Quick Answer
New York City is home to some of the most prestigious acting studios in the world, offering unparalleled training opportunities for aspiring thespians. Top programs like The Actors Studio, Atlantic Theater Company, Neighborhood Playhouse, and the Lee Strasberg Institute provide instruction in foundational techniques like Method, Meisner, Adler, and more. Other studios such as NYFA, The Barrow Group, and Maggie Flanigan Studio take a more contemporary, customized approach. With comprehensive conservatories at Julliard, Tisch, and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York acting schools suit all levels. Whether seeking rigorous classical training or focused coaching in film acting, Manhattan contains the finest studios to hone your craft. The unsurpassed diversity, reputation and professional connections make New York City the premier destination for actor training.
Introduction
New York City is full of opportunity for aspiring actors. With Broadway, off-Broadway, television studios, and film production, NYC is the place to be if you want to make it in show business. But like any craft, acting requires training and practice. That's where acting studios come in.
Acting studios provide a space for actors to take classes, get coaching, do scene work, and more. They allow actors to strengthen their skills in a focused, nurturing environment. With so many acting studios to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit.
This article will highlight the top 30 acting studios in New York City. We'll cover the types of classes offered, philosophies, and what makes each studio unique. Read on to find your perfect studio match!
What to Look for in an Acting Studio
When researching acting studios, keep the following criteria in mind:
Variety of Classes
Look for a range of core classes like scene study, voice, and movement. But also see if they offer specialty classes relevant to your interests. For example, musical theatre, on-camera, Shakespeare, and more.
Reputation & Reviews
Pay attention to reviews from current and former students. Do people seem genuinely satisfied with their experience and the instruction? Is the reputation largely positive? This gives you insight into the studio culture.
Professional Connections
Many studios have ties to agents, managers, and casting directors. Prioritize studios that give you access to industry professionals. The connections you make can be invaluable.
Philosophy
Research the different acting techniques and philosophies studios teach. For example, Method, Meisner, Adler, and more. Consider what resonates with your style as an actor.
Location & Schedule
Find a studio conveniently located near where you live or work. Also look at class schedules and see if they fit within your availability.
With these factors in mind, let's look at the top acting studios in New York City.
1. The Actors Studio
The Actors Studio in Manhattan needs no introduction, as one of the most legendary acting schools teaching the Method technique. Founded in 1947 by Elia Kazan and Cheryl Crawford, it revolutionized acting in America. Lee Strasberg later became Artistic Director and shaped it into the famous institution it is today.
Getting into The Actors Studio is highly competitive - you must be invited to audition after being nominated by a member. But for those accepted, it's an unmatched experience to learn method acting in the same space graced by talents like Marlon Brando and Meryl Streep. The lifetime membership fee is a one-time $1100 charge.
Notable Alumni: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Marilyn Monroe, Paul Newman, Ellen Burstyn
Cost: Audition/Invitation Only
Class Size: Intimate
Website: https://theactorsstudio.org
2. T. Schreiber Studio
T. Schreiber Studio was founded in 1969 by legendary acting teacher and director Terry Schreiber. It offers progressive training based on techniques to evoke spontaneous emotion and instinctual acting grounded in truth. Classes teach practical skills but still allow freedom to take risks as an actor.
They offer scene study, cold reading, on-camera, voice, and more at rates cheaper than many NYC studios. Private coaching with Terry Schreiber himself provides invaluable personalized guidance. Many alumni praise the supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Notable Alumni: Lady Gaga, David Harbour, Ray Liotta, Ben Shenkman
Cost: $$-$$$ per class
Class Size: 12-15 students
Website: https://tschreiber.org
3. William Esper Studio
The William Esper Studio takes a measured, structured approach focused on the Meisner technique. Founded in 1965, they believe talent can be nurtured through incremental mastery of specific skills. Scene study and exercises build a solid acting foundation for theater and film.
The two-year Meisner program is their trademark training, led by faculty trained under William Esper himself. Classes run Monday to Friday for comprehensive immersion. While expensive, the quality instruction and devoted community make this a top choice for serious actors.
