Doug Warhit On-Camera Cold Reading & Scene Study

I have only had a couple private sessions with Doug followed by auditing his class, but I have gained enough insight to be able to add an introductory review. Someone here commented that Doug is «extremely intelligent». That isn’t an overstatement. Doug has to be one of the most quick-​witted and insightful people I have encountered. He’s the man you meet that you tell all your friends and family about and imitate. («GOOD. Excellent. You understand? You get what I’m saying?») in his signature strong voice. Doug is who you remember when you’re older and you look back at your acting days and smile fondly when you think of the influence he had. I imagine him being the type who has little patience for people’s incompetencies (that they refuse to change) because he’s so QUICK. He «gets it». Razor sharp focus on you and calls things as he sees them, simultaneously making you feel that he’s doing it out of love and the urge to see you be your best. When you experience this «type» of teacher (aka HUMAN– no phoniness) it would be very hard (to me, anyways) to transition to someone who is more «fluffy». Doug is not only an acting coach, but a life coach and psychotherapist. He’s a powerhouse of an individual and I wish every actor and/​or person in need of personal growth could cross paths with him.

I love Doug, he’s such a good-​hearted guy that really cares about his actors and wants everyone to be happy. His style is a hybrid of all sorts of techniques and so there’s always a way to benefit from going to his class. I felt very comfortable talking to him about my trouble areas and he was always an email away if I needed. I also made some really close friends in his class.

Doug is really my go-​to coach in LA. He’s direct and intuitive, and asks he right questions to make you dig deeper and become more authentic and more interesting to watch. He’s extremely fair when it comes to class rates, missing classes, etc. I honestly feel at home in his class. Like I’m at home being taken care of and not being dealt BS and wasting my money. I love this guy and hope to train with him for many years to come.
I want to echo Jessica T’s review to the max —
«Doug doesn’t waste anybody’s time.
His critiques are very direct and spot on (in my opinion)
He works with what you give him. If you truly care, he cares. He is a VERY fair person.
He is so talented at pinpointing specific problem (s) of each student and provides an appropriate solution. Extremely intelligent and quickly understands complexity of the characters and writing.
He is one of the funniest people I know. He has such a great sense of humor and love the way he incorporates it into his teachings. If Doug spent any time in class talking about himself, like many other teachers like to do, it would without a doubt be fascinating/​entertaining. BUT, he doesn’t, because he makes the class about YOU.
Doesn’t matter what stage you are at in your acting career, you will grow. He works with each student at their own level. Price and make-​up policy are very reasonable. He truly cares about his students and goes out of his way to help.
I feel tremendous improvement since I’ve started working with Doug. One of the first major things I noticed was how much more confident I have gotten. I also find myself much more relaxed when I’m working.
Also, the students in Doug’s class are there to work. Not to show off the latest fashion trends. It’s great.»

Doug Warhit quite simply changed my life in a profound way, both professionally and personally. I was really floundering in my acting career when I found Doug, and I was able to reinvent myself, get rid of actor self-​sabatoge, and really hone in on my craft in a meaningful way. I love the format of the class with the mix of cold reads, scene study, and a showcase every month. I got called into a producers session for CSI from a particular showcase, so the guests are totally legit. And you are encouraged to bring in someone yourself, which is amazing. But most importantly, Doug is a great human being. He taught me the art of how to live a creative life. I used him for classes and one on one. Not that socializing in his class was a prerequisite, I made long lasting professional relationships in his class that last to this day. I became a small business owner, helping actors with demo reel footage, and became an independent producer, and a light years better actor, all under his watch. I couldn’t say enough great things about Doug. Oh, one more thing, pick up his book «Book The Job». It’s the best book I’ve ever read on auditioning.

