Lynette Sheldon Actors Studio Ripoff Acting School New York New York

I also wanted to add that I hear Lynette can no longer find enough students to fill up a class.  The smart ones are "on to" her games. 

Yes, this acting teacher has some good techniques about acting.  But she also has no respect at all for any of the students. 

She not only comes to class late, she comes up to four hours late.  Four hours!  Yes, that is definitely a deal breaker for me, and it should be a deal breaker for any actor with any self respect whatsoever.  No teacher has the right to keep her class waiting that long.  Bad enough she's usually an hour late, but four hours?  That's ridiculous!  Then there's always a sob story about why she's late.  

It's all about respect, and LS doesn't show any for anyone except herself.  She takes up four hours and they're your four hours.  Nobody's time matters, just hers.  She doesn't want to teach so much as she wants to be worshipped and have students play follow the leader with her.  She doesn't care about taking up and therefore mismanaging our time.  Only her own.  She doesn't care, period, except for collecting her fees, and then she can get lethal...

Any actor in his right mind would have enough guts not to put up with this.

I did an internet search on my old teacher and was so surprised to read any negative reports.  I worked with Lynette for about 10 years, mostly doing acting intensives on Sundays and one summer I had the privelege of taking her acting class. I am not a professional actor and was not trying to be.  I was trying to grow as a person which I did, confront my fears of being the center of attention, which I did, and have fun, which I did.  The intensives and the class were expensive, but worth every penny and I kept coming back.  The class did run until 2 in the morning most nights, so that everyone always had the chance to work in each and every class.  I felt it was a privelege to be there and I shared a cab home with some fellow students each week.  Lynette was occasionally late to class.  If that's a deal breaker for you, don't sign up for her class.  The work she does is amazing.  She can be hard on actors if she doesn't feel that they are making any effort, and I would say that she is harder on professional actors because she feels that they should know better and should be making the most effort if this is what they want as their livelihood.  I always felt that I learned a lot from Lynette both about acting and about life in general and I appreciate having her as one of my teachers in this world.  I feel I gained a great deal as a student of Lynette's and I only stopped attending her weekend intensives because my life circumstances have changed.

Yes indeedy this teacher is insane and a rip off!  She is also the craziest person I have ever seen anywhere.  She was telling lies about me and spreading them behind my back and that's after I wasted hundreds of dollars to watch her act like a lunactic in her disorganized strange class.  I found out she also threatens students.  That's illegal!  Sheldon doesn't care about what's illegal however.  She thinks she can go on whatever kind of emotional rampage she wants.  If you don't kiss her butt then she hates you and targets you.  Well who in their right mind would like to kiss that woman's butt?  Why this is allowed to continue I don't know.  I should think Immigration would step in and ship her back to Australia. 

This school is run by people like in a mafia. It's savage. Students are even shaken down to pay for classes they never signed up for or took!!!!! They tried it on me but I didn't pay it to them ha ha. What a sick place. Savages. Best to stay away and if any body else gets shaken down there go and file a complaint. IRS ought to audit her bony butt big time.

I thought I would "stick my two potatoes in Murphy's stew" here and add my thoughts. To paraphrase P.T. Barnum, the great American showman, "You can't please all of the people all of the time." That's a fact of life in any business.

I attended a class at this school awhile back and I think that maybe what is being addressed in the initial reports on here is that there were a few issues - relatively minor issues, if you ask me, small, little ones - most likely arising from having so many different levels of actors in one class together.

There were beginners who were exclusively looking to have fun. There were other beginners who wanted to be professional actors. There were also professional actors who had worked on television, in the movies, or on Broadway. We were all in the same class.

That made things interesting, yet the needs of these groups can be quite, if not totally, different. It can not be easy to attempt to teach all of them together in one setting. Professional actors can work on their scenes all night long and not get tired of what they're doing. They'll just keep going and going, like the Energizer Bunny. The non-professionals might have an issue with that and consider it a class that runs too late. And whatever level an actor is on, some people are born to kvetch and that's all there is to it. Hand some of these people an all-expenses-paid trip to a gorgeous resort on Paradise Island and when they'd land there they'd still look around for something to complain about. And then they'd find it.

