The Markland Studio, Los Angeles CA

It’s rare to feel so seen without any judgement. And safe and secure. Never mind in an acting class. John’s ability in providing such a space is incredibly special and unique. I’ve never felt so comfortable and free yet also provoked and pushed, a beautiful balance that lends to only bringing out your best work. His insight on characters and story is remarkable, always making me stumble to run for my notebook and write down his endlessly quotable theories and ideas. It’s always a joy working with him and I’m very grateful to have him as a teacher.

I’ve been taking class at The Markland Studio for 2 years now and in that time, John & Max have completely transformed my life & my craft. It’s the only studio I’ve ever felt truly seen and the only studio where I feel no pressure to “perform”. As John says, “Don’t ask if it’s good or bad, ask if it’s honest. ” That’s the vibe of every class. I could go on and on about breakthroughs and life-changing moments in John’s classes, but instead I’ll just say this: if you’re looking for a creative tribe, if you feel the call to be brave & vulnerable, if you want to approach acting as the entire-life-encompassing art that it is; this is the place for you.

Incredible instruction. I’ve been acting most of my life and training with the studio for almost 3 years now. I attribute so much of my personal and professional growth to these classes and the coaching. The work empowers me as an artist and provides me with priceless self-reflection.

I love working with John. His approach to self and acting brings out a confidence I never knew I had. His encouragement has brought out pieces of me that are scary and compelling and he helps shape them into art.

The Markland Studio is a safe space for artists to explore, heal and create. My goal is to be 100% honest and unafraid in my work and John's guidance provides a path to that potential.

Oh how I wish I had studied with John 40 years ago. Even as I write this, I can hear John's voice in my head saying "you met me at exactly the right time".

On my journey studying with various coaches, I always knew there was more of me that needed to be brought into the light. John embraces the tension within us and encourages honesty over accolades.

He is not result oriented; yet, he gets results like golden globes and oscars. He is simply the best. Better than all the rest.

John Markland, somehow, has this ability to show you you dont have to pretend. You can drop the shit—the masks, the complexes, the distractions and excuses you have because you’re afraid. Storytelling, for John, is no different from living. Rather, it seems to be an honest product of being human. Growth through empathy, Empathy through growth. Understanding through feeling, and excitedly exploring who you are. And having fun doing it.
John offers everyone a gift: the opportunity to be themselves.
To accept what that means, and to explore the infinite emotions and characters that lay within.

The Markland Studio is where I have learned to cultivate my creative spark. John's coaching blends the discipline of technique with the courage of integrity. There is no other studio like this.

This work goes deep. John will meet you at your limit, and with all the compassion in the world, he will ask more of you. If you stick with it, this work will transform your artistry and how you show up for yourself.

Each instructor I have worked with has brought the same amount of heart, innovation, and brilliant perspective. The studio leads by example. It's a fantastic place for actors looking to master their craft, but it also has something to offer any artistic soul that is hoping to integrate and broaden their self-expression.

John has fundamentally changed the way I approach characters, and in so doing has made me a more empathetic, curious, and authentic man. He meets you where the work is, and then guides you through the stutter step between your head and your heart. What are my unexpressed-selves that can be illuminated through this character? Where is my integrity in my own life? What does this character believe about himself? What can I share with him, what would I like to borrow from him? The process then moves from a carefully curated performance, to a more real, personal experience. It isn’t about saying lines, it’s about building a full, lived-in self. The community at the studio is a safe haven for brave, vulnerable work - and watching John hone in on each artist’s journey is inspiring. There are no excuses given, and he challenges me to show up fully, striving for truthful moments over “getting it right. ” Class here is transformational, and has given me a deeper understand of myself and how I move in the world. Forever grateful.

Finding The Markland Studio has been the greatest gift. I came to the studio as a new actor unsure of my craft and myself. Through working with John and the other teachers at the studio I continue to learn more about myself as an artist everyday. John's classes have not only helped me grow and succeed as an actor but as a human. As a coach he pushes me to share truth through the work and each class I have taken has given me the tools to reveal more. Im constantly inspired by each class I take and the talented actors that fill the room. The Markland Studio has become my artistic home. I wouldn't be the actor I am today without John Markland.

Learn to be an artist here. Learn to be yourself here. There are so many classes and experiences in LA & NY that tell actors who to be and what to do. The Bi-Coastal Markland Studio instead empowers its ARTISTS to be the most authentic version of themselves and make them trust themselves enough to know how to take action not just in their artistic lives but in their everyday living.
Both John Markland himself, Max Barsness, and the other special industry guests graciously take the time to give individualized feedback, attention, and care with each student in each class.
Nothing is generic or called-in or money-hungry, it’s about digging deep and actually creating art.
There is a reason Oscar Winner Rami Malek and Emmy Winner Jeremy Allen White (among many other recognizable faces) are some of the studio’s success stories.
It is an intimate place to heal, take risks, and grow. In the words of the much admired Acting Coach Sandra Seacat “the artist is a shaman, a wounded healer” (The New York Times/Hollywood Reporter) — John and Max continue Sandra’s, their teacher’s, legacy in their own way, in this beautifully intimate studio.
This place is a rare gem and a sanctuary for us artists.
It has changed my life in that I never question my worth as an artist-healer. I know I am worthy. I know I can trust my voice, and step into any audition room or any project with an unshakeable connectedness and ease. I liken it to being an emotional athlete and I feel like I could compete in the emotional olympics here, except there is no sense of competition, just gratitude that I can step in my fullest self. Scheduling wise this studio is so easy to work with, they respect your personal life/schedule, just email the amazing Class Manager Shaina (and your scene partner if applicable) for days you will not be present– the studio offers everything from in-person evening classes during the week, intensives similar to an artistic retreat/ conservatory study immersion for couple of days at a time, online classes, online coaching and in-person private acting/life coaching.)
P. S.
For a lovely feeling of this studio’s authentically beautiful style and taste,
take a look at their Instagram @themarklandstudio for wonderful words of encouragement and beautiful images of the tribe of artists work in motion