20 Best Acting Programs In Buffalo, NY (2022 Updated)

To all the high school freshman posting reviews and rating AMDA 5 stars stop. You do not go there. Do not give it a bigger head than it already has. Attended in 2013-2014 would have been one star if it weren't for some (a few) wonderful teachers. (Stacy Lee, Kathy, Jeff, Tim,and Ray thank you) I am posting this review because they just posted an instagram post about 13 reasons why. They said check this out help is available. Would have been nice if that was ACTUALLY TRUE. However, if you have any sort of mental health problems you are told to grow up! (By teachers AND THE DAMN COUNSELOR) you are told stories of how the show must go on fake it til you make it. If you cannot stop crying you are weak, and theater is just a hobby for you. The teachers name drop and make you feel bad about yourself for not being Jason Derulo.The only person who helped me get help was my acting teacher (god bless him), who sent me to the counselor who told me I was acting like a child and that I need to prioritize. "If this isn't for you you don't have to be here" I told him this is the most depressed I've ever been. No offer to find therapy near me. No weekly meetings. No follow up visit. He suggested I find a new dream. So I did but now I'm 25,000 dollars in debt after 9 of the worst months of my life. Like others have said AMDA is what you make it but if you have any sort of mental health issues don't count on getting any help. PS. The dorms have a large scary roach problem, pretty sure it used to be a mental hospital (how fitting) PPS. I can acknowledge that I learned a good deal in my acting and VPS classes. And that not all the teachers suck.Madison Mitchell

I joined AMDA NYC back in 2021 Fall. This school has changed my life. Incredible staffing who are all working professionals within the acting world and all are incredibly motivated, fun and inspiring. My time at this school has been nothing but positive thus far and, the school continues to get better and better. I have done my own reading into reviews and the bad reviews have definitely changed. I have seen things change here, I have seen things become progressively better for the students here at AMDA. AMDA has become much more of a supporting and safe environment for not just me but for everybody who needs it. You certainly learn a lot here, develop great connections with your teachers and get plenty of opportunities out here. I myself, am certainly glad that I chose this school. Great friends, great classes, great locations, great teachers and all around an incredibly exiting journey.Kallan Fuller

My daughter just graduated in Sept 2017 from NYC in dance. She had a very positive experience from start to finish! Starting with Elliott Kerr, Assistant Director of Admissions. Elliott did a nice job of answering all our questions and helping get all our paperwork completed. Our daughter loved all her teachers and has said through out her program, "this is the right school for me." I feel like the program and the school prepared her for auditioning and the life of a performer! THANK YOU AMDA!Jennifer M

Loved my college experience at UB. Quality academics, quality student life. There is great diversity which will help you with life after college. Food is good, not great, but what do you expect when you are cooking for the masses. Wish people cared more about the athletics. They have made north campus and the apartments surrounding it nice. The alumni base from what I can tell is Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, NYC, Chicago and DC. I also love the city of Buffalo. Downtown offers a lot to do for a mid size city.Joe Segrue

This place is like a palace. Massive, I visit it there on a trip. It took me about 3 hours just to walk around the whole school. Also visit the inside as a visitor. Its a amazing university that offers many course. Lot of friendly people. Adviser will always help student even though their is a lot of student. Amazing Lab as well. Definitely a great place to go for a bright career.Dontlolmeplz

Spent few of best times of my life there doing my undergrad and masters (1991-1995). Could never wish better finance school, great summer times with fruit picking seasons and Niagara Falls is only like 1 hr away. Miss this U soooo much😊 Update 27 June 2018 SUNYAB … I'm planning to visit this year end🤩Afiq M Shukr-Ruzita

My experience at the Barrow Group has truly helped me not to give up as an actor. After moving to NYC in 2009, my very talented friend recommended that I take classes at The Barrow Group. I trusted his recommendation because he was very knowledgable about the class options in the city. I am so thankful that I found the Barrow Group!! I really missed my theatre community from Graduate School and the Barrow Group became my NYC home base. I have taken four classes with Lee Brock and I have learned so much from her. She helped me go back to the beginning…back to those years before all of the training…Lee helped me go back to the 'Story.' She helped me to focus on what truly matters…telling the story! The teaching style of the Barrow Group is extremely accessible to actors. You can get a feel for the teachings style by reading Seth Barrish's book "An Actor's Companion: 99 Bit of Craft." It is so wonderful!! -BrandyBrandy Caldwell

I am starting my fourth class tomorrow. Obviously, I love this place. The teachers are friendly, down to earth, and REALLY know their stuff. It really is amazing, the learning curve, and how much you do learn during just one class, let alone three. The teaching methods are so great, it makes you almost feel like what you have learned should have been common sense. I've attended one of their shows (so far), and it was really an inspiring experience, with just superb acting. Whenever people ask me about my experience here, I cannot recommend The Barrow Group enough.Tomo Lovric

