Groundlings Classes Aren't Cheap!
Donation protected
As an actress in Hollywood, keeping my performance technique in shape is VERY important! Sometimes there are months between acting opportunities or even auditions, so regular skills practice through ongoing classes is the best way for actors to keep their talents sharp and ultimately be prepared when that NEXT big opportunity comes along.
One of the great breaks to come my way since moving to Los Angeles was getting into the Groundlings Improv Core Track Program for professional actors. Another is having received the invitation to participate in highly-respected Casting Director Ani Avetyan’s ongoing scene study class. Neither of these things is free or even cheap! And just living in L.A. is super expensive before trying to afford any tuition costs (rent on our 1 bedroom apt is $1200, not including utilities).
Earlier this year, I received a $200 Diversity Scholarship for my first Groundlings class, Basic Improv. Upon completing that class, I was granted another award to apply to the next class I take in the amount of $100. Here’s the thing, though. Groundlings classes are $510 each so, even with those scholarships, I still have to fund the bulk of the tuition.
There are 3 classes needed to complete the Groundlings Core Track, which are then followed by 2 more classes to complete the Performance Track. That’s IF I never have to repeat a class and, according to Groundlings registration statistics, 75% of their students are required to repeat at some point during the program. So Groundlings is a MINIMUM of $2,550 in tuition costs. If I, instead, join the ongoing scene study class with Ani Avetyan, the cost for that is $200 per month which is a total of $2,400 for a year of classes.
My Comedy Reel
It was August 2016 when I received notification of my second Groundlings Scholarship. I have a year from that date to use those funds so I’d like to register for my next class soon, preferably by November 30. Ani’s scene study class I can begin on the 1st of any month.
Being a professional actor is everything to me, a point of pride, and I was very fortunate to have a 15 year career in Charlotte, NC before moving to Hollywood. THIS city, however, is competitive in a way I’ve never experienced before in my life! Competition for each TV role, even those with only one line, tends to be in the thousands!!! The greatest advantage any actor can have in L.A. is the combination of strong skills, deep connections, and name recognition. Groundlings provides ALL THREE of those things. Ani’s scene study class would provide two of the three. Either would greatly increase my chances of being as successful in Hollywood as I was in my regional market.
Being able to continue my professional training through one of these avenues will keep me from becoming a has-been before my time! Do you know how thankful I would be for your help in meeting this goal? Very. That’s it. No spin, no manipulation, no desperation. Just the truth. I would be very thankful for your help and I hope that you will give it.
Thank you so much,
Shon Wilson
www.ShonWilson.com
My Drama Reel
One of the great breaks to come my way since moving to Los Angeles was getting into the Groundlings Improv Core Track Program for professional actors. Another is having received the invitation to participate in highly-respected Casting Director Ani Avetyan’s ongoing scene study class. Neither of these things is free or even cheap! And just living in L.A. is super expensive before trying to afford any tuition costs (rent on our 1 bedroom apt is $1200, not including utilities).
Earlier this year, I received a $200 Diversity Scholarship for my first Groundlings class, Basic Improv. Upon completing that class, I was granted another award to apply to the next class I take in the amount of $100. Here’s the thing, though. Groundlings classes are $510 each so, even with those scholarships, I still have to fund the bulk of the tuition.
There are 3 classes needed to complete the Groundlings Core Track, which are then followed by 2 more classes to complete the Performance Track. That’s IF I never have to repeat a class and, according to Groundlings registration statistics, 75% of their students are required to repeat at some point during the program. So Groundlings is a MINIMUM of $2,550 in tuition costs. If I, instead, join the ongoing scene study class with Ani Avetyan, the cost for that is $200 per month which is a total of $2,400 for a year of classes.
My Comedy Reel
It was August 2016 when I received notification of my second Groundlings Scholarship. I have a year from that date to use those funds so I’d like to register for my next class soon, preferably by November 30. Ani’s scene study class I can begin on the 1st of any month.
Being a professional actor is everything to me, a point of pride, and I was very fortunate to have a 15 year career in Charlotte, NC before moving to Hollywood. THIS city, however, is competitive in a way I’ve never experienced before in my life! Competition for each TV role, even those with only one line, tends to be in the thousands!!! The greatest advantage any actor can have in L.A. is the combination of strong skills, deep connections, and name recognition. Groundlings provides ALL THREE of those things. Ani’s scene study class would provide two of the three. Either would greatly increase my chances of being as successful in Hollywood as I was in my regional market.
Being able to continue my professional training through one of these avenues will keep me from becoming a has-been before my time! Do you know how thankful I would be for your help in meeting this goal? Very. That’s it. No spin, no manipulation, no desperation. Just the truth. I would be very thankful for your help and I hope that you will give it.
Thank you so much,
Shon Wilson
www.ShonWilson.com
My Drama Reel
Organizer
Shon Wilson
Organizer
Glendale, CA
