20 Best Acting Programs In Jacksonville, FL (2022 Updated)

I sent my residency information two weeks ago and nothing is in my file! Classes start today but I can’t start because they have tuition as out of state. Also they had to have my JU transcripts as if the credits transferred because of a policy. I’m no longer going to this school. It’s bootleg and ghetto. They are slow about admissions process and don’t reach out about what we need. Even in the student portal there’s nothing that said I needed anything or that my residency information wasn’t received!No Name

Online school at Saint Johns river state is especially a scam but all the saint johns state college schools are trash. Online classes besides a select few are all run through third party sources in which u have to pay hundreds for on top of the already pricey classes in which the teachers do not do a single thing but wait for weeks after to grade assignments that aren’t auto graded by bots it’s crazy almost like these online teachers have a passive incomeVan Rippon

So far they've been able to help me with every problem I've had. I've only taken a few classes so far, but all of my professors have been great. Especially my Spanish professor, Dr. Gil makes learning so much fun. I would highly reccomend this professor if you decide to take Spanish to fulfill your language requirements.Caleb Kulpa

This University is not a safe place to send your child if you care about them and their safety. I spent two semesters living on campus, my freshman year and they were the worst months of my life; communal bathrooms are not clean, things are broken often and do not get fixed, and security cameras are few and far between. The campus itself is not in a good neighborhood, which is a common fear of most people. Administration has done nothing to make the campus safer, there are not any cameras in parking lots, the cameras in the municipal parking garage do not work, and people are able to walk on to campus even if they do not attend the school. Young children steal student's bikes in broad daylight and grown adults walk onto the campus as well. The cafeteria food is not good and the staff is 99.9% of the time very rude, and you may get a plate of food thrown at you even if you are polite. I have witnessed people be served raw chicken, romaine lettuce when there was an E. coli outbreak, and also contract E. coli. The Bursar's office constantly removed and added money to my account saying one day I owed X amount of dollars and then one day I owed Y amount of dollars, and whenever I asked why my balance fluctuated during the semester, they had no answer. Financial aid is not easy to deal with especially if your family makes a mid-range income. If you household income is low or very high, do not expect to pay a lot per year. The social environment is like high school: judgmental and everyone stays in their own "clique" The only reason I will give this "university" a 2-star review is because the professor's do care about you and your success. They will work with you, and help you when need be. Every professor I had only wanted their students to succeed, and nothing else (with the exception of a woman who just had graduated from college and did not know the subject which she was teaching).Ashlynne Donovan

This school is one of the best veteran friendly schools in the U.S. currently we are in the top 100, we even have our own USO sponsored lounge called the defenders den where we can be around fellow veterans. The classes here are incredible and the professors genuinely care and thrive off interaction. You will not become another gear in the chain at this university, also the campus even though small is absolutely gorgeous. I’ve been to other schools and I am sincerely proud to finish my degree at an institution that values their Veteran population.Kostantinos Efstathiou

The worst school ever! I did a year at JU and lived on campus! there is nothing to do! You will be bored out of your mind if you are from the north. The staff was unhelpful, and forget about getting any extra financial help. I come from a one parent house hold and my mom lost her job I went into the aid office to see if they can help me with any extra aid and all they could offer was goods from the food pantry. What a jokeAlexandria Wilson

I – an academic student- go to this fine school, so I am obligated to create a helpful and notable review on the behalf of the Bolles School. (I killed it with the seventh grade grammar)Skill Shots

This was such a nice venue to host the First Annual Jacksonville Image Awards. The building has beautiful photos on the walls that just makes the place stand out. It is very spacious and easy to mingle outside the theater and have cocktails. In the theater, the seats are very intimate. It doesn’t matter where you sit, you still have a great view of the stage. Overall, a lovely evening at a beautiful establishment in Jacksonville.Tekia

I went for the first time to this theater/ museum as a special tour for educators. I had a great time learning about facts of the Black American artistic community and the struggles they had to endure to show their talents in the past. The indoor of the building is beautiful and they have a nice collection of artifacts. The robotic presentation is engaging and vivid.alduy tor

