The Actors Studio is a theatrical school and workshop located in the Old Labor Stage on 44th Street in New York City. It is a part of the New School University. Founded in 1947 by Elia Kazan, Cheryl Crawford, and Robert Lewis , the Studio is known for its work refining and teaching method acting, an approach originally developed by the Group Theatre in the 1930s based on the innovations of Konstantin Stanislavski.

The Studio came to worldwide recognition under the leadership of Lee Strasberg, who took over the helm in 1952.

While at the Studio, actors work together to develop their skills in an experimental environment, where they can take risks as performers without the pressure of commercial roles.

The television program Inside the Actors Studio, hosted by James Lipton (who is also dean of the Studio) and airing on the cable television network Bravo, provides in-depth interviews with actors, many of whom are alumni of the school. It is taped in front of students of the school as well.

Famous alumni

Over its long history, many famous and successful actors, directors and playwrights have come out of the Studio, including:

• Edward Albee
• James Baldwin
• Ann Bancroft
• Marlon Brando
• James Dean
• Jane Fonda
• Norman Mailer
• Steve McQueen
• Marilyn Monroe
• Paul Newman
• Robert Ginty
• Robert de Niro
• Al Pacino
• Geraldine Page
• Sidney Poitier
• Kim Stanley
• Eli Wallach
• Tennessee Williams
• Shelley Winters
• Joanne Woodward
• Scott Patterson

External links

• History of the Actors Studio
• PBS American Masters Series profile
• Inside the Actors Studio