quote:

Originally posted by LADelight:
He is definitely more on the business side approach that you mention. He doesn't really "teach" a whole lot, but he gives good advice about how you would look on camera and to a casting director. He doesn't really advocate a method like Meisner or Stanislavsky-in fact he seems to think they are outdated today. He is straightforward and honest about how the industry would perceive you, and lets you know what might be holding you back.

What he does is break you off into groups of 2-4, and you practice a scence for a half-hour or so. Then you watch all of the scenes-Brian asks each individual about how they felt about their performance and Brian gives his input. The are about 20 people per class-so you only work one scene and spend the rest of the time watching the others. Personally, I prefer a smaller class where you work more. I took classes with him for a few months; I stopped because of the commute and the fact I couldn't keep to a consistent schedule.

I hope this helps!

quote:

Originally posted by Iceman:
I looked into Brian Reise quite awhile back, and what I found out it pretty much what others have said here. His class is essentially a garden-variety cold reading class that deals with the basic techniques of auditioning, but doesn't really delve in any specific technique (not a good thing in my opinion).

I find cold reading classes can be good for teaching basic techniques... which should take no more then a week or two, and to keep in practice in the slow times, when auditions are scarce, but they don't make you a better actor week after week.

On top of this, I really didn't care for the man personally, so I did not attend more then the orientation.

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:
Dear Marcus Aurelius,

I studied with Brian fifteen years ago, while still living in LA.

I remember that he emphasized "getting off the page" as soon as humanly possible and I got a lot out of his class, as did many of my clients. I cannot recall that he stressed any particular acting method over any another.

I do not believe that any cold reading class is appropriate before mastering basic acting skills, and should be reserved for audition technique ONLY, just as any reputable on-camera workshop or private coaching would. Without sufficient acting training, I think that cold reading classes without a thorough understanding of basic technique is like "putting the cart before the horse."

Nowadays, many of my LA clients highly recommend the Larry Moss/Michelle Danner cold reading class. Although Larry is pretty much associated in name only and rarely attends class, both he and Michelle are closely affiliated with Steven Spielberg and many, many other serious film professionals. If your goal is to be seen by truly connected and important industry "insiders," I can't think of any class in Hollywood with better credentials.

She can be contacted at, edgemarcenter.org, and their phone number is: 310/399-3666.

I also recommend Margie Haber's cold reading intensive. She often travels from state-to-state teaching her course, and has written a very useful book on the audition/cold reading process called, "How To Get The Part... Without Falling Apart." An excellent read.

"Whatever works."

www.robertkim.com