HB Studio

i was a student here in my time there i learn the craft of acting my teacher was micheal beckett i loved the energy and just learning absorbing like a dryup sponge when i was at hb studio i was green pickup some bad habits from trying to cause i was a self taught actor big mistake we can learn from books but more importantly we learn from teachers and interacting with others just doing it getting on the stage and working with the space and props and other actors greatschool

I took a couple of acting and voice classes here last summer and must say that for the price, the quality of instruction and content is really good in general. Of course, it all depends on the specific instructor and the quality of the students in your class, since most classes require significant participation. Disclaimer: I am not a professional actor.

It is a great school and the teachers are awesome. Watch out for the people in the admin/​office. They are not very good with computers or the software. Also if you point out their mistake they turn around and blame you for some random reason which makes no sense.

This is one of the BEST acting schools that one can attend. An Oscar –winning actor referred this place to my sister and I over 10 years ago, and I am sooo happy that I followed his advice. I studied with Louise Lasser, in her Meisner class and I enjoyed every single class. I almost cried when it ended… okay not really, but shit changed my liiife!
The exercises we did allowed for better relaxation in front of the camera, authentic response to your on camera partner, and being the character rather than «acting».
One of my former classmates sung the praises of the Monday night scene study class… she loved it.

ROLL CALL ON TEACHERS
Improv — Carl Kissin, absolutely one of the best teacher at HB. He’s unbelievably blows my mind EVERY class. He takes his time to understand each student. Mr. Kissin makes his classes so fun using lively improv games. He has so much knowledge in Improv, thus you feel like you are ready for the big screen or stage. I strongly encourage this class to everyone from beginner to advance. He has different levels.
Technique — Michael Beckett, Seriously a true honor to have a seat in his class. He is also one of HB BEST teachers and I believe one of the longest members. This teacher is definitely most talked about at the studio. I strongly encourage this class to everyone from beginner to advance. He has different levels.
Dialect — Amanda Quaid, She knows her stuff. Very encouraging. I love her classes each week. I strongly encourage this class to everyone from beginner to advance.
These are some of the BEST and my favorite teachers. However, there are many great teachers at HB. I just have not gotten the pleasure to work with them just yet.

I completely agree with Rachel P. review. I am currently taking Austin Pendleton’s advanced scene study class and I cant tell you how much i’ve already learned. I have taken many acting classes over the past 5 years, studied with many different acting teachers but this is by far the best class i have ever taken. Did I mention its super cheap!!! I was used to paying $ 500 for a scene study class! HB is around $ 280 which makes a huge difference.
Countless acting teachers and agents told me to study with Austin. I am so glad I listened to them. He has been in the business for many years both as an actor and director. He encourages his students and is never disrespectful (wish I could say that about other people i’ve studied with). Ill definitely be taking it again in the fall.

I’m taking an acting class here now and I have to say that if you’re a beginner and you just want to pick up the basics, it’s great. I’m having fun, and I like my professor and the other people in the class.

Hands down, one of the best summer intensives in the city.
Hundreds audition for less than 20 spots each year for the Hagen Summer Intensive, taught by several of Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen’s former students as well as other esteemed teachers. The summer intensive and some other classes closely follow Uta Hagen’s book, «A Challenge for the Actor» — a recommended read for any aspiring actor.
I auditioned and got one of the 17 spots during the 2008 intensive. You are able to send in a DVD recording of your selected pieces or audition in person for several of the teachers for that summer.
Their classes are moderately priced and vary from open Beginner acting classes to invitation or audition-​only advanced scene study classes. There are a wide variety of types and experience levels hanging outside the historic four floor building at all times of the day. There is even a small theatre space next door for ensemble performances.
Every year there are several masterclasses or talk-​back sessions with successful alumni of the Studio. A list of alumni is available on their website as well as updates about new classes or masterclasses that are available. As a part of the intensive program, my class got to meet and greet with Alec Baldwin.
No, I did not get him to say «Beetlejuice.»
I have never felt so welcome among a variety of strangers as I did attending HB Studio. Each professor would recount personal stories with Hagen or Berghof trying the same exercises we performed in class. I eagerly await my future move to New York to roam the halls again.

HB Studios founded by Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen in the mid 40’s in the west village has been a place over the years where students interested in studying acting come to take classes that are affordable.
I think this is a great place to take an acting class if you are new to acting and want to see if this is something you want to pursue further.
I do not think the program is very intense and there is a lack of technique taught here. Also because the classes are so cheap and there is no audition required to be in the school, the student body is mixed between beginner, professional (there are a few), serious and the hobby actor. Which isn’t necessarily bad except this also includes the «professional» classes that you do have to audition for.
HB is not very discriminating in who is in the advanced or professional classes, there are absolute beginners and the quality of work being done in class is amateur. I also find some of the teachers are far too kind in their criticisms of scenes which is of no help to the students in the class.
For the professional actor, HB is good if you are just moving into the city and need some time to find a class that fits you or maybe the actor that needs or wants to be in a class who has had training but can’t afford some of the other studios or coaches.

Founded in 1945 by actor/​director Herbert Berghof and his wife, actress Uta Hagen, this is one of the country’s premier schools for theatrical training. An intensive, well-​rounded curriculum of study for committed students of all levels includes classes in acting, voice, musical theatre, dance, movement, improv, fencing, writing, and stage combat. Anne Bancroft, Candice Bergen, Matthew Broderick, Stockard Channing, Jill Clayburgh, Billy Crystal, Robert DeNiro, Faye Dunaway, Whoopi Goldberg, Hal Holbrook, Jack Lemmon, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Al Pacino, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Robards, Doris Roberts, Eva Marie Saint, Maureen Stapleton, Lily Tomlin, Sigourney Weaver, and yours truly are among its illustrious alumni (well, some are more illustrious than others). Despite the fact I studied here many years ago, thanks to outstanding instruction, I’ve never forgotten that every morning I drink kah-​fee, not kaw-​fee.