The Essence of Acting

As an aspiring actor we all tend to have some uncertainties about ourselves and the voyage to becoming the successful actor we aspire to be. Scott an acting GURU, is truly blessed to tend to those of us who are passionate about the art. He has the ability to see through you like a sheet of transparent paper to bring forth those heavenly talents to the world. Through intuition and creative freedom we already poses. He teaches us to live in those given circumstances as if they were real. If you do your job understanding the objective. Scotts efforts is for all of his students to be working actors. By establishing a relationship with his students he makes sure of that. Regardless if you’re a beginner, intermediate or even a advanced actor. Scott welcomes anyone with open arms whoever is willing and passionate about there craft! So come join the family and experience your career transcend to the next level.

It’s so rare to find an acting class in Los Angeles where the focus is craft based, where the philosophy is «hone your craft and the work will come.» I was so impressed by the individual attention and focus that each student received. The thing I really liked the most was Scott’s egoless approach and patience to solving the problem of any scene or exercise that we were working on. If you are an actor that wants to work in a safe but tough, honest environment, then this is the class for you. He’s the best kept secret out there!

I can’t say enough good things about Scott’s class. I have never in LA com across a teacher who cares so much about his students and is so dedicated to his craft. Every single class is inspirational and you work every time! Scott takes the time to get to know his students on an individual basis, and really caters to each actors strengths while building upon their weaknesses. You MUST try this class. You will grow as an actor and meet some amazing people in the process.

It’s very difficult for me to write this review because no words can really describe how grateful I am to have Scott as a teacher. He invests so much time and energy in all of his students, and always is open to speak to students privately before or after class, if the student wishes. He also speaks with each student differently, depending on that student’s own personal needs and personality. You will always have an opportunity to work in each class. And you can work on anything! I have grown so much as an actor through Scott. He gently guides you to find your personal path rather than forcefully pushing you on a bland general path that does not suit you. Because he doesn’t really advertise, and it is all through word of mouth, Scott Conte’s acting class is one of the best kept secrets in LA.

While I have not attended Scott’s acting class at his new studio in Santa Monica, I have attended his previous class location in Hollywood… and he was, hands down, my favorite acting teacher while studying at UCLA. First and foremost, Scott knows how to create a space where you feel safe and nurtured while strengthening your craft. He encourages you to do the work, trust your instincts by being ‘present’ and allow your essence, or who you are as an individual, to shine through.
Aside from being an immensely gifted teacher, Scott has a beautiful soul and passion for acting which translates to his students. Eastern philosophical influences are evident throughout his work and inform his teaching style; this adds a unique layer of insight which, incidentally, is also very useful in everyday life. As ‘they’ say… the more fully you can live your life, the more fully you can embody your potential as an actor.

I have been taking Scott’s class for almost 4 months now and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It is a warm, welcoming atmosphere full of friendly and supportive personalities to work alongside with. Scott’s approach to acting is centered around what he calls «the deepest part of the scene.» The exercises and techniques he stresses are focused on bring out the truth and honesty in any given circumstance based on your own experiences as well as your ability to be open and absorb new ones. Every month is focused on some new aspect or technique but every class YOU WILL WORK IF YOU ARE WILLING AND ABLE. There is no trial period, testing phases, or other superfluous exercises that make you «prove» yourself before you get up and actually start doing scene work. There is no set style or creed that you have to adhere to, it is all about you. That’s one of my favorite parts of the class; the ability to bring your own distinct talents and experiences to the space and be able to work from day one. He will train you much like an athlete trains, since Scott knows the value of hard work and the ability to push yourself beyond your known capabilities. In Scott’s words, there is an inner «fire» or «engine» in every scene that when harnessed correctly, causes really beautiful things to happen while on stage or in from of a camera. I find that this is often overlooked in other classes since it is is more though of as an end product rather than a foundation or constant state of mind. By focusing on the foundations and essences of acting rather than a desired outcome, one can become much more free and open to making exciting things happen in any entertainment medium. That is why I absolutely LOVE this class and will continue to take it with an amazing teacher and amazing classmates. I would highly recommend this class to novices and professionals alike.