This was our first visit to the Ritz. The theater is beautiful and any seat is a good seat. The show was wonderfully done. We are already looking forward to our next visit. I was really surprised that there was not more people. Look them up and see all the upcoming shows they have to offer. Support the Ritz so the can continue to offer these types of events.Diane Parker

I attended Providence for 9 years and I can say that it is a fantastic school. The teachers really care about their students. They have great academics and a good learning environment.Michael Gray

Incredible school! Teachers and faculty are wonderful and caring. Had my daughter in another private school prior to this and Providence is well worth the extra cost.Brandon Ondrey

Best school I have ever seen. Great level of scientific knowledge, music and sports are awesome. Biblical values. God bless!Media Evsyukov

Prepaid parking was $8 for the Enterprise Garage opposite the Omni. We saw $15 open lot parking and $30 valet at the venue. Parking in the garage was a little slow – 7th floor was filling up, but a trick is to take the down ramp after a few floors and we got parked on 5th instead. Bag check and security was pretty quick (there are 7 doors/lines at front, don't be tempted to get in the first line). Inside the lobby was filling for both a Symphony event and Hamilton, so expect to be shuffling around a crowded space. At the back (by the riverfront) the conservatory area has more room to hang out plus the liquor vendors 🙂 Theater doors opened about 7:40 for the 8pm performance. Drinks and merchandise vendors worked pretty quickly imo. Lovely well-kept facility, but gets busy.Steve Malcolm

Attended a Steely Dan concert at the Performing Arts. The facility was nice, ushers helpful, had bars and food vendors. Sound and acoustics was really good, as well. As a fantastic musicians. The only problem is it got warm towards the end of the concert, many complained ti the ushers, but no results. Also need to fix the entrance roofing, it was raining and it leaks big drop deu to cracks in the old Plexiglas. Concert 5 stars, facility 4 starsMike Radel

I've always had a great time every time I've gone to see a show here. I've sat in the middle of row s and row t and we've also sat up in the balcony. There honestly isn't a bad seat in the house. I'm a short person so having someone in front of me can sometimes be difficult. But in both halls I was always able to see very well no matter where I was sitting or who was sitting in front of me.Shawna Flager

The venue was approved along with a new Amway Center (which replaced the Amway Arena) and improvements to the Camping World Stadium after a series of hearings and votes, culminating in final votes in the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on July 26, 2007, and the Orlando City Council on August 6, 2007. The design for the new venue was revealed on August 21, 2008. The venue features a 2,700-seat amplified hall, Walt Disney Theater, for Broadway musicals and multi-genre concerts as well as a 300-seat venue, Alexis & Pugh Theater, for smaller shows and events.[3] The third theater, Steinmetz Hall, a 1,700-seat multiform theater achieves an N1 sound rating–the highest possible acoustical rating. The acoustically remarkable Steinmetz Hall can transform into three different theater styles (symphony concert hall, proscenium hall, and banquet hall) to accommodate multiple events and performances. Construction for Steinmetz Hall began on March 6, 2017 and officially opened on January 14, 2022. The final performance space to complete the arts center is Judson's, a dynamic music room with cabaret-style seating to host intimate events and live entertainment. Judson's is slated to open in 2023. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Dr. Phillips Center came up with a concept for an outdoor, socially distanced venue to continue offering performances in a time when so much of the world had shut down. In May of 2020, the idea for creating the Frontyard Festival™, presented by AdventHealth began and officially launched on December 5, 2020 with its first show. Located on the front lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center, the Seneff Arts Plaza, the Frontyard Festival™ offered socially distant boxes that could seat up to six people. Food and drinks were delivered from on-site restaurants while performances and events were put on a stage at the front of the venue. The series was meant to run until June 2020, but was extended another six months and had its final event on December 13, 2021. The Frontyard Festival™ won the Silver Stevie® Award for “Most Valuable Non-Profit Response to COVID-19” from The American Business Awards and the Golden Brick Award for “Innovation” from Downtown Orlando Partnership. The venue costs US$613 million, with the completion of Steinmetz Hall. Two-thirds of the funding comes from public funds, largely from the Orange County tourist development tax. The other one-third comes from private donations, including a large grant from the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, the philanthropic organization funded through the estate of Philip Phillips. A slow-down in the tourist development tax and other economic conditions forced the plans to become phased into two stages of construction. Walt Disney Theater and Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater were part of Phase I. Phase II included Steinmetz Hall and Judson's. Groundbreaking took place in June 2011. The center occupies two city blocks. Some of the existing structures demolished to clear room for the center include Orlando Fire Department Station #1 (which moved to Central Blvd.); an annex building of First United Methodist Church of Orlando; and the round American Federal Building, constructed in the 1960s. The center is bordered by Orange Ave. to the west, South St. to the north, Rosalind Ave. to the east, and Anderson St. to the south. Magnolia Ave. bisects the property. The first Broadway production to play the Walt Disney Theater was Cameron Mackintosh's new, non-replica production of The Phantom of the Opera.Chowdhury M Rahman

