The Top 30 Acting Studios In NYC: Where To Hone Your Craft

August 7, 2023 David Genik

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.

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.