18 Best Acting Schools In New York (2023)

One of the most important decisions you will make as an actor is figuring out what acting classes to take and where to take them.

And hands down, New York City (NYC) is one of the best cities in the U.S to get world-class training as an actor. 

However, with tons of great acting schools, studios, and classes available it’s not an easy task choosing what classes to take in the city that never sleeps.

So, we have put together a list of the best acting classes and schools in NYC below. 

The article also covers in-depth the types of classes, prices, acting techniques used, reputations of the schools, notable alumni, how to apply, and other information that will help you find the right acting classes for you. 

This list is by no means exhaustive and we have probably missed some great schools, but the main aim of this article is to give you information that will enable you to do more research and make a well-informed decision.

18 Best Acting Schools In NYC (2022)

1. HB Studio

About the school

Founded in 1945, by Broadway actor and director Herbert Berghof, HB Studio is one of the original NYC acting studios.

The studio is one of the most acclaimed and prestigious performing arts training institutes, offering classes in acting, directing, playwriting, musical theatre, and many more. 

The studio started with Berghof teaching night classes in a small rented space on 16th Street.

A few years later, legendary acting teacher and Berghof’s future wife Uta Hagen joined HB studios where she taught and worked in administrative roles until her death in 2004.

HB studio’s approach to acting is based on Hagen’s work collected in her two critically acclaimed books Respect For Acting and Challenge For The Actor. 

HB is a non-profit organization and because of that, it’s able to offer a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for students of all levels, without the pressure of commercial interests. 

The studio has taught some of the most iconic actors and creatives in the entertainment industry including Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robert Deniro, Harvey Keitel, Liza Minnelli, Faye Dunaway, Al Pacino, Barabara Streisand, and many others. 

HB Studio offers three main types of classes for actors, playwrights, and directors at all stages of their careers.

These include Weekly Acting Classes, Full Time Programs & Intensives, and Short-Term Acting Workshops.

Weekly Acting Classes

The Weekly Classes are a progressive sequence of ongoing weekly classes which are given both in-person and online. 

In-person classes meet for 10-week terms four terms a year while online classes (except writing classes) are offered in two 5-week parts (Part A & Part B) which can be taken independently or together. 

Students can choose one class at a time, or create their own part-time or full-time schedule. 

Full-Time Programs/Intensives

The Uta Hagen Institute at HB Studio offers the Hagen Teacher’s Lab, Hagen Core Training, and the Hagen Summer Intensive for students looking for a full-time program. 

The Hagen Core Training is a full-time one-year training program that offers a progressive and integrated curriculum based on five essential classes.

These are Acting Technique, Scene Study, Script Analysis, Movement, Alexander Technique, and Voice & Speech. 

The Hagen Summer Intensive is a rigorous 6-week workshop that delves into the practical applications of Uta Hagen’s technique. 

The Hagen Teachers Lab is a five-day intensive program that is designed for teachers, and professional actors who want to learn about Uta Hagen’s approach to acting and teaching.

Short-Term Acting Workshops

In addition to the regular schedule of weekly classes, HB Studio offers several short-term skill-building workshops throughout the year.

The workshops cover subjects like Audition Techniques, The Business of Acting, Scene Study, Voice Over, and Accents. 

Classes & Price

Class Type	# of  Courses	Duration	Price
Acting	15	10 weeks	Online: $375-$645  In-person: $435-$745
Speech & Voice	5	10 weeks	Online: $395 In-person: $465
Movement	3	10 weeks	Online: $295-$345 In-person: $355-$415
Musical Theater & Singing	5	3cls-10wks 2cls – 5wks	Online: $395 In-person: $305-$575
Playwriting & Screenwriting	5	10 weeks	Online: $495
Directing	1	10 weeks	Online: $545
Acting for Kids & Teens	3	10 weeks	Online: $295-$445 In-person: $535
Workshops	14	1 – 10 weeks	Online: $75- $595 In-person: $275 – $695
Hagen Teacher’s Lab	1	1 week	In-person: $850
Hagen Core Training	7	1 year	$13,500
Hagen Summer Intensive	5	6 weeks	$3,250

Submission

If you are interested in taking classes at HB studio, fill out and submit their online form. You will need to also upload your resume, headshot, and reel of your work.

If you don’t have a reel or online material, it is recommended to audition in person at the studio. 

All upper-level studio classes as well as the Hagen Core Training & the Hagen Summer Intensive programs require auditions. 

Audits

Students can audit courses at $20 each during any active term. Each course can only be audited once. Workshops can’t be audited unless otherwise noted. 

Faculty

The instructors at HB Studio are practicing theater and film artists that are recognized for their professional work.

Most of the faculty were students or colleagues of Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen. See the list of current faculty. 

2. Ted Bardy Acting Studio 

About the school

Located in the vibrant theater district of Manhattan, The Ted Bardy Acting Studio is known worldwide as one of the best private independent acting schools in New York City. 

The studio specializes in teaching the Meisner Technique and offers both beginners and professional actors a 3 part accelerated program in the Meisner Technique.

Ted Bardy Acting Studio has small class sizes that give students an intimate atmosphere and facilitate personalized instruction. 

On average students work 2-3 times per class.

The studio provides its classes in a multi-level structure which provides new actors the chance to see the level of proficiency/skill they can attain while experienced actors get to reinforce the basic foundation skills. 

Ted Bardy Acting Studio also offers special workshops for both beginner and advanced students in:

• On-Camera Commercial Technique
• Speech, Diction, & Dialects
• Movement & Relaxation Techniques
• Film & Play Development
• Private Coaching

The studio also hosts monthly professional productions in its 50-seat presentation space. If you want to get to know the teaching staff visit their about page.

The founder of the studio, Ted Bardy has worked in various roles in the acting industry including Actor, Director, Producer, and Casting Director. 

During his career, he has worked with artists like Mira Sorvino, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Academy Award Winners – Ted Levy, and F. Murray Abraham.

Students of the Ted Bardy Acting Studio have gone on to perform in shows such as The Americans, Law And Order, Blue Bloods, 24, and Major Crimes.

Courses Offered & Price

Class Name	Price
8-Week Saturday Course	$360
Meisner 3 Phase Program	$360

Meisner 3 Phase Program

Topics Covered In Phase 1

• The Repetition Exercise
• The Independent Activity
• Emotional Preparation (The Alone Exercise)

Topics Covered In Phase 2

• Emotional Preparation [EP] (Continued In Depth)
• Applying EP To Scene Work
• Adding Relationship To Structured Improvisations

Topics Covered in Phase 3

• Advanced drills & exercises
• Applying the Meisner Technique to advanced scenes using props, costumes, dialects, etc…
• Meisner-Based Audition Technique
• Specific Approach To Film & TV Work
• Script Analysis
• Interpretation
• Cold Readings
• Character Work

Students must be 18 years old & over. You can apply here for Phases 1& 2 and here for Phase 3.

3. T. Schreiber Studio

About the school

T. Schreiber Studio is one of the top professional theatre studios in NYC and has been preparing actors for stage, film, and tv careers since 1969.

The studio offers acting classes, immersive acting programs, and private coaching for adults, teens, and kids. 

The instructors at T. Schreiber Studio are working professionals and established artists in tv, film, and theatre under the guidance of Terry Schreiber and Peter Jensen.

The studio conducts its classes in small sizes which offers students more individualized instruction and feedback.

 Several notable actors have trained at the T. Schreiber Studio including Edward Norton(Golden Globe Winner), Julia Garner (Emmy Award Winner for Ozark), Jamie Newman (HBO’s The Deuce), and Riann Steele (Debris NBC).

Acting Classes

T. Schreiber Studio offers the following types of acting classes, with each class type having several courses within it:

• Beginning Acting Classes
• Scene Study
• Meisner
• On-Camera
• Voice & Speech
• Specialty Classes
• Intensive Training
• Audition

Courses are given in-person, online, or as a mix of both. 

The majority of the classes have beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

T.Schreiber’s beginner classes don’t require auditions or interviews, while the intermediate and advanced classes usually require an audition or interview. 

The studio does not allow students to audit their classes as this will interfere with the safe and personal atmosphere of a classroom.

However, they are committed to helping you find the right classes for you.

For students who are not sure about which courses to take the studio offers its Actor Tracks, which are handpicked curricula by Terry Schreiber.

Each track is a 3-4 month program that includes three courses and a 45-minute one-on-one session with an instructor. 

