Baron Brown Studio – Our History
Baron Brown is uniquely positioned in the Los Angeles acting studio community in that it has been the sole guardian of the pure, original Meisner Technique on the West Coast for over 50 years. Because of its adherence to the original technique, it has been a wellspring to produce gifted actors, writers, directors, and producers who bring their training and talent to all aspects of theater, film, and television.
Joanne Baron observed Sanford Meisner’s private class, having originally trained with renowned acting teacher, William Esper, the head teacher of Sanford Meisner’s Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City for over 14 years. William Esper eventually formed the William Esper Studio in New York City where Baron trained with him to act and subsequently trained to become an instructor. After several years teaching with Esper, she opened The Joanne Baron Studio in New York and several years later created the Baron Brown Studio in Santa Monica, California with her husband; writer/director, D.W. Brown.
Today, The Baron Brown Studio continues this legacy and is teaching the same body of work that Meisner and Esper taught: a specific training program designed to create an emotionally alive actor of depth, imagination, and truth. All those individuals who are inspired to train at the highest level in order that they may learn a craft intended to shed light on the truth of the human condition and at the same time experience an extraordinarily nurturing creative environment are encouraged and welcome to apply.
Since
1975
Contact the acting studio TODAY to find out more and schedule an interview!
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Not Just for Actors
Baron Brown not only coaches actors for their roles in their film and television and theatre, but also facilitates productions in many areas such as assisting with casting, reviewing screenplays and audition tapes, and suggestions for writers and other key production team members.
Baron Brown Studio training extends beyond actors, offering rigorous, professional coaching for writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, casting directors, agents and managers, musicians, costume designers and more —cultivating a collaborative, industry-ready creative community. Not only that, the Meisner Technique is capable of enhancing both professional and life pursuits, with relevant applications in areas such as public speaking, presentations, and customer service, to name a few.
The following are a few of our students from various disciplines:
- ACTORS: Halle Berry, Keanu Reeves, Jeff Goldblum, Julia Stiles, Leslie Mann, Kirstie Alley, Paul Walker, Robin Wright, Mariska Hargitay, Patrick Dempsey, and Michael Vartan
- DIRECTORS & PRODUCERS: Sam Raimi, Tony Scott, Martha Coolidge, Tom Shadyac, Justin Chon, Andrew Fleming, Robin Wright, Michael Rymer, Charles Matthau, Lexi Alexander, Halle Berry, and D.W. Brown
- WRITERS: Emmy Award® winner Anthony Yerkovich, Tommy Swerdlow, Rex Weiner, Bob Oschack, Rachel Sweet, Carole King, Jamie Kennedy, and Sherri Shepherd
- CASTING DIRECTORS: Meg Lieberman, Ross Lacey, and Jordie Kaler
- EDITORS: Cary Gries and David Rogers
- MUSICIANS: Mick Fleetwood, Kenny Edmonds (Babyface), Rick Springfield, Michael Bolton, Tarik Trotter (The Roots) Andy Allo, LaGita, LL CooL J, Amy Grant, and Belinda Carlisle
- COMEDIANS: Tommy Chong, Shelby Chong, Ari Shaffir, Freddy Soto, Nora Dunn, Marc Curry, Sherri Shepherd, and Jamie Kennedy
- DANCERS: Anna Trebunskaya, Bryan Tanaka, and Donna Wood
- HOSTS: Mark Steines, Sherri Shepherd, and Jenny McCarthy
- ELITE ATHLETES: Serena Williams, Rick Fox, Lou Ferrigno, Mitch Gaylord, Frank Shamrock, and Rickson Gracie
Meet Our Teaching Artists
At Baron Brown Studio we teach the original Meisner work, pure and unchanged, with two primary differences from any other studio stating that they teach the Meisner Technique. First, we keep the Bible of the Meisner work in its original integrity. The second difference is that we extensively and specifically train Baron Brown teachers to teach for several years after they train as actors, versus having students teach from their memory of their work from previous acting classes. These two differences set us and our students apart from all others. Our results reflect our extraordinary standards and practices.
Joanne Baron
Studio Founder
Joanne Baron is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Baron Brown Studio. She has been leading her world renowned Studio for over 45 years.
