Cincinnati Actors Studio

"When I first attended this class (on a whim!) towards the beginning of the year, I was timid, heartbroken, and somewhat directionless in my life to be honest. Initially upon entering this class, I found the environment at the studio somewhat intimidating. It seemed like everyone was intense and serious, and I felt a bit in over my head. Right at the beginning of class, I was told to stand up in front of everyone and talk to them about myself! And the teacher, Steve, even said not to say, “um” or “uh”! It was a nerve-racking experience, but within a few seconds, a switch flipped in my brain as I thought, “You got this!!” For the rest of that class, I tried as hard as I could, truly focusing on everything I had within me. A significant portion of our time in class is dedicated to hands-on practice – performing, critiquing, and refining scenes. On my first day, I was terrified to perform in front of everyone, especially with just 2 minutes of preparation, but somehow, my scene partner and I nailed that first scene. My confidence increased, if only a little and I realized the importance of jumping in and trying your best. By the end of that first class, Steve called me over to talk to him one-on-one as he does with every new person. During that conversation, Steve complimented me but also told it to me how it was, explaining all the hard work required to be a career actor. I realized in that conversation that this man wasn’t in it for the money, he was there to see ME succeed, and he’s there to see YOU succeed, too. To be in that 1%. I went home that day motivated and inspired in a way I honestly haven’t felt before. Suddenly, acting and my life had become one. I had a vision board covered in my ambitious dreams, as per Steve’s recommendation. I was writing, auditioning, and performing one script or another. I even got signed to the best agent in town after just a couple of months! And who was my mentor through all of this? Steve, who not only helped me as an actor, but listened to me talk through all of my heartbreak, my problems, and all my crazy ideas. One thing I think makes the class great is that I feel like Steve has struck the balance between giving positive feedback and giving the criticism you need to hear. He tailors his guidance to match each actor's skill level, ensuring that everyone, regardless of experience, gets the most out of his classes. In class, your “isms” (all your little idiosyncrasies that make you stick out) will be pointed out and criticized. For example, I had a tendency to walk without bending my knees. Steve and others made sure to criticize me on this point whenever it happened. Over time, I became more self aware and skilled as a result. Thanks guys! I was surprised to hear that Steve has been running this class for over 33 years, starting at just 20! He was always ambitious even as a young man, and he rubs off that ambition on all his actors. It’s no wonder that the class has exactly the right components to prepare me for all my auditions and the first time I was behind a camera, I felt right at home. I’ve personally seen what Steve has created for precisely what it is - a fine-tuned machine for training actors of all skill levels. Actually, let me go one further: Steve, you have created more than just a class, but a family of actors where our wildest dreams are manifested and our confidence honed. As 2023 comes to a close and I reflect upon it, I feel incredibly grateful that Cincinnati Actor’s Studio has been a part of my life for the past 9 months. I can feel myself changing from boy to man and I couldn’t have done it alone. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m on the path I’m meant to be on. I mean, I think I have truly found what I was meant to do with my life. I can literally see the path I need to take to get to Hollywood. Merry Christmas, Steve. Thank you for everything."

"Steve is an incredible instructor. He has over 40+ years of experience in the industry. Every class is challenging and fun. I have been coming to class several times a week for over a year and always take away something new. He works with you on your goals and he will push you to be the best actor you can. The family and energy he creates is awesome. You’ll view life in a more positive way after each class and I must warn you now, you’ll want to keep coming back! If you having been acting for 20 + years or just starting out you need to try Steve’s class you will not be disappointed."

"Steve is a phenomenal instructor! The endless drive to improve all of his students is amazing. When you walk into class you know for a fact that he is there for you and your growth not for financial gains. I’m learning so much for my professional and personal life and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to take his class."

"Amazing instructor. It’s evident he puts his all into making his students better actors. I have more confidence in myself as an actor due to the ways Steve has challenged me and believed in me to go past what I ever thought I could do."