ACTORS' WORKSHOP
Actors’ Workshop ShortBurst Theatre® is back for in-person classes. Workshops will focus on improvisation, writing, scene study, monologue building, physical expression, and creating a multi-media performance presented live on the last day of the session.
Space is very limited.
Scroll down to read more about the method and history of the Actors' Workshop at SMP.
Scroll down to read more about the method and history of the Actors' Workshop at SMP.
Classes meet Monday Evenings, 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Dues: $395
Dues: $395
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WINTER SESSION 2026:
January 19 - March 23, 2026 Performances: March 23 & 24 @ 8pm SUMMER SESSION 2026:
June 29 - August 31, 2026 Performances: August 31 & September 1 |
SPRING SESSION 2026:
April 13 - June 15, 2026 Performances: June 15 & 16 @ 8pm FALL SESSION 2025:
September 15 - November 17, 2025 Performances: November 17 & 18 |
Please email [email protected] to enroll. See you soon!
Established 1960.
currently led by SMP Artistic Director Chris DeCarlo
currently led by SMP Artistic Director Chris DeCarlo
“A rewarding and fulfilling experience for any student who is involved.”
Carole Winter, Head of Education, English Shakespeare Company
Actors’ Workshop at Santa Monica Playhouse is an on-going theatre workout, founded in 1960 by Belgian-born theatre artist Ted Roter and actors James Arness (Gunsmoke) and Eric Braeden (The Young and the Restless). The oldest continuously-running workshop in Los Angeles, it was 'inherited' by Playhouse Artistic Director Chris DeCarlo in 1973 and is still personally taught by him Monday evenings throughout the year.
The unique approach of Actors’ Workshop allows beginners through professionals from all walks of life to explore and expand personal boundaries, discover how to make powerful choices, unleash the creative self, rediscover creativity and authenticity, conquer the critic within and bridge the gap between the text and the inner artist’s voice. Arguably the only workshop in Los Angeles where students put their skills into practice through the live performance of a play (not a showcase) in each session, members hone their skills in class, working with text, scene work, improvisation, physical theatre exercises, and character development, and then discover just how effective they are in performance of a ShortBurst Theatre® play they help to create. Studying…and performing...isn’t that what it’s all about?
From Actors' Workshop® production "Baltimore"
“I have been enthralled with the workshop. I always leave energized and ready to take on the acting world!” J. Smith
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ShortBurst Theatre®, created by Mr. DeCarlo and co-artistic director Evelyn Rudie, offers participants the chance to collaborate with professional playwrights and directors, to create intense, intimate, original theatre productions performed for the public as the culmination of each session. Over the past 30 years, ShortBurst Theatre® has created more than 4 dozen productions locally, nationally and with companies from 11 countries, many that have later become main stage and touring productions.
“I have enjoyed my time with the class and Chris so much. He's a wonderful instructor and has helped me grow a lot more than I thought possible. Please give him my gratitude. He's awesome!” A. Lemus
From Actors' Workshop® production "DOMICILE or Norman is Dead"
In addition to working professionals in the performing arts, participants in the Actors’ Workshop ShortBurst Theatre® process have included students, athletes, casting directors, sculptors, university professors, attorneys, educators, therapists, engineers, architects, painters, poets, neurosurgeons. veterinarians, a Los Angeles Assistant District Attorney and Mickey Madden of the band Maroon 5.
Artists who have worked under Mr. DeCarlo’s direction include Frank Aletter, Haskell Anderson Jr., Ray Baker, Zina Bethune, Joe Bologna, K Callan, Michael Callan, Molly Cheek, George Coe, Sandy Faison, Deborah Harman, Julie Harris, Alice Hirson, Peter Jason, Matthew Laurence, Barbara Minkus, Priscilla Morill, Obi Ndefo, Ron Palillo, Stuart Pankin, William Schallert, Albie Selznick, Sammy Shore, Louise Sorrell, Todd Susman, Renee Taylor, Dianne Turley Travis, playwrights Rose Lieman Goldemberg, Brenda Krantz, Jerry Mayer, Annie Reiner and Lisa Phillips Visca, and solo artists Shelley Fisher, Doug Knott, Charlie Lustman, Sammy Shore and Renn Woods.
“I just wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for the class. It is beyond was I was expecting and right on target.” G. Giroux
“The classes at the Santa Monica Playhouse are excellent and very worthwhile.” Jennika Ingram
From Actors' Workshop® production "The Book of Faces"
Acceptance is by interview only and enrollment is limited.
For initial interview and free personal consultation and evaluation, please call 1-310-394-9779 ext 3 or email us.
For initial interview and free personal consultation and evaluation, please call 1-310-394-9779 ext 3 or email us.
“Your event was spectacular. Please do more!” Giuseppina Candia, Deputy Director, Istituto Italiano Di Cultura
"Our performers learned so much! Amazing!" Masa Ota, President, Model Language Studio, Tokyo
From Actors' Workshop production "Cancelled Checks and Balances"
Private Coaching
Work with internationally acclaimed director Chris DeCarlo to create your own personal coaching curriculum. What do you want to learn? In what areas do you want to excel? With Mr. DeCarlo’s guidance, you will create your own personal process, a toolbox of skills you can use in any situation, from initial audition to commercial to major on camera role. Choose from any or all of the following areas of concentration:
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Private coaching is a must for anyone who wants to excel in performance or at an audition. Just like a play needs a director – an outside eye - so too a performer needs a coach – a guide to enhance the actor’s innate talents, bringing them to rich and vibrant life, simultaneously offering practical skills that make the actor prepared, confident and fearless as they step into any audition or in front of the camera.
Mr. DeCarlo’s unique method is excellent for performers who are just starting out, performers preparing for an audition, or experienced performers who desire to fine-tune their skills, and prepares you for the real world of the set or the audition office, rather than the safety of a classroom situation. Coaching sessions offer comprehensive work on text, character and the creation of your own personal process, helping you to make the material your own, strengthening your intentions as you connect with the character all the while learning the skills and techniques necessary to make your own on-the-spot choices in front of a casting director, in rehearsal or on the set.
You may book coaching sessions for a specific role, an audition, or as a work-out.
Coaching is also available for attorneys, public speakers, politicians, business professionals, life coaches, educators - anyone who wants to enhance their communication and speaking skills and effect a change in their audience.
$100 per hour • $75 if booking 10 to 25 hours at a time • $65 if booking over 25 hours at a time
Call 310.394.9779 ext 3 or Email Us to schedule a session
Call 310.394.9779 ext 3 or Email Us to schedule a session
Learn more about how to be a part of our next tour to Japan or England.
Casting Opportunities
Although plays at Santa Monica Playhouse® are cast through open auditions, it is Playhouse policy to use serious workshop members whenever appropriate in order to give them the opportunity to bring their work to the stage and to apply their training in a public, professional setting. If you are currently enrolled, and would like to be considered for upcoming auditions, let us know.