Bay Area Acting Studio

Very Sad. I got a group on Acting for NonActors 4 week class, with all intentions of continuing and learning. The class was taught by two guys with less then 3 years experience!!! They were more into their own posing and really how many name games do we need to do with a group of 35 or so? I will look at better acting classes. Note to the owners, if you want to sell your studio to new students, get your best most senior instructors.

OMG, I signed up my 9 years old child for this summer program hoping he was going to learn and do a few acting treats. Additionally, when I read the website they promise a performance along with a take some video. Everything just stated was a lie, nothing was given and no preformance, instead the teacher play silly games with all the kids every class. It was more like a babysitting deal if you ask me. So think about it twice if you thinking about sign up your child with this people. I also asked the teach about and she did not even know what I was talking about… Good luck.

I took the acting for non-​actors class, and it was quite fun. I liked the energy and the improve exercises we were doing. Everyone was very nice and smiling. I’d recommend it for anyone who wants to try something new.
The only thing that needs improvement is the introduction of the Meisner repeating exercise. Here’s the problem, you CANNOT expect people who have no idea what that is or how that works to pair up with each other and try doing it. I did some research, watched some videos, and figured out what it was I was supposed to be doing, But every other person in the class was confused and wasn’t feeling it at all. Neither was I. This is where people started dropping out like flies. Meisner repeating should be taught after this course. You need to pair someone who’s new to it up with someone who knows how to do it! I was very tempted to just remove myself from the entire situation because it was absurd trying to repeat with people who were obviously uncomfortable and confused. That’s my feedback, I hope this helps you understand why people stopped showing up after the second class.

Before joining BAAS, I’ve always dreamed of becoming an actor. It was always my passion, but I just didn’t know how to pursue it and there was no one who can help me. When I took my first class, immediately I felt this is exactly what I need.
After that I continued taking the class and enrolled in many workshops. Their core class teaches the fundamentals of the Meisner Technique. We start off with basic «Repetition» where two people repeat what they observe about each other. We learn to be truthful and present which results in us being more authentic during our scene-​work. As the class progresses, we take it to the next level and delve deeper which is quite the roller-​coaster ride, but empowering at the same time. What I love about this class is that everyone, be it student or teacher, are very supportive and hold no judgement over anyone. If you wanna laugh, laugh. If you wanna cry, cry. You have permission to feel what you want to feel; after all, this is what you need to be a better actor. There are no words that would describe my experience other than enlightening, liberating, present, and life-​changing :-).
The teachers there are fantastic, and they really put in the effort to help their students succeed. Not only the teachers, but the people there are very supportive and caring. I do not know any other place that I would call home. BAAS is one big family that accepts everyone, veterans or beginners, with open arms.
They also offer short classes and workshops that specifically focuses on the business side of acting for both the SF and LA market. This includes how to audition, where to get headshots, how to get an agent and things to do/​not do in your acting career. Occasionally there are Casting Directors and Coaches from LA that come here and share there knowledge that is VERY informative and invaluable. It tremendously helped me shape my goals and be more specific about it.
Don’t even get me started on the advanced program. Christy leads this class where she really pushes her students in their craft and the business side. She helps you get even more specific and she has a gift of knowing exactly what here students need to succeed. Of course this class is entirely optional and recommended to those who really want to pursue a career in acting. All I can say is it definitely helped me on knowing what I need to do.
If you’re curious about acting, seriously wanting to pursue acting, want to try acting for fun, or all of the above. I would definite recommend BAAS hands down! So come take the class! Learn and have fun!!!
P. S. If someone ever asked you how you heard about this studio. Tell them, I heard it from this funny Asian guy who is a sexy bitch :-P!

