Frequently Asked Questions
How is AMB different from other acting classes in Seattle?
Most acting classes in Seattle are built around doing — you show up, you do a scene, you get notes. AMB is built around knowing. We start with the text, which means by the time you're on your feet, every choice has a foundation. The work is more demanding and the results are more durable. If you're looking for a low-pressure environment, this isn't it. If you're looking to actually get better, it is.
Is this class for beginners or experienced actors?
Both — with a caveat. If you're a beginner, you need to be serious. AMB is not an intro-to-acting experience designed to make you feel comfortable. It's structured training that will challenge you from session one. Experienced actors often find it resets habits they didn't know they had. What matters most is not your resume — it's your commitment to the work.
What do I get for $475?
Eight sessions of three hours each with a cohort of no more than eight students. That's 24 hours of intensive, small-group training led by a working professional with 25 years of experience in theatre, film, and television. You leave with a repeatable method for approaching any script — not just notes from a single scene. Most actors spend years piecing this together on their own. This shortcuts that significantly.
Why does AMB cost what it costs?
Because the ratio is intentional. Four to eight students maximum means you are never lost in the room. Every session, your work gets seen and responded to directly. That level of attention from a professional instructor in a major market typically costs considerably more. The price reflects the value of the training, not the overhead of a large school.
Do I need prior acting experience?
No prior experience is required for Text Analysis & Scene Work. You do need to be genuinely committed — to doing the reading, preparing between sessions, and being willing to be challenged. Actors who get the most out of AMB are the ones who show up ready to work, regardless of where they're starting from.
Who is Aaron Blakely?
Aaron Blakely is a Seattle-based professional actor and the founder of AMB Actors Workshop. He holds an MFA from the University of Washington and has worked professionally in theatre, film, and television for over 25 years — including a recurring role on Amazon's Man in the High Castle. He has trained and performed at major regional theatres and brings that professional standard directly into the classroom. AMB exists because he couldn't find the training he wanted for serious actors in Seattle, so he built it.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
A deposit of $150 is due in order to be considered registered. A full refund of will be issued if you cancel at least 2 weeks before class begins. The full payment is due on the first day of class. Payment plans and financial hardship reductions in cost will be considered on a case by case basis