Ward Acting Studio

Yes, I'm revealing my bias--but I didn't think this level of acting instruction was available outside of NYC or LA. Wendy is an almost stereotypical acting coach--experienced, serious, passionate and uncompromising. If you are serious about the craft, want professional level instruction and are willing to do the work, there really is no where else to go.

My daughter (teenager) has been studying the Meisner technique with Wendy for 2 years now. She has come to understand (on a deep level) that true acting is about portraying an authentic, lived (but psychologically bounded) experience. It is not (as I used to think) really good pretending. My daughter is acquiring a skill set that allows her to evoke authentic emotion at will. Perhaps more importantly, she has learned how to turn off that authentic emotion as soon as the scene is over.

Wendy is clearly an exceptionally gifted teacher. She seems to have an uncanny ability to know exactly what the student needs to work on next. Although my daughter's classmates were mostly much older than her, Wendy found a way to include her completely--she modified scenes and chose monologues that were complex enough for the whole class to work off of, but totally age appropriate. Wendy is able to create an atmosphere where students of very different ages, backgrounds, experiences work together to engage each other/react to each other fully and intently, as (I've come to understand) is an essential part of acting.

Wendy has high standards for her herself and for her students; she expects a level of commitment that is not for the dabbler; she expects (and coaches her students to) a level of emotional maturity that is not for the arrogant. If you are a serious student of acting and respect the craft, I don't see how you can get any better training anywhere--here or in NYC or LA.

If you are still not sure--check out one of her professional plays (put on by the Ward Theater Company). They are an intimate "theatre in the round" experience. The acting will knock your socks off. No kidding.

Do not take classes with Wendy Ward. I took about 3 weeks of classes with her in the 6-week intensive workshop one summer (I was still in high school, about 15). During our initial interview, she seemed perfectly nice, charming, and excited to get to work with me. Because I was super into acting at the time, my mom signed me up. It didn't take long for everything to go off-course.

From the first class, it seemed she had singled me out. I was the youngest in the class by many years, and yet she seemed determined to designate me as the enemy, to the point that my classmates ganged up on me and I was consistently made to feel inadequate and without a single friend in the class. While this wasn't entirely Wendy's doing, she played a big role in it.

Things came to a head about halfway through the course. Because her instructions were contradictory and unclear, and (at least in my experience) she discouraged questions, there was one assignment which I did not understand completely. When it came time to perform my scene, at the end of it she absolutely lit into me. Instead of offering me constructive criticism, she accused me of not being passionate about acting and acted like I had a personal vendetta against her. She even went so far as to tell me (a 15-year-old high school student) that I always looked like I was on drugs (for the record, I wasn't). When I attempted to talk to her about it at the following class, she refused to engage me in conversation, instead dismissing me early (and stranding me, as I didn't have my own car at the time.)

Overall, Wendy Ward is an unbelievably narcissistic and condescending woman who I consider myself unlucky to have met. She does not teach--she insults, and anyone who doesn't bend to her will or dares to question her is automatically made an enemy, not just for her, but for the entire class. I can say confidently she is one of the worst people I have ever met. DO NOT take classes here. Save your own mental health.

I cannot recommend classes with Wendy.  I took two weeks of classes with her, and from the first class, I felt that she spoke to students in a way that would get me reported if not fired at work if were to use it.  She lashed out at a student for yawning. I had not even heard the yawn as I was paying attention to the students working in front of us until she got upset.

I frequently found her instructions to be incomplete, obtuse, and at times contradictory. Students frequently attempted to ask questions or clarify her instructions but she often refused to answer.  On several of those occasions, I felt that she treated them in a condescending manner. She seemed to be very confident that she is always right and did not seem open to views or perspectives other than her own or to the possibility that she may have heard or viewed something incorrectly.  She never seemed to me to be concerned about how she was treating others and never apologized for how she spoke to anyone.

