Complete Actors Place Studio

I just recently had my 30^th birthday party at Complete Actors Place, and I really and truly don’t think that I could have picked a better location for my party! Everything about the venue was perfect. They had the room set up exactly as I wanted, the two outside patios were everything that I had envisioned them to be! Everything was great!
Working with Alex and Lonnie was so easy and they were so helpful with everything!
The DJ set up on the stage on a platform and it was PERFECT! there was plenty of room on the stage for my guests and I to dance!
My guests were (and are still) raving about how awesome the venue was and how great the space was!
I look forward to hopefully working with Alex and Lonnie again in the future for other events!

I held a private show here and Alex was very helpful in setting up the performances and getting the audio working properly. Looking forward to performing again.

Sigh* it’s a damn shame that the negatives outweigh the positives about this place. I rented the facility a few times but sadly as you’d think the more you work with a studio the better the relationship right? Right? Nope. They kept interestingly forgetting key things we would verbally agree on and that’s a big deal especially when it includes prices! So finally I requested a written contract so they couldn’t forget but when we met and talked — then I got the contract it didn’t match what we talked about– I asked for the changes and I get stuff said like: they wanted to increase my hourly rental from $ 150 an hour to $ 200 an hour– and instead of ¹⁄₃ deposits 30 days from the event now they wanted it ASAP or they couldn’t lock the dates… I’d come through on prior shows? Why suddenly the distrust? Also I agree with the shaddy reviews about Lonnie overcharging for wine (without a liquor license) and being generally a cranky fella to deal with. It’s a damn shame — they just don’t seem to respect promoters and they make u feel like they’re doing u a favor! I came to support Alex & Lonnie’s devil one man show and on the emails they sent out it said COMPLIMENTARY LIQUOR so I planned on that for my date to save some cash — Lonnie acted like I made it up and charged me! I pulled the email up on my phone and showed him — he still didn’t care. Liars and grumps out to swindle as much as they can. Be warned!!! And get anything in writing!!! ~Tim (aside from that– it is a nice venue and Alex is a nice enough guy, when he remembers what u talked about)

We came here for a show and the place was just okay. We were told that they didn’t have a liquor license to sell alcohol but to please tip the guys taking care of us. When we got to the makeshift area they set up towards the back, it was basically a cash bar. So there was a bit of a disconnect there. The place isn’t anything to rave about but I think it serves it’s purpose for small shows and screenings.

In Nov 2014, I rented the space for a staged reading of my feature script. The space is an amazing venue. I didn’t want theater seating and this looked like the right spot. It’s cozy but large with plenty of seating.
My problem was dealing with LONNIE. I cannot stress this enough. Alex was a nice guy when I met him, the day of and perhaps my experience would have been different had I only communicated with Alex.
I paid for the venue for a staged reading for my feature comedy. I paid EXTRA to bring my own wine, ten reds and ten whites. But here is the rub…
Lonnie was charging my guests for the wine. When I confronted him he stated that my guests need tell him that they want the free wine. That is a complete SCAM!
Next Lonnie then confronted me right before the show (in my face) that I had lied to him about having a staged reading. «A staged reading is actors sitting in chairs reading a script. This is a performance!» he blurted.
My actors read from their scripts but there was limited blocking (no costumes), which has been done in this town a million times over. He proceeded to call me a liar and a dishonest person that pulled a fast one over him. This was ten minutes before the show! I told him to watch the show and at the end he would owe me an apology.
After the show was over, Alex came up to me and congratulated me on a great reading and a great script. Nice guy. Lonnie came up to me and said, «you’re out of wine.»
As an independent filmmaker it’s a struggle to get your film made. My advice, find a venue that is more filmmaker friendly or just don’t deal with LONNIE. Be warned.

This is a really nice venue. I’ve come here twice for the Red Light Lounge events hosted by the wonderful Cashmere, and met plenty of good looking and talented people. The spot is on the smaller side but is very cozy. I will definitely keep coming back!

