Chas School Of Acting

Chas School of Film, Television and Theatre is one of the most respected of all acting schools in the San Francisco Bay area, and is nationally recognized. The School was founded on the principle of integrity and over 35 years of professional experience by Charles Ascello. Charles continues to be a working actor, director, writer, model and producer; which he feels is an integral part of his ability to teach not only acting classes, but also "the business" in an industry that is continually changing. Charles has worked in films with names such as Richard Gere (Bee Season), Martin and Charlie Sheen (Hot Shots Part Deux), John Lithgow (Third Rock From The Sun), Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love), Winona Ryder, Bill Bodalato, and Brian Dipalma.

Chas School's ability to teach is based on being intimately familiar with the business, both in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and includes producing/directing showcases staged for major talent agents and casting directors such as CAA. Chas School's exclusive acting classes combine history, theory and practical application, preparing actors to join the work force in a minimum amount of class time. As with any good school Chas does not believe in any one set technique of acting, Method-Stanislavsky-Meisner, etc., but extensive experience allows them to approach each student as an individual, recognizing what philosophy, or combination thereof, will best suit the actor.

Classes are considered semi-private, with an average of 4-8 students per session. Chas School also produces professional theatre of all genres: original works, classics, Shakespeare, musicals and dance and music recitals. Chas' philosophy is simple, evolution of theatre but also nurture the individual-body, mind and soul so that our theatre is for the entire family.

Students have a great time and get to work in front of a camera and see themselves played back on television, and do full scene work with a partner on stage with sets, props and costumes. Many students serious about getting into the business are working even before they're 6-month course is ended. But others enroll JUST for fun, or to improve business, speech or social skills.