First Take is an acting school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Classes run in person in San Francisco and San Jose, and online by Zoom so you can join from anywhere.
Every class runs as an 8-week session. Tap a class for its schedule and details, or call 415-295-6026.
Kids Acting ClassesAges 5–10Online$350
Our Kids Acting Classes prepare children for the TV/film market by learning how to improvise in imaginary situation/acting games, the audition experience, how to read scripts, how to express themselves more freely, communicate more effectively, and most importantly, how to have fun acting! For kids ages 5-10 (younger kids could fit this class if they are very mature)
Price: $350 for each ONLINE 8-week session
Sign up by calling 415-295-6026!
| Day/Time | Location | Type of Class | Instructor | |
| SATURDAYS 9:00-10:30 PM | Online | KIDS | XAVIER BEYER | BookSit in free |
Core ClassAges 11 and upSan Francisco · San Jose · Online$450–$550
Our core classes are the very finest acting training available. They are appropriate for beginners as well as intermediate actors. You will learn the First Take Method which is a special system grounded in classical training but more applicable to film and TV. It’s this method that’s helped so many First Take students become successful working actors. It goes beyond teaching the craft of acting. You’ll also learn audition technique, how to promote yourself, secure the best representation, and effectively communicate with casting directors, proper auditioning etiquette, and everything you need to succeed. For ages 11-100+ (younger kids could fit this class if they are very mature)
Price $450 for each ONLINE 8-week session
Price $550 for each IN-PERSON 8 week session
Sign up by calling 415-295-6026!
| Day/Time | Location | Type of Class | Instructor | |
| MONDAYS: 6:30-9:30 PM | San Francisco | CORE | HANNAH COCKMAN | BookSit in free |
| MONDAYS: 6:30-9:30 PM | Online | CORE (TEENS ONLY) | JAIME GRAY | BookSit in free |
| MONDAYS: 6:00-9:00 PM | Online | CORE | ROBERT WU | BookSit in free |
| TUESDAYS: 2:30-5:30 PM | Online | CORE | DANNY LAI | BookSit in free |
| TUESDAYS: 6:30-9:30 PM | San Jose | CORE | SUSAN CHUNG | BookSit in free |
| TUESDAYS: 6:30-9:30 PM | Online | CORE | JAIME GRAY | BookSit in free |
| THURSDAYS 6:30-9:30 PM | San Jose | CORE | JAY LIU | BookSit in free |
| THURSDAYS 6:00-9:00 PM | San Francisco | CORE | ANDREW CHUONG | BookSit in free |
| SATURDAYS 9:00-12:00 PM | San Jose | CORE | ANDREW CHUONG | BookSit in free |
| SATURDAY 10:00-1:00 PM | San Francisco | CORE | DANNY LAI | BookSit in free |
Master Prep & Master Class2–5 years in the methodOnline$550–$700
Advanced training for people who have had a minimum of 2-5 years of consistent training in the First Take Method in our core classes. Eligible students first join the Prep class for further training before joining the Master Class–please email for more details.
Price for Prep class: $550 for 8-week session
Master Class Price: $700 for each 8 week session
| Day/Time | Location | Type of Class | Instructor | |
| MONDAYS 6:30-9:30 PM | Online | MASTER PREP | SHONTE AKOGNON | BookSit in free |
| TUESDAYS: 2:00-5:00 PM | Online | MASTER CLASS | NANCY BERWID | BookSit in free |
| TUESDAYS: 7:00-10:00 PM | Online | MASTER CLASS | NANCY BERWID | BookSit in free |
On-CameraAll levelsCall for scheduleCall for pricing
The On-Camera class incorporates the First Take scene study guidelines into your on-camera work to gain a deep understanding of how to adjust technically and emotionally to the camera.
Sign up by calling 415-295-6026! On Camera Class – Location: TBD – Time: TBD. Taught by: Susan Chung
Acting for Non-ActorsAll levelsCall for scheduleCall for pricing
Not an actors, not a problem! This acting class is designed with you in mind–many benefits come from taking an acting class, and this class is structured to help build confidence and develop new skills like speaking in front of a group, connecting with others, leading a group and much more–all while having fun and meeting new people.
Class Times: TBD
Improv for ActorsAll levelsCall for scheduleCall for pricing
It’s an improv class that’s especially customized to actors and the acting process. It will help you to be more spontaneous, present, and moment to moment all while having lots of fun! It’s a great way to get out of your head and to learn to play and trust your instincts.
Sign up by calling 415-295-6026! Class Times: TBA
Take Action! seminarAll levels6-hour intensiveCall for pricing
The power-packed seminar “Take Action!” is a six hour seminar, where you’ll learn how you can live in the Bay Area but still work in LA. Many San Francisco Bay Area actors are working regularly in LA because of Nancy Berwid’s expertise and coaching. In this all-day comprehensive workshop you will learn how to set realistic, achievable goals and how to make an effective action plan on how to make it happen.