I come here for the Red Light Lounge! Great Show!

I perform here on open mic Mondays and I appreciate the low cost and the nice platform for artist, comedians, musicians, and actors to showcase their talent. I’ve gained many connections from here and it’s a blessing that this place is even open and doing great business.

Came here to support a friend thay was getting on stage to sing. Small venue with great people and good energy. I loved the performances, that included musical acts, spoken word and stand up comedy. The staff is very hospitable and hilarious! Monday’s are dope

Last night I attended the Open Stage Monday night event. I had a fantastic time. It was my first time doing stand up comedy. The MC was great. Her energy and control of the night was really good. The club was very full, respectful and most importantly laughed at most of all my material. I will definitely be going back.

Planned a 40^th Birthday Party and Roast for a dear friend. Wanted it to be top notch affair, red carpet outside, lights with a step & repeat, movie screen capabilities, sound system, bars, catered food, stage, cabaret style seating, wireless mics, outdoor area, nice restrooms, exceptional staff, coordination on-​site simple and easy and can hold 100 people. Impossible list of expectations, right? This is exactly what we had a CAP last night.
This party was outstanding. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about our party held at this venue. More importantly, our guests raved about the venue. We had about 75 guests at our roast. The food they provided was delicious. The extra touches were seen everywhere. They brought in a extra bartender for an additional bar they set up for us. They lit the place with candles. I brought zero decorations because the space dazzles on it’s own. The tables were set with silver tablecloths, there was a snazzy mix of cocktail tables and chairs and also pub-​syle chairs. It was warm, comfortable and impressive.
I booked the venue about two months before the party. Alex was so accessible, by email and phone. He had an answer for every question and concern that popped up. The day of event, he took such good care of me and my guests.
Every time I stopped at one of the bars, my guests were engaged in conversations with the staff. Also, they sat in during the roast! All the events they have there, I was surprised they weren’t off doing their thing during the entertainment segment. The owner, Lonny, told me we had such a great group of people and great vibes that they wanted to watch the fun. What a compliment.
As a party host, I was so happy with venue, the evening, the staff, the food, and the choice to have this party at Complete Actors Place.
I am a proud Unilocaler. I review and read reviews before I go spend my money. Some of the reviews for this place are definitely misleading and negative. I really liked how Alex took the time to address any negative reviews with a follow up. That’s a concerned and hard-​working business man. I’m looking forward to a future event with them. For now, I’m all partied out. :) Thanks CAP!