Ms. Baron is a master Meisner Technique teacher who trained under William Esper in his private studio in New York and subsequently became his first student invited to train to teach with him. Additionally, Ms. Baron observed Sanford Meisner‘s private class at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York . Miss Baron went on to open her own acting studios in New York and Los Angeles and for over 45 years has had 250 students annually and trained and overseen a teaching staff of 10.
Ms. Baron is also a highly sought after coach and has had the opportunity to work with artists such as academy award winner Halle Berry, Jeff Goldblum, Robin Wright, Kirstie Alley,,Mariska Hargitay, Paul Walker, and Patrick Dempsey among many others as well as with directors Sam Raimi, Martha Coolidge, Mimi Leder, and Michael Rymer.
Miss Baron has taught students internationally in France, Ireland, England, Germany, Israel and Italy.
Additionally, Ms. Baron is a highly recognized actress, writer, and producer who has performed on Broadway, and on Film and Television in over 150 productions.She is the recipient of multiple Best Actress Dramalogue awards and has also starred in and produced several Meisner improvised films, including Perfume with Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Williams and Allie and Me performing the title role. With her husband and Co owner of the Baron Brown Studio Ms. Baron created and starred in the series, Joanne Brown Is Here co- starring Robin Wright, Tarik Trotter, and Justin Chon.
Ms. Baron has written her autobiographical screenplay with Co-owner D.W.Brown titled There Once Was A Girl From Pawtucket which will star Baron Brown alumni Sherri Sheperd, Hana Mae Lee, Ms. Baron along with Rita Wilson, Eg Begley Jr. and June Squibb.
D.W. Brown
Co-Owner
D.W. Brown has been an actor, author, director, and teacher for over 40 years.
He trained as an actor with Joanne Baron in the Meisner Technique and subsequently trained to teach the Meisner Technique.
In his capacity as the head instructor of the Baron Brown Studio, Mr. Brown has personally coached and trained such talent as Robin Wright, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, Keanu Reeves and Sam Raimi, and led seminars with Sean Penn, Sydney Pollack, Anthony Hopkins, John Patrick Shanley, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, William Esper, Tom Shadyac, Susan Sarandon, and David Mamet.
He is the author of plays, screenplays and works of nonfiction. As a member at The Ensemble Studio Theatre for over 30 years, he’s been involved with numerous productions in Los Angeles (writing, directing and acting) as well as other equity theaters in the Los Angeles area.
D.W. Brown is the author of the two acclaimed acting instructionals: You Can Act: a complete guide for actors, and You Can Act: On Camera; also, the inspirational 2500 Years of Wisdom (all books published by MWP, publishers of The Writer’s Journey).
He wrote and directed the feature film On The Inside (starring Olivia Wilde and Nick Stahl), and the short films One Clean Move, Chloe, The Need For Flowers and Wrapper; and he’s directed and written numerous award winning theatrical productions in Los Angeles at The Ensemble Studio Theater and other theaters. He wrote the award winning theatrical play Fleas which starred alumni Jon Gries, Joanne Baron and himself, Porno Stars At Home starring alumni David Grieco, Lyndie Benson, and Joanne Baron which won multiple Dramalogue Awards, and created and directed the comedy web series Joanne Brown Is Here starring Jeff Goldblum, Robin Wright, Tarik Trotter, Justin Chon, and Joanne Baron. He also wrote and created the indie hit film Allie And Me which was selected for The Hollywood, Santa Barbara International, Maui, Singapore, Hamburg, MethodFest, and Vincent D’Onofrio’s River Run Film Festival where Joanne Baron won Best Actress for her performance as Allie.
His acting career spans decades and includes the iconic film, Fast Times At Ridgemont High the cult classic A Haunting In Connecticut, Perfume with Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Williams, along with many television appearances.
Tom Patton
Instructor
Tom Patton has taught for more than 35 years at Baron Brown Studio. As an actor, he’s worked with everyone, including Academy Award winning director Francis Ford Coppola (The Outsiders) and Academy Award Nominees Hugh Hudson (Lost Angels) and Phil Alden Robinson (In the Mood). Recently he has starred in the mini-series “The Adventures of Ranger Joe,” and been featured in such films as The Man from Nowhere and The Descent. He has taught and coached such stars as Patrick Dempsey, Paul Walker, Justin Hartley, and Hunter Doohan, and continues to train and coach actors making an indelible impact on the art and industry.
