Insider Pages Reviews for Wayne Dvorak Acting Studio

5 Stars: Best Bang 4 your Buck....Period!! (by Brian B.)

Brian B. — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:36:00 GMT

The Wayne Dvorak Acting Studio in Los Angeles, CA is a 2 year Meisner Technique training program. Aside from being one of the most affordable training programs in the city, it is also incredible training taught by an instructor with a lifetime of acting and teaching experience. Having taken years of acting classes in various methods the Meisner Technique is one that has only enriched my acting both emotionally and technically. Meisner has a very simple approach to a very complicated art and it is based on Meisners exercise work as well as scene study. Wayne Dvorak is a no frills, no B.S. type of teacher who is only there to help his students craft and guide them through the business that is Hollywood. Wayne only allows 12 students max. in his program and you are GUARANTEED to work at least once in every class. I know many actors in LA that pay 3 times the amount I do and they get up to work in class every other week!! This training is not for the faint of heart since it is an intense program for 2 years and requires outside rehearsals which are key to success in this discipline. If you are serious about your training and are dedicated enough to put in the 2 years to complete the training, I cannot recommend a better place to study than at Waynes studio.

5 Stars: GREAT GREAT GREAT!!! Meisner Class (by Akili H.)

Akili H. — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:43:00 GMT

This class has truly given me a platform to explore, and to reflect, on exactly who I am. Coming closer in tune with my inner self, and honestly assessing my behavior and character, has given me a solid understanding of how to openly and efficiently channel my acting. This class will definitely help you to develop and expand your acting range, making your emotional palette more colorful.

Wayne Dvoraks usage of the Meisner technique, aids us into finding clarity, depth, and truth into our emotional point of view. Thru repetitions, listening and responding, and bouncing off impulses, moment-to-moment, we are able to quickly access and honor our emotions while displaying an improvisational style of acting. While disciplining our acting thru rehearsals, layer-by-layer, we are stripped of our social manipulations, and find vulnerable areas of our emotional selves that may have been suppressed or hidden. This process increases the quality of our acting and chisels away at our inhibitions and insecurities.

Wayne is a great instructor, who offers both challenge and affirmation. He provides a warm and comfortable environment for us to feel empowered and to gain the necessary confidence to become successful actors, and in our lives. The classes are small and intimate which allows each of us time to receive valuable instruction. Wayne is very attentive, thorough and detailed in his criticisms and suggestions. I appreciate him as my instructor and mentor because I can genuinely feel, that he is invested and dedicated, in ensuring that each of us will become successful in our craft.

Wayne has given me necessary tools to put into my artistic toolbox, to begin building my career as an actor. I am extremely grateful for these experiences and certainly recommend this class to all those who are serious and passionate about pursuing the discipline of acting. You will be enriched.

5 Stars: Meisner for coffee drinkers (by John S.)

John S. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:34:00 GMT

A couple years ago I moved out to LA, and enrolled in acting class after acting class. I was bombarded with classes that promised the quick success and fast approach to the movie machine. I quickly learned that these were all shams, mostly traveling medicine men with the potion that didn't work or gurus who claimed the answer but fell short of truth. I felt lost for awhile and decided I would do it by myself, I didn't need the class, but soon looked around at all my friends who claimed the same thing and said they were "actors" but all we ever did was sit around coffee houses talking about how much better we were then the people on the billboard above our table.

I started to do a lot of reading about different methods, I dabbled in new age acting, took a sip of performance art, and dove head first into Stanislavski. I dug on what Stanislavski was saying and followed his progression of thought through the teachers of the past into Strasberg, Adler and Meisner. I felt much had been lost through the years in Strasberg and Adler. I read "Standford Meisner on Acting," and decided this was the type of class I wanted and needed. The tools and techniques that Meisner talked about I believed would make me a good a actor, and competitive in the world of Hollywood.