An extraordinary theatre company and school. I had studied for many years with some of the best and most highly regarded teachers in the acting community but it wasn't until I found the Barrow Group that I felt I became a good actor. Seth Barrish has created an astoundingly simple approach to the work that makes acting fun again. And truthful and real. He and his co-artistic director Lee Brock have created a wonderful home for some of the most passionate and talented artists I have ever had the privilege of working with. I couldn't recommend them more highly!Peter Lewis

I took the 1-year online screenwriting course. In theory it sounded perfect for me, since I wasn't in a position to go to school full-time. I had high hopes. On the positive side, I did learn the basic principles of screenwriting. Also, I finished a first draft of a film script, which was pretty cool. The discipline of meeting weekly to report on my progress helped me achieve my goal. I wish my review could end there, on a positive note. But on the negative side, I found the instructor extremely rude to anyone who didn't agree with their opinions 100%. The person often ridiculed students and dismissed their contributions. The surly attitude shut down conversation more than once. I have a Masters degree, and have been a student in several schools as an adult – and I have encountered only a few instructors as abrasive as this person. (That's saying a lot, considering how arrogant many professors are!) Also, the instructor was late to class more than once. To be fair, the person did make it up, by extending the classroom time. Still, when you've arranged for child-care, it's a drag to sit and wait in front of your computer, while your instructor fumbles around, making half-baked excuses why they were late. I have kids at home who play the same tricks in an attempt to evade their responsibilities, I don't need my screenwriting instructor doing the same! Worse yet, the instructor once shared personal information about their family of origin that was unnecessary to the classroom context. (We paid a hefty tuition fee to learn screenwriting skills, not to hear sad facts about this person's childhood. Hey, we all have a few sad memories about childhood! Get over it! An online classroom is not the place for a paid instructor to share personal memories). I would have been more sympathetic to their plight if they had been a nice human being from the beginning. They weren't nice, so I'm not sympathetic. Finally, the instructor went back on a promise they had made to me during a classroom session. Another student hadn't come to the online class, and we were scheduled to read their script. So I volunteered to submit my rough draft – with the understanding that I could re-submit my script once it was finished, for another classroom review. The instructor agreed to those terms – but went back on their agreement a few weeks later. When I questioned the instructor about it, my concern was dismissed. So, I copied the transcribed conversation in which the instructor made the promise. They replied that they were way too busy to give each student individual attention! (Then why make the promise in the first place?). My poor rating is entirely based on the habitually unprofessional conduct of the instructor. The actual course content was very, very good. Had someone else – with a good work ethic, a sense of punctuality, and a commitment to personal and professional integrity – taught the course, then I would have given NYFA a perfect score. So, although I'm indebted to NYFA for helping me acquire basic screenwriting skills, and giving me the opportunity to complete a rough draft, I found the personal conduct of the instructor a very serious obstacle to the learning experience. My suggestion to anyone who wants to enroll in an online screenwriting course: – Make sure the educational institution has a professional code of conduct – Make sure the school holds their instructors to that code If you can't afford the cost of tuition: – Buy a good book on screenwriting. It will give you the exact same info about skills that this course provided, at a fraction of the cost – Enroll in a writing class at your local community center, where you can find like-minded people who will hold you accountable as you write your next project -Keep writing! Don't give up. After a number of years, I continue to uphold my opinion of the school.Robert Widdowson

The (limited) number of students that actually care is the only reason this school gets 2 stars. I attended the Masters Cinematography program in Los Angeles, and I am here to tell you that for that program- I can't speak to the others with as much in depth knowledge- the school is a joke, and serves to print money for itself. I was to attend for two accelerated semesters, and during the first, I found work doing what I was going to school to study and basically checked out mentally. When time came for my second semester, I had done very little for my classes, and went to our instructor to tell him I was leaving. The part that confused me was when he said that I was one of the best students in class, which made me laugh, as I had been working on set for the proceeding two months, hadn't attended class, or screened any projects for the class. I pointed out these facts to him, went to the bursers office with my story, and within 5 minutes I was holding a check for 40 thousand dollars: a complete refund of my tuition for both the previous semester, and the upcoming semester. My question is this: if they don't know they are scamming all their pupils, why were they so eager to hand over so much money and bid me farewell? Seems like an admission of guilt, and an effort (which admittedly worked) to prevent me from commenting on my experience. All you need to do is look at the top 5 most common jobs for degree holders from NYFA. The most common is elementary school teacher. The rate of alumni body working in thier field of study is a jawdropping .008%. Yea. Not worth it. Do yourself a favor, and watch all the films on AFI 100 greatest films list, then learn how blender and composition work, buy yourself a camera, and make a film.Nick Frazier

