The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
- 2 Year
- NEW YORK CITY, NY
College
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
- 2 Year
- NEW YORK CITY, NY
- Rating 4.79 out of 5 24 reviews
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre Reviews
Rating 4.79 out of 5 24 reviews
In my experience, the neighborhood playhouse has been the best acting academy I have been studying at so far. They offer the best full-time program that helps students become professional actors by proffering classes that involve every aspect of this performing art. Not only do you get the chance to study in a safe and supportive environment where some of the best actors have been trained, but you also have the opportunity to learn from professional actors and teachers who were Sanford Meisner’s disciples. As this is a prestigious academy, it requested discipline and dedication from the students to help them develop their talent and make the best out of this experience.
I am incredibly grateful to be part of this extraordinary school and it is personally remarkable how much I have grown and learned so much since the program started.
I am incredibly grateful to be part of this extraordinary school and it is personally remarkable how much I have grown and learned so much since the program started.
So far, the Neighborhood Playhouse has been more than I could have hoped for. My classes are all teaching me valuable things about the craft of acting, and I can feel myself slowly becoming a more capable and vulnerable actor. When I started this school, I wanted to be "kicked in the ass"; I felt that it was necessary for me to truly improve as a performer. This place has delivered. However, in an effort to be critical I will point out the class size and range. I feel that some of my classes are hindered by their size and the need to start from "step 0". I understand that not all student come in with the same abilities, but I wish there was a way to better organize the classes so that I could begin advancing myself sooner. For example: I have experience in voice and singing that has made the first few weeks an unnecessary round of review. While I definitely needed to start on "step 0" for dance, I feel like I am being indirectly held back in other areas. But I will trust the process.
The Neighborhood Playhouse changed my life and set me off on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The teachers at the Playhouse are extremely dedicated to their students and are masters in their fields. The level of care and rigor that goes into the work at the Playhouse is unmatched.
A beautiful thing about the Playhouse is that it’s not just a school, it’s a community. The learning experience bonds us together in a way that feels like family. Alumni go on to work and teach at the Playhouse, create and collaborate together, and the Playhouse is endlessly supportive of its students and alumni. It’s not a relationship that ends when the bell rings or when you graduate, which is so special.
I’d recommend the Playhouse to anyone who is serious about becoming an actor and wants a well-rounded training that will prepare them for the world of theatre and film.
A beautiful thing about the Playhouse is that it’s not just a school, it’s a community. The learning experience bonds us together in a way that feels like family. Alumni go on to work and teach at the Playhouse, create and collaborate together, and the Playhouse is endlessly supportive of its students and alumni. It’s not a relationship that ends when the bell rings or when you graduate, which is so special.
I’d recommend the Playhouse to anyone who is serious about becoming an actor and wants a well-rounded training that will prepare them for the world of theatre and film.
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre is where you go to play. In the most literal sense, you untrain all the social masks you have put up since childhood in order to use your true self in an imaginary circumstance. It is a place to be available for all emotions.
The Neighborhood Playhouse has the same accreditation as Harvard, meaning its curriculum is extensive, intensive, and held in the highest regard as a conservatory. I am challenged to "Live truthfully through imaginary circumstances" by being expressive of the vulnerability I feel throughout our scene work and classes. This is a safe space to do the unsafe, meaning I am able to express the feelings I struggle to express in the real world, because as an emotionally-intelligent and culturally aware African-American man in this society I have been encouraged to shrink in rooms, hold my tongue, and live small. In this space, I am encouraged to fill the room with my presence and reveal what is within me. As I explore more of my voice I know my devotion, preparation, and knowledge of my craft has sharpened. The one significant change that I would make is that The Neighborhood Playhouse would have a housing partnership for future students who completely relocated and need affordable housing.
I think life in The Playhouse is full and happy. I like the diverse classes, which can train nearly everything of me to be a good actor. There are so many great classes I already want learn for a long time, like Alexander, modern dance, music, etc, of course the meisner’s technique. After two years’ training and studying, I anticipate to use my body and voice well to create some living characters, and I can sing well in public.
My experience at the Neighbourhood Playhouse has been great so far. All of my teachers are or have been professional working actors and their background is stupefying.
I admit that in the beginning I hoped we would practice more scenes and monologues, although I am starting to understand and appreciate why our curriculum is shaped the way it is, allowing us to master completely multiple skills without rushing things, but allowing us to learn everything from zero. We are fortunate enough to have live music during Modern Dance and Music class. Our curriculum is complete and perfectly shaped to allow us to become great professional actors.
The classrooms are always clean, and so are the locker rooms, the showers and restrooms. The staff is very friendly, always answering to our emails on time and letting us know of any discounted tickets and events. They have also been extremely helpful when it comes to finding accommodation.
I could not be happier in this school.
I admit that in the beginning I hoped we would practice more scenes and monologues, although I am starting to understand and appreciate why our curriculum is shaped the way it is, allowing us to master completely multiple skills without rushing things, but allowing us to learn everything from zero. We are fortunate enough to have live music during Modern Dance and Music class. Our curriculum is complete and perfectly shaped to allow us to become great professional actors.
The classrooms are always clean, and so are the locker rooms, the showers and restrooms. The staff is very friendly, always answering to our emails on time and letting us know of any discounted tickets and events. They have also been extremely helpful when it comes to finding accommodation.
