Beverly Hills Playhouse

I have been attending BHP in San Francisco for 2 years and could not be more pleased with my experience. I started with zero acting experience, but was booking acting work within a few months and had an agent within a year. I have shot many short and feature indie films as well as several commercials and industrials, and have performed in several plays.
What’s great about BHP is that there are two components. First, there is the scene work in class where you perform scenes from plays or movies and get feedback from the teacher. That helps your improve your acting. The approach is student specific, and teachers hone in on what each individual student needs to improve to become a better actor. The 2 San Francisco teachers are both great!
Second, there are the required administrative meetings where you learn how to get proper head shots, to use tools to submit for acting work, and to expand your contacts within the industry. BHP very much wants students to dive in and start seeking work right away, and that has been pivotal to my success.
Highly recommended!

I was able to correspond via email with the instructor Rob as well as other admins. Speaking about my concerns as a black student and performing roles I don’t care for (i.e. stereotypical roles) had me dealing with a man that was close-​minded and rude.
I managed to get a small refund, not all, since the initial fees are non-​refundable.
I was also able to finally get compensated by a former scene partner who got perturbed he was, as aforementioned, compensating me. This individual was just as rude as the instructor.
I REALLY need to do my research if I decide to go through another acting workshop and make sure there is a sense of open-​mindedness as well as a high sense of diversity (e.g. there is more than one black person, me, in the room!)
Of course, extensive research has to be in regards to an instructor (especially one who is non-​black) who is a little more receptive to learning, if not already aware, about the representations of black people in film and television. And not creating a space where stereotypes are perpetuated, but challenged.

Beverly Hills Playhouse has one of the strongest scene study programs in the Bay Area. If you are a working actor or an aspiring actor, I would recommend this school. The playhouse equips its students with many tools needed to be successful in the industry. Along with scene and character work, students read and analyze plays and films. This allows for students to get a better grasp on the craft as a whole. Also, the community at this school is unlike any other school I have seen. Students promote a warm and welcoming environment and are intolerable of anything less.
Personally, I am a firm believer that a good teacher can change the trajectory of your life. The playhouse did this for me. Robert Zimmerman and Peter Allas have helped me become a working actor, business woman, and most importantly a better person.
Overall, BHP SF has integrity, beauty, drive, and creativity. Also, BHP SF productions kick ass!

From the moment I stepped through the doors of the Beverly Hills Playhouse, I immediately felt at home. I was very shy and quiet, but that didn’t stop people from approaching me to make sure I felt welcome. I showed up the very next day to make sure that I didn’t waste any time not being a student there. As inviting as this class is, the structure and the teaching are very serious; the teachers, Robert Zimmerman and Peter Allas, make sure to equip you with all the tools necessary to improve as an actor and hold you accountable when you’re not reaching your full potential. Milton Katselas’s books, the teaching materials, are extremely insightful and, in my opinion, give you everything you need to improve as an actor. I couldn’t imagine studying anywhere else.

Whether you have aspirations of having a career in acting or have been in the business for over 20 years, The Beverly Hills Playhouse of San Francisco provides a safe, fun, and professional environment for all levels of acting. Having been acting in the bay area for over 10 years, I have and continue to discover new elements to my acting thanks to Robert Zimmerman’s teaching.

I have been attending the agent showcase at BHP SF for about 2 years now and every time the agents of MDT and I attend, we are blown away by the caliber of talent. BHP is the real deal, and Robert Zimmerman is just amazing. We are very grateful to have BHP here in SF as it is very difficult to find GOOD QUALITY acting training if you’re not in LA or NY. Some of our biggest success stories from MDT are talent that we scouted at BHP SF :) BHP prepares their students to excel not only in the SF market, but develops them to not only feel ready for the LA market, but to become BOOKERS in the LA market. Highly recommend to actors of all experience levels & backgrounds to check out BHP — They’re the best in the Bay Area. MDT Agency loves BHP!

