Friday, September 09, 2005
FALL 4 NY 2005: THEATER CLASSES -- HB STUDIO
One of the best places in the city to learn acting and theater (and also one of the least expensive) is the HB Studio. It was founded by Herbert Berghof about 50 years ago, and has trained legions of distinguished actors. It has had, and does have, great teachers (many of them very well known actors, screen writers, comedians, and directors).
Among the favorite teachers I have studied with there are Sam Waterston, and Jerry Stiller (whose wife, Anne Meara, would substitute for him when he couldn't make it to class). Also, just recently, Jill Clayburgh, twice nominated for an Oscar, and soon to be seen in A NAKED GIRL ON THE APPIAN WAY, taught a great class there in Acting For Film.
They have both beginning and advanced students, both full time and "a la carte" students taking a single class, both foreign and American students, both day and night classes, both teen and adult classes, both scene study and technique classes.
They also have movement, writing, and directing classes.
Many classes do not have any requirement for admission, and are perfect for beginning and intermediate students. Other classes have either an interview or audition requirement and include many very fine, advanced actors. I have worked with actors while they were on Broadway, in major movies, and others developing important careers.
HB is just starting their Fall season, which is the best time to start a class. (Though it is often possible to join a class after it has begun if it is not full.)