T. Schreiber Studio also offers a Flexible Acting Program, which is an intensive training program with a flexible schedule for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level actors.

The studio accepts international students and offers M1 visas for its in-person one-year conservatory program only.

Visas are not offered for online classes.

If you need one on one acting coaching to get help with a tough script or prepare for an audition you can book coaching sessions with T. Schreiber’s award-winning instructors.

Prices range from $80 – $180 per hour.

To learn more about the instructors at T. Schreiber Studios check out their faculty page.

T. Schreiber Studio offers acting classes for kids and teens through its youth program.

The program is divided into the Kids Acting Program (ages 8-11) & Teen Acting Program (ages 12 – 16).

Both the teen and kids programs are available as full-year acting programs or semester programs. The full-year kids program is broken down into 3 semesters:

• Semester 1 – Onstage foundation building, voice projection, freeing your body for the stage, staging, and stage pictures. (Weeks 1-3)
• Semester 2 – Show opening monologue. (Weeks 4-6)
• Semester 3 – Scene work and directing. (Weeks 7-10)

T. Schreiber Studios recommends taking the full-year course as it helps students consistently build skills and hone their techniques.

The youth courses are given by instructor Jazelle Foster of Denise Simon Acting & Coaching. 

If your kid already has acting experience and is looking for advanced acting classes T. Schreiber recommends taking classes with Denise Simon at her studio.

Class Price & Registration

New adult, teen, and child students must pay a one-time registration fee of $75 and create an account/log-in through which they can register for classes.

For detailed information like course lists, class schedules, prerequisites, auditions and more check out their acting classes page and click on a course title.

Teen and kid actors can find out more information or apply/register here.

Adult Classes

Class Type	# Of Courses	In-person/ Online	Price
Beginner	5	In-person & Online	$245, $325, $395, $475, $595
Scene Study	4	In-person & Online	$295, 2 classes @ $315, $335,
On-Camera	4	In-person & Online	$195, 2 classes @ $425, $1,950
Voice & Speech	4	In-person & Online	$225, $245, $295, $335,
Specialty	3	In-person	$335, $1,450, $17,495
Intensive Training	1	Online	$875
Audition	1	In-person	$250

Youth Classes

Class Type	Price
Kids (8-11)	1 semester – $675 1year (3 semesters) – $1675
Teens (12-16)	1 semester – $675 1 year (3 semesters) – $1675

4. The Barrow Group 

About the school

Founded in 1986, The Barrow Group (TBG) is an award-winning theater company and training center in New York City. 

It offers beginner and professional artists training in acting, play and screenwriting, and directing. 

The training center educates thousands of artists with a diverse range of backgrounds, experience levels, and identities.

The school also offers a developmental program that helps artists tell original stories as well as a mainstage season that is produced every year. 

Some of TBG’s award-winning productions include My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend by Mike Birbiglia (Obie Award winner), All The Rage by Martin Moran (Lucille Lortel Award), and The Temperamentals by Jon Maran (Drama Desk Award). 

The school has also produced award-winning alumni like Anne Hathaway (Academy Award Winner), Jennifer Landon (3-time Emmy Winner), and Tony Hale (Emmy Winner).

TBG differentiates itself from other studios in NYC by making sure all its instructors complete an intensive training program taught by TBG co-artistic directors Seth Barrish and Lee Brock. 

This training gives students a consistent and easily understandable learning experience.

TBG offers adult classes as well as performing arts camps & classes for kids & teens.

TBG Performing Arts Training Program

Adult Classes

Classes include Acting, Directing, Writing, Filmmaking, Specialty, and Content Creation. These classes are for adults ages 18 and above and are given both in-person and online. 

Acting classes are divided into the following levels:

• Beginner
• Intermediate 
• Professional 

Writing classes are divided into categories including:

• Playwriting
• Screenwriting 
• Solo show & Storytelling

Lastly, the specialty classes cover courses on:

• Movement
• Improv
• Audition
• Voice/Speech.
• Business of Acting
• Script Analysis
• Shakespeare

Check out TBG’s adult classes page for information regarding, course lists, schedules, in-person class policies, and more. 

Youth Classes

TBG offers acting, directing, playwriting, and filmmaking classes to kids aged 6- 18.

The youth classes teach students TBG’s specific approach to storytelling and familiarize students with tools and techniques that adult artists use. 

The youth classes are divided into three groups by age, which are 6-9 (kids), 10-13 (tweens), and 14-18 (teens).

These age groups have been specifically formed based on the information and structure of the class, so make you register for the right age group.

Classes are given in person and online. 

TBG recommends their Explorations in Acting Class for beginners, since this course covers foundational topics in acting as well as introduces students to the TBG approach.

To find out more information like class and course lists, in-person class policies, and schedules visit TBG’s youth class page.

Online Classes

TBG offers different types of acting, directing, and writing classes through the video conferencing tool Zoom, which allows people from all over the world to attend their programs.

Check out their Zoom info sheet for more details. 

Just like any of their other classes TBG’s online classes strive to deliver clear and concise tools that actors can use in their craft.

The online classes include most of the classes given in the youth and adult programs with the exception of some mandatory in-person classes.

Check out their online classes page for course lists, class schedules, and other info.

One Year Programs

One Year Professional Acting Program – This program is designed for professional working actors and is taught by TBG Co-Artistic Directors Seth Barrish and Lee Brock. 

In this program, actors get to build on their existing skill sets and train at a high level.

The program covers a wide variety of topics like Scene Study, Monologues, Business of Acting, and On-Camera Acting.

Find out more details about the program here.

One Year Evening Acting Program – This program is designed to introduce the Barrow Group approach to actors with some prior training and work experience. 

For more info about the program click here. 

One Year Directing Program – This program equips directors with specific tools for effective communication, and sharpening their storytelling and observation skills.

Directors also get to learn from industry professionals like lighting/set/costume/sound designers, producers, and stage managers. 

The program is best for professional theater or film directors who want to learn the Barrow Group approach to directing.

It’s also a good fit for professional actors who want to start a directing career.

Class Price and Registration

Adult Classes – Spring (April – June)

Class Type	# Of Courses	In-person /Online	Price
Audition & Business	6	Online	3 classes @ $95 3 classes @ $395
Beginner Acting	31	In-person & Online	6 classes @ $425 25 classes @ $495
Beginner Film/TV	3	In-person & Online	1 class @ $395 2 classes @ $425
Film/TV For Professionals	4	In-person	$425
Improv	2	In-person	$295
Intermediate Acting	4	In-person	$495
Movement	2	In-person	1 class @ $195 1 class @ $395
Professional Acting	6	In-person	$495
Specialty	2	Online	$295
Weekend Acting Workshop	1	In-person	$325
Playwriting/ Screenwriting	7	Online	5 classes @$425 2 classes @$495

Youth Classes – Spring (April – June)

Class Type	# Of Courses	In-person/Online	Price
Ages (10 – 13 )	4	In-person & Online	2 classes @ $275 2 classes @ $375
Ages (14 – 17)	8	In-person & Online	4 classes @ 275 4 classes @ 375
Ages (7 – 9)	1	Online	$225

One Year Programs

Class	Price
Professional Acting Program	$7,695
Evening Acting Program	$4,995
Directing Program	$4,000

For specific course prices, class schedules, names of instructors, location, and other info check out their class schedule page.

Also, check out pricing and other info for upcoming classes here.

If you are interested in TBG’s acting programs like the one-year programs and two-week intensives click here.

To register for a course, navigate to the pages mentioned above and click on a course title.

There, you can find out if you need to audition, take prerequisite classes, create a student account, and other necessary steps you need to take. 

Also visit their auditions page for more information like a list of courses you need to audition for and instructions on submitting self-taped auditions, headshots, and resumes.

Auditing

Students are allowed to audit classes at TBG. The first audit is free with additional audits costing $35 per class.

If you want to schedule an audit send an email to audit@barrowgroup.org. 

The first classes of each course can not be audited. Youth classes are also not available for auditing as this can interfere with the atmosphere of play and comfort.

Parents are also not permitted to observe ongoing classes.

However, TBG provides Youth Open Houses and Free Sample Acting Classes for adults through which you can find out more information about the classes.

Check out TBG’s event calendar and class listing page for these events. 

If you want to learn more about the classes TBG also hosts individual information sessions every week. Find out more here.

If you want to find out about the instructors and administrators at TBG, check out their faculty page and meet our teachers page.

