TESTIMONIALS – LA

I have been a working actor since 1999. The only reason for this is because of privates and acting class with Bill Howey and Carla Howey. As an actor it’s hard to have someone hold up a mirror and show you your acting flaws, as a man it’s even harder, and when those people holding up the mirror is your father and mother, it can be down right harrowing. I’ve basically been in class all my life and sometimes I’ve strayed. Not because it was too close for comfort but because of my attitude. I didn’t have the balls to look at my bad choices. My dad and mom has taught me that confronting those bad choices and habits is the only way to get…

Having studied with many acting coaches in Los Angeles I feel as if I have really found a home in Bill’s class. I not sure that there is any way someone can tell you how act. It has been my experience that through a dedication to the craft and a willingness to risk that my work has become more personal and expressive. That’s what I have been able to do in Bills class. As an actor, being able to get up on stage once a week and work with a piece of material has been invaluable. Bill has an amazing ability not to direct or tell you what to do or, “How to Act,” but leads you on a journey to make the work truthful,…

I came to Bill Howey after I kept hearing him recommended by working actors.  Now that I have taken his class, I understand why.  Bill has pushed and challenged me to become a more personal actor.  His emphasis on repeating scenes with different approaches has allowed me to better make adjustments in a short period of time; a skill that has proved invaluable to me at auditions and on the set. Television: Kevin on The League (2009-2016,) Guest Star on Me, Myself and I, Guest Star on New Girl (2016), Steve on Daddy Knows Best (2013,) Kyle on Love Bites (2011,) Outsourced (2011,) State of Romance (2009,) Seth on Samantha Who? (2008-2009.) Series regular on ABC’s Big Day (2006-2007.) Feature Films: Superbat on Avengers of…

I met Bill right after wrapping Saving Grace. 
He didn’t waste any time giving me an attitude adjustment. 
His candor inspires me to keep the channel open. 
Whether you’re a beginner or a series regular, Howey will cut to the chase… TV: Twin Peaks (2017) Grimm, recurring (2016) Chicago P.D. (2014-2015) “Branch” on LONGMIRE – 3 seasons (2012-2014,) Awake (2012,) Butch Ada on Saving Grace (2007-2010,) Guest Star on White Collar (2012,) Sean Everett on Damages (2011,) 
Recurring roles on: Miami Medical (2010,) Castle (2009,) Criminal Minds (2007,) Ugly Betty (2007,) Watch Over Me (2006-2007,) Las Vegas (2005,) As The World Turns (2003-2004,) Buffy Vampire Slayer 1999-2000. And many guest starring roles. Features: Tao of Surfing (2016), No Beast So Fierce (2015), Sex, Death and…

The great thing about Bill is no matter what level you’re at, he can always zero in on whatever few changes you need to make to get better. Then, with those problems fixed, he turns his attention to new ones, so you’re always working on something manageable while never ceasing to be challenged. It’s a deeply personalized approach that’s highly effective. When I started working with Bill, I knew basically nothing about acting. And week after week he took me to the place where now I’m getting work and feeling confident about myself as an actor. Credits: Mulaney (2014-2015), The Awesomes (2014-2015) Writer/Co-Producer- Nathan for You -7 episodes (2013,) Pretend Time (2011,) Jon Benjamin Has a Van – 10 episodes (2011,) Important Things with Demetri Martin – 17 episodes- (2009-2010, ) 2010…

My other classes were more concerned with how a scene should look. Bill is more concerned with creating a more versatile, confident actor. This class has already turned many of my acting flaws into strengths and I feel confident breaking down any script now. I’m a way better actor since I started training with Bill. TV  Self: Netflix Original – Double Negative (2017) What’s Your F@#Cking Deal?!?! (2016) Paid Regular (2015), Conan (2015), Adventures in Comedy (2015), Getting Doug with High (2014-2015), Delivery (2014), Comedy Underground with Dave Attell (2014), This Is Not Happening (2013-2014), Adrenaline Junkie (2013), Brody Stevens: Enjoy It! (2013), The Naughty Show (2011-2013,) Air Shaffer: Passive Aggression (2013,) The Green Room with Paul Provenza (2011,) Just For Laughs (2011,) HBO-Down and…