So happy I found Doug. I’ve been in his class for about a year now and certainly don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
Doug doesn’t waste anybody’s time.
His critiques are very direct and spot on (in my opinion)
He works with what you give him. If you truly care, he cares. He is a VERY fair person.
He is so talented at pinpointing specific problem (s) of each student and provides an appropriate solution. Extremely intelligent and quickly understands complexity of the characters and writing.
He is one of the funniest people I know. He has such a great sense of humor and love the way he incorporates it into his teachings. If Doug spent any time in class talking about himself, like many other teachers like to do, it would without a doubt be fascinating/​entertaining. BUT, he doesn’t, because he makes the class about YOU.
Doesn’t matter what stage you are at in your acting career, you will grow. He works with each student at their own level. Price and make-​up policy are very reasonable. He truly cares about his students and goes out of his way to help.
I feel tremendous improvement since I’ve started working with Doug. One of the first major things I noticed was how much more confident I have gotten. I also find myself much more relaxed when I’m working.
Also, the students in Doug’s class are there to work. Not to show off the latest fashion trends. It’s great.

Over the years I’ve gone through 9 acting coaches and I have to say Doug deserves the solid 5 stars he has. Many actors, including myself, struggle to be fully involved in the process before anything acting-​related even begins because of personal blocks or other reasons that hold you back and I love it that Doug addresses those. He gives you specific tools and exercises that you can do to get rid of those blocks, which help a lot, but you have to do them! It’s not magic that’ll just happen because you know how to, you have to take action.
One other thing that makes Doug stand out from many Hollywooders for me is that when you care, he cares. If you’re struggling and are really searching for something, he’s going to help you get there.

Doug really does deserve all the praise on this page. His classes are focused on-​camera and he will video tape you as you perform, which is helpful for remembering his notes. Class moves quickly so you have to pay attention and be ready to work! Doug also does one-​on-​one coaching, and he’s great at giving practical advice about improving your acting and about the reality of the business. His techniques have already helped me grow a ton, and I know I will use what he has taught me often in my career. I am so glad to have started working with him!

Doug deserves every single star on the page — not one person had rated Doug Warhit under 5 stars– the reason is he is that fabulous. His style of teaching is amazing because he will use different theories and exercises from various styles of acting in order for you to go to the next level in your acting. He starts and ends his classes on time. He is encouraging yet stern and will push you to do your best. Biggest thing for him is Do you homework and just try !!! He has made me the actor I am today and I will always see Doug for coaching !! Best in Los Angeles !

Ditto to everything that’s been said. He is a no-​bs New Yorker, yet he genuinely cares for his students. He seems to really love what he does. Advice: although Doug works with all levels, I wouldn’t recommend him to those just starting out, it’s just not a good use of time. Take classes elsewhere first to get the basics down. He is better for intermediate to advanced — his class is great for polishing screen technique for actors who are already solid. Just my opinion. It’s like a weekly workout to keep you on your game. He is an awesome human being. Lots of fun to work with.

I know I’ve ranted and raved about several instructors on here. But as far as on-​camera class goes, Doug is THE best. And in general, really. (yes, I went to a «guru» school, yes, I think Doug is better, as much as I loved my teacher there.)
If you want to learn to book, Doug will teach you. But be warned, if you want to get the most from this class, you have to know two things-​1) PAY ATTENTION, he moves fast, just like being on set or in an audition. If you don’t listen, you’ll look like an idiot. (I will think that anyway, Doug is far too kind to do so.) and 2) Don’t get all grumpy and take it personal when you’re asked to change something. Doug runs a tight ship, and he calls things like he sees them-​but never in a mean way (some people seem to equate honesty with being mean or harsh, but that is not Doug’s spirit at all.)
I love that I get to see my work and can take home a DVD with me, along with Doug’s commentary. It is such a helpful tool and lets me see all my quirks. Doug also has all these great ways to make things seem natural and real and truthful, and he will try different things depending on what works best for you. (Many are improv-​based).
Doug has THE most hilarious dry sense of humor of anyone I have ever met, but there are some people in the class who don’t get it and think maybe he is being rude. But the thing is, if you EVER think Doug is being rude, you are probably sort of unintelligent/​need to watch more British comedy. (sorry, truth hurts!)
Doug honestly, honestly cares about his students, and his class has a industry guest EVERY month AND is the most fair in terms of price compared to everywhere else I’ve been. Classes are around 15 or so people, and Doug will work through any spots that seem to be giving you difficulty and ask you to bring it back the next week if it needs more work. He’s great. He really is. No pretension, no puffery, just a great fella who knows his stuff and is passionate about helping you do your best work, period.