Did a filmmaking workshop. Loved some teachers and learned a lot, but the administration its just been awful. Since my first day. When I arrived due to a ridiculous covid protocol that I haven't been informed, I couldn't attend my first day of classes. I lost many hours and they just left me outside the door even though I crossed the world to get to nyc. And now, I finished the workshop four months ago and still haven't get my diploma. I keep writing to them but nothing gets done and it just keeps wasting my time. I paid around 5 thousand dollars to take that workshop and I just can't believe I don't have the proof of the classes I took.Pili Martínez

Learn from the best. When I was 19 years old, I was accepted to the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. It was the highlight of my life at the time. The great teachers back then were Harv Dean and David Gideon. I went to school here part time for 9 months to learn acting at its very basic. If you can afford going to the school and want to learn acting from the aspect of the instrument, then I highly recommend going here. The most important thing I learned from this school, is that even if you attend the classes and do your scene work, you need to be out pounding the pavement and looking for work in the industry, an agent and possibly a manager. I would not call the school glamorous but it does show great pride and respect for people who walks through their doors. If you are serious about acting and show business, this is the place to be. Take a look at the names of the superstars that have graced these doors!.C H

Although I am old enough to be the GRANDmother of most of the students, I had the honor to chat with Lee Strasberg himself, one morning, years ago. He spent nearly a half hour on the phone with me – a total stranger. I had acting aspirations back then (I am a freelance writer today). And I have never forgotten his generosity, wisdom, and graciousness to me – someone he would never meet in person. I love stopping by whenever I can, to donate theatre books, costume pieces, and just sniff around who's doing what. A cool place, and a wonderful energy, carrying on the great Lee's tradition of realism, heart and acting from the soul!!!Cynthia Hawkins

So cool, in a jimmy fallon interview, lady Gaga said she went here for 10 years! As a little monster I give this institution 5 stars! A Star is born! ❤️👏James G

We are at the wrestling match watching the other team wrestling each other! I don't think the basketball team is making their oppennts watch them practice!T H

I've been an international host parent for the last six years. We have always been good host parents and we keep in contact with students several years after they graduate from Park School and leave our home. Park School accepts an international student this summer and places him in my home. Turns out the student was asked to leave another school, but they placed him in my home without telling me, where he hurts my son repeatedly over several months. I call the school the moment I find out that this has been going on. I asked them for help. They instantly come and remove the boy from my home and decide to expel him, without any meeting with me to sit down and find out what happened to my son. I asked several times for an update on what is happening with the student and when exactly they're sending him home. This is because the student is trying to contact me nonstop to come see my son and apologize for what he has done. Of course, there is no real response (as I'm finding is often the case with host parents- we don't really matter as we are not the tuition payers). As a result, they remove me from the international host family group. I am told that this is really my fault, because if I had notified the school sooner that this was happening, they could've prevented it from going that far. (This is all while I'm being told I've always been a great host parent and they've never once had a problem with my family or my home). Do they honestly think that if I knew my son was being abused by a student living in our home that I would continue to let him live with us? They don't think that the minute I heard and saw evidence of abuse that I called the school on my way to work that morning? In an effort to not lose their privileges to issue I-20s (the visa needed to enroll students), they DID NOT send this boy home to receive help/counseling– they are working to have him placed in a new school and host family. The cycle will continue. Unreal and unacceptable. I hope someone addresses this train wreck that has become the international program. These students and their host families are more than just dollar signs for the school. There are very real relationships, families and students involved here! If you can't responsibly run a program like this, communicate and offer effective support when needed, stop running the program!Jennifer Brady

Park is an amazing school! One daughter graduated in 2016 and got into 10 excellent colleges – she's now a very happy second year student at College of Wooster with 2 paid academic positions in her field and she has been on the Dean's list every semester. Park's faculty brought out the best in her as a student and a person, we couldn't be more proud! My younger daughter is thriving at Park, too. The leadership opportunities she has had are incredible and the encouragement to try new things has help her grow into a confident, strong, hard working, intelligent young person. Park's 34 acre campus is a huge part of everything…students are outside no matter what the weather. They can enjoy and appreciate the natural environs including a pond, marsh, and rolling fields.Carolyn Hoyt Stevens

The Park School of Buffalo is an excellent school community that focuses on developing the individual! I have worked for Park for over 7 years and am continually amazed at the creative approach of the dedicated faculty and their enthusiasm for the Park community, teaching, and the learning process! I am equally impressed with the caliber of student that graduates from Park… thoughtful, confident, worldly, well-spoken… practiced leaders.Chris Ciechoski

