Has anyone studied with Jason Bennet? The more I read his articles and things on his website, the more I feel like I really need this training. Is it worth it? Not worth it? Tell me what you think please! I'm interested in taking the summer intensive, so that may help with your response(?). Thanks!

Dont do it!!! He's a scammmmm!! Come, let me be your instructor! muahahahahahahha. Im only kidding. Ive looked extensively at JB's website, and have had many a discussion with the man. I would say, not even from meeting him, it would behoove you to take a session with him. I wish I lived closer to NYC because I would take some classes from him as well. I know this may not be helpful to you, as I have never taken a class from JB, but, I am a good reader of character. I can most definitely tell he not only has a great sense of understanding for the craft and its ever-changing process, but he has a serious passion for the student, and the student's progress. And, aside from that, his studio allows you to access libraries of useful books, video and editing for audition reels, and space to work on your own. In the least, it would be worth a try! There are many things I disagree with on many subjects with Jason, but he backs up all of his beliefs with solid, reasonable, and intelligent answers. I like instructors who are grounded, and confident, but at the same time, willing to understand where another perspective is coming from. I'm sure he'd let you audit a class for a few bucks to see if its really your cup o' tea.
Ok, JB, where's my commission? hehehehe.

hey Prospective - welcome to the boards! I haven't posted in A WHILE... I've been so busy that I've not been able to contribute to these boards...

I am actually a student of Jason Bennett. Jason mentioned that someone was inquiring about the school, and asked us to revisit the forums and post honestly - so here I am. I couldn't agree more with him - I found Jason after doing my own extensive reading from his website - just like how avidactor did.

After reading the wealth of information on JBAW's website (Jason Bennett Actor's Workshop) that I decided to pursue my training with him. I had previous "training" before, but upon merely READING the site, I realized how little I had known, and how much more I had to learn. So far I haven't come across any other school's website which offered so much insight to the craft on their site.

I've been training with Jason for approximately 6 months - right now I'm on break from acting for personal reasons. But, in those 6 months I've learned so much about the psychology of selves, the dynamics of a scene, how to actually develop a PERSONAL TECHNIQUE that suits ME - not just a One Size Fits All approach (like how most places teach and emphasize their technique or method's superiority - and if it doesn't work for you, then you're just not "talented."). I've been to those bogus schools, and I'm being quite frank, I absolutely DID NOT get my money's worth. What I got from those schools was a superficial and vague idea to acting. I can tell you about it in a PM if you want...

So I encourage you to absolutely get in touch with JBAW. I remember I was supposed to join another school and sign a contract with them for several months, but just a few days before, LITERALLY, I read about Jason on these forums. THANK GOD I did! It was life-changing. Jason does allow you to sample his approach in his Trial Classes. It's fun, and sometimes the current students come so you can get their personal opinion...

Hope this helps - and ask away if you've got any more questions...

Hi,

I'm just going to echo everything Heliodoros said. Again, Jason asked me to post since I haven't visited these boards in probably several months, but I used to be an avid reader and poster here. It's through these boards that I discovered Jason's school, and my desire to learn from him was a part of my decision to move back to NYC a little over three years ago.

I started studying with Jason exactly three years ago, though I haven't been in classes with him for a few months now. Before studying with Jason, I had taken some acting classes in college, at a major theater in Philadelphia, at a well-known school here in NYC, and some other places here and there. I'd had several years of training before coming to Jason, but still had no idea what a choice was, how to use it, no process, and no real understanding of acting. Of course, I didn't realize that until I entered his classes; I thought I knew a heck of a lot more than I actually did. Now, I can safely say that I not only know a great deal more about acting, but that I actually know how to act! And, I can do it well!

Jason teaches an unbelievable amount of techniques and tools. Most of the instrumental work is from Eric Morris, though Jason has been known to create exercises for us on the spot. Jason also incorporates a great deal of archetype work, which I never experienced in my previous training. The instrumental work helps with the archetype training, but he also teaches us to use voice dialogue and our dreams to access various archetypes. It's really fascinating and what you learn about yourself and others is absolutely amazing! It not only effects your acting, but your life in general.

One of the most important things I've learned in studying with Jason is professionalism. When Jason told our class several years ago that most actors in New York lacked professionalism, I thought he was off his rocker. After having worked multiple projects the past few years, I'd have to say he's correct. The project I worked on this past summer with actors from the "top" acting schools in NYC were about as unprofessional as they come -- missing rehearsal, showing up when they felt like it to rehearsal, or just plain walking out on the show minutes before a performance because he just didn't feel like performing! I was the only actor who consistently showed up EARLY, made it to every rehearsal, was ready to work, did a warm-up, and had my lines memorized. It made me feel that other schools in the city must be omitting this part of their training if actors are behaving with such a lack of respect for their work.