Coming here always gives me so much joy (sans the Pulse vigil). And it's also a perfect time to dress up and get a little fancy. My first time coming here was for Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2016. Then Hamilton in 2019. And now that they've opened again for 2021, I have been going more often: The Jungle Book Ballet, Final Fantasy VII Remake Orchestra, The Nutcracker Ballet. It has been an enjoyable experience every time. The staff are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are clean. But there can be long lines for the bar downstairs, so go to the other bars on different floors to get your drink faster (especially before the show starts). I do wish they served non-alcoholic beer, though. But they also have snacks you can buy, too. At the moment, they do require proof of vaccination OR a negative test at least 48-hours beforehand. In the beginning, they were very strict with the masks, but when I came recently for The Nutcracker Ballet, they seemed to have relaxed on that. For parking, I usually purchase it with my ticket, so I don't waste time looking for one once I get there. (BTW.. .Ladies, be courteous of people who may be sitting behind you and don't wear your hair up high in any way 😬)Mary Grace

Always an amazing time at Dr P’s! There is not a bad seat in the house so if you can grab a ticket, hop on it. This place was amazing during the dark Covid days spinning on a dime and offering outside courtyard seating with food and drink delivery to your “pod”. Highly impressive and innovative way to stay in business. It’s always clean inside and the staff of quick and efficient. You can get through the beer and alcohol line in a snap. Bathrooms are super clean. Inside the architecture is beautiful, so take a stroll! Make sure you visit the balcony bar, grab a cocktail and take a moment to gaze over downtown Orlando. They have musicals, concerts and comedy shows so there’s always a plethora of choices for your visit to Orlando. Put this on your list of things to do!Rebecca Rementer

Tandem Media is an awesome group of passionate film makers. Their love for the film industry is shown in every project they create. I would say their love for the local actors is even greater. They offer so much such as classes, reels, headshots and valuable advice to help you succeed and grow as an actor. I loved working with them on Last Gambit, which will be out soon. I highly recommend you check them out or join them for an upcoming class! Here is a BTS photo and a shot from the movie.Charity Crews

I'm so grateful to Tandem Media for all the film acting opportunities they've provided me. I have learned so much about acting for film under their training and guidance through their B.A.V.O. acting for film classes. Ms. Jenifer Jett, my film acting coach, coached me for an audition to a role in a short film I really wanted and I booked it! I went on to receive the award for "Best Actress" in the South East Regional Film Festival for that very film I booked.Nina-Simone Diaz

I've worked with countless Northeast Florida production companies and studios over the years. Tandem Media consistently delivers top quality, highly professional work and with the utmost integrity. Highly recommended for any film/TV/commercial/still photography project and for training, photos and demo reels for actors.Devan Lesley

Two summers ago I was looking to sign my kids up for dance lessons and guitar lessons. I was calling around for prices at dance studios and music studios. I was so excited when I found BBSMDD that offered both! I had no idea such a place existed. Its been nice to have my kids exposed to all different kinds of forms of music and dance while at the studio. All of my kids go there now and attend both dance classes and private guitar and drum lessons! We've been happy with every teacher and experience we've had!!!!!Tamsynn Storin

My little has been doing dance and music here since she was 2 years old. She has met almost all the teachers and she loves each one. They treat her like she is special and really work with her in fun unique ways. I can’t see how any studio could be better. They check all the boxes i was looking for in a performing arts studio. Thank you to everyone and everything you do!Cassidy Whited

