Playhouse West-Philadelphia — Local services in Philadelphia

This month completes one year in Playhouse West so Im reflecting on my experiences and skills I have acquired. I was cautious when I joined Playhouse West because I was in several acting classes/ schools, and what I had learned thus far was mediocre at best. I’m not saying that I hadn't learned anything. On the contrary. I did learn a few essential skills, but it was never a foundation for a solid education. They where more bits of advice along the way. During the audit and my first classes at Playhouse West, it felt strange and unnatural, but the exercises quickly revealed themselves to be the foundation and building blocks of an actor’s instincts and intuition, regardless of what type of actor one wants to become. Learning trades like staying connected to your scene partner(s), listening, being truthful under imaginary circumstances and not letting anything get past me, is absolutely making sense to me, even if I tend to slip back and lose focus and end up in my own head again. Realizing that these tools are designed to help me move the attention away from myself and to remove nervousness so that I can relax and focus on the task at hand, my scene partner, was a great realization. Another big epiphany was the quote, “ An ounce of behavior is worth a pound of words”. The blind mechanical ritual of reading my lines so that I know when to say my lines, but missing the meaning behind the words and disregarding my scene partners emotional state, was never brought up to me. I wonder now if the persons who were teaching me acting before PW, even have an idea what they are doing and how they where taught. Another difference is the work ethic amongst the students (which is very high), which in turn makes me want to work even harder. With all of the scenes I have done in the past year, I believe I have grown more than I did in the past 6 years combined. Even though I have highs and lows and am painfully reminded that each day I get a little better or a little worse, I can see that there is a huge amount of growth possible, through intensive and a solid work ethic. In the past year I have also been following a few successful people in the movie and business industry, and the common theme is that failure and overcoming obstacles is a necessity in life. It will test your will and filter out what kind of person you are and how much you really want, “it”. I do get frustrated quiet often in class, but I’am also reminded that this is the reason Im going to class. It is the perfect environment for trying out and failing with the great benefit of constructive feedback. I know I can try again, fail again and again until I succeed so I can move on to the next obstacle. But that mindset is still escaping me on low days and I have to remind myself of that and make that part of my daily mantra until it is engrained and becomes second nature like all the other tools we learn in class. So I do feel positive when I do apply the newly learned skills correctly but also embrace failures so that I have a guidelines for correction. I’m looking forward to the coming year and what challenges will be presenting it selves . I’am very grateful for the school and the people I’ve met and will be meeting and I believe with absolute certainty that there is a reason that I found this school and I will do my best not to waste my time with mediocre approaches and half-hearted...

I have had the privilege of attending Playhouse West Philadelphia for the last eight months (as of Oct. 2022), and I cannot speak highly enough of this extraordinary acting school and its brilliant director, Tony Savant. From the moment I stepped foot into the studio, I was captivated by the passion, dedication, and talent that permeated the atmosphere.

Tony Savant is a true industry expert, possessing a wealth of knowledge that he imparts with unparalleled enthusiasm. His deep understanding of the acting craft and the entertainment industry shines through in every class. Tony's ability to guide actors and nurture their talents is simply awe-inspiring. His experience and expertise are evident as he effortlessly dissects scenes, providing invaluable insights that elevate performances to new heights.

What sets Tony apart is his teaching style, which is both nurturing and demanding. He challenges his students to push beyond their limits, encouraging them to explore new depths in their craft. His high expectations serve as a catalyst for growth, inspiring students to strive for excellence and develop their unique artistic voice.

Tony's attention to detail is impeccable. He has an uncanny ability to pinpoint the smallest nuances and gestures that make a performance truly authentic. Under his guidance, I discovered a newfound appreciation for the subtleties of acting, leading to a significant improvement in my own skills.

Moreover, Tony's professionalism is unparalleled. He creates a safe and respectful environment where creativity can flourish. His unwavering commitment to the craft and his students is evident in the way he approaches each class. Tony sets the bar high not only for his students but also for himself, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and a drive for excellence.

Under Tony's leadership, the culture is a thriving community of passionate, driven individuals dedicated to honing their craft and becoming working actors. The school attracts like-minded individuals who support and inspire one another, creating a warm and welcoming environment. The sense of camaraderie is remarkable, as everyone shares the same goal of pursuing their dreams and unleashing their full potential.

I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Playhouse West Philadelphia and the impact it has on aspiring actors. The dedication and commitment of the students are infectious, fueling an atmosphere of growth and artistic exploration. It is truly a haven for those who are serious about their craft.

Playhouse West Philadelphia, under the exceptional guidance of Tony Savant, is an acting school that goes above and beyond. Tony's industry knowledge, dedication, teaching style, attention to detail, professionalism, and high expectations make him an outstanding director and mentor. Coupled with a community of passionate, supportive individuals fosters an environment where aspiring actors can thrive and grow. I wholeheartedly recommend Playhouse West Philadelphia to anyone seeking an exceptional acting education and a...

CAUTION: read this at your own peril... this class is not for the faint of heart. Are you still here? Well good than you might have what it takes to be a student at the Playhouse West Repertory in Philadelphia. I say this not to deter, but to encourage you in that this will be the most rewarding experience of your life... that is if you put in the effort to do it and I'm not talking about doing this in a casual way or say a hobby. "We don't do CASUAL around these parts eh?" For the training here is stringent (you have to put in the work) done in way so you can one day call yourself a professional actor and ultimately isn't that what got you to this review in the first place? Did I mention you have to work a lot and do more work? If this isn't ingrained in you already don't bother to read any further but if you understand this one word will separate you from the other so called "actors" read on but I must warn you the road to being a successful actor is an arduous one filled with many twists and turns and stones along your path but if you have the will to succeed you'll begin to transform in so many wonderful ways that eventually you won't even recognize the old you. No, Playhouse West Philadelphia is not an ordinary acting class, more like it is a class onto you. You see here is where you get to learn about yourself, through trial and error and through that maybe become a better person and pièce de résistance… you get the goods; you know the tools to apply your trade. That's right here you have everything at your disposal notwithstanding, one of the finest teachers on the east coast scene study, script analysis, film analysis and maybe just maybe you can earn your way into the theatre group... because our community here is second to none as we greatly encourage creativity and challenge your imagination and reward you with honesty. Sounds great right? Now I ask you what acting school can promise that and get these kind of results… only one that cares about you the actor as we love our actors here and give them everything to succeed and more but YOU have to be willing to take the first step... Are you bold enough? Are you ready to work and have fun too while doing it? Are you tired of the same ole stuff and getting the same results...do you eat, sleep and breathe being an actor/artist? If you answered YES to these questions and couldn't think of anything else you wanted to do in your whole life and you talk about it incessantly and your dream one day is to be a professional actor then Playhouse West Philadelphia might be the place for you, maybe. (sic) However, if you're of the latter then don't waste your time because maybe you're not willing to do what it takes to achieve your dream and well that is a shame...