A scene study-based guerrilla approach to acting.
We love actors. We love acting. It’s our favorite thing to do. And we believe if done well, it can change the world.
From the minute you arrive at the studio you’ll be welcome with a smile, a cup of coffee, 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:
Every class works with Crash Acting founder Benjamin Mathes
Students participate in a variety of actor training exercises based in Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Organic Intelligence, and Crash Acting’s own 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 16 hours of class a week
Join peer-led career groups to discover and share new approaches to their work and careers
Dive deep into working with casting agents, booking jobs, and navigating the acting scene through our unique career worshop
Opportunities to participate in Crash Acting 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. Its 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
“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
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.
FAQs
What is Crash Acting Class?
Crash Acting Class is a scene study course that takes a guerrilla approach to acting. Our process is well cultivated, innovative, and based in the body and the imagination. Each student’s experience is different because each student is different. Every member is on an individual path, guided and coached by teacher, Benjamin Mathes. At Crash Acting, we have students at all points of their career, working together and challenging each other in their growth. Our priorities are taking risks, accepting and saying “yes,” integrating our blocks, and supporting each other’s professional and personal growth.
How often is class?
Students choose their night to work: Wednesdays from 3 to 7pm PT (Online for students outside Los Angeles) — Sundays from 5 to 9pm PT — Mondays from 5 to 9pm PT — or Tuesdays from 5 to 9pm PT. Students have access to all sixteen hours of class per week and may attend all classes to observe, take notes, and ask questions.
When and where is class?
Wednesdays from 3 to 7pm PT online via Zoom for students outside LA (all current students invited to observe).
Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from 5 to 9pm PT in person at
Crash Acting
1924 Raymond Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
How much is class?
Class is $225/month + a $225 one-time, nonrefundable deposit (applied to a student’s last month in class). To protect the quality of the room and the audit experience, $25 is required to audit, which goes toward your first month when you join.
How many weeks/months does class last?
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. Fill out your show proposal if you’re a current student interested in putting up work in the space.
Do you offer private coaching?
Yes! Ben regularly coaches professional actors and is currently working as a coach for Netflix. Enrolled students receive a special hourly rate.
“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.