So I took a look at Lynette's current website and it seems that now there are two different classes being held, for two different levels of actors, so the whole situation has probably already been dealt with, handled and rectified.

I suggest that everybody relax and calm down about this, especially the complainers. If the worst thing that's happening over there is that people are getting additional class time, and getting it for free, then seriously, how bad is that? You ought to be thanking Lynette, not writing reports.

To which I'd like to add, more power to you, Lynette! Say not the struggle nought availeth. The majority of the reports on here are great. Teach on, and rock on, too.

What is this? Can anybody write a balanced report? Yes she can be dedicated. But. Lynette's also insane. Everybody said so when I was in her class. That class was either fun or chaos. Minute by minute. No in between. Nice or nuts. She should buy a tape recorder. Set it up. Leave the room so to find out what people really think. Play it back for herself.

I used to attend this school. Seeing so many beautiful testimonials on here, this acting school can only be doing everything right.

To Lynette, and to my old classmates, I say, "Here's looking at you, kids!"

Peace out.

The person who has written these alligations regarding the Lynette Sheldon Actors Studio have completely missed the point of her classes and obviously are not that interested in being a serious actor.

Lynette is one of the most generous teachers i have ever had the pleasure of working with. Yes she sometimes runs over time but if your serious about your craft, you will be relishing every moment of extra FREE tuition she is giving you. I have done so many classes with teachers who have one eye on the clock the entire class and will not go over time if there life depended on it. They don't care about their students careers. Lynette does.

She loves the craft of acting and is passionate about sharing her knowledge to benefit others. I highly recommend studying with Lynette, I grew as an actor and a person and will definately participate in her classes again.

I have taken classes with Lynette Sheldon. I have to agree with Destryridesagain and DeLovely. Lynette herself creates many problems at the studio. There are also a few more problems that the reports on here did not even start to address yet.

If someone were to say that the character of Velma Von Tussle in "Hairspray" was based on Lynette Sheldon, I'd believe it. For a start.

I am amongst the lucky few who can count themselves as a working actor in Australia, and I can honestly say that none of it would be possible if not for Lynette Sheldon.
Acting is about the human condition - of course personal issues are discussed in class. That, essentially, is why we are there. I have gotten so much from each and every class due to these very discussions.

As for the late finishes... I have often marvelled at how lucky I am to have found a teacher who has so much to give, and wants so badly for her students to learn and succeed that she is willing to keep on going until the work is done. No extra charge, and you are free to leave if you like.

I am grateful and privileged to call Lynette a teacher of mine, and am yet to find another as generous as she.

Lynette Sheldon is one of the most magnificent acting teacher around at the moment. Her vast wealth of knowledge enriches her students tremendously every lesson, (well perhaps only those students who are intelligent enough to understand it.)

I know personally Lynette can be a very hard teacher and push you to face and deal with things, but only to benefit you as an actor.

She is a truly inspiring teacher, every lesson she comes in with energy and passion sharing all that she has 100% of the time. I don't think it possible for anyone to be able to learn all that she knows.

Yes sometimes her classes run late, but that's only due to her commitment to giving each and every student her fullest, but she never forces anyone to stay past scheduled finishing time, most stay because they can't draw themselves away. And again, yes, she does talk about her personal experiences, including those with her family, but ONLY when it is relevant the tutorial she is giving, the point she is making, or the student she is directing.

Lynette is a truly fantastic teacher and I recommend any person that is serious about and loves acting to study with her, it can be hard be every minute is worth it.

I am an acting student of Lynette Sheldon from Sydney who has attended both her weekly classes and workshops over a five year period and I find her to be the most inspirational teacher I have ever encountered.

Her persistence, exciting and stimulating teaching processes, dedication and loyalty are second to none. Okay, her classes can sometimes finish late (because of the passion and energy she invests) but there are ways to work around this and she always makes adjustments for those who need to leave before class ends.

Any student truly intent upon learning and searching for truth in acting makes progress in her classes. It's not always an easy ride but Lynette never gives up on any willing student.