I absolutely love Hochstein. I studied there from 2000-2002, in 2008-2009 and now from 2013 to present. I have studied with three different piano teachers and they have all been amazing! I lived in Boston, MA for a while while I went to Berklee College of Music for Piano Performance and Music Composition and then when I moved back to Rochester, NY I continued my private Piano lessons at Hochstein. I am becoming more advanced on the piano every day. I plan to study with my teacher at Hochstein for a very long time. I love that Hochstein has the "All School Recitals." I have performed in so many of them. They also have "Open Mic" which is open to Music and Dance students. I have also participated in this. And I have participated in other performance opportunities at Hochstein. Hochstein is a great Music and Dance School and is perfect for the beginning student all the way up to Concert Musician level and very advanced/serious Dancer. I also have taken Music Composition lessons and Voice, been in an Ensemble, and have taken a Dance class at Hochstein. I am very thankful that Hochstein is helping me with financial aid and would like to give back to Hochstein one day if I make money from publishing music in the future. I recommend Hochstein for everyone at any age.Hochstein student

While I can say that this particular school has produced many fine musicians, I have to say that their location, in particular the theater area, is without a doubt an awful venue. It is just not a welcome feeling as it wasn't intended to be a performance hall. The acoustics are not the best either. Sightlines are also sometimes not great here. All in all, the space feels a bit outdated for Hochstein. I can see where it was nice in the beginning, but it's time to spread their wings and find a new home, or perhaps, build a new home theirselves.Ian Scheil

Fantastic tap dance instructor – Cheryl Johnson. Builds on the student's strengths. My 8 yr old son actually likes dancing! The theater is beautiful and students perform as a crowning achievement of the semester. The administration also has been responsive and helpful with my questions, and I appreciate that the academic calendar is readily available online.Clara Kielkopf

The location and parking weren't half bad. They could have directed better on where the spots were, but still not bad. The venue itself was great. Very open and plenty of places to watch from. The hill and the general standing area were fantastic. Lighting and sound were very good as you could jam out anywhere and still feel engaged. The big draw back was the consesions. Only 2 places to get beers and 1 for water and such. There was only 1 food vendor that I saw. Even the "ease" of buying your beers online was a joke. They had 1 line for that and it was still as long and as timely as standing in the regular line. They need to work on that, a lot!Troy Klahn

This isn't my favorite concert venue. The sound is great, but if you care about seeing the stage you need to arrive super early or buy premium seats. Get food before you arrive unless you want to wait. I waited 45 minutes to get a chicken sandwich. My husband waited another 45 minutes to get a beer. Lines for what you are waiting for are not clearly marked. It might be better when a concert isn't sold out, but if you can see your favorite band somewhere else, you'll probably have a better experience.Elizabeth Kerr

Pretty standard outdoor venue, with a paved standing area in front of the stage and grassy risers surrounding, where people can set up chairs. For the show I was at (Blue Rodeo), there were several food trucks and vendors set up. There was a fair-style washroom building with running water as well as port-a-potties. The gates are quite a trek from the stage and I'm not sure how mobility-friendly the venue is.Jacki Andre

Came here before to see Chicken and Biscuits . Now here for American Buffalo . With its circular design it makes for a immersive theater experience . You feel like you are in the living room of the set . I’ve been to a ton of plays and this is the first time I noticed an assistive listening device table for those that are hard of hearing or blind . Headsets are available to describe the action and narrate the scenes . You can get a closed captioning device and even get a connection right into your hearing aide , I was told all of this by the nice gentleman in charge of the devices . Very helpful . Also another staff member let me know that there were designated wheelchair seats -to get to those you need to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before a show . You go in through the lobby and take an elevator down in a different entrance . To use the accessible bathroom you also go through a different entrance . If it were me I’d call the theater before and let them know you are coming and find out more details of all the ins and outs . One other thing of note Is that this theater is off Times Square but a much quieter street which is really pleasant . It’s only one level of seats so not very big which I also love .Kristen (Gypsy Monkey)

Not handicap friendly. You have to go to the box office for someone to walk you to the main building to ride the elevator to the theater. If you need medical devices such as walkers or crutches you will need assistance walking down the stairs to the seating. If you are in a wheelchair you will not be able to have front row seating. If you have trouble walking up in down steps this there there will be difficult unless you have assistance with you. The bathrooms are not on the same floor you will have to take the elevator with an assistant to walk you down a long hallway to a restroom. So if you cannot walk long distances you may want to think about going to another theater. Also you may want to ask for a booster seat just in case you get stuck behind someone who decides to wear their hair in a messy bunW

