Killian’s Commercial Workshop

Like many others, I enrolled in Killian’s Beginner Commercial Workshop after being referred by my agent and another commercial instructor. The price is certainly more expensive than other commercial classes, but having heard good things, I decided to give it a try.
Prior to enrolling, I read from other reviewers that the class is «intense,» but having spent years in higher education and over a year studying at a major improv school, I expected that might be a good thing. I’ve certainly had many tough instructors, but in all cases, the best teachers gave constructive, but fair, criticism and treated their students with respect.
That is not the case with Killian. As others have pointed out, he intentionally intimidates, yells, and otherwise pouts in front of students. In Class #2, he walked out after seeing our first auditions and deciding that «we didn’t want to be here,» slamming the door behind him. In Class #3, when he supposedly pretended to be a Casting Director, he is even more of a vile, hateful human being, yelling at the auditioners and making fun of their intellect. Based on other reviewers, this is apparently his standard «teaching» method.
Killian claims that he is «trying to change the trajectory of your existence on this planet,» which is a perfect encapsulation of his megalomaniacal personality. He certainly believes that every word he says is gospel, and that a mere 4 weeks spent in his class will revolutionize everyone’s life. After all, according to him, «everyone gets their start in commercials. Do the research.» One does not have to do too much research to realize this claim is patently absurd — many, if not most, working and well-​known actors have paved their way to «success» without booking a national commercial or attending any of his «workshops.»
As others have noted, there is certainly some content in Killian’s class that is useful, including his audition tips, how to read and analyze commercial sides, how to appear on camera, and so forth. But one can acquire most, if not all, of this information from other classes (including Mike Pointer’s, which I recommend) without the vitriolic, disparaging, and frankly childish behavior that Killian displays.
I also second comments from other reviewers who stated that they have never encountered any Casting Director (or frankly anyone else in the industry) who shares Killian’s absurd behavior. I haven’t either, and it’s clear that Killian simply enjoys having control and intimidating actors. I have no doubt that Killian purposefully creates exercises that he knows most actors won’t do the way he wants them to, so he can easily disparage them and make them feel stupid afterwards.
It’s sad that in an industry filled with good, talented, and hard-​working people, many actors expect this kind of treatment from their «teachers.» In any accredited institution, Killian would be fired for his behavior. I won’t be surprised if he ultimately faces legal action or loses his business license for bullying and otherwise demeaning human beings.
In sum, despite what Killian will tell you, you can certainly become a fantastic, successful actor without being subject to his absurd behavior. Go elsewhere.

Amazing commercial workshop for actors in LA. They have a second spot on melrose which is brand new. Killian is a high level teacher. If you are serious about acting and want to make a name in the commercial business you have to take Killian’s classes. If I could give 10 stars I would lol

Killian is great. Very intense… so if you’re not going to bring you A-​game don’t come at all. Lol. Booked two commercials since. been on a bunch of callbacks and avails. Im taking his callback class next so i’ll let u all know how that is.

I’m taking the adult commercial workshop at the new location on Melrose. I can’t speak for the old location but this one is super convenient for parking. Great space as well.
As far as the class goes, it is intense but in a great way. For the money and time you spend, you better get great applicable schooling and so far I’m impressed. Just the first 2 hours I learned so many things I was doing wrong at castings and how to fix them. Great class so far. Can’t wait to see what Killian has in store for the last few weeks!

This guy is the real deal. No bullshit, no time wasted. Come here if you want to do the work to work.

While back ago I remember taking one of their class and class was ok but the guy that works there was a total ASS! Like No respect for Asian and simply ignored me like I don’t speak English. Would Never. Never… Ever go back!

I’ve been auditioning for commercials for over a decade as well as working jobs as a camera runner, casting associate as well as starting out in the talent agency business.
After taking Killians workshop, I immediately started getting more callbacks. In a three month period I ended up getting 10 callbacks, four avails and two national network bookings.
Killians teaching style is different, effective and direct– though not for everyone. You need to be serious about your craft when taking his class. If you take your commercial career seriously than you will gain a lot from his information.

Killian’s class is exceptional. I came in with uncertainty – a hit and miss approach to my own commercial castings. However, I left with definite solutions. He imparts vital information about the commercial casting process. I have no doubt that the class will not only benefit me as a working actor, but just as importantly, as a person.