Financial Aid

TBG offers scholarships every year to BIPOC and students in need of financial help. The school has given over 50 scholarships last year alone.

TBG offers scholarships for both adults and youth. Go to their financial aid page for more info. 

5. Abrons Arts Center/Henry Street Settlement

About the school

Located in the lower east side of Manhattan, Abron’s Arts Center is one of New York City’s iconic cultural institutions. 

The arts centre was completed in 1975 but its history goes back to 1915 and the Henry Street Playhouse, that was the home of the famous Neighborhood Playhouse Company.

The Abrons Arts Center is a modest 3-story brick building situated adjacent to the Playhouse.

It is one of the first U.S art facilities that was designed for a predominantly low-income population.

The center houses three different theatrical venues where about 150 productions are performed every year. These include

• The Playhouse: 350-seat proscenium theater with a balcony and terrific seats
• The Experimental Theatre: black box theater space with 150 padded bleacher seats 
• The Recital Hall: theatre space that seats 100 viewers

Today the center provides performance presentations, education programs, exhibitions, and residencies for students.

The classes offered include theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. 

Class Price And Registration

Group Classes – Spring

Class Type	Age	Price
Music Discovery	3 – 6	$468
Sonic Saturdays	7 – 11	$468
Teen Voices	12 – 18	$468
Voices of Henry Street Choir	6 – Adult	Free
Acting 1	7 – 9	$468
Acting 2	10 – 12	$468
Acting 3	13 – 19	$468
Urban Youth Theater	11 – 19	Free with $25 registration fee
Funny Girls	8 – 10	Free with $25 registration fee
Spring Break April Fools Camp	7 – 11	$468
Origins: Visual Arts	3 – 5	$494
Draw Paint Build	6 – 8	$494
Saturday Morning Cartoons	9 – 12	$494
StudioCollective /Art Portfolio	13 – 19	$949
Dance &  Movement	4 – 5	$468
Breaking 1	6 – 8	$468
Breaking 2	9 – 12	$468
Breaking 3	13 – 19	$468
Hip Hop 1	6 – 8	$468
Hip Hop 2	9 – 12	$468
Hip Hop 3	13 – 19	$468
Salsa On 2  Level 1/2/3	7- 19 / Adult	$468

For the Spring 2022 season, the Abrons Arts Center is offering in-person group classes in Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Dance. 

Classes are taught by qualified teachers and artists and the group setting helps students work collaboratively, create friendships, cultivate friendships, and expand their talents.

Students will perform a public presentation at the end of the program. 

Register for Group Classes here.

Private Lessons

Class Type	Price
30 – Minute Lesson	$47 per lesson
45 – Minute Lesson	$66 per lesson
60 – Minute Lesson	$87 per lesson

Abrons Arts Center offers a wide variety of private music lessons that are given both in person and online.

There is no set number of courses that are required for the lessons but the center recommends that students complete a full semester to get better at their specific instrument or subject matter. 

Check out this link to find out more information about private lessons or contact Tyler Diaz to set up a private lesson.

Lessons are available for kids that are 5 years old and above as well as adults. 

Note: All students must pay a non-refundable registration fee of $25. Abrons Arts Center offers the Sammy Cahn Scholarship every year for 6 youth to support their music studies.

Lessons are available for the following instruments/subject matter: Bass (Upright and Electric), Cello, Clarinet, Drums, Flute, Guitar (Acoustic and Electric), Music, Theory, Music Production, Oboe, Piano, Saxophone, Songwriting, Ukelele, Viola, Violin, and Voice.

Summer Arts Camp

The Abrons Arts Center offers a summer arts camp every year for students aged (5 – 10) where they teach creative skills in visual arts, music, theatre, and dance.

The summer arts camp is given in two sessions. 

Students can sign up for just one session or both. 1-2 field trips to NYC Museums are also included in each session.

The arts camp is in-person and students will give final presentations at the end of each session.

Class Type	Price	Duration
Session 1	$1,305	2 weeks
Session 2	$1,425	2 weeks

Note: Students who register and pay for both sessions at once can get both courses for a discount price of $2,600.

An additional registration fee of $50 per camper and session is required. The fee is non-refundable.

A late pickup option (5 – 6 pm) is available at $175 per session. Students who are not enrolled in the late pickup option will be charged $20 per day.

Register for the Summer Arts Camp here.

The Abrons Arts Centre provides tuition assistance for its Group Classes and Summer Arts Camp.

Tuition assistance is available for households whose annual income is less than $50,000, where qualifying students will receive a 50% discount on their tuition.

The NYCHA Arts Initiative is also available for NYCHA residents in zip codes 10002, 10003, 10009, and 10038.

This initiative covers a student’s full tuition. Find out more info here or contact AbronsEdu@HenryStreet.org. 

In addition to the Group Classes, Private Lessons, and Summer Art Camps, Abrons Arts Center also offers several short-term workshops every year.

Check out their workshop page for course listings, descriptions, dates, and more.

6. Primary Stages Einhorn School Of Performing Arts (ESPA)

About the school

Formerly known as the Primary Stages School of Theater the Einhorn School of Performing Arts (ESPA) was created in 2007 from a collection of playwriting classes at Primary Stages. 

Today the ESPA is a performing arts school that offers classes in acting, writing, and directing. 

ESPA is known for its high-caliber teachers who include industry professionals and award-winning performers such as 

• Stephanie Klapper – (Casting Director – Stephanie Klapper Casting), 
• Anthony Arkin – (Actor and Filmmaker – I’m Not Rappaport on Broadway, The Americans), Caridad Svich – (Writer, 2012 OBIE Winner for Lifetime Achievement)
• Amelia Campbell – (Tony-nominated Actor –  Coal Country at The Public, Mindhunter, Leaves of Grass) and many more.

Check out their faculty page here.

Classes

Class Type	# Of Courses	Price
Acting	6	New Students: $320 – $500 Returning Students: $280 – $480
Workshops	4	New Students: $520 Returning Students: $480
Writing	13	New Student: $320 – $580 Returning Student: $280 – 560
Directing	3	New Student: $320 – $520 Returning Student $280 – $480
Teen	2	$400

Registration

New students should submit their headshot, resume, and registration request to espa@primarystages.org.

Returning students can find out more information or send a registration request using the above email. Students have to pay a non-refundable $50 deposit for all classes which will be taken out of their tuition fee (it’s not an additional fee).

Online registration is available for all writing and directing classes as well as workshops on the ESPA website. 

For Acting classes, students can contact the ESPA administration at espa@primarystages.org or call 212-840-9705 to register.

ESPA offers a Work Study Program for returning students who are in good financial standing with the school.

Participants have to apply for the program before the start of registration each summer. 

Students who are chosen will perform organizational duties/tasks such as photocopying, setting up the room, relaying assignments, etc… and in return, ESPA covers 50% of their work-study class tuition.

ESPA also offers payment plans for select classes, where students can pay their fees in installments.

7. The Neighborhood Playhouse (NP)

About the school

Founded in 1915 the Neighborhood Playhouse is one of the most respected and culturally significant acting schools in New York City and the U.S.

It was also one of the first Off-Broadway theatres.

Founded by philanthropists Alice and Irene Lewisohn, the original playhouse was located in the famous Henry Street Settlement House.

The school is a full-time acting conservatory that offers classes in acting, movement, speech, and voice. 

The Neighborhood Playhouse was home to one of the most influential and impactful acting teachers, Sanford Meisner.

Meisner joined the school in 1930 and was head of the acting program by 1940.

During his time at the Neighborhood Playhouse, he developed his now world-renowned Meisner Technique. 

The Neighborhood Playhouse is the only conservatory whose instructors were trained directly by Sanford Meisner himself. 

The Playhouse is a non-profit, acting school that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST). 

With over a hundred years of teaching experience, the Neighborhood Playhouse has produced some of the best performers in the acting industry including:

Burt Reynolds, Robert Duvall, Sydney Pollack, Yoko Narahashi, Steve McQueen, Leslie Neilsen, Diane Keaton, Marta Kauffman, and many more.

The Neighborhood Playhouse is also known for its role in helping U.S army veterans join and thrive in the entertainment world.

Some of its veteran alumni like Albert Paulsen, Gerard O’Laughlin, and Tucker Smallwood went on to become cinematic icons. 

