Beverly Hills Playhouse

I studied at BHP for about 6 months. The students and teachers are supportive and will push you toward the business of acting which is good. Allen Barton writes a wonderful blog on acting… a real gem. What I didn’t care for was the clapping and catcalls after EVERY scene. Just seemed wierd and forced like most of the scene work. Maybe I’m spoiled after studying «The Method.» There was no exercise or exploratory work, only scenes so I’m not sure how a beginner can develop a workable technique.

I’ve been a student at the Playhouse for 2 years and my experience there has been nothing but positive. I was looking for a place where I could find my voice as an actor in a supportive environment and reignite my love for acting. The teachers have all studied with Milton directly and work in the industry. Their approach is threefold: acting, attitude and administration. The format of the class is 5 – 7 scenes per night with a critique afterward. They record your critiques and you have access to them anytime on the website. The stage managers are there to help you and keep the classes running smoothly. So if you’re willing to work hard and can take a constructive critique from a very qualified teacher and have fun in a great environment Beverly Hills Playhouse is the place for you.

The Beverly Hills Playhouse changed my life. I came to the school with no acting experience and a masters degree in stage fright. Two years later I have booked a role on an NBC show, done an 18 show play, and have grown immensely as a person. At the school I’ve learned invaluable practices on how to establish the relationships and business mind needed to pursue a career in this town. The curriculum includes not only acting technique, but also the necessity of positive attitude and career administration. The sense of safety amongst the community that one feels at the Playhouse is an incredible resource to have at an acting school. The BHP accommodates a wide range of people, from those curious about acting to those working in the industry, and I would highly recommend the school to any actor/​writer/​director looking to learn, grow and work in the arts.

A faculty that genuinely cares about each student’s progress towards cultivating a set of skills that will enable them to book work outside the classroom — as opposed to viewing each student as a paycheck — is what I look for in an acting school. After having studied at various acting studios, including Stella Adler in NYC, I finally found that at BHP. BHP is home to the most attentive, astute, and nurturing teachers I’ve had the honor of studying under. It’s no surprise that such an endless list of acclaimed alumni (Michelle Pfeiffer, George Clooney, Jeffrey Tambor, Kim Cattrall… just to name a few) hail from the Playhouse campus.

A very controlling environment where teacher assistants stand around the sides of the theatre taking down the names of those who are not sitting straight up in their seats (no kidding!) and paying sufficient attention to the ramblings of the teachers, most of whom are Scientologists. The discomfort level is intense and make no mistake, the students are pressured to take courses in Scientology. Before Milton Katselas died, he pressured students, most of whom had limited funds, to buy his mediocre art work. May he and his school rest in peace!

So here’s my review. I went to this school for a few months: from February till June, and it was my second acting class. My first was in New York. At first I thought it was great. I learned some simple tactics. But then I started noticing that the teachers had the students at a stand still; very stagnant. We kept doing scenes and getting the same general «constructive» criticism from Art and Michael. At first I liked Art’s criticism, because he tended to get to the point, and Michael’s was very (after he tried to get a few laughs out of the class, because I learned he was constantly searching for comedic validation for some reason), but then he started to get ruder and ruder, to the point where he made several people leave the class, and one girl crying. I also recently found out that ART HAS ONLY BEEN IN 3 MOVIES, and they are all very poorly rated on imdb. Michael’s criticism was very «beat around the bushy». I saw a kid in class do the same scene I did before, miss ALL of the lines out of the scene, he improvised %80 of it, and Michael said, «This was a good second-​scene for you.» I was shocked. ALL IN ALL, I’m guessing half the 5 star reviews on here are fake, because if you go the the unrecommended reviews on here, they seem to validate my points. (I went to this class because of the 5 star reviews.)

So I got a response from an employee there, and no. It is $ 400 to take classes there. Again, this way a couple years ago, so it may have even gone UP since then! They do NOT let you audit classes, so don’t be fooled. I have proof from people who recent tried to audit a class and they did NOT let them audit. Beware!!!