Bill is not only a great teacher and coach, but he is also a wonderful human being, who cares very deeply about his clients. His studio has afforded me a place where I can stretch and make big, bold moves in scenes.  His emphasis has always been to make my work more personal.  I also love that the scenes in class are unrehearsed.  It has really shown me the benefits of not playing it safe and helped me delve into the places that scare me. Main Company member Groundlings Theatre TV: Breaking Legs (2015), Aquarius (2015), Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2013-2015), Mike Tyson Mysteries (2014), Henry Danger (2014), The Hub (2014), Mad Men (2013-2014), Trophy Wife (2014), Hawaii Five-0 (2014), Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013) Alan…

When I first came to Bill Howey, I was feeling stuck, disconnected and uninspired.  He immediately tapped into what was missing from my acting and from ME and has re-invigorated what was becoming very dull.  He can cut through all the “crap” and get to the heart of what’s missing while forcing you to think and discover on your own. His classes have a truly creative atmosphere where there is no pressure to “perform” but where you have the freedom of discovery. He has helped me to re-invent myself as an actor and instill confidence in myself and my craft. Features: Getaway (2013,) Bad Parents (2012,) Batman Forever (1995) Many Independent Films Television: General Hospital (2014-2016) Guest Star on Blue Bloods (2013,) Guest Star on How…

Because of a hectic schedule, it is unfortunately difficult for me to commit to one of Bill’s regular evening group sessions. Instead, I opt to work with Bill privately at every opportunity. Bill makes great use of the time and has me approaching every scene with confidence and knowing it is from the right direction. Self: Contributor to The Daily Show. TV Movie: I’m Dying Up Here (2016), About A Boy (2013,) Tax Man (2010) Television: Andy on About A Boy (2014-2015), Lucifer (2016) Fresh Off the Boat (2016),American Dad! (2014) Gregg on Free Agents (2011,) Pretend Time (2010,) Recurring on Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-2010,) A Very Funny Show (2009,) Dennis Lopez on Gary Unmarried 2008-2009,) Happy Hour (2008,) Jesus on Welcome To The…

Simply put, Bill Howey’s class has changed my entire acting career. I have been a working actor in Hollywood, making a living for almost ten years, and in the short time since I started Bills’ class I have booked more jobs and had more auditions. Bill’s class has, for the first time, given me a pragmatic approach to gaining the skills an actor needs, and the confidence and experience to apply them to my auditions. In addition Bill’s class has made me more accountable as an actor and more focused and serious about the craft of acting. The combination “The Actor’s Menu” text with the practical application of the class has made me more confident and decisive in my auditions. Which has simply led to…

Bill Howey  is not only made me more confident in my work as an actor, but also made look deeper within myself, to find the truthfulness in all my work. Bill has a genuine care and knowledge for the craft, and a very insightful approach to the material. His teaching technique is very unique, like no other teacher I have studied with before. He makes you be who you are, and bring that to the work in every scene and because of that, I have become a much better artist. I can take his approach and incorporate it in my auditions as well as my every day life. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0785517/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm TV:  Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2014), Ray Donovan (2013) Two In (2013,) Recurring on Blackout (2012,) Guest…

It’s hard to articulate how truly helpful Bill’s guidance has been over the years. He’s made me believe that when it comes to making emotional or behavioral choices in a scene, I am enough – there is no need to push or force or conjure up something that simply isn’t there. Stillness, trust and commitment are sometimes all you need. He brought the joy of acting back into my life, which I will be forever grateful for. The most important lesson Bill has taught me is to let it go, really really let it go, right out of the gate. After years of training, too much perfectionism and way too much self doubt, Bill instilled in me the confidence to own my weirdness – my…

Many acting teachers pick up the actor and place them on the path.  Bill Howey gives you the flashlight and the map, then allows you to find the path on your own. I take class to learn.  There’s something to be said about that in this terrific field in which we endeavor.  It wasn’t always that way.  I used to go to class to wow and affirm myself as a good actor.  Quickly I learned that being a good actor is more than just looking for the approval and claps from your peers, it’s in the journey you take for yourself, not others.  I learned that in Bill Howey’s class.  Another valuable lesson I have absorbed in my time with Bill is the measure and freedom…