Notable Alumni: Jeff Goldblum, Gretchen Mol, Tyne Daly
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 16 students
Website: https://www.esperstudio.com
4. Maggie Flanigan Studio
Maggie Flanigan brought the Meisner technique to Hollywood after training under the master himself. She opened her NYC studio in 1998 to teach organic acting focused on listening, presence and honest connection. The compassionate, non-judgmental approach makes students feel safe to take risks and be vulnerable.
Scene study, improv, and private coaching classes create well-rounded actors prepared for any audition or role. Students say Maggie's warmth and wisdom inspire them to their best work. The studio feels more like a supportive acting family than a cutthroat training ground.
Notable Alumni: Ellen Page, Don Cheadle, Kristen Bell
Cost: $$-$$$ per class
Class Size: 12 students
Website: https://maggieflaniganstudio.com
5. HB Studio
Legendary actor Herbert Berghof founded HB Studio in 1945 as a community for working actors. Initials HB honored his wife and acting teacher Uta Hagen. Berghof and Hagen refined Stanislavsky's methods into a focused technique based on truthful, in-the-moment response.
Today HB Studio continues this approach through scene study, voice, and acting technique classes. Two-year conservatories are also available for comprehensive training. With an impressive legacy and Uta Hagen's enduring influence, HB remains a beloved NYC institution.
Notable Alumni: Robert De Niro, Benicio del Toro, Anne Hathaway, Al Pacino
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 12-14 students
Website: https://hbstudio.org
6. The Barrow Group
Founded in 1986, the Barrow Group takes a holistic approach to acting training focused on mind, body and voice skills. Led by founders Seth and Lee Brock, their curriculum enhances natural ability through physical awareness, vocal power, imagination and spontaneous emotion.
The Barrow Group offers scene study, voice, on-camera, and industry workshops. Their comprehensive programs consistently produce dynamic actors prepared for theater and film. Alumni praise the supportive environment tailored to each actor's creative process.
Notable Alumni: Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 12 students
Website: https://www.barrowgroup.org
7. Atlantic Acting School
Part of the acclaimed Atlantic Theater Company, their acting school teaches practical techniques for truthful acting adapted from David Mamet and William H. Macy. Founders emphasize text analysis, action-based acting, and contemporary performance skills.
Full-time, part-time and summer intensive programs attract dedicated NYC actors. The Practical Aesthetics technique helps actors find honest emotional connection. Atlantic guides actors to compellingly apply their training on stage and screen.
Notable Alumni: Leslie Odom Jr., Rose Byrne, Jessica Chastain
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 12-14 students
Website: https://atlantictheater.org/atlantic-acting-school
8. NYFA (New York Film Academy)
While not strictly a theater school, New York Film Academy boasts exceptional acting for film training. Their philosophy focuses on intensive hands-on workshops and shooting lots of footage. Alumni frequently praise NYFA's practical approach equipping them for professional film acting.
One and two-year conservatories dive deep into acting techniques. Short-term and summer intensive options also available. With state-of-the-art equipment, NYFA prepares students for real-world film and TV acting. Vibrant student community and flexible scheduling add to the appeal.
Notable Alumni: Ana de Armas, Sebastian Yatra
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 8-12 students
Website: https://www.nyfa.edu/acting-school
9. AADA (American Academy of Dramatic Arts)
Founded in 1884, AADA is the longest-running acting school in America. Their enduring success comes from a well-rounded curriculum including scene study, voice, movement, acting for camera, and more. Technique classes are paired with performing experience through studio productions.
AADA offers two-year conservatories, part-time evening/weekend courses, and teen summer intensives. The historical pedigree and comprehensive approach produce versatile actors ready for stage and screen. Notable alumni prove AADA's legacy as a premiere NYC acting studio.
Notable Alumni: Lauren Bacall, Anne Bancroft, Danny DeVito, Kirk Douglas
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 12 students
Website: https://aada.edu
10. The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
Directly affiliated with the legendary Actors Studio, the Lee Strasberg Institute teaches his influential Method acting techniques. Immersive programs use sense memory and emotion to inform authentic performances. Classes drill core tenets like sensory exploration and improvisation rooted in Strasberg's teachings.
Two-year conservatories, full/part-time courses and summer intensives cover scene study, voice, movement and more. Private mentoring connects students with Strasberg's original collaborators. For serious Method acting study, the Institute remains the authoritative source.
