Stella Adler Studio of Acting

The Stella Adler Center for the Arts states that its principal purpose is decidedly non-​commercial.
This is an acting school whose founder Ms. Stella Adler (memorialized in portraits of a foxy blond lady behind the reception desk) forged a theater training program based on the philosophy that creating heartfelt work as an actor first requires work by the actor to become an authentic and vital human being.
It’s a lofty principle, and one that the majority of young people in this school seem passionately working towards. The authenticity of the tireless work is evident, as students talk about spending long hours in the studio. The students seem palpably more focused on stripping ego in service of art, rather than racking up ego for flashy notice. Clearly they are mired in a toil of love and dedication.
The quality of productions, the choice of plays, and the caliber of actors reflect a full-​blown «Cultural Center», beyond just an acting school. The theater showcased here brings art alive, places a mirror on society, uplifts humanity, gives insights, and creates compassion where it’s missing. Cutting-​edge, obscure playwrights may get their work showcased, interesting psycho-​social themes might be explored.
I came here to watch an NYU Theater class in their junior year perform a production «Open Blue Sky». it was a tremendous production, with full set and striking acting. The play offered a woman-​centric vision and experience of the modern world, reflecting an age of millennials and also age-​old themes – family friction, the bonds of love, the deeply personal working out of loss, the balance of egos among sisters.
Notables:
(1) The caliber of the actors was outstanding. They immediately pulled you into the orbit of the characters world.
(2) The space on the third floor of this building has multiple studios which they have transformed into intimate stages. You sit right up against the stage set and are inches away from the performers. The immediacy can be compelling, or a tad jolting…
(3) Occasionally sound bleeds from other stages into your theater. That is not a problem because you are pulled into their characters inner worlds.
(4) Palpably vibrant acting community; I was extremely thrilled to be pulled into this great energy.
An amazing experience in New York City and worth trying to get to one of their shows if you can!

It seems a shame to have to rate my experience at this school, because one cannot exactly quantify the ups and downs of one’s inner life. As a Summer Conservatory and (!) Evening Conservatory student here, I experienced just about every emotion within my capabilities. I will not lie; this pursuit of acting is not a sane one or even one that is fulfilling at all times, but darned if the experience this school provides isn’t one that will refine your purest inner life and intentions.
The instructors take no quarter; they’ve seen it all and will not stand for anything less than brutal honesty on your part. They don’t bite, don’t worry, but I would be lying if I said some of them had tact at all times. My advice to a potential student is to be able to laugh at yourself because of this. Plus, they want the best for you. Two years later and I still think of many of them fondly and wish them well. I can’t say that for many teachers I have had, but such is the nature of an intimate art.
The curriculum is very comprehensive and you can act in as many different scenes from as many different periods as you want. Conservatory students can expect to have a Shakespeare (and Wilde and Moliere) class, as well as a Scene Study and Adler Technique class with more contemporary material. My personal favorite was Shakespeare, as that was the writing that allowed me to have my biggest mistakes and triumphs as I acted it.
Bottom line? If you want to study acting in this city, try to crack this egg. They might break you, they might build you up, they’ll likely do both and mess with your mind but, as Stella Adler intended, you will grow. As in my case, you might even learn some things you never intended to. That is the mark of a valuable education.

As a full-​time student at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting I’m constantly challenged to become a better actor and a better person. The faculty is extremely qualified and very supportive and my fellow students are passionate about working on their craft. To be able to work and learn in such a stimulating environment is a blessing. I would highly recommend this school to anyone, from experienced, working actors to part time acting enthusiasts.

If anyone is really interested in working with a great actor and teacher, specifically looking for characters and plays that really hit home, I recommend Jon Korkes’ scene study class. Jon’s ability to locate a character and match scene partners is great. His approach and technique, which probably differ from most teachers, really allows you to invest yourself in a character and make choices that stay with you.
I highly recommend this class for new and seasoned actors.

I love this school! There are great classes, wonderful teachers and much access to industry professionals. Whether you are new to acting or have been doing it for years, Stella Adler Studio of Acting will get you on track. There are classes for everyone. I started with the Summer Day Conservatory, which was a really good taste of what Adler has to offer, although not as good for those of us with a lot of experience under our belt. Then I got into their full time Evening Conservatory, which is a two year intensive offering Scene Study, Voice & Speech, Movement, Shakespeare, Improv, and Adler Technique classes. Since coming on full time I have found a home at the studio and have been encouraged all along to be a better person, in turn becoming a better actor. I have discovered who I am and what I truly want from my acting career. The faculty are very supportive and they push us to reach for our highest potential. It’s a lot of fun but also a LOT of hard work. The school offers workshops and individual classes, as well as a program for teens who can’t get access to art education in their schools. I am very proud to be an Adlerite & highly recommend it to other actors in search of a school.