Bill has taught me one of the most important aspects of acting: STILLNESS! It has made my life as an actor so much easier. This past year he has coached me for one of my biggest jobs to date and I cannot thank him enough. He is so dedicated and always there when I need him last minute. I can tell he truly loves coaching and is passionate about helping his students. When I leave Bill’s studio after a coaching I feel much more confident in the choices I’m making. My objectives and understanding of the scene is much clearer. THANK YOU. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1024107/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Features: Vice (2015,) The Master (2013,) Broken City with Mark Wallberg and Russell Crowe (2013,) Gangster Squad (2012,) We Are What We…

I trained for many years as an actor, and thought I had hit my peak because I was getting some consistent work. I didn’t think there was anything left to learn. I hadn’t taken a class in ten years. Then I realized I hadn’t hit a peak but a plateau and was not growing at all. I was acting to get jobs, and not acting because I loved it, or because it made me feel excited or connected. Taking class with Bill was the smartest thing I’ve ever done for my growth as an actor. From the very first meeting, Bill gave me permission to be honest as an actor. That sounds simple but I’d found that impossible and unnecessary until then. I had always…

Bill Howey is the real deal. This man has an uncanny ability to address actors on an individual level as it pertains to his/her journey of the acting craft. His class makes you feel as if you’re in a private, one-on-one session despite the fact that there may be 10 other students at any given time. He addresses actors on a personal level, which allows for great growth and career advancement. Bill Howey understands that acting must come from a very real, genuine, sincere place within. His class is structured in such a way that actors are forced to look deep within and share in a safe and caring environment, where risks are taken and magic is made. Bill’s class is challenging in the most…

I absolutely love this class! I took some classes when I first got to LA and they just felt like I was another sheep in the heard. Bill does not talk about your type, your agent, your IMDB, your marketing materials, your eye line, your marks or your manager. He does not direct you on how to do a scene. If you want technical camera training or a 123 step audition technique this class is not for you. This class is hard. It is challenging. It is revealing. You will be vulnerable in this class. You will be uncomfortable in this class. You will GROW in this class. I have learned far more about myself as an actor in this class than all my other…

As a new student to Bills’ class I have quickly realized the importance of having an acting teacher in ones life.  It keeps you fresh and always on your toes regarding your craft, acting. Bill Howey’s Acting studio provides an environment that is not only fun, but serious and professional.  Bill is interesting and insightful, in his critique of you as an actor. I highly recommend this class for anyone who is seriously considering acting as a profession. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1101505/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Film: Tomato Soup, (2015), Living the Dream (2014), Contracted (2013) Bar America (2013,) Safe Driver (2013) TV: Clark and Michael (2006,) Camp Candy – 7 episodes (1990-1992.) Self: Biography: John Candy – as Son (2010.)

Bill Howey’s Acting Studio has significantly changed my perspective as an artist.  I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have found him and Carla, and am grateful every time I attend class to experience something new.  Before working with Bill, I was overly methodical about my scene preparation, to a point where it only existed in my head and not my heart.  Bill’s humble, comical, and tough love approach has already begun to shape me into the actress I’ve always wanted to be.  I am learning to be present, focused, and an open channel for whatever may come through.  The magic I’ve experienced in class has also already found its way into my professional life.  I’ve booked my first two network jobs in…

Bill has raised my game to a whole new level. Since starting his class I have worked non-stop professionally and my booking percentage has been 100%. I don’t like teachers who “sugarcoat” feedback. I like truth and honesty. If an actor can’t handle the truth about their skill and what needs to be worked on then they are in the wrong business. Bill uses a straight-in-your-face approach without being rude, mean or condescending. He cares about all his actors and truly wants the best for us. I don’t always have the luxury of experimenting on the set or in an audition so I find the structure of Bill’s class gives me the freedom to experiment, opening new doors of creative thought. Class has truly helped…

