First Take Acting School

First Take Acting School offers Kids Acting Classes, Core Class, Master Prep & Master Class, On-Camera, Acting for Non-Actors, Improv for Actors, and the Take Action! seminar. The program says every class runs as an 8-week session, with classes offered in person in San Francisco and San Jose, and online by Zoom. Kids Acting Classes are listed for ages 5-10, and Core Class is listed for ages 11-100+.

Programs

• Kids Acting Classes — 5-10 · Saturdays 9:00-10:30 PM · $350 per session · Online 8-week session; younger kids could fit this class if they are very mature. Sign up by calling 415-295-6026.
• Core Class — 11-100+ · Mondays 6:30-9:30 PM; Tuesdays 2:30-5:30 PM and 6:30-9:30 PM; Thursdays 6:00-9:00 PM and 6:30-9:30 PM; Saturdays 10:00 AM-1:00 PM and 9:00-12:00 PM · $450–$550 per session · Online and in-person 8-week sessions; younger kids could fit this class if they are very mature. Sign up by calling 415-295-6026.
• Master Prep & Master Class — 2-5 years in the method · Mondays 6:30-9:30 PM; Tuesdays 2:00-5:00 PM and 7:00-10:00 PM · $550–$700 per session · Online advanced training. Prep class is for further training before joining the Master Class.
• On-Camera — All levels · Call for schedule · Call for pricing. The On-Camera class incorporates the First Take scene study guidelines into your on-camera work. Location: TBD; Time: TBD. Taught by Susan Chung.
• Acting for Non-Actors — All levels · Call for schedule · Call for pricing. Designed to help build confidence and develop skills like speaking in front of a group, connecting with others, leading a group, and more.
• Improv for Actors — All levels · Call for schedule · Call for pricing. Customized to actors and the acting process.
• Take Action! seminar — All levels · 6-hour intensive · Call for pricing. The seminar is about how you can live in the Bay Area but still work in LA.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price range: $350–$700 per session
• General schedule: Classes run in person in San Francisco and San Jose, and online by Zoom. Every class runs as an 8-week session.

About the provider

Nancy Berwid is listed as the founder and acting teacher. The leadership team also includes Deborah Feisa, Xavier Beyer, Hannah Cockman, Jaime Gray, Robert Wu, Danny Lai, Susan Chung, Jay Liu, Shonte Akognon, and Andrew Chuong. First Take says there are no hierarchies or rankings, and it offers a free class sit-in.

First Take says there are no hierarchies or rankings, creating a safe and inviting learning atmosphere. Free class sit-in is offered. Sign up by calling 415-295-6026.

What families say

“You learn to not only grow as an actor but also as a person” — Tamera Mowry-Housley

“First Take is a gracious gym for your acting and creative muscles” — Siua Ikaleo

“First Take is a safe place to do dangerous things.” — Cameron Britton

Last updated October 27, 2026.