A Studio for Professional Actors

Demystify acting on camera.

Learn our grounded thought-based approach focused on physical behavior and visual storytelling.

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TESTIMONIALS

  • “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.”

    - Miles Fowler

    (Nobody Wants This, 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." - 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."

    - Juan Castano

    (What/If, Netflix)

  • “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.”

    - Anja Shanti

    (Fatal Attraction, Paramount+)

  • “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.”

    - Michael De Nola

    (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: Sign Up to Join Waitlist

Class Size: 6 Students

Location: ACE Studios, 847 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Cost: $400

Auditing: The Work Place does not allow auditing


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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.

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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.

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MICHAEL VARDE

FOUNDER / INSTRUCTOR

A young man with short brown hair and fair skin, wearing a maroon flannel over a green V-neck shirt, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression, outdoors with a background of metal and painted surface.

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 as a guest star on NCIS, a recurring guest on Days of Our Lives, a recurring co-star on Law & Order: SVU, and he has starred in many independent films.

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