Actors Comedy Studio

I have had a great experience in classes with both Lauren and Gunnar, and with the awesome and warm community of actors at ACS. The students are hard-​working and talented, and someone is always writing and/​or producing their own stuff. The result is an inspiring, supportive, smart place to learn the funny business of TV sitcom.

I just completed the Sitcom Script Analysis class with Gunnar and I have to say it was absolutely a great investment in my career as an actress and producer.
Gunnar has found a way to use his years of experience to provide useful knowledge and insight. This mixed with his compassion, intelligence, and encouraging spirit helped our class to feel valued and inspired to get better at what we do — every day!
I can’t wait to study further at Actor’s Comedy Studio.
Tip: Parking on the streets can be very difficult at certain times of the day in the area — it appears to be OK to park your vehicle at the park down the street.

Hands down the best acting studio in LA! The classes are excellent and affordable — a rare find in this city. Lauren and Todd are absolutely amazing and know how to work with their students to bring out each one’s maximum potential. I will attend ACS for as long as I live in the area — you should too!

To take class here you have to pay for a series of 6 classes with a deposit for one extra class. I thought that was a bit strange, but proceeded to take the classes.
Lauren was my teacher and she was great. I took the on-​camera audition technique class and we did a lot of cold reads that we would then film and review, it was extremely helpful. Twice I had a sub, who was also very sweet, but focused more on acting techniques and during those classes we never filmed our scenes or saw ourselves on camera, which was a slightly disappointing.
For my last class, I had a family emergency and had to miss class, since everything happened so quickly, I wasn’t able to tell ACS until after I had missed the class. I explained to them what had happened, and expressed that I would like to make up my last class the next week. They said no, that since I had not informed them I would be missing, I lost my deposit and could not take my last class. I sent a follow up email expressing my disappointment and hopes that I could still get my money’s worth and take the final class, it was ignored.
As much as I enjoyed Lauren and her techniques, I would never recommend ACS because of how poorly I was treated. I paid a lot of money to take those classes, and for each other class I was on time and fully attentive, I wish they could have been more understanding of my situation and let me make-​up my final class or give me my deposit back. I felt I was treated coldly, and that’s not the atmosphere you want when finding an acting studio.

Woohoo is right my friends. I have found a fit for me in LA. I have a degree in theater and I have studied and done numerous shows and even showcases in LA. The transition from coast to coast from Stage to Film is extremely difficult. Actors Comedy Showcase is making me grow immensely week by week connecting talent to WORK. It’s an Honor to work with both Lauren Bertoni and Gunnar Todd Rohrbacher. When I met them, they asked me what they could do for MY career and they gauge what they can do with each and every actor separately. In this studio, you compete against yourself, because there is only you. I haven’t been asked that sincerely in my acting career.
ACS provides on Camera sitcom acting class in which I’m enrolled currently. To think i went to so many auditions not knowing the rules of acting on film and especially in the audition room. I have learned more in 2 months than I have the many years I have already spent in LA. They have an amazing Staff that give specific notes and you get to work through your notes after you watch yourself on Playback. To Correct and learn your mistakes. It is an efficient way to learn and improve every class.
They offer different classes, private coachings, career coachings, intensives, and schedule out several Industry showcases each month and its ONLY $ 20 for students and non students all the time.
The class I take begins with announcements and discussions about the trade and what is happening in the industry. At first I just learned by listening, and now I am reading everyday just to share every week. Its such a great knowledgeable vibe at the studio, actors and staff. It’s worth the interview with the Co Owners right at the studio. I recommend this to any Actor or actress as it creates a network of HONEST, healthy improvement in your career.

Updated ReviewI I have been studying here for a few years now and I still find myself learning something new every week. Gunnar always says that what separates good auditions from great auditions are mere percentage points. The talented staff at ACS helps me fine-​tune my performance so that I can go in confidently knowing that I am giving a great audition. The studio also fosters a safe and creative community outside of the classroom that allows the students to connect and work together on their own projects. I cannot recommend ACS enough!

I’ve been studying at Actors Comedy Studio just shy of two years now. I’ve had the pleasure of studying & working with all of the studio’s founders & teachers. I started from the ground up with Lauren in the Foundation class then progressed into Gunnar’s Master Class. The wonderful thing about studying with ACS is not only do you get an in depth understanding of performing sitcom comedy, but also of the industry as a whole. They are very transparent in their knowledge of the industry & do not want you to miss out on any opportunities. They support you & celebrate you on your successes. It is truly like a family. I have come to grow so much as an actress, a person, & a business woman. They have really taught me to value myself & my craft. And you get to go to class every week & laugh your booty off… so what’s not to like?!