Hello fellow actors.
My name is Alfonso Faustino, Jr., (
) and I am a student at Beverly Hills Playhouse: San Francisco, and I am a working SAG-​AFTRA actor.
In 2011, I turned SAG-​AFTRA; hence, I, like many Bay Area actors, made the move to Los Angeles to get work. It was a significant change. As a result of becoming a SAG-​AFTRA actor, I was competing against many actors I had seen on television and film, and I was not booking any parts.
So, an acquaintance of mine referred me to the Beverly Hills Playhouse: San Francisco, and I sat in the class to audit the teaching style, the students’ scene performances, and observe the student body. After my audit, I signed up, and I have been a student for approximately one year this month: July 2014.
About 11 months after signing up, I landed several auditions in Los Angeles; and, I recently booked two parts in feature films with a well-​known film producer, and I booked a national commercial for Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco. I give the credit of these bookings to the Beverly Hills Playhouse: San Francisco.
Here is my assessment of the school:
Instructor:
Robert Zimmerman is an established actor and instructor in the industry, and he has worked and studied under well-​known actors and instructors. He requires students to put up scenes, which he assigns to them, throughout the school year. Scenes lasts up to seven mins or so.
After the scene is over, Robert Zimmerman critiques the actors’ performance. The critique is based upon the actor’s ability to create reality into the character via their skills as an actor, wardrobe, and stage set-​up. The critique helps the student become better actors at the audition and onset of a television or film production.
If the student is having problems bringing reality into the scene, Robert Zimmerman goes over specific techniques with the student in order to get the student on track to deliver the goals as an actor. The technique comes from a variety of acting disciplines that are written in our class text book.
This is the exact regiment and method I needed as a SAG-​AFTRA actor; because, while studying under Robert Zimmerman, I became a stronger actor by his critiques and deployment of various acting techniques that the school created. I now have a set of tools to call upon for auditions and when I’m onset.
School:
The school has a method — a regiment. We are required to read and study the techniques in our class text book; we also watch designated movies selected by Robert Zimmerman, and we are required to perform various exercises that add strength to our bodies, such as, but not limited to, dance, vocal projection, and relaxation.
In addition, we have administration class. The success of an actor is not only based upon his or her ability to act on queue; but, success also stems from his or her discipline to create a business and marketing process in order to network themselves into the world of casting directors, producers, and directors. Each student is required to create business and marketing objectives in order to get to the goals of being a working actor in film and or television.
Beverly Hills Playhouse: San Francisco is not interested in making full-​time acting students — they are interested in making full-​time working actors; so, twice a year or so, the school puts up showcases. Showcases are designed to bring talent agents, casting directors, producers, and directors to the acting students. The acting students perform their scenes with the hopes of getting an agent or a part in a play, television series, or film project.
Student Body:
In my opinion, a school is only as strong as their student body. The student body at Beverly Hills Playhouse: San Francisco contains a strong and talented group of students at all levels. Each student will always experience a scene with another student who is stronger than him or her; hence, the weaker student becomes better and stronger; and, one day, that student will help another weaker student become a better and stronger actor.
The student body comprises of beginner, intermediate, and advanced actors.
Speaker Series: Click on this link to learn about this:
Conclusion:
I still have much to learn, and I’m learning every single day. I am constantly working and executing my administration activity to get me into that next film or television series; and, my chances get better because of the skills that I am learning at the Beverly Hills Playhouse: San Francisco.
I recommend you come and audit the class. If you want to discuss my experience as a student at the Beverly Hills Playhouse: San Francisco, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks for taking the time to read my Unilocal!
Na-​nu Na-​nu. Shazbut — I got a parking ticket!
Respectfully yours,
/​s/​Alfonso S. Faustino, Jr.

