Why Choose First Take Acting Classes? Because They're Proven to Work

When it comes to acting classes in the San Francisco area, you’ve got a plethora to choose from. Your career is hinging on your decision, which is why you should choose the best acting classes! Enter First Take.

Why are our acting classes in the San Francisco area considered the best? Because we employ revolutionary and proven strategies. Our acting students enjoy unprecedented success. The proof is in the booking!

Read our numerous testimonials and you’ll see how our film acting classes can amp up your career. Then, call us at 925-824-1212 or contact us on our website to schedule your free audit. You’ll sit in one of our acting lessons in the San Francisco area to discover first hand why we are the choice of today’s most successful actors!

How are First Take Acting Classes Different than any Other Acting Class in San Francisco? It’s Because of our Innovative Method, Comprehensive Curriculum, and Dynamic Environment

Our acting classes are unique to the San Francisco Bay Area. We provide you with the techniques and business knowledge to help you take the first—or fifteenth—step in your acting career. Our acting classes in the San Francisco area will give you well-rounded skills in stage and on-camera acting, while providing you with the knowledge you need to succeed in a competitive industry.

We support our students of all levels, and believe in a collaborative environment where amateurs work alongside professionals to learn from one another. When coupled with the First Take Method, the acting lessons offered in our comprehensive curriculum will transform the way you view yourself, as both a person and an actor. Our core acting classes in the San Francisco area will develop your talents while providing you with the skill set you need to succeed in the industry.

Core Acting Classes: Long-Term Learning and Growth

Working actors continue to attend our core acting classes for years, experiencing ongoing, long term growth. Our core classes prepare you to be competitive in your work as an actor. It is a holistic program, where you not only work on honing your acting skills, but also integrating business and industry knowledge with enhanced techniques to prepare you for your future roles.

The First Take Method is like none other. The acting classes offered by others hinge on repetition. The theory is the exercises will build upon one another, and after a specific period of time, become ingrained in your brain. But in practice, these acting classes just aren’t as effective. You’re left relying on an unreliable foundation of misleading techniques.

First Take acting teachers have found what does work: combining a disciplined method of script analysis with innovative imagination procedures. Not only does this allow you to progress more quickly than you can at other acting classes in the San Francisco, East Bay and San Jose area, it gives you authentic confidence. You’ll be immersed in the work, able to bring forth a true and spontaneous performance again and again. It’s the “free fall” you achieve that makes us the best acting classes in the San Francisco area!

However, our core acting classes aren’t just about honing your craft. The key is how our acting teachers ensure we integrate the acting classes with developing the essential skills you need to succeed in this business. You’ll learn how to promote yourself, secure the best representation and effectively communicate with casting directors. From proper auditioning etiquette and how to videotape an audition, to the best way to go about headshots, you’ll gain all the essential proficiency and will be well versed on the finer points of the industry at the same time.

Just as our comprehensive curriculum is unique, so too is our nurturing and supporting environment. We don’t separate actors into different classes based on experience level, which is unheard of in this industry. Instead, you’ll experience a dynamic environment where newer actors and seasoned veterans develop mutually beneficial relationships.

Beginner Class: An Introduction to the First Take Method

Working actor and current First Take Acting student Kathy McGraw teaches our beginner acting class in East Bay. This class is designed for students who are ready to get their feet wet! We’ll introduce you to the First Take Method and approach, all in preparation for you to attend other classes at First Take. The class is perfect for those who prefer not to jump into a mixed-level class immediately. The beginner class will allow you to move slowly and get more comfortable so you are used to the First Take system and ready to proceed to our core acting classes.

On-Camera Acting Class: Understand Your Visual Presentation

Acting on-camera adds elements that are not present when you’re acting on-stage. Are you prepared for an on-camera role? In order to train you for the world of TV and film, we now offer an on-camera acting class in San Francisco. It’s a great opportunity to improve your work on-camera you don’t want to miss! You’ll become skilled at working in a relaxed, authentic way in front of the camera, and have a blast doing it!

In our on-camera acting lessons, you’ll incorporate First Take scene study guidelines into your on-camera work to gain a deep understanding of how to adjust technically and emotionally to the camera. You’ll learn the tricks to developing an intimacy with the camera, becoming more aware of your personal “habits” and visual presentation. You’ll work on simple scenes, monologues and perform improvisation exercises and cover specific topics such as frame sizes and hitting marks. It’s the essential class for actors striving for a film or TV role!

“Take Action!” Seminar: Learn How to Market Yourself

The power-packed seminar “Take Action!” is a four hour seminar, where you’ll learn the most effective ways to promote your most valuable asset: you!

Nancy Berwid focuses the seminar on everything you would want to know about breaking into the Film and TV industry as an actor. It’s the make-or-break method of packaging yourself skillfully and effectively by evaluating your competitive level. Become practiced at taking good head-shots, constructing an effective resume, preparing for auditions, developing industry contacts, making a reel and getting an agent. But, that’s not all.

Are you wondering if you can live in the Bay Area but still work in LA? Are you ready for an audition, but want to know how to get into one? Nancy answers the questions you’ve been dying to ask! “Take Action!” dispels the many myths surrounding the industry and guides you into taking your next steps in the right direction by helping you set realistic goals for your future in the acting business.

Questions about our core acting classes, specialty classes or “Take Action!” seminar? Call us today at 925-824-1212!