LB Acting Studio

First off, you probably won't believe what i'm about to write, because, well, it really didn't make any sense. But long story short this was my first ever acting class and I got cussed out and kicked out (without any preliminary warning.) I'll speak on that in a moment. The class size was about 8 students. When I arrived one of the students was very friendly and explained how everything worked. I felt comfortable immediately. When the instructor came in (LB) that energy shifted. "And who are you?" Were the first words out of his mouth. There was no welcoming or no introduction of any kind. I told him my name, shook hands, and he walked off. That was it. The students were performing their scenes and LB was critiquing them. If you are a true beginner, this may have been of value to you, but tbh it was very dry and boring. I have no acting experience, but i do have a YouTube channel with followers, so i'm not a complete newbie. Anyway, point is try it out i guess. And then, about 2 hours in, out of seemingly nowhere, the instructor turned to me and asked me to leave because i was being rude, disruptive, and he said "i have no idea what the f*** you are even doing here". It was so probably the most random experience of my life. I was so shocked and confused that i just left without saying a word. The ironic part is that I didn't speak at all (i was even afraid to ask questions), i didn't have my phone out. I was just sitting (I do have some ADD though and was likely shifting a lot in my chair - but he never asked me to stop fidgeting if that was actually bothering anyone). At one point I remember looking around the room and saw one guy was on his phone, another was reading his papers, and a third was eating dinner at the table, and then he singled ME out for disrupting the class & the performers without ANY evidence of that whatsover. Does that sound weird? Yep, sure was. Would be curious to hear what the other students thought of the situation. Obviously I'm never going back there. So yea - long post - not sure how this would help anyone, but I thought i'd leave this here so you know what kind of character you are dealing with.

It’s not that I didn’t learn anything here, but when I took a class here it wasn’t the most pleasant experience. Almost every class started a minimum of 10 minutes late and once we were left sitting for a full 20 minutes waiting for it to begin (we never got the class time back, either). The instructor was kind of brash (bordering on rude at times), it seemed like she didn’t want to be there and got frustrated with the class for “not asking enough questions” because apparently the class (of total beginners) was supposed to provide the material to keep the class going, not the instructor (never experienced that before). I’ve now learned that some information given to the class like what kind of scenes to include on a demo reel was just dead wrong, which of course makes me question how much of the instruction was actually accurate. I feel like I did learn a few things…but the experience could have been better and I’ve happily pursued my training elsewhere. Lastly, it’s worth pointing out that in another negative review here the head of the acting studio personally attacks the reviewer, which is not a good look for the studio and frankly comes across as being very unprofessional.

I liked my first time in class at LB Acting Studio. So far I have taken 2 acting classes: Acting for Beginners and What’s Next. So far, I had two different experiences from two different instructors. I wish there was a way in LB acting studio where all students can send feedbacks through their experiences in LB classes every last class so instructors can learn from their feedbacks. Regardless of their credentials and experiences, from instructors to student, everyone has got to learn from their credible constructive feedback. When a company doesn’t have some feedback form after every session, I feel that’s a problem and it makes me feel that they care more about money than giving students the best learning experience and instructors to learn from students as well. As a student, I want to put my money to great use, and not gamble to regret. Since my first time, I enjoyed my time and had a great learning experience along with my colleagues, but not so much on my second time. I rather be with instructors who are humble and not so much a know-it-all who puts students into shame for even trying esp when they allow themselves to be vulnerable and learn in a safe environment. My first instructor was very patient and calm, yet his teaching method is effective, but my second instructor was more direct, quite a know-it-all, and not so much my kind of coach despite the reviews I have heard prior to taking What’s Next; to me, Michelle can be perceived to be rude to some. Plus it’s 2021, everyone needs to adapt, and as actors, it’s very important to let go of your ego, from students to instructors. My second instructor felt a little too condescending and too direct, and communication in class was off. It got to the point I had to speak up in class for the instructor to take in that feedback and humble down. Hope they do take feedback as well. Let those students shine! never discourage them and make them feel dumb and regret taking an acting class. Listen to your students! Listen to feedbacks as instructors. We all got to learn and adapt to change! Overall, LB is quite equipped with classes and other incentives. (I loved the movement class, but the BIPOC mentorship process seems disorganized and unclear) Can be quite pricey for some. I just hope they provide some kind of feedback after every round for instructors and studios to improve and listen to their students. And in a way, esp as a BIPOC Asian man, I wish they value more of their students rather than, in a way, teach with some arrogance. I have yet to have to experience more instructors. So far, my first one (Daniel) was great one for me and he was a great instructor for me. The other one….wish to learn their feedbacks too and not be so much of a know-it-all despite their experiences and credentials (just because I am actually a nice guy and acting is my deep passions I love doing and will protect at all cost). I had a great first time with LB and hope it continues to be a better experience, unlike my what’s next class. I will be taking more classes in the future and experience other instructors and teaching styles. So yeah, show more love and be more transparently communicative to your students. Be more like Daniel! Learn from students’ feedbacks!