If you want a career as a professional working actor, BHP SF will offer you the tools and the discipline necessary to make that a reality.
Our scene study class is led by Robert Zimmerman, who is as sharp and knowledgable as he is gracious and kind. While he runs a tight ship and expects a lot from his students, he whole heartedly invests his time and energy getting to know each student so that he can effectively guide everyone down their own unique path.
Week to week, you will put up scenes that you’ve rehearsed outside of class, participate in various exercises, and be expected to read and watch specifically selected plays and films. This is to create well-​rounded, educated actors who know their craft as they should-​historically and contemporarily. Utilizing Milton Katselas’s checklist, you will have the creative freedom to explore the technique and find what works best for you.
Come prepared to get your head in the game and work hard. This class is a great learning environment and a second family to many of the students. We laugh, learn, grow together and proudly watch one another succeed.
Come audit! :)

Plain and simple: This class is one of the main reasons I am now a full time working actor in San Francisco. They taught me everything I needed to achieve my dreams in this tough industry. And now I am in the process of doing just that!
They teach Acting– Attitude– Administration.
My acting skills have greatly improved, my attitude is remains positive even in extremely demanding and strenuous situations, and my administration skills are outstanding. (I do at least 2 hours of admin every single day.) There are no off days. These are the keys to success in this career and it all starts with the Beverly Hills Playhouse in San Francisco.
I feel so blessed and fortunate to have been part of this group of supportive and uplifting artists! Thank you Rob Zimmerman and everyone else who has pushed me to be the artist that I am today!

I came and audited a class about 6 months ago, and fell in love with the place immediately. The class itself is very diverse in terms of race and age, something not true of other acting classes I have been in. The instructor, Robert Zimmerman, is excellent. He is direct and to the point, but customizes his approach to work with each student’s particular needs. The main class consists of scene work, but the program also has you doing stand-​up, song and dances, portrait exercises, film and script discussions, and they have recently started offering voice, dance and all kinds of other classes that basically gives you everything you need to be an artistic killer. The program also addresses the business of acting, how to get into it, how to get better gigs, and how to have the right kind of attitude. This school is not for the faint of heart, I spend 15 hours a week easily and really wish I had more time to give it. They have become my second family, so I would give 6 stars if I could.

I have trained several places for acting. I came to BHP to sharpen my professional game as an actor: the logistics of auditioning and getting an agent, focusing on training for roles I really want, on the acting career I envision for myself.
The core of the class is scene study. Also, depending on the student and the class, there are exercises like song & dance (no actual singing or dancing skill required), improv, stand-​up comedy, monologues that can be brought in when prepping for auditions, etc. There are play and movie assignments to make you a more knowledgeable actor (so if you run into Francis Ford Coppola at a party, you have something intelligent to say). And every other week is an «Admin» check-​in with classmates to see what progress you are making on your career. Have you taken those new headshots? Did you email that director? And my favorite part: «How can we help?» And they really do help – shooting or editing a reel, making referrals for bookings or agents, recommending a photographer for headshots, showing up at your play, or just sending you a text to encourage to take whatever scary next step you are trying to take. And at the beginning of every class, they celebrate wins, so if you booked a great job or had the audition of a lifetime, you have people who are genuinely super happy for you. Also, when I go to auditions now, I usually see my classmates there, which makes every casting office feel less intimidating.
There are separate classes for voice training, dance and other skills and productions and agent showcases that are cast exclusively with BHP students. I booked my agent through a BHP showcase and last weekend I saw a show at BHP with casting directors in the audience.
BHP SF is also still connected to Beverly Hills Playhouse in LA, so I have visited them for workshops and classes when I’ve been in LA (again, depending on the student/​level and the class). There are also several online resources and databases that are part of the benefit of being connected to a school bigger than SF.
It’s an ongoing class every week of the year. Parking is easier than I thought it would be and it’s very Bart-​accessible.
Two notes: 1. It is a time commitment. Plan on 8 – 12 hours a week of rehearsal/​reading/​movie watching time outside of class. 2. This is not an on-​camera class, though some students do shoot scenes that they and/​or the teacher have liked if they want it for their reel.