I enrolled in Wayne's class about a year ago, and I have found it to be not only rewarding but also challenging. I have gone places that I didn't even know were possible. Through the work I have grown not only in my ability to act, but also personally. It has opened my eyes to all the little intricacies that are over looked by "civilians," and made me aware of my own action's effects on people. I recommend Wayne to all my friends who are still sitting under the billboards talking about why they are better, because he will give you the tools but the rest is up to what you do with them.

5 Stars: Meisner--The Greater the Risk, the Greater the Reward (by Lilly L.)

Lilly L. — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:03:00 GMT

As a sales rep for a Hollywood based magazine I looked for all kinds of alternatives to our typical advertisers. I thought acting studios and coaches would be a great fit. I only wanted to promote the best so I did my research and found Wayne Dvorak. A year later I am not with the magazine, yet I am still happily attending classes with Wayne and all of my awesome classmates.

I refer Wayne to just about everyone I meet (Actor or not). His Meisner Technique classes really force you to assess yourself and see that you can achieve anything that you set out to do IF you are committed to it and do the work. You realize, in his class, that there really is great reward in taking risks. I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to take Wayne's Class and to take those risks!

5 Stars: a lot of heart (by Nathan K.)

Nathan K. — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:14:00 GMT

I've been studying Meisner technique with Wayne Dvorak for the past year, and have to say, it's been an amazing experience.

First off, regarding the technique-- it has a way of opening you up emotionally. It allows you to gradually push the barriers of your comfort zone WAY out, so that you are able to access extremes (and subtleties) of your emotional spectrum in a grounded and sincere way. I've gained confidence and familiarity going places that would have scared the crap out of me before I started the training.

The training also strips away all the layers "acting"-- the affectations, self-consciousness, pushing, broadcasting, indicating, mimicking, etc-- so that you're finally left with something simple and pure: a human being having a sincere experience. Getting to that place is truly liberating for an actor, and probably the most captivating for any audience to see.

Now regarding Wayne, he is an incredible teacher. He doesn't operate from this place of trying to show off, or impress, or intimidate, or play favorites, or listen to himself talk all night. He's a true teacher, here's there to teach and nothing else. He has an incredible knowledge of this craft, and he has a way of reading right into you. He can see exactly what's going on in there, and he WILL, in the most subtle way, bring out your full potential. He's no-nonsense, but he's all heart.

This all makes for an atmosphere that is wonderful for growth as an actor and artist. However, be forewarned, the training takes dedication. Be ready to work!

5 Stars: Great Meisner Teacher! (by C. A.)

C. A. — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:42:00 GMT

Wayne is Top Notch and that's real talk!

When I started my search for an acting teacher I wanted to make sure I would be enthusiastic about coming to class. Really who wants to sit anywhere for 3 hours w/o a break studying anything? I did audit a few classes in the LA/Hollywood area but I knew right away this was the class for me.

When you audit, he sits down with you 30 min. before class and explains to you what he does, the technique he teaches, and what we will prob. see in the class. I went to other classes and I didn't know what the heck they were doing. He involves you in the breathing exercises (which you may feel very foolish doing at first) and then you stay quiet as the class goes on. You can ask questions during certain times though and after the class is over, Wayne will call you the next day to go over some things. That's the audit process.

The Class: Meisner Technique

First off, Wayne is a hard teacher, which mean he will push you to your best potential. If you are shy get over it and if you think you are a hot shot, get over that as well. Wayne pulls truth and realness out of you. When I first started I was somewhat apprehensive about showing how I really felt about things and as I was told I was "theatrically" showing emotions and to just be myself.

Second, the class is small. i don't think he has more than 12 ppl in a class and everyone goes up twice EACH CLASS! Even if you don't want to, lol. This means you are always working on the craft.

Third, we do exercises and scenes. One thing I like about this is he will let you complete what you are suppose to do then talk about it after. No interruptions while you are doing something. Unless he really doesn't get it but that will come later.

