Judith Weston has been coaching actors for twenty-five years. She reconnects actors with their confidence, clarity, and creativity - their joy in acting. Her deep understanding of acting as a laboratory of life has led to her reputation as a miracle worker whose insights go to the heart of a scene, and to the soul of an actor. Actors say that she "opened my eyes," "changed everything for me" - even "saved my life." Her actors work regularly in all media.
Judith Offers the Following Classes for Actors;
Click on the Links for Further Details:
At this time, all the classes are for actors at an intermediate or advanced level. Auditions are not required, but you need to have had training and/or professional acting experience. A personal interview with Judith is required to discuss your needs. There is no auditing of classes.Click on the Links for Further Details:
Judith's BOOKS are for Actors too
Judith's first book - "Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film and Television" - has been hailed as a complete handbook on the craft of acting, and, as such, a perfect book for actors. Her second book - "The Film Director's Intuition: Script Analysis and Rehearsal Techniques" - is also designed for actors and writers as well as directors.
Reading one of Judith’s books is pre-requisite to studying with her. Both "Directing Actors" and "The Film Director's Intuition" are practical, non-polemical and non-jargony - useful and inspiring for actors from all approaches and techniques.
Features of All Judith’s Classes for Actors
- In all of Judith’s classes, every actor works in every class. Students may work on a scene for a week or for several weeks. I expect students to bring in work that has been rehearsed outside of class.
- Stop doing it “right”! The surest way to lose your moment-by-moment reality as an actor and get “in your head” is to try to do it right. How can you follow your instincts if you’re trying to do it right? My short video on this subject is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXgLTbju0U.
- My Tools for Actors are simple and clear – they help you stay in the moment and make bold choices, take more risks. I think of “script analysis” as finding the deepest truth of the script and connecting it to the deepest truth in yourself.
- My teaching style is direct, open and supportive.
- I have been influenced by each of the major approaches to acting technique – Meisner, Strasberg, Stella Adler, Keith Johnstone. But I do not have a set program of exercises that each student must master in a particular order.
- All of the work we do has application for auditions, as well as for work on a professional set.
- Actors must respond to input they get from a director or casting director. But very often the professional direction given to actors is “result oriented.” In class we explore ways to make the translation from “result direction” (doing it “right”) to playable choices that free your voice and vision while allowing the script and director their voice and vision too.
- The joy of acting. I believe deeply that acting should be pleasurable and life-affirming, health-giving, an act of love.
Private Coaching
I am available to coach actors who have studied with me for particular auditions or to prepare for roles they have been cast in.
For Beginning Actors
I don’t have formal classes for beginning actors at this time, and usually I suggest that beginning actors find a class elsewhere that offers a curriculum specifically for beginners. I am considering offering a weekend Actors Technique Intensive, which would be appropriate for beginning actors, as well as for experienced actors who would like a refresher course in a weekend setting – if you are interested, please inquire at john@judithweston.com.
Actors’ Workshops Outside of Los Angeles
From time to time I have been invited to conduct Actors' Workshops in other cities, including New York, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Helsinki, Belgrade and Halifax. Whenever such a workshop is planned, it is posted on the WORKSHOP SCHEDULE page.
Location
3402 Motor Ave, Los Angeles, corner of Woodbine, entrance in the back. See DIRECTIONS TO THE LOS ANGELES STUDIO for further information on freeways and parking
Policy and Pricing
Fees for all six-week classes are due at the first class of the session. A deposit may be requested for certain classes. If a deposit has been paid, it is not refundable, but may be transferred to a later class or workshop.
There are no refunds for missed classes; fees are charged by the six-week session, not by the class. Missed classes may be made up, at the discretion of the instructor, in another class, during the same time period as the missed class, although you will be able to work in a make-up class only if time permits.
Attendance is based on a personal interview; no free audits are permitted. Permission to visit or enroll in classes is at the discretion of the instructor; permission may be withdrawn at any time.
For More Details about Classes, Click on These Links:
Other Links of Interest to Actors
Judith Weston on YouTube
Judith Weston on Facebook Judith Weston Studio for Actors & Directors
Endorsements
Books by Judith Weston
Resources
Special Events
Contact Judith to arrange an interview,
at 310 392-2444 or john@judithweston.com.
at 310 392-2444 or john@judithweston.com.