Anyway, I hope this gives you an indication of what the school is about. The website gives a much more comprehensive view of the school and its teachings. You won't learn it all overnight, but you will learn it.

Best of luck to you,
Katie

Did you guys get a class discount for these posts? Just wondering.

Dear Anita,

First, you may not know that one reason I post on here is because a long time ago, staff at Backstage invited me to post on here. I don't work for Backstage, and only speak for myself. But I've gotten great feedback from casting directors and actors for my posts on here, and enjoy it when I have the time.

As you know, celebrities get paid to endorse products all the time. It's standard practice in this capitalist world we live in.

However, no, neither of these former students of mine were offered anything to post their opinions about the classes. In fact, I told them both to be very clear that I had asked them to post their truth if they wanted to, in response to the question. We're very transparent. There are no secrets or hidden strategies. These days, most of the time there are waiting lists for classes at our school. We're not desperate for students.

And I thought it would be odd if they suddenly showed up and posted their stories, because neither of them has posted in awhile.

As it happens, neither of them are currently even in classes! But they feel so strongly about the training, they bothered to post when I told them there was a question about the school.

Because a large percentage of the actors I work with are "working actors," a very low percentage of my students are on these boards -- they just don't have time to be. So I shot both of them an email that said, "There is a question about the school on the message boards. Please say I told you about it if you go on and post."

And by the way, I'm not being paid to say that both of these actors are very talented. They both do work worthy of a paying audience, and I'm humbled by the fact I've had a little something to do with that.

- Jason Bennett

No, Anita, we're not getting a discount on classes. Nor are we being paid to talk about the school. As I stated in my post, it is through these boards that I discovered Jason's school. Had it not been for these boards, who knows what acting class I would've wound up in? Since I'm so grateful to these boards for introducing me to Jason, I post here in order to give back and promote what has not only worked for me but for dozens of other students at Jason's school. My classmates have an extraordinary commitment to their work, a true passion for art, and are extremely talented. Why shouldn't I promote my school and encourage others who are like us to attend?

Katie

I WISH getting money were that easy these days - but I'm sorry to disappoint you Anita, we are not getting any discounts or payments for these posts.

In any event, KatieD01's right, we were asked to come here and say how we felt about our experience with Jason Bennett - so I did.

On another note - just something I've noticed, that every Joe Schmo in our industry has their own opinions about what is the "best." While it's okay to ask others for opinions, you will never get a good answer unless you actually EXPERIENCE it yourself. Same for acting schools - I went to some "well-known" places in Manhattan after people raved about them, and quite frankly - I did not get my money's worth - such a waste of my valuable time, energy, and resources.

Always be skeptical before making any investment in your future! It doesn't just go for stocks, it goes for any time/money value you are putting into bettering yourself. I was a skeptic when looking for a school - and I strongly believe the returns will be worth it in the long-run at JBAW. Just reading JBAW's website invoked me to give him a call and checkout the school. I figured, "hey, if I learned this much from his site, imagine how much MORE I would learn in his classes."

Phewww... Finally, I made a solid investment.

Jason, I love you, but gotta question some stuff...

Katie said:

quote:

I'm just going to echo everything Heliodoros said. Again, Jason asked me to post since I haven't visited these boards in probably several months, but I used to be an avid reader and poster here.

Am I misinterpreting this, or do you ask your student/former student or supporter to post on a message board. It just seems odd.

"Because a large percentage of the actors I work with are "working actors," a very low percentage of my students are on these boards -- they just don't have time to be."

Does that mean that most students don't have time to post on a message board, however you ask some to post? I am honestly confused, and not trying to be rude. I have spoken to you often on these boards and in private messages, and you were very honest and kind. I think the problem is that most of the long posts on your section of the message board are from your students, and it seems some posts strike me as odd, as in not really a genuine question or topic, but "set ups' for this section. I am good at getting "in tune" with when people are honestly writing (posting on a message board in this case). For example "Prospective's" posts really seem like set-ups. He/She does not seem real to me, or, "really honest" in his/her questions. I am sorry, but I really feel this way. I would love to hear from all readers on this board from anywhere, who have read all the posts in this section, and let me know if I am just plain nuts-or do these posts all seem like plugs for your method of teaching... and if JFK really was assasinated by the Cubans, Mafia, and CIA.

quote:

AnitaLoos1
Newbie
Posted April 08, 2008 08:32 PM Hide Post
Did you guys get a class discount for these posts? Just wondering.

