Where to start? Hb Studio was and is the only reason I temporarly moved to New York. The Variety of different acting teachers, classes and workshops spoke for itself when I researched Hb Studio back in Germany. Both my initial reachout and the continous support of the international office were suggesting a warm welcome. And the actual arrival went exactly as I hoped; The staff is openminded and very helpful. They even assisted me with non-school-related problems which really helped me put my feet on the ground. That kind of service become rare these days! The same goes for the 9 different teachers that I am able to study with. While being supportive and understanding they push every student individually to new limits. Beside different techniques and approaches of the teachers I also learned a lot about myself which already directly influenced my acting. The classes are reasonably sized and allow propper, structured exercises aswell as a trustful, troupe/ensemble-like atmosphere. The whole community is diverse, welcoming, understanding and supporting through all instances. From the comilitones over the staff to the teachers, I felt accepted and welcomed throughout my whole term. Being a future Alumni makes me both proud and thankful. I am glad to have choosen this school and can only recommend it to everyone who is willing to invest in her/his selfdevelopment! read more

I have taken classes at HB Studio on and off since 1995. Something must have happened to the management lately. Years ago, I took a voice-over class and they never told me the famous voice-over artist/teacher, who died from COVD in 2020, would not be teaching. Instead, the clown who taught and some snippy lady in class were on my case that you need a British accent for most luxury American commercials. I was not given a refund for the class. Notify people the professors changed and do not have them harassed if they do not have a British accent. This is not London. Tell people they will need one or they will be harassed in class! I must have complained close enough, but they claim I did not. I would say they should give me a "free" (I derived nothing from the class) class with the proper teacher, but he is dead. Perhaps my self-esteem is rising and my patience/tolerance is lessening! I was almost physically attacked about a year ago by a tall Asian man who told me I could no longer audit a class or use the bathroom after having paid thousands to them for years. They were enforcing mask policies when not even hospitals with old sick people were any longer! You can no longer audit or check out a class there. I don't think their office is yet open! In addition, a recent Zoom class I took on acting business advice for $95 was largely a waste of money and really did not tell me something I did not know. One woman had decent accomplishments, the other okay ones. They both seemed to be in the same boat as most on the Zoom. A few on the Zoom class had no experience. After being a member of SAG for more than 10 years, they are so disorganized, they never put it onto my profile. In a hurry, and having decided to the last day of good savings on November 30 to register, I realized, to make a long story short, I'd have to call the office to get the proper discounts. I was frustrated but appreciated the good service of Lluvia Almanza. However, she must be very uppity and complained about me. (Some of us deserve to be uppity at times, but not her.) I had thanked her and had wished her a good day. I was given a refund (thank goodness) and not listened to after defending myself! smh read more

Acting for teens is amazing!!!! Wholesome and encouraging. I hope it is around forever.

Ilse Pfeifer is an unprofessional teacher who creates a painful atmosphere in the classroom. She seems unsure of what she's doing and often takes out her frustration on students, making the learning experience unpleasant. read more

HB Studio provides me with the insight I need to make breakthroughs in my acting but most importantly I now have a supportive community that keeps my passion for acting alive. I look forward to class every week and recommend this wonderful studio to anyone who will listen! I've had the honor of learning from Michael Beckett, Ilse Pfeifer and Pat Golden. read more

HB Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

After speaking with Artistic Director Edith Meeks, about issues concerning instructor, she has made things right . So clean slate, second chance with HB Studio. We shall see, praying hoping for best in my studies ,my new instructor and school. Positive Vibes! read more

I took the Alexander Technique class. Martha asked two or three students to pair together to demonstrate movement, so we randomly made some movements together. She told me, in front of everyone, that our movement looked like I was being gang raped and that I enjoyed it. And then she said, "you guys can called this movement gang rape." I felt very humiliated and I tried so hard not to cry. The classroom environment should be safe for everyone. If you were asked to do a movement and then the teacher said you looked like you were being gang raped, and then the teacher named your movement "gang rape," how would you feel? I feel she had some personal issues or perhaps she had a hard time on that day and she put her anger on me. No matter what, I don't accept her ignorant and unprofessional words and behaviors. read more