The bottom line is if you are serious about acting, this class is for you. If you work hard you will definitely see the growth within a few months. I have grown in my confidence about my work and ability to reach the emotion at hand truthfully and moment by moment. The program is a two year program, class is 1 nite a wk for 3 hours, you need 2 rehearsals outside of class and this is the min.but it's worth it. I am about to start the second year and I have no regrets.

4 Stars: Exceptionally solid class (by Jeff C.)

Jeff C. — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:28:00 GMT

I've been in Wayne's class for about a year now. It is an incredibly solid acting training, and I have yet to see anything as good. I work as a camera op, and cinematographer, so I see a lot of acting both good and bad. Wayne is able to take people and turn them into genuinely good actors.

5 Stars: Wayne made me a better actress (by Cemo R.)

Cemo R. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:51:00 GMT

Taking the Meisner Technique with Wayne Dvorak was the best decision I could have made for my craft. I have reached levels in acting I never thought I could. I feel much more free in my acting and my emotional range is stronger and more consistent. I finally feel like I have a technique under my belt that is reliable and actually works.

Wayne is great about personalizing his approach with each person. He understands what each person needs to grow and how to make the Meisner tools work for that individual. He is honest in his critiques but never cruel and you always feel that his comments come from his desire to help you grow and become a better actor. I am definitely a sensitive soul so this approach has been very helpful to me. I guess what I am trying to say is, he is a great teacher!

5 Stars: Your search for excellent Meisner Training is over! (by William M.)

William M. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:36:00 GMT

I first heard of Wayne's class during a career consultation. The Casting Director I met with was gushing about the Mesiner Technique with Mr. Dvorak. Me being stubborn at the time decided I would forge my own path at one of those "Learn Mesiner in a month" programs. $1000 later I limped into Wayne's office for an audit. He has to be one of the most sincere people in Los Angeles. He truly cares about you as an actor but more importantly as a person. A few highlights about what I LOVE about class:

- 12 students MAX
- Motivated classmates
- Safe environment to take risks in your craft
- Price
- You will work at LEAST twice every class

If your are auditing Meisner programs in Los Angeles do yourself a favor and set up an appointment with Wayne.

5 Stars: If you are serious about acting, take Wayne Dvorak's class! (by Shiloh J.)

Shiloh J. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:45:00 GMT

I've been in class with Wayne for some time now and have found his class exceptionally professional and, moreover, generous and nurturing. Wayne has this uncanny ability to see through people - he's the kind of mentor that is honest with you but always relays his comments to you in the most friendly and constructive manner, making class a real safe-haven where it is painless for an actor to open up. At the studio you have no reason to hide behind any pretenses (and Wayne sees right through them, anyway).

The Meisner technique is exceptionally effective; it helps you become an active observer, always in the moment, grounding yourself, letting go of 'acting' and letting your emotions come up naturally - creating true emotional depth. I strongly recommend taking this class - but only if you are serious! You have to really want to become a professional actor and dedicate yourself - Wayne won't just let you off the hook.

Wayne's value as a teacher is immeasurable; he is genuine in his teaching and undoubtedly dedicates a vast amount of time and effort toward his students. He's not the type to ever rush people out the door he puts all his energy into guiding and molding actors who are as well-trained as thoroughbreds. If you are looking to be a working actor in Los Angeles, or are a working actor and want to advance your career - take the Meisner technique class with Wayne!

I really feel like Wayne's studio is like a second home to me where I constantly learn and grow. As an actor who has also lived in New York and London and been to a myriad acting classes, I really am grateful to have found Wayne's class in Los Angeles.

5 Stars: Dvorak’s Meisner technique is great! Wonderful teacher/mentor! (by Kristina C.)

Kristina C. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:07:00 GMT

When first moving to Los Angeles I was wary of what type of class I wanted to take and with which instructor I would put my money and my trust into. There were just so many to choose from! I wanted to be careful because I had heard awful stories about classes not giving you your moneys worth, along with them being way too overpriced. I found out about Waynes Meisner technique through a co-worker who simply raved about the class and all the benefits he had received since he had started. The next day I called Wayne, who was extremely welcoming and interested in my story, and booked an audit.

