Top New York City Acting Schools

Just about anything can be found in New York City and that includes some of the highest caliber acting schools in the United States. Exactly what qualifies as tops varies with each actor's individual needs. A young actor wanting to kick-start their career in film acting isn't likely to choose the same program as a professional actor looking to improve their audition technique. Each acting school has it's own strengths and specialities.

One thing you have to keep in mind about New York City acting schools is that the tuition fees, just like the cost of living, tend to run a little higher than at acting schools at lesser known acting schools in smaller cities and towns. Many feel the education you get is worth the price, though. After all, just look at how many big-name Hollywood stars owe their advanced skills to some of New York's acting schools.

Financing your thespian education isn't the only thing you have to worry about, though. Because courses at these schools are in such high demand, admissions requirements are quite high. Most require photos, an essay, several letters of reference, and an interview and/or audition, not to mention academic records.

If you don't plan to let money or admissions requirements will stand in your way, here are some acting schools to get you started in your search.

The America Academy of Dramatic Arts
This academy can't be overlooked when you're searching for New York acting schools. Just about every stage or screen acting skill you can imagine is taught here, including theater history, makeup, and even stage combat. At the New York City campus, you can earn either an Associate of Occupational Studies or Certificate of Advanced Studies in Acting. There are full-time programs as well as a variety of part-time programs to fit almost any schedule and, as with traditional universities, this acting school offers help finding financial aid and local housing.

Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute
The Lee Strasberg Institute instructs serious students of acting in the Strasberg Method used by unforgettable stars like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Al Pacino to invoke a sense of truth in all the on-screen roles they played. Those interested in filmmaking can also study screenwriting, cinematography and other essential skills here. There's also a program for young actors, ages 7 to 17, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of acting, singing, and dance.

Ted Bardy Studio Inc.
One of the few remaining privately owned acting schools New York City acting schools, Ted Bardly Studio specializes in personalized instruction in pairs or small groups. Their unique 3-phase program meisner-based accelerated learning program helps students gain the fundamentals of acting in a step-by-step manner. The also workshops in skills such as on-camera commercial technique, relaxation techniques, and film and play development. Private coaching is available, too..One big perk of the school is that classes are on-going, so you can join when you want instead of having to wait for a new course to start.

Actors' Theater Workshop
The Actors' Theatre Workshop is a non-profit theatre that produces classical and contemporary play, trains actors, , writers and directors and also offers acting programs for homeless children. Their main offering is the intensive acting program, a six-session program designed to help adult students of acting unlock their creative potential. For advanced actors, master classes in technique and other thespian skills are also offered. If you're interested in learning more about acting, but haven't seriously decide yet, try ATW's volunteer program where you can help with theatre administration, marketing and fundraising, video production and an number of other things while learning more about the acting profession.

ACTeen
Billing itself as "The Nations First Film Acting Program for Teens," this academy has been helping young people aged thirteen to nineteen develop their on-camera acting skills since 1978 Recent graduates have earned places in such popular programs as The Sopranos, Third Watch, and That 70's Show. If you or your child is serious about pursuing acting for a profession, give this school's curriculum a look. ACTeen offers courses not only in the foundations of acting, but in scriptwriting and directing, too. Studying here won't interfere with a school schedule, either, since school-year classes are held on weekends and late afternoons and summer courses are also available.

There's definitely no shortage of acting schools in New York City. Before you start narrowing down your choices, make sure your clear on your career goals and what exactly you want to have accomplished at the end of the course. Then start browsing through the Web sites of New York City acting schools to find the program that's right for you.