I am very disappointed by the studio. I studied at HB for 2 years full time in a program for international students and I continued training there afterwards for a few years. I have now lost all my respect not only for the teachers (especially the old-timers) but for who runs the studio. They haven't taken any actions on the many complaints about some abusive and useless teachers like Ilse Pfeifer. I was shocked to receive a newsletter with her workshop coming up. Seriously? So I have decided to share my story too. It took me 7 years to admit to myself that what Ilse Pfeifer did to me was unacceptable. I was the new key student in her class in 2015. She didn't like that I wouldn't suck up to her, or for whatever reason that was playing in her head, she acted weird and hostile with me. One day she must have seen me distracted (her class so really useless), so she decided to demonstrate an exercise to the rest of the class by having me lay down on my back, with my stomach slightly supported upward on a block and pillow (tools we'd normally use in class to stretch etc) and she literally sat on me "massaging" my belly, and pressing her fingers into my stomach so hard I gasped. It was the most painful experience, physically and emotionally. It went on for what I recall being 3 or 4 minutes and I, to this day, regret not having done anything to stop her from hurting me. She is a manipulative monster who hides behind a face of kindness that she puts up. Under that mask, she is a snake. Aside from this episode, I have stopped taking classes with other teachers because they are generally not helpful, overpriced, not specific enough, not targeted toward the business of acting, and not flexible nor practical. Most of the teachers are older and have been teaching there since the beginning of times. The studio needs fresh and talented teachers. read more

It has been a great pleasure and privilege to be a part of HB community. The tradition, the teachers and the respect for acting, for theatre is very inspiring. Constantly learning from the experience... read more

Some good teachers, low prices, but mostly mediocre teachers with no organized class structure that are clearly only here to pay their bills. Especially those bull crap speaking voice classes. I got so tired of my instructor claiming I spoke in a 'little girl voice' when I was 18 years old. I am a young girl, a-hole. Made me so self conscious of my voice when I was just trying to learn how to breathe efficiently for singing. Not to mention no ones voice improved but we all got sore ribs. Also some of the students are cool but half of them are weird foreigners that think they are better than Americans. read more

HB Studio - What a nice message to get- saying Europeans are better than Americans. Making HB look really bad. - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Hands down, one of the best summer intensives in the city. Hundreds audition for less than 20 spots each year for the Hagen Summer Intensive, taught by several of Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen's former students as well as other esteemed teachers. The summer intensive and some other classes closely follow Uta Hagen's book, "A Challenge for the Actor" - a recommended read for any aspiring actor. I auditioned and got one of the 17 spots during the 2008 intensive. You are able to send in a DVD recording of your selected pieces or audition in person for several of the teachers for that summer. Their classes are moderately priced and vary from open Beginner acting classes to invitation or audition-only advanced scene study classes. There are a wide variety of types and experience levels hanging outside the historic four floor building at all times of the day. There is even a small theatre space next door for ensemble performances. Every year there are several masterclasses or talk-back sessions with successful alumni of the Studio. A list of alumni is available on their website as well as updates about new classes or masterclasses that are available. As a part of the intensive program, my class got to meet and greet with Alec Baldwin. No, I did not get him to say "Beetlejuice." I have never felt so welcome among a variety of strangers as I did attending HB Studio. Each professor would recount personal stories with Hagen or Berghof trying the same exercises we performed in class. I eagerly await my future move to New York to roam the halls again. read more

I completely agree with Rachel P. review. I am currently taking Austin Pendleton's advanced scene study class and I cant tell you how much i've already learned. I have taken many acting classes over the past 5 years, studied with many different acting teachers but this is by far the best class i have ever taken. Did I mention its super cheap??!! I was used to paying $500 for a scene study class! HB is around $280 which makes a huge difference. Countless acting teachers and agents told me to study with Austin. I am so glad I listened to them. He has been in the business for many years both as an actor and director. He encourages his students and is never disrespectful (wish I could say that about other people i've studied with). Ill definitely be taking it again in the fall. read more