Back on July 25, 2009 I produced a very important tribute show to Michael Jackson and his family for his passing. The show was very moving and despite all of the crazy nonsense behind the scenes… everyone felt a wonderful spirit and enjoyed the performances.
It’s taking me a while to write this because I was so devastated over all of the work and money and time that went into the project… I have nothing to show for it because of the scam that they run there.
There is another review on this below by Ryyn who was one of the performers and was very upset and hurt about the whole thing.
******WE WERE ABSOLUTELY TREATED WITH DISRESPECT. From the time the performers, the band… all of us arrived… nothing but disrespect! We had a confirmed time for sound check needless to say, neither Alexx (not his real name) or Lonnie would open the door.
Once inside… and set up… we began to do a run through of the show when I was told that I HAD TO PAY EXTRA TO USE THE STAGE ENTRANCE!!! WTF??? Well how else would talent make their way to the stage??? Lonnie would not budge on this and even got belligerent with me in front of everyone… so all performers had to access the stage through the audience!
TICKETS!!! This was MY SHOW and I RENTED the venue… however, they would not allow my person to work the front door, nor even let her stand there. «Alexx» took the monies for the tickets and at the end of the night told me that they get a percentage!!! WTF??? I swear this was like a scene from wayyyyy back in the day when those scandalous venues would try to rip off the performers. And since Lonnie is within that age group… I’m pretty sure that’s where he got his tactics from.
Lighting… I was forced to use Lonnie’s GRANDSON (a kid) for lighting because he would not allow anyone else in the booth. Need I mention he did a horrible job!
And Lonnie attitude got even worse… even when the show was going on. cursing everyone out… artists AND audience members alike!
FREE DRINKS and FREE FOOD… THINK AGAIN!!!
The «food» that was brought in was straight from his home kitchen! I kid you not… I asked. They fried the chicken at their house! Which was not enough for even the performers let alone the audience.
The «drinks» was watered down and as soon as Lonnie (He was also running «the bar») ran out of PAPER cups… He announced «I got no more cups, so no more drinks» But keep in mind… in the signed contract… it stated that there would be an open bar!!! OH!!! Did I mention that one of the guards told me that they had been serving alcohol to under-​aged patrons. OH… one more thing! I personally call the liquor licensing board… CAP DOES NOT HAVE A LIQUOR LICENSE!!!
I won’t even go into the whole holding space for the performers and how they wanted them to stay were the audience was. OH YEAH… I got charged AGAIN for use of the upstairs holding room!!! Unbelievable!!!
Their equipment was lame!!! A large venue like that and they only had 4 xlr inputs? So I had to go an get my mixer and extra XLR cords… which they STOLE afterwards!
The worse thing of all was telling me that I couldn’t bring in a camera because they already had a HD cam set up and would give me a copy of the show… and when I asked for it… they wanted me to PAY for my own show at $ 75 per act!!! I was told that it was because it was an outside company that comes in… however, thanks to a little research… that company was owned and registered to ALEXX!!! Can we say EXTORTION??? Then I was told that I could have it for $ 250…but mysteriously, «ALEXX» said he changed his mind and so in the end I got nothing! Absolutely nothing!!!
By the way… most people that post on Unilocal have an avitar of some sort… so when you see a bunch of «POSITIVE» reviews for this place posted by anonymous Unilocalers…9 out of 10 times… you can best believe THOSE POSTINGS ARE FAKE!
Why am I mentioning this? Take a look at their website:
No LEGIT business would bother to go to this extent!!!
This venue violates so many laws its not even funny! And it won’t be funny to them soon. They are about to be investigated and I can’t wait until they get shut down!
BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE!!! I can’t stress that enough!!!

Very good venue and great service!

Great Venue!!!

The bomb. Beats tv by a mile. We just walked into this place off the street. We were walking back to our car from dinner. And there was an open mic going on. Monday night. The hostess was dripping with talent and personality and it had a real family atmosphere. There are little rooms in back and a patio where you can get a drink. We thoroughly enjoyed it, as opposed to watching tv we can now watch some funny ass improv crazy young comics and singer song writers doing it.

I came to support a friend in her vocal/​performance competition at the Complete Actors Place.
She told me there would be an open bar and food. I am sucker for an open bar and food. Mention open bar and food, and I’m there. No, seriously! Those are like the magic words for me to appear at an event. «OPEN BAR AND FOOD». OK, you get the picture. I think she kinda knew those were the key words for me to come support her in her competition.
I arrive at the Complete Actors Place after struggling to find a parking spot. well, ok. I didn’t actually struggle. I found a place to park about ¼ mile away. Good thing there’s going to be an «open bar and food». A quarter mile away is a lot of wear and tear on my dress sandals. With an «open bar and food», I can have a couple drinks and forget about the wear and tear on my dress sandals. Who am I kidding? I’ll walk for miles for an «open bar and food».
The venue is in a nice area, right on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks. My first impression the venue was cool, they had a velvet rope out and the doorway was like many of the clubs I have been too. But those thoughts passed as I recall my friend telling me come support me, there’s an «open bar and food».
I arrived about 20 minutes before the competition started. I figured that would give me enough time to get my drink on. I scoped out the place looking for the bar. Ummm damn! Bar? Where are you? WTF?
I walk around aimlessly looking for the bar. I finally had to ask someone where I could find it, they pointed me in the right direction. I saddle up to the makeshift bar ask a few people where the food was. I’m told they ran out of food. OK, maybe the food was so good they were swamped by foodies wanting to taste their delightful hotdogs and whatever else they had. How can they be out of food already, the show is 15 minutes away? to be continued