Bay Area Acting Studio was some of the most fun and entertainment I’ve had in my adult life. The studio a place where anyone can feel safe to be themself and offers a group environment where you can let out all that anxiety and stress that builds up during the work week. It’s a full body and mind workout that is arguably just as effective as a few hours at the gym or yoga studio.
But above all else, it’s about acting. The instructors are amazing and provide honest actionable feedback on your acting technique. And what you take away goes we’ll beyond the stage. Everything learned directly translates to communication skills that are valuable I’m career and life.
It’s been a while since I’ve been back, but always looking for an opportunity and time to return. Meanwhile, I absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to learn acting, home their acting skills, become a better public speaker or presenter, or just relieve some stress and have a great time.

Christy is a genius! And all her staff (YES, every single one) are brilliant and talented! This school is just on the whole a top notch operation. How do I know?
I have trained at this school for over a year and something months, and continue to today. For me, the experience has been life changing, and I continue to find both inspiration and guidance from this school and it’s programs. My son trained in the teen acting classes for six months, and was stoked with a deep passion for filmmaking. We have so many wonderful and more meaningful conversations together now.
I’ve made my share of referrals because I am that confident, and I have never heard anything but stories of personal revelation and inspiration. There is something for everyone here. Kids, teens, adults, actors, non-​actors, SF, Peninsula and San Jose locations.
For serious training in the craft, it’s been highly effective for me and many others. The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, and Christy was trained by Sanford Meisner’s masterful self. I can see myself still coming back here to train for many, many years to come, long after I am pulled away by acting opportunites in far away places. It’s my home for acting, and it is a place of constant support, motivation and energy.
So for someone who spent his entire life living in his head, I now have the presence to say that I love this place, and you will too. Don’t take my word for it. Find out for yourself. Explore… always.
Oh… and mention my name for free hugs. ;-)

Shannon and Mariam are two enthusiastic and inspirational teachers who foster a very safe and supportive environment in which to learn something totally out of one’s comfort zone. This nurturing environment is what makes this an A+ program, in my opinion.
I signed up for Acting For Non-​Actors as a way of self-​development — to increase my self-​awareness, to explore humanity, to strengthen my ability to connect with others, to cultivate creative self-​expression, to improve my public persona and stage presence and to bring out the fun and spontaneous side of me. I was amazed that in just a short 6 weeks I could already see marked progress toward these goals.
What’s more amazing is the fact that these improvements are also readily seen by others in my personal and professional circles. As a matter of fact, my mentor is recommending additional acting lessons as part of my professional development activities!
Thanks Shannon and Mariam for making this a joyous learning journey!

Great people! Shannon is awesome! Marriam is too!
This program helps free your inner child deep inside. Read scripts, get
Comfortable With yourself while not being judged. It is a really cool group.

Life changing experience! And I didn’t laugh that much in my entire life as much I laughed during these classes. Very fun, relaxing and enjoyable way of learning to become an actor… and a better person.
Shannon and Miriam are the best coaches!
Carolina

My Tuesday night of complete abandon and silliness will be highly missed!
The class is so unexpected, fun, and nurturing from the student teachers. Six weeks just flew by! It’s amazing how good you feel during and after class. I’ll especially miss the «Bunny Bunny» and the «Samurai» exercises!
hhhhiiiiiiiiaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaa!!!
Thank you, Shannon and Miriam!

Shannon and Mariam are phenomenal teachers. If you’ve ever thought that acting could make you less inhibited… try it! They will break you out of your comfort zone. They are the best!

«Christy’s class is a very creative and resourceful class. It’s very unique in the sense that it helps you in all aspects of your life. Having talent in this business unfortunately is not enough and being at your best as a person is a must. Christy coaches you on getting specific with your goals, to really knowing and owning your type, getting specific with your look, having confidence, as well as identifying the blocks that hold you back from being your best and learning how to fix them. On top of all that she is a great acting coach! I went from being a working San Francisco actor to auditioning for Guest Star, Reoccurring and a few Series Regular roles for network television in Los Angeles in a 6 – 12 month span and I didn’t even have to move to LA. And I have to say I audition more in L.A. than other actors I know in L.A. She’s the bomb!»

