Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Curious about your next step? Explore our Ongoing Classes, Workshops, or Career Services—and when you're ready, you can register easily through our online system. Still have questions? Call us at 971.708.2127 or email info@thestudionw.com and we’ll help you find the best fit.

Not quite ready but want to stay in the loop?
Drop your email below and keep an eye on us from afar. No pressure—we totally get it. 

May I audit a class?

We totally get it—the first step can be the hardest. That’s why we don’t offer formal audits, it takes time to get truly comfortable. Instead, we invite prospective students to schedule a quick studio tour or stop by to meet our team before one of our ongoing classes.

If you're looking for a more personalized intro, our founder Katie offers a career consult designed to ease you in and help you get oriented. We also encourage new students to try one of our workshops—a great way to experience our approach in action.

We’ve been doing this for 18 years, and nothing makes us happier than welcoming new actors through the door.

What should I bring to class?

Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers—you’ll want to be able to move. Bring a notebook, water bottle, snack, and a warm layer.

We’ve got a cozy kitchen nook with a fridge, filtered water, microwave, hot water kettle, and tea available for all students. We also sell snacks and drinks—because we love a good snack moment.

If you’ve been assigned a script or sides, be sure to bring them with you. Lost or forgotten sides may incur a $5 reprint fee.

Can I make up a missed class?

Most acting studios don’t offer make-ups—but we occasionally do! The Studio NW offers 1 makeup session per quarter, often led by our founder on zoom. To attend, you must be a current student, notify us in advance of your absence, and RSVP for the session. These are not guaranteed but you will love working with Katie when they pop up!

Booked a job? With coach approval, you may sit in on another class when space allows—though participation isn’t always guaranteed.

Please note: We don’t offer refunds or credits for missed classes. We kindly ask that you don’t request exceptions—it puts our small team in a tough spot. As a small business, we truly rely on your commitment and clear communication to keep things running smoothly. Thank you for understanding.

Driving and Parking

We’re located in Portland’s Pearl District!

Come early for a bite at one of the neighborhood’s amazing restaurants or grab a late-night dessert after class. The area is vibrant, walkable, and is back to being one of the city’s safest spots. We’re proud to be right in the heart of it all.

The Studio NW:
734 NW 14th Avenue Ste 101
Portland, OR 97209

*Look for the red double doors.

Parking:

There is short term parking available. Paid street parking is readily available-we have had no complaints.  We recommend using the Parking Kitty App to pay. It’s approximately $2/hour. There is also a public parking lot on 15th & Johnson (kiddy corner from the studio) Additionally, there are several businesses that have free parking for customers including Safeway & 24 Hour Fitness. Please DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS VISIBLE IN YOUR CAR. This is a much safer city but it’s still a city and we would be so sad to hear you lost your favorite laptop. 

Have more questions, schedule a tour of our space with one of our staff and let’s get your cozy in your new creative home!

Need to cancel? Here's how.

We’re always sad to see a student go—but we understand that life shifts. If you need to cancel your enrollment for ongoing classes, written notice is required by the 20th of the month. Notices received after the 20th will incur the following month’s tuition.

For example: If you cancel on March 28, you’re still responsible for April’s tuition.

This policy helps us give our coaches and staff the time they need to thoughtfully prepare for the month ahead—ensuring every class stays intentional, well-planned, and focused on the students attending.

To cancel, please email our Program Director at info@thestudionw.com (not your coach). Additional paperwork may be required to confirm your cancellation, so be sure we reply to confirm we’ve received it. 

We aim to make this process easy—and hope to welcome you back when the time is right.

Please note: We are unable to offer refunds for ongoing class tuition, workshops, or deposits. As a small business, we rely on timely communication from our students to keep things running smoothly. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support!