First time in this theater but I’m loving it. The stadium layout is perfect to have stage set up in the center, so actors can act freely in the middle instead of having to face a certain way to the front, best for play, not sure how it works with musical tho. Came to see American Buffalo features the three powerful actors, they built a whole pawn shop in the stage center: the props are so details your eyes just can’t help to check out everything. There’s no bad seats in the theater as it doesn’t have that many rows, so everyone is very close to the stage. I would say on the side 2-3rows are the best. So you are close to the stage center but not too close.Alex Zhang

To start they require you to show prove of you being vaccinated. The issue isn’t that they accept just the card they want you to show ID that it’s your card. During this process the hostess was extremely rude. It felt like a complete violation of your privacy. I stated how uncomfortable I felt and the lady stated to me “Then don’t come back.” For a playhouse that needs crowd funding I felt this was very unprofessional. The entire staff were short and were to busy talking amongst themselves to serve anyone waiting for for snacks. This is called the Erie playhouse and in all honesty it’s embarrassing for Erie for the Arts center to act so entitled. If your looking for a nice place for a fancy date I do not recommend this place. The stage is small and the seating is old and plain. Nothing of this theater shouts high end or has any character to add. The play itself was okay. Felt copy and paste. No heart or thought given just memorizing the lines. There are so many better options out there for live theater! I’d give this no stars if I could.Zach lawrence

Went to go see kinky boots and I was very surprised when I walked in and they asked for proof of vaccinations. When I should the lady who was asking for them I only pulled out my card first and then I was reaching back into my bag to grab proof of ID which first of all I don’t support the idea of having to show proof of vaccination and ID i find that a violation to my privacy but while I was reaching to get my ID she kept on telling me she needs my ID in a very aggressive tone. When I brought it up that I went to broadway in NYC just last week and they didn’t even ask for any vaccine records she said that it’s for safety reason. How can it be for safety reason when we are sitting right on top of the people next to us and the people in front of us and behind us. You can still get Covid while being vaccinated so what’s the point of safety. Then when I told her I won’t be back here again because of this policy she said “ fine don’t come back here” which is rude and not appropriate to say to a paying customer.Rebecca Newman

It was a pleasure being able to experience the Cinderella show with friends. The cast is great, their voices are amazing, and they sound like they were casted by Disney. On top of that, the costumes that were custom created to magically transform the individual from a peasant to a princess really elevates the whole experience. It really took me back to my childhood and 2 hrs of this felt like minutes. Last but not least, the orchestra/instrumentals were just as a vital to make this whole play smooth. All in all, everything came together to create this masterpiece. Will most likely come back to see other plays in the future. Thanks Richard!! Vi Nguyen

Horrible school. My child went here and was discriminated against by this girl named Lucy. A teacher witnessed this incident. The school did nothing about it. This school needs lots of improvement.Julia Hespoit

My girlfriend and I attended the lexington co-op's annual meeting here and it was pretty nice. I'm sure any kid living in Buffalo would be lucky to be able to go to school here.Kevin Carney

I took violin lessons from Eloisa for about 8 years, from age 8 to 16. I was given so many opportunities through playing violin with SVWNY: playing in groups, participating in workshops with professionals, preparing for auditions, mastering pieces for solo concerts, playing with an orchestra, etc. The skills I learned went beyond playing violin. They helped me in school and played a large role in my development socially and personally. I am happy to still keep in touch with Eloisa now that I am away in college. Today I enjoy playing in a chamber orchestra at my university!Grace Fuller

As a former student of Eloisa's, I can truly say that she had an incredible impact on my life. Eloisa is extremely talented, dedicated, and professional. I was Eloisa's student from ages 3-18, and those 15 years of involvement shaped me into who I am today! Not only did Eloisa teach me how to be a skilled violinist, but how to be a confident and poised young woman. From individual lessons, to group classes, recitals, and community concerts, Suzuki Violinists of WNY provides a profoundly enriching experience for all of its students.Anna Nicolia

Our son has been with Suzuki Violinists of WNY since he was 4 years old and we can’t say enough about the experience here. The quality of the teaching is amazing. Not only has he learned to play to an all-state level, he has developed skills that will serve him throughout his life. We also love that this is not just about dropping your child off at music lessons but engages the whole family. It’s a warm, welcoming and fun community and we’ve made some lifelong friends here. Wish we could give more than five stars!SJ Stead

My daughter has been with Mary Therese and Kent Friel for the last 2 years. I can't say enough about how amazing they are to work with. Mary Therese and Kent are involved in every aspect of their agency. You will only deal with them directly for everything!! They have high expectations of their models and expect professionalism and class in everything they do. They work with each model individually on what their goals are. My daughter wanted to model and be in pageants. They are helping her to achieve both of these dreams!! She is working for them all the time! My daughter entered their agency 2 years ago as a quiet, unsure, and anxiety ridden teen. She is now a confident, polished, and strong young lady. They are the only ones that we would trust our daughter to!! They are the best!!!tricia polchowski