I audited and surprised to see that for not only the price but most importantly for how long they have been around, and the name they have, the equipment is so damn old. It's like VHS. Horrible quality too. Clean up your rooms. Renovate. Get with 2019. Technology. Step up your game, stop being cheap and treating your actors like this. read more

I took a couple of classes here. I have just been a film extra after that. It was not a big help at all. Anything I did was on my own. I had taken a class at ACT in SF before & the teacher told me he thought I was ready for advanced acting. Not a big deal but good. The class was years ago. First I did a scene her choice of course w/ other woman Bus Stop. No problem or critique I remember. The next I was alone at desk w/ phone. I tried to remember my lines. The teacher then bothered me with other students laughing. There was a geek right in front if me. The teacher had hold of my hair. She told me I was supposed to look up. I resented her doing that without telling me. Years after they are bothering me about it & repeating it. I don't have to. I told her I was quitting. A guy told me it was the best scene that night. She had a large class. He said she did a take down on another blonde girl. She would butter up some students not very good. I wanted my money back but no. I should not have tried to do so much & Stanislavsky method. They were not good scenes. So I tried other one. That teacher would just sit there. I just did exercises in that. One student bothered me saying rude things after her scene really all. She was a plain little girl & boring. She would keep repeating the Women scene with other girl being salesgirl. I said nothing at all to her about it. Later I took another one & got along much better with another girl. I don't know why I bothered really. Maybe to finish. It did not really do any good. I could myself he just made me nervous. I really don't want any advice about it. I don't care about them at all. After I read for a Shakespeare class to get in. She had studied in London Royal Shakespeare Co & put on play. Later I found out she was a secretary. Still it was helpful. I have had some bums etc repeating things - doesn't even look up & bothering late at nite and 2 am. Cry baby would be acting students. I also don't want them trying to steal my own writing. read more

One of the best decisions I ever made was to start studying at HB. I immediately felt at home, welcomed and safe to explore the many different layers involved in the acting process. It's a part of me now. Always will be and I will continue to take classes as long as possible. Much love to everyone! read more

Great Place to begin acting career on a budget. I would absolutely avoid taking Michael Beckett's class. He is very self-indulgent, inappropriate with women, and out of touch with reality. read more

I completed the Hagen Core Training in 2019 and I am consider myself extremely lucky to have had this experience. It was hard work and I felt challenged. I was definitely pushed beyond my comfort zone which is EXACTLY why I enrolled! The expertise and knowledge and experience of each and every one of the faculty I worked with was outstanding. Since returning home and continuing work as an actor, I find myself referring to my experiences from each one of my classes. Auditions are easier to prepare for and my work onstage (pre-Covid of course) feels so much more grounded and authentic. Thank you HB and Mark, Ilse, Ben, Carole, Rochelle, Martha, Marion, and Eliza. I miss working with you all. read more

Taking a class here was a joke. I was in the beginner class and it was a mess. The class size is about 30. Everyone had about 5 mins of individual focus from the instructor. I felt like I didn't learn anything. The instructor left 15 mins early every class and his assistant (key) never answered back to texts or emails. It was a waste. read more

I'm taking an acting class here now and I have to say that if you're a beginner and you just want to pick up the basics, it's great. I'm having fun, and I like my professor and the other people in the class. read more

It is a great school and the teachers are awesome. Watch out for the people in the admin/office. They are not very good with computers or the software. Also if you point out their mistake they turn around and blame you for some random reason which makes no sense. read more