Notable Alumni: Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Mickey Rourke
Cost: $$-$$$ per class
Class Size: 10-12 students
Website: https://strasberg.edu
11. Stewart Studios
Stewart Studios takes an individualized approach focused on training well-rounded commercial actors. Founded by Susan Batson (coach to Nicole Kidman, Juliette Binoche) the curriculum blends acting technique with career strategy. Scene study, cold reading, voice, and acting theory build skill sets. Industry workshops provide business knowledge.
Flexible class subscriptions and early/evening options fit busy actor schedules. Stewart offers need-based scholarships for diversity and equity. Their practical training helps actors transition into working professionals.
Notable Alumni: Yvonne Orji, Ego Nwodim, Carly Hughes
Cost: $-$$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.stewartstudios.com
12. Stella Adler Studio of Acting
The Stella Adler Studio continues the teachings of its legendary founder. After initial study with Stanislavsky himself, Adler developed her own acting technique focused on imagination, visualization, and understanding character motivation. Generations have trained in her detail-oriented approach and strong script analysis.
The studio offers multi-year conservatories plus short term classes. NYC instructors directly train in Adler's technique, helping actors apply her detailed methods. Discipline and dedication are valued here along with imagination. For those drawn to classical training, Stella Adler provides rich resources.
Notable Alumni: Mark Ruffalo, Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro
Cost: $$-$$$ per class
Class Size: 12-15 students
Website: https://stellaadler.com
13. The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
This historical studio opened in 1915 and trained prominent actors through the Group Theatre movement of the 1930s-40s. They helped popularize Method Acting and still teach the Meisner technique in their two-year conservatory. Founder Sanford Meisner trained faculty personally, creating an unbroken instructional lineage.
Classes emphasize organic, spontaneous response grounded in self-awareness. Voice, speech, movement and improv complement scene study. The Neighborhood Playhouse remains dedicated to nurturing raw talent into truthful actors.
Notable Alumni: Diane Keaton, Jeff Goldblum, Robert Duvall
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 12-14 students
Website: https://neighborhoodplayhouse.org
14. Black Nexxus
Founded by Susan Batson and Nicole Powell, Black Nexxus fills a crucial niche as the premier NYC acting studio focused on the Black community. Their training prepares Black actors to excel in an industry skewed against them. Scene study, Meisner technique and coaching build talent while instilling racial literacy skills.
Classes create a safe space for creative risks and authentic identity expression. Beyond technique, Black Nexxus helps Black actors maximize their potential through crucial industry knowledge, networking and guidance to book roles.
Notable Alumni: Nick Cannon, Jasmine Guy, Isaiah Washington
Cost: $-$$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.blacknexxus.com
15. Experimental Theatre Wing
Experimental Theatre Wing grew out of NYU Tisch, offering avant garde actor training outside traditional university structure. Led by visionary director Peter Jay Sharp, ETW pursues radical ensemble work integrating acting, directing, playwriting and design.
Two-year programs build collaborative skills through original productions and reimagined classics. Classes blur lines between acting, devising, choreography and writing for wholly new performance forms. For avant garde actors, ETW's intellectually rigorous training is unmatched. Alumni consistently impact NYC's bold theater scene.
Notable Alumni: Peter Sarsgaard, Cate Blanchett
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 12 students
Website: https://www.etw.nyc
16. New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA)
NYCDA focuses on the Meisner technique in a 2-year conservatory, plus musical theater, voice and on-camera programs. The supportive environment allows students to take risks and grow as actors. Intimate class sizes ensure individual mentorship needed for talent to thrive.
Notable Alumni: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Roberts
Cost: $$
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.sft.edu
17. The Joffrey Ballet School
While known for ballet, Joffrey also offers exceptional acting for dancers. Movement-based acting classes train skills like non-verbal expression. This makes Joffrey a top choice for those looking to refine their physicality on stage through an integrated dance and acting approach.
Notable Alumni: Kylie Jefferson, Roman Mejia
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 6-10 students
Website: https://www.joffreyballetschool.com
18. New York Studio for Stage and Screen (NYSSS)
A hub for on-camera training, NYSSS prepares students for film/TV work through intensive scene study. Their core philosophy focuses on breaking down the barriers between stage and screen acting. NYSSS provides a friendly, supportive environment while giving honest feedback to help actors grow.