NP Adult Acting Classes

First Year Courses

Total Length: 32 Weeks | Full-Time (approximately 30hrs/week) 

Class	Duration
Meisner Acting Techniques	12 hrs/week
Acting Lab (Drills)	1.5 hrs/week
Library 1 (Theatre History)	1.5 hrs/week
Modern Dance	3 hrs/week
Music 1 (Singing Technique)	3 hrs/week
Jazz Dance 1	3 hrs/week
Shakespeare 1	1.5 hrs/week
Voice & Speech 1	4.5 hrs/week

Second Year Courses

Total Length: 32 Weeks | Full-Time (approximately 32hrs/week) 

Class	Duration
Meisner Acting Techniques 2	12 hrs/week
Acting Shakespeare	3 hrs/week
Acting For Film & TV	3 hrs/week
Alexander Technique	1.5 hrs/week
Jazz Dance 2	1.5 hrs/week
Modern Dance 2	1.5 hrs/week
Music 2 (Singing Technique 2)	3 hrs/week
Physical Theatre	3 hrs/week
Professional Development	1 hr/week (approximately)
Voice & Speech 2	2.5 hrs/week

Six-Week Summer Intensive

Total Length: 6 Weeks | Full-Time

The summer intensive is a 6-week program that is based on the foundation of the two-year Certificate Acting Program.

Classes are given from Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm. They include:

• Meisner Acting Technique 1
• Acting For Film & TV
• Voice & Speech 1
• Theatre Dance For Actors
• Modern Dance
• Acting On Pitch (elective)

Students who successfully complete the first year of the Two Year Certificate Professional Acting Training program or the Six Week Summer Acting Intensive will receive a Letter of Completion.

When students complete the full Two Year Certificate Professional Acting Training program they will receive The Neighborhood Playhouse Certificate of Completion.

Certificates will be given at a graduation ceremony which also doubles as an industry showcase where industry professionals including talent agents, directors, and managers will attend.

NP also provides its graduating students with an opportunity to apply everything they have learned in the two-year professional acting program by performing in a fully realized theatrical production.

The plays will be performed at the Rita Morgenthau Theatre, and students will rehearse for about five weeks before performing.

Professional staff including directors and set & costume designers have been involved in the production of the plays. 

Application Process

The application process starts with an Artistic Review (interview/audition) with the Executive Director, Ms. Pamela Moller Kareman, and submission of the following materials:

• Application Form – Online | Download PDF
• Personal Statement
• Personal Letter of Recommendation
• Professional Letter of Recommendation
• Current Photo (Headshot not required)
• Copy of High School and College Diploma/Transcript
• $75 Application Fee
• Resume (optional)

Note: If you are an international student you will need to show additional documents including Proof of Finances, and Evaluation of International Credentials.

For more information refer to the International Applicants Page. 

All application materials should be sent by postal mail or email to The Neighborhood Playhouse. 

Postal Mail

340 East 54th Street
New York, NY 10022

Email – admissions@neighborhoodplayhouse.org 

Applicants should make sure that their Application Form, Application Fee, and Photo arrive prior to References, Resume, Transcripts, etc for a fast application process.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis based on class capacity.

Note: NP encourages applicants to send their materials digitally/online. 

After processing the submitted application materials the school will contact applicants and inform them if they have been granted an Artistic Review or not.

Students selected for the Artistic Review should come prepared with a 1-2 minute contemporary monologue.

Interviews may be held in person or online through platforms like Zoom. For more detailed information check out NP’s admission/application page.

NP Kids Acting Classes / NP Junior School

NP also offers acting classes to kids and teens (2nd – 12th grade) through its Junior School Program.

This program is modeled after NP’s adult acting program and teaches students the core elements of acting as well as acting techniques and their application. Classes include:

• Scene Study
• Voice & Diction
• Monologues
• Stage Combat
• Shakespeare
• Acting For Film & TV
• Commercials
• Voice Overs
• Auditioning
• Improvisation
• Movement/Dance
• Singing

The Junior School program is offered as a summer course or Saturday classes. The summer programs are 3 – 4 weeks long and are held during the months of July and August.

Summer classes are divided by age/grade:

• Youth Workshop – (9 – 11)
• Meisner Teen Studio – (12 – 14)
• Meisner Teen Conservatory – (15 – 18)

Saturday classes meet on Saturdays in two separate sessions:

• Winter/Spring – (January – April)
• Fall – (September – December) 

Application Process

The submission process for NP’s Junior School program includes submitting materials, interviews, and attending orientation (open-house).

Materials that should be submitted are as follows:

• Online Application Form – Saturday Classes | Summer Classes
• Download PDF Application Form – Saturday Classes | Summer Classes
• Personal Statement (For Summer Program Only)
• Professional Recommendation Letter (For Summer Program Only)
• Personal Recommendation Letter (For Summer Program Only)
• Resume – Optional
• Current Photo (Headshot not required)
• Application Fee – $50 (New Students Only)

Note: International Students will need to submit a completed application form, passport, proof of finances, and have met with and been accepted by the JR School Director before materials are taken to your embassy. 

Application Materials can be sent by email or postal mail.

Postal Mail
Attn: Carmen Lamar Daehler / JR School
340 East 54th Street
New York, NY 10022

Email – cldaehler@neighborhoodplayhouse.org 

Note: NP encourages applicants to send their materials digitally/online. 

High school students have to audition in addition to the above requirements and should come prepared with a one-minute contemporary monologue.

Interviews will be conducted through Zoom, although classes are in-person.

Price/Tuition Fees

Payment Item	Payment Amount
First Year Tuition	$17,700
First Year Tuition Deposit (non-refundable)	$500
Second Year Tuition	$18,100
Second Year Tuition Deposit (non-refundable)	$500
Application Fee	$75
Two-Year Certificate Program (including Application Fee & Tuition Deposit)	$36,875
Six Week Summer Intensive Tuition	$3,350
Six Week Summer Intensive Tuition Deposit	$500
Application Fee	$75
Elective Course (Acting On Pitch)	$510
Six Week Summer Intensive (including Tuition Deposit, Application Fee, & Elective)	$4,435

Visit NP’s tuition page for more information.

8. Kimball Studio

About the school

Kimball Studio is a female-run studio that has one of the best on-screen acting classes in New York.

The studio was founded by actor and playwright Kelly Kimball. Kelly has worked with some of the greatest actors, directors, and playwrights including Mike Nichols, Neil Simon, and Gordon Davidson.

She has also written and consulted for tv series and pilots for NBC, Fox, ABC and others. 

Kimball Studio is well known for its small class sizes that give students individualized attention as well as intimate and inspiring performances. 

Acting Classes

Kimball studio offers its’ 8-week “Combo” or Ballistics Classes for actors joining the studio for the first time.

The “combo” classes combine on-camera training with the “Ballistics” technique.

The studio provides students with Film & TV scripts to perform in class. These performances are recorded and the footage is sent to the students after class.

Every actor works in every class. “Combo” classes are held once every week for 2 hours per class.

Ballistics or Script-less technique is the foundation of Kimball Studio’s training.

The aim of Ballistics is to get actors to increase their risk muscle, expand their emotional range, and help them to connect and utilize their impulses.

Ballistics is designed to get actors to work on their feet and in the moment by listening to their impulses and accessing their creative talent.

Created by Kelly Kimball to become a better actor herself, this technique also helps actors stop over-analyzing things or getting fixated on the details of a certain acting technique.

Ballistics classes also meet once a week for eight weeks.

Price/Tuition

Class	Duration	Price
“Combo”	2 months	$650
Ballistics	2 months	$650

9. The New York Performing Arts Academy  (NYPAA)

About the school

Located in Manhattan just a few blocks away from the world’s iconic stages, the New York Performing Arts Academy (NYPAA) offers world class performing arts programs at affordable prices. 

NYPAA’s offerings include the Performing Arts Program, Acting Program, and the NYPAA Experience.

The performing arts program is a rigorous conservatory style training course that teaches students the fundamental skills of acting, voice, and dance. 

The program is divided into spring and fall curriculums and each curriculum has 7 classes. Classes include Jazz Dance, Acting Technique, Voice & Speech, Musical Scene Study and others. 

Both curriculums cover the same classes with one covering introductory classes and the other introducing more advanced concepts and techniques.

The program also provides students with practical training and experience on the business side of the industry. 

The Acting For Stage, Film & TV program is a 12 week intensive that covers topics like monologues, scene study, and acting techniques. Both new actors and seasoned pros can benefit by taking this program. 