I was studying at the Groundlings for several terms and kept seeing postcards and fliers for the Actors Comedy Studio and would take them thinking I’ll call when the time is right.
It took a while, but boy am I glad I finally called! I had heard about a different comedy coach teaching a similar style and met with him first. I found him pompous, rude and it took his staff weeks to call back to schedule me into a class. Thank heavens for that because I am much happier in the presence of the exceedingly bright, straight forward-​without-​being-​rude, freaking FUNNY Gunnar, who takes comedy very seriously. He studies it, eats, lives and breathes it… to my benefit!
My husband and I were actors 15 years ago and left for the wine industry and have just recently come back. This makes me feel like I have sooo much to catch up on and do, but just not enough time. What I dig most is that with Gunnar, we have have eeked out a plan for my career. So much has changed since I was previously in it, so it might seem lame to appear that I am not doing the plan entirely on my own, but I am not too proud to say that I appreciate Gunnar’s expertise and SO appreciate the help.
Now, among other things, we have a production company and my husband and I wanted help with our scenes in the film. I had worked with a couple of people whom I felt were not really that helpful.
I made an appt. to meet with Gunnar to see what he had to offer. We clicked! I joined the master class, filled with all sorts of inspiring talent, and my husband and I did privates with him as well. Things that just weren’t clicking at read-​throughs were fixed in a NY minute with Gunnar (who used to be known as Todd, just for clarification.) We fleshed out our characters, bringing them to a much deeper level. Good stuff!
I love being in the presence of people who are constantly working as well. Class opens with «good news to share», and there’s often a boat load! There are so many things offered such as $ 20 workshops, 10 week Comedy Intensives, an Industry Showcase with nothing but top-​notch attendees.
I very much recommend the Actor’s Comedy Studio to youth and adult actors and look forward to carving out another career for me doing what I love! Thank you to Gunnar and your entire staff! (They are very efficient and good to work with)

I just finished taking the Sitcom Essentials 8 week course and it blew my mind how amazing the course is. First of all, the teachers who taught the different classes are all very passionate, knowledgeable, giving, encouraging and supportive. There were performers from all levels: from just starting out to seasoned professionals. And the teachers made it challenging, fresh and interesting for all above. The amount of information I was able to walk away with from the course is mind blowing. I learned about the different comedy character archetypes, how to breakdown a comedy script (so huge :)), improv techniques to keep the scene fresh, what happens during auditions from the pre read to network testing and booking a series regular, what adjustments I need to make to create a single camera and multi-​camera performance and what a casting director is looking for in pictures and in your auditions. Oh and let me not forget to mention the live performance. Each performer was paired up and given a different scene unique to what they would be cast for in the field. And we worked on the scene during the course of the time and performed it in front of an audience with three different cameras going… multi-​camera sitcom style. Even though I’ve had previous experience of performing on multi-​camera tv shows, I still learned a lot… things I wish I learned before.
I came away from this course confident about who I am as a performer and what my strengths and weaknesses are. I am so glad I took this course. Actor’s Comedy Studio is creative and innovative in the way they teach their classes. They are passionate and serious about what they do. And they really know how to prepare their students for working in the professional world. Thank you so much Gunnar and Lauren, you are truly wonderful and a gift to actors.

If you are looking for a great class where you will learn REAL SKILLS that will help you in REAL CASTING ROOMS come here. I love Gunnar. He does not blow smoke, he gives you the help and the confidence to succeed.
I took a break from class because I thought I could do it on my own and then I did a workshop where the casting director gave me the SAME EXACT notes that Gunnar would give me in class. If I would have stayed in class, and listened, I would have nailed the audition. But I am back now and feeling better than ever.

With so many different workshop places in town, I had never even heard of ACS. I only discovered them because I was trying to find a way to meet CD Dorian Frankel — and ACS seemed to be the only place she was doing workshops, so I signed up for Dorian’s one-​day intensive. The space was great, the workshop was incredibly informative and well-​run, the feedback was spot on — and a delicious homemade lunch was included in the price. I am now very interested in the other classes Gunnar Todd Rohrbacher teaches — as well as their regular workshops which are priced at $ 20 — which is the best deal in town.

I’ve had my eye on ACS for some time now and I finally had a chance to begin classes in July… What a terrific decision on my part! I love this place! Todd has a way of teaching sitcom technique that is better than any other class I’ve attended in LA since 2008. After taking this class, I’ve watched my comedy audition technique and cold reading skills improve so much! I even got a few callbacks! Lauren is amazing because she gives fantastic tips on how to master the skill of cold reading and reading out loud in general which I personally needed help with. The instructors here are very passionate about comedy and the time they take with you to assure you become a master in the comedy craft is note worthy. They also keep you up to date with the latest trends in the industry, industry news and $ 20 casting director workshops with NO CATCH! I highly recommend you try the studio out for yourself.