Elaine Williams
Instructor
Elaine Williams is a distinguished professional with more than three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, spanning film and television production, development, and performance. An accomplished and dedicated coach, she combines a deep understanding of the craft with an unwavering passion for storytelling and artistic truth.
As a Senior Acting Teacher at the renowned Baron Brown Studio, Ms. Williams is devoted to nurturing the next generation of actors, empowering them to explore vulnerability, embrace authenticity, and deliver performances that resonate with honesty and impact. Her commitment to excellence and creative growth continues to inspire artists to reach their fullest potential both on and off the stage.
Anne Dremann
Instructor
Anne Dremann is a Senior Acting Teacher at the Baron/Brown Studio and a leading authority on the Meisner Technique. Trained at the Baron/Brown Studio and mentored by Joanne Baron for more than three decades, Anne considers teaching both a privilege and the foundation of her artistic life.
Her Meisner, Audition Technique, Scene Study, and Private Coaching classes have guided hundreds of actors, directors, writers, and creatives toward truthful, instinct-driven performances for stage and screen. Anne has taught extensively across the United States and internationally, coaching artists throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and Canada.
A multifaceted creative, Anne has directed, produced, written, and performed in television, film, and theater. She spent five years as the on-set acting and dialogue coach for CBS’s Walker, Texas Ranger, collaborating with producers and directors, contributing to over 100 script rewrites, and writing one of the show’s highest-rated episodes.
Charley Boon
Instructor
Charley Boon is an actor, producer, and acting teacher, with a deep commitment to the craft of performance, stemming from his training in the Meisner technique. Charley’s extensive training includes invaluable vocal work with the late, renowned dialect coach Andrew Jack. In addition to his successful acting career, which includes notable roles in projects such as Netflix’s Mary, starring Anthony Hopkins, and Prime’s Synapse, written by Baron Brown alumni Adam Simon. He has been a respected instructor at the Baron Brown Studio in Santa Monica, California, for over 20 years. After completing a rigorous two-year acting training program, Charley dedicated an additional five years to mastering the art of instruction.
Charley Boon’s journey reflects a dedication not only to his own craft but also to nurturing the next generation of talent in the acting community.
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Vilo Del Rio
Instructor
Vilo Del Rio trained as an actor at the Baron Brown Studio over 20 years ago. After being an actor for numerous years, his passion for the Meisner technique led him to pursue instruction to teach at the Studio. Vilo is also a UCLA graduate and has greatly enjoyed teaching English and literature to youth over the years. His talent and dedication and decades long experience teaching make him an exceptional Baron Brown instructor.
Sharon Hogg
Instructor
Sharon D. Hogg is a master acting teacher and private acting coach with over 25 years of experience at the Baron Brown Studio, where she has taught since 1998. A devoted practitioner and master teacher of the two-year technique developed by Sanford Meisner, Sharon is known for her rare ability to guide actors toward emotional truth, deep listening, and profound human connection.
Sharon began her journey as a serious student of the craft, fully committed to life as an artist. As her understanding deepened, she made a defining decision to step away from pursuing her own acting career in order to become a teacher truly worthy of the title master. Her life’s work has since been dedicated to serving actors, not only in their technique, but in their personal and artistic evolution.
In addition to her long-standing role at Baron Brown Studio, Sharon offers private coaching for actors at all levels, supporting audition work, emotional preparation, and long-term artistic growth.
Mary Riley
Instructor
Mary Riley Itri first trained to be an actress with Joanne Baron. Her exceptional talent and commitment led to an invitation to train as a studio teacher. After several years of study, Ms. Itri joined the faculty at the Baron Brown Studio where she has been an acting instructor for over 35 years. She has dedicated her life to the arts, both as an educator and director. Ms. Itri created the theatrical program at The Stephen Wise School, where she has directed plays for more than 25 years. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to arts education, she was honored by the Milken Foundation.