Since the Spring of 2015, I have had the pleasure of training at LB Acting Studio both in-class and one-on-one (and soon online). There simply aren't enough words to describe how much of an inspiration the entire LB team has been to actors who have stepped foot in their studio. I began by taking the "New to LB Acting Studio" class (taught by Lewis) in 2015. The class wasn't an "acting for beginners" class but rather an introduction to Lewis's approach and the studio itself. After finishing the class, I felt as though I had found my home away from home. I continue to enrol myself in Lewis's On-Camera classes (as often as I can), and work with him one-on-one for private coaching and self-tape auditions. I noticed that my confidence as an actor has greatly increased, Lewis's exercises have made it easy (and have challenged me) to find the truth in the stories being told on-page and on-camera ("Allow yourself to be..."), and to always find joy in the work that we do as actors. I feel comfortable and proud to grow at a pace that suits me without feeling the pressure of being measured on a scale of what some call an "industry standard". Lewis is kind, smart, patient (and really funny). He deeply cares about his staff, students, and the work that they do. He encourages actors to go out and create their own work, and to keep up with the latest trends and current events that may have an impact on our craft and on ourselves as human beings. As a director, he shares his experiences, both past and present, in a way that both inspires and helps actors grow. I cannot thank the team at LB Acting Studio enough for continuously inspiring me to grow as an artist and for always making me feel welcome to your amazing community of actors. I am extremely grateful to have met such an incredible group of artists who treat each other with the utmost respect and integrity, who are empathetic, and support one another. Thank you, Lewis, Daniel, Brit, and entire LB family.

I've really enjoyed my time at the studio and look forward to continuing. As someone who has taken a number of classes at other studios around the city I can comfortably say that since my first intro class at LB it has been like no other studio - the instructor sold me from day one. She had real industry experience and a lot of insight that she was always willing to share (even going overtime after class to answer all our questions). I also really appreciated the honest feedback I got while working on my scenes - if something wasn't working it was addressed and we figured out different ways to approach the work. I felt like she cared about helping me develop my craft as an actor and wasn't simply going through the motions. I would very much recommend this studio if you are serious about acting.

My experience at LB Studios has been nothing short of exceptional. When I first joined as a relatively new actor, they were so instrumental in my development as a performer. They hold great values, they are always professional and prompt. They have a great ensemble of Coaches. They want to see their students succeed and with all of that they make you feel like your apart of a family. I’ve taken 3 classes; 1 with Lewis, 2 with Michelle and I’m so glad that I have. Lewis helped me understand the basic fundamentals of being an actor and being present. Taking 2 classes with Michelle, that’s when I really developed as an actor and that’s when I took leaps in my craft and my ability to perform as an artist. Michelle cares. She makes you feel like it’s okay to fail, to ask questions and to be vulnerable. She is patient but she doesn’t allow you to give yourself excuses. She wants to see you be the best actor you can be and to really hone your craft as a performer. Learning from her allowed me to live in truth and that’s when I began to start really booking roles! LB Acting studio will continue to be instrumental in my growth and I highly recommend them if you want to get to the next level as a performer.

I've only had the opportunity of studying through 1 round with LB studios with Michelle as my coach.. However I appreciate the safe space they create to help and allow others to practice their craft. I am also super grateful for the online classes during this time as I don't live in Toronto and wouldn't be able to take classes otherwise. Also all of the extra perks of being a student with LB studios are incredible. I signed up for acting classes but joined a community and I'm deeply grateful!! Looking forward to my next round!!

I love coming to LB Acting Studio. The front desk staff (Caitlin) is so kind and always so accommodating to book sessions. The instructors who I have had the pleasure to work with (Asha, Daniel, Michelle and the legendary Lewis) are so kind and so knowledgeable about the industry. I can listen to them talk for hours. They really care about your progress. I’ve worked more with Asha and I absolutely love how kind and supportive she is. She really helps you a lot and the studio space is so clean, neat and organised. I love coming here. Can’t wait to be back!! Thank you!