Went to a singing contest tonight. Only three of the performers showed. All were good but the best was Beverly Ann Smith. They make you pick two performers on the ballot. We assumed that two would go on but here is the problem, the other performers friends realized what we didn’t, that voting for the next best person could make them win so instead voting for the best they voted for their friend and for the worst. That way their friend wins. If your friends with a performer dont bother to go, dont waste their money. PIcking two people is just some weird scam. Wont get suckered again. Beverly Ann Smith was brilliant.
An this is nothing against Tyler who won. She is very talented but she was not the best that night. I wish her luck and success that I do not wish that club.
Note to the owner: You cant really disagree with how I «feel» about being suckered Being forced to vote for someone just for the sake of voting isn’t a competition. Now I know all I have to do is vote for the person no one likes. Then the person I am voting for, or possibly the worst person will win as everyone will vote that way to split votes.

I agree with all the other 1 star reviews of this venue and it’s management. This place is a complete joke both as a performer and as a fan of watching/​listening to live music.
You see that review written by Dr W? Pay attention when you read it, because it’s clearly written by Lonnie (the guy that runs that place). He must have felt personally attacked by all the other 1 star reviewers that put him and his venue down for being un-​professional and rude. He could just turn a new leaf and start treating people better, but I guess people like him would rather just create a fake account here on Unilocal and attack all the other reviewers. Good job Lonnie… way to prove all the other reviews were right about how rude and unprofessional you really are.
I play with a big name singer/​songwriter that just moved from Nashville and is looking to play at as many venues as possible to get his name and his music out there. I contacted CAP about performing acoustically and they booked us for their acoustic show. They told me over the phone there was a 10 person minimum. I explained we may not get 10 people because we’re new to the area, and I was told «just bring as many people as you can.»
So we show up on our night to perform and after our sound check Lonnie comes up and asks us how many people we’re bringing. We told him we had 4 coming. He then explained that we were required to have 10 and that if we didn’t bring 10, we would have to pay out of our pocket in order to perform. That’ right… the venue would make $ 60 off our 4 guests ($ 15 door charge), and on top of that he wanted us to give him $ 70 in cash. We explained how over the phone we were told «just bring as many people as you can,» and he said they would never say that. I’m sure they do this with a lot of performers. They lie to get you in the door, and then they try and get you to pay out of your own pocket just to perform.
Lonnie ended up sending us home that night because we wouldn’t meet the 10 person minimum and we weren’t about to pay out of our pocket to play at this venue. I understand from a business side that they want to profit from these shows, but they’re going about it all wrong. If they will require performers to pay out of pocket if they don’t meet the 10 person minimum, they should be honest and say that over the phone.
Only one person wins at this venue… Lonnie. The bands lose because they only get 10 – 15 minutes to perform and they are required to do 100% of the promoting and bring a minimum of 10 fans. The fans lose because they have to pay a $ 15 cover charge and only get to see their band play for 10 – 15 minutes.
Another reviewer put it well… the whole event felt like a high-​school talent show. Both myself and the singer/​songwriter I perform with are 29 years old. I think the next oldest performer there was MAYBE 19. While we were bringing actual fans of our music (not friends), everyone else seemed to bring family members to meet their 10 person minimum. The people waiting to pay their $ 15 outside to come in all seemed like parents or brothers/​sisters of the performers. There’s nothing wrong with that… and it’s always a great thing to have people want to come see you perform (no matter if they’re fans, family, or friends), but still, it felt like a high-​school talent show because of that.
As far as sound goes, the place is a joke. We play acoustically with 2 guitars, but their sound guy looked confused when he saw 2 guitars and said he only had 1 DI box. Seriously? What kind of place that hosts an acoustic night only has 1 DI box? Good thing is we always come prepared, and I had my own DI.
I can’t comment on the open bar because we weren’t allowed to stay and see it. But we did walk around the whole (very small) venue and never saw any sort of bar.
Parking was also terrible… there is none. The place itself has no parking so you’ll need to find a spot on the street. Good luck with that.
Please please please… do not support this place by either performing or paying to watch someone perform. This venue and it’s owners do not deserve to profit with the way they treat people. As a performer in the LA/​Hollywood area we often get screwed by venues in order to get a chance to play. But honestly, I’m OK with most of it because it’s just how it is in the area. But Complete Actors Place takes it to a whole new level… and no one should ever have to deal with this terrible venue. Read all the other reviews to see what I’m talking about, and make sure you realize the review from DR W. is actually Lonnie… the guy that runs the place. No one would ever give this place more then 1 star.