Janinep

In response to the original message about Lynette Sheldon

It's pretty obvious with all the rebuttals that Lynette is THE MOST magnificent acting teacher going around.

Lynette has changed my life and career and so i feel the need to also comment.

** Yes, the classes can go until 2 and 3 in the morning - this woman gives up her "own" time to continue to teach her students, for the only reason that she wants to give to her students. She does not ask for more money when the classes go over the stated finish time. Where have you ever found a teacher that is SO generous and does not ask for more money for the extra house she teaches.

** Yes, Lynette discusses family issues, but she also discusses, human issues and all kinds of "world" topics. As actors, we haven't all had the experience of losing a parent or a friend and we need support and help with these topics. You can't be expected to play a role and not have done the research. Lynette is a worldly woman that has so much to draw on and any information she gives you is invaluable.

Any other information in the original post is false, slanderous and untrue

Lynette's downside is that she gives way too much to her actors, she is so generous and supportive. There is no other teacher around like her.

Bec
Sydney NSW Australia

I am lucky enough to be a former student of Lynette Sheldon. I do not agree with the report made, as it seems to me to reveal much more about the writer than the subject. For me, it reveals an inability to be coached to truly understand him/herself in order to become a stronger, braver actor. Why bother focusing on these petty organisational things when there is something to be gleaned for yourself for every story Lynette tells and every percieved difficulty in class? Leave the class earlier if you need to get home! Tell her you need to! I did. It will be good for you to sort yourself out and be strong and not blame other people for your problems.

Being coached in acting by Lynette was the hardest acting work I have ever done and I can understand some people not liking some parts of the running of things, but not the actual teaching. No way. She was better than any other teacher I ever had or ever imagined having. Seriously. She KNOWS acting...profoundly, frighteningly, wonderfully...with amazing insight and perceptiveness that takes your breath away.

...IF NOT BETTER! LYNETTE SHELDON IS HARD WORKING AND DEDICATED. IF SHE DOES ANY WRONG THE WRONG IS NOT THAT SHE IS UNPROFESSIONAL BUT THAT SHE DEDICATES ALL OF HER TIME TO EDUCATING ACTORS BOTH INSIDE THE CLASS ROOM AND OUT, LEAVING HARDLY ANY TIME FOR HER SELF!

IN MOST STUDIOS YOU'D BE LUCKY TO GET 10 MINUTES OF WORK TIME BUT LYNETTE'S PASSION TOWARDS THE CRAFT COMPELLS HER TO SPEND AS MUCH TIME WITH ONE INDIVIDUAL AS THEY MIGHT NEED/ DESERVE. I HAVE BEEN STUDYING WITH LYNETTE FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS AND THE PROGRESS AND SUCCESS THAT I'VE HAD SINCE TRAINING IS INMESSURABLE COMPARED TO THE 4 YRS I SPENT AT PERFORMING ARTS HIGH IN NYC AND THE TRAINING I'VE GOTTEN AT OTHER REPITABLE STUDIOS IN THE CITY... THEY JUST DON'T MATCH UP TO HER KNOWLEDGE AND BRILLIANCE....
IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THIS PERSON FILLING THE COMPLAINT, JUST COULDN'T CUT IT...
JUST TAKE 1 CLASS WITH HER AND YOU'LL SEE, THAT STUDYING WITH LYNETTE SHELDON IS A RARE PRIVILEGE !

It's a sad commentary on a person's life when in order to feel better about themselves, they need to try and bring harm to others. In reading the comments from Destryridesagain, I did not hear the words of someone who was truly interested in providing honest criticism of an acting school or who wanted to provide some things to consider when looking for an acting teacher. All I heard was a bitter rambling, an unprofessional shouting at someone because things obviously didn't work out for them and they felt the need to blame someone else.

I have studied with Lynette Sheldon for a year and a half and my experiences with her and her studio have been the complete opposite of the person who posted this rip-off. The class has a consistent format and Lynette's assistants do a great job of keeping everything running very smoothly. When the class does run late, it is because Lynette spends so much quality time with each actor and not because of any wasted time. My opinion is that the more time I am able to spend at the studio, the more I will get out of it and, from a financial perspective, I am getting much more studio time for my money. No one is kept prisoner in her class and if it runs late and you need to leave, you have complete freedom to do so.