It feels like what Bill creates in class is really just a room of mirrors. He forces us all to look deeper…  To see not just the good or the bad but the complex and even ugly sides of ourselves. Then he helps us to fully embrace if not totally understand each of those sides. After that, creating a believable character, telling a compelling story and finding the proper tone of a scene all seem easy. Film: Who’s Driving Doug (2016), Lead – What Would You Do? (2013,) Stand Down Soldier (2013,) Bolden (2013,) The  Coalition (2013,) Louis (2010,) Silent Scream (2005,) Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003,) Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003,) D.E.B.S. (2003.) TV Series: Recurring: Code Black (2015) Guest Star: Living It…

From the moment I walked into Bill’s class I was instantly hooked. But I’ll be honest I was scared to take this class. Yep, even an actor can be scared to act. I have a big personality and in my early days with Bill found myself pushing too much. Each week in class I would be challenged, push and supported. Bill helped me to stop acting and just be! Be still, be myself and be captivating. So for me, less is more and more powerful. Bill and Carla together have helped me become a more confident actor. The key is to stick with it, be honest with yourself and have patience. I will always recommend Bill and Carla to any new or seasoned actor. They…

I came to Bill Howey’s class at the recommendation of a friend and I’ve really come to feel at home here. Bill is really direct with his students and never sugarcoats anything which I like.  I’ve been to classes where the instructors will just tell you you’re fabulous even if it’s not true which is a complete disservice to an actor. Bill challenges me every week to not just rest on what I know that I’m capable of doing, but to go that extra mile and push myself above and beyond.  Along the way, I’ve discovered how to take more risks and to not be stuck in just one way of doing a scene.  I’m encouraged to really think outside the box and to come…

As in anything a strong foundation is of the upmost importance. I studied with Bill Howey 30 years ago and still use techniques he taught me. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0377462/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Since 1985 Sam Hennings has appeared in a wide variety of films, television shows and stage productions including: the leading role in The Work and the Glory, 1,2 and 3; Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, with Leonardo DiCaprio; Havoc with Anne Hathaway; Stolen, starring Jon Hamm; Ten Tricks with Lea Thompson; Drop Zone with Wesley Snipes; Shout with John Travolta; Seasons of the Heart; Point Last Seen with Linda Hamilton; The Hank Gathers Story with George Kennedy; Gideon Oliver with Lou Gossett; The Magnificent Seven, 24, CSI, ER King Pin, E-Ring, Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Event…..

I came to Bill full of frustration. Going from coach to coach and never really finding my groove as an actor. He has a keen eye for detail and has taken my acting to a level of depth I didn’t know possible.  His dedication to his students is something I have never experienced before. He truly does care about helping you.  Now, I’m booking jobs and working…thanks to Bill! Features: Santa Switch (2013) Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightening Thief  (2010,) Cutting Room (2006,) Saved by the Rules (2003.) TV: Hot in Cleveland (2014) Recurring on Days of Our Lives (2011,) Guest Star on Perfect Couples (2011,) Guest Star on 90210 (2010,) Melrose Place (2009,) Samantha Who? (2008,)  How I Met Your Mother (2006)

I have never been in a teachers presence where it was OK to not be OK. Where you can take a good look at the parts of yourself that you hide, mask, shame, reject, judge, just because some one, some where decided to reject you out of their own view of insecurities. Turns out those parts… are the core of your talent. The greatest things about you. Your precious vulnerability. The thing that will bring you a part of a lifetime. Bill encourages you to trust that part, that raw vulnerability and release it in a very personal way that will effect the audience like never before. Doesn’t get much better. That’s what the work of Bill Howey and his book do for me. A…

Bill has encouraged me to explore.  In his class I have the opportunity to work a scene several different ways and learn from my successes and my failures.  Bill knows how to balance being critical with being supportive to help an actor improve their skills.  Most helpful to me is that even when I do well, Bill pushes me to do better.  When we discuss my performance we not only discuss what has worked, but we also discuss what has not worked.  He’s created an environment in his classes that encourages me to reach further, and reminded me that to be affective as an actor I must affect the viewer.  Taking Bill’s class has given me the skills and confidence I need to audition and…