Edgar works with my 4 year old son on the piano every week. If I could give him extra stars I would! He has a way about him that is truly engaging and individualize each session to teach our son the basics while having fun. I adore Edgar so much I know we will be with him for years to come. He is kind, patient and really is amazing.Lori Nathanson

Bob’s class, or TAG as we like to call it (The Actor’s Group: Orlando), is amazing. He fosters a welcoming, encouraging environment in which an actor, whether veteran or newbie, can cultivate their skills. Bob’s resume as an actor and his experience on television and in movies means he is teaching from lived experiences and I feel comfortable taking his advice and direction knowing he’s been where I want to go. He also hosts guest speakers from time to time, all with extensive and enlightening industry knowledge. I had minimal acting experience when I joined just over two years ago and I’ve since fallen in love with the process of working monologues and scenes. I’ve been able to secure commercial representation and I’ve been cast in over a dozen local shorts as well as a handful of commercials. Other classmates have booked work on full features both in the southeast and in LA. If you’re looking to start or don’t unite your acting journey, I’d definitely recommend TAG.Sean Dawkins

I'm so grateful to have found TAG. About two months ago I was an audit in my very first acting class. I was intimidated and nervous and unsure but Bob immediately eased all of my worries. With that, the rest of the TAG community was so welcoming. I immediately signed up. Since that first day I feel I've grown so much in this craft. Bob does such a wonderful job of encouraging you step by step, and he works outside of class time to personally help his students whether it's for headshots, audition advice, or general industry questions. Up to last year I had been dancing ballet at the professional level. However, a year ago I suffered a career-ending injury that made me question my purpose. After a year of just, confusion and lack of motivation, I joined TAG and got my groove back. Knowing I have an instructor and acting community that so genuinely wants me to succeed means the world. I'm so excited to see what we do!Bailey Hetzel

TAG has honestly changed my life. Before this class I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. I had always loved film but didn’t know what to do with that. So I started thinking about acting and I came across this class and I am so grateful that I did. Bob is not only an amazing teacher, but also just a really really really great man. Yeah we do monologues and scenes but we also talk about the business of the industry and I couldn’t be more thankful that Bob reiterates that this is a business. The other actors in the class are wonderful and you can also learn from everyone else by observing and listening. It has now been two years since I joined and I’ve loved every second of it. I don’t know what I would be doing if I hadn’t joined this class. Thank you Bob, I truly couldn’t be more grateful.Jose Garza

I’m a retired dad of 2, with a daughter about to marry for the first time, who had absolutely no singing ability; however, I had the desire to sing a certain song to her at the wedding reception so I enlisted the help of Mrs. Lanza. After several months of her coaching and guidance and practice, I am now a confident-enough singer about to give my daughter this special gift of a father’s love song to her. Heather’s patience & skill in teaching me to sing cannot be overstated and would not have otherwise been possible. If you wish to learn or simply improve your ability to sing, I highly recommend imparting your trust to this caring, knowledgeable person. I personally cannot thank her enough for this precious, priceless gift she has given me!diverbud1

Mrs Lanza is an absolute joy to be around! I started working with her my Sophomore year of high school and I am now about to graduate high school, going to college for musical theatre in the fall. I am so thankful for all that I’ve learned about myself as a performer and my voice because of our lessons and for all her assistance with every audition, prescreen, performance, show, etc. She is always willing to be supportive and loves to see her students shine!Angelica Parisen

I have been studying with Heather for a month now, and it has been an absolute privilege. She is so passionate about building my voice and encouraging me to dig deep and express myself through the music. I would highly recommend Heather to anyone that is looking to build their skills and have an amazing time doing it!Nickie Jennifer

Bravo is a great dance studio! My daughters started in the pre combo classes when they were 3 years old and they have grown into beautiful well rounded and dedicated dancers! The environment at the studio is accepting, welcoming and like a family. The viewing windows in the lobby give parents the opportunity to see what the kids are learning in their classes! I would recommend Bravo to anyone looking for a new studio or for first time dancers.Ronda Messer

Excellent dance studio for the kids. Owners and instructors wonderful people and very knowledgeable! The love the kids and just feels like family when you're there. Awesome place!!Susette Singh

This place is amazing! They have become our extended family. The teachers are amazing, knowledgeable, great with kids of all ages and are very welcoming.Kelsey Ventro