After taking Waynes class for over a year now, I can honestly say Ive grown, not only as an actor, but personally as well. His technique teaches you to do some serious soul searching that enables you to truly know yourself inside and out. That in itself is one of the preliminary acting tools that is needed to make an actor great. He keeps his classes relatively small (10-12) in order to give his students the time and attention they deserve. Everyone gets up every week, more than once ( which is rare in many of the studios in L.A.) and everyone is able to discuss their opinions an ideas (professionally of course) about the subject at hand.

Not only is Wayne wonderful in instructing you how to deepen your emotion and heighten your skill level, he also is extremely informative when it comes to the business side of the Art. His experience and knowledge of this town is extensive and SO helpful! Each class I soak up all I can about the business edge you must have to survive in this city.

I recommend Waynes class to anyone whos serious and is looking for a Meisner technique that can give them the right tools to flourish with their Art.

5 Stars: The Real Deal. (by Matthew V.)

Matthew V. — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:06:00 GMT

Waynes class is for actors who take the craft and themselves seriously. The first year of the Meisner technique, as taught by Wayne, is an exiting revelation that equips the student with an awareness of their own emotional repertoire, and then teaches them how to immediately access it deeply and honestly. In the second year, the focus turns to the nitty gritty of acting work; scene study, script analysis, finding choices for the character so that you, the actor, can bring to bear those emotional realities you honed in the first year. The first two years of Waynes training are a serious, vastly rewarding challenge both personally and professionally. After those two years an actor can expect to be and feel like a bone fide craftsman in the art. Which comes in handy in the Professional level class, where you have repeated face to face show off time in front of Casting Directors and Agents in the interests of advancing yourself into the world of paid gigs. It is no understatement to say that Waynes instruction and mentorship made me into the real deal. I am proud to have made it through and confident with any script in my hands.

5 Stars: Meisner taught by Wayne Dvorak was my best decision ever!! (by Kristian M.)

Kristian M. — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:45:00 GMT

When I decided that I wanted to seriously pursue a career in acting I had the same dilemma that many actors face; what kind of training do I need, and who do I entrust with the job of training me? I had taken classes in High School, and in College, and knew that I simply was not at a level where I could compete with actors in Hollywood who were actually booking these acting jobs. Then I remembered the best piece of advice that any college professor had ever given me. He had said that if a person REALLY wanted to learn how to act that they needed to go to Hollywood or New York and study Meisner with a coach that they really trusted.

The thing that makes Meisner such a good technique is that it is so limitless, yet still safe. What I mean by this is that other acting styles that rely on actors real personal past experiences in order to get into a REAL emotional state are limited in that an actor then only has the ability to draw upon that which they have actually experienced. With the Meisner technique you learn how to get into a REAL emotional state using a "seed" of reality and fictional circumstances applied to that "seed" of truth. Not only does this make the Meisner technique as limitless as your imagination, it also makes it safe in that you can easily "turn it off" when they call cut, because whatever you were crying about or in a rage about is not based on something that was a traumatic truth in your life.

So then began my search for a Meisner class. I visited several studios, and then audited Waynes class, and the choice was clear. Wayne is great because he teaches every class himself. There are no associates, or underlings teaching you, with an occasional appearance from the coach with the "name". This allows him to be able to keep track of every students personal growth, giving you projects that will stretch an actor where he/she needs it most. He also keeps the classes small (no more than about 12 people) so that every actor can be afforded the opportunity to get up and work every week, which is crucial to steady improvement.

He teaches a two year program. The first year is always from your own point of view. It focuses on learning to be "real" and to be truly "in the moment" , by learning to access real emotional states out of fictitious circumstances through a series of exercises, combined with scene work.