I honestly think this is the best commercial workshop in LA. It’s much more equipping and thorough than the one or two I had done previously. (one of them was with the guy who, previous to Killian, had the reputation of being the «commercial guru» in town. Was good, but not AS good).
I think it’s interesting a lot of the negative feedback on this feed is surrounding the fact that people didn’t make the industry connections they wanted to from doing Killians workshop. It’s not an acting schools fault if those are the expectations you’re bringing to the table. Killian totally met my expectations of increasing my skills in the commercial audition room.
And yeah, Killian does come across as having an extremely… prickly persona the first couple times you work with him. I never saw this as mean spirited or directed at any one in particular. I actually really enjoyed the pressure cooker environment because I get the intention behind it. Meisner had the same attitude towards the training of actors. Make what goes on in the class room the hardest most challenging work you’ll ever have to do, and whatever you encounter in the «real world» will seem easier. if someone doesn’t get this, that’s their loss as far as I’m concerned.

i loved the class and really like Killian a lot, but i’m really disappointed at the lack of results that doing beginner’s, advanced and the monthly actor’s gym should’ve garnered.
having dedicated myself to these workshops and having taken all the classes i would’ve thought that it would procure more auditions from Alyson Horn Casting (AHC).
it did not.
in 4 years since i did the aforementioned classes, i’ve gotten 1 audition from this casting office and it wasn’t even from Alyson Horn Casting per se, but rather another casting office renting a space at her studio for the day.
my last class in the advanced level was really confusing.
i KILLLED. i mean i literally SLAYED. my audition stood out the most and everybody thought i was hilarious. all of my classmates told me this… Jeremy even came into the «audition-​style» waiting room (they simulate real auditions) and said Maya (the casting director who comes to see your taped audition at the end of the advanced level class) wanted to «know my name» for her personal notes because she was so impressed with my audition. none of the other students got that compliment.
and NOTHING… never called in by Alyson Horn Casting. NOT ONCE. despite having spent a shit ton of money here, standing out among my classmates, AND sending their office orchids with my business card and a thank you note TWICE.
take the class, but do not expect Alyson Horn Casting to take a mental note of you because they won’t. there’s just too many actors in L.A. and they already have their favorites which they bring in weekly. I KILLED my last audition. i should’ve been on their list of regular favorites but NARY a single audition, very disappointing. meanwhile my red-​headed girlfriend who looks 25 goes in there at least 4 times a week.

Beware of this workshop. It should now be called «Killian’s Boot Camp» because Killian has changed the style of his class. He uses a tough as nails approach in an effort to «weed out» actors. He paces back and forth in a very distracting manner and talks quickly. He makes mean spirited remarks which come across as sullen and bitter.
I’ve taken classes from very successful people in this town. They want to make you a good actor AND a good person because in the end talent and kindness will prevail.
The video on Killian’s website does not represent the kind of person who will be instructing you. Please save your $$$ fellow Unilocalers. Thanks!
«For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?»

I didn’t get the chance to learn from Killian and it hasn’t really helped my career yet but I learned a TON from Jenny!!! She was so sweet and helpful and really made us comfortable. Killian’s end of the year party was a blast too!
I was hoping to get some response from the end of the class commercial that got sent out to agents since I did really well on it but I didn’t get any calls and neither did any one in my class :(

If you’re just starting out like me then take the Foundation Class with Jaret. It is an awesome class! He makes you feel really comfortable, you learn a LOT, and it’s so much fun! I will definitely be returning :)

Friends review–
Just another actors mill. Thought I would get some sort of benefit for my career because of all the rave reviews I’ve heard plus the audition tape that supposedly gets sent out industry wide.
The instruction environment seemed like a military bootcamp as if you weren’t a paying client.
CROWDED Cattle call room setting.
CUSTOMER SERVICE is LOW quality. I was told make up classes was observation only and no participation.
If the environment is true to simulate actual commercial casting, might as well just go to the auditions head on and learn there.
OVERALL WASTE of $ 300.
like all workshop actor classes, if it doesnt enrich your career, it will leave a SCAM feeling.
Casting Directors check your CSA guidelines relevent to these pay to play workshops.

