Fran Montano's acting classes cover technique, improv, scene study, and cold readings. An interview and audit is required for consideration.

Fran's adult classes are small and very individualized in order to inspire creativity, risk taking, and personal growth in the actor. Fran's teaching focuses on two areas: (1) troubleshooting the particular blocks that are holding an actor back from reaching his or her full potential; and (2) providing a solid foundation and training in the Meisner Technique, if needed. Fran finds out what's in your way, holding you back, and/or keeping you from optimal freedom in your work, and then he helps you break it through it.

 "Fran's insight into acting is astounding. He's great at guiding actors into exploring their deepest and richest choices." 
---David Arata, Writer/Director

Everyone works, every class! This is vital because actors only grow when they participate, take risks, and succeed or fail in a safe environment. You can't learn acting by sitting in a chair. Fran's exercises focus on the actor's instrument: the body and the emotions. That 'instrument' is what an actor "plays" while performing. Just as a musician needs to keep his instrument in tune for optimal performance, the actor needs real physical and emotional freedom for the purest expression of their talent. 

"Fran has the ability to free the artist in your soul." ---David Beider

In addition to working on different exercises to fine tune their instrument, students also work on scenes. Advanced students work on cold reading, showcase scenes, and produce their own shows in the studio's two theater spaces. 

"Fran took me to places in my craft I never realized before. He taught me what living truthfully under imaginary circumstances really means. He is amazing." ---Tuesday Knight

Working with Fran is ultimately about searching for the truth; finding your truth in your character's truth, which involves developing your emotional instincts and sense of self, as well as your imagination. Expressing your truth, whatever it may be, both in performance and in life, is the fullest expression of being present in the moment.

Fran's goal as an acting teacher is to provide you with a complete training program for the professional actor. That means classes that focus on both craft and career concerns, because it's not enough to simply train your instrument. An actor must continually  promote his or her work and be seen in order to gain employment. 

Adult Classes:

Beginner Classes:

The basics. Exercises. Character preparation. Learning the craft from the ground up, focusing on Meisner Technique. Learning to open up, express yourself, and find the true artist inside. Scene Study and improvisation. A wonderful basic class for those new to acting. Through basic exercises we unleash your creative talent and discover your artistic side. The work is focused on opening up feelings, full expression, and getting in touch with your passion. 

 

Advanced Classes:

Troubleshooting actors. Actors who have experience and  a background of training. Breaking blocks. What's blocking you? What's in the way of you being fully present and consistent in your work? Individualized training gets you to peak expression. Cold reading. Scene Study and improvisation. Performance "scene nights" are available for interested students. 

 

Master Classes:

A more rigorous version of the advanced classes for working professionals, with a strong emphasis on career development. What makes you unique? Students are required to be working on material for public presentation at all times.

Class Schedule:

Classes are ongoing and meet once a week. An interview and audit are required. In the audit, the actor will participate in class exercises and may be given a cold reading. "That gives us a chance to work together and check each other out. Finding the right acting coach is crucial," Fran says, "It is important to find someone whose 'voice' speaks to you. I'm not for everyone and I respect that." 

To schedule an interview and your free audit, or for a current class schedule, please call the Studio at (818) 766-2171. 

Fees:

Classes are billed monthly, payable in advance on the first class of each month. For current rates please contact the Studio at  (818) 766-2171.