The second year focuses on taking the knowledge of how to access these emotional areas, and Appling "character" to the mix, making you really workable on a set, or in any other professional environment. The second year allows you to be able to really "crawl into someone elses skin." The second year is crucial to an actor, because let's face it when are you going to be playing a character that is just like yourself unless you just booked "Big Brother." This being said, without the first year, the second year is useless. I have been in classes where they attempt to teach character work without really exploring yourself and how you personally view and react to things and all that this results in is very "acty" acting, and quite simply put in this competitive marketplace, nobody will buy it.

After you have completed Waynes two year program, he allows students to become part of his "professional level" of study. This is a class that takes all of the training and ability that you have amassed, and applies it to a real working context. In this class, you alternate between "work months" where you continue to stretch yourself and grow as an actor, and "casting director months" where you read for casting directors, as well as agent showcases (which is how I got my agent). This level of study is designed to take what you have learned, and start actually working as an actor.

In summation I have to say that Meisner, and Wayne Dvorak are Hollywoods dirty little secret. A safe and very workable technique, and a caring, professional, highly skilled coach, who will make no predictions on who will be a "star", but if you want to learn how to act, I mean REALLY, REALLY be a GOOD actor, then this is the guy you train with...period!

5 Stars: Serious Actors only (by Ben s.)

Ben s. — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:17:00 GMT

For any serious actors out there, this is the best acting studio teaching the meisner technique with the best teacher in L.A. Wayne Dvorak creates a very safe supportive and nurturing atmosphere allowing you to explore the deepest darkest secrets of your own psyche , which is imperative as an actor. The class sizes are kept small so that every week you have the opportunity to get up there and work on your acting technique. Hands down one of the best acting classes in L.A.

5 Stars: A Really Great Coach! (by Jonte L.)

Jonte L. — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:11:00 GMT

In Wayne's Acting Studio, I found a place where I can really hone my craft and make it my own. He creates a safe environment where you can go to places you've feared to go in the past. This class has been the best thing going for my career. Out of my work in this class I was able to get my first theatrical agent in L.A. He not only develops you as an actor, but he also develops you in the business in acting. I've grown more in 2 years with Wayne than I have in my entire career. I highly recommend his Studio for anybody that is seriously considering a career as an actor.

5 Stars: A Great Coach and an Amazing Person (by matthew f.)

matthew f. — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:09:00 GMT

I can't say enough about Wayne Dvorak and his acting classes. He is much more than just an acting coach. he is the most caring, professional, humble and dedicated person that I have met. if everyone else in this world was more like Wayne, it would be a much better place. He treats everyone with respect and cares about them like they are his own. Even after I left his classes he continued to be like a mentor and a manager. Whenever I come upon something in my career, I know that i can count on him for insightful guidance and advice.

Wayne's class taught me so much about acting. I wish that I had asserted myself more during some of the classes. It doesn't help to just do enough to get by, you need to go above and beyond to push yourself with every exercise! What you take away depends on you and Wayne is the best person to guide you through the learning process. His couching will make you much more real, honest in your acting.

Not only does his life teach you about acting, but also about life. I would highly recommend Wayne Dvorak to any of my friends, it was one of the best choices I have made in LA. If you try his class, push yourself each and every week, and you will grow more as an actor and a person than you though you ever could.

And if Wayne reads this... Thank you for everything! I could not be who I am without you.

5 Stars: Best acting class I've ever taken (by Chanel F.)

Chanel F. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:17:00 GMT

Wayne Dvorak excels in teaching the Meisner technique. He has created a very supportive atmosphere at the studio and strives to bring out your honest emotions. His enthusiastic teaching style, relaxed attitude, and honest critiques encouraged me to reach acting levels I didn't think were possible for me. He is very helpful when I have questions or concerns about the business part of acting, as well as headshots, auditions, agents, etc. I now have more confidence when meeting casting directors. Wayne truly cares about his students and our success. I've never felt that I was just another number in Wayne's studio.

5 Stars: Meisner studio (by Moneer Y.)

Moneer Y. — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:03:00 GMT

Wayne Dvorak's acting studio is one of the best meisner studio in Los Angeles. Wayne not teaches you invaluable tools for acting, he's also a mentor who helps guide you through the industry. Under Wayne's guidance I have booked multiple jobs, including Charlie Wilson's War, starring Tom Hanks And Julia Roberts, directed by Mike Nichols. Wayne is the best acting coach in the city, period.

