Howard Fine, Playhouse West, Beverly hills playhouse

Im interested in BHP. I like the way these 'conservatories' are a little bit more free. Take classes, perform in som of their stuff, but your free to audition unlike many other conservatories (cough, cough amda). R these or anything like them good?

Howard Fine is a realy good acting school. They do focus on Uta Hagen's teachings.

Playhouse West is more Meisner based.

Beverly Hills Playhouse is also a really great school. I don't know how it is after the passing of the legendary Milton Katselas.

I want to go to BHP. I love Stella but when I get back to LA in a few, I want to mix it up a bit, you know? Challenge myself. A lot of beginners at Stella and I want to work with people on a higher level.

thanks, right now I really want to go to BHP and audit. I dont think I have the cash for actual classes right now though. can you use a school loan?

BHP doesn't let you audit.

I know both Howard Fine and Playhouse West do.

You could find yourself a 0% interest credit card and get a job in between your classes to pay it off.

quote:

Originally posted by ELDORADO59:
Howard Fine is a realy good acting school. They do focus on Uta Hagen's teachings.

Playhouse West is more Meisner based.

Beverly Hills Playhouse is also a really great school. I don't know how it is after the passing of the legendary Milton Katselas.

I didn't realize that "Uncle Milton" had passed.

The end of an era. He will be missed.

www.robertkim.com

Anyone know anything about AIA acting studio? I cant find a price:
http://www.aiastudios.com/membership/membership_premiere_html

AIA is the "Dolph Lundgren" version of TVI Studios. If you're going to go to a "factory" school, you're better off going to TVI. The main advantage of going to TVI is that you can attend showcases that involve some of the top CDs and Agents in L.A.

Though I'm not a fan of their commercial classes, their cold reading and scene study class are pretty good.

http://tvistudios.com/

quote:

Originally posted by Totallycool:
Anyone know anything about AIA acting studio? I cant find a price:
http://www.aiastudios.com/membership/membership_premiere_html

NOT THEM!!! They telemarket ruthlessly to get people in!!

quote:

Originally posted by miss stone:
NOT THEM!!! They telemarket ruthlessly to get people in!!

Haha! I forgot to mention that!That's how I heard of AIA. They randomly called me saying "someone in the industry recommended you" or something along those lines.

how much are the courses at TVI?

quote:

Originally posted by Totallycool:
how much are the courses at TVI?

Save your money. Yoy are not ready to be seen by CD's yet. You just got started. Get about a good solid year under your belt of training and on camera experience etc through doing student films and anything else you can get cast in. Get used to the actual audition process. Gotta walk before you can run. Trust me. Noone is ready for the big guns at the beginning and when you make that first impression you want it to be good. There are no shortcuts, my friend. Take the right steps, be patient and make it count.

quote:

Originally posted by ELDORADO59:
AIA is the "Dolph Lundgren" version of TVI Studios. If you're going to go to a "factory" school, you're better off going to TVI. The main advantage of going to TVI is that you can attend showcases that involve some of the top CDs and Agents in L.A.

Though I'm not a fan of their commercial classes, their cold reading and scene study class are pretty good.

http://tvistudios.com/

WHy do you call it a factory school? So you have taken their cold reading and scene study classes? Did you ever join their membership? I talked to someone today and she she wants to audition me before shell really tell me much. However, I want to audit the class. Do they let you audit. I dont want to just settle this time, I want to take my time, look around for a good class.

I wanted to comment on the teaching style of Howard Fine for those that are interested.

Howard is a very gifted teacher and does know a lot about the craft. However, Howard likes to teach in an environment of control and fear.

Your critique starts out with you being asked "what worked, what didn't and why". When you give your answer based on the scene you've just put up for him its then Howards turn. This is where it turns into a one sided discussion. If Howard tells you do change something in the scene for the next time you are not allowed to question why or discuss the choices you made as an artist. If you do try to have an open discussion with Howard he will roll his eyes - look towards the audience (class) and say ...."ahhh - I don't think this is the right place for you - you may be unteachable"

Howard also creates a very strong barrier between himself and his class. He will glide away as soon as class is over and hide in his back office or take his dog for a walk. He is very hard to get to talk to on a one to one basis. As an ex student - I tried on many occasions to have a meeting with Howard regarding monologue prepartion for an agent meeting or just a quick chat about some challenges I was having in the industry. I was always told "no" by Eric(his assistant). Howard does not coach students on Monologues unless they are famous and Howard is "too busy" to take private meetings with students.

Having said all that - I would recommend Howard to anyone looking to build a solid foundation in acting. Once you have that foundation you should go to another school where the focus is on having artists work together as equals rather striving for a career in the industry rather than an elitest school like Howard Fine Studio where Howard remains aloof and disconnected from his students.

I trained with Howard Fine for 12 weeks in Comprehensive Technique and the followup class, Relationship between Homework and Rehearsal. I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed my experience there.
I understand why people call it a "factory", but it really is a great school to polish your acting skills and grow as a person.
I've made a lot of friends there too. You bond with everyone in your classes with the specific teamwork exercises.
It's inspiring to watch the Monday night (free) audit at the Master class.
There's ways to work-study as a stage manager if money is tight. Get your application in to Eric early b/c it usually goes to prior students (b/c of familiarity).

Hope this helps!

~Alicia

Ive Studied at Beverly Hills Playhouse and it has been fantastic. I "get" the technique and the teachers critiques.

From what I understand Beverly hills playhouse is rooted in Scientology. Now, I'm not judging and I can't say this first hand but I have friends who can attest to this. Again, to each his own.