Bruce Ornstein Acting Workshop

The class is divided in two. The first half are exercises Bruce has developed to challenge and grow the actor's technique, but also allow you to become more self aware. I love this part of the class because they've made me less self-conscious, now I'm able to focus my energy into creating instead of worrying about judgement.

The second half is the scene study portion and all students have a monologue or a scene assigned. I feel that this is where you grow your acting technique the most. If you really put effort into the class it pays off.

This class is great for beginner or experienced actors. I'm extremely grateful to Bruce for the growth I've had not just as an actor but also as a person.

The first time I stepped into Bruce's class was about 10 years ago. I knew nothing about the acting world but was curious and hungry for a new career challenge ahead of me. His tenacity for being serious about acting is remarkable. Many people take acting class because they "think it will be fun." It is. But if you're serious about the craft, he is the person for the job.

Over the years, with his guidance, I've accomplished a lot in the acting world. I'm signed to one of the biggest agents in the world, I've traveled the globe for jobs, I'm a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and have made a successful living doing what I love. ACTING.

I couldn't have done it without him.

I highly recommend his talents and professionalism as a teacher, mentor and friend.

I found Bruce's class by chance online over a year ago and so glad I did. The exercises are incredibly challenging, but fun, allowing you to explore your own creativity by challenging yourself to break through barriers. ANYONE can benefit from his class. It's been a life changing experience. A good friend of mine was brought into a world renowned acting institute here in NYC (first letter is 'L'), studying their method to ultimately teach there. I told him about Bruce's class and what we do there. His response was only in admiration, because the exercises and processes Bruce teaches and uses for his students work. Bruce loves and lives what he does for us, and it shows.

Bruce is not only a brilliant teacher but an extraordinarily warm and caring man. His lessons are unique, practical and fun but more than that, they get at the heart of what is needed to act: the ability to connect with your impulses, trust yourself and ultimately be more organic and creative -- which he demonstrates both through extemporaneous/improv exercises as well as studying and performing a script carefully.

The improvement I've seen in myself in the last few months has been dramatic (pun intended) -- and the benefits of what I've learned have carried over into other facets of my life as well. After every class I feel absolutely terrific. Highly highly recommend.

Still trying to find an acting class that resembles this class structure years later.

I believe that the main goal of Bruce's teachings (based on his inspiring speeches, various acting exercises, and notes during our scene work) is to develop COURAGEOUS actors.

When I went into classes and work with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco as one of the ACT8 in the MFA program there (sorry for the run-on-pat-myself-on-the-back moment), I was miles ahead of many of the students there. (Their words, not mine.) The upperclassmen and my first-year classmates would say it was because of my natural talent, because 90% of them came from a long, singular history of acting, whether in undergrad or otherwise. I do not believe that "natural talent" statement to be true. ---- It was because of Bruce and the communication of his acting values, and my subsequent psychological conditioning of what a good actor should be as a result of his teachings/exercises. During my first few months with Bruce, I was extremely reserved on stage. I didn't take chances and didn't express anything epically meaningful. What I expressed was "real", but expressing reality is easy when you are not expressing anything. His workshop was the first acting class I ever took, luckily enough. He motivated me to do the work, study the playwright's words on the page, and take risks by offering me guidance and ideas for new roles/material. He was our acting class' COACH, and he was my mentor. I trusted his advice because he certainly earned it.

A breakthrough in my work in class was when I worked on a role he did in the 70's that he turned me on to. The main character was a homosexual, male prostitute. Of course, my shy persona steered me toward a conservative version of this very not-conservative character. He noticed this in my costume, and told me that I needed to go all out, and how to do the research and gave me ideas (he does this for everyone).

We can't grow as actors unless we strive to live outside our comfort zone as often as possible. This was the single greatest piece of knowledge I learned in all my years of growth as an actor. Bruce gave this knowledge to me, and it put me ahead of the game. He develops brave actors. If a teacher can put priceless knowledge in your brain, they are truly a great teacher. I joke with Bruce about how I would mention his name first and foremost if I was ever to win an Oscar. But it's true; he inspired me to be great.

If you want confirmation of who his students are, you would not be seeing me at the Academy Awards anytime soon...I have changed paths. Not in the traditional "can't find work" sense, but simply because the lifestyle of an actor is not for me. Extravagance, schmoozing, the Hustle, is less of an adrenaline rush and more of an annoyance. Many of Bruce's students are brilliant actors and have gone on to accomplish great creative works.

Bruce is the BEST!!! He's kind, generous and really aims to bring out the best in every one of his students. He takes the time to know your strengths and weaknesses and forces you to face your fears head on. I truly have him to thank for who I am as a thespian today and will forever be grateful for his wisdom!

It's impossible for me to imagine a better person to learn the craft of acting from. However, to put it simply, the experience with Bruce goes beyond being an actor, or an artist, or even creating. It transcends into discovering how to be the best person one can be, and in turn, learning how that can inform one's creativity. To that end, I, and many others, owe Bruce a great deal. He is a singularly incredible man, with equally incredible insight, and I couldn't imagine being on this journey that I'm on without him. I thank him dearly. 5 stars on this site don't do him justice.

I studied with Bruce between 2001-2003. I had tried other acting classes previously but the growth potential in Bruce's class far surpassed the others. Every week you do exercises, get a chance to perform and get one on one and classmate advice. He directs the class to meet outside of class and rehearse for annual showcases held in midtown Manhattan. Acting lessons don't get much better.

I first took Bruce's class a decade ago and found the work to be exciting, inspiring and fun. Bruce's perception, talent, generosity, and knowledge are invaluable. He creates a safe, and supportive environment for the actor to grow and learn and puts an emphasis on each person's individuality. Bruce cares about his students and their personal growth. His notes are always thoughtful, honest, and intuitive. Bruce's knowledge and experience in New York theater is also a tremendous addition to his classes. As an active member of WedRepCo, I have had the rare opportunity to write, direct, and perform in his showcases which take place in the heart of the theater district! The best way to get better as an artist is to do it! And Bruce provides that opportunity under his artistic direction. I've learned so much about performing on stage and theater production and for that I am deeply grateful. He helps actors develop all facets of their creativity from writing to directing to editing... there's no glass ceiling with Bruce! I strongly recommend Bruce's class to anyone interested and serious about growing as an actor and as a creative person.