Notable Alumni: Mira Sorvino, Gretchen Mol
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.newyorkstudio.com
19. The Studio New York
Their Meisner-based program is led by faculty trained by William Esper himself, upholding a strong lineage. A strong repertoire company provides invaluable performance experience. The Studio New York is known for dedicated instructors who take a hands-on role in developing raw talent.
Notable Alumni: Matthew Modine, Patricia Clarkson
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.thestudionewyork.com
20. Terry Knickerbocker Studio
Knickerbocker gently guides actors to access emotional truth through a supportive process. Their core Meisner/Viewpoints training is complemented by scene study, voice and industry workshops. Terry's compassionate approach allows creativity to unfold while instilling rigorous discipline needed to thrive.
Notable Alumni: Leslie Odom Jr., Rachel Dratch
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 8-10 students
Website: http://www.terryknickerbockerstudio.com
21. Anthony Abeson Actors Studio
Abeson offers immersive Meisner training focused on imagination, improvisation, and discovering one's authentic self. This acting "gym" provides a judgement-free place to take risks and learn through experience. Anthony Abeson's infectious energy inspires students to unleash their full potential.
Notable Alumni: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Tonya Pinkins
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://abesonstudio.com
22. Deena Levy Theatre Studio
Deena Levy guides students to unleash their creativity through improvisation and imagination exercises. Her private coaching has also helped stars like Willem Dafoe unlock their potential. Levy's training instills the inner freedom and spontaneity needed to thrive as an actor.
Notable Alumni: Ethan Hawke, Lady Gaga
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.deenalevy.com
23. Marymount Manhattan College
Their rigorous BFA acting program focuses on training well-rounded actors grounded in Stanislavsky techniques. Marymount students consistently book roles on Broadway and TV while learning from mentors with professional experience. The college environment fosters collaboration across disciplines.
Notable Alumni: Ali Wentworth, Nicole Ari Parker
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 8-10 students
Website: https://www.mmm.edu
24. The New School College of Performing Arts
Their BFA program includes intense training in scene study, voice and movement to prepare actors for contemporary performance. Students benefit from The New School's progressive approach emphasizing social relevance and community. The program's versatility is evidenced through alumni on Broadway, TV and film.
Notable Alumni: Aubrey Plaza, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.newschool.edu/performing-arts
25. Primary Stages ESPA
ESPA prioritizes nurturing individual talent with focused training in stage technique, film acting, and stage combat. Their teachers are working NYC actors, sharing invaluable real-world expertise. ESPA has an intimate, collaborative vibe where students support each other's growth.
Notable Alumni: Anne Hathaway, Tony Shalhoub
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://primarystages.org/espa
26. Actors Connection
Actors Connection takes an immersive approach, with over 100 acting classes per week across disciplines like scene study, musical theatre, and sketch comedy. Their core philosophy centers on preparing actors to work at a professional level.
Notable Alumni: Ian Somerhalder, Lana Parrilla
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.actorsconnection.com
27. Pearl Studios
Pearl Studios stands out for their nurturing yet rigorous training focused on truth, discipline and imagination. Founder Gregory Berger-Sobecki guides students through in-depth scene study and exercises tailored to each actor.
Notable Alumni: Leslie Odom Jr., Lupita Nyong'o
Cost: $$$
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://www.pearlstudiosnyc.com
28. Tom Todoroff Studio
Tom Todoroff provides rigorous training in the Meisner technique, guiding students to access emotional truth and spontaneity. Classes emphasize imagination, improvisation, sensory work and in-depth script analysis. Todoroff's warmth paired with his no-nonsense style brings out the best in students.
Notable Alumni: Allison Janney, Santino Fontana
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://tomtodoroffstudio.com
29. Ted Bardy Studio
Led by acclaimed actor and teacher Ted Bardy, this studio takes an imaginative yet rigorously technical approach to acting training. Their core Meisner-based program aims to strengthen instincts, unlock creativity and build a solid acting foundation.
Notable Alumni: Emma Stone, Rami Malek
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://tedbardy.com/
30. Michael Howard Studios
Michael Howard Studios upholds the legacy of their late founder, who trained stars like Alec Baldwin and Chris Noth in his signature tough-love teaching style. Today the studio continues his integrated approach blending voice, speech, movement, cold readings, scene study and more.
