A Studio for Professional Actors
Six Actors per Class • Always on Camera • Everyone Works • Weekly Footage
Demystify acting on camera.
Learn our grounded thought-based approach focused on physical behavior and visual storytelling.
TESTIMONIALS
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![“Michael creates an environment that isn’t intimidating which allows me to get out of my own way and serve the story. Acting feels freer without feeling vague or limiting.”
- Miles Fowler
(Nobody Wants This, Netflix)]()
“Michael creates an environment that isn’t intimidating which allows me to get out of my own way and serve the story. Acting feels freer without feeling vague or limiting.”
(Nobody Wants This, Netflix)
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![“I've never worked with an acting coach more invested in my success than Michael. He invests himself in making every moment dynamic, clear, and specific, with kindness and patience."
- Juan Castano
(What/If, Netflix)]()
“I've never worked with an acting coach more invested in my success than Michael. He invests himself in making every moment dynamic, clear, and specific, with kindness and patience."
(What/If, Netflix)
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![“Michael really shifted my perspective on acting. It didn’t have to be a shot in the dark. He finally gave me space to explore and play in my work, which has been the greatest gift.”
- Anja Shanti
(Fatal Attraction, Paramount+)]()
“Michael really shifted my perspective on acting. It didn’t have to be a shot in the dark. He finally gave me space to explore and play in my work, which has been the greatest gift.”
(Fatal Attraction, Paramount+)
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![“Working with Michael has taken the guesswork out of my auditions. I finally have a systematic way to approach a scene that frees up my creativity.”
- Michael De Nola
(Homeland, Showtime)]()
“Working with Michael has taken the guesswork out of my auditions. I finally have a systematic way to approach a scene that frees up my creativity.”
(Homeland, Showtime)
THE APPROACH
A Screen Acting Intensive
Prerequisite: Prior acting training and extensive audition experience
Instructor: Michael Varde
Class Description:
In this two-day intensive, students will receive an in-depth introduction to Michael’s signature Approach, designed to create dynamic on-camera performances. The prerequisite for The Weekly Class.
We will cover how to:
· Breakdown your sides quickly and accurately
· Make “strong choices”
· Get off-book faster
· Only need to do a few takes
· Demystify the acting process
When: July 29th & August 5th, 10a-4p
Class Size: 6 Students
Location: ACE Studios, 847 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
Cost: $400
Auditing: The Work Place does not allow auditing
THE WEEKLY CLASS
Prerequisite: The Approach
Instructor: Michael Varde
Class Description:
Using Michael Varde’s signature Approach, students will learn how to make effective, dynamic choices, that allow their work to shine on screen. All material will be assigned by the instructor and provided 1-2 days in advance. Students are guaranteed to perform on camera each week and will be provided a copy of their work.
Schedule: Sundays from 6:00-9:00pm
Location: ACE Studios, 847 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
Cost: $375/month OR $112.50/class
Class Size: 6 Students
Auditing: The Work Place does not allow auditing.
PRIVATE COACHING
Prerequisite: The Approach
Instructor: Michael Varde
Description:
Using his signature Approach, Michael works with actors individually to create strong, dynamic, professional self-tapes. Coaching includes acting for film, television, and theatre.
Cost:
On Zoom: $100/hr or $180 for 2hrs
In-person: $125/hr or $225 for 2hrs
Price includes self-tape equipment (lights and camera), as well as editing, and delivery of footage.
No half-hour increments.
MICHAEL VARDE
FOUNDER / INSTRUCTOR
Michael Varde has been a professional actor for 15 years. His training includes master classes with Burt Reynolds, Wynn Handman, and Bob Krakower. Michael taught screen acting privately for many years until he co-founded The Work Place, where he now teaches weekly classes, monthly intensives, and works as a private coach. As an actor, Michael has appeared on NCIS, Days of Our Lives, Law & Order: SVU, and many independent films.