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FAQ

FAQ

Can I audit a class for free at Lifebook?
Yes you may.  You can sit in the back row and audit class completely free of charge.  Sometimes we run a special where if you join that night you can try a month of class for half price!  You are welcome to audit the class without any commitment to join.  We do limit you to one free audit.  After that you’ll want to join, so don’t wait!  Let’s get started bringing your dreams into reality.

What acting technique is taught at Lifebook Acting Academy?  Who are Allen Levin’s teaching influences?
I teach a blend of Stanislavski, Adler, and Katselas, with a side of Bowab.  The main focus is on belief.  “This is all really happening.”  We utilize method acting techniques or “personalization” to further enrich the performance.
We employ many of Stanislavski’s techniques.  I love this quote from him:  "Create your own method. Don't depend slavishly on mine. Make up something that will work for you! But keep breaking traditions, I beg you."  We do not solely rely on his method in accordance with his wishes.  We find the methods that work and we break traditions too!
Stella Adler (r.i.p.)  said to Milton Katselas (r.i.p.), “I’m not just teaching acting, I’m teaching actors to be people.”  We too continue this tradition at Lifebook.  We steal from the book of life searching for honesty and truth in the moment. 
Milton studied with Adler and Uta Hagen, among others. Milton Katselas’s technique greatly influenced the way I teach.  I studied with him in his advanced class for some years at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.  I taught before I went to BHP, but I love the way he approached the teaching.  Always looking to improve, Milton’s teaching changed my style.  Sometimes I’ll even read directly out of his book.  Gary and Richard (two of his top teachers) also had an influence on my current teaching style. 
I was fortunate enough to work with a great director, John Bowab, as a full partner, on some television pilots we created together from 2003 to 2009.  He, while not specifically an acting teacher, had a lot to teach me, and I was enthusiastically ready to learn from his genius.  His love of the work and mentality that “postponing in favor of quality is always the right choice” has influenced me in a positive way.  I’m also able to quote some of his great tips for actors in sitcom work.

What can I expect from Lifebook as an acting student?
You can have high expectations!
You will get:

• Top notch training to bring more life to your work.
• Opportunities to showcase your work to industry pros and public.
• Training not only in terms of acting, but also in terms of career coaching.
• A higher booking percentage for booking professional acting work.
• Access to our career groups that meet outside of class once a week.
• Access to our short film contests, guest speakers, screenings, celebrations, and other extra-curricular events.
• Class in our beautiful intimate theatre, “Lifebook Playhouse.”  The most amazing 36 seat theatre in Los Angeles (perhaps the world!).
• Access to inexpensive theatre rental (no one can offer you a better price) for rehearsal, plays, stand-up comedy, table reads, screenings, or filming.
• Membership in Lifebook, a diverse and warm community of actors, directors, writers, producers, and even an acting coach thrown in for good measure!

Will I have to “be a tree?”  Will I have to do a bunch of crazy exercises or a ton of stretching during class time?
No, to all of the above.  We believe that class time is meant for teaching acting.  If you want Yoga there are some great places to go, but we don’t teach “acting stretching” at Lifebook.  There are very few exercises and they are optional.  You will be focusing on scene work, improvisation, auditioning, and acting technique.

Does Lifebook offer cold reading or audition classes?
Yes – these topics are covered in our regular class.  You will not have to pay extra at Lifebook to work on these as with many other acting studios.  Class is all inclusive.  That means you don’t need to take any other class.  This class covers everything on an individual basis.  Everyone is on their own path.  Want to focus more an auditioning and cold reading?  Great.  Let’s do that for you until you are way more confident in those two areas.  Now we can get back to scene work.

What is the corporate culture of Lifebook?  What is the tone of the class?
Lifebook trains us to have artistic integrity and be professionals.  “Attitude is everything.” The tone of the class is energetic, ambitious, winning, and professional.  We train our actors to take just one day a week and reserve it for moving ahead with their career in class and on our stage.  No networking event is more important.  Professional bookings do take priority over class.  That is what we are training you to do.  Aside from professional work, we expect you to be in class and working with a positive attitude. 

Will I get to work enough at Lifebook or will I spend months waiting and watching other actors get to work on stage?
We opened our doors in 2005.  Since then we have had literally hundreds of acting students.  With all of those students we have yet to hear the complaint, “I don’t work enough.”  You can work every class if you want to.  You should be rehearsing every day and putting up regular scene work.  You will also get in on improvisations and other opportunities regularly.

How long does acting class go?  What’s the duration of class?
In a class of 12 or less students the class will go 2 to 3 hours.
In a class of more than 12 students class lasts for 3 hours with a short break in the middle.  The class is efficient with time usage, including monologue and improv work happening as sets are being broken down and built for the next scene.  We get more done in 3 hours then our competitors get done in twice that time.  No long winded critiques.  Concise acting advice and what’s next?  Let’s go.

Are there showcasing opportunities at Lifebook?  How much will it cost me?
This is one of the great selling points of Lifebook.  Many times showcasing costs in the hundreds.  Here the students run a showcase and are granted use of the theatre for FREE!  If you guys choose to buy champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to your guests as they leave – you’ll need to split those expenses, but Lifebook doesn’t charge any money for showcasing.  There are also opportunities that sometimes come up in class to be showcased.  Example, we have two managers of merit coming in THIS next Thursday hoping to sign some of our students.

What happens if I miss a class?  Can I schedule a make-up class?
If an emergency or professional industry work (extra work doesn’t count) comes up and you call your stage manager before class you may schedule a make-up class in another group at no extra expense.  If you miss due to any other reason, just like in college; go to class or not, the class costs the same.  We prefer you get the most value out of your tuition money, so please, attend class.  Help us help your dreams come true.  “Networking” is not an excused absence.  These events are typically a complete waste of your time.  You are much better off actually acting in class.

When is the best time at Lifebook to start?
Classes are ongoing.  You can start any day you’d like, since each student is on their own path.  The sooner the better.  Life is not a dress rehearsal!  Let’s get moving forward with your goals. Sometimes brand new classes open up.  Check the schedule to see if any are starting new groups.  The truth is that working with a new class has benefits as does working with an established group.

How do I start at Lifebook?
Come to Lifebook Playhouse at 665 N. Heliotrope Drive, LA, CA 90004.
Arrive 20 minutes before the class you’d like to take and tell the stage manager you’d like to sign up!   There are no additional fees.  Tuition is $160 a month.  If you pay right away – you are already a member of Lifebook and can get up your first class!  If you’d like to have a free audit – you certainly may.  Audits do not get any stage time, however.  Bring a check, cash, or pay here via paypal.  Bring a notebook, a pen, a great attitude and we’ll begin (or continue) leading you up the mountain of your dreams.

What if I have more questions?  Can I call the teacher directly?
At the time being, yes.  Feel free.  Please do read the answers on this page before you call or write.  This policy may change as Lifebook is growing rapidly and we do attempt to respect our teachers time outside of class.  Allen Levin’s personal cell:  818-415-9568.  You are welcome to text, call him, or email him at WinningActors@Gmail.com. You may also utilize the “contact us” link here.