I could not be happier in this school.
Thé program is so complete and the school offers everything an actor needs to have a successful career. The teachers are so kind and help you through your journey. It’s a safe place to do the unsafe things. The only thing I have to say about the school is the dance class needs to be cleaned more regularly.
If you are looking to become a well-educated and well rounded actor you need to experience the playhouse. The staff and students treat you like a family member and less of a number like various schools. They teach you all you need to know about finding your true inner self and the craft of acting. Go change you life and experience the neighborhood playhouse.
Simply the best acting training in New York City. The history and alumni of this place alone should entice the working actor to want to study here. The faculty is top notch and for years this has been THE place for the serious actor to hone their craft. Small, selective classes and individual attention that is far above the rest. The full time conservatory isn't for the casual actor. If you're serious about a career in the professional performing arts and serious about your work as an actor, this is the type of place you want on your resume.
The Neighborhood Playhouse changed my life.
I did both the Summer Intensive and Full Time Programs over 2016 - 2019 and can easily say that I am fully prepared to jump into any professional acting job for the rest of my long career.
One of the big things that sets this school apart is that it feels like you're a part of a big family, I loved every minute of my training there and it will always feel like home to me.
I did both the Summer Intensive and Full Time Programs over 2016 - 2019 and can easily say that I am fully prepared to jump into any professional acting job for the rest of my long career.
One of the big things that sets this school apart is that it feels like you're a part of a big family, I loved every minute of my training there and it will always feel like home to me.
This experience allowed me to attend a college where i was able to do everything i loved… every single day. It was a LOT of hard work and dedication— and i made life long friends that i will cherish forever.
I can’t imagine the rest of my life not having gone to the Neighborhood Playhouse. I walked away such a more confident actor. I also learned life skills that I will keep with me forever. And the program demands a lot and helps you stay disciplined as an artist.
What can I say!?! I learned how to dance, sing, and fully express myself through my voice and body. Most importantly, I learned how to act which was the number one reason I chose The Neighborhood Playhouse. It is the home of the Meisner technique and all of its tools, and what it did for me was direct my focus on to clear, simple and truthful acting. I wanted to strengthen my acting and after completing my two years, I entered the performing arts industry having a lot of confidence due to the brilliant training I received. The only thing I would change are the lightbulbs when they go out. Maybe add another year of training because the process is intense and challenging, yet so much fun. I’m also grateful for the many relationships I’ve forged with classmates. We often reflect on how we were when we first stepped through those red doors and who we became after, how we each found our true voice and how useful the tools are in the Meisner toolbox.
I am a recent grad of the neighborhood playhouse and my time here has been unimaginable. I never thought I could learn so much from a school! About myself about my craft an about the industry! Highly recommend if you are an actor or creator of any kind! The teachers and staff are so kind and helpful. No matter what you are in for a treat.
Rigorous, gritty actor training. The best in the city. Unlike anything else. You’ll learn the entirety of the industry. You’ll gain an appreciation for both the art of acting and for the business of theater and film. The Meisner technique originated and taught at The Neighborhood Playhouse is the most practical and useful both on stage and in life. You’ll grow as both and actor and as a human being. You’ll find yourself living truthfully in a series of moment to moment exchanges; in imaginary circumstances, and maybe even in life too. It’s a commitment. Don’t take it lightly. But if you can dedicate two years to the playhouse, it will change your life forever and for the better. Become the best version of yourself. Acting is doing. Do.
I was apart of the 2020 graduating class at the Playhouse and I cannot recommend it more. The Playhouse holds the most special place in my heart. Not only did I grow immensely as an actor on stage and film, but also as a human. The Playhouse and every single staff member is there for your success if you are willing to dive into yourself . The amount of creative energy that roams those halls is intoxicating. I miss it everyday. One year out, and I feel so prepared in all my theatre training. I reference things I learned whilst in my two years inside those red doors all the time. It's a learning institution but it is also home. The family there is like nothing I've ever had in a school setting. It's easy to love this place. The history, the technique and the discipline you gain from the Playhouse is something I will forever be grateful for. Thank you especially to Gary Kingston and John Tyrell for shaping me into the actor I always wanted to be. It's tough but worth it everyday.
I had such a wonderful time at the Playhouse! This place offered me not only incredible teachers and classmates but all the freedom I needed to work on my craft.
The Neighborhood Playhouse has historically been called “theatres best kept secret.”
As a graduate, it’s easy to see why.
The Playhouse is one of the most unique training programs for actors in the world. Everyone who attends this rare institution is given unparalleled gifts.
The teachers are real, the students are worldly, the lessons are timeless.
I’m so glad the spirit of Sanford Meisners acting methodology is still alive in at the Neighborhood Playhouse.
It was everything I thought it would be and more
As a graduate, it’s easy to see why.
The Playhouse is one of the most unique training programs for actors in the world. Everyone who attends this rare institution is given unparalleled gifts.
The teachers are real, the students are worldly, the lessons are timeless.
I’m so glad the spirit of Sanford Meisners acting methodology is still alive in at the Neighborhood Playhouse.
It was everything I thought it would be and more
Not only will this school teach you how to be a better actor, but also a better human. Apply if you've got MAJOR drive, it's not for the faint of heart but WELL WORTH IT!