Bruce's acting class became a refuge, even if I was forced to face discomfort and fear, even if I experienced the same, overwhelming slew of emotions every time I got up in front of the class for an exercise. Even if I had to admit that you don't have to be unhappy to make good art. In the dark East Village room, sparsely illuminated with a few chosen lightbulbs, Bruce would open the class by asking how we were doing. And he made us answer. I would hunch into a teeny ball in the back corner, but he always found me. He'd proceed by talking about something, anything, beginning a discussion with the latest news update or using a recently surfaced memory to connect to the arts, creativity, consciousness, acting and auditioning, or anything else that was -- miraculously at first, until I came to expect it -- plaguing me during the day. He'd give the class an opportunity to voice disagreements, concerns, and then would introduce an exercise, making it relevant to the preceding discussion. The first half of the three hours was exercises, followed by a break, followed by scene work. Bruce assigned scene partners and scenes, unless people had scenes or monologues they'd chosen on their own or audition pieces to rehearse/tape. Bruce was honest and helpful. He selflessly answered questions and advised, outside of prescribed class hours. Regardless of acting experience, everyone improved; it would've been difficult to do otherwise. I write this in the past tense because I stopped attending when I left NYC in September 2017, but the effects of the workshop stuck. And I know it remains as incredible of a place/thing/group of people, if not more so. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

I have been a student of Bruce Ornstein for many years now. To date, he has been the definition of a great teacher in acting, directing, writing, theater and film. More so, it is important and even more so relevant to say the he has been a teacher in life. What is so differentiating as an instructor, is that Bruce is well aware of the need not to waste time, and tell a student what is needed more than what is wanted to be heard. Often times in this industry, for the sake of making money, teachers will placate students, singing their praise to stroke their egos, resulting in students developing false hopes. Those teachers retain students until the students run out of money or give in to failure. This is NOT the case with Bruce. Bruce is a man that is serious, and all about a students growth. He is a teacher that fully understands that growth is not always easy. He has always and will always maintain integrity, and give a student direction and instruction needed to develop those skills to become a great actor. There is and was never any disillusions. He has always had the integrity and courage to tell the truth. He is here to be your teacher and mentor, dedicating 110% to your betterment. I have seen many weak students become very distinguished actors, beyond what they have ever expected due to having the will and grit that many actors both talented and not talented lack. I have to say; if you're serious about being an actor, and believe you have the grit to put in the hard work, there is no better instructor anywhere. Thank you Bruce. For me, every day is rehearsal, and everyday after has been a successful performance! read more

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. read more

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! read more

After being out of the business for many years, I was once again bitten by the acting "bug." Not knowing where or how to start, Bruce Ornstein was recommended to me. After auditing a class, I was taken in from what I observed. First, his studio had a certain vintage feel to it that immediately connected to me. The space might not be important for everyone, but for me it's paramount. (No pun intended). Second, after observing Bruce's command of the class, I had a gut instinct to study there. I had studied at Lee Strasberg years ago and found I spent many years doing sensory work, which is important, but I was never able to apply it in my work. Bruce includes many of these "method" exercises, relaxation, personal space, etc., but makes them fun and highly energetic where actors can connect to each other. Bruce provided a safe place for a very close knit group of actor's who I have remained friends with to this day. This really worked out for me as an experienced rusty actor coming back into the business and helped me get the creative juices flowing again. The most important thing is Bruce's master ability of being able to thoroughly assess scenes put up in class. He doesn't miss a beat with what he observes and is able to critique the actors on their performance. To me this personifies Bruce's genuine concern for the growth of his students. Although I'm not one to believe that it's the responsibility of an acting teacher to go beyond teaching to referring actors for projects, Bruce always kept his students in mind when projects arose. Bruce recommended me to some of his filmmaking students at Columbia University. This is a invaluable resource for actors to start network and build relations with tomorrow's directors. Bruce also provides showcases for his actors to perform for invited industry guests. Since studying with Bruce, I was able to sign with an agent in NYC as well as in LA. I booked co-starring roles on network TV shows and acted in several feature films. I've also performed in several plays. I'm so thankful I did get the acing bug again but more thankful I studied with Bruce. Break a leg! Update: It seems there were some questions from a reviewer as to my identity and acting credentials. Also I would like to clarify several things. As I stated here, I don't believe it's an acting teachers purpose to have show business connections to get their actors work. The responsibility of the teacher is to prepare their students for the real world. Not get them work. Yes, there are lots of casting director workshops in NYC and LA which can put an actor in front of casting directors and agents. I've been to many of them. I never had luck in getting booked from them. What I observed in Bruce's class was the dynamic where actors grew as human beings while they simultaneously grew in their craft. This is an important core value for an actor. It's not just craft. True, Bruce did not introduce me to agents. He prepared me to go out and pound the pavement till I got representation. It was that which lead me to book jobs. If I were to mention something that I would change in this class, it would be the amount of times putting up a scene. In Bruce's class a scene would be put up a few times and perfected and then we would move on to another scene from another play. I found scenes from plays should be done in perpetuity as it will keep evolving giving the actor more and more choices. That's when the "better stuff" comes out. An actors choice is his talent. I hope this helps my fellow actors. I would love for all of us to be working. And of course not every teacher is good for everyone. PS I wasn't gonna put my credentials here however a reviewer questioned it. So here is my IMDB. Brad Cassini read more

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. read more