Playhouse West has 3 Studios – For Locations Click Here
Office Phone Number: (818) 881-6520
Frequently Asked Questions
Sorry, but no. Playhouse West is not set up to help students obtain a visa.
At this time we do not offer a class for kids.
No
When a student must take a leave of absence for a month or more of classes for any reason, they should contact their instructor and simply explain the reason why. Failure to contact your instructor is considered an un-excused absence and may result in being permenantly dismissedfrom the classes.
Students with an excused absence do not pay for those months they are not attending class.
We do not publicize our class schedule. All new or perspective students are given an available class schedule upon being accepted into the school.
No. This is because what we do in these classes would not be clearly understood without first
learning and understanding what is taught in the Level One classes. Anyone wishing to see what
is being taught in the more Advanced levels should attend one of our plays or Scene Nights. Or,
to get an accurate representation of what we teach in the advanced classes, you may study the
work of our many students who are working in film and television.
Yes. Though you may have studied in a “Meisner Technique” class in the past, not every
instructor of this approach teaches it in the same way. The Playhouse West approach is
unique to us. It is based on our personal, first-hand knowledge and experience gained by
observing Mr. Meisner teach (he chose to teach his private classes at Playhouse West when
relocating to Los Angeles from New York in 1987 until he retired), and learning how his approach
was continually evolving year to year. It should also be noted that our own Playhouse West
approach has continued to evolve over the last 30 years. Furthermore, even if you studied with
a reputable, “Meisner-based” instructor, we cannot take it for granted you learned exactly what
we teach or that you learned it correctly. However, since progress and advancement in our
classes is individual, it is possible to progress rapidly should the instructor see that your grasp of
the work is correct.
No. All of our productions are directed and acted in exclusively by our students.
One cannot audtion to get into an upper level class at Playhouse West. All students start in a Level One class.
The training at Playhouse West is unique to us. Students are learning a very specific, step-by-step approach. No steps may be skipped, as that would be detrimental to the student. However, progress and advancement is determined on an individual basis. Some students will naturally learn some things quicker than others. It should be noted though, that how quickly a student advances or progresses at any level will largely depend on how dedicated and serious the student is, and how often they practice what we are teaching them.
Please refer to the answer for Question 1: “How can I become a student at Playhouse West?”
No. Playhouse West does not offer any scholarships or financial aid. But we do offerclasses at one of the most reasonable prices of any acting school in Los Angeles, as it has always been our policy not to exploit actors wishing to study with us.
No, no acting experience is required.
No.
Our classes meet Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m.-Noon, 12-3 p.m., 3:30-6:30 p.m., and 7-10 p.m.
Please refer to the answer for Question 1: “How can I become a student at Playhouse West?”
Some Advanced classes and Specialty classes meet on Saturdays and Sundays.
We hold classes at all three of our studios (locations), but the levels vary on different days.
The available class schedules will be covered in the interview with an instructor after you audit a
class.
No. Payment of class tuition fees is by cash or check only.
Our acting classes cost $195 per month; that is for 2 classes per week, 3 hours each class, and students work in every class. There are no hidden fees. Payment is on a month-to-month basis.
No, we do not audition students who wish to study with us. (see Question 1: “How can I become a student at Playhouse West?”)
Yes, every perspective student must first audit one of our Level I classes, as we want each
student to understand exactly what they are signing up for and can expect to be studying. (see
Question 1: “How can I become a student at Playhouse West?”)
No, anyone interested in studying at our school must first audit one of our Level I classes. (see Question 1: “How can I become a student at Playhouse West?”)
No, you may just show up a few minutes early to sign in.
Yes, in fact we require all perspective students to first audit a class. (see Question 1: “How can I become a student at Playhouse West?”)
All potential students must first audit a class. Membership is granted on the basis of an
interview with Robert Carnegie, Founding Director, or Tony Savant, Artistic Director. The
interviews are brief and take place immediately after the audit.
Accepted students are given a Student Acceptance Sheet containing a class schedule, tuition
payment policies, and other pertinent information. The Student Acceptance Sheet must be
presented to the instructor on the student's first day of class.
Information regarding the classes and times one may audit can be found on the “Auditing An
Acting Class” page under the “School” section of the website. Here's a quick link to that page:
Auditing A Class
All potential students must first audit a class. Membership is granted on the basis of an interview with Robert Carnegie, Founding Director, or Tony Savant, Artistic Director. The interviews are brief and take place immediately after the audit.
Accepted students are given a Student Acceptance Sheet containing a class schedule, tuition payment policies, and other pertinent information. The Student Acceptance Sheet must be presented to the instructor on the student's first day of class.
Information regarding the classes and times one may audit can be found on the “Auditing An Acting Class” page under the “School” section of the website.
Here's a quick link to that page: Auditing A Class
Working Students