Lynette is very passionate about the craft of acting and extremely devoted to each student in helping them to develop and become the best they can be. Every student is expected to do the work, stay focused, and promote the development of their fellow students. I would guess that this disgruntled student was not able to meet those fundamental requirements and because of that felt the need to make excuses in order to justify their departure from the school.

I would strongly recommend The Lynette Sheldon Actors Studio to anyone who is serious about becoming and actor or, who is already a working actor that needs to sharpen and further develop their skills. You will not find a more dedicated, passionate, competent and truly caring teacher anywhere.

I am a professional actor in NYC. I had studied with Lynette Sheldon at her acting studio for four years almost a decade ago when I first arrived in NYC. Her techniques have proven useful to me repeatedly - they have never failed me in a single audition or production. She cares for her students as if they were her own children. Her support has been immeasurable to me and to others I have studied with. Although I have not been in her class for a number of years and my contact with her has been limited during that time, I have continued to recommend her to novice and seasoned actors. It goes without saying that in recommending Lynette Sheldon, I put my own reputation on the line.

Acting is not like accounting. When you are taught to act, you cannot be taught how to simply add a column of numbers to reflect a sum. In acting class you receive, and indeed pay for, that which a teacher has to give - his or her techniques, histories, and stories. You receive the teacher's time, experience, and their successes and failures, both personal and professional. Not every teacher, if any, can teach you how to act. They can merely show you through story and teaching example how they come to their technique, how they keep themselves whole in a business with few satisfiers, etc, etc, etc. Ms. Sheldon's techniques and the stories from her personal life are, and have been to me, healing and instructive examples for living and for the making of art.

Each teacher is not a match for every student. One should leave a class that they are not happy attending. Public feedback is acceptable. However, an attack like the angry one posted here by Destryridesagain is uncalled for and reprehensible. Readers please note the posting has been modified several months after its original posting. This suggests to me that the former student seems intent not on providing experiential feedback but on venting fury at Ms. Sheldon simply to damage her reputation and livelihood. I have no doubt the former student was dissatisfied and is happier elsewhere. Nevertheless, The Lynette Sheldon Acting Studio is a real school, which has produced many satisfied professional actors. I am one of them.

After reading the comments from this disgruntled consumer I felt complelled to share my experience with Acting Studio. I am a professional actor living in Los Angeles, having previously trained with Lynette over 3 years in different periods.

During my time in her classes I have seen a number of actors come and go but in the main, most stay, work very hard and challenge and develop their acting and life skills extensively whilst within the Studio.

Most Acting Studios and teachers that I have studied with, put the commerce of keeping the actor in for the next round of fees ahead of the interests of their students. Not Lynette.
Of course, she must run her business and will speak of the next Scheduled Intensive Workshop or the approaching New Term or address issues such as outstanding fees, but she does it succinctly and professionally and gets it out of the way so the teaching does not get interupted.

The work; when the work starts Lynette gives her everything! Yes she will upset students because she cares for the profession of acting and certainly cares very much about the progress of her student's.

I have seen the classes regularly go over-time, because sometimes students choose not to take the lessons on board and attempt to take up everyone's time including other students by continuing to repute the teachings of Lynette. It is an organic process and what arrives in the teaching gets dealth with. This is very much in tune with the 'work of acting', so it makes sense the teacher works from the same basic elements as the work of acting itself! What arrives receives attention and comes to the surface. Bravo! Therefore Lynette continually puts herself into overtime because she does not let her students down. Her long hours of concentration in class deserves accolades!

Much of the learning for the students is the watching. The watching of other students. Of course the students that are generally not into their own genuine self development mostly arrive late, do their work and then leave early.. Everyone knows them and their type, it's not a secret. They are not interested in their fellow actor's work, just their own fortune at that particular point in time.

