Al Pacino
| quote: While it may be true that you don't have to wait for two years to get into classes at UCB, I think there is a misperception about advancement being too easy, especially as you go higher in the program and want to take from tough teachers.
Makes sense. They can't possibly advance everyone especially since they are the hot school--probably not enough teachers if nothing else. But then just as with Groundlings if you can make it to the highest levels it carries weight in the industry. I'm sure they want to keep their reputation solid. Most of these schools probably have two tiers. The actors who want to get improv training and the students who want to go for the top levels. As Lucky said it depends on your goals. |
| | | Posts: 215 | Location: los angeles | Registered: December 18, 2009 | 
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Nicholas Cage
| So you didn't feel bad like these other actors did when they left class? They never put you down etc. or whatever they are implying?
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just another actor..
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Sean Penn
| quote: Originally posted by Cloud9:
Has any one heard of the Industry Speed Dating/Networking event on Sept 27, 2012 in West LA? I heard it was gonna be huge!! Its the perfect venue to meet and connect with others in the industry. Its hosted by Cloud9 Speed Dating/Networking in West LA. A definite sell out event.
Ban. By the way, since we're talking improv classes, if other people have gone to other schools, why not chime in? IO and Second City experiences for instance. |
| | | Posts: 47 | Location: right here | Registered: December 07, 2009 |
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Sean Penn
| quote: Originally posted by ChesterM:
To clarify my previous comment on "not feeling very good about myself" after my Groundlings classes ...
My instructor was Sean Hogan. He was a very talented actor and did a decent job explaining improv basics to newbies. The problem was his temper and associated mean streak. On the first day of class we were running a little behind schedule and I asked if I could go feed the meter. He yelled "Look around you, NONE of your classmates need to feed a meter!". I saw him launch into a few rages, mostly about actors not paying attention or eating. It wasn't enough that he would yell, its that he would keep going, belittling that actor for the rest of the session. He could also be the nicest guy, but it was uncomfortable knowing the pit bull was just beneath the surface.
Studying improv means you are performing just outside of your comfort level at all times making the classes arduous. As long as I was learning I could put up with the other stuff. I did make immediate improvements with my commercial auditions and started getting callbacks and bookings right away. There is no better training.
I studied with Sean a few months ago, and he couldn't be any nicer to our class! Thats really interesting that he had such a short temper with yours. I guess it depends on the class, and what goes on in his personal life at the time. But wow! haha |
| | | Posts: 154 | Location: California | Registered: May 27, 2012 |
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Nicholas Cage
| quote: Originally posted by actorshelper:
My son had a very mean teacher at the Groundlings too--a different one. They are working actors and under the same stresses as the students. This teacher went off on the class because he was missing an audition for them. I'm not defending it--just reality.
You don't get paid to be in the Groundlings. The only way you make money there is to teach classes or direct shows. Of course hopefully there is money to be made from the prestige of being a Groundling.
The point is the teachers are not necessarily all good at teaching or doing it because they want to be teachers. This is not just at Groundlings either. Teaching is a way for improvisors to make money and if the schools are packed they need teachers. There is no credentialing. My son recently went on an audition with grads from the top levels of UCB who he did not feel were up to speed on the techniques. He was surprised.
There are also fantastic teachers at Groundlings.
At the Groundlings the company members are the ones who decide who becomes a Groundling so the teachers do decide your future there which can be stressful too.
I'm probably gonna take 401 at UCB soon since, well, I've already taken 301 lol but I'll say I thought Todd Fassen was a dick but he really pushed me. Other people felt that his performance in Convoy was lacking compared to the other two performers. I liked them as a trio so maybe that supports their argument. Maybe he is bitter like some of these others guys/gals cause they have to teach and are not getting as far as they want in their acting career - but he's a good teacher if you like the asshole kind i have to admit. I met a couple of other d-bags at UCB imo and they didn't back up their crappy passive aggresive attitude with their instruction so it's a fine line and what works for you. I think it depends on the person but since UCB is easier to progress through at least to 401 that makes sense how your son felt.
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just another actor..
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Kevin Bacon
| quote: Originally posted by makemefamous:
So you didn't feel bad like these other actors did when they left class? They never put you down etc. or whatever they are implying?
No, I never did. I certainly didn't feel coddled either, though. I left the class in the place I love to leave any educational experience: appropriately frustrated! I also forgot to mention that I just shot my first national commercial, which was a comedic spot. I definitely know the Groundlings helped me book it, and when I got there, the only other actor was also an upper division Groundlings student! |
| | | Posts: 42 | Location: L.A. | Registered: April 25, 2012 |
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