Acting Craft: Highlighting a few acting Classes in LA

Whattup Tribe,

I often receive this question: “Where can I study the craft of acting and truly refine my skills?” It’s a question that resonates deeply with me. My own journey began at a local community college in my hometown and since then, I’ve had the great privilege to train at some remarkable institutions. South Coast Repertory, Oscar Winner Tim Robbins Actor’s Gang, The Joy of Acting Studio, Identity School of acting, among many others. Each experience has enriched my understanding of the art.

While there are countless avenues to explore, today I want to highlight a few of my current favorite acting classes in the Los Angeles area that I believe will truly elevate your craft. So let’s get into it:

My first recommendation is The Joy of Acting Studio with actor Joy Brunson (This is Us/ Snowfall). Joy is not only an amazing artist and person all around, but she is my recommended “go to” acting coach. She approaches each class with such respect and care for both the craft and her students. And personally, I feel that having direct feedback and mentorship from a current working actor in this industry is invaluable. Joy has a knack for asking the right questions and helping you find unique angles in the work that absolutely make the scene and your characters LIVE truthfully. I can honestly say that the work done in her on-camera scene study class was a great contribution to me landing various roles. Joined by incredible coaches Marissa Rivera and Felipe Figueroa, The classes are currently online and in person. The Joy of Acting offers scene study, commercial audition classes, self-tape/audition prep, private coaching and many other services. Needless to say I absolutely LOVE this artistic community!

Where: Los Angeles and remotely.

Check out www.thejoyofacting.com for more information.

For my next recommendation, I want to give a special shout-out to The Last Acting Studio. Instructor Desean K. Terry (The Morning Show) has built a beautiful community of artists. In addition to great classes, students also have access to attending Masterclasses, Manager nights, workshops and seeing guest speakers on a regular basis. Industry pros like Academy Award Winner Mahershala Ali, Emmy winning Casting Director John Levy and many more have been known to stop by and share insight. And they offer Free audits!

Where: 2101 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Be sure to check out https://www.thelastactingstudio.com for more info.

Lastly, for a more conservatory style training, I recommend IDENTITY school of Acting located in both Los Angeles and London. The culture of discipline and the respect for doing the work is absolutely beautiful here. This is by far the most diverse acting school I have ever attended. Plus they’ve produced talent like John Boyega, Letitia Wright and Damson Idris to name a few. The caliber of artists they attract is incredible and the environment really is one of a family that supports and pushes one another for the best. Curriculum ranges from scene study to movement, voice, text analysis and much more. Classes offered are currently both in person and virtual. 

Where: Los Angeles, London and remotely.

www.identityschoolofacting.com for more info.

I hope this is at all helpful.

Remember, no matter where you choose to study your craft, just make sure that you continue to grow and learn each day. As artists, we are in this for the long haul and that makes us students for life. If you can’t get in class, get your hands on some books, read plays, or even hop on a zoom call with your friends and hold your own scene study sessions. No matter what, don’t stop doing the work.

Let me know what you think of these recommendations or if you have any recommendations of your own in the comments. And if you like this post, be sure to like and subscribe to my blog below for more. Let’s spread the wealth and push the craft forward for all!

Until next time, Love.

-DP