NYPAA introduced its NYPAA Experience program in 2021, a conservatory style training program that includes acting, musical theater, dance, and voice classes.

The program is a two week summer intensive that features an agent and manager showcase at the end.

For more information visit NYPAA’s programs page.

Classes & Price

Classes	Age	Duration	Price	Requirements
Acting For Stage, Film, & TV	17+	10 mths	$2,800	None
Performing Arts Program	14+	10 mths	$8,345	Audition

How to apply

Students can fill out and submit their online application here. Here are additional materials students must submit:

• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Headshot
• Resume
• Application Fee (if required)
• Scholarship & Grant applications (if being used)

After looking at the submitted application NYPAA will contact prospective students to set up auditions and interviews.

Auditions are scheduled throughout the year until available spots are filled. In-person auditions are recommended for applicants living within 90 miles of NYC.

Applicants living more than 90 miles from NYC can submit an electronic audition through email if they choose to. Prospective students should prepare a 2-minute monologue.

The monologues you choose should be age appropriate and demonstrate your acting skills and strengths.

Singers should prepare a 2-minute song that demonstrates their vocal skills and style. The NYPAA accepts new students on a rolling admission basis.

The school informs students about their acceptance or rejection within 15 business days of their audition.

Check out the admission page for more details.

10. Stella Adler Studio Of Acting (SASA)

About the school

Created in 1949 by Stella Adler, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting is one of the most prestigious acting schools in NYC. 

The studio has produced some of the greatest actors in cinema, including Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Warren Beatty, Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Melanie Griffith, and many more. 

SASA was the first professional acting school to be affiliated with the NYU Tisch School of Arts.

Since 1972 SASA together with NYU Tisch has been providing students with a 4 year BFA program. 

This program combines academic studies at NYU with professional training at SASA. The studio has a small class size of 16 students for all of its classes.

This gives students a more intimate environment where they have greater access to their teachers. 

At the same time the small class sizes makes SASA’s acting programs one of the most challenging and competitive programs to get into.

The studio is well known for its professional conservatory programs which offer MFA graduate level courses and training as well as it’s summer conservatory program. 

The conservatory programs are accredited by the NAST and students who successfully complete the programs get certificates of completion recognized by the NAST.

The studio’s Summer Programs also offer certification upon completion while the Part-time Workshops do not. 

During the final year of the professional conservatory programs, students attend industry showcases/meetings at the school while also creating showreels and websites under the guidance of their instructors. 

Attended by students from all over the world SASA’s summer conservatory program provides students with a rigorous foundational course,

that is similar in caliber to the first year of their professional conservatory courses, and their joint BFA program with NYU Tisch. 

Aside from their conservatory programs, the studio provides online classes, workshops, and intensives as well as classes for teens and kids.

SASA also provides numerous extra-curricular activities such as poetry readings, jazz concerts, and guest lectures in an effort to expose students to other forms of art and enhance their acting training.

How to apply

• Complete the online application form
• Attach Headshot (Photo) and Resume (CV)
• Application Fee (if required)
• Two Letters Of Recommendation (if required)

Some classes/programs will require interviews and auditions. In most cases, auditions will consist of a performance of two contrasting monologues.

The first monologue should be from a classical play (written before the 1800s) and the second from a published contemporary play.

Each monologue should be memorized and not be longer than 90 seconds. Auditions will be held live over Zoom.

The studio will notify applicants about the status (acceptance/rejection) of their application.

Classes & Price

Class	# Of Courses	Duration	Price
Online Workshops	11	4 – 8 weeks	$225 – $480
Online Intensives	1	10 – weeks	$3,500
Online Teen Courses	3	5 – 6 weeks	$240 – $375
Young Artists Workshops	1	6 – weeks	$225
Professional Conservatory	3	2 – 3 years	$6,250 – $8,500
NYU Tisch BFA Program	1	4 – years	N/A
Musical Theater	2	2 – 6 weeks	$1,550 – $4,100
Summer Programs	8	5 – 10 weeks	$1,600 – $4,100
Part-Time Workshops	12	4 – 8 weeks	$350 – $2,000
Winter Courses	1	2 – weeks	$1,500

11. The Lee Strasberg Theater And Film Institute (LSTFI)

About the school

Established by Lee Strasberg in 1969, The Lee Strasberg Theater And Film Institute (LSTFI) is one of the most respected acting schools in the U.S. as well as the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg’s work in its complete and authentic form.

In over 50 years of instructing students, LSTFI has produced some of the most brilliant and truthful actors and performers today including Alec Baldwin, Rosario Dawson, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, John Leguizamo, and Lady Gaga to mention a few. 

LSTFI has an incredibly diverse student body with students of different backgrounds coming from all over the U.S. and from over 140 different countries. 

The school offers a wide variety of acting classes, programs, and workshops to its students including a BFA program given in partnership with New York University’s Tisch School Of The Arts. The acting programs and classes are open to actors of all levels who wish to pursue their training in Method Acting. 

The institute also has a youth program (YAS) which offers acting lessons to kids and teens all year round. Scarlet Johansson and Lady Gaga are alumni of the youth program. 

LSTFI offers several different types of acting programs which include

• One Year Conservatory Program
• Intensive Program
• NYU-Tisch BFA Partnership 
• 12 Week Program
• 2 Year Conservatory Program
• Young Actors At Strasberg (YAS)

In addition to its classes, LSTFI provides extracurricular activities such as workshops with up-and-coming directors and field trips to Broadway shops which offers students a more holistic educational and artistic experience.

Acting Class & Price

Class	Duration	Price
4 Wk Summer Intensive (18 hr/wk)	4 weeks	$2,900
2 Wk Summer Intensive (16 hr/wk)	2 weeks	$1,350
1 Yr Conservatory Program	36 wks @ 22hrs/wk (3-12 wk terms)	$19,650 – Dom. Stud. ($6,650 /session) $19,750 – Int. Stud ($6,750/session)
(Joint) NYU-Tisch BFA Program	3 years	N/A
12 Wk Program	12 wk part-time (8hr/wk) 12 wk full-time (16hr/wk) 12 wk full-time (22hr/wk) 12 wk full-time (22hr/wk)	$2,550 – Dom. Stud. $4,950 – Dom. Stud. $6,650 – Dom. Stud $6,750 – Int. Stud.
2 Yr Conservatory Program	72 weeks @ 22hr/wk (6-12 week terms)	$39,150 – Dom. Stud. ($6,650/session)

Note: For the 1 Year Conservatory Program the $19,650 price is for a one-time payment/installment for domestic students.

Students also have the option of paying in 3 installments of $6,650/session. The international student pricing is calculated in the same way.

The $19,650 tuition fee includes a non-refundable $100 app. fee & the $19,750 tuition fee includes a non-refundable app. fee of $150.

How to apply

• Fill out and submit the online application or download the PDF and attach the following materials.
• $75 Application Fee
• High School or College/University Transcript
• Personal Statement
• Resume/CV
• Two Letters of Reference
• One small headshot photo (for identification purposes only)
• Proof of Health Insurance (Optional & for In-person classes only)

Note: Students have to provide proof of Covid 19 Vaccination prior to attending.

Email PDF, MS Word or JPEG attachments to apply@strasberg.edu or mail the supplemental materials to the attention of:

Admissions Office: Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
115 E. 15th Street
New York, NY 10003

Note: Because the office is closed, please email all documents or contact LSTFI before mailing.

Students should submit their completed application and application fee first. Supplementary documents (i.e reference letters, transcripts, etc.) can be sent when they become available. 

When the school receives your completed application an administration rep. will contact you to schedule an interview.

The interview can be done in person at LSTFI or through Skype if you are located outside of NYC. 

The interview is an opportunity for the admissions staff to get to know you and determine which program fits you.

It’s not an audition. The school will notify you within 48 hours of your interview to let you know of their decision. 

An acceptance letter and further instructions for enrollment and registration will be sent to accepted students.

12. New York Film Academy (NYFA)

About the academy/school

Founded by veteran Producer Jerry Sherlock in 1992, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) is one of the leading film schools in NYC. 

The Academy offers a wide range of visual and performing arts programs that include Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Digital Editing, Musical Theatre, and more.

The Acting for Film program is a rigorous curriculum that examines modern acting techniques and includes classes like audition techniques, the business of acting, combat, and accents. 

NYFA has produced some exceptional talent, especially in the last decade including the likes of Issa Rae, Bill Hader, Aubrey Plaza, Alfonso Ribeiro, Damon Wayans, and many others. 

