Flying Actor Studio

The studio feels like a dance school when you talk in; the nice, wood floors have some flexion and the simple white walls have heavy-​duty curtains covering windows or old program bills from past performances. It is a bit cold inside, but comfortable. There is an eight month program as well as evening classes. The evening classes are drop-​in and break down to only $ 10 per hour! Killer deal for working with James Donlon, who has worked with Cathy Bates and Javier Bardem. A big plus to this studio is that the teachers will actually help you develop your own material.
Giving this 5 stars for sheer quality, bargain price, and the lack of any similar high quality program in the Bay Area closer than Del Arte. An older sister school called The Clown Conservatory seems to be closed or on hiatus. There is a newer program in the East Bay called Kinetic Arts iirc, but I haven’t gone there yet. This is one of those places that will either disappear in the next couple years or get well known & expensive.

My first learning experience at The Flying Actors Studio was a few months ago, doing a clown and mime weekend workshop. I was so inspired and amazed at what I learned that I just HAD to go back for more! I am currently taking a Mime workshop series and love it just as much, yet am a little disappointed that my schedule, at this point, doesnt allow me to take MORE classes. I’m so addicted! James Donlon is an AMAZING and truly inspiring teacher. He is a wealth of knowledge that I truly appreciate to be a part of, be learning from and also witness. It’s enhanced my character and connection as a street dancer (hip hop style, popping) and I cannot wait to take more classes in the near future.

i really enjoyed working with james donlon and leonard pitt. i took the 2 week workshop in july of 2010. great detail on the fundamentals of acting. walking, speaking, moving the eyes with clarity. the group exercises were great. highly recommended.

I’ve been a student at the Flying Actor Studio for over a year now, and am proud to call it my second home. I am a part of the yearlong Physical Theater Conservatory program, and spend 30+ hours per week training in mime, clowning, character work, acrobatics, circus arts, mask work and more. The school quite literally shapes my life, and has been an endless source of inspiration for me!
In addition to the Conservatory program, the school offers several great classes in the evening taught by James Donlon and Leonard Pitt: «The Flying Actor» (in ‘Beginner’ and ‘Advanced’ levels), and workshops on some weekends: «Neo-​Classic Mime-​Clown», «Make Your Work Sing,» as well as workshops by guest faculty.
If you have any interest in mime, clown, mask-​work, movement-​theater or if you’re just interested in a unique performance experience or workshop — definitely Check it out!
PS: Guest Faculty at the FAS include:
John Gilkey, Judy Finelli, Moshe Cohen, Amanda Crockett, Bronkar Lee, Arne Zaslove, Dijana Milosevic, Stevo Capko, John Towsen, Ed Holmes, Robert Shields, Geoff Hoyle and Bill Irwin.
With faculty like that, how could anyone pass it up?

Great show! High flying energy! I enjoyed the spontaneity — and the sincere effort to revitalize «physical theater». Also met some great friendly people in the audience. Don’t miss this!

I knew little about Flying Actor Studio when I wandered in last night at the invitation of a friend. First, I was impressed by the space — big and airy — and then I was even more impressed by the show. It was terrific!
I later learned why: this studio, or school, has a faculty that includes luminaries such as James Donlon, Leonard Pitt, Geoff Hoyle and Bill Irwin.
In the hour-​and-​a-​half show — which was free and standing-​room only — I thought a couple of the acts really stood out. Edna Barron created a hilarious character named Hillary that the audience loved. James Donlon and one of his students did a great fly routine in which the student did a spot-​on interpretation of a bothersome insect. There was much more great material, but not enough space here …
The studio is in 1^st St., a short walk from BART and the bus terminal, so no need to spend an hour looking for parking.
I look forward to the next show.

There’s another Gold Rush and it’s happening now! I keep telling people that this guy, James Donlon, is handing out gold. He’s quite an influence of all things theatrically physical. He’s taught at some of the best schools for drama.
Flying Actor Studio is a grass roots school offering the absolute best in the business. I’m not kidding. You won’t be trained like this anywhere else. James is the most inspiring teacher, patient but challenging and very thoughtful. What you will learn here applies to everything artistic and existent.
You will learn new things about you, your body, its communication and how it can all flow to truth, passion, and confidence.
Donlon comes to the table with like 100 plates. Every minute. He’s constantly thinking, creating ideas that will make you smile all the way to the back of your head. It’s a mixture of dance, movement, and improv.
He takes anything you wish to create and gives you tools that make everything work together.
Check these out to get a feeling of what it is (there’s much more):
Imagine how you can apply any of these concepts to something you want to create. And you hopefully will feel a tingle throughout your body after thinking about it. Your eyes might become a little watery. Because you realize you have a passion to create something.
Any visual artist will benefit from his classes.
Not to be overly preachy, but if you’re serious, like really serious about your craft, you might really consider working with the best while it’s being offered. You won’t find this easily one day, unfortunately, unless we carry it. Vaudeville must come alive again! We must show the world its importance and purpose. It means everything if you’re willing to recognize its power.
Be all that you can be. Join the army. Or Flying Actor Studio.

[NOTE: Review above in reference to show at Flying Actor Studio, ending tonight, 2.20.10. Come see it for FREE at our space!]
I’ve seeked something ‘different’ in theater most of my life and I have found it, studying at Flying Actor Studio. I am one of twelve talented students in this first year program and am extremely proud of our progress up to this point. I could not ask for a better group of people to work with; (I’m not just saying that… this is the most nurturing, supportive, non-​competitive ensemble I’ve ever been a part of) establishing great working relationships is key for high quality performance.
As much hard work and dedication as it takes, I look forward to the last four months of intense physical theater training.
I highly recommend taking evening classes, especially before jumping into the conservatory program, so you know what to expect.
We study clown/​mime techniques, mask work, improv, circus skills, acrobatics and tons more!
This program is only for the strong of heart and the fiercely committed.
Are you ready?!
Why 5 stars? Because I cannot say enough about how special this place is! Our beautiful, yet humble studio has a lively energy that stimulates creativity, discovery and brilliance! And we’re learning from the best– James Donlon and Leonard Pitt, as well as many guest teachers who have so much experience and variety to offer; (check the website for more details).
I know Flying Actor Studio is going to be widely-​known someday and I consider being a member of the first year exploration to be one of my highest honors and achievements in life. :D