As a professional educator for over 25 years I also wish to warn others about Killian’s workshops. I am specifically referring to Killian himself because not all of the instructors who teach his workshops have his unique style of intimidation and are not necessarily as mean spirited as Killian.
I agree with another reviewer who indicated that Killian would have been fired from any accredited teaching institution for his teaching style of threatening, intimidating, and insulting students who are paying money for his «instruction.» I disagree, however, with a different reviewer who indicates that this kind of instruction prepares an actor for living in Los Angeles, going on auditions, and the inevitable rejections that this entails. 90% of casting directors that I have met in the industry wish for actors to succeed because this makes THEM look good. If Killian was only «intense,» then that would be one thing (and possibly inspiring), but the current approach that I have witnessed seems to be based on arrogance and not passion.

Killian’s Intensive Workshop was the best money that I have ever spent on acting. He is a straight shooter and corrects your performances with tough love but never once during the class did he ever belittle or attack a student personally. The only criticism he gave was toward the parts of each performance that needed improvement. I couldn’t get over how much I had learned in such a short time. I also took a few private lessons which were amazing as well and I only hope that he eventually writes a book! Killian is a stellar teach that truly cares about his students and he is there to help you WIN! Thanks for everything Killian! Enjoy the classes ya’ll!

I had a one on one today with Killian and was scared after reading all these reviews! However I will truly say the 100 dollar fee for a private hour session was worth every penny. He helped me in so many ways and really got me thinking about so many things I DO NOT think of before going into the audition room. I truly feel so good about our meeting and will be going back to refresh every 6 to 8 weeks. He is truly brilliant at what he does. Yes, it is intense at first but he warms up to you and helps you! At no point did he ever make me feel like I was a «speck of dust under his shoe» as someone stated in a previous review… He gives useful help, If you can’t take his approach then you really should get into another business! I would recommend this to anyone! DO IT! Start booking!

This review is long overdue and I think Thanksgiving is a great time to express my gratitude.
I first took Killian’s workshop in November 09 and it changed my life!
I booked ALL of my commercial auditions in the weeks that followed the class, as well as my first American TV co-​star. One of those commercials won a Clio and received a nomination for the Prime Time Emmy Awards — and for that I will probably be able to upgrade and receive a permanent green card. Co star auditions can be a lot like commercials and my first TV credit opened up the door for more to follow.
Since then I have completed his improv workshop, refresher and privates, continued to book and referred many of my actor friends and all had similar results. One friend complained to me that he was a «dick», but she was very pleased when she booked a super bowl commercial spot right after completing the class.
Yeah Killian was tough in my first workshop. He opened my eyes to the level of professionalism I needed to be at and showed me the tools to get there. It made me tougher. I no longer care if the casting team is nice to me — my focus is at the task at hand.
Killian helped me achieve my goals in so many ways, including referring me to a great agency. My only wish is that his classes and privates weren’t all full so I could take a refresher or a private. This review is probably not helping that matter though LOL!

I only took the beginner’s workshop. Jenny, who taught it was wonderful and skilled. I do however feel that the workshop is grossly overpriced. ALSO, whenever Killian himself made an appearance, there was such a bad vibe that I wouldn’t recommend the place at all. He’s rude, almost pathologically anti-​social and plain weird. He doesn’t look people in the eye, paces back and forth with dramatic intensity and as I hear is ruthlessly rough with his students. I don’t know if it’s an act or an actual psychological problem but I personally wouldn’t recommend it. Then again, for some that style is perfect and «life-​changingly» good.

My one regret about this class – not taking it sooner.
Anyone who whines and complains that he’s a bully or condescending needs to pack up and leave town immediately because this business will DESTROOOY you if you’re THAT thin skinned. Seriously re-​examine your career goals if you cannot handle brutal honesty.
Where would you get a better workout?- a senior citizens spin class or a navy seal boot camp? Like a boot camp, It is filled w unpredictable scenarios designed to intimidate and scare you and pressure you so you can see for yourself w your own 2 eyes what you are doing wrong and what to do in any worse case scenario. He knows his stuff. I have ADD and I hung onto every word he said in class. Why? Because it made sense. I dug the experience.
His teaching style while intense is also entertaining. If you wanna get epiphanies about yourself and your commercial career this is it. If you wanna sing kumbaya w a bunch of coddling wannabe actors, pick any other place.