Scene Study LA — Local services in Los Angeles

I recently finished Tom's most recent scene study class and while there are some positive moments, I left feeling disappointed about the class, my scene, and my acting. The actors in class are mostly very friendly, skilled, committed, and supportive. This was my first scene study class since moving to LA and after reading all of the five star reviews I felt like I had hit the gold mine of acting gyms. But rather than work out in a gym and get excellent coaching, I felt like I was simply reminded of the basics (listening, taking in your partner, not letting the words do your work) for the entirety of the 4 weeks. While I'm grateful for the reminders and power of simplicity, I felt like the actual notes for my scenes were general. Part of the problem with the structure is that you're completely reliant on your scene partner (which is assigned) and the scene (which you and your partner choose) with no other input from Tom. I would suggest anyone taking the class to really pick meaty scenes from plays with high stakes. If you decide to pick a scene from a movie, use the same standard (even if it's less dialogue).

First class is a table read. Second class is a character interview (I didn't find this helpful at all when it came to doing the actual scene at hand) and then you work on the scene. Third and fourth class is more scene-work with notes.

Again, the path you choose is the journey you take. If you pick a scene that doesn't have incredible high stakes then you'll find yourself backtracking in your acting and not growing in a place "designed" for you to grow. I definitely felt that there were people in the class that were favorited, pushed more, or held to a certain artistic respect than other people; especially if those people had been in class multiple times.

In a land of techniques and guru's, Tom does stand out for not pushing any one ideaology on his actors and I do respect that. But the challenge and excitement of scene study is about finding a way to combine the intellectual with the visceral. His direction felt directly proportionate to the amount of work you've done with your scene partner. If you have a great scene, a great scene partner, rehearsing a lot-- You generally got more specific advice and feedback. However, I feel as though an ideal teacher would be motivating and guiding everyone to the next level or two, regardless of those factors; particularly if a scene is muddy and unclear. Being overly hands off is as damaging as being too direct. It's a balance.

Tom's a nice guy and he does bring in guests. We had Chris Messina in two classes and he couldn't be lovelier and more approachable about the work and life.

There's good and bad from every experience. I didn't find this class helpful. I walked away from my experience feeling creatively underused and disappointed in spending money basically sitting on the bench.

Perhaps your experience will...

I am a big fan of Tom O'Brien as an actor, writer and director. For a long time, I had been looking for an 'acting gym' in LA, and I have definitely found it with Scene Study LA. It's a safe space to explore the work on a deep level and make discoveries with his trusting eye gifting you insight. He meets you where you are, without judgement, and has such a keen understanding of the human experience. His observations have elevated my choices and specificity. And I find it very inspiring to work alongside fellow actors who are also very dedicated. It's a supportive and trusting atmosphere. Recently, I did private coaching with Tom for a short I will be co-directing and acting in, and he was a great compass for truth in that arena as well. He helped me with character development, story development as well as practical ways to keep the scenes alive under all the technical demands that come with being on set. So grateful to Tom and his Scene Study LA vibe. He champions you and your work and your potential from...

I found Tom and Scene Study LA through an actor who's work I greatly admire, if they trusted Tom then I was certain to do the same. But, I've been burned before in the search for an acting class in LA so my guard was up. Upon my initial audit of Scene Study LA any hope I had of observing the class with a critical eye quickly diminished as I was entranced by the work happening on stage. There's no posturing here, no grand lectures, no weird culty vibes distracting the actors from focusing on the one thing we're here for, the work. Tom treats everyone with a great sense of respect and trust and those taking his class follow his lead. The environment created is a special one, leading to genuine moments of discovery. I've learned much studying with Tom, not just from his teachings, but also from the group of fellow actors he's cultivated. If you're looking to stretch yourself as an actor and find out what you're capable of there's no better place to do so than with Tom at...