I have taken multiple acting classes across New York City and truly none can compare to the…read moreSedgwick Studios scene study course, both in terms of value and quality of education. It is obvious that Rob is invested in the success of each student, he holds all of us to a high standard and challenges us to deeply strengthen our craft. After only five weeks, every student leaves the class a significantly better actor. I am so grateful to have found Sedgwick Studios and to be a part of the enriching community it fosters!

I sincerely enjoyed taking Rob's class because of how detailed and passionate he was in giving…read moreinstruction to each and every student. I was deeply moved by his passion and devotion to develop good actors, which is why I not only enjoyed taking his class but repeating again and again. Whenever my performance was good, he took his time to compliment me with all his heart, and that really helped to build my confidence. Rob also really took his time to give me constructive advice on what I needed to work on, and I did my best each time to implement it in the best way I can. I feel very proud that I was able to improve so much in such a short period of time. I feel I was able to learn what it means to simply perform with joy without any fear or concern of anything. I feel I was able to understand what acting truly means through his class. I can honestly say that meeting and working with Rob truly changed my life. Last but not least, I was so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful and supportive classmates, and they created an environment where one can truly enjoy the art of acting.

The Barrow Group's Intermediate Scene Study class was the most exciting and inviting acting class I…read morehad ever been to. Kate Neuman was an angel, and someone who really got into the details of each scene. She used props and scene settings very astutely, making sure that all of our scenes were in context, rather than just dictated to the audience in a forced manner. My only caveat has to do with the introduction and physical coordination exercises in the beginning. They were so attention-grabbing and helpful that I wished that the rest of the class had more of the physical education commitment (rather than just scene study).

So far, I have taken 3 classes at the Barrow Group, and all of them have been fantastic! I took…read moreProfessional Scene Study with Level I with Brian and the 1-Year Professional Program with Seth and Lee, and I am currently in Lee's Master Class. The Barrow Group is stellar and unlike any other acting training I've experienced. In terms of techniques, we are taught tools that help us let go of our pre-conceived ideas about a character's thoughts, feelings, and personality traits so that we can be fully present and responsive in the moment. In terms of the school's culture, it is unlike so many other learning environments. The teachers model an entirely judgment-free zone, and students are invited to share their observations about what was "different" (not better or worse) between the first "go" and second "go". The Barrow Group truly loves and respects artists, enabling them to learn and grow in safety, connection, and collaboration. I cannot recommend it enough!

Bruce's acting class became a refuge, even if I was forced to face discomfort and fear, even if I…read moreexperienced the same, overwhelming slew of emotions every time I got up in front of the class for an exercise. Even if I had to admit that you don't have to be unhappy to make good art. In the dark East Village room, sparsely illuminated with a few chosen lightbulbs, Bruce would open the class by asking how we were doing. And he made us answer. I would hunch into a teeny ball in the back corner, but he always found me. He'd proceed by talking about something, anything, beginning a discussion with the latest news update or using a recently surfaced memory to connect to the arts, creativity, consciousness, acting and auditioning, or anything else that was -- miraculously at first, until I came to expect it -- plaguing me during the day. He'd give the class an opportunity to voice disagreements, concerns, and then would introduce an exercise, making it relevant to the preceding discussion. The first half of the three hours was exercises, followed by a break, followed by scene work. Bruce assigned scene partners and scenes, unless people had scenes or monologues they'd chosen on their own or audition pieces to rehearse/tape. Bruce was honest and helpful. He selflessly answered questions and advised, outside of prescribed class hours. Regardless of acting experience, everyone improved; it would've been difficult to do otherwise. I write this in the past tense because I stopped attending when I left NYC in September 2017, but the effects of the workshop stuck. And I know it remains as incredible of a place/thing/group of people, if not more so.

The class is divided in two. The first half are exercises Bruce has developed to challenge and grow…read morethe actor's technique, but also allow you to become more self aware. I love this part of the class because they've made me less self-conscious, now I'm able to focus my energy into creating instead of worrying about judgement. The second half is the scene study portion and all students have a monologue or a scene assigned. I feel that this is where you grow your acting technique the most. If you really put effort into the class it pays off. This class is great for beginner or experienced actors. I'm extremely grateful to Bruce for the growth I've had not just as an actor but also as a person.