NYFA’s small class sizes, rigorous curriculum, and its “learning by doing” philosophy gives students ample opportunities to jump in on the action and hone their skills.

NYFA faculty are professionals in their field who are very much active in their craft/profession. 

Coupled with guest lectures by cinematic icons and legends such as Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Ben Stiller, and Jonah Hill, NYFA students are exposed to unique insights, highly experiential knowledge, and cutting-edge information. 

The school also has a rich and diverse student body with about a third of its students being international, which makes it a fun and engaging place to learn. 

In lieu of the corona pandemic, NYFA has shown its adaptiveness by implementing its hybrid in-person and online teaching style that has proven effective in recent semesters.

How to apply

Submit the following materials.

1. Online application.
2. Application Fee
3. High School or College/University Transcript
4. International Applicants/Non-U.S. Residents must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.
5. Narrative Statement
6. 2 Letters Of Recommendation
7. Creative Portfolio

Though no prior experience is required, applicants are required to submit a Creative Portfolio, to demonstrate their artistic sensibilities and passion, and commitment to pursuing their chosen discipline.

Songs and monologues for the musical theatre program’s creative portfolio should be done as a live audition or a filmed video submission.

They should also show the breadth and depth of the performer’s abilities as a singer and actor.

Creative Portfolio

Acting for Film

• Prepare two (2) contrasting contemporary monologues of approximately 60-90 seconds per monologue.
• Monologues must be age appropriate and from a legitimate source material, published play, or screenplay.

Musical Theater

a) Musical Theater Songs

• Two Contrasting Musical Theatre Songs:
• Each song should be approximately 60-90 seconds.
• Students must sing to live or recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing.
• An accompanist will be provided if auditioning live at NY Campus (only).
• Songs should be filmed in a 3/4 shot which means approximately from the knees to the top of the head.

b) Monologues

• One Contemporary Monologue from a published American play.
• Monologues cannot be from a musical, television show, or film.
• The monologue should be approximately 60-90 seconds in length.
• The monologue should be filmed in a 3/4 shot which means approximately from the knees to the top of the head.

c) Dance Video Submission

All Students must submit one or both of the following options as a sharable link video submission.

Dance Audition will not be performed live for an adjudicator unless specified.

Dance Option 1

• Tutorial Theatre Dance (beginner level) Video provided by NYFA for the applicant to execute and record as their video submission.
• All media should be filmed with the student’s entire body in the frame and should be a solo video of students.

Dance Option 2

• 30-60 seconds of the dance discipline you are most comfortable with: jazz, theatre dance, modern, lyrical or contemporary, or ballet (solo only/no barre).
• No tap or hip hop.
• Additional dance skills may be requested after your initial media has been viewed.

All media should be filmed with the student’s entire body in the frame and should be a solo video of students.

All choreography must be performed to music; no “a cappella” dance media. 

Please consider including a few technical skills (turns, balances, leg extensions, etc.). Advancement is not based on technical level alone.

We are interested in how you connect to the music, point of view, storytelling ability, how you communicate through movement, and performance quality.

d) Wild Card (Optional)

• This Video can be anything of your choice: a pop/rock song, another style of dance, a special skill, an instrument that you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”.
• A Video Submission is required and should be no more than 60-90 seconds.
• Wild Card will not be performed live for an adjudicator unless specified or approved.
• For video submissions, prospective students should include their names, the titles of their pieces and shows they are performing from, and the program that they are applying to.

BFA in Acting for film and BFA in Musical Theatre applicants will need to complete an additional audition requirement.

The requirements are the same as the creative portfolio requirements listed above except for one difference.

Musical Theatre applicants don’t have to do a dance for their audition.

Upon submitting an initial application, applicants will be contacted by a NYFA admissions representative.

The admissions representative will provide instructions on how to submit application materials.

All creative portfolio materials must be submitted digitally. Applicants should consult with their admissions representative for guidance on acceptable formats (such as pdf, text files, web links, etc.).

All video submissions must be uploaded by the applicant to a streaming video site (such as Vimeo or YouTube), and a link to the site must be provided in the application materials.

All portfolio materials must be submitted with an accompanying description contextualizing the nature and purpose of the project.

For video submissions, prospective students should include their names, the titles of their pieces, the shows they are performing from, and the program that they are applying to.

Please note that in order to gain admission to a NYFA degree program, students will need to score 90 on the Duolingo test.

Please be aware that all students attending NYFA bachelor degree programs will complete an English composition placement exam when they arrive on campus.

This exam is diagnostic and intended to determine the appropriate foundation-level college English course the student will take in their first semester.

Once admitted to NYFA, students must pay a required deposit to secure their place in the program.

The deposit for all long-term programs (one year or longer) is $500, which is applied toward the first term’s tuition payment. Most of the deposit is refundable, except a $100 administrative processing fee.

The above requirements are generic and meant to give students an idea of what type of things they will be required to provide with their application.

Depending on what program you are planning to take, some or all of the above requirements may apply to you. 

It is therefore important to check your specific program’s application for more detailed and thorough information.

NYFA offers rolling admissions. Students can apply year-round to register for classes in Fall, Spring, and Summer seasons.

Classes and Price

1 – 3 Year Programs

Class	Duration	Price
BFA In Acting For Film	3 years (8 semesters)	Spring & Summer  1 semester – $14,145  3 yrs (8 semesters) – $113,160  Fall 1 semester – $14,626 3 yrs (8 semesters) – $117,008
2 Year Acting For Film Program	2 years (4 semesters)	Spring & Summer 1 semester – $18,001 2 yrs (4 semesters) – $72,004 Fall 1 semester – $18,613 2 yrs (8 semesters) – $74,452
1 Year Acting For Film Program	1 year (2 semesters)	Spring & Summer 1 semester – $18,001 1 yr (2 semesters) – $36,002 Fall 1 semester – $18,613 1 yr (2 semesters) – $37,226
BFA In Musical Theatre	3 years (8 semesters)	Fall 1 semester – $18,910  3 yrs (8 semesters) – $151,280
2 Year Musical Theatre Program	2 year (4 semesters)	Spring & Summer 1 semester – $18,288 2 yrs (4 semesters) – $73,152 Fall 1 semester – $18,910 2 yrs (4 semesters) – $75,640
1 Year Musical Theatre Program	1 year (2 semesters)	Spring & Summer 1 semester – $18,288 1 yr (2 semesters) – $73,152 Fall 1 semester – $18,910 1 yr (2 semesters) – $37,820
1 Year Screenwriting Program	1 year (2 semesters)	Spring & Summer 1 semester – $16,002 1 yr (2 semesters) – $32,004 Fall 1 semester – $16,546 1 yr (2 semesters) – $33,092

1 – 12 Week Workshops

Class	Price
8-Week Acting For Film Workshop	Summer $6,304 + $20 (Tech. Fee)
6-Week Acting For Film Workshop	Summer $5,376 + $15 (Tech. Fee)
4 Week Acting For Film Workshop	Summer $4,343 + $10 (Tech. Fee)
1 Week Acting For Film Workshop	Summer $1,550
12-Week Acting For Film Evening Workshop	Summer $3,771
4 Week Musical Theatre Workshop	Summer $4,400 + $10 (Tech. Fee)
1 Week Musical Theatre Workshop	Summer $1,282
8-Week Screen Writing Workshop	Summer $3,899 + $20 (Tech. Fee)
12-Week Screen Writing Evening Workshop	Summer $4,343

13. Circle In The Square Theatre School (CITSTS)

About the school

 Located in the heart of Times Square, Circle In The Square Theatre School is a prestigious acting school that is the only accredited conservatory on Broadway.

CITSTS began in Greenwich Village as a non-profit Off-Broadway Theatre Company. 

In 1961 Ted Mann created the school with the aim of helping professional actors improve their skills.

Producers and actors associated with the Circle In The Square Theatre would teach fellow working actors short 6 – 8 week courses. 

A decade later CISTSTS changed its location to West 50th street and became a full conservatory that taught aspiring actors in addition to working actors. 

Over its 60 years as a teaching institution for actors the school developed its Professional Theatre Workshop, Summer Workshops, and Musical Theatre Program.

Having started with only 15 students in its early days, today the school hosts around 150 students every year. 

