The Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute

Of all the acting schools in LA, this is the one to go to for Method acting classes. Matt Dillon, James Spader and Uma Thurman are among the alumni. The Institute offers a 36-week full time program (22 hours per week). Each student takes three 4-hour acting classes consisting of sense memory exercises, emotional memory exercises and scene work.

Elective classes include Voice, Acting for the Camera, Film Fighting, Accent Reduction, Choices and Objectives, Improvisation, Script Analysis and Rehearsal Procedures.

This school welcomes beginners and professionals alike and is not to be confused with the Actors Studio, a workshop for professional actors only, where Lee Strasberg worked with legendary actors like Paul Newman and Marilyn Monroe.

Performance opportunities: There is a black box theater and students can participate in scene nights.

Career preparation: The school offers filmmaking classes, which may allow acting students to be cast in short film projects from the film department. There is also a special class for working actors.

Degree: Students receive a Certificate of Merit after completing 96 weeks of classes (22 hours per week).

What you'll need to apply: Transcripts, essay describing your goals, a theatre or professional resume and 2 letters of recommendation. International student programs are available with slightly higher tuition fees.

School Website:
The Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute

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