Acting. Attitude. Administration. This place harnesses not only an incredible acting school/​training grounds, but an amazingly supportive community of students and staff alike. This is the place to study if you’re truly passionate about pursuing your dreams of obtaining and maintaining a successful career and healthy & fulfilling lifestyle as an artist! I have never encountered so many dedicated and diligent students and teachers in one setting. This is a place for serious scene study, growing as an artist and reaching beyond boundaries. The teachers really encourage you to pursue all dimensions of your personal aspirations not only in acting, also singing, music, dance, writing, directing, etc. The classroom is a comfortable space where actors can feel safe to face their fears and overcome obstacles that might be too nerve-​wracking to tackle anywhere else. What I love about studying here is that people are serious, sensible and sensational! The approach is logical and there is no room or time for BS or flakiness and zero tolerance of gossip or other reckless behavior that could lead to the haphazard demise of dreams. People who come to this school, put in the time, energy and focus it takes, really become phenomenal forces to reckon with — «Dreams Into Action» — Milton Katselas. Also, check out [the CEO & one of the teachers] Allen Barton’s blog:
Excellent Stuff.

Whether you want to learn how to act or keep your acting muscles limber I highly recommend the BHP. When I joined the school, I didn’t know how to act at all, but knew that I had some natural ability to perform. It’s been 5 years now and I can call myself a working actor with several prime time TV credits! Not only do they teach the craft of acting, but also how to have a good attitude towards yourself and the industry, and also how to tackle the business side of an acting career. I am so grateful that I found the BHP!

If you’ve ever wanted to study Acting, this is the best and only school to attend in LA. With an incredible alumni, a beautiful, spacious, clean environment, and Exception, caring and wonderful curriculum!
But beware the Beverly Hills Playhouse is for serious study and is only for students who want to put their study into Action (ie «WORKING ACTORS)» .) This school is not for the lazy or for people looking for a hobby.
Next year I will be in the Master Class of actors for about 20 Years! I began with Milton in 1995, and if you check my credentials, you’ll see, that is exactly when I began working !
Three things are emphasized Acting Skill, Attitude & Administration! You’ll find out what that is when you get there. (hint, hint) the old skill of letter writing ! Please be aware that this is the only school I’ve ever recommended in LA. You can learn to act, write and Direct there! I’ve been paid to do all three ! I’m going out on a limb by saying /​«if you like great acting & directing artistry, and you are willing to work hard, you will enjoy studying here.»

Great school. Have been there on and off forever. Not for everyone. But it is for people looking for a solid scene study class, and a community of actors and teachers who care about the craft. It helps if you have a strong work ethic and are driven.
The classes also have a really open environment where you are free to pursue the kind of work you would like to be doing. You can sign up scenes with the kind of roles you’d like to be booking. Besides studying acting, I also spent a year working on my own writing, and it was a really fulfilling experience. Haven’t seen any other acting class out there like it.

Beautiful facilities in a nice, convenient part of town to reach.

My review is for the theatre and not the school as I haven’t studied here but I have performed here, though I have studied with people who were taught by Milton and know people who study there now and have never heard anything bad.
As a performance space Beverly Hills Playhouse is one of the best. Great theatre space, professional actors, writers and directors, some of the best in the biz. Walking around, you can actually feel the spirit of all the great actors who have performed in this amazing space.

I love the BHP, if you want a chance to delve into acting, performing scenes from great scripts, learning an approach to acting, and exploring yourself freely as an artist, this is the place for you. I’ve been going here since march and my acting muscle gets stronger everyday thanks to this place.

Today was my second class! All I can say is that this place is amazing! Everybody are so nice ! The moment I stepped in the made me feel like I have known them forever! For all you actors out there this place is a must!

BHP is the best acting school I have ever experienced! I’ve been to quite a few different schools around LA and nothing tops the BHP. Not only do they teach scene study, but also about the business side of an actor which people don’t seem to think about. Super positive environment and extremely talented actors all around. There are too many success stories to name. You would just need to check it out for yourself!
The teachers are all so amazing in helping you be the artistic killer that you are meant to be. Extremely caring, supportive, and tells you like it is.
The school itself is very well kept, clean, and lots of fantastic working things you would want from a theater. Great lighting, sound system, a cool green room, and even lots of props to use!
Definitely the school to be if you want to be a working actor!

[ATMOSPHERE] I accompanied a friend to his interview here– while I was not interviewing for the school myself, I was able to sit in on his.
[SERVICE] The staff was friendly, the environment seemed great and their approach seems to support their actors strengths as well as work on weaknesses to encourage getting jobs.
If ever I were to choose to go to acting school, I would definitely consider this one.

