New York City is a hub for aspiring actors. With the countless theaters, TV shows and films being shot in every corner of the city, it’s not hard to understand why. But with all the opportunities comes a hefty price tag.
Most acting schools are expensive, making them inaccessible to many would-be actors. Don’t despair! There are plenty of options for cheap acting classes in New York City that don’t require you to break your piggy bank.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what exactly makes a great acting school, and where to find cheap acting classes in New York.
Cheap Acting Schools In New York
There are a number of cheap acting schools in New York that provide quality training at an affordable price. Here is a list of some of the best options:
Here is a list of some low-cost acting schools in New York City:
- HB Studio
- The Barrow Group
- The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
- The Actor’s Gymnasium
- The Actors Fund Arts Center
HB Studio
HB Studio is a nonprofit company that promotes active, lifelong theater training built on a strong foundation of real-world experience. In order for each emerging artist to continue to stretch and develop, we set expectations, observe the degree of dedication, and amplify the decisions they make for and against their own skills.
HB Studio registration is non-transferable and requires full payment.
New and current students can audit one Weekly Class per instructor for $20.00 at HB Studio. Audits let students examine the lecturer and class culture before registering.
Scholarships and work-study are the two types of financial aid that HB Studio provides. Both opportunities are covered by one application.
Scholarships
For artists who have shown talent and dedication but lack the financial resources to attend school, HB Studio provides a small amount of scholarship money.
Scholarships from HB Studio are given out in accordance with need, a statement of intentions, and the recommendations of the instructors. Prior to each Term, applications for studio class scholarships are taken with deadlines and forms. There will be an audition requirement for new students joining the studio.
When submitting an application for the Hagen Core Training or Hagen Summer Intensive programs offered by The Uta Hagen Institute, you should specify that you would want to be considered for a scholarship.
Work-Study
After one term or an audition, HB Studio students can apply for Work-Study. Key Students and Studio Assistants are HB Work-Study Opportunities. Key Students and Studio Assistants get a free course for one term for volunteering at the Studio.
Key Students and SAs must take two paid courses that term. Work-Study opportunities are awarded to students who are trustworthy, punctual, and conscientious in class, and committed to the Studio’s objective.
Teachers nominate students for key roles, while Studio Assistants are chosen from online applications. Key Students and SAs must do 4 Community Hours every term and the Spring Clean-Up in addition to Work-Study.
The Barrow Group
The Barrow Group is a New York City-based non-profit theater company and school that was founded in 1986. They offer acting classes, workshops, and productions for adults and children.
Their approach to acting emphasizes practical training and character development, and they have a reputation for being one of the most affordable acting schools in New York City.
In addition to their acting programs, The Barrow Group also provides training in playwriting, directing, and stage management. The organization has been widely recognized for its contributions to the theater community and its commitment to making theater accessible to a wide range of people.
The Barrow Group is located at:
- 520 8th Ave, #901
- New York, NY 10018
- Phone: 212-760-2615
- Fax: 212-760-2962
Email them here!
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre is a New York City-based performing arts conservatory that was founded in 1915. It is known for its intensive, conservatory-style training programs in acting, as well as its long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to have careers in theater, film, and television.
The school’s curriculum emphasizes the Meisner technique, which is a method of actor training that focuses on truthful behavior and emotional connection. The Neighborhood Playhouse is considered one of the top acting schools in the country and is known for its rigorous training program, experienced faculty, and close relationships with industry professionals.
Tuition at the school can be relatively cheap, reflecting its reputation as a top-tier acting conservatory.
We offer a full-time Two-Year Certificate Program in professional acting and a specialized Six-Week Summer Intensive. The Neighborhood Playhouse on East 54th Street in New York City is ideal for developing talent and job abilities.
Cost:
Curriculum: First Year
Total Length: 32 Weeks | Full-Time (approximately 30hrs/week)
Second Year
Total Length: 32 Weeks | Full-Time (approximately 32hrs/week)
6 Weeks Summer Intensive
Tuition: $3,850
The Actor’s Gymnasium: David Perlo Studio
The Actor’s Gymnasium in New York is a performing arts studio that specializes in physical theater training and acrobatics. The studio was founded by David Perlo and offers a range of classes and workshops in physical theater, clowning, aerial acrobatics, and other circus arts.
The Actor’s Gymnasium is known for its innovative approach to actor training, which combines traditional acting techniques with physical movement and acrobatics.
The studio’s goal is to help actors develop greater range, physical expression, and creativity, and to provide a unique and challenging training experience for performers.
The Actor’s Gymnasium is well-regarded in the theater community for its high-quality training programs and its commitment to fostering creativity and artistic growth.
Costs:
- Gym Classes
$350/4 weeks. The Actors Gym meet once a week, every week, on a monthly basis. With class size limited to fourteen actors, scenes work for half an hour, speeches for fifteen minutes, and all material is assigned based on each actors artistic desires and needs.
- One-On-One Classes
$195/hour
One-On-One sessions with David allow you to dive deeper into your material, whether it’s for a specific audition or for private training on a consistent basis.
The Actors Fund Arts Center
The Actors Fund Arts Center is a performing arts center located in New York City that is dedicated to providing resources and support to artists in the entertainment and performing arts communities.
The Arts Center is a division of The Actors Fund, a national organization that provides a safety net of social services, health care, and housing support to entertainment professionals in need.
The Actors Fund Arts Center offers a range of programs and services for artists, including classes and workshops, performance opportunities, and professional development resources. They also provide access to affordable rehearsal and performance space, as well as production and technical support.
In addition to its programs for individual artists, the Arts Center also provides community-based initiatives and events that bring artists together and support the wider performing arts community in New York City.
The Actors Fund Arts Center is known for its commitment to supporting artists throughout their careers and for providing a safe and supportive environment for creative exploration and growth.
Conclusion
Acting schools in New York can be expensive, but there are still several options available for students looking to pursue their dreams of becoming an actor.
From subsidized programs that offer financial aid to discounted classes, there are ways to get a quality education without breaking the bank.
So if you’re interested in taking your acting career to the next level, don’t let money stand in your way – explore what cheap acting schools New York has to offer and make your dream a reality!