Sorry, a followup. I almost ignored Anitaloos's post, which is simple and brilliant. Look, Jason, I am gonna lay it on the line. The method, grammar, tone and messages of most posters in this section whom I SUSPECT are affiliated w. you or your classes is so obvious that it is embarrassing, and reflects poorly on you. Honestly, it reminds me of Scientology-but that's just my view. IN MY OPINION, you could do better, or tell you followers to just speak(post) from the heart, like I am now! To clarify, for me, it is frightening when all of the posters who support you write (post) in the same way, lacking passion and clarity in their posts, like stepford wives. I appreciate the fact that your students adore your teaching, and would perhaps study with you in the future, however, I must point out the same obvious thing that so many see in these posts.

No offense taken, but I am only 18, and I am new to blogging in general so that may be why I don't seem real to you in regards to my postings. I probably should have private messaged some people, but you see, I don't know how to or anything like that. The reason why I asked about his summer classes is because right now I'm in college and I'm trying to get more training elsewhere and I've read alot on his website, liked it, decided to find out more. I'm trying to find good summer intensives, and I wanted to find out a little more about Jason's. That's all. As for everyone else posting, I don't know how they are in real life.

Dear Eaglesfanla,

You imagine conspiracies where there are none. Everyone was speaking from the heart. I have no idea who Prospective is and there is no setup.

I'm sorry you are "frightened" by some messages. There is no religious aspect of our training. My students are encouraged to disagree with anything they want to.

And I've said and our website highlights, I work with mostly successful, professional actors. Our actors are fiercely independent, rebellious, intelligent, political and passionate.

We receive correspondence from literally hundreds of actors and acting TEACHERS from all over the world thanking us for the depth of information on our website, saluting the work we do, and asking me questions about acting. "Many" are not on your side about this issue.

We are hardly desperate. Currently, I turn away about 75% of those who apply to our school.

Ironically (given your posts), my core advice and teaching is always the same -- the most effective communicators tell the truth and speak from the heart. And that is exactly what I do, and it is what those I work with are taught to do. And I've learned that the best ADVERTISING is to tell the TRUTH about what we do.

Eagles, please remember, Backstage knows who I am -- in fact, they invited me here. I've been featured in two articles in Backstage. Everyone's IP address is visible to Backstage. You think Backstage would allow me to pretend to be someone else? Come on, man.

I always speak openly and from the heart and that's the whole reason I asked Helio and Katie to tell you I asked them to post. It took me two seconds to send them both an email asking them to post. I asked those students to post, as I said before quite OPENLY, because I knew they didn't post on here much anymore.

Did you get freaked out when Hillary Clinton asked Maya Angelou to endorse her? Is that wrong? Do you get freaked out when Barack Obama calls Bill Richardson, everyday for weeks, to ask for his endorsement? Do you get freaked out when Tom Hanks endorses Barack Obama? When Oprah does? What's the weirdness about endorsements? Asking for endorsements is part of HOW I prove to you that the work I do is valid. That's why advertising is filled with them. Does the fact that these endorsements were requested make them LIES?

So anyway, I'm on the boards really to talk about acting. The reason I'm being self-promotional in this post is because you are challenging my school. And when you do that, I have to respond with the truth.

Listen, being self-promotional is a VITAL, absolutely VITAL part of becoming a successful, working actor. It's kind of easy to recognize who hasn't learned that yet by seeing who gets uncomfortable with self-promotion. You have to learn that speaking truthfully, humbly, yet powerfully and proudly about who you are and what you do as an actor is VITAL to making connections, "networking," and getting to know CDs, agents, directors, everyone.

Some of the best and most powerful connections I've made -- some of the most successful students I've gotten (names you would probably know), have come from me standing at PARTIES and speaking about the work I do with no apologies. That's how it works in the real world, Eagles. You are on the wrong track when you try to make it weird for me to talk proudly about what I do, or if you think I'm supposed to apologize for having successful working actors endorse my work.

Listen Eagles, call me sometime, instead of making up fantasies about who we are. I don't see how someone could talk to me on the phone and think there is anything weird about our school, frankly.

I am not the teacher for all actors. One of the most important things to look for in a teacher is a really good feeling and connection. Not all human beings connect. That's ok.