Here is the thing about Bill… He has helped me to trust myself which has allowed me to be myself. In other words he has helped me to stop “acting” the part and to start being the part. Having had a dozen different coaches in as many years to find a workshop like this is a rarity. Features: Fatal Pulse (2015), Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey (2015), Hedda Gabler (2014), The Gods of Garbage (2013), Chapel Perilous (2013)Tranzloco (2013,) Sons of Garbage (2013,) Five Decapitations (2012,) Shoot That Rat (2012,) I Love You, I Love You Not (1996,) Camp Stories (1997,) Harvest (1998,) Drive Me Crazy (1997,) Rain (2001,) The Deep Dreamless Sleep (2006,) Luck to 3 (2009,) Dead Pussy (2011) TV: Gun (1997)

I am so grateful to have found Bill’s class.  He has undoubtedly changed me as a person and as an actor.  Bill is passionate and honest.  With his direct approach there’s no fluff; he just gives it to you straight and I respect that.  I believe it enables you to grow. Rather than tell you what’s missing or direct you, he gets you to think and leads you to making discoveries on your own.  Discovering things for yourself allows you to own it and you’re then able to apply it on your own in auditions and on set which is invaluable. Bill challenges you to push yourself beyond what you even think you’re capable of.  He gets you to explore deep within yourself and tap…

When I first walked into Bill Howey’s acting studio I had no idea what to expect. I had taken a few years off from performing and I was anxious, excited, and a bit scared to be quite honest. From the moment I stepped on stage, I knew this wasn’t going to be a cake walk.  Bill is honest and challenging and never lets you stop working even when a scene goes well. You discover that you can always do more and by looking deep within yourself, you can find new and different ways to make the character truthful and affecting.  This class is not for actors looking to hear how good they are. This is a class for actors who want to improve their craft…

Television and film sets constantly throw you curve balls. Things never go exactly how you’d want them to go and that is exactly what Bill prepares you for. He helps you be honest in a scene when you think you don’t know what you’re doing. Bill has taken me out of my head and put me in the situation I want to be in, which is on set. Bill will never say you were good or bad. You either move people or you don’t, you are either real, or you retreat to a safe “actor” place. You decide what you do and how you do it and he’ll tell you if it worked and why it worked or didn’t. No directing! No bullshit!! No holding…

Bill Howey’s class brought up my booking ratio for voice over work. Sure, his class is exclusively for on-camera scene study, but I discovered more emotion, more play, and more truth that I could bring to my auditions. His process, based on his book The Actor’s Menu, interrupted my capable auditioning habits and made them immediate and personal. Watching the other actor’s grow brought me to a better place, too. A warning, though: this is not a class where “all you do” is show up to get results – it’s a very active class, and I have to do the work weekly. I am challenged to explore the scenes, find more dangerous choices, and play with different takes on the same scene. It has increased…

I’ve studied and audited so many classes in Los Angeles. I was so tired of hearing the same thing “you’re great, that’s perfect.”  I mean if that were true I’d be booking left right and center…right? I audited Bill’s not sure what to expect, what I found was more than I could have wished for. I right away felt a shift in my work and in auditions. With Bill and Carla’s help I’ve become a stronger artist. The thing I love about Bill is his no nonsense work attitude. I don’t go up there and hear “that was perfect just great!” but I am questioned “how did that feel? is there another way to do it?” He doesn’t sit there and tell you how to…

Bill Howey has given me incredible strength and courage as an actor. By not allowing me to have any false moments, he has pushed me to places in my acting that I didn’t know I could go. He has allowed and encouraged me to be myself 100%, and I have been able to bring myself to each role without fear. I now walk into auditions excited and ready as opposed to nervous and self-conscious. Because I have had a safe space to take risks, I am able to take that into the real world. And the risks I’ve taken have reaped many rewards. I often encourage actors who feel stuck or uninspired to take Bill’s class, because it has quite simply changed my life. Film:…

I like that Bill always challenges you to explore those areas of acting that sometimes go unrefined. He makes it easy to let go of little hangups that can constrict your instrument. Bill tells it how it is. There isn’t time or need to sugar coat things and pleasantries are nice but getting to work is nicer. We are constantly challenged to think in class, not be blindly directed.  I appreciate his specific approach to each actor; he has developed a relationship with each of us so we each get a personalized analysis suited to our own process. I learned that I hold on to a lot of insecurities in my acting, I didn’t know that before and I didn’t know that it translated to…

