FAQ’s

You have questions. We’ve got answers!

Students must be 18 years of age or older.

In addition to class, all students must purchase Richard Lawson’s book, “The Artist’s Roadmap.”

Scene Study is an on-going, weekly class that meets in-person and virtually on Thursday from 6:00 – 10:00 PM (PST).

Kelly Tighe, an artist who has studied with Richard for well over a decade and has been trained to duplicate Richard’s teaching.

  • Utilizing our “Plan A/Plan B” approach, artists should expect to have multiple assignments during each quarter that will address and strengthen both prisms of their career.

Class meets on Thursdays from 6:00 – 10:00 PM (PST) both in-person and virtually.

The Richard Lawson Studios operates as a microcosm of the industry, so the policies in place are rules that you would encounter if you were to book a film, television show, or play.  For example:

  • Be the consummate professional.
  • Never be late. (You will be fired on the set)
  • Sickness is not an excuse. (If you were working for Steven Spielberg you would still show up. Richard Lawson missed 3 classes in 30 years)
  • Be prepared. (Having done your homework)
  • Never, ever leave class no matter what. (You wouldn’t leave the set, no matter how upset you were or what you had to do)
  • Talk to the stage managers if you have an upset or a problem.
  • If you have to leave early for industry work (and only industry work), communicate it before you arrive and reconfirm when you arrive.
  • Attendance is mandatory (Just like on the set). You may only miss class for industry work. If you miss class twice in a quarter for reasons unknown to the stage manager, then you go on probation or may be asked to start over and pick up where you first missed class.
  • Once you are enrolled, you are financially responsible for class even if you miss it.
  • No alcohol or drugs 24 hours before class.
  • All criticism should be checked at the door.
  • What happens in class stays in class.
  • Keep yourself well-fed and hydrated.
  • If you book work, fantastic! We want all of our students to work. If you are released in time for class, then you would come to class. If you book work that may result in you being late, inform your stage manager. Even if you are not sure if you will be late, it’s better to over-communicate. If you book work that will have you out of class longer than 4 weeks, then we would implement our Leave of Absence (LOA) policy.

The enrollment process starts with interviewing with one of the members of senior management.  While auditions can (sometimes) gauge a person’s talent, they do little to showcase the person.  So, we interview potential students rather than audition.  During the interview, we aim to learn about you and your journey and what you are looking for (which helps to determine the best course).  The interviewer will inform you of the best classes, prices, and policies.  If you agree, then enrollment proceeds with paperwork and payment.  Your start date is also discussed during the interview and a final email will come from the Registration department letting you know what is required for your first day.

In addition to bringing your headshot and résumé (if you have one), prior to your interview, review the following links.  They will provide you with pertinent information essential for a successful interview:

From time to time, directors, producers, and casting directors will reach out to the studio when they are looking for actors for a particular project.  We forward these to our student body.  We will also have guest speakers come to our classes or we will schedule special events with our guest speakers. Some past speakers have been director Oz Scott, writer Jeffrey Schecter, and actors Glynn Turman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Tyrese.

All payments are non-refundable.  However, if you sign up for class and are no longer able to participate, the payment can be applied to a future class or service.

Yes, you are financially responsible for class even if you miss class.  However, if you will be out of class for more than 4 weeks for industry work, we do have Leave of Absence (LOA) applications that must be submitted before you start working.  Once submitted, the LOA must be approved by the finance department and senior administration of the studio.  If your LOA is not approved, you will have to pay the tuition accrued.