I spent almost two beautiful years at BHP SF.
First of all, this is not your average, random, bizaare, «let’s learn how to be a tree» acting class. This class/​school has its roots in the original Beverly Hills Playhouse in Los Angeles & has the focused objective of turning its students into professional working actors. This idea may be daunting & intimidating to many who are just playing around with the very notion of being a working actor, but that’s OK! Come audit a class to see it’s something that could turn into something bigger. I am a passionate proponent of dreaming big & chasing your dreams.
I audited this class almost 5 years ago when I first flirted with the idea of acting professionally. I grew up doing church plays, community theater, musicals, and even auditioned for an agency at 15 (which I ultimately shied away from despite a callback). I always wanted to pursue acting seriously, but I had a million and half reasons why it’d be a terrible/​irresponsible/​selfish/​impractical idea.
But a little voice inside kept me going. I dipped my toe into the water by auditing one of the first classes in SF & I immediately fell in love. At that time I was still too scared to take the plunge. Fast forward 3.5 years of excuses & procrastinating & learning… I finally took the leap & never looked back. This place became my home, my family & my exploratorium. I’ve been transformed through the people and process of pushing myself as a human being to understand story, relationships, pyschology, emotion, behavior, choices, purpose, trust, honesty, courage, professionalism, the list goes on.
I am grateful for everyone I met at BHP SF & I’ve learned so much from their stories & work. Rob Zimmerman is an incredible teacher & my classmates challenged & supported me to take my craft seriously with their dedication & growth.

I haven’t been to any other acting schools or classes, but I don’t see how they can get any better than this one. This class and the students in it are amazing! I’ve never been in a more supportive and uplifting environment that allows me to completely open up and work on my acting this freely. The teaching is down to earth and simple, and the teacher is intuitive and an amazing director, among many other things. The thing I like about it the most is that Rob doesn’t hold back with his critiques. He’s honest and this is the only way to learn and develop, especially in this field.
I never had any previous training before and only worked on one short film prior to taking this class, which was my only experience with dialog. I audited this class and instantly knew this was the place to work on my acting and also work on my self as a person. I’ve been here now for about 9 months and both areas have grown tremendously. By my 6^th month in class, I signed with Stars the Agency and booked my first two auditions with them. Since them I have booked several other jobs and I give all the credit to this class. Of course all of this came with a lot of hard work and dedication. This is not a place for bad attitudes and the lazy. Like anything you do, you only get what you put into it.
Not only have I become a working actor, but I’ve made so many great friends as well. I can honestly say there isn’t one person in class, old or new, that I don’t respect and like to spend my personsal, and rehearsal time with.

Where to begin…
The Beverly Hills Playhouse can change your life, if you let it. The teaching allows you to delve into the deepest recesses of your personality and mind. You aren’t merely playing at characters in this class, you are doing research and background work that allows you to give the most realistic portrayal of them possible. The teachings from the text are a step by step to properly prepare for any character scenario that you may come across.
Your fellow classmates make it hard to think about a life without class. They are honest, talented, supportive, and caring. I can’t say enough good things about the environment this class creates, and the magic that is created as a result. When you feel that you are fully supported, the possibilities are endless.
The teacher, Robert Zimmerman, has an uncanny ability to root out your deepest insecurities so that you can face them head on with the support of teacher and class. His no bullshit style of teaching is very refreshing because you can always count on whatever he says as the truth. You won’t get sugarcoated critiquing here, it is honest, heartfelt advice with the aim of improving your acting abilities.
My goal is to become the greatest actor of my generation. With that in mind, there is no better place to study than the Beverly Hills Playhouse. If you are serious about improving your acting skills and becoming a working actor, there is simply no where else to be.

