ACTING SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK
Circle in the Square Theatre School
Objective:
Circle in the Square Theatre
School's primary objective is to
train actors and singers for work in
the professional theatre, film and
TV with traditional and experimental
approaches to dramatic presentation.
Upon completion of the program you
will have the range and ability to
to perform varied styles and forms
of theatre, film and television and
so your talents can be drawn upon to
support the outstanding tradition of
performance for which Circle in the
Square is renowned. The program is
designed and structured to help each
student develop technique and style
with primary emphasis on the
development of both intellectual and
physical aspects so that the actor
can achieve a successful
interpretation of a role and work
effectively as an ensemble member.
Location: New York
Juilliard School
Objective:
After more than a quarter-century,
The Juilliard School's Drama
Division has remained faithful to
the mission described in its very
first recruitment brochure:
"We are trying to form an actor
equipped with all possible means of
dramatic production, capable of
meeting the demands of today's and
tomorrow's ever-changing theater, an
actor who is capable of
participating in those changes and
who is inventive enough to
contribute to them. For in the final
analysis, whatever experiments may
be attempted through fresh forms of
writing, on new stages, using the
latest technical devices, everything
ultimately depends on the human
being - the actor."
Location: New York
Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute
Objective:
Lee Strasberg, legendary teacher of
acting, was a man of great vision,
responsible for the tradition of
artistic truth and reality in acting
that began in America over 50 years
ago. The dream lives on. At the "The
Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute",
his concepts are taught to the
serious actor of today.
Location: New York
The Acting Studio
Objective:
The Acting Studio, Inc. is a private
studio committed to the achievement
of excellence in acting and
directing as forms of creativity in
art and entertainment. It is the
perfect place for the serious actor.
The Studio's associate directors,
James Price and John Grabowski, have
dedicated themselves to providing a
comprehensive forum for actor and
director training.
Location: New York
American Musical and Dramatic
Academy
Objective:
The American Musical and Dramatic
Academy has excelled in its mission
to train young artists toward
success in the extraordinary world
of the performing arts.
Location: New York
TVI Actors Studio
Objective:
In the course of a decade, TVI has
grown to be well-respected by
industry authorities and working
actors alike in both New York and
Los Angeles. Constantly looking for
new ways to offer services needed by
actors developing their careers is
why TVI Actors Studio is the
nation's premiere center for
professional actors.
Location: New York
American Academy Of Dramatic Arts
Objective:
The Academy trains actors for stage,
film and television by means of a
structured, professionally-oriented
program that stresses
self-discovery, self-discipline and
individuality. Academy training is,
above all, practical. At each stage
of development students are
challenged to put what has been
studied in classrooms to the test in
performance.
Location: New York
Binghamton University Theatre
Objective:
The Theatre Department provides
graduate and undergraduate curricula
in the history, theory, and practice
of theater for liberal arts students
as well as for students preparing
for active competition in some
aspects of the academic or
professional theater.
Location: New York
Gene Frankel
Objective:
None given.
Location: New York
East End Ensemble
Objective:
The East End Ensemble was started
two years ago, in a private home, on
the eastern part of Long Island. It
started as a small local acting
class for adults looking to improve
their communication skills; either
for business, or for more personal
reasons, and now it has expanded to
include much, much more. The method
of our madness is a belief, that
acting and the arts are a means to
help whole communities express,
create, communicate, have fun,
engage, and challenge
Location: Brooklyn
Robert X. Modica
Objective:
Robert wants actors that he works
with to be aware of the significant
part they play in being a
participant in the Art of Acting
that takes place as a celebration
and shared experience with other
human beings called, "Audiences."
That in transforming themselves as
characters in a play or movie, they
are serving a higher purpose.
Location: New York
New York University
Objective:
Finishing on time and within budget
is Hollywood's No.1 mantra, and the
same goes at NYU. During the first
year students make a number of short
exercise films. In the second year,
everyone completes a documentary on
digital video, followed by a
third-year agenda that requires
shooting a thesis film and writing a
feature-length screenplay.
Location: New York
Broadway Classroom
Objective:
Broadway Classroom creates enriching
and entertaining Broadway
experiences for student and adult
groups. A cooperative effort between
some of the most exciting and
educational shows on Broadway,
Broadway Classroom offers groups of
all ages
Location: New York
Improvisation Classes taught by
Susan Kaessinger
Objective:
Teaches improvisational acting
skills which enable the performer to
improve their confidence,
spontaneity & creativity.