My seven-year-old daughter cannot believe one day she will become a model. Mrs. Friel and Mr. Kent found her at National American Miss Competition in Rochester last year. I cannot believe I am writing a review for Mrs. Friel and Mr. Kent now since I read every single google review before my daughter became their model last year. One year passed, being with Mrs. Friel and Mr. Kent became one of the most unforgettable moment in her life. Because of Mrs. Friel, my daughter feels more confident! Because of Mrs. Friel, my daughter loves donation! Because of Mrs. Friel, my daughter learns hard work and perseverance! As a mother, I truly appreciate my daughter's role model Mrs. Friel-a beautiful, elegant and wise lady and Mr. Kent-a handsome and caring gentleman to be part of our life!Wenping Vazquez

My daughter has been working with Mary Therese Friel, LLC. for two years and she has truly loved her experiences there. Both Mary Therese and Kent are professional, personal and caring. My daughter has enjoyed participating in many community charitable events including the Causewave Annual Fundraising Campaign and the Lollipop Farm Annual Telethon. In addition, the training program has given her a chance to learn and practice skills that are not only useful on the runway, but also important life skills. We have always felt that she was in good hands with Mary Therese and look forward to many more years of working with the her!Susan Thoen

This rating is a reflection of my free Saturday Workshop observation. It lasted approximately 5.5 hours. They have various professionals give tutorials on their profession each week as well as review the TT new material checklist each week (and share the slides with you). We had a professional voice & speech teacher, Andrew Wade, work through techniques with us for about 45 minutes. There was a combination personal critiques, by Tom himself, of cold reading, monologues, and two-player scenes. Being brand new to any kind of theater/acting, I learned a lot just observing his commentary. If you have the money, are determined as a performer, and like performing and receiving feedback in a group setting (there were probably 30-40 people on the Zoom together) this may be a good fit for you. Give their free Saturday Workshop a try!Heather Kirkpatrick

Where do I start! I thank Life as often as I can remember for bringing me to Tom Todoroff studio. I don’t live in New York, and if it wasn’t for pandemic I would have not discovered the studio, would have not been able to take weekly classes, and would have not been enrolled in the Conservatory now. My journey with the studio may still be in its honeymoon stage, but my growth as an artist speaks for itself. I look forward to unleash into the world all that I’m learning here once I am ready 🙌. 💜 Thank you Tom and Emily and every single teacher I have, including my ensemble-mates.Kseniya

Have absolutely enjoyed the first free class with Tom and all the great staff and students from the Todoroff Studio. Seeing Tom in action, directing the scenes and sharing his insights and experience was a privilege and an opportunity to grasp and learn so much, even though I was not actually working on a scene. Indeed, you sometimes learn more just by watching. Looking forward to signing up for classes with them, thanking them for the availability and wishing them all the best.Casandra Lungu

Let me take a moment to tell you about this amazing woman and her 2 side kicks. My daughter had struggled with bad influences in her life years ago and she was pulled from her old studio. Then we heard about ZPAC. Best parenting decision ever made to enroll her here. Stacy Zawadzki-Janusz has encouraged, challenged, and pushed my daughter to be her very best self and beyond. She pushes accountability and self esteem. When My daughter thinks she can’t do something, Stacy says yes you can. Her 2 teachers that also work there have done the same. They have been encouraging and sometimes strict when needed. They have been sounding boards when she is having a hard time. I can not thank them enough for everything they have done for my daughter. They treat us like family and that studio has become like a second home for my girl. I love them all dearly and am so proud to be part of the ZPAC-Stacy Zawadzki's Performing Arts Center family. Thank you Stacy and Marcia and Lena for all the hard work you put into shaping these young ladies into young women. I am forever grateful.Jennifer Keane

This is a service business, this place is the best place around. The business actually makes a profit and then goes into the students performances – which have a sound and lighting crew and stage hands. The emails and contracts they have in place are more than reasonable, very factual, non- threatening and non- scamming. As a responsible parent you must read the black and white that is given to you when you register. This place is all factual and so positive.Lena Lee

If you or your child have an love for the arts, or you just want to broaden your skills in them, there's no better place in Buffalo than here! At ZPAC they do it all! You can sing, act, or dance. The students write their own final production, that's right production. They produce a show, not a recital. Stacy and her staff are amazing with the students. Stacy welcomes all no matter what age or skill level. At ZPAC we all are a family!Anthony Kurdziel

