The 10 Best Acting Schools in New York City-2023

List of acting schools in new york

New York City, the cultural hub of the United States, has long been a magnet for aspiring actors from around the world. With its thriving theater scene and countless opportunities in film and television, the city offers a vibrant environment for those looking to hone their acting skills and pursue their dreams. In this blog post, we will explore the ten best acting schools in New York City for the year 2023. These institutions have a proven track record of producing talented and successful actors, providing comprehensive training programs, renowned faculty, and a supportive community. Let’s dive into the list and discover the schools that are shaping the future of acting in the Big Apple.

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is renowned for its Method Acting approach, which has shaped the careers of countless actors. Founded by Lee Strasberg, the school offers a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes emotional authenticity and deep character exploration. With a faculty of experienced industry professionals, the institute provides a nurturing environment for students to develop their craft.

The Stella Adler Studio of Acting:

The Stella Adler Studio of Acting, named after the legendary acting teacher Stella Adler, is dedicated to training actors to be socially conscious and courageous in their performances. The school focuses on the Stanislavski technique, encouraging students to connect with their emotions and develop a strong sense of imagination. With a commitment to fostering artistic excellence, the Stella Adler Studio has produced notable alumni who have made their mark in theater, film, and television.

The Tisch School of the Arts – NYU:

The Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU) offers a comprehensive acting program that combines practical training with academic studies. Students benefit from a diverse range of courses, including voice and speech, movement, and acting techniques. The school’s location in the heart of Manhattan provides students with access to a vibrant arts community and numerous performance opportunities.

The Atlantic Acting School:

The Atlantic Acting School focuses on the techniques developed by David Mamet and William H. Macy. Known for its emphasis on ensemble work and practical training, the school offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares actors for the demands of the industry. With a faculty of accomplished actors and directors, the Atlantic Acting School provides a supportive and collaborative environment for students to thrive.

The HB Studio:

The HB Studio, founded by renowned actress and teacher Uta Hagen, has been a pillar of the New York City acting scene for decades. The school offers a range of classes and workshops catering to actors of all levels of experience. With an emphasis on truthful and organic acting, the HB Studio provides a nurturing and inspiring environment for actors to explore their craft.

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts:

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) is one of the oldest acting schools in the United States. With campuses in both New York City and Los Angeles, the AADA offers a comprehensive two-year program focusing on classical theater training. The school’s distinguished faculty and rigorous curriculum have produced many successful actors who have excelled on stage and screen.

The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre:

The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre is known for its intensive Meisner Technique training. Founded by Sanford Meisner, the school emphasizes truthful and spontaneous acting through the exploration of emotional authenticity. The Playhouse’s renowned two-year program has nurtured many successful actors, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in their careers.

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts:

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts offers comprehensive and practical training programs for actors seeking a professional career. With a focus on on-camera acting and industry preparation, the conservatory provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-changing landscape of film and television.

The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre:

The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre is a renowned improvisational comedy institution that has trained many successful comedic actors. With a focus on long-form improvisation, the UCB Theatre offers classes and workshops for actors looking to sharpen their comedic timing and improvisational skills. The school’s supportive and collaborative environment fosters creativity and cultivates a strong sense of ensemble.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio:

The Maggie Flanigan Studio specializes in the Meisner Technique and offers a two-year acting program that focuses on deep emotional work and truthful connection. With small class sizes and personalized attention, the studio provides an intimate and immersive learning experience. The Maggie Flanigan Studio is committed to nurturing actors who embody vulnerability, emotional depth, and authenticity in their performances.

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Magnet Theater

Performing arts theater in New York City, New York

Address: 254 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, United States

Magnet Theater is a performance space and training ground for the best and brightest comedic talent in New York City.

Classes:

• Free Intro Class
• Improv Level One
• Improv Level Two
• Improv Level Three
• Advanced Improv Level One
• Advanced Improv Level Two
• Intensives
• Musical Improv Level One
• Musical Improv Level Two
• Musical Improv Level Three
• Sketch Writing Level One
• Sketch Writing Level Two
• Sketch Writing Level Three
• Teen Improv Classes
• Storytelling
• Electives

The New York Acting School for Film and Television

Drama school in New York City, New York

Address: 2440 Broadway #275, New York, NY 10024, United States

Courses:

COMMERCIALS CLASS

• Audition Technique
• Cold Readings
• Different Styles and Types of Commercials
• Reading Copy Boards
• Character Portrayal
• Analyzing Copy
• Interpreting Story Boards
• How To Dress
• Blocking and Hitting Marks
• The Use of Props
• Handling The Product
• Mime and Pantomime for Commercials
• Various Tricks of The Trade
• The Business of Commercial