Great theater space for readings or presentations! They are very well organized and made sure to…read morehave a great audience!

I attended a bare bones production (a type of staged reading) of "In the Middle" by Donja Love at…read morethe Lark. It was AMAZING. As far as the space goes it is extremely well represented for a Theatre lab. Once everyone was seated it was easy to forget you weren't in an off bway black box. The space is very intimate and well appointed with modern fixtures and comfortable ample lobby space to wait in. They even have a concession stand with beverages and snacks. The other wonderful thing is tgat all productions are free. They do take donations to help make what they do possible but there is no pressure to donate and only one announcement was made in reference to donations. I'll definitely be going back to see more work there!

Words cannot describe how helpful it was to speak to Abigail about classes and packages. She was so…read moreempathetic about both the emotional struggles it is to get seen in this industry and how costly financially as well. She patiently explained all of the classes and packages, answered questions by phone and email, and gave thoughtful guidance on a path that made sense. We booked a package with headshots, reels and an agent finder and can't wait to get started.

Great working with the team at the Acting & Voice Studios! Made a great addition to my reel.read more

Excellent training for screenwriting by pro writers as mentors in positive helpful environment…read more New or experienced writers learn specific tools to achieve their goals in group or private sessions. Led by inspiring, extraordinary mensch, award winning screenwriter, Jacob Krueger. Also reached online as "write your screenplay.com"

Just finished a beginning class with Jake and I loved it. He's a phenomenal teacher who lives and…read morebreathes storytelling. Really looking forward to using what I learned in my own writing, and honestly, I wish I had taken this class years ago instead of struggling through writing screenplays on my own. His approach is both practical and intuitive, and it opened up the rigidity of "page count structure" and filled it with possibility. Woot. He and his staff bleed generosity. Couldn't be happier. Oh, and his podcast is terrific, too!!

You may have never heard of New Dramatists... that's because they have no commercial output…read morewhatsoever. They receive grants to fund playwrights in developing new work. Legends like August Wilson, Mac Wellman, Sarah Ruhl, Paula Vogel, and more have been residents. If you keep up with their website, you can go see readings of new works by there current residents (like the Young Jean Lee piece I saw last week), but most importantly, they have a massive library of unpublished plays open to the public. Best of all, there's free coffee. I used to work around the corner, so if I had free time I'd drop in, read a play, and have some coffee.

I am Blessed to be a member of this organization. It is an amazing resource for playwrights/an…read moreimportant contributor to the field (of Theatre), a progressive community with visionary, fun, loving, supportive staff & board. I LOVE New Dramatists.

Knowing is half the battle. I was talking with the director of this theater group whom told me…read moreabout his groups production of As You like it. It's a large space that the Ophelia theater group worked hundred's of hours to put together. Very awesome that they are giving back to the community within the Boys and Girls club while also entertaining theater goers. It's a little tricky to find the theater but we eventually did. It was night and we walked passed the sign but the second entrance to the Boys and Girls club directs you to go back. (They are working on improving signage). There are beverages available and eventually they will have hot drinks as well. Great for the cool weather ahead. The show was great, it was the first Shakespeare play for me and I enjoyed it. It was humorous and musical. I honestly didn't understand all that was said but the context is easy to pick up and by the end of the show I got it. I look forward to the groups future productions and what they do with the space next. There was mention also of the space being available for others to rent out. That'd be cool if you have a show or production you want to put on. Check them out.

Long time fan, first time reviewer of this wonderful company! Passionate people making quality…read moretheatre accessible in the middle of Astoria. The professional level they're able to achieve in a black box space they legitimately converted from a dance studio is inspiring! I've seen multiple shows here, from Shakespeare to LaBute to Musical Theatre they always exceed my expectations. They usually provide cheap drinks and a friendly environment as well. :)