ROLL CALL ON TEACHERS Improv - Carl Kissin, absolutely one of the best teacher at HB. He's unbelievably blows my mind EVERY class. He takes his time to understand each student. Mr. Kissin makes his classes so fun using lively improv games. He has so much knowledge in Improv, thus you feel like you are ready for the big screen or stage. I strongly encourage this class to everyone from beginner to advance. He has different levels. Technique - Michael Beckett, Seriously a true honor to have a seat in his class. He is also one of HB BEST teachers and I believe one of the longest members. This teacher is definitely most talked about at the studio. I strongly encourage this class to everyone from beginner to advance. He has different levels. Dialect - Amanda Quaid, She knows her stuff. Very encouraging. I love her classes each week. I strongly encourage this class to everyone from beginner to advance. These are some of the BEST and my favorite teachers. However, there are many great teachers at HB. I just have not gotten the pleasure to work with them just yet. read more

I took a couple of acting and voice classes here last summer and must say that for the price, the quality of instruction and content is really good in general. Of course, it all depends on the specific instructor and the quality of the students in your class, since most classes require significant participation. Disclaimer: I am not a professional actor. read more

The teachers here are fine, but I'm pretty sure they only hire sociopaths as their front desk staff. They're constantly frowning. They lie. They're extraordinarily slow, especially when they know you're trying to get to a class on time. read more

This is a good place to take acting class if you are on a tight budget. I've had some good experiences here, and have not had any trouble with people in the office, who have been helpful and even friendly. But... I recommend avoiding Rasa Kaslas's class. She is probably a great actor, but is not very good at articulating her thoughts and once she gets frustrated, it can be unnecessarily unpleasant to be in her classroom. read more

I was an active student in the late 80's. Bill Hickey and Earle Hyman taught me well. The level of professionalism in each class from voice, through musical theater and scene study was manifest. Now I can't speak of today's classes but I'm sure Austin Pendleton, who taught when I was there, would not put up with any decrease in the superlative level of training one received in those days. read more

Generally good teachers. But the students are very mixed from people with zero acting experience to current Broadway performers.

Founded in 1945 by actor/director Herbert Berghof and his wife, actress Uta Hagen, this is one of the country's premier schools for theatrical training. An intensive, well-rounded curriculum of study for committed students of all levels includes classes in acting, voice, musical theatre, dance, movement, improv, fencing, writing, and stage combat. Anne Bancroft, Candice Bergen, Matthew Broderick, Stockard Channing, Jill Clayburgh, Billy Crystal, Robert DeNiro, Faye Dunaway, Whoopi Goldberg, Hal Holbrook, Jack Lemmon, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Al Pacino, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Robards, Doris Roberts, Eva Marie Saint, Maureen Stapleton, Lily Tomlin, Sigourney Weaver, and yours truly are among its illustrious alumni (well, some are more illustrious than others). Despite the fact I studied here many years ago, thanks to outstanding instruction, I've never forgotten that every morning I drink kah-fee, not kaw-fee. read more

This is a great place to study for all actors--from beginners exploring the craft to seasoned professionals looking to hone their skills. They are professional, affordable, and caring. Try Vince Pastore's (Sopranos) workshop to see what the business of acting is all about--eye-opening and entertaining too, best for intermediate students. read more

i was a student here in my time there i learn the craft of acting my teacher was micheal beckett i loved the energy and just learning absorbing like a dryup sponge when i was at hb studio i was green pickup some bad habits from trying to cause i was a self taught actor big mistake we can learn from books but more importantly we learn from teachers and interacting with others just doing it getting on the stage and working with the space and props and other actors greatschool read more

dont go here!! I payed $500 to start on an entry acting 1 class... I wanted to learn, experience and grow. But that's not a goal for them. Every week I had to deal with this girl laughing loudly and unnecessary in the back at everyone when they went to perform. For 6 weeks I stayed quiet and just couldn't take it any more! I turned around and gave the eye and told my neighbor who was also annoyed that it was ridiculous and it's not cool that she laughs at peoples performances when all she does is stay on challenge one destination!!! FOR 6 WEEKS STRAIGHT!!!!! She's super wack! Such a loser! Do you know the teachers assistant pulled ME to the side!! And said I shouldn't give fellow classmates evil looks?!?!?! Ummm classmates shouldn't be able to laugh and chuckle like a damn hyena while they are trying and pouring their hearts out!!!!! The fact that I was addressed for looking at her with anger and disgust is not even merely equivalent to the disrespect they allowed her to emulate while others were trying which says that this studio ONLY cares about who pays money to attend is disgusting!!! I will never go back or refer ANYONE!!! Trudy is cool but that assistant must be screwing her mom or dad or straight delusional! The fact that he really tried to protect the disrespect was MIND BLOWING!!! DONT GO HERE!!!! Especially if Elliot is the teachers assistant! DONT DO IT! And if that girl Ronnie is going there. ITS A SET UP!!!! read more

