Howard Fine Acting Studio - Los Angeles, California

Brian Ames

Terrible. Wasted $945 on his 6 week course. Location so bad that in Week 3 they told us from now on we had to leave in pairs because a few days earlier one of the student-actresses was in her car in front of the studio on Highland at 3 PM when a guy walked up and smashed her windshield with his skateboard. And he offers no parking – none- so we get there early and drive around and around looking for a spot (parallel parking in front of apartment buildings) and hope my car will still be there 4 hours later. He does NOT allow any in-person audits so you can’t go in and quietly watch one of his classes before you pay and sign up. Howard Fine told us “I’m a control freak” and his rules include “Late arrivals (even one minute) will NOT be allowed to take this section of class.” And you cannot ask a question until they say, “Do you have any questions?” And you must raise your hand when you ask a question. You do not refer to David Coury as “David” but only as “Mr. Coury.” And if cellphone goes off, you will be sent home. But the worst part is they don’t want us to get “defensive” or “resistive” so if you dare to speak your ideas about a character or scene that is not 100% in agreement with Howard or Mr. Coury, they react like you want to argue with them so they will interrupt you and say things like “If you want to advance to our next level classes you need to clear your mind and learn my process.” In week 3 I watched Mr. Coury ask a student-actor “Are you resisting me?” In week 5 after I politely tried to explain my ideas about my character, Howard interrupted me and said “As I’ve told you before, you are not clearing you mind of the other things you’ve been taught so that’s why you will not advance to my next level.” This rude dude’s fragile ego causes his brain to forget who is paying his electric bill. One hour after the last class on Oct. 17, 2024, I got an email from Howard telling me he doesn’t want me in any more classes – “At this time the faculty feels it is best for your development as an actor to move on from our studio and explore other styles and approaches.” I laughed out loud. I guess he’s still in business because he has been around for so many years and because of his clever website (how many of those movie stars actually paid him to attend his classes) There are so many acting teachers in L.A.- Hollywood areas like Aaron Speiser, Graham Shiels, Scott Sedita, Shari Shaw, Joe Anthony etc., that offer friendly, creative atmospheres where actor’s ideas are welcomed and treated with a little respect, but Howard Fine and David Coury are not in that group.

Elaine Zlaket

This review is long overdue. I'd like to start off by saying this studio is truly a treasure. It is not only an acting studio where serious actors go to train, it is a community, and a family. Aside from growing as an actor, Howard's teachings have helped me to grow personally as well. Added bonus... I have made incredible friendships with the most wonderful people.

Years ago, shortly after I graduated from college, I moved to LA to pursue my dream of being an actor. I bounced around various acting studios hoping to find a place that taught the true craft of acting. I wanted to have a strong foundation so I could be taken seriously in the industry. I found that most successful actors in the industry had theater training in their background. After trying at least 6-7 different places, I landed at the Howard Fine Studio.

I was initially intimated and nervous as my college degree was in Business, and I didn't have a ton of experience. However, Howard and the studio changed that for me. At that time, there were two courses that were required to start at the studio, and both were intensives that lasted at least 6-8 weeks. I took both. I then went on to take Alexander Technique, Emotional Recall, and I landed in an ongoing class. I studied at the studio for quite some time, and the whole time I was there, I felt so lucky to have found the place.

At some point, I stepped away from acting to focus on taking care of my son. In 2020 when the pandemic hit, I decided to take the online courses with Howard. It had been years, but it was exactly what I needed. I did the online courses for a few years, and then transitioned to the in person on going class with Howard.

Howard is an incredible teacher and human being. If you are open to learning, Howard will provide you with the tools that will allow you to be an authentic human being and a thriving actor. Howard is the real deal! His teachings and tools work if you apply them. I have learned so much about human behavior from Howard, and his teachings have not only helped me to be a better actor, they have improved my personal relationships. Bottom line, I have grown so much as a person from what I have learned, and continue to learn, at the Howard Fine Studio.

That said, this studio is not for you if you are not open to growing and learning, if you are not disciplined, if your ego gets in the way and you feel the need to debate about all the choices you made, and if you take everything personally and become defensive easily.

Howard will provide you with constructive feedback. If you are open to receiving his assessment (which is spot on 99% of the time), if you have a willingness to do the work (ie. getting off book word for word, following his 8 steps, reading his book along with Uta Hagen's books), if you are disciplined, if you have a desire to look at all the sides of yourself so you can apply them to your work, you will flourish here. You will learn how to bring the most authentic YOU to each slice of life.

Howard loves actors! Howard also respects those that have an open heart and a willingness to learn. One of my favorite quotes from Howard is, "If you wish to touch the hearts of others, you must first open your own."

I am grateful to have the opportunity to train at this studio. Not only are the actors that train here working actors, the actors are genuinely good people that lift each other up and inspire one another. Howard, and the Howard Fine family, have had such a positive impact in my life. Which is why I felt compelled to write this review.

Thank you, Howard! I am so grateful for you and your wisdom. It is truly a gift. I feel fortunate to train with you, and to know you.

Ken Gregory

I've been studying at the Studio for over a year and I love the teachings and have found the teachings EXTREMELY helpful when I have booked work. The staff is AMAZING! It's DEFINITELY a place for serious actors, as well as beginners to the craft of acting.

Frank S

The staff here were friendly and attentive ready to answer any questions. Howard is straight to the point and truly owns what He and his Colleagues are teaching. Note-for serious actors only, and the main objective for Howard Fine is give you the necessary tools to help you become a great actor. Highly Recommend this place

Harrison Cramond

My time at HF studio has been transformational. Not only do you learn about the craft, most importantly you learn about yourself.

This is the studio for you if you want to join a community of life long friendships and support throughout the industry.

Nick Ricciardi

This is the only class I've been to where you can truly feel the reverence for the craft in the air. There's also a strong sense of family here that you don't find in other LA acting classes. Howard provides the ultimate gym for actors like me to stay sharp in between gigs.

Мария СММ

David Court rude as a teacher, says inappropriate stuff, screaming at students. Instead of helping to understand acting world this school made me feel more insecure. Would not recommend ?

Rita Nadero

Foundation class is great! Teachers are excellent! Solid school overall! That said, the pricing is a bit steep for a young actor in LA. So be prepared for making the payment plan.