I found ACS through an online deal so my first 6 week session was half price. I ended up loving my class and have been attending for 6 months now. I’ve had different teachers there and every one has taught me so many different things. Lauren and Todd are incredible teachers and it isn’t just about the acting technique. Students are well-​rounded with script analysis, networking techniques, and business strategies.
Because of Actors Comedy Studio I’ve been getting called in for bigger and better things because I now have the knowledge and experience to direct my own career.
Tips–
$ 20 casting director workshops are open to ANYONE, not just students
Parking can be a bit difficult so arrive early
Go to Todd for a smart headshots session before shooting because your pictures will be so much better!

Todd Rohrbacher knows comedy. His passion for it is contagious. If you want to book comedy work, he’s who you should be studying with. Todd’s classes are fun, challenging, and most importantly… useful. His coaching is spot-​on. And ACS also offers workshops and showcases with THE movers and shakers in the industry at very reasonable prices. Todd doesn’t just teach comedy. He gives you the tools you need to be a working comedy actor in Los Angeles.

I have been studying at the Actor’s Comedy Studio for 9 months now and cannot see myself taking classes elsewhere.
Not only is Todd incredibly observant and knowledgeable, but he represents your biggest motivator and fan in a town where true supporters are hard to come by. And everyone at the studio help in any way they can, becoming friends in the process.
The classes are great for actors and sitcom writers as you study what makes jokes work from both sides of the coin, and the different characters on sitcoms you will portray. After only a few classes, you’ll know what your «type (s)» is/​are and be able to polish your characterization while always maintaining the humor of each scene.
For a fun time and advancement in the industry, I highly recommend Actor’s Comedy Studio.

I’ve been going to ACS for the last 4 months and I love it!!! I moved here from NY, and one of the things I quickly realized is how much sitcom comedy is valued in this town. Todd’s brilliance comes from his passion for comedy and specifically his love for sitcoms. He breaks down sitcom comedy into a very actor-​friendly approach. I came from a 4 year theatre program in college, and found this to be a very useful segway into the world of tv comedy. His 10 characters of comedy is brilliant, and very user friendly. I’d highly recommend this class to anyone coming from a theatre program, improv background who wants to transition sitcom comedy, or anyone who wants to dive in and take some comedy classes.
One of the other very useful things I found about the studio is it’s practical tools and networking opportunities. Todd also offers private coaching, which I used multiple times during pilot season. The studio also offers workshops with some awesome people like Dorian Frankel (CD for «Parks and Recreation», «The Office») and Scott David («Criminal Minds») for very reasonable prices. ACS is a great place to grow as an actor, but there are also awesome networking opportunities to segway you directly into the business. Highly, highly recommmended!

Todd Rohrbacher, Elaine Hendrix, and Corinne Dekker are my dream team. They’re my BFF’s in the business; they tell me when I look good and most importantly when I look bad, saying things like, ‘Oh my god, you are funny.’ and ‘Jeanette I don’t know what that was, but don’t do it again. Falling is fun at Actors Comedy Studio and that’s why I continue to learn so rapidly studying here. They keep classes current to industry standards and are determined to help us push our careers forward in the direction where we’ll likely be successful. They teach with honesty and empowerment. That’s what I’m talking about! I love ACS!

Todd is a master at writing, acting, directing, and recognizing great comedy! He expertly provides his students with essential advice for how to succeed not only in the audition room, but also in their careers. If you are looking for a great studio to take classes to help further your career, you should sign up for the Actors Comedy Studio.

I’m not a student of this facility, but my best friend goes there and LOVES IT. He told me about the upcoming Scott David Workshop, so I decided to try it out.
When I was told that I was going to have to find my own sides on the Actor’s Comedy Studio website, I assumed I was going to have to shuffle through a list of uncategorized sides for an hour and still wind up frustrated that I couldn’t find anything interesting.
HOWEVER. The way they have sides posted on their site is absolutely PERFECT and ORGANIZED. I found sides within 5 minutes of looking due to how they have things categorized. Went to the workshop, it was run very well by the peeps who work there and it was awesome finally meeting Scott David and I had a friggin’ blast. It was a great group of talented humans and it was a seamless workshop.
Thanks, guys!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve discovered the hardest thing to do in Hollywood — harder than getting an agent, harder even than finding employment as a waiter — is finding a reputable, trustworthy and effective acting instructor. It took me over a decade to find an on-​camera audition instructor worthy of my time and money. His name is Todd Rohrbacher.
Though his class focuses on comedy, Todd knows it’s not enough to be funny. His class builds comic actors by focusing first on acting fundamentals, in a manner that is not only comprehensive and easy to understand, but easy to implement. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust the preparation I do before an audition, so that I can relax into my best self during the audition.
Last year, after over a decade slowly building my acting career, I booked my first AFTRA co-​star role. I directly attribute my current success as a working actor to the lessons I learned from Todd.