Improvisation also teaches students
to work as an ensemble and to
validate and support their fellow
performers.
Location: New York
The School for Film and Television
Objective:
Two-Year accredited film acting
program, summer programs, part-time
workshops.
Location: New York
One Destiny Productions
Objective:
A Manhattan based recording studio
and commercial production facility,
providing voice over artists
with group workshops, demo
production, and in-studio coaching.
Location: Manhattan
George DiCenzo's Acting Studio at
the Greenwich Street Theatre
Objective:George DiCenzo's
master class trains actors for stage
and film. George encourages actors
to reach their full artistic
potential by exploring the truth in
themselves and expressing that truth
in their work. Burt Reynolds
referred to George DiCenzo as "the
best acting teacher in the country"
on Inside the Actors' Studio.
Location:
Greenwich Street Theatre
547 Greenwich St.
New York, NY
For info: 212.352.4315
The Acting - Drama Therapy Centre of
New York
Objective:
This centre is dedicated to training
actors technically and emotionally
for the demands of the industry.
Location: New York
The Actors Theatre Workshop
Objective:
The creative foundation of ATW is
the culmination of Thurman E.
Scott’s long, award-winning career
as an actor, teacher, writer,
director and producer as well as his
distinction as the only Artistic
Director who has trained with all
the masters: Stella Adler, Lee
Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Bobby
Lewis, Harold Clurman, Peggy Fury,
Herbert Berghof, Jerzey Growtowski,
and Alec Rubin. In his many years as
a professional theatre artist, Mr.
Scott has developed a unique and
powerful acting system for the actor
to express deep emotional reality
and complex behavior through a
trained and disciplined dramatic
imagination.
Location: New York
Kimball Studio
Objective:
The philosophy at Kimball Studio is
that they act with truth. The
environment is one that fosters the
delicate balance between trust and
risk, so that no one is afraid to be
bold. Writers, directors and
producers are encouraged to join in.
The teaching blends several
different classic and new techniques
to develop one that is organic and
personal for each actor. We learn
through doing.
Location: New York
New York Film Academy
Objective:
The New York Film Academy was
founded ten years ago on a belief
that a top quality education in
filmmaking should be accessible to
anyone with the drive and ambition
to make films. The school opened in
Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film
Center. Today the New York Film
Academy occupies its own building,
formerly known as Tammany Hall, as
well as a complete school facility
at Universal Studios and locations
in numerous countries.
Location: New York
Actors Theatre Workshop
Objective:
The Actors Theatre Workshop is a
professional non-profit theatre
company committed to addressing the
conflicts and issues of our
community through the creation of
theatre. ATW develops and produces
original, classical and contemporary
works for stage and film. Through
The Scott Acting Conservatory, ATW
trains professional theatre artists
in the art and craft of acting and
writing and teaches original
creative techniques that open up
intuitive abilities, unlock
curiosity, develop the imagination
and liberate creative expression.
ATW also teaches our original
creative techniques to individuals
from all walks of life, from
business professionals in our
Creative Expression Workshop for
Non-Theatre Professionals to
formally homeless children in our
theater arts mentorship program, The
Builders of the New World. These
techniques reveal the wonderful,
powerful creative force in all
people and demonstrate that
creativity is the great equalizer of
human beings.
Location:
New York
Michael Rock's Improvisation Classes
Objective:
Develop your spontaneity,
creativity, self-confidence and
interpersonal skills......and have
FUN doing it!
Location: New York, New York
Ward Studio
Objective:
The Ward Studio is unique among
training programs in New York in
that it provides complete
traditional Meisner training and
one-on-one career mentoring. Other
schools may train you, but most do
not have a structure in place to
support you as you make the
transition from the classroom to the
marketplace and begin seriously
pursuing a career.
At the Ward Studio, we are dedicated to a high standard of integrity and demand this from our teachers and our students. In our classes, you will find a commitment to being present both physically and mentally in a way that leads to a better working environment and more successful relationships within the classroom experience.
Our instructors have been selected
for their expertise in their
respective fields and their proven
commitment to helping each student
realize his or her own potential.
Small classes, personal attention
and individual challenges are
guaranteed. The instruction is
rigorous, but our instructors are
nurturing -- a combination that
consistently brings out the best in
our students’ talent.
