10 Best Acting Schools in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has probably been on the mind of every aspiring actor at one point. After all, it’s where the greatest are, right?
It’s also one of the most saturated acting scenes in the country. So you really have to take your talents to the next level in order to be successful.
Whether you’re brand new to the acting scene or are a seasoned performer looking to kick it up a notch, taking acting classes is one of the best steps you can take for your career.
But with so many choices out there in a place like Hollywood, how can you know which are the best acting schools in Los Angeles?
What makes a best acting school in LA?
To determine which acting schools and classes should make our list, we looked at a few things:
- Reputation — which schools had a track record for producing stars?
- Specialty — what schools are best for film/TV acting? Improv? Children, etc.
- Style — we like to highlight a variety of styles/methods so you can choose what’s best for you
- Practical application — how well does the school help you apply your skills in the real world?
- Tuition, availability, course length, etc. — that way, you can make the decision that works best for your situation
So let’s get right into it! Here are the top ten best acting schools in Los Angeles!
1. 3-2-1 Acting Studios
3-2-1 is an acclaimed in-studio and online acting program for kids, teens, and young adults. They’ve produced young actors who have starred in hits like “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Shameless.”
Students can take technically-driven classes for Scene Study, Audition Technique, Commercials, and Improv, or participate in the Talent Showcase and Acting Career Program which gets the attention of top LA agents every year.
Address: 3131 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA
Website: 321talentshowcase.com
Phone: (818) 248-5602
Tuition: $595-$695 per 8-session classes
Specialty: Child and young adult acting
2. Andrew Wood Acting Studio
Students at Andrew Wood Acting Studio are expected to work hard and be serious, but the results are worth it. The Essentials Workshop teaches a framework for becoming a true student of script and gives a set of tools to support your development as an actor. Students that have participated in two 10-week Essentials courses are eligible for the Advanced Workshop.
Andrew Wood utilizes techniques he learned at the Yale School of Drama to teach small classes, getting the best results for each student. His students have appeared on shows such as Roseanne, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Homeland, The Office, NCIS, The Big Bang Theory, Westworld, The Man in the High Castle, 13 Reasons Why, and more.
Address: 1122 N Gower St., Los Angeles, CA
Website: andrewwoodla.com
Phone: (323) 836-2176
Tuition: $680 for the ten-week Essentials Workshop
Specialty: The Stanislavsky approach
3. Berg Studios
Gregory Berger-Sobeck is part of the Yale School of Drama’s acting faculty, making his classes extremely sought-after. He offers classes for all experience levels including scene study, audition technique, Shakespeare, on-camera acting and more. He also has intensive workshops for those looking to brush up on a skill quickly.
You can audit a class for free to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
Address: 3245 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Website: bergstudios.com
Phone: (323) 666-3382
Tuition: $325 for 4-week Bootcamp, $280-$2,500 for classes (1-12 month options)
Specialty: Studio Technique
4. Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio
The Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio focuses on three core curriculum: The Meisner Technique, Scene Study, and Beginning Acting. In these classes, students strengthen their imagination, expand their emotional range, and discover what makes them unique!
They also offer classes for voice, Shakespeare, On-Camera Technique, and Acting Life & Business. Class sizes are small, as this studio stresses the importance of individualized commitment to each student.
Address: 11423 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA
Website: emasla.com
Phone: (323) 528-6280
Tuition: $400-$600 per course
Specialty: The Meisner Technique
5. Lifebook Acting Academy
Lifebook Acting Academy prides itself on being more than just a place for acting — it’s a community where people can come together to inspire each other and achieve success together.
They have a wide range of classes for both first timers and advanced actors. Their “All Levels” course covers everything from scene study to auditioning, to getting into SAG or getting an agent.
Their classes are typically held at night, so it’s a great choice for people who work or go to school.
Address:4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA
Website: lifebookacting.com
Phone: (818) 415-9568
Tuition: $225 for 4 weeks or $595 for 12 weeks
Specialty: Beginner adult classes
6. Speiser/Sturges Acting Studio
Speisner/Sturges is widely acclaimed, having coached Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and Gerard Butler to success.
Speiser/Sturges prepares actors for a career in TV/film by pairing technical classes like scene study, technique, and voice, with career classes like auditioning, interviewing, and casting. This not only helps aspiring Hollywood actors sharpen their skills, it also gives them the tools they will need to succeed in the real world.
Address: 1728 La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Website: speisersturges.com
Phone: (310) 399-4567
Tuition: $780 for three months, $1,400 for six months, $2,500 for 12 months of classes, $200 for improv class
Specialty: Film & TV acting
7. Keep it Real Acting
All classes at Keep it Real Acting are taught by working industry professionals, who often bring casting directors, agents, managers, and other professionals to observe the class.
Class offerings include commercial, theater, improv, youth, and business/branding. They also have a 4-week intensive to master dialect and technique for performing in Spanish.
They also offer free coaching sessions and senior services (ages 60+) — just contact them to schedule your time slot.
Address: 4444 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA
Website: keepitrealacting.com
Phone: (818) 901-8606
Tuition: $200-$500 per course
Specialty: Spanish acting classes
8. Graham Shiels Studios
Instructors at GSS are all currently working professionals with regularly appearing roles in film and TV.
Once students complete The Lab, the prerequisite introductory course, they can choose between Film & TV, Scene Study, or Mastermind Sessions. The classes at GSS blend professional experience with Yale School of Drama classical training. They build actors’ confidence by mimicking a small-venue performance, which translates well to audition rooms.
Address: 5028 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Website:grahamshielsstudio.com
Phone: (323) 230-0139
Tuition: $450 for The Lab, $280 for 4 class sessions or $490 for 8 class sessions, $180 for 6 Mastermind sessions
Specialty: On-camera, TV/Film acting
9. Hollywood Acting Workshop
The Hollywood Acting Workshop offers professional-level acting classes for adults and teens of all experience levels. Newcomers are encouraged to audit a class and students can take classes without a membership to the studio, so it’s a great place for actors to start their journey.
They have beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes for a wide range of on-camera techniques, as well as talent agent showcases, manager showcases, and casting director workshops. They also offer 4-week workshops as a starting point to offer practical advice and material for the basics of acting.
Address: 6380 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Website: hollywoodactingworkshop.com
Phone: (310) 717-2181
Tuition: $100-$200 per 4-week class
Specialty: On-camera acting
10. The Actors Circle Acting School
The Actors he Circle was founded in 2003 and has become one of the top training centers for young actors in LA. They provide classes in scene study, cold reading, audition technique, and improv, geared towards film and TV acting.
Although they’ve gone on to lead successful careers, alumni of The Actors Circle still have involvement with the studio, creating a community and everlasting support system for aspiring and professional actors.
Address: 4475 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA
Website: theactorscircle.com
Phone: (310) 837-4536
Tuition: $35-$454 depending on class and duration
Specialty: Film & TV
Now that you have a resource for best acting classes in LA, go out and get started! We hope to see your name on a Hollywood star one day!