I have always had the best service at Parisian Spa Institute. The room is filled with positive energy as students learn under careful supervision. I have had facials, pedicures, massage and my hair done at Parisian. My hair was done yesterday (10/22/21) after much consideration and procrastination (which was a mistake on my part). Kim gave careful instruction on how to guide me with hair color (I am a cool, so I need a warm color.) NO ONE has ever told me this before and I had blonde or platinum highlights previously that washed out my skin tone and made me look older and tired. I walked out with gorgeous color, the correct tone of highlights and a sharp new cut that took years off of my appearance. It may take longer due to instruction, but you get the care and guidance that best suits YOU. After all, that is what you are seeking and paying for so take the time and allow students to learn a trade that will satisfy their clients in years to come. It is so worth it. Thank you Kim (instructor) and Oneida (student) for an incredible experience. I’ll be back! A note to anyone reading this: this is a teaching facility so please expect an investment of your time for instructions to be given and students to be very detail oriented as they learn and strive for perfection for their client. They deserve the chance to learn! I absolutely love every service that I have had at Parisian and look forward to my next visit!Carol Alsobrook

Went here bout month to a month and a half ago and thought I left a review….this place is probably the worst place to go to get services done. First off, the teacher is rude as hell, refused to do any service on me except for a haircut because “she didn’t have the time”. They completely obliterated my sons hair when all his needed was a 2 on the sides and a trim off the top. He left with basically a buzz cut. My husbands hair was dyed black from a faded purple/blonde color, then supposed to be cut. The black was extremely splotchy all over and the girl left while he was still processing so another girl had to rinse him. No cut was done. They still charged us for a cut/color on him. During my cut, I told both the teacher and student numerous times that I just wanted the split ends trimmed and my hair thinned out….the girl didn’t know how to thin out hair, which is understandable since she’s still in school for it, but the teacher told her the way to thin hair is to cut it at a 90 degree angle and then proceeded to pretty much give me a mullet. When asked what kind of dye I use to dye my hair, she laughed and ridiculed what I use. Also, the building they’re in is extremely sketchy itself, which I do understand is not exactly their fault. Just forewarning y’all.Jessica Bradley

My experience at the spa institute has surpassed any other spa encounter that I have ever had. The professional staff truly cares about both the customer and their students. I have found that the beauty industry in general has become a profit first endeavor. Whereas, at The Parisian Spa institute the staff and subsequent culture are committed to caring for the client first. For the incredible esthetician Linda, It’s about developing relationships and getting to know how she can Empower others to care for themselves and develop confidence so that they in turn can care for others. This goal is the essence of education. Well done!Mary DiMarzo

My daughter Addison started her Journey with Society Performers last November and I’m very pleased with the results. It is now May , roughly 6 months later my daughter was signed by a great Agency and has auditioned for about 7 roles since getting the contracts signed a month and half ago. The team was great nice , helpful, resourceful and down to earth. I have to a special a Big shout out to Joe not only for believing in my daughter but helping us through the process. Late nights or Early morning he was willing to help. I must say this is a great place for child to start if you are looking to dive into the business with the right resources. Thank you to the scouting agents and team and coaches at Society Performers. You were the bread and butter to this process and me and Addison appreciate you all from the bottom of our hearts.shaunice cook

We’ve been a part of the Society Performers family for nearly 5 years now – and we couldn’t imagine ourselves anywhere else. Our daughter has been perfecting her craft under Joe and his lovely staff since 4 years old. We’ve been able to have access to various opportunities along the years, and one of the biggest highlights has been securing a major agent in Hollywood for our daughter; in which she was discovered at Society Performers Academy – Joe really has a vast network in the industry. Since then we’ve booked national commercials, and many others audition opportunities, along with meeting so many other great families. Joe has a kind spirit, and positive energy everyday and creates a great environment around his company. Highly recommended to anyone looking to grow their child’s craft, have fun and secure opportunities!AnterluzTV

Where to begin with this review… there’s so much I could say! From start to finish (which I don’t think we are done just yet), it has been such a wonderful experience! Joe and Jay are complete professionals. Our son is only 3 years old, so naturally he has a bit of a tough time staying focused but that was no issue for Joe or Jay. Their patience with our son was awesome and they knew just how to work with him. They never gave up on him or got frustrated with him. They have worked with us just as much as they have our son. If you ever get the idea to put your child in to acting/dancing/modeling classes, this is the place to do it! Highly recommend!Christopher Macias-Zapata