At first I wondered if some of it was part of the Meisner training and kept going because I wanted to learn and had already paid for the month, but I spoke with an actor who trained at a respected Meisner program in LA who had nothing like this experience and expressed concern that this type of environment could be detrimental.  It's really a shame because much of her feedback is helpful, and it is valuable to get honest feedback. As someone who has been through significant rigorous training and who has worked with plenty of abrasive personalities in the past though, I can guarantee it is possible to give timely, honest and even blunt feedback while still being respectful of others.  If you are dead set on taking classes here, I'd strongly recommend you audit a class before signing up.

Working with Wendy had been an incredible, exploratory, life changing and inspirational experience.

I came in with some prior Meisner training and very quickly discovered that Wendy's teaching was very different. Indeed, I have learned that some of the habits I have previously acquired were inauthentic and anathema to anything Meisner taught.

Wendy is very passionate about the craft and art of teaching; my favorite thing about the method is that there is a real planned procession of exercises, which you are expected to master. She doesn't ask you to dance Swan Lake on the first lesson, you start with the very basics, and often it is not even clear initially as to how this makes you a better actor... until you discover that all of a sudden you've acquired a great deal of grounding and authenticity.

The technique itself is, of course, brilliant. I am convinced that Meisner is the healthiest, most methodical, most structured way to acquire power of expression and emotional freedom.

As far as Wendy's methodology, she is very serious, she is very tough and picky about what work she likes - and I love that because with her you know if she says it's good, IT'S GOOD.

I've also found that all the notes she gave me that initially I didn't understand, I've always discovered she was right later on. She truly is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, passionate, and she really cares for her students. She wants every student to get better and the disciplined approach allows her to yield results.

The class is emotionally tough and takes a lot out of you in the best possible way. I went through Tech 1 and part of Tech 2, and was challenged at each level. Most of all, at the end of each semester I have found myself a changed person; it's fascinating how proper Meisner training gives you BOTH higher sensitivity AND thicker skin when it comes to this type of work.

I became more sensitive/observant both about my own moods and about other people's moods. I often am aware of how other people are feeling before they themselves know how them feeling. I often ask someone: "Something's bothering you, what is it?", and it turns out that yes, there is something going on in their life, and they are so surprised I've noticed it because no one else has. I notice the most subtle changes in other people's moods whether it's their voice or their facial expression as a result of this training.

On the other hand, I am thicker skinned in the best possible way. If Wendy says that something is not good, I learn to not allow that to upset me but just keep working through things. As a result of this class, I have learned to take criticism very well. That's a very useful skill in life, regardless of what you do.

I didn't consider myself an actor in a true sense before I came to Wendy. My main objective now is to write, but I consider myself an actor now.

Wendy made me a more authentic, perceptive person; I'm always connected to my true self and my unique point of view on everything.

If you don't have honesty, you can't be an artist, be it writer or actor or a musician. Wendy's training gave me that and I will be always grateful.

Also, I learned COMPLETELY over online conferencing, I've never met her in person so if there is no proper Meisner training in your area, you need to jump on the opportunity to train with Wendy.

I highly recommend Wendy as a teacher. I spent years looking for someone to take me this far. Ask and you will receive. So don't walk, RUN to sign up for Wendy's class this very second; you won't regret it. I can't imagine a better Meisner teacher than her.

An A-list actor recently said he knew he'd had a good session with his coach because he felt really humbled at the end of his sessions. But that is how he knew he was getting better.

I wanted to be a part of Wendy's studio after I saw a production of "I Wish You A Boat". My husband and I watched her students in amazment at how well they handled such a challenging piece.

I was personally in a rut. I was going through a time in my career where I just felt like every performance I gave was lackluster and average. People told me the exact opposite and praised my ability but I just didn't feel it. I would get off stage and think, I never got it right. I never cared about praise, I wanted to be the best actor I could. I had tried for several years to find an acting coach I liked but none of them really fit. Almost all of them claimed to be Meisner but none of them really were.

