Studio Review: Expressions Unlimited
Address: 13317 Ventura Blvd. Studio G
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Website: http://www.bobbiechance.com/index.html
Teacher: Bobbie Chance and Richie Chance
Price: $25 per class
Class Schedule: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 7:30pm
Thursday Showcase 7:30pm
Saturday, Sunday 11:30pm-4:00pm
Before attending a session at Expressions Unlimited, I heard rants and raves from a friend of mine. The title serves the studio correctly, your expressions are unlimited. However, I am not so sure this is the best thing for a new actor. The class, taught by critically acclaimed Bobbie Chance and her working actor/very handsome son Richie Chance, is quite unstructured compared to the work I am used to. Once you have paid for the class you are cast with a scene partner and given time to develop your character and scene for approximately an hour, after which, you re brought back within the entire group to do what they called “improv.” Then everyone performs their scenes and receives notes on how to block a scene and fully develop a character.
There is absolutely no technique. It’s emotion-based, meaning…you are taught and expected to feel everything. No substitution, no imagination. This may be a great method for some, and those who were regular students seemed to like this method of non-method. However, I tend to like to protect myself from the material, if you will. Actually feeling and indulging in everything just seems like an excellent way to need therapy after a while to me. After all, it is called ACTING. I’m just not sure if a beginning actor should approach acting from a feel-all point, but everybody’s different. Nonetheless, Chance’s direction was definitely from that of a credible standpoint and I appreciated their non-BS high standard. I guess you’ll just have to try them for yourself, but good luck. They are recommendation only.
Pros
- You get to showcase every week and Bobbie invites people to come see you!
- You pay as you go…no pressure!
- Bobbie Chance and Richie Chance have been in the industry for a substantial amount of time and have enough connections to put you in line with some well-to-do individuals.
- You create your own schedule.