Still remaining true to its old practices, CITSTS is one of the very few acting schools that offer their students to train and perform in the Broadway Theatre, and watch the performances at Circle In The Square Theatre for free. 

CITSTS has trained highly skilled actors like Kevin Bacon, Felicity Huffman, Viola Davis, Gina Gershon, Eric Morris, Mark Espinoza, Robert Picardo, and many others. 

Admitting only 50-60 students per year, CITSTS is one of the most exclusive schools and it’s definitely not easy to get in. 

Class/Price

Class	Age	Duration	Price
Professional Theatre Workshop	18+	2 years (30 – 40 hrs/wk)	$22,500
Professional Musical Theatre Workshop	18+	2 years (30 – 40 hrs/wk)	$22,500
Professional Theatre Workshop	15+	6 weeks (30 hrs/wk)	$4,300
Professional Musical Theatre Workshop	15+	6 weeks (30 hrs/wk)	$4,300
BFA In Theatre	18+	4 years	N/A
BFA In Musical Theatre	18+	4 years	N/A

How to apply/Admission Requirements

• Completed Application
• $40 Application Fee
• Headshot Or Clear Photograph
• Resume Of Past Theatrical Experiences
• At Least 1 Recommendation Letter
• Check out the admission requirement for your specific program for more details.

Audition Requirements

Option A – Musical Theatre Programs

Songs

• Students should prepare 2 contrasting pieces:
• One song should be a ballad and one song should be an up-tempo
• One song should be written prior to 1970 and the other after 1970
• Each song file should be 60-90 seconds (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)
• Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.

Option B – All Programs (Acting and Musical Theatre) 

Monologues

• Two contrasting monologues:
• 1 Contemporary (written after 1900); Contemporary monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
• 1 Shakespeare Monologue; These monologues should be filmed in a “full body” shot which means the top of the head to the feet on the floor should be visible in the frame.
• Monologues must be from a published play.
• Monologues cannot be from musicals, television shows, or movies.
• Each monologue file should be 60-90 seconds in length (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)

14. Atlantic Acting School (AAS)

About the school

Founded by David Mamet and William H. Macy in 1985, Atlantic Acting School is a well-known and respected acting school in NYC.

AAS teaches students the Practical Aesthetics Acting Technique which was developed by Mamet and Macy during NYU summer workshops in the early 1980s. 

One of the great things about AAS is that it is associated with Atlantic Theatre Company.

Also owned by Macy and Mamet together with other founders, the Atlantic Theatre Company is an Off Broad Way theatre that has produced over 200 plays. 

AAS students get to practice what they learn in classes by performing on the stages of the Atlantic Theatre Company.

The school offers several conservatory classes and summer intensive classes as well as a joint undergraduate program with NYU-Tisch. 

The Full-Time Conservatory Training Program provides students several exciting opportunities for its students like performing at the Atlantic Theatre Company, creating a fully produced actor’s reel & website, industry showcases at graduation, and a professional network.

Atlantic Acting School has produced numerous talented actors such as Jessica Alba, Stephanie Hsu, Simon Helberg, Elizabeth Olsen, William H. Macy, Dewanda Wise, Anna Chlumsky, Clarke Gregg, Rose Byrne, and many others.

Class & Price

Class	Duration	Price
Full-Time Conservatory	2 1/2 yrs (5 sem)	1st yr – $17,000 2nd yr – $17,000 5th sem – $8,750
Evening Conservatory	1 1/2 yrs (3 sem)	$12,800
Global Virtual Conservatory	5 mth (part-time)	$7,950
Summer Intensive (18+)	6 wks	$3,750
In-Person Summer Classes Beginners Acting Lab Technique Lab 1  Audition Lab	1 class @ 6wks  1 class @ 4wks 1 class @ 3wks	1 class @ $395 1 class @ $595 1 class @ $325
Virtual Summer Classes Beginners Acting Lab Technique Lab 1	1 class @ 6wks  1 class @ 4wks	1 class @ $295 1 class @ $395
Atlantic At NYU Tisch	3 yrs	N/A

How to apply/ Admission Requirements

• Complete online form
• Application Fee
• Headshot
• Acting Resume
• Letter Of Intent/Artist Statement
• Letter Of Recommendation
• Virtual Audition & Interview

Prepare 2 contemporary monologues from a play and/or stage play you have fully read for your audition. Each monologue should be approximately 2 minutes long.

Once you have submitted your application, please contact admissions@atlantictheater.org to schedule your audition. Atlantic will contact applicants within 2 two weeks of their audition to notify them about their application status.

15. William Esper Studios (WES)

About the school

Established by legendary acting teacher William Esper, the William Esper Studios (WES) is one of the most reputable and recognized acting schools in NYC and the U.S.

The studio teaches the Meisner Acting Technique which draws from William Esper’s 17 years of collaborative work with Sanford Meisner. 

WES provides Full & Part-time Programs and Summer Intensives.

The studio offers flexible class schedules in an effort to meet the needs of its professional students that may be auditioning and performing. 

Students can create a schedule/program for themselves based on their time and availability.

WES has trained some of the greatest actors of our time such as Jeff Goldblum, Amy Schumer, Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Peter Gallagher, Tracee Ellis Ross, Timothy Olyphant, and many others. 

The studio also offers its students small class sizes (22 students per class) which gives them the opportunity to easily access their instructors and classmates. 

Class & Price

Class	Price
2 Year Program Part-Time Core Full Time	$4,200 $9,900 $18,000 $23,000 (Int. Students)
Summer Intensives Part-Time Core Full Time	$1,300 $2,500 $4,300

How to apply/Admission Requirements

1. Read these two articles: An Interview With William Esper & Why study?
2. Read William Esper’s book – The Actor’s Art & Craft. This is a mandatory requirement if you want to get an interview with William Espers Studio.
3. A Brief Statement Of Intent (included in the online application)
4. Headshot (max. size – 2MB)
5. Acting Resume/CV (max. size – 2MB)
6. Completed Online Application

After your application has been submitted, the studio will contact you within 72 hours to schedule an interview either in person at the studio or online through skype.

After the interview, the WES will inform applicants about the status of their application.

Note: We ask that you apply only after you have done all research listed above.

Our interview process is not an information session. If you have any questions about the Esper Studio or the program that will help you make your decision, please contact us prior to your interview.

16. Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop (AMAW)

About the school

Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop (AMAW) has been teaching actors a new philosophy or approach to acting for over 20 years.

This is how Anthony Meindl himself described his teaching philosophy in an interview with levityball.com.

“I think my approach is all about getting people out of their heads and into their bodies. That’s where good acting and creativity come from. It’s not from analyzing — it’s from feeling.

And people have a hard time feeling — so it’s all about understanding the science of feeling and what the moment does to us and how it makes us feel and then being brave enough to express that.”

In addition to training some of the most talented actors working today, Anthony Meindl is also an award winning director and best selling author.

Having started out in L.A, AMAW has studios in London, Vancouver, Sydney, Atlanta, and New York.

AMAW requires its students to take their Foundations Course which introduces students to how the studio works and approaches acting.

After taking this course students can then move on to take On-Going and Mastery – Scene Study Acting classes. 

The Ongoing Professional Acting classes are divided into three phases.

In Phase 1, actors work on understanding the fundamental tenets of AMAW’s philosophy like taking risks and being committed to the present moment. 

Students work on elevating their performances to even greater levels of commitment, instinct, and surrender in Phase 2.

In Phase 3 and the Mastery class, students start producing professional-level work. 

AMAW classes include On Camera Audition, Movement & Dance, Voice, Business Of Acting, On-Camera Technique, and others.

In addition to classes, AMAW provides Casting Director Workshops to give students exposure to some of the best tv show creators.

AMAW also offers acting classes for kids and teens. Youth classes include scene study, cold reading, on-camera audition technique, improvisation, and acting games.

For those interested in seeing firsthand what an AMAW class is like, the studio allows audits at no cost. Contact the studio to start auditing. 

AMAW’s teaching style emphasizes working with scripts in hand to promote active listening, being present, and following your first instinct in order to help each actor connect and tap into their unique talent and intuition.  

AMAW has trained numerous actors that are performing in many recent movies and tv shows such as Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight), Camila Cabello (Cinderella), Isidora Goreshter (Shameless), Pom Klementieff (Guardians Of The Galaxy-2), Sierra Capri (On my Block), Ruby Rose (The Meg), and many others.