About a year ago I developed an injury and my doctor referred me to a personal trainer for strength training. After a few months, though very happy with my other trainer and reluctant to switch, I wanted to find someone in a more convenient location. I ran across Dan Sheff completely by accident and have been working with him for about four months. Dan’s workouts are varied and challenging, and individually tailored to meet my both short and long-term goals. Because of my history, I am as interested in injury prevention as in performance training. Dan is always adamant about proper form. Before increasing the difficultly of a given exercise, he always makes sure that I haven't aggravated my injury, and that I am not developing any new ones. Additionally, he is very happy to answer questions about why a particular exercise is beneficial, what specific muscles are being targeted, and how it fits into the long-term plan. He often sends me links to articles that I may find helpful or interesting, and he put me in contact with another of his clients who has turned out to be an excellent workout partner. He provides good counsel on nutrition, and has given me many helpful suggestions on healthy cooking and eating that work with my lifestyle. He has suggestions for meals when you only have three minutes eat, as well as which oils to marinade and/or cook with when you have the time to prepare a special meal. After working with Dan for a few months, I feel healthier and stronger. Also, in a recent speed workout, I was able to run 15 seconds faster per mile than I had ever run before. I know that Dan's workouts and advice have played a big part in my improvement, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who wants to perform and feel their best.Katherine Byrnes

I have been seeing Dan as a trainer on-and-off for the last few years now. He is an incredible trainer. He isn’t just there to help you exercise, but to make sure all aspects of your life are updated to a healthier, stronger existence. He talks to you about your diet to make sure that you’re getting enough nutrients and enough protein, especially after your workouts. He makes sure that you stretch before, during, and after your workout, in order to be sure that the impact on your body is minimal and that you don’t hurt anything during your workout. He goes over your personal goals and sets up a workout process specific to you. The price is great too! Only around $40 per workout, which is a lot cheaper than the other personal trainers from which I received quotes. It is also great that the training is personal, one-on-one. If you’re self-conscious about your workout, like I am, or you just prefer that specialized focus, then Dan is perfect for you. During the pandemic, the gym is sanitized before and after every single workout, but if you’d prefer, he also does virtual work-outs over the phone/through Google Duo. Trust me, if you’re serious about getting into shape and living a healthier life, Dan is the perfect trainer for you. He will make sure to talk everything through with you, so that you know what specifically you’re exercising, but also why you’re exercising it (its benefits and strengths). Definitely, 5 stars out of 5! -Chris from Buffalo, NYChristopher Rimes

I started coming to Dan towards the end of 2018. I had been with other personal trainers but was not getting the results I wanted. I was in my fifties and was carrying extra weight that i never really had. We started the workout. He talked to me about my food , sleep and other ways to try to lose the weight. I did them all but to avail. Then we started talking thyroid, he gave me some great books and articles to read. I spoke with my doctor at the next appointment, they mostly shrugged it off but agreed to do blood work. Came back low but within the "range". I ended up having to push the doctor plus added a different doctor that seem to understand my issue. End result was they put me on a low dose thyroid med and I also receive bio-identical replacement. Six months later and I am finally losing weight, my sleep is better than it was. I feel better overall. When looking for a personal trainer Dan is the one. He takes the time to look at you as a whole person not just what workout is best. Dan tries to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together to give the best result possible. If not for his educating me and also supporting me during this I would have never seen it through. For this alone I am very thankful! Trust me this is guy you want to help you be the best you can be!Gina Northrup

Mark is an excellent teacher, director and writer. I have made more progress in his class than with any other teacher. Having come from a theatre background, he really helped me adjust my technique for film. You get to be on camera in every class so in addition to the spot-on direction he gives you, you can see for yourself what is and isn't working. I love his "Star in a Movie" class where you get to go beyond the classroom and act in a short film that he usually writes. Some of the films have even made it into film festivals. I would unequivocally recommend Mark to anyone interested in learning the craft of acting from a real pro.Judy C

I was skeptical on attending acting classes , but this is the best decision I’ve made to achieve my dreams of acting in Hollywood or be the next Netflix best actress. Mark Stozelberg and Miss Karen are super amazing ! They will let you feel that you are professional actor , all they want is for you to be the best . And they are teaching me not to just act but make it as my lifetime career and make money from it . All worth it . Gosh ! I can’t thank enough MARK STOZELBERG and MISS KAREN . ! I also love my classmates as i learn a lot from them also . Very fun . I’ve never been confident like this in my ACTING !Lally Amante

Taking the intro classes with 0 experiences was incredible. Mark is a guru as a teacher. He's objective, has earnest and well formulated feedback, and understands how to get the best skill out of students to learn acting. He teaches from the inside out, developing your skills and philosophy at the core level, a skill that only a long and hard earned caring teacher possesses . He let's you find yourself as an actor in the process which is the most valuable here. Plus Karen, his assistant is also a dream to work with. You are in good hands here, highly recommend.Brian Thurm