**IMPORTANT** For those of you looking remove your child from the program, send in a certified letter to 4950 W Kennedy Blvd #200, Tampa, FL 33609. It must be a certified letter, they will not honor another form of cancelation. You have 72 hours, after signing the paperwork and before class begins, to fully remove your child from classes and get a full refund. The cancelation letter after classes have started is used to remove your child from classes. If you do not remove your child from class they will run your card daily for the past due balance whether they speak to you or not and will not offer a refund. This is not stated anywhere in your paperwork. They also record all phone calls despite not having a pre-recorded messages stating the calls are recorded. Be warned. The last two tactics are predatory, the last of which mentioned is illegal as Florida is a two party consent state in regards to recording. Report Barbizon to consumer affairs, not BBB, as BBB ratings can be falsely inflated simply by staff responding to claims whether the claim was resolved or not.CV JD

When we had Stoneys first class, he asked me if he didn’t like it if he would have to go back again. I told him to be positive. This was a great opportunity. When I picked him up that evening, I picked up a whole different child. He was excited. He had confidence like he needed but didn’t have before that class. He could hardly wait for the next class every time. Barbizon changed my child into a I don’t care what I have on if it matches or not to a hey mom does this match look good how’s my hair? He loves his teachers. He made lifelong friends there. All great in my book.penny lee

Barbizon has been a wonderful experience for my 16 year old daughter. The program built her confidence and helped develop important skills that will lead her to a successful path in whatever she chooses! We appreciated the content and delivery of the curriculum which was engaging and fun. We look forward to our continued partnership with Barbizon!Joy Brooks

Last night I got out of my Routine and went to see the Newest Entertainment in the Jacksonville area, Called First Coast Comedy What is that Big Rich, you may ask? Well it's a live Improv comedy show right here and not on TV! These group of talented folks use their quick thinking to come up with funny skits and games on the spot for our enjoyment 😃! They have both a Family Friendly show called "The Main Event that starts at 730pm for those looking to introduce your young ones to fun interactive entertainment. I Highly recommend for your first experience in the world of Improv comedy. And if you prefer your humor to be more on the darker more curse worthy comedy that makes you say "Now that's F-ing funny 😁, Well "The Blue Show" is you you! (Me Too 😉) That show starts at 10pm They have shows weekly at their Mayport location and also are available for off-site booking opportunities for birthdays or parties of any kind and team building for all sorts of occasions. It's not Stand up Comedy, so all seats are a Safe Space although you may interact when called upon, plus because there is only about 60 seats, you always have a good view of the show! Get your Tickets for next week's Main Event and let them know #BigRichSentMe and you can thank me later!!Richard Harris (BigRichKnowsJax)

We attended the main event and it was awesome! The players are just hilarious and the humor is clean! This is not a stand up comedy show, but it’s a show that rather depends on the audience series of suggestions to build the events, so no matter how many times you attend the show it will always be different which makes it even better! Give it a try, I promise you will have a great time!George Morad

Attended The Main Event show at First Coast Comedy last night for the first time with my family and some friends from church. It was an absolutely hilarious show. The cast kept us laughing the entire time with improv and audience participation. For a great evening of fun and laughter I highly recommend First Coast Comedy! I will go back!!Ray W

Okay, so I randomly stumbled across a pamphlet at the YMCA regarding Publix Aprons Cooking School. I honestly thought this experience would be a typical Publix Apron meal, but I was pleasantly surprised. The location of the cooking school is at the Publix on San Jose Blvd. I went in at about 11:45am to get seated. I was told by the customer service that the cooking school was near the pharmacy of the store. When I walked over to the cooking school, my jaw dropped. They actually have a cooking school with real chefs. It felt like I had left a grocery store and entered a nice restaurant with a personal chef. The ambiance was so nice. They had jazz playing in the background and they offered mimosas. I was in ahh. How did I not know about this?!? Chef Tony was amazing. He and his team served a beautiful four course brunch to me and one other participant. The food was so tasty and beautifully presented. This would be an ideal date. I also learned about a ton of other cooking demonstrations and hands on activities that they offer each week. They also have programs for kids as well. The schedule for the cooking classes and demonstrations are normally located in the Aprons demonstration areas in the stores of Publix. I guess I never paid attention because I'm too busy trying to eat the samples. The cost of the classes do range. The Jazz brunch I went too was $40, but it was so worth it. I think I was told that there are about 12 Publix with the cooking school, but Jacksonville only has one location. The cooking school caters and host private parties, weddings, baby showers, and etc. This info was great and I'm excited to tell others about it. This was truly a gem. Way to end the weekend.Tekia

