The Studio Class · Chubbuck Scene Study · Hackney Central
The exact class format Ivana uses in L.A. with the A-listers. Monthly, in London.
Six actors, three scenes, three hours — a full hour on yours.
Four weeks. Six actors. A full hour on your scene every week, on material chosen for you. Blocks roll every month, so the work builds instead of resetting.
Actors tell me the same things
Lizzie Davies — “I still didn’t know where to start.”
Ursula Chesser — “You feel like you’ve got your personal coach.”
The Studio Class is where you learn the 12 steps, in order, on a script chosen for you — until you can run them yourself, on anything that comes through the door next.
This is a professional acting class. It is intense and intimate. You will work and perform in every class, and rehearse with your scene partner between every class. This is really important for your growth, and for developing the habits that book.
How a block works
Your material is sourced for you — selected to target your weaknesses, give you the biggest opportunity for growth, and work towards your career goals. All of which I learn from you on your welcome call.
One week before your first class, you’ll receive your assignment — a scene and a scene partner, or a monologue. You’re then expected to spend a minimum of six hours rehearsing before and between every class.
What to expect
When it’s your turn to perform your piece, just bring everything you might need with you onto the stage — your script, a notebook. There’s no pressure to be “perfect.” You’ll simply start by running the scene as you’ve prepared it so far.
After that, I’ll ask you a few questions about your choices and guide you through the analysis using the Chubbuck Technique. Together, we’ll begin exploring and applying the exercises in a really practical way.
Aneta Bohun — “You will be completely included in this process… all three hours.”
Michael Zgatni — “Rich created a very safe environment for everyone.”
Once the table work is done, we’ll get back on our feet and try the new choices out loud to see how they feel in the scene. We’ll tweak and refine as we go, so you can feel the difference. This is where we develop your internal gauge — so you know when you’re on, and can start letting go. And that’s where all the beautiful behaviour comes from: the involuntary responses that make a performance alive and watchable.
After class, you’ll receive a homework email with clear guidance on what to focus on between now and next week.
The class is structured so that if you put the time in, take the notes and do the homework, the system is designed for exponential growth.
It takes decision paralysis out of it — you know exactly what I want you to do before and between sessions. Commit to six hours or more of homework a week and you will improve. We’ll take it one step at a time, together.
Where the hour comes from
This is Ivana’s L.A. studio system, taught the same way for forty years. Her alumni include Sylvester Stallone, Chris Pine, Beyoncé, Jessica Biel and Liv Tyler.
I run six actors and three scenes across those three hours — so you get a full hour on your scene, every week.
What you get
Two ways to pay. In full when you book, or £45 today, then 3 × £50 with Klarna — whichever suits you. 
Current students can reserve their place on next month’s block before it opens to the list.
“You feel like you’ve got your personal coach, basically.”
Ursula ChesserOne question before you book? Email me →
Training in your trade is tax-deductible if you’re self-employed, so hold on to your invoice.
Theatre Deli, 115 Wilton Way, Hackney Central, E8. Read the first four chapters of The Power of the Actor before your first class — get the book →. 21 and over. Full terms at booking.
New to Chubbuck? Start with the Intro — £97.50 →
How long it takes
Work hard and you can move through the twelve steps in around three months. Alongside a job and a life it takes longer — which is exactly what the monthly blocks are for. Train around your life, and keep building.
Book a job, go away, come back to the gym. Train as much or as little as life allows — no long-term fees, subscriptions or memberships.
Studio trips — the theatre, the cinema, and watching each other in shows
In their own words
Bridget Lappin — “I know I can get there.”
Nathaniel Dyer — “It really brought me alive.”
Guste Vorsaite — trust your instincts, even at the last minute.
Weekly wins
Jade Vertannes — “Steps that genuinely help.”
Katrin Kasper — “I can already see a difference.”
Straight answers
Current students get first refusal on the next block. Everyone else hears first through the mailing list. Get the free guide and you’re on the list →
Yes — we begin at Step 1 and build from there. Your work ethic determines your progress. A block is a month of study, not a stand-alone course in all 12.
Let me know when booking and you’ll be assigned a monologue — just as vital to your training as a scene.
You’re paired for the block and you rehearse together between classes. If anything comes up, tell me straight away and I’ll rearrange the assignments.
By request, if you have an acting job.
Mondays and Tuesdays are the quietest shifts — that’s why those are the nights. If your manager won’t let you off, look at The Private Intensive.
You’ll be alongside actors further along than you. That’s the fastest way to learn, and I’ve taught actors returning after raising children and after whole first careers.
Six actors, all doing the same work, all being seen. It settles quickly. When the material asks for something big, you’ll find it’s easier than you’re imagining.
Because behaviour is what makes a performance watchable, and psychology is where behaviour comes from. We work with unresolved issues, not trauma. If you’re receiving treatment for your mental health, speak to your practitioner before booking and tell me on the welcome call.
So am I — I have ADHD and dyslexia. I can help you.
Not a problem. I’ll teach you how to work around it.
Brilliant — that’s the point. Tell me and we’ll work around it.
Four. Below that, you choose: move to the next block, or your money back for any session that doesn’t run.
No. You need to develop your own internal gauge so you can adjust on the fly on set.
Theatre Deli, 115 Wilton Way, Hackney Central, E8. Step-free.
Not in London?
The same four weeks, the same cap of six, the same hour on your scene — on Zoom. Actors pin each other and I watch both of you, exactly as I would in the room. £195, same as Hackney. Likely a Wednesday, 6pm UK time. I set the date once ten actors are on the waitlist.
Want it one to one?
If you want the whole technique built around your weaknesses, one to one, on your own timetable — that’s The Private Intensive. Six weeks for £475, or ten for £790. Harrison did the six weeks first, to get ready for the room.
Registration opens on the 1st of every month. The mailing list hears first.