5 Stars: Excellent Meisner Technique Instruction (by alexia s.)

alexia s. — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 10:26:00 GMT

Wayne is excellent in explaining the Meisner technique! Every class he makes sure every student has a turn to act. He also is informative and helpful with audition techniques. Not only does he have his students work with Meisner techniques and exercises, but he has us incorporate the techniques in scripted scenes. Wayne prepares his actors for the intensive acting roles so they are prepared and ready for any opportunity.

5 Stars: Amazing Meisner Class in Los Angeles (by Philip W.)

Philip W. — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:34:00 GMT

Wayne Dvorak's acting studio in Los Angeles is one of the best technique classes bar none. Wayne's interpetation of the Meisner Technique is a class that you are given the attention that every actor yearns for. He is a amazing teacher that takes time to give you feed back in every class that is priceless. Take it from a student. You can't get this type of instruction for a reasonable price anywhere in Los Angeles.

5 Stars: A Great Teacher; An Amazing Experience! (by Jonathan Z.)

Jonathan Z. — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 09:41:00 GMT

Wayne Dvorak is a passionate, energetic, motivating, incredibly smart teacher who truly believes in the benefits of Meisner for working film actors. In this class you learn film/TV acting via Meisner with a teacher who is seriously committed to the craft and expects the same from his students. At the same time, Wayne is very supportive and gives students the individual attention they need. Waynes years of acting experience, combined with a desire to teach and support other actors, has not only impacted my acting, but influenced me as a person as well.

5 Stars: Phenomenal Meisner Acting Coach! (by Vincent M.)

Vincent M. — Fri, 25 May 2007 19:11:00 GMT

Since I'm taking acting seriously, I joined Wayne Dvorak's Acting Studio to learn the tried and true, traditional two-year Meisner technique. Wayne's coaching is true to the Meisner method, a two-year development process which builds real actors. I am learning the tools and techniques to develop a lifelong career in acting. Wayne develops every aspect, analysis, diction, vocal training, script analysis, cold reading, improv, memorization techniques, how to access emotions, how to develop characters; in short everything I need to know in order to fully prepare for an acting role while offering the most believable and real performance possible.

5 Stars: Best Meisner Acting Instructor (by Queen B.)

Queen B. — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:29:00 GMT

See his website: www.actingcoachdvorak.com

I've been with Wayne Dvorak for acting instruction for a year. Soon, I will be moving onto the 2nd year of his two-year Meisner program. Mr. Dvorak is a caring but thorough Master Meisner acting instructor whose studio follows the techniques and programs of New York City's Neighborhood Playhouse and Sanford Meisner.

He offers a comprehensive two-year Meisner program that starts you out with exercise work that builds on itself through levels. Each year you also work on four, 15-20 min. scenes, spaced throughout the year, by working with an assigned partner -- you first memorize the scene, next work with your partner in bouncing it off each other, then you put up the scene for a critique. You might work on a scene for up to 5 weeks, deepening the complexities of subtext, emotions, connection, style, character, and later adding blocking and setting.

Mr. Dvorak requires a rare level of commitment in his class -- a two-year commitment, a mininum of two rehearsals per week outside of class with a partner, memorization and exploration of complex scenes and characters, and classical work in diction, breathing, voice development, and Shakespeare.

Be aware -- most actors in the United States would not commit to such a rigorous program. However, your British counterparts are committing to even more rigorous programs, which is why they now win most acting and director awards these days. So, if you are serious about your craft as an actor, writer, or director -- note: for television or film ONLY -- Wayne Dvorak's class will shape you into a skilled actor who will understand scripts, know who you are and how to infuse that into your acting, know unquestionably how to act with depth, and how to book parts.

Once you finish your second year of instruction, he also has an excellent professional program available.