I’ve been a student at BHP since the school opened in SF in 2009. I don’t plan on getting my training anywhere else. I love that the teaching covers not only acting, but the business side of acting and the professionalism that’s required in this career as well. The teaching is also extremely individualized and all about finding out what works for each specific actor. It’s definitely the most supportive community of actors I’ve ever met and I always leave the room excited and on fire to get to work (even if I didn’t put a scene up that night).
If you’re hungry for a class and a teacher that will really kick your creative ass and push you to be the artist that this industry needs and is looking for, then I suggest you come and check out this class.

I’ve been going to BHP for the past couple months and I really like the style of teaching. I audited a class (it’s free) after a girl I met at a gig told me about it. Classes are very organized and usually involve a production of 5 – 7 pre– rehearsed scenes. The teacher Rob critiques the actors after the scene, and even if you aren’t on stage, you still learn a lot because we all make the same mistakes.
Classes seem expensive, but when you break down the per hour rate its like $ 10 an hour (compared to other playhouses/​classes in the area, that’s pretty competitive).
My number one concern was that classes would be too big, but new students get priority when it comes to getting stage time, and the most proactive people get the most stage time, so it all depends on the student.
Going to class is a real commitment, so if you’re interested in an acting career it’s a great place to learn, network, and grow as an actor. Like I said, I’ve only been in class for a few months, but I feel like I’ve already grown tremendously and with my hard work and the help of my classmates, I just signed with an SF agency: D

The Beverly Hills Playhouse in San Francisco, under the tutelage of Robert Zimmerman, is in my humble opinion, the best acting school in the bay area.
I am a working actor in Los Angeles. I got my start studying acting in Berkeley and San Francisco, with multiple disciplines ranging from Meisner to Uta Hagen. I love and respect these different acting techniques, but they were too restrictive and singular for my personal taste.
The BHP and Milton Katselas’s teachings are an incredibly down to earth, individual, and ‘real person’ approach to acting. I have been studying this technique for three years and had the pleasure of working with some of the most talented actors and teachers the bay area and Los Angeles have to offer.
If you are looking for a safe environment filled with talented and hard working artists, to train your acting technique, learn the attitude and professionalism it takes to be a working actor and administrate your career, the BHP is the place for you.

I’ve been a student for almost 2 years now. Prior to the Beverly Hills Playhouse, I had taken classes with American Conservatory Theater and various other studios in the San Francisco area, but I can honestly say this class has changed my life.
What I like about the class is that the technique is very flexible with a non cookie cutter approach to acting. We are very different human beings with different ticks and quirks that make us special. Not to mention we are always changing. And so the teaching has helped me to embrace and garner everything about my individuality and hone it into my craft as an actor. Rob has been there with me from the beginning and has always been a positive figure in my career.
I honestly don’t know what I would do with my life without my Wednesday nights ;)
Come stop by to audit the class if you’re serious about getting to know what acting is all about. Monday and Wednesday classes start at 7pm at 414 Mason Street on the 5^th floor. Teusdays we start at 7pm at 125A Hyde St.

I took classes at BHP San Francisco with Rob a few Months before moving to BHP in Los Angeles. I Love Rob! He’s prepared me and gave me the confidence to move forward and follow my dreams in LA. Rob isvery straight forward and really wants to see you become the best you can. His critiques are insightful and direct. Ive had other teachers be very vague and i feel as i wasn’t progressing. But Rob doesn’t like to waste time! They teach Acting, Attitude, and Administration which all go hand in hand when you want to make it in this industry. the students are wonderful to work with as well and they helped me jump start my career.

I’ve been taking scene study acting classes at the Beverly Hills Playhouse San Francisco for a little bit over a year and have nothing but great things to say about it.
It took my acting skills to the next level. The teacher is very intuitive and personal to every student. He uncovers your specific issues, no matter how good you are at hiding them, and challenges/​pushes you to reach your full potential. As a result, the students are amazingly committed, enthusiastic and supportive of each other.
Worth noting is that when I first joined, I heard some warnings and rumors that this class may be affiliated with Scientology. After over one year there, I can say confidently that it is most definitely not. Scientology was never mentioned in any class critique, nor among students, except when talking about the validity of the rumor itself.