Jonna Leanne Patel

Review of Professional Actors Studio

I've been a student here for about almost 5 months...

I've been a student here for about almost 5 months. I started with Matt Skollar's Class on Saturdays, and then moved into Jeff Cole's class on Mondays. I've also had the chance to work with Scott Oakley and attend Improvisation every Wednesday with Jason Stackhouse. This team has been so great to work with. They each have so many strengths to bring to the table when it comes to on-camera acting and coaching.

Jeff Cole's class has been more than what I expected! I initially came to this studio for the fair pricing, the community, and the chance to learn the basics of on-camera acting. I receive way more than that with Jeff's class. We've not only worked with script analysis and using our experiences to drive our characters, but also, we've been behind camera and able to watch our scenes to review our performance. We did a night where the entire class pitched in to play make up artists, directors, PA, etc, so that everyone can get a feel for what it is like to be on a set and act out your scene in the midst of chaos. We also did an audition night where we were given lines, analyzed and memorized, and then filmed an audition. These were amazing experiences that have increased my confidence for not only my acting, but my mannerisms for auditions and on set.

Jason Stackhouse is phenomenal, I don't think I would feel as confident on set without the basics I learned in improv class. I was looking for a place to really dedicate time to my love of improvisation, while understanding the impacts for on-camera acting, and this is where I saw everything come together. I have been able to work on my comedic timing, being in the moment, listening (this class really helped with my listening skills) and reacting. This class is SO MUCH FUN, but you are also doing so much work! You get more opportunities to do performances and get feedback from your scene partners and the others in class. I could go on and on about this class because it is my favorite day of the week. I had looked at other places, but love the relationship that Jason has with his students, and the value of the class (you can't get improv like this in Atlanta for the price I pay) is unmatched.

Looking forward to more great things in my time with the Professional Actor's Studio. Thank you all!