Her teaching style is classic, very deep and involves not only wonderful wonderful acting techniques but encompasses the depth and breadth of life, history, fashion, poetry, music and a blend of the unknown. Unlike many who call themselves acting teachers.

...and it is tough! Tough for the actor who is not committed to growth. It doesn't matter to Lynette what level of skill you are at, if you do not grow and challenge yourself from month to month she will challenge you about this.......... the majority of her students return for this challenge, for they know that if they can break their own fears then they may become a real working actor.

...Some choose to run from class and continue to run. Perhaps even from themselves.

this seems this allows them more time to sit alone and in their very own pain project damage toward others contributing a more worthwhile attempt at living positively. More Peace to them.

G

After reading the comments from this disgruntled consumer I felt complelled to share my experience with Acting Studio. I am a professional actor living in Los Angeles, having previously trained with Lynette over 3 years in different periods.

During my time in her classes I have seen a number of actors come and go but in the main, most stay, work very hard and challenge and develop their acting and life skills extensively whilst within the Studio.

Most Acting Studios and teachers that I have studied with, put the commerce of keeping the actor in for the next round of fees ahead of the interests of their students. Not Lynette.
Of course, she must run her business and will speak of the next Scheduled Intensive Workshop or the approaching New Term or address issues such as outstanding fees, but she does it succinctly and professionally and gets it out of the way so the teaching does not get interupted.

The work; when the work starts Lynette gives her everything! Yes she will upset students because she cares for the profession of acting and certainly cares very much about the progress of her student's.

I have seen the classes regularly go over-time, because sometimes students choose not to take the lessons on board and attempt to take up everyone's time including other students by continuing to repute the teachings of Lynette. It is an organic process and what arrives in the teaching gets dealth with. This is very much in tune with the 'work of acting', so it makes sense the teacher works from the same basic elements as the work of acting itself! What arrives receives attention and comes to the surface. Bravo! Therefore Lynette continually puts herself into overtime because she does not let her students down. Her long hours of concentration in class deserves accolades!

Much of the learning for the students is the watching. The watching of other students. Of course the students that are generally not into their own genuine self development mostly arrive late, do their work and then leave early.. Everyone knows them and their type, it's not a secret. They are not interested in their fellow actor's work, just their own fortune at that particular point in time.

Her teaching style is classic, very deep and involves not only wonderful wonderful acting techniques but encompasses the depth and breadth of life, history, fashion, poetry, music and a blend of the unknown. Unlike many who call themselves acting teachers.

...and it is tough! Tough for the actor who is not committed to growth. It doesn't matter to Lynette what level of skill you are at, if you do not grow and challenge yourself from month to month she will challenge you about this.......... the majority of her students return for this challenge, for they know that if they can break their own fears then they may become a real working actor.

...Some choose to run from class and continue to run. Perhaps even from themselves.

this seems this allows them more time to sit alone and in their very own pain project damage toward others contributing a more worthwhile attempt at living positively. More Peace to them.

G

After reading the comments from this disgruntled consumer I felt complelled to share my experience with Acting Studio. I am a professional actor living in Los Angeles, having previously trained with Lynette over 3 years in different periods.

During my time in her classes I have seen a number of actors come and go but in the main, most stay, work very hard and challenge and develop their acting and life skills extensively whilst within the Studio.

Most Acting Studios and teachers that I have studied with, put the commerce of keeping the actor in for the next round of fees ahead of the interests of their students. Not Lynette.
Of course, she must run her business and will speak of the next Scheduled Intensive Workshop or the approaching New Term or address issues such as outstanding fees, but she does it succinctly and professionally and gets it out of the way so the teaching does not get interupted.

The work; when the work starts Lynette gives her everything! Yes she will upset students because she cares for the profession of acting and certainly cares very much about the progress of her student's.

I have seen the classes regularly go over-time, because sometimes students choose not to take the lessons on board and attempt to take up everyone's time including other students by continuing to repute the teachings of Lynette. It is an organic process and what arrives in the teaching gets dealth with. This is very much in tune with the 'work of acting', so it makes sense the teacher works from the same basic elements as the work of acting itself! What arrives receives attention and comes to the surface. Bravo! Therefore Lynette continually puts herself into overtime because she does not let her students down. Her long hours of concentration in class deserves accolades!

