100 Hibernia Avenue, Rockaway NJ 2nd Floor
Contact us at 973-362-5783
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About Us
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
- Pablo Picasso
Looking for a serious, professional acting school in New Jersey? Welcome to The LaGuardia Acting Studio.
At LAS, we develop beginners into strong actors and help experienced actors level up. We work at your pace.
We serve teens (ages 12–16) and adults (17+), offering a supportive yet rigorous space to train, grow, and thrive. Our philosophy? Not every technique works for every actor. While our training is rooted in Stanislavski and Strasberg, we focus on what works for you—because no two actors are alike.
We don’t just teach the craft—we also teach the business. From scene study and character work to industry essentials like agents, casting directors, headshots, and auditioning, we prepare you to compete and connect.
We’re proud to work closely with top agents and casting directors in both NYC and LA. Our students are frequently introduced to industry professionals—giving them rare, real-world opportunities.
We offer affordable, professional training—and yes, we make it fun—but we expect hard work in return.
Parents—we're here for you too. Whether you're guiding a young actor or navigating a tough industry, we offer honest advice, transparency, and support every step of the way.
This business is tough. But if you're dedicated, hardworking, and ready to learn—we’ll do everything we can to help you turn your dream into a career.
The Instructor
"Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you've got it made". - George Burns
HEAD Instructor for Teens and Adults: Joshua Nelson
Joshua has over 30 years experience in the entertainment industry having worked as an actor, producer and casting director. He is also an award winning filmmaker and screen writer. Joshua is a graduate of the prestigious High School of Performing Arts (The "Fame" school). He has starred on both Sitcoms and Soap Operas. He has also appeared in numerous film that include working opposite academy awards winners Al Pacino and Robin Williams. He has also spent the last several years working as an acting teacher and coach in Manhattan and various schools in NJ. He has been in dozens of feature films, off-broadways shows and TV shows.
LaGuardia Acting Studio also runs Industry workshops all year long that are strictly for LAS Actors only with Agents, Managers and Casting Directors from both New York and Los Angeles.
Classes and Schedules:
Please note: There are no refunds. If you cannot take a class you paid for we are happy to offer you a credit for any future class.
LIVE/IN-PERSON CLASSES
There are 4 ways to register:
1) Over the phone with any credit or debit card: 973-362-5783
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover.
2) Online with PAYPAL
Click the PAYPAL button to make an online payment using a credit card or PayPal account.
3) You can always drop off cash in person in advance as long as the class isn't sold out
4) 
@Laguardiaactingstudio
5) ZELLE - 973-362-5783
Please note: There are no refunds. If you cannot take a class you paid for we are happy to offer you a credit for any future class.
ADULT CLASSES
ADULT ACTING 101 CLASS
8 week class - Classes are once a week
For beginners and those with some experience
Learn all the Basics of Acting & The Acting Business
From On-Camera Commercials to Scene Study to Monologues & More...
Starts Monday, January 5th 2026 at 7:15pm $225
ACTING 303 CLASS
Advanced Acting Class- 8 weeks of character development, Scene Study,
challenging and fun acting techniques and concepts and more.
Starts Wednesday, Feb 4th, 2026 at 7:15pm $225
Make A Scene For Your Reel Class **SOLD OUT**
It seems that almost every audition on Actors Access asks for reel clips and video footage and whenever you meet an agent, manager, or casting director, they too want to see footage...and actors can NEVER have enough footage!
Footage is basically professionally shot clips from movies or TV that you've done. The problem is, a lot of actors don't have that much to choose from, if any- AND- sometimes what we do film doesn't always show us off in the best way- so...
How about a class where scenes are created specifically for you designed to show off your strengths and talent- and how about a class that not only gives you footage for your reel but a film credit for your resume and an IMDB credit...there is no where else to get all these things in a class, NO WHERE- but here.
5 Week Class where we create original scenes for you each week...after the 5 weeks you will have 10 scenes to choose from those, we can find one to film for you. The 5 week class AND filming (And resume/imdb credit) is $300
Wednesday, February 5th 7:15pm
THE 3D CLASS
THE MOST UNIQUE ACTING CLASS/FILM/SHOWCASE
Last year 7 actors got called in to meet with agents and/or managers from the 3D class...a few got signed. Last month 3 more got called in by a manager and 4 by a CD Now, that might not sound like a lot but for this business, it's HUGE!!! To go from an unknown without major credits to getting called in by agents and managers!
This is without a doubt our most unique class and potentially our most rewarding...
We call it the 3D Class
No, you're not making a 3D movie...But it's a Class...a Film & A Showcase.
