Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes The Last Acting Studio different from other studios?
At The Last Acting Studio, we believe acting goes beyond intellectual script analysis. Our focus is on developing your unique voice and imagination, equipping you with tools that transcend traditional approaches. Our classes emphasize personal connection, vitality, and a sense of play, helping you become an artist with an authentic and irreplaceable presence.
What’s the difference between Scene Study and Film/TV Audition Technique?
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Scene Study: You work with a partner to explore the dynamics of a scene and develop your instrument, without the camera present. You are focused on your scene partner only without concerns of the camera.
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Film/TV Audition Technique: Similar to scene study, we focus on imaginative, personal choices, but in front of the camera. The goal is to approach the work with less emphasis on results and more on making personal, creative choices, bringing your own point of view to the material.​
​In general, we recommend starting with Scene Study to build your foundation before moving on to on-camera work. After that, we encourage students to go back and forth between these two modalities of training. Spend a few months in scene study, then spend a few months in on-camera. You can always ask one of the instructor which modality they feel will be useful for you at this moment.
Do the classes focus on one scene per month or every week?
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Scene Study: Scene partners, along with the instructor, collaborate to choose scenes from our LAS app. You typically work on one scene for 3 weeks in scene study, but that is just a guideline. Scenes can go longer or shorter than 3 weeks.
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Film/TV Audition Technique: Just like in scene study, scene selection is a collaborative process, but each week, you'll work on a different scene, with the class focusing on a slightly different aspect of the craft. Some weeks, you'll be given scene options to choose from, while other times you'll select your own. If you have an upcoming audition, you're always welcome to work on that instead!
How are scenes selected for Scene Study in our class?
Scene partners collaborate with the instructor to select scenes from our LAS app. Scenes are typically released after 3 weeks, but the duration might vary depending on class progress. We aim to ensure everyone actively participates in every class.
What is expected of us outside of class?
Partners are expected to rehearse their scenes independently between classes. Please come prepared to work. If your scene partner is absent, you are free to focus on a monologue or audition piece.
How many students are in each class?
Scene study classes are capped at 20 students, Film/TV audition technique is capped at 12 to maintain quality and ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to work in every session.
How long are the classes?
Most classes typically last between 3 and 4 hours. Larger classes, such as our Monday and Wednesday evening sessions, may occasionally run slightly over. However, we understand that schedules can be busy, and you're always welcome to leave by 9 PM if necessary.
Are the Online/Zoom classes structured the same as in-person classes?
Yes, our online scene study class with Gabrielle follows the same structure and focus as our in-person classes. We've designed the online format to provide a collaborative and personalized learning experience, with a smaller class size to ensure individual attention.
What is The Creative Lab, and why do I need to take it?
The Creative Lab is a prerequisite/corequisite course designed to unlock your imagination and unique creative impulses. It introduces essential tools such as Active Analysis, The Creative State, and Creative Tasks, providing a foundation that complements all future training in Scene Study or Film/TV Audition Technique. This work is specifically based on key concepts and a deeper understanding of the creative process for actors. It is not a general or beginner acting class…it is unique to the work we do here at LAS
Can I join Scene Study or Film/TV Audition Technique without taking The Creative Lab?
No, all students must complete The Creative Lab either before or during their first month of Scene Study or Film/TV Audition Technique. This ensures you have the tools and mindset necessary to succeed in your other classes.
What is Career Circle?
Career Circle is a bi-monthly Zoom session designed to provide you with expert guidance, peer support, and actionable steps to advance your acting career. Led by experienced life coach and career strategist Kristine Oller and LAS Instructor Patrick McGowan, this program offers valuable insights and strategies tailored specifically to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by actors
What are your course fees?
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The Creative Lab: $200 (one-time, four-week course)
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Scene Study: $295 for a 4-week cycle
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Film/TV Audition Technique: $295 for a 4-week cycle
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Career Circle: $45 per session for non-students, $35 for students (minimum six-month commitment)
Current Student Pricing:
Only students enrolled in a weekly class (such as Scene Study or Film/TV Audition Technique) are considered current students and qualify for our student discounts. Please note that being enrolled in the Creative Lab does not qualify you as a current student.
Attendance and Payment Policy
Attendance:
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Consecutive Classes: Our classes are designed to be taken consecutively and are not drop-in.
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No Make-Ups or Refunds: Missed classes cannot be made up, and there are no refunds for missed sessions.
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The Creative Lab Exception: The Creative Lab is a standalone course with a more flexible attendance policy, allowing for make-up sessions if a class is missed.
How do private coaching sessions work?
Scheduling and Cancellation:
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Booking: Schedule your private coaching session directly with your chosen coach.
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Cancellation Policy: We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellations.
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Payment: Full payment is due before the session begins. Late cancellations or no-shows will be charged the full session fee.
What rules of conduct are in place for students?
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Respect and Courtesy: We strive to foster a safe and supportive learning environment. This means being respectful of your classmates and instructors by arriving on time, avoiding disruptive behavior, and refraining from using cell phones during class.
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Mutual Responsibility: We all play a part in creating a positive learning experience. Please help maintain a clean and organized space by helping to clean up after each session.
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Questions: If you have any questions or require clarification on our policies, feel free to contact us here.
What is your class schedule?
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Sunday Film/TV Audition Technique, 5 - 9 PM | Dierdre & Desean
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Monday Scene Study, 5 - 9 PM | Desean
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Tuesday Film/TV Audition Technique, 1 - 4:30 PM | Desean & Behzad
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Tuesday Scene Study, 5 - 9 PM | Desean
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Tuesday Film/TV Audition Technique, 1 - 4:30 PM | Desean & Patrick
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Wednesday Scene Study, 5 - 9 PM | Desean
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*Thursday Scene Study (ONLINE) 12- 3 PM| Gabrielle
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Thursday Scene Study, 5 - 9 PM | Behzad
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Friday Scene Study, 11 AM - 3 PM | Desean & Meera