I absolutely love the classes here! Finally — a fun and INTENSE acting class that gets to the core of who we really are as artists, human beings, and even working professionals in the business! I always leave the studio with a sense of excitement and enrichment for my craft. All of the instructors and staff are truly artists who offer encouragement and motivation, no matter what level you are at or whether you’re taking it for fun or as a career. You HAVE to experience it for yourself!

Meisner technique is powerful and life transforming.
Christy is an amazing teacher and person. Her passion for her craft and her students is deep and authentic.
I’ve had the opportunity to take her classes several times over the years and have always learned something new each time. Her technique has enriched my acting ability and my ability as a teacher and director.
The work and her approach to it will leave your acting (and improv) more grounded and truthful.
I highly recommend it to anyone that is acting, doing improv, or breathing.

when the student is ready, the teacher appears. :-)
actors are a weird breed — we get in front of strangers and spill our guts for a living so its really important to have a supportive teacher who knows how to evoke the depths of our what we have to offer as artists — our emotions, memories, hopes, and fears — without destroying our souls.
Christy is one of the few coaches that truly empower actors… to follow and trust their instincts, and give their best to the world.
I love how I feel after her classes. I feel more honest with myself and more authentic in my scenes. She pushes me to face the parts of myself that scare the shit out of me, and teaches me how to use it in my work.
I love how generous she is with her knowledge and her spirit. How she teaches us to look at the business of the business in a nourishing, healthy way, while still being realistic. Collaborative, not competitive.
She’s like a gift from the universe to me :-)

After taking classes at the Bay Area Acting Studio for over a year, I feel a profound and deep change within myself. Learning the technique from a Master Motivator such as Christy has been a blessing…
From my first class, I realized that we each have different stories, different paths that we took to get to where we are today, yet we all had the same dream– To live our lives to the fullest potential.
So — it’s not enough for you to dream of better times and to wish for better times… You won’t be disappointed as Christy and her staff will weave your through different layers of yourself that you never knew existed; opening and launching you to heights never imagined in both your acting, professional and personal life.
Ankur

A couple of months ago, I joined the class, as a hobby, not realizing I have stumbled into world’s greatest acting technique to date, and found a passion. Christy’s spin on Sanford Meisner’s technique has awakened senses and inspiration in me I never realized existed. Christy English Wioncek and her instructors give all the necessary tools, to not only master the craft and become as fine an actor, but to exceed in the world of show business.
All actors should follow this technique throughout their entire career. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have the classes in my area.

Christy Wioncek is a great teacher. She has the desire for each of her students to be successful and the knowledge to help them make it happen. She teaches Meisner, which is the best training method I have come across. I am a high school teacher myself, and knew instantly that the Meisner system for learning acting has the strongest foundation in modern teaching theory. It is the only teaching method I’ve seen that truly trains the actor’s emotional awareness and gives all the tools necessary for effective scene work and honest acting. There is a clear framework for the curriculum, with observable benchmarks to show when the actor is ready to step up to more complex techniques. With an inspired teacher like Christy, the Meisner system is the fastest and fullest way I’ve found to develop as an actor.

I’ve been a student at the Bay Area Acting Studio now for nearly 2 years. In that time I’ve not only re-​constructed my acting foundation but I’ve become a more truthful and present individual in nearly every aspect of my life. Christy teaches not only through Sanford Meisner’s vision, but through her own, which inspires, motivates and embraces the uniqueness of each individual. She believes in each of her students and their dreams and supports you on your path… Do the work and she will be right there with you…

Bay Area Acting Studio is committed to giving actors the tools they need to be well-​rounded actors!
If you want to learn the craft of acting, if you truly want to learn how to act using your imagination, instincts, intuition and emotions, the Meisner technique is for you. This class is for anyone who has a passion to learn how to act or to improve their skills.
Bay Area Acting students are booking roles in theater, film and television. This technique gives them confidence to really commit themselves to a role or an audition, not just «wing it» or «fake it».
«Creativity is in our bones, in our souls and in our hearts.
If we do not give ourselves permission to play in our art, who will?»
Christy Wioncek