LA ACTING SCHOOLS

6 schools · verified listings

Acting Classes in Sherman Oaks and the West Valley

Sherman Oaks, Encino, Van Nuys, Reseda, and Northridge form the Valley's western training belt. Every listing is researched from official sources and dated; see our methodology.

The Acting CenterSherman Oaks

The Acting Center

Sherman Oaks school founded 2006 teaching its own proprietary technique in a strictly no-criticism classroom, with published 2026 session dates and pricing for scene study, intensives, and improv.

Eclectic / multi-techniqueImprov and sketchAudit / trial$$Braden Lynch StudioReseda

Braden Lynch Studio

Reseda boutique studio where actor-author Braden Lynch teaches an Adler-based technique in classes capped at 12, with fully published rates, a $25 credited evaluation as the entry step, and accent coaching.

AdlerEclectic / multi-technique$$Northridge

California State University, Northridge Department of Theatre

Cal State Northridge's 250-major theatre department: a no-audition Theatre BA with an acting and directing option, eight productions a year, a teen summer drama workshop, and CSU-resident tuition.

Eclectic / multi-techniqueConservatoryYouth programs$$$Kimberly Jentzen StudioSherman Oaks

Kimberly Jentzen Studio

Sherman Oaks studio of multi-award-winning coach Kimberly Jentzen, teaching her Power Tools technique in a Monday night scene study at the Whitefire Theatre and an interview-gated online class with published tuition.

Eclectic / multi-techniqueChekhov$$Valley Glen

Los Angeles Valley College Department of Theatre & Dance

Valley Glen community college theatre program with AA degrees in acting, directing, and technical theatre, an acting certificate, and a new performing arts center, at California's $46-per-unit community college rate.

Eclectic / multi-technique$Matthew Barry TeachesSherman Oaks

Matthew Barry Teaches

Sherman Oaks class taught by casting director Matthew Barry (The Notebook, Rush Hour): one weekly everyone-works session rotating on-camera, audition, comedy, and scene work at a published $89 per class.

Eclectic / multi-techniqueOn-camera technique$$

What this training is

This is a spread-out area rather than a cluster, with individual studios and a university theater program rather than a walkable scene. Studios here tend to serve their immediate neighborhoods, and several have long histories with young actors.

Who it suits

West Valley residents and families. For anyone in the area it is a meaningfully shorter drive than crossing to Hollywood on a weeknight.

What these listings show

Counted from the verified records on this page when the site was last built, on 2026-08-15.

  • Published pricing. 6 of 6 publish enough pricing to place them in a band: $ (1), $$ (4), $$$ (1).
  • Audit or trial. 1 of these 6 offers an audit or a trial class, which is the cheapest way to judge a teacher before committing.
  • Levels. 4 accept complete beginners and 4 run advanced work.
  • Online options. 4 of 6 offer an online format as well as in person.
  • Private coaching. 4 also offer one-to-one coaching alongside classes.
  • Young actors. 1 of these serves kids or teens as well as adults.
  • Techniques taught. Most commonly Eclectic / multi-technique (6), Improv and sketch (2), Adler (2).
  • How established. 4 publish a founding year, the earliest 1958 and the most recent 2009.

How to compare them

Since there is no dense cluster, choose by teacher rather than by area, and be prepared to drive within the Valley. Parking is rarely a problem. Confirm whether the studio also offers online sections, which several do and which can absorb a difficult week.

Related

North Hollywood and Studio CityBurbank and Glendale
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