Doug helped me in many ways when I first came to Los Angeles. His class is focused, fair and thoroughly educational. I learned a lot from the Q&A class at the end of each month and booked representation with my first commercial agent through his monthly workshop, which has led to a great deal of opportunities in my fledgling career.
Doug’s commitment to his students is unmatched and he’s a fantastic resource for aspiring actors and seasoned professionals alike. If you are looking for rigorous study in scene work, character building, improvisation and general technique, he is not only knowledgable but caring and cost-​effective.
Visit his website at
to learn more.

Doug Warhit is the best acting coach I have studied with. He is very straightforward which is great because other acting coaches like to sugarcoat it and everything is «that was great, nice job» Doug will give you the direction if needed in a very nice but direct way. He has helped me grow so much an an actor. Right after I began his class i booked my first lead in a movie! This is the class to be in if you want to further your acting career! DOUG IS AMAZING!

Doug is extremely hilarious! I take private acting classes with him, and he is great. He knows his stuff, and he is also a great life coach. He records every session on a CD for you so you can take it home and see what you’re doing right or wrong. He has a great sense of humor (you have to understand his sarcasm, because at first, I was absolutely petrified and thought he was being serious about everything). His classes are definitely something to look into.

Doug is an immensely talented teacher. He is extremely bright and very industry savvy. His comments are insightful and tailored to your personality and problems. He is caring and perceptive, goes out of his way to ensure the development of every actor to his or her utmost potential, and is a hilarious guy. I came to his studio after a really negative experience at another studio that turned me around and eroded my self-​esteem as a person and as a performer. Doug patiently helped straighten me out, including giving me a free private session after a near breakdown in class. Trust me, you want this guy in your corner.

Doug rocks.
This is a studio that is specifically for people who want to work. If you want to delve heavily into theory, this isn’ t the class for you. I think it’s good to have some technique (or lots of talent) under your belt before you come to his class, because people come here to polish what they got, which should be something to begin with. There’s a lot of different levels, though, and Doug can help you out no matter where you are.
Doug has a terrific sense of humor, and I LOVE that he doesn’t give compliments willy-​nilly. He’s got invaluable feedback.
On a side note, he really puts in the time and energy into his classes. He keeps current on the industry sides, and has an industry guest once a month. I’ve taken a lot of classes in LA, and some teachers have a kind of «sit back and entertain me» attitude. Not Doug, he is focused on each actor when they work, and has an arsenal of suggestions to help make you more professional.
I wish I lived closer, so I could go to his class every day and watch people work. He’s really very good.

I’ve been going to Doug’s class for a while and like all the other reviews on here, I agree 100%. Do yourself a favor and take this class. Even while he’s working with others he makes you feel involved. His critiques are spot on and he NEVER gives you compliments that don’t deserve it. In other words, he doesn’t stroke and coddle you to get you coming back like so many other classes in LA. do. He’s direct and to the point without making you feel dumb. He wants you to know why you’ve made the choices for your character that you did.
If you have an important audition, make sure you tell him and be prepared to be worked over. He is relentless and meticulous with you being prepared and giving your all. He truly cares. His follow-​thru is bar-​none (he actually called and emailed me to see how my audition went!)
If Doug were a food, he’d be a 3 inch lean pastrami sandwich on tender Jewish rye bread with good crust, served with steak fries and pickle.

I’ve been taking class with Doug for about 6 months now and I love him! He is very straight forward and really wants to see you become the best you can. His critiques are always helpful but very direct. He doesn’t like to waste time! He brings in an industry guest (agent, manager, producer) every 4^th week so you get to prepare something and perform in front of someone in the business and then ask them questions about their specialty. If your looking for a really good coach that will definitely better your craft, Doug’s your man!

Doug is an excellent coach and his cold reading class is just what the working actor needs. He is very direct with his feedback and will tailor the teachings to fit your specific needs and what YOU are wanting to achieve.
I’ve never been a big fan of sticking with the same acting coach or workshop too long but since I have found this class I have been with him for almost a year now.

I have found Doug’s class to be invaluable to my acting career. He is straight forward and insightful, and his methods focus on both the art and industry involved in acting in Los Angeles. His monthly industry guests make his course a valuable networking opportunity as well, and his availability for private coaching for auditions has helped me book jobs.