Lisa Milillo
Instructor
Lisa Milillo trained as an actress with Joanne Baron subsequently starring in several films and television series before training to teach at the Baron Brown Studio. She has been teaching since the mid-1980s, giving generations of actors a strong foundation in craft and professional discipline.
Ms. Millilo had also been an Executive Producer at CBS, bringing firsthand industry experience into the classroom.
Additionally Ms. Millilo worked extensively as an on set acting coach for NBC, ABC Family, and numerous television series, collaborating closely with actors and production teams to support truthful, grounded performances.
Her work bridges the studio and the set, helping actors translate technique into clear, practical, and emotionally authentic performances under real production conditions.
David Stanley
Instructor
David Stanley graduated from Michigan State University and has been with the Baron Brown Studio since 1991. He has participated in the casting of major studio films and concept created the reality series “The Arrangement” on LOGO. He has launched the successful careers of actors, writers, and directors for decades through his commitment to excellence in the work and to producing the highest standard of professionalism.
Michael Frederick
Alexander Instructor
Michael Frederick started teaching the Alexander Technique at the Baron Brown Studio in 1984. He originally trained as an actor at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in the early 1970’s and then studied with Joanne Baron at her Los Angeles Studio in the 1980’s. He is a Master Teacher of the Alexander Technique with over 40 years of experience and a fully trained Meisner actor.
Patricia Fletcher
Voice, Speech, Dialect Coach
Patricia Fletcher has served as a Voice, Speech, Dialogue, and Dialect Coach for Broadway, Television, and Feature Films and has worked with many well-known professionals including: Harvey Keitel, Bradley Cooper, Ramy Joussef, James Spader, Laila Robins, Brian Dennehey, Lynn Redgrave, Jean Reno, Carla Gugino, Pablo Schreiber, May Calamawy, among many others. She has taught Dialects, Voice and Speech in a number of professional acting programs including: William Esper Acting Studio, Baron Brown Studio, Actor’s Studio Drama School, The New School for Drama, MFA Acting Program/New School University, Mason Gross School of the Arts MFA Acting Program/Rutgers University, Brooklyn College Graduate Acting Program and New Actors Workshop. Her textbook Classically Speaking: Dialects for Actors, Kendall Hunt Publishing, has become an industry standard. She has appeared as an actress on Broadway and Off-Broadway, is a Designated Linklater Voice Instructor, holds an MA in Voice and Speech from Antioch University, and offers group classes as well as extensive private coaching.
More Info:
http://www.patriciafletcher.com
The Meisner Technique
Sanford Meisner is one of the most important and influential acting teachers of the Twentieth Century. He defined acting as doing things truthfully under imaginary circumstances. By 1928, the most respected and influential theater company in American history formed called The Group Theater assembling such luminaries as Harold Clurman, Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Clifford Odets, Morris Carnovsky and Sanford Meisner. They were pioneers of what would become an American acting technique derived from the teachings of Russian actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski. The “Stanislavski System” inspired audiences with performances of raw power, realism, and emotional truth.
Meisner developed his acting technique using Stanislavski’s method. He believed one could effectively summon up the character’s thoughts and feelings through the concentrated use of the imagination and belief in the given circumstances of the text. The Meisner technique remains the most respected theatrical training in the world, renowned for its depth, reliability and balanced approach.
Sandy Meisner taught his technique at the legendary Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City for more than 50 years. His students included Paul Newman, Robert Duvall, Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Joanne Woodward, Steve McQueen, Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, and Sandra Bullock. Today, The Baron Brown Studio continues this legacy and is teaching the same body of work that Meisner taught: a specific training program designed to create an emotionally alive actor of depth, imagination, and truth.
William Esper passed away January 26, 2019. This legendary teacher was Joanne Baron’s greatest influence. His work lives on at his Studio in New York and the Baron Brown Studio in Santa Monica, California.
Since
1928
TESTIMONIALS
“We are so blessed to have Joanne, DW and all the wonderful teachers at the studio … keeping the truth of the Meisner technique alive and untainted. Not only have I learned how to live more truthfully under imaginary circumstances, I have learned to live more truthfully period.”