Engagement. The play. Go see it. Now.
Seriously. It’s a must see. You’re life will not be complete if you do not take 2 hours out of your evening to support a local playhouse and watch their awesome cast put on a hilariously, real, funny, dramatic display of everyday relationships and life. There is a little of Mark, Nicole, Dennis and Rachel in all of us.
And lucky for you their run has been extended (through September and hopefully through October)! So no excuses y’all in the Unilocal world. And don’t wait til the last minute either bc if you miss this your life will never be complete.
SERIOUSLY. REALLY. GO SEE ENGAGEMENT!
On to the show! In my 28 and a half years in this life I can embarrassingly say that I have never been to a «playhouse» or small theater. For the last 4 years I have been surrounded by many in the arts who perform at these quaint venues. I was invited by a fellow coworker and dear friend whom he always refers to me as «his boss» which in reality I am but i don’t see it that way. Long story short, David Crane who plays Mark in the play told me about it and since I have missed his other performances in the past I made it appoint to get to Engagement.
So not ever being to a playhouse I had no idea what to expect or what to compare it to. Beverly Hills Playhouse made a great first impression on me. Plenty of street parking (we went on a Sunday). Bright sidewalk signage announcing Engagement so we knew we were in the right spot. As you enter the inviting outdoor corridor area to your left is a display with photos from the play as well as cast head shots. You then check in to the right and you are then all squared away to enter the theater. First, I could not believe how small it was (Lucy Y. assured me that it was a larger one as she says she has been to some that were half the size). There was 4 rows of seats with probably a max capacity in the 50’s (maybe). Seats were super comfy and cushiony. The stage is good size and you really get a good view from all seats. Great lighting and great sound and working AC! Restrooms are available up the stairs then down the stairs.
Engagement the play itself was awesome. Highs and lows, tears, reality checks, social and political jabs and much laughter. The cast was spectacular and they played really well off each other. We went on the night when the cast played as such
Mark: David Crane (holla!)
Nicole: Audrey Moore
Dennis: Jeremy Radin
Rachel: Retta Sirleaf
I can officially say I am a fan of theater! Thanks to BH Playhouse and the cast and crew of Engagement.
A little HOLLA at my man!
David «Wayne» Crane– if you are not proud of yourself well you should be. I know my opinion means nothing in your life endeavors but I want you to know that I am proud of you. I am proud to say I know you and call you a friend. It was amazing to see you perform. Since I have known you, I have known that acting and writing is your true passion and it showed tonight in this performance and it was incredible to see you at your craft. You were so good I had no reason to throw heirloom tomatoes at you. Your name will be big in lights one day my friend. Keep doing what you do because you are great at it and you made me a believer in theater!

Ciara G. invited me to see Engagement here at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, and I LOVED the theater AND the production!
The production:
Every single actor in this production had their own unique personality and brilliant presence onstage. I laughed my butt off, and was touched by this multiple-​scene dark comedy that totally represented real life.
David Crane as the rabidly ranting main man, Audrey Moore’s leading lady — who shows a wide range of emotions throughout the play, and both Jeremy Radin and Retta Sirleaf as the F***ING HILARIOUS friends were all AWESOME!
I particularly loved how the title was mirrored in more than just the traditional meaning. Engagement has been extended til September and hopefully through October, so get here to see it!
On to the theater:
I love the multitude of small playhouses in the area, but let’s face it — some of them are on a shoestring budget and the (sometimes lumpy, sometimes hard) seats show it — as does some of the props and décor.
It does not take away from ANY of the entertainment value of the shows or the pleasure of the experience at all — however it makes me appreciate theaters like this one EVEN MORE.
This theater has plush cushy seats, refreshing air conditioning, what I assume is high-​quality stage lighting, and overall a very nice space! I hear they have acting classes here too — I can’t imagine a nicer space to be in.
From the names on the donor list and plaques that adorn the lovely fountain outside the theater, there are some talented and well-​known supporters of this space — like Ed Asner, Tyne Daly, Peter Boyle, Alec Baldwin, John Glover and Doris Roberts — which is awesome!
Plus they have a complimentary dessert or appetizer offer from Louise’s Trattoria inside their program — I’m totally going to use this because they have Sweet Lady Jane red velvet and hummingbird cake slices there!!!
I’m a fan of small theaters all over L.A. — but this one might just be on the top of my list now :).

This review is just for the theater. I came to this playhouse more than a year ago the first time to watch Rabbit Hole. My second time was just last weekend, to see «Engagement».
This is a small playhouse — you could easily miss it if you’re not observant or if you don’t read address numbers. Down the small alley is the box office and a few steps further is the theater.
This theater is not very large — about 100 seats. It’s clean, easy to access, and the staff are very courteous. We picked up tickets via will call and headed into the theater, front and center; our play started a few minutes later than expected, but it was still in good timing.
I’d recommend this theater if you prefer a more intimate setting rather than a huge venue. It’s def a more personal experience.