Founder / Instructor
Writer/director Vijay M. Rajan has been writing, directing, and producing since 2001. He has worked on feature films, short films, commercials, documentaries, corporate videos, and TV shows, budgets ranging from ultra-low to the millions. He has been lauded by Ted Schilowitz, a vice-president at Paramount Pictures, as one of the "fastest-rising and most-talented young direcotes in the country." Over the course of his corporate and film work, he has directed names such as comedian Bill Engvall, actors Harrison Ford, Rosario Dawson, and Benjamin Bratt, and multi-talented performer Alyson Stoner, among many others.
He started The Hive SJ to bring Los Angeles and New York professionalism, training, and quality to Bay Area content producers. Rather than teaching only one technique, he provides an unprecedented holistic training approach to acting and writing that incorporates elements of multiple acting/storytelling schools. His hands-on complete approach has proved to work; the existing Hive members have consistently been growing in work and talent. It's Vijay's dream to enhance the reputation of the Bay Area through the natural talents of a family of committed Bay Area storytellers! Come join the Hive family and become a part of that dream!
The Hive SJ is structured like a gym -- except designed for members to work on their craft. Once you are a member, the Hive facility is yours -- to practice, network, study, and rehearse. Come gain access to the incredible Hive family.
We know how important it is that directors understand every aspect of performance, theory, visual storytelling, and design. Our classes have a multi-faceted focus to teach you what you need to know to be a professional.
3-Hour Classes: Non-Members $40 Members $30
2-Hour Classes: Non-Members $30 Members $25
See Our ScheduleWe teach a holistic acting technique that combines the lessons of Adler, Meisner, Strasberg, practical aesthetics, Cohen, and Chubbuck in a customized program designed to give actors the power to choose what's right for them.
3-Hour Classes: Non-Members $40 Members $30
2-Hour Classes: Non-Members $30 Members $25
See Our ScheduleAre you looking to understand how to raise funding for a project? Sell it? Cast it? Develop it? Create it? Sell it? Our top-to-bottom courses inform producers how they can accomplish just that!
3-Hour Classes: Non-Members $50 Members $40
2-Hour Classes: Non-Members $40 Members $30
See Our ScheduleOur classes aren't just writing classes; they are designed to help you intrinsically understand the REASONS that craft choices are made for it is only when you understand the rules that you can break them -- and create something timeless.
3-Hour Classes: Non-Members $40 Members $30
2-Hour Classes: Non-Members $30 Members $25
See Our ScheduleAre you an actor looking to submit a self-tape? Come record your self-tape at The Hive SJ. Not only will you be in a professionally fully lit environment filmed on a high-quality camera, but you will be working with a director with years of experience.
Non-Members $50 / 1/2 hr. Members $40 / 1/2 hr.
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Are you a producer looking for a professional place to cast your next project? We have an ideal setting for you. For one low price, you can book our audition room and entry, with use of our backdrop and lights included! For a nominal extra fee, you also have use of a Sony Camcorder and monitor for review purposes.
Non-Members $50 / hr. Members $30 / hr.
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Our technology room has a high-speed 12 GB computer with the entire Adobe Master Collection Suite and Audacity fully installed. In addition, we have two high-quality VO mics and a mixer for superior podcast/VO recording.
Non-Members $20 / hr. Members $5 / hr.
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Are you holding an event where you are expecting up to a 100 people? Book The Hive SJ. Each booking comes complete with a 100" projector screen and full HD projector (equipped with Blu-Ray) and 4.1 high-quality sound. Full kitchen access is also provided.
Non-Members $100 / hr. Members $80 / hr.
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Director
Rented space to hold auditions for my short film here, and had an overall great experience! The Hive SJ was very hospitable and accommodating. We were able to use the Lobby/Reception area to greet actors and have them fill out paperwork, and then have them audition in a private room. Great setup, professional, and would definitely recommend.
Acting Class Attendee
Only went to one class and was blown away. This place has so much to offer I can't wait to reap more of the benefits !
Member Actress
Great training platform for actors with all levels of acting backgrounds! A peaceful place to work on scripts, practice monologues, and preparing for auditions. The Hive SJ is buzzin'!
Self-Tape Customer
Just finished 2 last min auditions with these guys that came through. Absolutely amazing. Cannot recommend enough. If anyone in SJ or the Bay Area are in town, and need self tapes - this is where you need to go.
Member Actor
Great place to meet other film makers & learn/enhance your craft. Has definitely helped me become a better actor, artist, and story teller!! Absolutely love this place! Amazing people! Amazing knowledge! 💯
Member Writer
If you've ever wanted San Jose to be more of a cultural hub, you should be very excited about The Hive.
Actress
I have gone on hundreds of auditions in my life, and I have never been treated better at an audition than I was treated at The Hive SJ... I immediately felt calm and welcomed, I was able to take a few breaths, focus my mind and heart, and when I was called in, I was set up to feel valued, and this helped set me up to do my best and perform from my heart... In my opinion it's the best place to hold film auditions in The Bay Area... Thank you so much Vijay and The Hive for everything you do for actors and filmmakers. Wish I could give more than five stars.
Director
Rented space to hold auditions for my short film here, and had an overall great experience! The Hive SJ was very hospitable and accommodating. We were able to use the Lobby/Reception area to greet actors and have them fill out paperwork, and then have them audition in a private room. Great setup, professional, and would definitely recommend.
Acting Class Attendee
Only went to one class and was blown away. This place has so much to offer I can't wait to reap more of the benefits !
Member Actress
Great training platform for actors with all levels of acting backgrounds! A peaceful place to work on scripts, practice monologues, and preparing for auditions. The Hive SJ is buzzin'!
Self-Tape Customer
Just finished 2 last min auditions with these guys that came through. Absolutely amazing. Cannot recommend enough. If anyone in SJ or the Bay Area are in town, and need self tapes - this is where you need to go.
Member Actor
Great place to meet other film makers & learn/enhance your craft. Has definitely helped me become a better actor, artist, and story teller!! Absolutely love this place! Amazing people! Amazing knowledge! 💯
Member Writer
If you've ever wanted San Jose to be more of a cultural hub, you should be very excited about The Hive.
Actress
I have gone on hundreds of auditions in my life, and I have never been treated better at an audition than I was treated at The Hive SJ... I immediately felt calm and welcomed, I was able to take a few breaths, focus my mind and heart, and when I was called in, I was set up to feel valued, and this helped set me up to do my best and perform from my heart... In my opinion it's the best place to hold film auditions in The Bay Area... Thank you so much Vijay and The Hive for everything you do for actors and filmmakers. Wish I could give more than five stars.
Director
Rented space to hold auditions for my short film here, and had an overall great experience! The Hive SJ was very hospitable and accommodating. We were able to use the Lobby/Reception area to greet actors and have them fill out paperwork, and then have them audition in a private room. Great setup, professional, and would definitely recommend.
Do you have any further questions? Or have you heard enough and you're ready to book/join? Just send us a message here and you'll be ready to begin your collaboration with The Hive SJ! We look forward to hearing from you!
2160 Tully Road
San Jose, CA 95122
(408) 912-6428
manager@hivesj.com
hivesj.com