You know, come on...THIS IS A MESSAGE BOARD. Do I go overboard sometimes? Sure. Do I state things poorly on here sometimes? Sure. Do I have to be perfect? No. I'm not a Guru. I'm just a fricking acting teacher. I'm an actor and singer who passes on information to other actors and singers.

I'm not running for President. We don't need CIA investigations into whether or not actors like me. Geez. Come on, man. Can you really read through my website and think I don't know what I'm doing? Come on...

Anyway, I have to teach at 2. Gotta run soon. Eagles, go to work for the CIA and focus on real conspiracies. Lighten up, man, this world is filled with real problems that need our focus. This message board isn't one of them.

- Jason

quote:

Originally posted by JBActors:
Lighten up, man, this world is filled with real problems that need our focus. This message board isn't one of them.

- Jason

Wow, JB, I could not agree more. This is great advice and I am going to take it to heart. Thank you.

"Everyone's IP address is visible to Backstage. You think Backstage would allow me to pretend to be someone else?"

I don't think you yourself are actually typing these questions, but I am expressing my opinion as to the same style of writing that your students have, and they do SEEM to me (and some others, I think) like set ups-just like when someone says "Have you ever had headshots taken by "so and so", and suddenly there are a bunch of new posts (often by newcomers or people who never post elsewhere, written in the same style praising that photographer. All I am saying is it seems odd.., and I think Anitaloos1 noticed the same thing...So at least if I am crazy, I have Anitaloos for company (just kidding!) Look, the best restaurants in the world will have people who write a review and say-yuck. Its just that this section is full of...well, we went over this already...

"Eagles, go to work for the CIA and focus on real conspiracies. "

I have submitted several headshots and a demo reel to the CIA, and have yet to hear back, but would love a referral.

quote:
Originally posted by JBActors:
Lighten up, man, this world is filled with real problems that need our focus. This message board isn't one of them.

- Jason

Hmmm, if I say "no s**t", I'll get banned...so...all I was doing was pointing out something a lot of people notice.

Dear Eaglesfanla,

I wanted to let you know that I appreciate your valiant effort to bring up salient points. However, it has been my experience in life that you can't save people from themselves. It seems if they want to drink the kool-aid, as the saying goes, there is not much one can do about it.

Best wishes!

quote:

Originally posted by eaglesfanla:
"Everyone's IP address is visible to Backstage. You think Backstage would allow me to pretend to be someone else?"

I don't think you yourself are actually typing these questions, but I am expressing my opinion as to the same style of writing that your students have, and they do SEEM to me (and some others, I think) like set ups-just like when someone says "Have you ever had headshots taken by "so and so", and suddenly there are a bunch of new posts (often by newcomers or people who never post elsewhere, written in the same style praising that photographer. All I am saying is it seems odd.., and I think Anitaloos1 noticed the same thing...So at least if I am crazy, I have Anitaloos for company (just kidding!) Look, the best restaurants in the world will have people who write a review and say-yuck. Its just that this section is full of...well, we went over this already...

"Eagles, go to work for the CIA and focus on real conspiracies. "

I have submitted several headshots and a demo reel to the CIA, and have yet to hear back, but would love a referral.

quote:
Originally posted by JBActors:
Lighten up, man, this world is filled with real problems that need our focus. This message board isn't one of them.

- Jason

Hmmm, if I say "no s**t", I'll get banned...so...all I was doing was pointing out something a lot of people notice.

Let's see...

The upcoming really important election...
Global Climate Crisis...
Rising Oil Costs...
No health care for millions of Americans...
The rich stealing the poors' money...
Corporations controlling the media and ruining the country...
Corporations stealing money from the poor and the government...
China buying our country and building up its' military...
Our country going completely bankrupt right NOW, ruining our future for our children...
The world-wide epidemic of toxic drugs being pushed on people by the Pharma-empire...

These are real problems, and real conspiracies that need real focus and real solutions.

I think the smartest people are putting their "valiant efforts" into those issues, not complaining about real endorsements of great actor training on a message board read by aspiring actors. There is nothing valiant about focusing on Jason Bennett with what is going on in this world! I'm just an acting teacher. But we really got some bigger problems to focus on.

Volunteer for some cause. Donate some money to a cause. I gave money, again, to Obama last night. I'll be flying to Florida in October to work for his campaign. It is deeply fulfilling to volunteer for a cause that serves others. I highly recommend it. When you are a part of something greater than yourself, it is deeply healing and meaningful.

- Jason B.