It was great! Thank you Chef Josh and Chef Briana! My husband and I decided to make ourselves get out and do something different, and we got so much out of it! We did a hands on class 6-9 with different preparation of eggs. We learned soooo much … how to use the knife properly how to chop onions herbs, peppers, cilantro, parsley, chives how to make an Irish scotch egg (boiled egg wrapped in sausage, flour, bread crumbs and fried), german pancakes, potato pancakes Latkes, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, cook and add chorizo, the best way to separate the yolks, how to properly boil eggs then chill them quickly so they're easy to peel, how to make Creme Brûlée, how to make syrup for the big puffed german pancake, how to season all the foods with lime and herbs and add color with chopped peppers. and they gave us wine and beer selections to drink with our amazing meal & we had plenty to take home. It was packed with cooking lessons in such a fun way. It was well worth the money!!! We want to do some more when we can.Susan Rhodes

Last night, my wife and I – to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary – hosted a Demonstration Dinner here for 21 family, friends, and neighbors. Most guests had not been to the Cooking School, and all of them raved about the experience. Exceeded even our expectations. Senior Chef Ansley and her staff were so accommodating and did a wonderful job. And Clint, the sommelier, really knows how to pair his wines with each course. Publix has 12 of these schools, each located in its own separate space within the pertinent stores. They have both Hands On classes and Demonstration Dinners (where the chefs cook the meal, explain what they are doing, and answer questions). Prices are very reasonable, we think. If you haven't tried this – especially if you enjoy food and wine – then you are missing out! Check out the Publix Aprons Cooking School online and thank me later.Richard A Fuhrman

A HIDDEN GEM!!!! I began attending The Island Theater last year and found myself addicted ever since! So much so I ended up purchasing season tickets! A MUST!!!! I bring my daughters once a month to see the performances. It’s our family outing time. This summer I enrolled my children in theater camp. They loved it! It’s given them a sense of belonging. They have zero acting experience and by the looks of it, I think they plan on continuing to act. They’ve made great friends as well and have enjoyed their summer. The Island Theater is one of my favorite places in the local community. I love supporting them. The acting is great and you can tell that they take pride in putting together the shows. The ticket prices are very reasonable especially when you have a family of 7 like mine. This is our new home. We will continue to support this business/ community center for years to come!!!!Karen A. Calvo

My daughter and I have been performing in shows and volunteering at The Island for two years now. I have nothing but positive things to say about the director, board and people that make this theater our second home. The talent is superb, atmosphere professional, and there is a variety of ways to get involved. There are also workshops three times a year where kids of all ages can learn the basics of acting all the way through performance, as well as a spring break and several summer week-long workshops. Each season has a wonderful variety of shows from family friendly to more mature as well as true classics. There is something for everyone here.Erika Hicks

My son got tickets for the Matt Stone- Elvis Presley Experience for 8/26 here and it was phenomenal! This is THE ideal place to see a performance of any kind. The place is clean, seats were comfy and while it's a small theater, it's intimate and there is not a bad seat in the house!Dawn McGinn

