Westside On-Camera Acting Studio

Santa Monica, United States

5

Closed now

13 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 424-348-3485
Website:
www.westsideactingstudio.com
Address:
2601 Ocean Park Blvd Ste 120, Santa Monica, CA, 90405
Santa Monica
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.9 mi26th Street/Bergamot
1 miExpo/Bundy
1.3 mi17th Street/Santa Monica College
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Today

Today 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Santa Monica) 6:17 AM Monday, June 30, 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

Description

Specialties

The best on-​camera acting training for commercials, TV and film. Founded by top LA casting director Gabrielle Schary and Backstage Expert, session director, and working actor Shaan Sharma. Commercial workshops, ongoing on-​camera acting classes, and more.

History

Established in 2015.

Established by commercial casting director Gabrielle Schary and session director Shaan Sharma to provide a westside option for actors seeking the best on-​camera acting training.

Meet the Business Owner

Shaan S.

Business Owner

Top casting session director and fellow working actor Shaan Sharma has been directing casting sessions for many of the busiest casting directors in Los Angeles for over eight years. He is also an acting teacher with regular scene study on-​camera acting classes for film and TV, as well as commercial acting workshops. He is the co-​founder, along with Gabrielle Schary, of the Westside On-​Camera Acting Studio in Santa Monica, Calif. Sharma’s new book «A Session Director’s Guide to Commercial Acting in L.A.» is now available at Samuel French Bookshop and online for Amazon Kindle, iTunes iBooks, Kobo, and Nook.

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13 reviews of Westside On-Camera Acting Studio

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Pacific Palisades, CA
I learned so much taking Shaan’s commercial workshop. Not only is he an actor, but he also runs commercial casting sessions so he’s able to teach from both sides of the business. He gave simple techniques that were easy to use and made a huge difference in my audition skills. The best part of taking this class is that Shaan is an amazing teacher and friend. He genuinely wants all of his students to succeed and has created a network of actors who all support each other. Thanks Shaan!
Place rating: 5
Woodland Hills, CA
Shaan’s Commercial Workshop is AMAZING!!! In L.A. you will encounter different acting teachers claiming they can provide you with all of the tools you need in order to be successful in the commercial world. Do not be fooled… Shaan’s Workshop will guide you in the right direction and provide the correct approach to the material to help you become successful. Not only does Shaan provide you with valuable tools, he also shows you, you are ENOUGH!!! He brings out your essence and gives you the confidence you need in order to continue moving forward in your acting career. In addition to being a great teacher, Shaan is also a casting director and working actor!!! This unique all around perspective gives him an invaluable approach to coaching.
Place rating: 5
Lancaster, CA
If your car was running rough, would you want to have it worked on by someone that changed a tire back in ’73? If you wanted to learn to swim, would you want to get pointers on your stroke by a guy that saw the ocean once? NOPE! You want an expert. Hollywood is filled with sham artists that may have had a two-​line speaking role in a soap opera who will say that they have the winning recipe for success in our craft. Shaan Sharma is THE real deal. From day one, you will not only be immersed in the ‘meat and potatoes’ of our business, but you will feel as you are part of a family of like-​minded actors. Take his class and you will see for yourself why he is the top rated commercial acting school in all of LA.
Place rating: 5
Studio City, CA
Shaan KNOWS what casting directors are looking for! As a Session Director for many casting houses, Shaan has first-​hand experience on what works and what doesn’t work in an audition.
Shaan brings out the best in everyone in his commercial workshop. He has an amazing ability based in deep empathy for his students. He can uncover any obstacle and offer insightful guidance to what may be holding an actor back from being connected and able to express themselves fully. He brought the best out in me as an actor and person. Not only am I forever thankful for his coaching, technical advice and all that I learned in his class, I am deeply grateful for knowing such a remarkable person. I highly recommend his class to anyone.
Place rating: 5
Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, CA
Shaan’s on camera commercial class is fantastic and second to none. The classes though in a group setting are very specific to each person. I would take it again if i ever feel a little rusty.
Place rating: 5
West Covina, CA
I learned and enjoyed taking Shaan’s Commercial Workshop. His practical and to the point approach helped me understand the commercial world. What I loved the most about this class was knowing that he wasn’t just giving the class but that he works in casting and is a working actor and that means that he knows what he is talking about.
I highly recommend taking this workshop, it has done wonders for my auditions.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
If you’re looking for attentive, personalized, thorough training whether you’re just getting started or you’re a veteran needing a tune up, Shaan’s class is the place to be! He’s constantly working himself, both commercially and theatrically, so he’s got proof in the puddin’! Your success is his success, so he really goes above and beyond for his students– as you’ll read again in other reviews. He helped me grow more in two months of consistent classes than in 2 years at large studio classes. I’ve worked with him on commercials, tv, and film scripts, both dramatic and comedic, and he’s got a great process for all of it. He uses current material so you’re constantly working on things that are being cast and filming right now! His classes are by far the most affordable, but more importantly, the most worth it! He has remained more than a teacher, but a friend that I know I can count on and feel lucky to have in my corner. Give Shaan a shot and you won’t be disappointed!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
What can I say about Shaan’s class? He is not only such a positive force to be around, he encourages EVERYONE to be themselves to the fullest. I took his commercial acting class years ago, and learned that I am enough in who I am. This really helped me not shy away from who I am as person, but to remember to infuse myself and my personality into all of my work and making the character fit me, be it theatrical or commercial. This town is going to throw every opinion and obstacle your way, but taking Shaan’s class gave me the confidence and reassurance to go into an audition, give my best and know that it was enough. Not only is he still a friend (years after taking the class), we have worked on two shows together, albeit not the same episode, but the same shows. I think that says something about his work ethic and knowledge.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Shaan’s Commercial Workshop is great! When I first moved to La it was the first workshop I took and it has done wonders for my acting career. Shaan gives a great class that teaches you the tips and secrets of the commercial world in a very practical way. Since taking the class I have gone on to book commercials with Hilton, Sony, Blue Cross, Uv Vodka, and more! Overall it’s a must take workshop for those that are new or want to grow in the commercial world. I actually made some great friends from this class also. So win win!
Andrew Landstedt–
Place rating: 5
Columbus, OH
I’ve known Shaan since I moved to LA in 2012. Not only did his commercial workshop pretty much land me one of the best commercial agents in town as soon as I moved, he remained a friend and teacher to everyone. That meant a lot to me since I was brand new and had literally never acted before. I started his tv/​film class in the beginning of 2014, and it really changed my style. I just got confident, and comfortable, and listened more, and started seeing the fun in acting again. I’ve booked every genre of tv show so far, and a large part is because of the work we did in his class. It’s also very affordable and flexible! You build a great team of friends and people to run lines with for anything. There’s really no «method» in class, just find you and bring that out. And of course– get comfortable in front of the camera! The most challenging work I’ve ever done was in his class, and I just keep getting better!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Shaan is the MAN! Goes above and beyond for his students and is a genuinely nice and relatable guy. Have yet to meet another teacher like him!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Take a class with Shaan. He is a great teacher who wants you to become the best, most truthful actor you can be.
He is a working actor and he shares all that he knows with his students. You will not be disappointed taking a class with Shaan.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Shaan not only is a phenomenal Backstage writer with valuable bits of industry info, but he is passionate about your success & wants you to be the best actor in every scene that you do! He is a working actor himself, and knows the business inside and out, if you are looking for a fresh look on your career, Shaan is the answer!