Notable Alumni: Chris Noth, Rosie O'Donnell
Cost: $$ per class
Class Size: 10 students
Website: https://mhsstudio.com
Acting Studio | Training Method | Notable Alumni | Class Size | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Actors Studio | Method acting | Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Marilyn Monroe | Intimate | Audition only |
T. Schreiber Studio | Instinctual acting | Lady Gaga, David Harbour | 12-15 students | $$-$$$ per class |
William Esper Studio | Meisner technique | Jeff Goldblum, Gretchen Mol | 16 students | $$$ |
Maggie Flanigan Studio | Meisner technique | Ellen Page, Kristen Bell | 12 students | $$-$$$ per class |
HB Studio | Practical technique | Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway | 12-14 students | $$ per class |
The Barrow Group | Holistic acting | Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o | 12 students | $$$ |
Atlantic Acting School | Practical Aesthetics | Jessica Chastain, Leslie Odom Jr. | 12-14 students | $$$ |
NYFA | Acting for film | Ana de Armas | 8-12 students | $$$ |
AADA | Well-rounded curriculum | Lauren Bacall, Danny DeVito | 12 students | $$$ |
Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute | Method acting | Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie | 10-12 students | $$-$$$ per class |
Stewart Studios | Commercial acting | Yvonne Orji, Ego Nwodim | 10 students | $-$$ per class |
Stella Adler Studio | Character motivation | Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando | 12-15 students | $$-$$$ per class |
Neighborhood Playhouse | Meisner technique | Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall | 12-14 students | $$ per class |
Black Nexxus | Scene study for Black actors | Nick Cannon, Jasmine Guy | 10 students | $-$$ per class |
Experimental Theatre Wing | Avant-garde ensemble training | Cate Blanchett, Peter Sarsgaard | 12 students | $$ per class |
NYCDA | Meisner technique | Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg | 10 students | $$ |
Joffrey Ballet School | Acting through movement | Kylie Jefferson | 6-10 students | $$$ |
New York Studio for Stage & Screen | On-camera scene study | Mira Sorvino, Gretchen Mol | 10 students | $$ per class |
The Studio New York | Meisner technique | Matthew Modine | 10 students | $$$ |
Terry Knickerbocker Studio | Meisner and Viewpoints | Leslie Odom Jr. | 8-10 students | $$ per class |
Anthony Abeson Actors Studio | Meisner technique | Yahya Abdul-Mateen II | 10 students | $$ per class |
Deena Levy Theatre Studio | Imagination and improv | Ethan Hawke | 10 students | $$$ |
Marymount Manhattan College | Stanislavsky technique | Ali Wentworth | 8-10 students | $$$ |
New School College of Performing Arts | Contemporary training | Aubrey Plaza | 10 students | $$$ |
Primary Stages ESPA | Stage and film skills | Anne Hathaway | 10 students | $$ per class |
Actors Connection | Professional training | Ian Somerhalder | 10 students | $$ per class |
Pearl Studios | Truth and imagination | Leslie Odom Jr. | 10 students | $$$ |
Tom Todoroff Studio | Meisner technique | Allison Janney | 10 students | $$ per class |
Ted Bardy Studio | Meisner-based | Emma Stone | 10 students | $$ per class |
Michael Howard Studios | Integrated skills | Alec Baldwin | 10 students | $$ per class |
Conclusion
New York City offers aspiring actors unmatched training opportunities through its plethora of prestigious acting studios. As this extensive guide illustrates, excellent instruction can be found across multiple techniques, philosophies, and learning environments.
Certain studios like The Actors Studio and Neighborhood Playhouse provide direct pipelines to Method acting and the Meisner technique. Others such as Atlantic Acting School and NYFA focus intensively on contemporary stage and screen skills. Institutions like Juilliard, NYU Tisch, and The New School’s College of Performing Arts offer comprehensive university-based acting programs.
While every studio is unique, they share a common goal of preparing actors to excel professionally. Each provides quality training tailored to different learning styles and artistic needs. Cost, class size, alumni success and teaching approach should all factor into choosing the best fit.
New York City's depth of acting studios ensures beginners and professionals alike can find ideal training grounds. Immersing yourself in NYC’s vibrant theater scene takes dedication, but rewards actors with invaluable experiences. With the right training and persistence, a lifetime of creative fulfillment can unfold.