Kelly Noonan
Actress
“I absolutely love the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio: the professional atmosphere it maintains, the creative spark it generates and the warm, friendly karma it fosters. These elements are undoubtedly due to Joanne Baron and all the teachers experience, leadership and passion.”
Actor
“After finishing my 6th Television series and countless movies, I am in a state of reflection and constant awe at the amazing talent that has come out of your school. I remember the days well and just truly want to let you know that you all were the best part of this wonderful journey for me. The school, the late nights, repetition, the countless journals I have that chronicled it all! I have been blessed with 2 Best Actress nominations…from the last TV series I shot in Canada and I would love to share the nominations with you.”
Actress
“Even though I thought I would freak out working with major stars, somehow I did not and was completely relaxed and in the moment. I have been trying to figure this out, and I think it boils down to the simple fact that I have some of the best training you can get.”
Actor
“I have to say thank you, thank you, thank you for the Joanne Baron D.W. Brown Studio, with its knowledge and inspiration. Since the end of the first day of my six weeks class, my spirit woke in realization that in this big, cold city of thousands of acting classes, how lucky I am to have started your school. I am lucky and so is every student who has passed through your doors.”
Sarah Tadayon
Actress
“I would like to thank Joanne Baron for creating this nurturing environment for actors to develop their craft. Thanks to her we have the fortune of learning the brilliant Meisner technique in its intended form. Her meticulous eye for the truth of each moment opens our horizons to the endless possibilities we have in detailing the canvas of our art. Thank you for expecting us to illuminate every moment with truth and beauty; you open our eyes to the extraordinary potential of our art… D.W. communicates his teachings to us with respect and as a friend, with humor and good nature… He has endeavored to cultivate in us an unshakable artistic integrity… He is our constant reminder of the artistic heights to which we can aspire.”
Josh Saks
Actor
“Acting – the art of being human. Never has it been so clear and endlessly intriguing… Throughout the training we have been given a vocabulary for all the abstract ideas needed to discover the inner workings of a story. Whether we are writers, directors, film actors or stage performers – this language has made us natives in a formerly foreign world.”
Jocelyn Fee
Actress
“How lucky I was to have teachers that cared and believed in me so much to push me to my best… With all the blood, sweat, and tears, it was all worth it and probably one of the best journeys of my life.”
Sachandra Grandoit
Actress
“The training I’ve received here has not only revolutionized my acting, but has changed me as a person. When I started all I wanted was to better myself as an actor – but in the end I not only learned how to act from my soul and my heart, I broke down the walls that were holding me back in my life. Thanks for showing me the path to truth. Thanks for the gems of knowledge we received every class. I’ll always remember the lessons I learned here for the rest of my life.”
Actor, Writer, Producer
“I wish there were more stars to give! Not only has Baron Brown Studio stood the test of time, but its integrity has remained resolute. From a genuine conversation with Cody, the diligent office manager, to the incomparable Tom Patton, my first instructor — I have been blessed immensely. Tom Patton is an upstanding man and an amazing instructor. I’ve always loved the arts, but Tom ushered me into an elevated respect for the craft of acting — through discipline, moments, and the acknowledgment of self-imposed barriers. Thus far, this training has transformed me into a more present and alive actor — and, dare I say, a better human being. At Baron Brown Studio, craft and character collide in the most beautiful way. Thank you, Joanne Baron and D. W. Brown, for your vision and dedication!”
“This work has allowed us to access our talent and the part of ourselves that is bigger than our ego– the part that is generous beyond measure, and more loving and kind than we thought possible. The best part of ourselves, the brightest light we can shine forth, is revealed in the process of doing this work. In attempting to hold a mirror up to the true human condition, we’ve all first had to look deeply at our own reflections… The best thing we can do with our time is to get closer to the truth, and this place has afforded us the ability to get closer to artistic and personal truth.”
Elizabeth Hanson
Actress
“I realized that I did have something to say. I did have something to offer. I had myself, my voice, and my unique experience, and I realized I wanted that voice to be heard. Even if it could not do justice to the enormity of this journey, nonetheless, it is from the heart, it is my own, personal truth… Sanford Meisner once said that before he could teach someone to act, first he had to teach them to be a human being. And this, I feel, is one of the most profound lessons that anyone, actor or otherwise, could ever learn, and we are grateful to have been given the opportunity to learn so valuable a lesson.”