It was actually Wendy who gave me a real interest in the technique. I have never been pushed as hard as she pushes me. She gives direct criticism about your work, so I wouldn't recommend her if you can't take honest feedback. A class with Wendy is like a session with a professional personal trainer. It is hard and you might think of quitting. Then you look back at some old video and go, wow! That was me?! Behind the honest feedback is a genuine desire for you to reach your potential. There is someone pushing you to get out of your own way and get you to do the work you are capable of doing. You have someone in your corner who wants you to challenge yourself and help you build a career. I still take classes and train with Wendy via Zoom and Skype and even went back for a refresher I have seen the amazing work my fellow classmates have done.

Wendy is a charming and caring teacher, don't be blinded by her high expectations and blunt honesty, her only goal is to bring the best out of each and everyone and maybe not everyone will become a big star one day but I can definitely confirm that her class will be life-changing and change your views and opinions on acting and life in general, and the improvements her students make going towards the strict training are conspicuous. I can not recommend any teacher or class more and I wish I had done this course years ago, rather than trying hundreds of classes and just not making these kinds of improvements. Plus I don't think there is any acting coach out there at the moment with more experience when it comes to online classes and you can definitely tell she brought online classes to a whole other level, and therefore bringing top-notch training to your bedroom all over the world, whilst not sacrificing the quality of the class. Whether you're not from the states, living in a small village, working full time or there is a global pandemic- no more excuses to continue discipline and training! Wendy and Meisner have changed my acting for good, don't miss out! :)

6 weeks in and I have already learned so much. Wendy directly and clearly communicates, allowing for you to quickly improve and get the most you possibly can out of yourself. I am impressed with my progress thus far and the confidence it has given me outside of the classroom. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience (having no prior acting experience I didn't know what to expect) and can not wait to see how far Wendy can take me!

Working with Wendy has been an all around rewarding experience. She is a phenomenal teacher, coach and mentor. Wendy pushed me to achieve goals that many deem unattainable. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, she will prepare you for the many facets of acting. I've been acting for two years prior to working with Wendy and I can attest that she is by far better than any coach that I've ever worked with. Despite your level of experience she can tell when you're not prepared, afraid, or lacking self confidence. Wendy pinpoints your weaknesses which allows you to become stronger in those areas. Ultimately, she helps you really develop the reality of doing. You truly become the actor or character you are to portray.

I found it really hard trying to find a school/teacher to train with, but after having one conversation with Wendy (I remember pulling over to take the call) I knew that I would end up training with her. I was at a stage where my sole ambition was to produce work of a great quality. The kind of work I witnessed in my favourite performances that moved me, and that I found unforgettable.

When I heard the way Wendy spoke about acting and what it was she valued I agreed wholeheartedly and I think that is something that is very important - knowing you are working towards a common goal. A standard you agree upon.
It was another 2 years before I actually ended up working with Wendy, life came up as it often does, but finally I went to NYC in 2014 to do the Fall Intensive at the Ward Acting Studio.

To call this training a transformative experience would be an understatement. For the first time, I was doing work I really enjoyed and actually knew how I was doing it. Don't get me wrong, it's very challenging and I also did a lot of work that I wasn't enjoying but I knew why it wasn't working and that makes all the difference in the world.

Wendy, Janice and Joanne give you a framework to build upon, principles that work if you use them. They give you tools that you can walk away with and continue to apply to your work and improve outside of the classroom - enabling your independent growth.

Wendy forces your best performance out of you, and although it can feel like you've been pushed until you have nothing left to give, it turns out you do. And what you do have to give will likely be some of the best work you've ever done.

Nobody said it was going to be easy, but they did say it was going to be worth it.

Wendy's technique class is awesome!
She really helps you understand acting in such a different perspective.
It's a very informative class I think anyone interested in being in film or theatre should try out. Wendy is an excellent teacher and will make sure you get not only what you're putting into the class but more! You go home with so much knowledge and curiosity ,you just can't wait to go back to the next class and learn the next step.
She's definently the best at what she does.



-Asha :)