THE BUSINESS OF ACTING

Class 1: Your Headshot & Resume
Class 2: How To Market Yourself
Class 3: Creating an Acting Reel and Acting Website
Class 4: Meet an Agent or Manager

AGENT SHOWCASE

MASTER CLASS

STAR IN A MOVIE

• Select Material, Analyze Scene, Read-Throughs, Improvisation
• Rehearse Scene, Multiple Shots, Improvisations, Explore props and Staging
• Dress Rehearsal and Polish
• 4-6 Meetings plus a Film Shoot

ADVANCED CLASS

• Essentials – 9 classes
• Essentials PLUS Advanced

ON-CAMERA TECHNIQUE CLASS

• Essentials – 9 classes
• Essentials PLUS Advanced

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The American Musical and Dramatic Academy

Private school in New York City, New York

Address: 211 W 61st St, New York, NY 10023, United States

PROGRAMS:

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Undergraduate

• BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS DEGREES+
• BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREES+
• ASSOCIATE OF OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES DEGREES+
• CERTIFICATES

Graduate

• Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Theatre and Media
• Master of Arts in Theatre

HIGH SCHOOL CONSERVATORY PROGRAMS

• SUMMER CONSERVATORY (ON-CAMPUS)
• SUMMER CONSERVATORY (ONLINE)
• AFTER SCHOOL CONSERVATORY (ON-CAMPUS)
• AFTER SCHOOL CONSERVATORY (ONLINE)
• POP-UP CONSERVATORY (LONG ISLAND)

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Atlantic Theater Company Acting School

Theater in New York City, New York

Address: 76 9th Ave #313, New York, NY 10011, United States

Acting Program :

1. Full-Time Conservatory Training

• Script Analysis
• Performance Technique
• Moment Lab
• Voice
• Speech
• Movement
• Suzuki & Viewpoints
• On-Camera Auditions & Casting
• Styles
• Shakespeare
• Film Scene Study
• Introduction to New York Theater

Advantages:

• Perform on one of Atlantic’s Off-Broadway stages
• Create your own theater company
• A professionally designed website portfolio
• A fully produced actor’s reel
• Graduates are eligible for an Industry Showcase
• A professional network for life
• & more!

2. Evening Conservatory Courses Include:

• Script Analysis
• Performance Technique
• Speech
• On-Camera Auditions & Casting
• Movement
• Moment Lab
• Voice

Advantages:

• Rigorous scene study training
• Final performance project written exclusively for your class
• Graduates eligible for Annual Alumni Showcase
• A professional network for life
• & more!

3. In-Person Part-Time Programs

• Beginners Acting Lab
• Technique Lab
• Audition Lab

The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center

Drama school in New York City, New York

Address: 520 8th Ave #901, New York, NY 10018, United States

Classes:

Adult Classes

Beginner Acting

QUARTERLY CLASSES

• Beginners Acting Class I: The Basics
• Beginners Acting Class II: Getting Specific
• Beginners Acting Class III: On-Going Scene Study
• Beginners Acting Class III: Film/TV
• Beginners Acting Class III: Business of Acting
• Beginners Acting Class IV: On-Going Film/TV
• Beginners Acting Class IV: Theatre Performance

ESL ACTING CLASSES

• ESL Beginners Acting Class I: The Basics
• ESL Beginners Acting Class II: Getting Specific

WEEKEND WORKSHOPS

• Weekend Acting Workshops for Beginners
• SUMMER PROGRAMS
• 8-Week Beginner Summer Acting Intensive
• 2-WEEK INTENSIVES
• 2-Week Beginner Acting Intensive

Intermediate Acting

QUARTERLY CLASSES

• Intermediate Scene Study I: Introduction to an Approach
• Intermediate Scene Study II: Exploring the Tools
• Intermediate Scene Study III: Self Assessment
• 1-YEAR PROGRAM
• In-Person 1 Year Evening Acting Program

Professional Acting

QUARTERLY CLASSES

• Professional Scene Study Intensive I: The Tools
• Professional Scene Study Intensive II: Self-Adjustment
• Professional Study Intensive III: On-Going
• Professional Study Intensive: IV: Theatre Performance
• Master Classes w/ Seth Barrish & Lee Brock
• WEEKEND WORKSHOPS
• Weekend Acting Workshops
• 1-YEAR PROGRAMS
• 1 Year Professional Acting Program
• 1 Year Actor Craft Expansion Program
• SUMMER PROGRAMS
• 6-Week Professional Summer Acting Program
• 6-Week Professional Actor Craft Expansion Program
• 2-WEEK INTENSIVES
• 2-Week Professional Acting Intensive

One-Year Programs

• In-Person One-Year Professional Acting Program
• In-Person One-Year Evening Acting Program

