Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, is a beacon for those seeking fame in the limelight, particularly in the realm of acting. With Hollywood as its backdrop, it’s no wonder that aspiring actors from around the world flock to LA in the hopes of honing their craft and pursuing their dreams. The city is home to a plethora of acting schools, each with its own unique approach to teaching the art of performance. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 acting schools in Los Angeles, hoping to provide guidance for those who seek to study the craft amidst the stars.
#10: Michelle Danner Acting Studio
Starting our list is the Michelle Danner Acting Studio, founded by the well-respected acting coach and film director Michelle Danner. This institution provides students with a comprehensive curriculum, incorporating various acting techniques such as the Meisner, Strasberg, Adler, and Hagen methods. The school also offers workshops that focus on scene study, on-camera acting, voice, movement, and the auditioning process. With a faculty composed of industry professionals, the Michelle Danner Acting Studio is ideal for actors looking for a personalized approach to their education.
#9: Speiser/Sturges Acting Studio
At Speiser/Sturges, actors are taught under the guidance of Aaron Speiser and Shannon Sturges, who have been coaching some of Hollywood’s finest actors. This studio takes pride in its practical approach to acting, emphasizing on-the-job techniques that Speiser refined under the tutelage of famed acting coach Sanford Meisner. The studio’s philosophy centers on finding the “truth” in every performance, making it a perfect choice for actors who want to dig deep into their emotional reservoirs and create authentic characters.
#8: Ivana Chubbuck Studio
Ivana Chubbuck has earned her place in the acting world by developing the Chubbuck Technique, which has been widely used by award-winning actors. Her studio offers a 12-step acting technique that promises to make characters and scenes vivid, grounded in reality, and compelling. Classes are available for actors at all levels and cover scene study, script analysis, and character development. The Ivana Chubbuck Studio focuses on the psychological and emotional journey of the actor, making it ideal for serious students committed to developing their artistry.
#7: The Groundlings School
If comedy and improvisation are your calling cards, The Groundlings School might just be the place for you. Known for being a pipeline to “Saturday Night Live,” this school founded by Gary Austin offers training in improvisation and sketch comedy. Their alumni list includes comedic greats such as Melissa McCarthy and Will Ferrell. Students at The Groundlings advance through levels by showcasing their abilities in shows performed for the public, refining their skills in both writing and performing comedy.
#6: Beverly Hills Playhouse Acting School
The Beverly Hills Playhouse Acting School offers one of the longest-running acting classes in Los Angeles. It is well-known for its strong emphasis on both the artistic and business aspects of an acting career. Founded by Milton Katselas, the school offers a comprehensive approach known as The Katselas Method, which encourages students to explore their creativity while also understanding the realities of the industry. The school’s alumni include George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer, amongst others.
#5: The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
No acting school list is complete without mentioning The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, famous for teaching the Method Acting technique. Established by Lee Strasberg, the famed acting teacher and proponent of what’s become known as the Stanislavski System, this institute remains one of the most recognized acting schools globally. Students immerse themselves in intensive programs that focus on sensory exercises, affective memory, and character development to bring a heightened realism to their performances.
#4: Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre
The Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre introduces actors to the renowned Stella Adler Technique, which emphasizes imagination in addition to the actor’s own experiences. The Academy’s philosophy is that an actor’s talent lies in his or her originality and that technique should serve as a way to enhance that uniqueness. The school provides comprehensive programs that cover stage, film, and television acting, with a focus on developing the actors’ understanding of script interpretation and character development.
#3: American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA)
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts is one of the oldest acting schools in the United States, with campuses in both Los Angeles and New York City. Renowned for its conservatory-style program, AADA offers a two-year program and an accelerated program with a rigorous combination of voice training, movement, and, of course, acting. The Academy’s alumni include legendary actors like Danny DeVito and Anne Hathaway, which speaks to the quality of education and training provided.
#2: California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
CalArts, located in the Santa Clarita Valley, is not just an acting school; it’s an entire university dedicated to the arts. The School of Theater at CalArts offers undergraduate and graduate programs that are holistic in their approach, encompassing the various disciplines of the theater world. From acting to directing, CalArts educates its students not only in performance but also in the transformative power of storytelling.
#1: University of Southern California (USC) School of Dramatic Arts
At the top of our list is the prestigious University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts. Known for its well-rounded curriculum that fuses classical training with modern techniques, USC provides students with a comprehensive education in the dramatic arts. Beyond its Bachelor and Master programs, USC also offers the opportunity to engage with a thriving arts community in Los Angeles. With a state-of-the-art facility, a distinguished faculty, and numerous connections to the industry, the USC School of Dramatic Arts stands as a preeminent school for actors who seek the very best in training and opportunities.
Los Angeles offers a diverse range of acting schools that cater to every aspiring actor’s needs, whether it’s breaking into comedy, mastering dramatic roles, or immersing oneself in classical theater. Tucked within this urban sprawl are sanctuaries where the craft of acting is taught, nurtured, and refined. These schools represent the finest in both legacy and contemporary methodologies, contributing to the ever-evolving art of performance, and ensuring that actors walk away equipped for the competitive world of show business. Whether you are just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your skills, there is a place for every actor to thrive in the City of Angels.