What this training is
Practice varies. Some studios let you sit in on a working class at no cost, some offer a single paid drop-in as the sanctioned trial, and some do not allow observation at all, usually on the grounds that an audience changes the room. All three positions are defensible. What matters is that the school is clear about which one it holds and why.
Who it suits
Anyone choosing between schools, actors new to Los Angeles, and anyone considering a program measured in years, where the cost of choosing wrong is high.
What these listings show
Counted from the verified records on this page when the site was last built, on 2026-08-15.
- Published pricing. 21 of 31 publish enough pricing to place them in a band: $ (6), $$ (14), $$$$ (1). The other 10 do not publish rates, so you have to ask.
- Audit or trial. 31 of these 31 offer an audit or a trial class, which is the cheapest way to judge a teacher before committing.
- Audition required. 1 requires an audition or placement before you can enroll, so plan for a step before the first class.
- Levels. 29 accept complete beginners and 27 run advanced work (94% and 87% of this list).
- Online options. 25 of 31 offer an online format as well as in person.
- Private coaching. 25 also offer one-to-one coaching alongside classes.
- Young actors. 14 of these serve kids or teens as well as adults.
- Where they are. Concentrated in North Hollywood and Studio City (11), Hollywood and Mid-City (8), Burbank and Glendale (4), across 8 areas of Los Angeles in total.
- Techniques taught. Most commonly Eclectic / multi-technique (17), On-camera technique (14), Improv and sketch (9).
- How established. 21 publish a founding year, the earliest 1969 and the most recent 2013.
How to compare them
When you audit, watch how the teacher gives notes to other actors rather than watching the performances, since that is what you are actually buying. Notice how many people get up and how long the class runs past its stated end. Ask the students in the room how long they have been there. If a school refuses observation, ask what it offers instead: a good answer exists, and a school that has none is telling you something.