Manish Gupta
Actor
“To the teachers of the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio: You have taught us a way to see ourselves as we are–and to overcome that which conceals this truth from us. You’ve opened many a door to a world of love and respect for ourselves, each other, and other living beings. With the magic you bring, you’ve helped us turn fear into strength, ego into humility, and ourselves into artists, that we may illuminate the Truth, discover the beauty, and work hard at our craft.”
Amar Salgia
Actor
“The studio has changed me from a woman who acted in sound bites to someone who really learned how to listen, appreciate silence, take the attention off myself, and keep my attention on my work. The work here has taught me how to check my ego at the door, commit fully in the moment, and to act fearlessly. The Baron Brown Studio has the most disciplined, distinguished, passionate and compassionate educators of the Meisner Technique and will always serve as our artistic home. Now that’s a solid rock to stand on.”
Actress
“I have been in your six-week intensive class for all of five classes. After three classes we reached what had taken two months in another so-called Meisner class I had taken. I look forward to see where the path will lead in this training and I thank Joanne for taking time out of her busy schedule to make a difference in my training and inevitably my future as an actress.”
Tina Carston
Actress
“ I’ve trained with this studio for many years, and it remains the most raw and rewarding experience I’ve had as an actor. The work here has grounded my craft, giving me the tools to deliver consistent, truthful performances with precision and depth. The level of live inner work and authenticity cultivated at this studio is truly unmatched in Los Angeles. While many studios focus on advancing career actors, Baron & Brown guides you from the fundamentals all the way through the most advanced levels of performance and production. I’ve taken the full program twice and revisited the six-week and first-year courses multiple times. Acting is a lifelong practice, and whenever I’ve found myself feeling lost or stagnant, this studio has always reconnected me to the core of my craft — to truth, presence, and self. Special thanks to: Elaine, DW, staff, & Joanne.”
Patrick Hayne
“I have had the privilege of watching you teach for the past two years and let me just first say that I could watch you teach twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You have an endless energy and passion for the work and life that is truly inspiring. The list of things I have learned from you is infinite, however, there is one specific lesson that has changed my work and my life. You always say, ‘Put the work before yourself.’ This allows me to completely open myself up to critique so that I can endlessly grow and best serve my art. Knowing this gives me a license to relax and have the most fun with a performance… I look forward to growing as an artist and person with you in future Master Classes.”
Evan Dannemiller
Actor
“I left feeling inspired every day. I was continually impressed with your patience and the generous amount of time you spent with students… I thank you for maintaining such high standards with the Studio.”
Robin Hathaway
Actress
“I just wanted to thank you for such an enchanting experience with Master Class. My goodness, the time, energy, love, and wisdom you graciously share is a blessing from God and priceless… Thank you so much, Joanne, for your genius!”
Hana Mae Lee
Actress
“The Master Class changed my life and a week and a half after it I booked my first acting job; a co-staring role on Close to Home. I’ve also never had such a clear picture drawn of the work, or even acting, in my life.”
Actress
“A Casting Director attended our Master Class and after seeing my work decided to call me in for a project that she was casting for. A month after auditioning for the Director I booked the job. I got so much out of the Master Class and from listening to Joanne that I knew when I applied the work that it would only be a short time before I would see the results. Many actors auditioned, however when I applied the work and the notes that Joanne had given me it all fell into place.”
Scott Logan
Actor
“When Joanne began teaching again, I jumped at the chance to enroll in her Master Class…the experience somehow changed my perception of everything from script analysis to character interpretation to actions. I also found a new and powerful emotional life. It was a resounding success in learning and I was fortunate to be seen by one of the top directors in Hollywood and she called me in for an audition.”
David Green
Actor
“The Master Class is an inspirational learning experience that has changed my entire understanding of acting. It truly is a great place for us all to grow as actors and human beings. Joanne has such honesty and precision in her teaching, its no wonder the work is at such a high level. Thank you very much for helping me get representation.”