Class & Price

Class	Duration	Price
Foundations (In-person) Foundations (Online)	3 weeks (5hrs/cls) 1dy/wk 6 weeks (3hrs/cls) 1dy/wk	$495 $300
On-Camera Audition (Online) On-Camera Audition (In person)	4 weeks (2hrs/cls) 1dy/wk 4 weeks (3hrs/cls) 1dy/wk	$150 $240
Immersive Scene Study (In person)	2 days (5hrs/cls)	$400
Teen Acting Course (Online)	6 weeks (2.5hrs/cls) 1dy/wk	$290
Teen On-Going Class (Online)	4 weeks (2hrs/cls) 1dy/wk	$195
On-Going Scene Study (Online)	4 weeks (3hrs/cls) 1dy/wk	$150

17. Actors Connection New York (ACNY)

About the school

More than just an acting school, Actors Connection New York is a great institution that has been connecting actors and industry professionals for over 30 years. 

They provide over 200 short 1 – 5 day classes, seminars, and special events spread out over several weeks that cover areas like Commercials & Print, Film & TV, TV Hosting, Business of Acting, Theater, and Voiceover. 

Classes are given by Casting Directors (CDs), Talent Agents (TAs), and Acting Teachers who have years of experience and are working in their fields right now.

What sets ACNY apart from other acting schools is its heavy focus on networking. 

In addition to learning valuable lessons from industry experts, students also get a chance to showcase their talent and start building powerful professional networks. 

Aside from its classes and seminars, ACNY provides students with other quite useful programs such as the Fast Track Program, Actor Career Consultations, and NY Connection.

The Fast Track Program (FTP) is a 3-month program that is designed to help actors achieve their individuals quickly and with focus. 

Students with the help of an advisor will select classes and seminars to take based on their individual professional goals.

This program is especially helpful for acting college graduates, theater actors transitioning to TV & Film, and seasoned actors who want to revitalize their acting goals. 

Actor Career Consultations are 1-hour sessions with an advisor where students get to work on action plans based on their situation and needs.

Actors can get advice on several subjects and tasks including:

• Headshots
• Resume
• Self-Tape Set-Up
• Performance Material Selection
• Marketing Efforts
• Networking Efforts
• Professional Correspondence

The NY Connection is a 3-day online Pilot Season Showcase to 12 New York talent agents and casting directors.

This showcase is especially helpful to actors planning on moving to NYC but it is also a great showcase for actors based in NY to attend.

Actors get the chance to be discovered by agents and casting directors as fresh faces for new projects. 

ACNY also offers their Free at Three Sessions every Thursday.

This is a free acting school training given on Thursdays by CDs, Acting Teachers, Media Coaches, and Talent Agents.

If you are strapped for cash or just want to audit an ACNY class this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Class/Price

Film & TV

Class	Teacher	Price
Auditioning For Series Regular Roles – 1 day	Dani Markowitz – CD(The Wilds), The Good Doctor)	$79
Film/TV Class – 2 weeks (1dy/wk)	Michael D’Amato – Ass. CD(Power Book II: Ghost, The U.S Vs. Billie Holiday)	$149
Film/TV Intensive – 1 day	Lain Kunin – Casting Ass.(Manifest, The Defenders)	$89
TV Class – 2 weeks (1dy/wk)	Amanda Richards – CD(The Boys, Wheel Of Time)	$149
Film/TV Intensive – 1 day	Serafina Tirannocimisi – Casting Ass. (Billions, For Life)	$99

Commercials & Voice Over

Class	Teacher	Price
Advanced Voiceover – 2 weeks (1dy/wk)	Angela Mickey – CD(2019 Heller Award Winner)	$149
On-Camera Commercial Improv – 3 weeks (1dy/wk)	Stacy Gallo – CD(New York Lottery, Febreeze)	$249
Character & Animation V/O Technique – 5 weeks (1dy/wk)	Paul Liberti – CD, VD, Voice Actor(Curious George & The Man…)	$349
Advanced Commercial Intensive – 1 day	David McDermott – Commercial Agent (McDonald’s, Yahoo)	$59
Advanced Voiceover Class – 2 weeks (1dy/wk)	Marla W. Green – (VA – Stewart Talent) – Toyota, Disney, HBO	$149

Theater

Class	Teacher	Price
Monologue Class – 4 weeks(1dy/wk)	Brian O’Neil – Acting Coach (Teacher at NYU Tisch)	$229
Musical Theater Masterclass – 1 day	Spencer Gualdoni – Ass. CD (Les Miserables, Sing Street)	$79
Agent Showcase (3 NYC Agencies) – 1 day	Adunni Rose Talent, Henderson Hogan, Park Artists Group	$99
Theater Intensive – 1 day	Lisa Donadio – Playwrights Horizons CD (The Flick, Hir)	$79
Musical Theater Masterclass – 1 day	Scott Wojcik – CD (Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent)	$79

The classes listed here are merely samples of what ACNY has to offer. Head over to ACNY’s classes page to view more classes, seminars, and events. 

Other Programs

Program	Price
Fast Track (3 months)	$1,195
Actor Career Consultations	$145/hr
NY Pilot Season Showcase (NY Connection) – 3 days	N/A

18. The New York Acting School For Film And Television (NYASFT)

About the school

Founded by actor and producer Mark Stolzenberg, The New York Acting School For Film & Television offers students some of the best acting classes in NYC.

The NYASFT offers 5 packaged courses that help students save money as well as classes given on a course-by-course basis.

The packages include Half Term 01, Half Term 02, Full Term 03, 9-14 month Full Package, and 2-3 month Intensive With Mark Stolzenberg. 

The On Camera Technique Class works on film & tv focused areas like monologues, improvisations, commercials, and some scene work, with most of the material coming from movies. 

All On Camera Technique Classes are filmed so that students can review their work at the end of each class.

The size of the class is limited in order to ensure that all students get private camera time. 

The course consists of 9 essential (beginner level) courses and 9 advanced classes.

In The Star In A Movie Class, students get to build their resume and acting reel by acting in the lead role of short film or movie scene that is directed by their instructor. 

The class also helps familiarize students with the shooting and editing process and helps them learn about film acting by reviewing and discussing the performances of their classmates. 

Each student will get a professionally edited video of their film/movie scene which they get to keep and use in their reel at the end of the class.

The Commercials Class teaches students about the different types of commercials, character portrayal, Interpreting Story Boards, and many other topics. 

The Business Of Acting Class covers topics and materials like headshots, resumes, casting notices, acting reels, acting websites, and more.

In the final class, a professional talent agent or manager will guest lecture. 

In the Agent Showcase Class, students will create and film a monologue in class that will be screened to an Agent, Manager, CD, or Producer.

The school also offers special classes for students under 12 years old on weekends. 

NYASFT alumni include Tommy Walker, Jeniffer Brito, Patrick Heraghty, Jasson Finney, Judy Copeland, Lan Zhong, and others.

How to Apply

Choose your acting class or course package and click on the Pay Now button to pay via PayPal with your credit card or PayPal account.

As an alternative, you may elect to pay a $200 deposit to hold your place in a class. (Balance is due at the first class.)

Checks may be made out to Mark Stolzenberg and mailed to:

2440 Broadway,
Suite 275, New York,
NY 10024.

If you have questions about an acting class, contact the school at 212-877-2219 or via email at info@actingclassforfilm.com.

Classes & Price

Program	Price
Half Term 01 18 On-Camera Technique Classes One Star In A Movie Course One Elective	$2,100 $1,150 $900 $295
Half Term 02 18 On-Camera Technique Classes One Star In A Movie Course Agent Showcase Course Two Electives	$2,500 $1,100 $900 $395 $590 ($295 each)
Full Term 03 36 On Camera Technique Classes Two Star In A Movie Courses Commercials Class Business Of Acting Private 1hr Lesson With Mr. Stolzenberg Agent Showcase Course	$4,500 $2,300 $1,800 $295 $295 $250 $395
“Get Your Act Together” Full Package (9-14mth) 36 Technique Classes Two Star In A Movie Courses Business Of Acting Class Commercials Course Agent Showcase Three Private 1hr Lessons With Mr. Stolzenberg Headshots Acting Reel Professional Acting Website Professional Resume	$7,600 $2,300 $1,800 $295 $295 $395 $750 $750 $750 $950 $200
Intensive With Mark Stolzenberg (2-3 months) 18 Technique Classes  Business OF Acting Course Commercials Course Agent Showcase	$2,135 $1,100 $295 $295 $395