The road I took to get to Bill’s class was filled with a lot of doubt and insecurity.  Clearly not the way to become a good or successful actor.  Joining his actor sanctuary has been the best move I’ve made, so far, in my career. The way Bill approaches the craft is unique in the sense he lays clues for you to find and use to become a more intuitive actor.  Forcing you to think and, hopefully, understand ways to reach the emotional fulfillment of a character on top of finding multiple options for playing the role.   Also, his focus on “stillness” has helped me to understand “less is more” by filling that space with feeling not movement.  I’ve learned that experimenting with a character…

What I like about Bill is that his class is centered around your individual growth and experience. I feel like there are other classes out there where students believe their biggest priority is to please the teacher. They make all their choices around “not irritating the teacher” without taking into account their own perspective. Bill’s class is not like that at all. His class focuses on your unique journey and perspective. He fosters an environment where his students realize that the strongest choices are the personal ones. This has helped not only in my acting but in other creative endeavors. TV: The Birthday Boys (2014) Marry Me (2014) Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2014) The New Normal (2013) Electric City (all 9 eps 2012) Community (2011) Film:…

Dear Bill, I’ve been studying with you for about 18 months and have felt myself grow immensely as an actor and as a person in that short time. I recently attended a theatre audition where casting was seeing people in thirty-minute blocks for cold reads. I found myself on stage working with both the director and the writer for almost two hours, reading four different characters. Later that night, the director called to say that the production team wanted to offer me the lead role—no call­backs nor waiting to finish the next day’s auditions necessary. He said he’d never before seen anyone in an audition consistently and fearlessly hit so many varied nuances. I credit all that to the work I’ve been doing with you….

Bill Howey is an empowering acting coach.  He encourages personal growth and truthful acting by creating a workshop with a creative, challenging, and honest teaching style.  I feel very blessed to have him as my acting coach and trust in his ability to coach me prior to auditions and in a weekly workshops. These workshops are where I continually stretch my boundaries and create more alive characters because of Bill’s guidance.  If you are joining Bill’s class, prepare to be equally inspired and challenged and be prepared to fall in love with the craft of acting! http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5878446/ Film: The Ghost and The Whale (2016) What’s Uptick? (2014) Duke (2013) Nostalgia (2007) Video: Lead on Funeral Flirt (2008) TV: Busted – Animal Planet

Bill Howey has been my compass in this town as an actress. Without him I have no idea where I would be.  My drive, my ambition, my curiosity, my elegance, my grace, my way of speaking, all has to do with this man. I came into this business like a scared little mouse with drive but no sense of direction, which is a lot more then some can say in this industry. But thank God that I found a teacher who has been with me through thick and thin. I am a strong, talented actor because of this man. Bill has taught me to STAND UP for myself, to OWN my voice, to uncover MY STORY and to walk into the fire with no fear….

Each time I work with Bill Howey, I am reminded of the main reason I wanted to be an actor… to play and play fully, bringing the truth of characters to life. Bill Howey has a gift of giving the actor permission to explore and take risks, putting power back in their own hands.  He has reminded me of the big picture— the story, rather than my part. Looking at scenes from all angles, Bill encourages me to make it personal, open my heart and let my uniqueness shine. I am better able to be truthful and spontaneous, have fun and affect others, rather than trying to get it right, thanks to Bill Howey. Let the adventures begin! http://www.imdb.me/rockybonifield Self: Fernwood 2 Night (1977) TV:…

I studied acting with Bill Howey for approximately two years in Burbank, CA, and emerged from his workshop a markedly stronger actor. Bill does not coddle his actor students: he takes them from the point at which they are and pushes them to grow beyond that point. He neither indulges over-confidence or complacency nor allows you to maintain self-defeatist attitudes toward the work and toward yourself. Bill persists in his efforts to remind you of your ability to arrive at the point at which you are communicating to an audience that message or character essence that you have been intent on communicating from the outset. He did so for me and it was effective. Bill made me examine my inclination to over-analyze the script and…