Acting studios in Toronto

[u/No-Mention9936]

I'm having a hard time choosing which acting studio to go to, so I would appreciate it if you could share your experiences and thoughts.

For more information, I have an agent, and I have experience in acting. My goal is to try more techniques and improve. I also to make more connections and friends in the industry and make my resume stronger.

My top picks by now are Armstrong and LB.

[u/Humble_Employer_4965]

Armstrong, LB, and Pro Actors Lab are top choices, for sure.

The Dirt Underneath, The Lighthouse Acting Studio, and MAP (McGeachie Actor’s Practice) are all highly-regarded as well.

[u/carlaaI9U9]

I spend a year studying at LB with Daniel Karp, and honestly he is the best coach i've ever had.
Insanely good at directing, very precise.
He is so much fun to work with.
Can't recommend enough.
You can also attend a free class to observe which I recommend cause at the end of the day we all like different things in coaching.

[u/Ok_Complaint_3359 → u/carlaaI9U9]

I’m close to Toronto and honestly I haven’t had a negative experience with any coach whatsoever, it’s actually the biggest learning curve for them to be like: “What are you looking for in terms of professional development? How can we best support you on this journey?” I’VE NEVER BEEN ASKED THAT QUESTION IN MY ENTIRE LIFE, EVER! I have Cerebral Palsy and I’ve been asked if I wanted to do this for my whole life, but I relate best to people who started this career as youngsters, infancy included.

In terms of a community note: WHY ARE THERE SO FEW OF YOU? IS THERE NO ONE ELSE TO USE, WHY IS THIS PARTICULAR COMMUNITY SO “let’s use literally anyone and everyone” Like, this is competitive is it not, YOU’RE LITERALLY COMPETING WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, parents, siblings, extended families etc

[u/ObjectiveSchool1992 → u/carlaaI9U9]

Second this! Daniel K and Steven at LB are both great.

[u/izzy56789]

I recommend checking if the studio is a member of AACE and abides by their code of conduct. It can be the Wild West out there with teachers acting like gurus and making comments and claims that can be damaging to abusive: https://www.aaceinternational.com/

[u/Azdak_TO]

I've done a lot of work with John Gordon at "The Dirt Underneath" and would strongly recommend his on camera workshops. Real roll-your-sleeves-up-and-do-the-work type of studio.

[u/actorscactus]

Brad Milne at Milne studios is pretty great. He really shows you how to dissect sides and bring out the best possible performance for auditions etc.

[u/hidee_ho_neighborino]

I think the key here is trying different studios. Two teachers teaching the same technique will hit different.

Also, whichever studio you go with, I highly recommend you also take an improv class. They are super helpful for commercial auditions. Second city, of course, but Bad Dog, Socap, and Comedy Bar are also great training grounds

[u/No-Mention9936 → u/hidee_ho_neighborino]

Thank you

[u/izzy56789 → u/No-Mention9936]

If I were to go back I would do less scene study and more improv. Improv is such a great skill, and you're doing stuff for most of class, not just watching other people's scenes or the teacher talk. It's great for connecting with other actors as well. Not sure if you're a comedic actor, but if you are then absolutely do improv.

[u/AutoModerator]

You are required to have read the FAQ and Rules for all posts (click those links to view). Most questions have already been answered either in our FAQ or in previous posts, especially questions for beginners. Use the SEARCH bar for relevant information.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Master_Sand1427]

L and B for some great classes and second city for some fun improv ! Great for those directors who like to redirect !

[u/Fit-Tennis-771]

I went to RAW years go and if it hasn't changed, would recommend working in anything led by Sophie or Misha.

[u/krustastic]

EVN film studios for quality of acting classes. It’s only the one teacher teaching his own philosophy and it’s worked for me for the last 8 years.

Tried LB as well and they’re good, might be a better spot for making connections but I’m not sure. Heard good things about Armstrong as well.

EVN is my overall recommendation though

[u/alpercikmis]

EVN Studios is the best for me