The School of Drama | The New School

College in New York City, New York

Address: 151 Bank St, New York, NY 10014, United States

Degree Programs

• Dramatic Arts (BFA)
• Contemporary Theatre Performance(MFA)

List of top Acting schools new york

Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre

Acting school in New York City, New York

Address: 340 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022, United States

PROGRAMS:

1. FIRST YEAR COURSES:

(THE FIRST YEAR PROFESSIONAL ACTING PROGRAM)

• MEISNER ACTING TECHNIQUES I (12HRS/WEEK)
• ACTING LAB (DRILLS) (1.5HRS/WEEK )
• LIBRARY I / 20TH CENTURY THEATRE HISTORY (1.5HRS/WEEK)
• MODERN DANCE I (3HRS/WEEK)
• MUSIC I / SINGING TECHNIQUE I (3HRS/WEEK)
• JAZZ DANCE I (3 HRS/WEEK)
• SHAKESPEARE I (1.5HRS/WEEK)
• VOICE AND SPEECH I (4.5 HRS/WEEK)

2. SECOND YEAR COURSES

(THE SECOND YEAR PROGRAM)

• MEISNER ACTING TECHNIQUES II (12HRS/WEEK)
• ACTING SHAKESPEARE (3HRS/WEEK)
• ACTING FOR FILM & TELEVISION (3 HRS/WEEK)
• ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE (1.5HRS/WEEK)
• JAZZ DANCE II (1.5HRS/WEEK)
• MODERN DANCE II (1.5 HRS/WEEK)
• MUSIC II / SINGING TECHNIQUE II (3HRS/WEEK)
• PHYSICAL THEATRE (3HRS/WEEK)
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (APPROX 1 HR/WEEK)
• VOICE AND SPEECH II (2.5HRS/WEEK)

3. SIX WEEK SUMMER INTENSIVE

• MEISNER ACTING TECHNIQUE
• ACTING FOR FILM & TELEVISION
• VOICE AND SPEECH
• THEATRE DANCE FOR ACTORS
• MODERN DANCE
• ACTING ON PITCH

New York Performing Arts Academy

Non-profit organization in New York City, New York

Address: 1441 Broadway 3rd fl, New York, NY 10018, United States

Programs:

• Spring Kids Dance
• Spring Young Adult Dance
• Spring Performing Arts Program
• Fall Performing Arts Program
• Acting for Stage, Film & TV

Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute

Drama school in New York City, New York

Address: 115 E 15th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

ACTING PROGRAMS – NYC CAMPUS

• INTENSIVE PROGRAM
• 12 WEEK PROGRAM
• ONE YEAR CONSERVATORY PROGRAM
• TWO YEAR CONSERVATORY PROGRAM
• NYU BFA PARTNERSHIP
• YOUNG ACTORS AT STRASBERG

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Artem Lyskov Acting Studio NY

Drama school in New York City, New York

Address: 353 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

Michael Howard Studios

Drama school in New York City, New York

Address: 152 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001, United States

Programs

• Summer Conservatory
• One-Year Conservatory
• Two-Year Conservatory
• Independent Conservatory
• Youth Conservatory

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T Schreiber Studio

Drama school in New York City, New York

Address: 151 W 26th St #1000, New York, NY 10001, United States

Acting Classes:

• Beginner Technique Class
• Beginner Scene Study
• On-Camera 1: Beg
• Int/Adv Scene Study
• Beginning Meisner Technique
• Shakespeare Scene Study
• Audition Workshop – Master the Auditione
• On-Going Vocal Production
• On-Camera 1: Beg
• On-Camera 2: Int/Adv
• Int/Adv Scene Study
• Dialect
• Int/Adv Scene Study
• Summer On-Camera Intensive
• Int/Adv Scene Study
• Self-Taping with Jeff Dreisbach
• The Actor’s Mind
• Int/Adv Scene Study
• Commercial Acting
• Voice Over 1
• One Year Conservatory

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Tom Todoroff Studio

Drama school in New York City, New York

Address: 500 8th Ave floor 12 suite 1, New York, NY 10018, United States

Programs

• The Saturday Workshop – ONLINE
• The Summer Intensive – NYC or ONLINE
• The Conservatory – NYC or ONLINE
• The Conservatory – NYC or ONLINE

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For aspiring actors in New York City, the abundance of top-notch acting schools provides a wealth of opportunities to develop their craft and pursue their passion. Whether it’s through the Method, Stanislavski, Meisner, or improvisation, these ten schools offer comprehensive training programs and a supportive community that helps students grow and thrive. With their distinguished faculties, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich history of producing successful actors, these institutions are at the forefront of shaping the future of acting in the Big Apple. So, if you’re ready to take the stage or face the camera, consider these ten best acting schools in New York City as your stepping stones to a rewarding and fulfilling acting career.