Location: New York, New York
Peter Kelley Acting
Objective:
Professional acting training for
film and television. Peter offers
rigorous, ongoing classes for actors
who are pursuing careers in film and
long-form dramatic television and
are seeking training to increase
their proficiency and comfort
on-set. Work is text-based and
focuses on both the challenges and
benefits specific to film . Classes
center on straightforward scenework,
all shot in close-up; no warm-ups,
improvisations, theatre games, etc.
in the classes. Intermediate and
advanced level only; no beginning
level classes available at this
time. Private coaching is available.
Location: Tribeca, New York
The Ted Bardy Studio, Inc.
Objective:
INTENSE, PERSONALIZED ACTING
INSTRUCTION FOR THE SERIOUS,
DEDICATED ARTIST. Motivated
beginners, advanced actors, and
working professionals all are
welcome. Stanislavski/Meisner-based
approach. Affordable, small intimate
classes. Actors work multiple times
every class. Current and former
students include Broadway
performers, Emmy award winners, and
principals in feature films and
network television. The Ted Bardy
Studio offers a unique, accelerated
3-phase program in the Meisner
technique. Special professional
workshops offer an exhilirating
environment in which active and
former Members of the Studio, and
advanced actors and working
professionals of the highest caliber
from outside the Studio, can feel
safe enough to risk failure and
therefore challenge themselves, keep
limber, and grow as artists. Ted
Bardy (when not instructing)
personally supervises, observes, and
evaluates all student work in all
classes and workshops.
Location: Union Square
section of New York City
Class Act Studios
Objective:
class act studios is westchester's
most sought after professional
school for dramatic instruction
since 1989. These workshops are
designed specifically to help
provide you with everything you need
to know about performing in front of
the camera or on the stage. We offer
programs for the little ones to the
young at heart!
Location: White Plains
Oxford Shake-speare Company
Objective:
Shakespeare training through
workshop classes leading to
productions of the plays. Training
in voice, movement, improv, and text
analysis. A conservatory approach.
Location: New York
Stetson Studio
Objective:
Stetson Studio provides quality
training for the professional and
pre-professional actor based in the
Meisner technique. At Stetson Studio
actors find the depth of their
talent in order to respond to the
human and artistic demands of each
new role.
Location: New York
The Jason Bennett Actor’s Workshop
Objective:
The Jason Bennett Actor's Workshop
is a professional actor training
program in New York that offers
on-going classes, workshops and
private coaching. We teach a
cutting-edge synthesis of all the
great acting methods. Our classes
are small and intense. Jason
Bennett's approach for theater, film
and television includes intense
exercises to free all your emotions,
while rapidly expanding your
imagination. Mr. Bennett works with
actors on Broadway, in film and TV,
and in theaters throughout the
country.
Location: New York
Visionary Acting Training Intensive
Objective:
Visionary Acting Training is a
weekend workshop for actors of all
experience levels where we focus on
group and individual exercises
combining vocal and emotional
exploration, along with music and
movement. Students are taught the
fundamentals of these techniques and
then guided through the process of
applying them. Visionary Acting
Training takes place in New York
City one weekend a month and is also
presented in other cities across the
country.
Location: New York
AGENT MANIA
Objective:
15 Agents, Managers, Casting
Directors, and Professionals from
the Industry at each showcase. Where
agents and managers find talent!
Each actor will receive a written
detailed analysis from each agent
and manager Meet the Pro's. 6 hour
workshop offered before and after
the showcase. Atlanta, Ga. and New
York City. [This is a Workshop
Program]
Location: New York
ACTeen--Acting for Teens
Objective:
ACTeen (est. 1978) is the nation's
first on-camera acting academy
developed for teens (ages 13 to 19).
ACTeen develops dedicated
pre-professionals into technically
proficient, versatile, and
marketable actors. Combining
theatrical discipline (and over 15
electives) with spontaneous,
effective on-camera acting
techniques and courses, students
learn to successfully perform both
film and theater media with skill
and professionalism.
Location: New York
International Theatre New York
Objective:
Under the guidance of Artistic
Director Robert Castle, actors at
International Theatre New York enjoy
individualized attention, small
class size and the opportunity for
performance in Company stage and
film productions. This year ITNY
students have been featured on Sex
and the City, Law and Order, Third
Watch and numerous independent
films.
Location: New York
Ensemble Studio Theatre's NEW
INSTITUTE Master Classes
Objective:
Cultivate your acting and writing
skills with professional and award
winning Master Teachers films.