David Lloyd Smith
Actor
“I greatly benefited from this class as an actor — AND director. As a director, I feel I’m now better equipped for being able to identify a range of actors problems, articulate them, and provide specialized techniques to fix them. As an actor, I’m fortunate to be supporting a wife and two children, working full-time at this craft. However, Joanne immediately zeroed in on the one hang-up that could hold me back from breaking through to the next level, and gave me very specific steps I can take to overcome it. Unquestionably, she has an amazing command of all that is acting, and very inspired, honest, yet practical, methods for imparting her expertise. Highly recommended for the serious actor.”
Travis Davis
Actor
“I feel very lucky to have gotten to study at Baron Brown. Trying to find a reputable acting school, in any part of the country, is extremely difficult but it’s hard to beat Baron Brown’s reputation and track record. If you want to learn, in my opinion, the most effective and intuitive acting method there is, you won’t find a better place to do it in Los Angeles. But on top of the Meisner method itself, I feel that I gained a tremendous confidence in myself and my work through the difficulty and rigorous nature of the program. I can’t overstate the importance of confidence like that. It isn’t a cockiness, but a self-assuredness that I could be dropped into any set or stage, and feel that I know myself and my work well enough to be able to thrive and not second guess my being there. I owe so much to the school and Tom Patton, who has taught me more about acting in the last two years than I thought would have been possible. Thank you all.'”
Carlo Morelli
“I just want to let you know that I have been so inspired from the school and from your Master Class. I have never believed in myself more than I do now-and I owe it all to the Studio and your class. I am definitely planning on doing the Master Class. You are an amazing woman Joanne and an inspiration to all women. I have definitely learned more here than I did in Film School for 4 years. Thank you for your open heart and brilliant mind!”
Jean Fletcher
Actor
“I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciated the Film Master Class. As an individual who has only done stage work, the idea of film was a bit intimidating but because of the past weekend, I feel I can approach it. I am so blessed to have stumbled upon this Studio. For me, this school, these teachers, this work has made all the difference. Thank you.”
Marci Miller
Actress
“Thank you so much for your teaching, guidance, and direction during Master Class. I learned so much…Every day I am grateful to learn at the Baron/Brown Studio and learning from you directly was the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you for being so generous with us.”
Dana Hunt
Actress
“D.W., Thanks once again for the inspiration, insight and support. It’s not surprising, but it’s been a profound experience for me. Thank you for your continuous mentorship; you elevate my art.”
Bryan Bellomo
Actor
“Even under the pressure of continuous shots, frequent camera moves, and a live audience, the actors remained calm and focused under D.W.’s always brilliant direction. Even sitting in the audience we gained a fresh perspective as we all watched on the big screen the most subtle of emotions come to life. I hope this Master Class is repeated at least once or twice each year. D.W. and Joanne make a formidable team!”
Stephan Paternot
Producer
“DW Brown’s Master Class was a momentous experience. I learned so much about the details of film acting. I soaked in so much more because he speaks our Meisner language. It was awesome! Thank you so much!”
Cat Lee McGowan
Actress
“Thank you so much for all your wisdom, insight, and advice. This Master Class was such an enjoyable experience and truly educational. Your words to me were truly invaluable and I took them to heart. You are such an inspiration to me with both your talent as a teacher and actor. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you and learn from you. There are really no words to describe the impact you’ve had. Thank you…so, so much.”
Jayme Lynn Evans
Actress
“Thank you so much for a wonderful master class! I learned so much from you. I appreciate all of your time and effort in making me a better actress. You opened me up to feelings and emotions I never knew I had. This Master Class was such a great experience for me! You truly are magic!”
Katie Gill
Actress
“Every chance I get to be in your presence, I am always uplifted, of course, and transformed in some way. This time has been particularly special. I’m sure you can guess. You mean so much to me and I think it’s impossible for me to respect anyone more than I respect you. Art is big and we are small and I and the world are blessed to be led, taught, inspired, shaken, awoken, and love by someone like you. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for everything.”
Actress
“I learned so much from this last Master Class. Just the fact that I learned that I can truly believe in my own work ethic is a gift enough from the training, the gift I am the most grateful for the most of all. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, again, again: the school has given me hope, clarity and really truly has been the best transition into adulthood I could have ever asked for. Thank you forever.”
Sarah Tadayon
Actress