John Armond Actor’s Studio

I was so excited when I took my first class here. One thing I love about John’s Studio is that the first class is free. Also, he doesn’t have multiple gimmick acting classes, such as «Acting for the Camera, Acting for Commercials, Acting for Theater.» You pay one low price to learn the techniques. After my first class, I came back the following week to pay my dues. Class was fine, but the reason for my low rating is because he kept making fun of my name in class. Maybe I’m too sensitive, but for a professional who claims to have the ability to remember hundreds of lines for theater, «LaRima» is not that hard to remember or pronounce. The fact that he wasn’t mis-​pronouncing it, just deliberately making fun of it and calling me by some jibberish sounds was a bit hurtful. When it comes to money, I’m like Eugene Crabs from Spongebob. I’m tight; I will cry over a quarter. But I rather lose out on the money I paid for the rest of the month than go to a class where a teacher makes fun of me.

John has people work on dark material, tried for 2 days and had to sit through 3 pedophile scenes.
I was assigned a comic scene, that had to include an orgasam on stage… My first day, memorized my lines over the week, worked hard, came to class in character the next week. But my partner wasnt there to do the scene and he didnt even mention what i was assigned and had me work on something else with a different partner.
I had personal problems and tried to leave early but the doors were locked, the first week.
John yelled at me and said «how dare you try to leave early without having a word with me!!!» I said im sorry john and he said nothing.
He then let me sit through the whole second day… And at the end of the class he didnt let me finish my scene on stage… He asked me for money, in an unprofessional manner… Said to me everyone brings him money the first of the month… Said to me i got one free day, but i owe him for today…
I said i dont have money problems i will bring you the cash next week… He said no you must have money problems otherwise you would have the money today!
I said ok, i must have money problems.
I was going to go back but realized… A few more things…
I also saw him badger a new student her first day there and on stage, she challenged the teacher in a very not such a big deal way.
And john did not conduct himself in a professional manner at that moment.
He said, «if you want to impress me i would like to see you recite some lines from segull…»
Nearly All the material assigned by john to everyone is working on is dark and tragic… I sat through one too many pedophile scenes.
There are many incredible beautiful plays, that test an actors limits … Why linger in this area with sexual connotations?
Something just didnt feel right, i have met con men in my life, pedophiles, and pedophile victims. I get the jist that john will put you in for the long con… And i cant even begin to imagine what else he has in mind.
He only talks about acting in hollywood la scene too much… In fear that his students would leave him and go there…
But i see it that if you are a true actor you can look for work in other countries too… America is not the only country making movies, and providing theatre work.
He did not discuss with me my goals and aspirations for the class…
I was there just to be around other actors and be happy.
I act for myself, i dont need the stage, or a crew and a bunch of cameras.
As kate winslet said too.
Marty scorsese, a master in film… In his early days, was happy to be in one college class that explored movies a little when movies werent so mainstream. He wanted just to be around movies and was happy…
He is a man open to anyone with no sense of self importance.
With John i sense self-​importance…
He mentions stella too much as to assure us that he is connected to the greats, but i read her book and he did not discuss even the basics of her methods.
I sense fear, and fear leads to the dark side. I will go with my intuition and not associate myself.
If you read this and decide to still take the class, research how to do cold reads, and master that first.
All he has people work on is cold reads.
His webpage is misleading as it says he works on film with you but everyone was working on stage.

The first piece of advice John Armond gives you is to «stop acting». Meaning, forget the naïve assumptions you have about what good acting is and focus on honesty and believability. When John Armond can see the acting, it’s over for him. I’ve been studying with John for about 5 years now, and I can honestly tell you that no acting coach in Las Vegas even comes close. Most Vegas coaches focus on camera technique, commercial classes, monologue classes and the like believing that acting needs to be dissected and divided into seperate classes, all requiring seperate fees. John’s class teaches you the totality of acting in one class. Everything from beginner’s scenes to Tennessee Williams, Neil Simon and yes, even Shakespeare can be seen in this workshop. He focuses on ALL key aspects of fine acting. He guides you on body movement, script analysis, vocal presentation and overall molding you into the finest actor you can be. His class is filled with several different age groups, and ranges of talent from beginners to advanced. He is a constant source of encouragement. John maintains a close knit relationship with all of his students. At any time, he can be reached on the phone to discuss, very often at great length, acting technique, the previous class and your own personal progression. When you study with John Armond you will discover that he will prove to be your toughest critic and your biggest fan. When the work you do in class is lacking something he will shape you with the no holds barred, New York approach that he learned first hand from Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg. When your work deserves praise, you couldn’t ask for a more passionate champion. I highly recommend this class to all aspiring actors.

I started studying with John 14 years ago, and I always come back to him. John is not only incredibly knowledgeable, he is also eager to share that knowledge with his students. He takes the time to help each student with their individual needs, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses. He wants each student to be a great actor who understands the business aspect and the reality of it. He is passionate and spends hours during the week talking on the phone with his students who want to discuss what they saw or did during class, who have questions about their talent or about the business, etc. At the same time, he will not beg you to get up. It is a big class, and he favors the students who are «pushy.» If you come prepared and you make it known to him that you are not only ready to go but that you WANT to go, he will get you up. There is something to be learned every week, whether you are a beginner or advanced. There is no better class in Las Vegas, and there is no better acting coach in Las Vegas either.

Since joining with John Armond in February, I have grown exponentially as an actor! His wisdom in the practical and business sides of acting have been priceless. John is firm, yet he knows how to bring the best out of you. He is the finest coach in Las Vegas, and I recommend him to anyone who is looking to perfect their craft!

John Armond is a total professional. He trains you to be a «working» actor. His training is with the great Stella Adler herself and he wants to pass his knowledge on to you. Before I moved to LA, I use to be excited every week to attend his class. His passion for the craft rubs off on you and makes you want to be a better actor. He is by far the best and most legite coach in Nevada.
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