Location: New York
That Commercial Class
Objective:
"A hands on Commercial class where
students are on camera each week &
get to audition for a Top Five New
York agent." The class consists of 6
weeks where you get the information
you could get all on your own from
about 5 years of trial & error in
the commercial business. Along with
all the basics of Who's Who in the
commercial world, How to join SAG,
How to get an Agent, etc. you will
be on camera, working with real copy
from commercials every week. The
feedback that you get from me, your
fellow students (many of whom are
working in the bus. at one level or
another) and most importantly,
SEEING yourself on camera will
prepare you so that you will be
ready the first time an agent sends
you out for a national spot. The
class is a safe environment where
you will be encouraged to learn and
make mistakes- better to make them
here than on that first audition
through a new agent where they will
call the Casting Director and ask
for feedback. The final week of the
session you will audition for & get
a chance to talk with a Top Five New
York Commercial Agent who has been
in the business for over 20 years
with one of the biggest agencies in
the business & is a wonderful
person.
Location: New York
Theatrelab
Objective:
Theatrelab is a new theatre school
dedicated to the actor as the
central artist in establishing a
fresh ground for the theatre proper.
Our classes begin with a rigorous
biomechanics physical training
course entitled The Thinking Body.
Actors then move on to our
Soliloquy, Scene Study, Collective
Creation and Directing classes. All
classes are showcase driven; each
class concludes with a performance
to an invited audience. Please visit
our website for more information.
Location: New York
Michael Howard Studios
Objective:
Since he began the Michael Howard
Studios in 1953, Michael Howard, a
veteran of the Neighborhood
Playhouse and member of Actors
Studio, has retained his core belief
that there is no single "method" of
acting, that all actors must be
exposed to a wide array of skills
and processes in order to develop
their own method. Michael Howard
Studios offers actor training of the
highest caliber, taught by experts
who are not only well-versed in the
long traditions of their craft, but
professionals, innovators and
artists in their own right, eager to
guide and mentor today's
professional actor through the
demands and possibility of the new
century. We offer ongoing text and
scene study classes (monthly
enrollment); specialized weekly and
intensive workshops; and
professional conservatory programs.
Location: New York
ROBERT X. MODICA Acting Studio
Objective: In his 40 years of
teaching, Robert X. Modica has
dedicated himself to helping
students develop their talent by
guiding them to discover and express
the truths of themselves in
personal, meaningful, and
imaginative ways. His teaching is
based on the premise that one cannot
realize the truth of the character
without first knowing what it is
like to "live and behave from the
Gold one one’s own Truth." The
definition of acting that he works
from, handed down by Sanford Meisner,
is "acting is the ability to live
and behave truthfully under
imaginary circumstances." Mr. Modica
co-taught with Sanford Meisner at
the Neighborhood Playhouse and was
one of the few teachers chosen by
Meisner to carry on his work. Mr.
Modica’s commitment to truth within
the work is as unwavering as is his
belief in and respect for the
uniqueness of each individual actor.
Actors who study with Mr. Modica can
expect to discover more
authenticity, consistency,
spontaneity and humanity in their
work. John Turturro "a master acting
teacher of great dedication, passion
and insight."
Address:
Carnegie Hall Studio 809
881 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
212-245-2089
Location: New York
Craig Archibald Studio
Objective:
The focus of my work as a coach is
to prepare actors and actresses for
the real world of the industry. From
the reality of the business side to
the importance of their technique
and craft I coach my clients to be
prepared for any situation they may
come upon and to remain "living
truthfully under imaginary
circumstances" at all times. I do
not teach a specific method but
rather use all the methods to make
my clients as good as their
potential allows. "Craig is the best
secret weapon an actor can have."
Terry Kinney (co-creator of the
Steppenwolf Theater Co.) Private and
class sessions are both available at
my studio in the West Village of New
York City.
Location: New York
Aquila Theatre Company
Objective:
We offer a wide variety of acting
classes.
Location: New York
Tragic Improv
Objective:
This program is perfect for both
improvisers and actors. If you're an
improviser, you'll learn some new
tools and expand your range. If you
love improv, but feel constrained to
shallow scenes in comic classes,
then this class is a good fit. If
you're a traditional actor, this
class will make your work more
spontaneous and natural. Unlike most
improv, we won't focus on witty
exchanges of dialogue. Instead,
we'll focus on emotional
relationships, character
development, group mind, stage
presence, realism, and staying in
the moment. With a samll class size
of 12, each student will receive
individual attention. Every
performer works differently, and the
class is designed to recognize and
expand each student's unique
abilities.