Great Coach! Having taken acting classes at over 4 studios in NYC over the years, I have to applaud Austin Pendleton's coaching ability. I have taken his Advanced Scene Study Class for roughly two and a half years now and have made tremendous progress with Austin. He doesn't direct you, but encourages you in your own self-discovery. He is incredibly knowledgable about theater, theater history, playwrights, authors, history, etc., and thus you feel honored to be a part of his class. He treats his students with respect and there is always a good laugh! read more

I came here after a really bad experience at Penny Templeton, and it was a great change. You can audit classes here and choose which teachers you liked, so I did and found a few I was really comfortable with. Austin Pendleton and Raza Kaslas were my favorites. The prices are affordable and it's been around for a long time and so is well-known. read more

If you want to be an actor in NYC and the world this is the place to hone your craft. They work you hard here. The instructors are top notch and expect you to heed what they're teaching you. They know what they're doing here and have great respect for the craft of theater, acting, directing and playwriting. We all leave class buzzing with excitement and I've made some good friends amongst the other students, who come from everywhere. HB is the real deal. I'm hoping I'll be accepted in the Core training which starts in September and goes through June. read more

Great place inexpensive and great teachers.Audit a class to find the right teacher for you.

I moved from NYC to L.A. 25 years ago so I suppose some of this may be too dated for some readers but...I attended HB pretty much full-time from '85-'90. I was a beginning actress (not counting starring in 7th grade in "The King's Creampuffs") and upon arriving in the Big Apple I followed a friend's rec. to check out HB. Classes were only $5/per or $60 for a 12 week term. Other classes with well-known acting teachers usually cost a minimum of $250/session---waaay out of my price range at that time. I signed up for every class I could manage. I worked EVERY class--bringing in prepared scenes and lugging props....sometimes playing 3 or 4 characters a day! What experience!! At first I was in class with Herbert, Sandy Dennis, Amy Wright and a couple others. After 2 terms, a scene partner from Herbert's class had a partner who backed out (LAST MINUTE) from their audition for Uta. I was "not experienced" enough but did HIS audition for his sake. After we'd done our scene for Uta (or "MIss Hagen" as she insisted), she asked why she did not have any info on me. I told her I'd been a substitute for that audition and she asked if I'd like to study with her! I DID join her class and many others over the next 5 years. Sadly, I was only with Uta for the one year (didn't know there was a problem if you studied with Geraldine Page...Herbert cast me in my 1st play and I had no credits except to name all my acting teachers. When I wrote their names down for the program, Geraldine's name was eliminated and 2 weeks later Uta told me I (suddenly) needed to go back and get basic technique--then come back to audition for her again!). ---Enough of my saga. I have soooo much respect for H.B. and soooooo many fond memories of classes. I LOVED Sandy, F.Murray Abraham and Herbert (even though there was a lot of nepitism but HEY! Isn't that part of show business?) and the idea that they never'd raised their prices was and is unheard of! I feel so grateful that my 1st play (Dead:A LOVE STORY by William Styron who actually came and watched our final dress rehearsal and attended the opening nite!) was directed by Herbert. My part was tiny but I still remember it vividly and fondly. I think it was a 40 person cast! I got to meet Leonard Bernstein because my scene in the play was with his son, Alexander. When I talk to actors now about their background/experience at the beginning of their careers, I feel honored to have had so many amazing teachers and studied with at least 20 students who later became famous (and some who already WERE!!!). Reading these reviews of HB makes me happy that it is still going strong and actors have so many wonderful accounts of their experience there. I do, too!! read more