In-Person Classes
A Non-Dominant Approach to Acting
Our Non-Dominant Approach to Acting centers the humanity of the character. Removing character-dominating language from the process, the actor is brought into greater equality with characters and restores a sense of their autonomy in this work.
From the minute you arrive at the studio you’ll be welcome with a smile, trail mix, and an opportunity to be your most creative self. This industry can feel cut throat and isolating, but we believe you can operate both your career and art from a place of creative freedom, generosity, and gratitude. In other words, you can have a career and an acting process that feels like home.
At Crash Acting:
Students participate in a variety of actor training exercises based in Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Organic Intelligence, and Crash Acting’s own Non-Dominant Approach to character development through integrating body, breath, and imagination
Actors develop a sound process through scene study and in-depth, individual guided instruction, empowering them beyond the classroom on set and stage
Students have access to 25 hours of in-person class a week taught by Benjamin Mathes & Sol Crespo, and online class taught by Kelsey Cally
Ongoing students receive discounts for skill development workshops with guest teachers
Opportunities to participate in Crash Acting Student Workshop Productions
"Ben Mathes is a wonderful teacher and mentor. Having met him three years ago, I can honestly say he has fundamentally changed how I view my career, my work and the business as a whole. We have worked on numerous projects together and every time his observations and perspective have changed the depth of my work and how much I enjoy it. His classes are truthful, inspiring and much needed in world of quick fixes and shallow promises. I’m glad to know him and glad he’s teaching. It’s a relief to know that many more actors will be transformed by his approach, experience and insights."
— Daniel Sharman | Teen Wolf•The Originals•Fear the Walking Dead•Medici
“Benjamin Mathes creates and hosts an environment that encourages artists to dive into what I think is one of the most (if not, the most) important thing about being a storyteller- the truth. Now, I can go on and on about the “tactics” or “technicalities” that he “teaches” but that would limit his greatness. As a working actor I continue to seek for his wisdom and collaboration- I am lucky to have him on my side. Work with him. You won’t regret it."
— Louriza Tronco | The Order•Night at the Museum•Zapped•Make it Pop
What We’re About:
Everything we do at Crash Acting is rooted in something bigger than the transactional whims of the industry. We believe you’re an artist and the greatest work of art you ever do is the way you live your life.
Cause: The big picture.
We’re all about passion. But passion runs out. What’s your cause? What’s the thing that pulls you through the darkness, the difficult times, and roots you in meaning. It’s okay to not be completely sure yet, but at Crash Acting we hope to provide a creative space for you to explore your cause.
Community: Be who you are with us.
We believe community inspires acceptance, not conformity. Crash Acting is a space where your truest self is valued and encouraged as a necessary part of our community. At Crash Acting, you can be who you are with us.
Practice: A life long creative journey.
Like yoga, law, and medicine, acting is a practice that cannot be perfected, mastered, or finished. We believe that practice is not about getting it right; it’s about getting it true. It’s not about being faultless; it’s about being false less. An actor in practice, is building the foundation for a life long career.
Career: Anyone can book a job; it takes an artist to build a career.
Based on our bestselling book, You, The Career, we believe that an actor’s career is an expression of their creativity. As such, we developed the only holistic approach to career to be hosted and presented by SAG-AFTRA and taught in our small group workshops around the world.
“Vulnerability is not easy, but it is necessary and part of the authentic portrayal of a character. Working with Ben fills my artistic soul and constant desire to be more truthful, more vulnerable, more adaptive to my growth—and to combine all of that into a character of any size, shape, or motive.”
— J.R. Bourne | Teen Wolf•The 100•Arrow•Suits•Stargate SG-1
“Working in Ben's class was a transformative experience for me. His approach, his energy, his passion, and his first hand knowledge of the industry has helped me to transition from a star in the octagon to a star on the screen.”
-Anderson Silva | Former UFC Middleweight Champion
FAQs
What is Crash Acting Class?
An ongoing scene study course that takes a Non-Dominant Approach to Acting and focuses on developing each actor’s individual process. At Crash, we have students at all points of their career, working together and challenging each other in their growth.
When is class?
Students join their night to work:
— Sundays from 1 to 5pm
— Mondays from 5 to 9pm
— Tuesdays from 5 to 9pm
— Wednesdays from 5 to 9pm
— Thursdays from 5 to 9pm
Students have access to all 25 hours of class per week and may attend all classes to observe, take notes, and ask questions.
— Online class for students outside Los Angeles is Wednesdays from 3 to 7pm Pacific Time
Where is the studio?
Crash Acting Studio
1924 Raymond Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Online class is Wednesdays from 3 to 7pm Pacific Time online via Zoom for students outside LA.
How much is class?
Class is $250 every 4 week pay period. (A one-time, $250 deposit ensures a student’s place and is applied to their last month of class). To protect the quality of the room, a $25 payment is required to audit.
Who teaches class?
Benjamin Mathes (Los Angeles)
Sol Crespo (Los Angeles)
Kelsey Cally (Online)
How many weeks/months does class go for?
Crash Acting Class is an ongoing course without set start or end dates. Once a student is invited to enroll, they can start attending class immediately. However, we always encourage students to take their work beyond the classroom. Since many students book work while attending class, we offer a leave of absence policy for working actors when the industry requires their time.
Can I produce something in the class space?
Yes! One of the benefits of being enrolled in Crash Acting Class is the opportunity to participate in Crash Acting Workshop Productions.
Do you offer private coaching?
Based on limited availability, Ben Mathes does 1:1 coaching for projects actors have booked (not currently available for auditions).
“I love this class! In such a short time, Ben’s profoundly simple methodology and incredibly insightful perspectives have opened me into a truth and freedom in my work that I’ve never known before. I’m truly grateful to have found this gem of a teacher!”
— Brian Ibsen | Masters of Sex•Criminal Minds•Sequestered•The Rainmaker (Broadway)
“Best acting class I’ve had in LA! It’s not only an acting class . . . it’s a life class. Ben Mathes is absolutely incredible and wise! The community I’ve created by being in this class has kept me going through some tough times in this crazy industry.”
— Mariana B.
“It’s as much an artist community as anything else, and the people that I’ve met through the class are undoubtedly the real deal—as artists and as human beings. Benjamin Mathes, thanks for your wisdom and guidance thus far, and for your unwavering dedication to your craft. It’s truly inspiring, and my faith in why I continue to pursue this artistic medium is renewed with each and every class.”
— Sam K.