When I wanted to request that somebody consider buying more barbells since there are more benches/racks than there are bars, I couldn't for the life of me get anyone to acknowledge me or call me back. As far as I know, the Summer st location is still understocked, with squat racks going unused because theres not enough bars. When I tried to get in touch with someone about getting the free body scan that was advertised with my membership, I only succeeded in getting the run-around. "Oh, you have to call so-and-so" only for them to tell me "no you have to ask at the desk" If you want to buy personal training, you'll have no trouble getting somebody to acknowledge you. This place feels cold, impersonal, uncaring, and criminally understocked/unmaintainedTimothy Victor

I have been an employee of the JCC of greater Buffalo for more than 10 years. I enjoy the community "feel" and close detailed attention to the importance of family. It is a great place to work out and meet up with friends and family for activities. I love the JCC, and to people considering joining, I highly recommend membership at our facility.Steven Tabbi

A Very nice club that despite being small has everything you need to get in shape, free weights, machines and plenty of Cardio machines. NEVER too crowded. The main reason I joined is for the STEAMROOM and POOL and Also a nice full court Basketball hoops.John Fredericks

Hi Tyler and Barb, I know it's only been a few days since I've brought Wally home but I am completely over the moon with happiness already. He's truly a different dog. Everything about him, including the look in his eyes, has changed. He seems so much more relaxed and truly happy. I've taken him on quite a few structured walks already and every time we put his leash on and step out the door, I'm more and more amazed. I can't believe we can walk for 30 minutes straight with him directly by my side. Today we passed by a male boxer who didn't seem too happy when he saw Wally. He was lunging and barking. I gave Wally some more space away from the other dog and he didn't even flinch. He just continued walking directly by my side and didn't break the heel. I was so very proud of him and it feels so great to be able to have a nice, pleasant walk down the street instead of being dragged in a million directions. He's been absolutely wonderful in the house too. We're both getting adjusted to the new structure and, to be honest, I think it's a bit harder on me than it is for him. I'm so used to giving him free rein of the house that it's more of an adjustment for me than for him. He's more than happy to place in his dog bed or go hang out in his crate. I'm the one that needs to provide the continuous structure and that's exactly what I'm going to do! We've been working on obedience multiple times throughout the day and whenever I have him in a down or place command, he will stay exactly where he is. Even if it's for an hour or more. I just wanted to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for helping get Wally where he is today. My expectations have been beyond exceeded and it feels so good to know that Wally is happier and not so wound up and anxious like he used to be. I've cried a few times already since I brought him home out of sheer joy. I can absolutely see now how I was lacking in leadership and how he wanted and needed structure. I'm so proud of him and I'm excited about the start of our new life together. You guys are truly amazing and I will be forever grateful for helping us! Many, many thanks!Ashley Acevedo

Highly recommend the investment with K9 Connection. My dog came from the buffalo animal shelter. He was fairly clueless. K9 came highly recommended, so I enrolled him in K9's 2-week bootcamp and it was well worth the money! The session completes with a wrap-up training session to train the human on how to communicate with him, and it was a joy! I feel that I and the dog have a solid foundation for success. He can sit, down, and place for up to an hour (haven't tried longer than that), he comes when called and he walks at heel. After a couple weeks at home of structured learning he now even does excellent off leash! When a new puppy joined my family, again from the buffalo animal hospital, some of the behaviors of the puppy with the other dog had me concerned. I arranged for a house call to have K9 evaluate the two dogs for compatibility, and they were great in walking through an evaluation, explaining the behaviors, providing insights into puppy and dog psychology, what they meant, and provided instruction on approaches and structures for different scenarios, and really set my mind at ease knowing that what I was seeing was healthy, normal, important for the puppy to experience and having tools to ensure a happy pack integration. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful, the facilities are great, and engaging their services is a worthwhile investment. Check them out!Daniel Arrasjid

Our investment in K9 Connection has completely changed life at home with our 1 year old male beagle. In August, he attended a three week board and train for what we considered to be serious resource guarding issues. Nobody who knew him "before puppy rehab" (as we fondly referred to it) can believe that he is the same dog, and we finally feel like he is part of the family. Our dog listens, shows self-control, does not drive us crazy, and, most importantly, does not threaten us or our children. We actually enjoy being around him. As our trainer Danielle said, this is what life with a dog is supposed to be like! And speaking of Danielle, she was incredibly patient, full of wisdom, and never made us feel incompetent for needing help in the first place. She continues to be so helpful even now that our official training program has ended. We might have to form an official fan club. 😀 So for anyone wondering if the price is worth it, the answer is YES, YES, YES. Thank you Danielle and all of your colleagues at K9 Connection for transforming our dog AND our relationship with our dog!Erin M