Much of the learning for the students is the watching. The watching of other students. Of course the students that are generally not into their own genuine self development mostly arrive late, do their work and then leave early.. Everyone knows them and their type, it's not a secret. They are not interested in their fellow actor's work, just their own fortune at that particular point in time.

Her teaching style is classic, very deep and involves not only wonderful wonderful acting techniques but encompasses the depth and breadth of life, history, fashion, poetry, music and a blend of the unknown. Unlike many who call themselves acting teachers.

...and it is tough! Tough for the actor who is not committed to growth. It doesn't matter to Lynette what level of skill you are at, if you do not grow and challenge yourself from month to month she will challenge you about this.......... the majority of her students return for this challenge, for they know that if they can break their own fears then they may become a real working actor.

...Some choose to run from class and continue to run. Perhaps even from themselves.

this seems this allows them more time to sit alone and in their very own pain project damage toward others contributing a more worthwhile attempt at living positively. More Peace to them.

G

After reading the comments from this disgruntled consumer I felt complelled to share my experience with Acting Studio. I am a professional actor living in Los Angeles, having previously trained with Lynette over 3 years in different periods.

During my time in her classes I have seen a number of actors come and go but in the main, most stay, work very hard and challenge and develop their acting and life skills extensively whilst within the Studio.

Most Acting Studios and teachers that I have studied with, put the commerce of keeping the actor in for the next round of fees ahead of the interests of their students. Not Lynette.
Of course, she must run her business and will speak of the next Scheduled Intensive Workshop or the approaching New Term or address issues such as outstanding fees, but she does it succinctly and professionally and gets it out of the way so the teaching does not get interupted.

The work; when the work starts Lynette gives her everything! Yes she will upset students because she cares for the profession of acting and certainly cares very much about the progress of her student's.

I have seen the classes regularly go over-time, because sometimes students choose not to take the lessons on board and attempt to take up everyone's time including other students by continuing to repute the teachings of Lynette. It is an organic process and what arrives in the teaching gets dealth with. This is very much in tune with the 'work of acting', so it makes sense the teacher works from the same basic elements as the work of acting itself! What arrives receives attention and comes to the surface. Bravo! Therefore Lynette continually puts herself into overtime because she does not let her students down. Her long hours of concentration in class deserves accolades!

Much of the learning for the students is the watching. The watching of other students. Of course the students that are generally not into their own genuine self development mostly arrive late, do their work and then leave early.. Everyone knows them and their type, it's not a secret. They are not interested in their fellow actor's work, just their own fortune at that particular point in time.

Her teaching style is classic, very deep and involves not only wonderful wonderful acting techniques but encompasses the depth and breadth of life, history, fashion, poetry, music and a blend of the unknown. Unlike many who call themselves acting teachers.

...and it is tough! Tough for the actor who is not committed to growth. It doesn't matter to Lynette what level of skill you are at, if you do not grow and challenge yourself from month to month she will challenge you about this.......... the majority of her students return for this challenge, for they know that if they can break their own fears then they may become a real working actor.

...Some choose to run from class and continue to run. Perhaps even from themselves.

this seems this allows them more time to sit alone and in their very own pain project damage toward others contributing a more worthwhile attempt at living positively. More Peace to them.

G

Lynette's class is for actors who are truly committed to becomming better at what they do and are willing to work hard for it, not people who want to show up and do a few beginning exercises so they can tell their firends that they're actors... And if you're not working hard she's not going to sugar coat it for you and tell you that it's okay.

Lynette's class is for actors who are truly committed to becomming better at what they do and are willing to work hard for it, not people who want to show up and do a few beginning exercises so they can tell their firends that they're actors... And if you're not working hard she's not going to sugar coat it for you and tell you that it's okay.

Lynette's class is for actors who are truly committed to becomming better at what they do and are willing to work hard for it, not people who want to show up and do a few beginning exercises so they can tell their firends that they're actors... And if you're not working hard she's not going to sugar coat it for you and tell you that it's okay.