This place was utterly ridiculous. Ok let me just say this. If it’s too good to be true, it probaby is. There was absolutley zero parking. Took over 30 minutes to find parking. We went to this place to see a friend band and the gimick was open bar and open buffet for $ 15.
That sounds amazing right? Well that wasn’t the case at the complete actors place. Open bar consists of waiting in a 20 minute line then finally having an elderly man pour you a half shot of whiskey and a splash of coke. And the bar is NOT a full bar, but just a tiny liquor cabinent (no beer). They actually had the nerve to call my friend an alcoholic after he came back for his third half shot. Seriously now?
The buffet was even worse. It was nothing but a few pieces of cheese and cut up fruit. I was like hmm ok whatever I’m hungry, but then I saw cockroaches crawling in them.
COCKROACHES. That is freaking disgusting.
As for the show. The stage was big and it had cool lighting but they really didn’t know what they were doing. They only booked shitty/​weird acts and the whole night was pretty boring (until my friends band played who are serious professional musicians).
The MC lady could have it’s own review. She was just terrible. Wouldn’t let the performers start their show becuase she wouldn’t get off stage. Terrible jokes with no punchlines. Over all just very annoying.
Overall: My experience was very very poor. I do not plan on coming back. The band asked several times how much time they had left on stage and no one responded. The MC just got up on stage after one of their songs and basically ended their set without warning. Luckily everyone wanted more and cheered until they were allotted one more song. They just don’t know what they are doing at this venue. Urge you not to book your band there unless you want a bad experience.

WOW!!! I HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED WITH SUCH DISRESPECT AS I DID WITH THIS PLACE. I can honestly say with all my being that I hate hate hate the complete actor’s place.
We did a tribute to Michael Jackson yesterday, and although the show was a hit, the Complate Garbage Place did not help us at all.
I ask everyone one of you to really BEWARE of LONNY whats-​his-​face and his staff… this place will rip you off if you are renting studio space to showcase your work.
1-​From the lighting to the doorman to every staff member. Rude Rude Rude Rude Rude. They make everything worse. If you ask for help… they just walk away. SO Unprofessional
2-​Lonny is an A-​hole. forreal. I mean this old man was cussin everyone out (artists and audience members). I’m wondering how on earth he is still in business.
3-​FREE DRINKS and FREE FOOD MY FAT BEHIND! The «drinks» was watered down. and as soon as the venue ran out of cups… the drinks are no more. He’ll even announce it «I got no more cups, so no more dirnks» WHICH venue advertises that they’ll have an open bar then as soon as their done with thier 50 cups, they stop serving drinks??? How you gonna be a bar that only has 50 cups anyway?
4-​They advertise that they have technology for your event… but in reality they could not work the MOvie screen, then the lens of the video projector popped off, then they announced that they have no amps or monitors… and it goes on and on and on
SERIOUSLY save your peace of mind! DO NOT GO HERE. They nickle and dime you for everything and they are so unprofessional with everything.
If you still decide to go with this venue for your show, have thick skin, bottle of valium, and a brass knuckle… TRUST you’ll need it when you deal with Lonny.