Community has become a buzzword. It’s a term that’s sometimes tossed around casually, for effect.
Here’s what I know: real community can’t be faked. It either exists or it doesn’t, and no amount of wishful thinking or Instagram hype can create it. Community emerges when the conditions are right, not unlike a plant or a tree that thrives with the right amount of water, sunlight, and pruning.
Here’s what I also know: real community exists at The Michael Laskin Studio. I feel it when I arrive at class. As I approach class I hear the laughter, the storytelling, the impromptu rehearsing, the good-natured ribbing that happily echoes out into the street.
I am also gratified when I hear that people in the Studio are also collaborating outside of class: short films, produced plays, web-series, screenplay readings, etc. A significant amount of tangible high-level work has emanated from the Studio, outside of class. And awards have been won! But those "seeds" were planted in class, and the real award (and reward) is the ongoing “moveable feast” of wonderful creative artists.
Community happens here.
Here’s what I know: real community can’t be faked. It either exists or it doesn’t, and no amount of wishful thinking or Instagram hype can create it. Community emerges when the conditions are right, not unlike a plant or a tree that thrives with the right amount of water, sunlight, and pruning.
Here’s what I also know: real community exists at The Michael Laskin Studio. I feel it when I arrive at class. As I approach class I hear the laughter, the storytelling, the impromptu rehearsing, the good-natured ribbing that happily echoes out into the street.
I am also gratified when I hear that people in the Studio are also collaborating outside of class: short films, produced plays, web-series, screenplay readings, etc. A significant amount of tangible high-level work has emanated from the Studio, outside of class. And awards have been won! But those "seeds" were planted in class, and the real award (and reward) is the ongoing “moveable feast” of wonderful creative artists.
Community happens here.
SOME WORK CREATED BY AND WITH STUDENTS
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WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY...
It goes beyond professional and creative respect; it's also personal bonding that runs deeper. I think back to Brooke Markham’s short film that she wrote, John directed, Sun was in, etc. The night they shot a scene in a bar there were a bunch of us from class there basically as extras. Nobody was there as a career move, a potential future quid pro quo or anything - no. People gave hours of their time out of friendship, loyalty, and the fun of spending an evening on a set with talented friends. I don't know if that's an unusual thing in other class environments, but I suspect it is. |
I love Michael's class because it's not like other acting classes. I have a huge fear of "acting classes", but Michael and everyone in The Michael Laskin Studio are so kind and knowledgeable it offers a safe space to grow as an artist! Michael’s class is there to support you and feed your creative side, which can get suppressed in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives as actors. It's hard to find a community as great as this one. |
The Michael Laskin Studio gives you the freedom to challenge yourself, to grow and develop as not only an actor, but an artist.”
Damon Dayoub Monarch, Stitchers, Chicago Fire & Grace and Frankie
I serve a key role in the Michael Laskin Studio family as I am the oldest participant, (by far)! Michael is the most supportive and insightful teacher. The superior talent, ability and enthusiasm in this class reflects Michael's approach: nurturing, directed critique, and a dynamic philosophy about how to go about bringing your unique self to your work. As a result I have seen my classmates perform in a way that is inspirational, every week. It is a delight to be part of Michael Laskin’s community. |
"The Laskin Studio is the most exceptional community I have ever been a part of. Creativity and play go way beyond the class room. Class-mates are encouraged and empowered to create their own work outside of class. This year I've produced two plays and four films with fellow classmates. I could not be more proud and inspired. We are building exceptionally talent actors who are the future content creators. Michael’s love for the work is infectious, guiding students with clear notes and posing great questions to help artists flush out their unique voice. I love this studio!" |
So much more than just an acting class, The Studio has become my home base; my personal laboratory where I can continually experiment and build on my craft in a community of some truly talented individuals. Michael has built something special - and it’s safe to say I’m a Studio member for life. Thanks Michael for being such a great mentor, confidante, and friend.
Joshua Preston Friends, Nixon, and Dark West
The Michael Laskin Studio came to me as a way of getting some coaching for auditions, but it’s become so much more. The relationships in class have given me a family that I can rely on for support both in my acting endeavours, and in life. Whether I’m looking to fill seats for my one-man show, or looking for a place to live, the Laskin community has come through for me time and time again. There’s an abundance of acting classes in LA, but there’s very few that feel like a home. It's also a massive bonus that the acting lessons are first class too.... |
Michael Laskin’s studio has not only been the best decision I’ve made for my career since moving out to Los Angeles, but the best decision I’ve made for my personal life as well. Some of the most important relationships I’ve ever made are from this class, and with all the confidence in the world I can say that I wouldn’t be even half the person, or half the actor that I am without him and this group of artists. I feel extraordinarily lucky to know Michael and the wonderful people he teaches. |
"The Michael Laskin Studio is a special place where actors can grow as artists and members of a true acting community. This tribe of actors and friends helps build confidence and ability in the audition room, on stage and on camera. That is my firsthand experience! It seems there's always a next level of acting to discover and I'm so glad to be on that journey with everyone at The Michael Laskin Studio."
LJ Batinas
Hawaii Five-0, Longmire, Lucifer