of work time (and sometimes only twice a month!), my students get to work for a considerable amount of time each class. Actors are often amazed by how much time they have to explore, perform, and refine their craft. Whether you're in Los Angeles or joining via my Zoom acting class available worldwide, you'll get the dedicated attention you need to grow as an actor.
05.
Do You Offer Refunds/Pro Rate Classes?
I expect actors to show the same level of professionalism and commitment that I bring as an acting teacher and as an actor. In my twelve years of studying acting, I never missed an acting class, and in my ten years of teaching, I’ve never missed a class. The great acting teacher Stella Adler once said, “Actors don’t get sick.” Another way of putting it is, “The show must go on.” That said, only 1 absence/makeup is allowed every 2 months (unless there are extenuating circumstances that I feel warrants it). The absence can be made up within that session, or the next session. However, the makeup class expires at the end of the second month. Additionally, classes will not be pro-rated. The fee is $350 per month, no exceptions.
06.
What Do You Mean By: "Don't get it right. Get it real!”
The whole thrust of culture and societal conditioning is designed to strip us of our uniqueness, making us like everyone else and forcing us to follow the rules of right and wrong that society has determined. Sadly, this leads to the domestication of our animal nature—the very source of our instincts, talents, vitality, and aliveness, which are essential resources for us as actors. While this conditioning may act as a social lubricant, it’s often the main block holding actors back from reaching their full potential as artists. The way out is by overcoming this conditioning. In my acting class, you'll learn an approach that frees you from these limitations, allowing you to express all aspects of your animal and human nature—because that’s what being a great artist is truly about.
07.
Do I Need to Audition to Join Class?
This depends on your experience, whether you’re coming through a recommendation and who’s recommending you. Often you’ll be asked to send me your resume and reel. I work with talented actors committed to their craft and career.
08.
Where Is the Studio?
Currently, I have an in-person acting class in Burbank on Thursday’s and an online acting class via Zoom on Friday’s. Both classes are from NOON to 4PM PST.
09.
Is There Parking at the Studio?
There’s plenty of free, all-day parking on the streets adjacent to the studio. Just be sure to check the street cleaning signs for specific days and times, and park accordingly.
10.
Do I Have to Be Off Book to Perform?
With my approach I highly recommend you’re not "off book" initially. I’m going to teach you a process that will have you, from the start, connect to the written material instinctively and in a way that will bring you great joy as an actor. One of the many side benefits is you’ll be off book without any stress or effort on your part. You'll also stand out in auditions as well as script and stage readings. Actors continually tell me that working this way has been the game changer for their craft and career.