Took an on camera class here. Best investment of my life. The work ethic of the students is…read moreamazing. Everyone performs at 110 % every week. This place will change you as an actor. I encourage you to go to the House of Mamet

Perhaps my review is no longer applicable. I attended the two year conservatory program in…read more2004-2006. Robert Bella was inappropriate with women, head of school Kate Blumberg treated me like a simpering brat when I asked for some time off due to a outpatient surgery. Perhaps it was because it was an abortion that she felt entitled to her judgement / mean girl attitude. The student loans they helped me to get were predatory at 12% through Fannie Mae. Cynthia Sawyer was catty AF and generally unhelpful and worst of all was David Mamet. We were encouraged to attend a retreat workshop in Vermont we would get so much out of it etc etc. I witnessed Mamet absolutely tear into a young woman as she was performing a scene ... it was the most awful thing ever. She was in tears and he continued to ridicule her and exclaim "why is she still crying, why can't she stop crying" it was beyond excruciating to witness this blatant abusive behaviour. It was 99% attitude and 1% applicable technique. Everyone should be aware the technique is very mental. If you're trying to get out of your head and into your body... go somewhere else.

I read these 2 negative reviews of Barbara Marchant and wonder what planet these students are on…read more She is the best acting teacher I know. Nothing abusive, if anything she was too nice and accommodating to students who don't the work, or miss a lot of classes. My guess is these 2 students have their own issues. Some actors can't take "critic," and see it as abuse (it will hurt your feelings if you let it), but we need to hear the truth about our acting to move forward. We all get it in our heads we are good, but a better teacher who is honest with you (many just take your money and say great things) will see the difference, open your eyes if you allow it. Don't blame the teacher. She's trying to help you. You need a think skin in this business. You should be so lucky to have Barbara as your teacher.

Class with Barbara made me never want to take an acting class again. I've never, IN MY LIFE,  met a…read moremore condescending or passive aggressive individual. I loved Esper's books so naturally when I had finally saved enough money to take classes at his studio, I was excited. Our first meeting was on zoom and Barbara was ten minutes late. No apology but she seemed pleasant. A couple weeks later the 8-week intensive began and immediately her true personality emerged. If we didn't pick up a concept as fast as she thought we should, it looked like she was actually disgusted. Like we were wasting her time for being confused. Any and every question a student asked seemingly had a price tag attached to it. Someone would ask a relevant question to the subject material and instead of an answer, Barbara would suggest buying more classes. At that point, we had all spent $800 for her class. I don't know what planet she's living on but last time I checked most actors aren't rich and to usher us into spending more money to get the answers to questions she refused to comment on is just unkind. Barbara would belittle people for making mistakes, leaving us, students, scared to take risks. This essentially destroyed all of our potential growth as actors because how do you learn if you never fail? It felt like there was a clear "right" and "wrong" way to act while in her presence. I was getting anxiety before the start of every class and by the end, was a nervous wreck while performing. Her class wasn't a safe environment. It's almost like she hates this art form and hopes you'll hate it too. If you choose to take class with Barbara, expect to learn not a single thing and for a bus to drive through your self-confidence.

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).

I've taken 3 scene study classes at Barrow Group. The studio environment is very supportive and…read moremotivating. Everyone in class worked hard and presented weekly. We sometimes didn't have enough time to see all the material! The tools they teach are so helpful in freeing actors and inviting creative play. It was exciting to watch scenes come alive using these techniques. If you are looking for a home to hone your craft and find community I'd recommend The Barrow Group.

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.

I absolutely LOVE Play On! My ten year old daughter has…read moredeveloped an infectious love of musical theater that has been passed on to her six year old little brother. At home, they put together the most amazing Broadways shows and we credit that to the love and humor that is part of the instruction and performances at Play On! We have seen our daughter literally grow up at Play On!, from her first after school class at age four to participating on the Saturday musical theater program and numerous one week summer camps. We keep going for more. The teachers are caring, thoughtful, and true champions of all of the children in class. They give their all, always.

We enrolled our 7 year old son Evan into this camp, and he discovered his strong love for musical…read moretheater. Highly recommend!