There are a surprising number of professional acting schools in Los Angeles. Even when you take into account the high demand for good acting classes, the sheer amount of acting schools in Los Angeles is amazing. However, a lot of these classes are mediocre, and a lot of them are just plain terrible. A lot of "professional acting schools" are really just fly-by-night businesses run by out-of-work actors.

If you're looking for great professional acting schools, you've just narrowed your search tremendously. What makes a school great? Quite simply, the teachers. A school is only as good as its acting teachers.

Look for a teacher with a lot of experience, both as an actor, and as a teacher. You want someone who is just as passionate about teaching as he is about acting, if not more so. Look for a teacher who can direct, produce and write, as well as act. Look for testimonials and recommendations. Look for teachers who have a lot of working actors as their students.

You'll be able to tell the good from the bad immediately in class. A good teacher will never put you down. He'll demand a lot from you, but will never humiliate you or belittle you, as long as you are willing to work hard. This isn't a popularity contest and it isn't politics--it's class. A great teacher wants to get the best out of every single student, not just the most talented ones.

There are a great number of fine schools. But there are some whose only purpose is to take your hard-earned money. When considering a school or teacher, watch for the same warning signals that apply to talent agents and photographers. Like the phony agent, a school or teacher may ask for an exorbitant registration fee and demand that you have photographs taken by their photographer. Be suspicious of teachers who do not have legitimate credentials, or who "claim" to produce TV shows, movies, or theatrical productions. None of the unions representing performers will recommend any schools. You may want to contact one of the Community Colleges in your area for classes in theatre, radio or television.