Lynette's class is for actors who are truly committed to becomming better at what they do and are willing to work hard for it, not people who want to show up and do a few beginning exercises so they can tell their firends that they're actors... And if you're not working hard she's not going to sugar coat it for you and tell you that it's okay.

First of all I would like to mention Lynette Sheldon is the most generous coach/instructor I have ever worked with and any extra time given in class is strictly giving up her own personal time for the benefit of those in her class. She gives more than any instructor I have ever met in order to help us grow quicker than most acting coaches nation-wide. Her master techniques and personal sacrifices go beyond any expectations and the proof lies in the many successful actors she has trained all over the world. She has also been such a joy to work with and I have nothing but respect for her and consider myself very blessed to be able to study with someone at her level of knowledge and experience.

I was completely annoyed by the claims made by this person. I attended classes at this studio for years and guess what? It was the best move I've ever made in my life. Not only am I a successful, working actor, but the tools I learned in Lynette's classes have proved useful in many aspects of my life. Like this person, there are some people who simply can't handle being in ANY acting class. They are unable to take any sort of criticism and they are very bitter that they have no talent and will never get a working acting job. My advice to this person would be to move on from the craft of acting - nobody likes an unprofessional, tantrum throwing brat. Most likely this person already has a bad reputation and will have this experience over and over wherever they go - and they'll blame everyone else around them instead of taking responsibility for their own life.

Firstly I completely disagree with the reports based on The Lynette Sheldon Actors Studio. I have been a student there for over 6 months and she is one of the best acting coaches I have ever encountered and I have worked with a lot. Both in Australia and Overseas.

Not only does she give specific attention to each student's individual needs but she also encourages every student to fully explore the limits of there talent and creativity.

As for qualifications well she studied with Stella Adler herself in New York City (and if you do not know who that is FIND OUT). She has been praised by The Learning Channel and many of her students have gone on to win Emmy's, Tony's and so on. Sometimes the classes do run overtime but she does not force anybody to stay past the scheduled end time.

I have seen many students breakthrough personal and creative barriers in class and I myself have grown tremendously as an Actor. Lynette only works with people who are serious about their acting and who are willing to work, these are no drop in classes. This is a commitment but so are your careers. She truly inspires you creativity to live to your potential.

And please keep in mind these reports have been made by 2 disgruntled ex-students (for whatever perverted reason) who do not speak for the rest of the classes.

I am also a former student of Lynette Sheldon and I could not disagree more.
My experience working with Lynette over some time is that the only students who don't seem to like her are those who do not pull their weight and do their work, as she has no tolerance for people who waste her time and don't work hard for their career. And who would?

Lynette is one of the most committed, supportive acting coaches i have known and she still continues to care about my career through correspondence. If you work hard for her she will work hard for you no matter what your ability or natural talent.

Lynette may not be the most organized person i have ever met but hell how many of us are?! She certainly makes up for this with her teaching and commitment to her students. No one is perfect. Her classes certainly follow their own format - but a format that i personally find so amazing.

As for the comments about her whacked out family? I'm sorry but you just sound disgruntled. Lynette privately and personally does share parts of her life with her students so that they may feel safe to do the same to her when it comes to deep emotional acting work and exercises. My experience with any acting teacher has been that i only feel 'safe' to open up when i feel i am not judged or far removed from my teacher and i deeply respect that Lynette shares a very private part of herself like this. For you to then go bad mouthing these deeply personal things she has shared disgusts me.

There is NO pressure to sign up for the weekend intensives it is purely an option available. I for one never once attended a weekend workshop during all my time with Lynette and we got along just fine!

The only way i can understand that you would be so harsh on someone has beautiful as Lynette is that she has reprimanded you in some way, and she would only do this if she felt that you were being lazy, disrespectful or harmful of another class member in any form. Lynette is VERY protective of her students and their safety.

I hope that anyone that reads this will go and see Lynette and her amazing classes for yourself and not take such dribble for heresay. Working with Lynette changed my acting profoundly and i urge anyone who cares deeply about their career to give her a go!