Our dog has been going to Camp Bow Wow for months now. Every time we pick him up, the counselors tell us how amazing he is and how they can’t wait to have him back. Nothing but high praises. We put our dog in boarding this past weekend and when we picked him up, we were informed by the receptionist that he “attacked” another dog and that our dog had always been “testy” and that he isn’t allowed back. 1) If he “attacked” another dog, why weren’t we informed immediately? We did not find out until the day after when we went to pick him up. That is something that we need to know it’s unacceptable to withhold that information. 2) If our dog had been “testy” all along, why wait months to tell us? The counselors always commend our dog for how good and playful he is. If he has had issues, we should have been notified immediately. 3) The receptionist initially said “3” counselors had to “pull” him off the other dog, but later changed it to 2. If you can’t keep your facts straight, you have no business caring for our dog. Also, why was the other dog not isolated in this incident? 4) The receptionist told me that this behavior sometimes “just happens because he is an animal.” No, there is an underlying cause that is not being addressed and communicated. If he has had issues with another dog for months now, we need to know. 5) We loved Camp Bow Wow until now. The severe lack of communication and candor rates this location below 1 star, if I could rate it so. Currently waiting for Camp Bow Wow to reach out back to me with proof of this “attack” (was informed it was captured on video and that the owner would contact me). Update 4/17: Saw the footage on the alleged incident. 1) He did not “attack” the same dog. He was playing with a different dog until that dog decided he had enough. 2) 2 counselors were involved separating the large group of dogs. It did not take “3 counselors to pull him off” 3) Camp Bow Wow apologized for the lack of communication. I was told the assistant manager (Amanda) would reach out to me explaining why our dog had always been “testy” and why all of her information was incorrect – still have not heard back in a week.Ted Fan

We just finished our first day interview and Nacho did great! Everyone greeted us with a smile and the very friendly staff knew all the dogs names that Nacho played with. They really made me feel they cared about his well being. Will be signing Nacho up for their training classes! The only thing I could suggest is to get the water bowls within the camera shot. I love watching the dogs on the webcam! As a dog owner/parent I fully trust them when they say they keep the water bowls full from the conversation we had, but it would just add a little more reassurance to be able to see it! Really looking forward to leaving my dog in the care of this team. They seem like a great crew that cares!Mike Soto

We love camp now wow and have brought our dog, Rey, here since 2019. She used to come every day all day when we worked in office, but once remote work started we stopped bringing her. Recently we brought her again and the employees recognized her and called her by name when she walked in! Needless to say, she was so happy to see all of her friends again. Camp bow wow does an excellent job and our dogs always come home tired! The staff is very friendly and kind to our dogs and I love that there are cameras on the dogs all day.Adea Reardon

Brain balance provides a comfortable environment for the employees along with the children! We all have one goal in mind… to help the children grow: in their confidence, their academic performance, and their strength. I truly enjoy coaching at brain balance! The children work so hard and learn so fast! It’s truly amazing what we get to do everyday! My sister was diagnosed with dyslexia in the first grade and I understand how hard is on the family. They don’t give you a check list on how to help or what steps to take. But brain balance does! They provide the information for success and to strengthen the weak side of the brain to improve overall performance. Because my sister sought help at such a young age she was able to grow that confidence and thrive academically. In her college career she made the deans list every semester and graduated with honors! We are so truly proud of her for overcoming her disability and not letting it hold her back! I hope to give this to all the children at brain balance! With our nutrition plan, assessments, and training these children are able to work past any disability with ease and patience. Brain balance provides everything a child needs to thrive!Victoria Ice

UPDATED REVIEW: We had such a good outcome for my oldest son who completed the brain balance program when he was in kindergarten. When my youngest started showing signs of struggling this past year in kindergarten, I immediately took him to brain balance. He began doing better in school after just a few short sessions and our hard work that we put in at home. He is doing things with such ease now and has gained a lot of self confidence which is invaluable when it comes to our children! Thanks brain balance and staff for all you do with these children and their families!! Brain Balance has completely changed our lives. Our son is able to sit and focus without getting into trouble constantly. We have not been in the principal's office this school year for behavior issues. Overall, he is happier and feels good about the choices that he is making thanks to Brain Balance!Amber Dill

My daughter started here in 2021. She was struggling to pass kindergarten. She could not recognize her letters at all. We had multiple tutors for her but it just would not click. We came across Brain Balance and called to see if they could help. I’m so glad we did! After her assessment, we discovered she was deficient in some areas and after a few months of going to Brain Balance, she was able to pass kindergarten and is now doing great in 1st grade. This program takes a lot of discipline but it is so worth seeing your child gain confidence! We are very, very grateful for the staff at Brain Balance in Jacksonville. They became like family to our daughter. 💕Alana Petree