Location: New York
Biz
Kids NY inc.
Objective:
biz kids ny inc. is a conservatory
style school specializing in the
Professional Training of Young
Actors. Commercials, film,
television, theater. Mask, Lecoq,
Grotowski, Stanislavki, Shakespeare,
Musical theater and contemporary
theater.
Location: New York
Studio Upstairs
Objective:
Michael Chekhov Acting Playshop®:
The Art of Inner Movement With this
technique, the actor learns how to
consider his body as an instrument
for expressing his creative
imagination. Chekhov’s practical
approach enables actors to tap into
their active imaginations and
creative impulses. The result is
inspired acting. MCP’s ensemble
style creates a safe and fun
environment for actors to learn and
explore together.
Improv/Chekhov Playshop®: Finding
and Following The Impulse This
unique workshop is designed for
improvisers with any level of
experience and offers the artist new
ways to be more creative and
spontaneous on stage. Participants
will work with the key concepts of
the Keith Johnstone technique then
augment these skills with the
powerful and creative approach of
Michael Chekhov technique.
Location: New York
The New Actors Workshop
Objective:
The New Actors Workshop was founded
in 1988 by Mike Nichols, George
Morrison and Paul Sills to offer to
a new generation the twin influences
that determined the course of their
careers. It is a two-year, full-time
training with equal weight given to
Performance Improvisation technique
as developed by Viola Spolin (Paul
Sills' mother) including weekly
performances, and Stanislavski
Method scene work as taught by Lee
Strasberg. The program includes
extensive work on voice, speech, and
three different approaches to the
body. We are small -- less than 50
students -- ensuring individual
attention and continuity of
instructors.
Location: New York
Actors Movement Studio Summer
Theater
Objective:
The curriculum includes a variety of
physically based acting techniques
and is specifically designed to
develop the actor’s Imagination,
voice and body, the total
Instrument. Students will be
immersed in an intensive program
with Internationally acclaimed
Master Teachers and Guest Artists
while surrounded by the cultural
abundance of NYC. Our Faculty has
taught at major universities,
studios and conservatories. Located
in the heart of Manhattan’s theatre
district, students will experience
the professional atmosphere of the
performing arts capital of the
world. College credit and Affordable
student housing is available.
Location: New York -
Manhattan
The Elizabeth Browning Studio
Objective:
Basic Acting Techniques: This
is an excellent class for anyone who
is new to acting; for anyone who
interested in finding out more about
what is involved in acting and for
the seasoned performer who wants to
brush up on the basics. Classes
begins Thursday, October 19th.
Basic Acting Skills for Teens I:
This is an excellent class for teens
who are ready to dive in and begin
exploring the elements that go
powerful acting. Classes begins
Saturday, October 21st
Location: New York City
The Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Objective:
Since 1949, the Stella Adler Studio
of Acting has been one of the
premiere acting schools in New York
City. Offering a wide range of
acting classes and acting programs,
the studio aims to embody Stella
Adler’s primary belief, that growth
as an actor and growth as a human
being are synonymous. A world class
faculty coupled with the Harold
Clurman Art Series, the Stella Adler
Outreach Division and many other
Studio programs are designed to work
together to support the belief that
the actor is an ever evolving human
being. All programs, curricular and
extra-curricular, support a single
vision of actor training based on
the insight that growth as actor and
growth as a human being are
synonymous. This conviction informs
all that the Studio does, from
classroom projects to curriculum to
poetry readings and jazz and
classical music concerts and beyond.
Location: New York City
A Class Act NY
Objective:
at A Class Act NY, Acting Studio. We
offer kids and teens weekend
workshops in Manhattan. All of our
workshops have students working with
Broadway Stars along side NYC's Top
casting directors and agents. It is
a rare and unique opportunity for
kids to get a level of training not
available at other acting studios.
At A CLASS ACT we strive to build a
child’s self-esteem in a
non-threatening, non-competitive
atmosphere. All workshops and
classes are held in Midtown
Manhattan.
Location: New York City
William Esper Studio
Objective:
The William Esper Studio offers one
of the most comprehensive training
programs in the country for
professional actors, and is
considered the foremost studio
dedicated to Meisner-based actor
training. The core training at the
studio is the two-year acting
program, which guides the actor to a
full realization of self and the
building of a truthful acting
instrument. Students supplement this
core training with a full range of
complimentary courses focused on
developing their physical, vocal and
interpretive abilities.
Location: New York City