Ruskin School of Acting
“I've developed more as an actor in the past two years being here, than the several years studying elsewhere.”
Best Acting Classes in Santa Monica, CA
15 studios listed · 7 in Santa Monica · 10 open weekends · 13 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
John Rosenfeld Studios
“JRS is truly a special place to come and hone in your skills so that you feel even more comfortable and confident when you walk into that audition room or send that self tape in.”
Morgan-Wixson Theatre
“We have attended several performances there and I would recommend it, The seating is comfortable and the view of the stage is good from virtually all the seating areas.”
Santa Monica Playhouse & Group Theatre
“Wonderful space and wonderful people to work with.”
Paul Schackman's Actor's Instinct
“He gives you gentle feedback on what is working and not working and helps you tap into your best work, and I am often surprised by how much progress he makes with each student by the end of class.”
Kids On Stage
“My daughter has enjoyed learning how to act on stage and being a part of this adorable and very talented community!”
The 15 acting studios listed for Santa Monica, CA are shown on this page. What each one teaches, whether it works on camera or on stage, and which ages it takes are read off its own website.
Area overview: Santa Monica, CA
7 of the 15 studios we list are based in Santa Monica; the other 8 serve Santa Monica from Los Angeles (8 mi), West Hollywood (9 mi) and Culver City (5 mi). The studios on this page are rated from 4.1 to 5.0 across 939 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews and 13 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the studios on this page are "skills", "community" and "confidence". 10 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. All 15 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 49 years. 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the studios on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 13 list a public email and 1 takes bookings online. We count these figures across the studios on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the studio before you enroll.
Where do I find acting class terms, levels and timetables?
All 15 studios here list a site of their own, and that is where the term dates, the levels and the difference between an ongoing class and a one-off workshop get spelled out. Listings carry what each studio says about itself, so read the class page rather than the summary.
Susan Giosa Acting Studio
“I've tried other classes and finally found just the right approach using Sue's unique techniques.”
Acting Classes Los Angeles: the Playground
“This is a fantastic place to learn.”
Tony Barr's Film Actors Workshop
“My kids love these classes and have been going there for over two years.”
The Frisch Approach: Transformational Acting
“As I've absorbed his technique, I've become more confident and better equipped to compete on the big stage of Hollywood.”
The Gloria Gifford Conservatory For the Performing Arts
“I've seen more shows here than any other venue on Hollywood Theatre Row.”
Hollywood Academy of Music and Arts
“I highly recommend this school to everyone who ever wanted to learn to play a musical instrument or even to learn to sing.”
The Actors Circle
“Marcie, the teacher for adults, knows how to give helpful, constructive criticism but also constantly encourages her students and makes them feel good about themselves.”
The Groundlings Theatre & School
“Some of the best improve in LA.”
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Caryn West's Space For Actors
“I had never booked from a self-tape, but after a few weeks I had booked TWO and had a call back for a major movie.”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about studios in Santa Monica
- “Moreover, he's kind in his approach--nurturing an atmosphere of trust--while also pushing us to grow and improve our craft.” — from a review of Tony Barr's Film Actors Workshop
- “They taught me the fundamentals of acting and how to be honest in my work like no other method I'd tried.” — from a review of Ruskin School of Acting
- “I recommend her to anyone looking for full, in-depth acting training here in LA.” — from a review of Susan Giosa Acting Studio
- “Peter's guidance and instruction in the acting craft led me to pursue acting professionally.” — from a review of The Frisch Approach: Transformational Acting
- “If you're looking for a safe space to work on your acting, get experience in front of the camera, and build a sense of community, this is your class.” — from a review of Tony Barr's Film Actors Workshop
Excerpts from public reviews of the studios listed on this page.
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