First- it's an all-original 6-week class. Following the 6 weeks, we will make a short film
It will be done so that each person will have their own little moment to shine.
This gives you on-camera experience, a film credit for your resume, AND an IMDB Credit.
THEN- Once the film is done with editing, we will be showing it to the industry for them to give feedback on your performance.
Using the # 3 again- we will show it to an AGENT, a MANAGER, AND a CASTING DIRECTOR.
6 Week Class, Filming, Resume Credit, IMDB Credit, Film will be watched and you will get personalized feedback on your performance by an agent, manager and casting director. Fun, educationally, professionally rewarding...and literally a one-time opportunity.
ALL of this for only $350
Tuesday, December 9th 7:15pm
Upcoming Classes for Current Students include; Scene Study Class, Sitcom Class, SNL Class, Episodic Class, Technique Class, Audition Prep and More.
TEEN CLASSES
TEEN Acting 101 (ages 12-16)
Learn all the Basics of Acting & The Acting Business
From On-Camera Commercials to Scene Study to Monologues & More...
(Each class is 1 hour long)
8 Week Class Wednesday, September 10th at 6pm $200
THE 3D CLASS
THE MOST UNIQUE ACTING CLASS/FILM/SHOWCASE
Last year 7 actors got called in to meet with agents and/or managers from the 3D class...a few got signed. Last month 3 more got called in by a manager and 4 by a CD Now, that might not sound like a lot but for this business, it's HUGE!!! To go from an unknown without major credits to getting called in by agents and managers!
This is without a doubt our most unique class and potentially our most rewarding...
We call it the 3D Class
No, you're not making a 3D movie...But it's a Class...a Film & A Showcase.
First- it's an all-original 6-week class. Following the 6 weeks, we will make a short film
It will be done so that each person will have their own little moment to shine.
This gives you on-camera experience, a film credit for your resume, AND an IMDB Credit.
THEN- Once the film is done with editing, we will be showing it to the industry for them to give feedback on your performance.
Using the # 3 again- we will show it to an AGENT, a MANAGER, AND a CASTING DIRECTOR.
6 Week Class, Filming, Resume Credit, IMDB Credit, Film will be watched and you will get personalized feedback on your performance by an agent, manager and casting director. Fun, educationally, professionally rewarding...and literally a one-time opportunity.
ALL of this for only $295
TBD
Trailers For LaGuardia Films
Movie Posters
Photos
LaGuardia Acting Studio – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have absolutely no experience. Can I still attend?
A: Yes! Our 101 classes are designed for both beginners and those with some prior experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, and many of our students come in with no experience at all.
Q: I think I might be too old to start. Am I?
A: Absolutely not! Acting is a career you can begin at any age. We have students who started in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even after retirement. You don't need to begin as a child to build a meaningful career in this industry.
Q: I’d love to try acting, but I’m very shy. Will that be a problem?
A: Not at all. As someone who has been an actor and teacher for over 35 years—I can tell you, I’m still shy myself! Many of our students start out shy, and acting becomes a powerful and creative way to come out of their shell at their own pace.
Q: What style or technique of acting do you teach?
A: Our philosophy is simple: whatever works. While I was originally trained in the Stanislavski and Strasberg methods, I also incorporate elements from Meisner, Uta Hagen, Michael Caine, and—just as importantly—what I’ve learned through 35 years of real-world industry experience. It's a practical, blended approach that adapts to the individual actor.
Q: I’m not looking to become an actor, but I want to improve my public speaking. Can acting help with that?
A: Absolutely—1000% yes! We train everyone the same way, and the very exercises used to train actors naturally improve confidence, clarity, and presence in public speaking.
Q: This isn’t just a hobby for me—I want to make a living doing this. Can you help?
A: Yes! More than anything, our focus is on preparing actors to work professionally. Even if you’re not sure yet whether you want to "make it" in the business, we train every student with the same level of dedication and professionalism. If your goal is to build a career, we’re here to help you pursue it seriously.
Q: Do you work with kids?
A: While we are primarily an acting school for adults, we do offer Teen Classes for students ages 12–16.
Q: I heard you make films with your students. Is that true?
A: Yes! With our advanced students, we produce short films and full-length features. These projects provide real-world experience, footage for reels, IMDb credits, and more. Many of these films are shown at festivals and even distributed worldwide.
Contact LaGuardia Acting Studio
100 Hibernia Avenue
Rockaway, NJ
2nd Floor
Easy to get to from Rt. 287, Rt. 80 (Exit 37), Rt. 46 and Rt. 10
973-362-5783
