First Take Acting School

I've been going to First Take for the past 6 weeks with Danny Lai as my acting teacher. It is a great school with fantastic tools. The group of actors are very welcoming and I feel it is a safe space to be yourself and grow as an actor. Danny Lai really dedicates himself to his students and helps us bring the best on us, providing great tools and feedback in every exercice. I recommend this school to anyone who wants to improve their acting skills, and wants to take this seriuosly.

If you aspire to be a working actor, this is the best school in the Bay Area. Many of the students who study at this school are professional actors. I am currently studying with instructor Danny Lai. His teaching method is honest, direct, and cares deeply for the progress of his students. After working with Danny as my instructor, I feel confident that I have the knowledge and experience to be competitive with other actors in this profession. In addition to gaining experience with audition techniques, cold reading, script analysis, and scene study, this school also offers workshops with top casting directors in the entertainment industry. After searching for an exceptional acting school that teaches everything that is required to be a working actor, I am so grateful that I found First Take and their exceptional instructors.

I’ve had some acting experiences as a child but lost my touch as I became a teenager! As a adult now I would say this is absolutely an amazing school to start as a beginner in acting. The classes are pretty flexible with my schedule and the teachers are amazing especially Danny Lai. He’s absolutely the best person ever and gives you great constructive feedback! I’ve grown so much since I started and I don’t plan on stopping. First take is not just a school it’s a family! You meet a lot of people who are talented and so supportive. If you are a beginner or have some experiences you should join this school because you will be able to sharpen your skills, grow, have fun and great connections! So what are you waiting for!??? Give them a call now! Start following your dreams ❣️

I love being a part of this school and community. It really feels like a family and such a safe environment to grow in your acting as well as a person. I really appreciate Nancy's teachings and guidance on navigating through tough scenes. Also it's inspiring to hear progress from fellow classmates and see them book roles and audition regularly in Los Angeles. I highly recommend at least auditing a class!

Love this place! Came to First Take after studying with other programs and teachers in the Bay Area and it was the first time I ever felt noticed and cared about as a person and an actor. A lot of teachers will just tell you what you want to hear and bilk you for your money or to boost their own egos, etc., or they yell at you and try and make you feel stupid when you make a mistake, but Nancy and all the other instructors at First Take genuinely care about you and want to help you become the best actor you can be. They are honest but supportive and always give excellent feedback that helps you instead of hinders you. They understand (and are upfront) about the fact that you only get back what you put into your time in class, meaning there is time and work involved, but the results can be amazing if you keep at it. I've enjoyed my time in class, made some great friends and feel like class is a place I can truly be myself and be accepted and continue to grow as an actor. So excited that I found this place!