I read these 2 negative reviews of Barbara Marchant and wonder what planet these students are on. She is the best acting teacher I know. Nothing abusive, if anything she was too nice and accommodating to students who don't the work, or miss a lot of classes. My guess is these 2 students have their own issues. Some actors can't take "critic," and see it as abuse (it will hurt your feelings if you let it), but we need to hear the truth about our acting to move forward. We all get it in our heads we are good, but a better teacher who is honest with you (many just take your money and say great things) will see the difference, open your eyes if you allow it. Don't blame the teacher. She's trying to help you. You need a think skin in this business. You should be so lucky to have Barbara as your teacher. read more

Class with Barbara made me never want to take an acting class again. I've never, IN MY LIFE,  met a more condescending or passive aggressive individual. I loved Esper's books so naturally when I had finally saved enough money to take classes at his studio, I was excited. Our first meeting was on zoom and Barbara was ten minutes late. No apology but she seemed pleasant. A couple weeks later the 8-week intensive began and immediately her true personality emerged. If we didn't pick up a concept as fast as she thought we should, it looked like she was actually disgusted. Like we were wasting her time for being confused. Any and every question a student asked seemingly had a price tag attached to it. Someone would ask a relevant question to the subject material and instead of an answer, Barbara would suggest buying more classes. At that point, we had all spent $800 for her class. I don't know what planet she's living on but last time I checked most actors aren't rich and to usher us into spending more money to get the answers to questions she refused to comment on is just unkind. Barbara would belittle people for making mistakes, leaving us, students, scared to take risks. This essentially destroyed all of our potential growth as actors because how do you learn if you never fail? It felt like there was a clear "right" and "wrong" way to act while in her presence. I was getting anxiety before the start of every class and by the end, was a nervous wreck while performing. Her class wasn't a safe environment. It's almost like she hates this art form and hopes you'll hate it too. If you choose to take class with Barbara, expect to learn not a single thing and for a bus to drive through your self-confidence. read more

I was excited to move to NYC and start this program, however shortly after starting I was dropped from all classes by a teacher who said it was "nothing personal" although I really suspect differently. I would watch out for John Frey; he has a bad habit of cursing at his students and thinks he is Gordan Ramsey. Really surprising how one teacher can have this much influence. read more

William Esper Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

just ensure you dont have any mental health issues while you're attending this school, because Suzanne Esper does not care. I found her to be quite unempathetic and cold, despite being an acting teacher. Disheartened. read more

Many years ago I took the 2yr. program with Barbara Marchant. Not only did she challenge me as an actor but she gave me tools and confidence that I still use today an an independent film maker. Yes she was tough ( the mark of a good teacher) but she also encouraged me to dig to find the "right as if" the "right pinch for the ouch"... I don't think I thanked Barbara properly when the program was over because I moved to L.A. shortly after graduating. I found my time at The William Esper Studio to be invaluable ...thank you Barbara. Eleva Singleton read more

I wanted to wait until I completed the program to write my review. So, now that I am done, here goes. I started off my experience with the Esper Studio probably about 5 years ago when my acting coach in Dallas, Michele Condrey, told her students about the book. She was a former student of Stanley Conrad, who like William Esper was a former apprentice under Sanford Meisner. I read the first book. I enjoyed the read though at that time I was intimidated to even think of going through that process. I looked up the website and felt even more intimidated. So, life went on. Fast forward two years and I wasn't so intimidated any more. I needed and wanted and yearned for this precise training that I had read about. I wanted a solid foundation and I knew this was the place to go. And after looking at their alumni list, there was not a shadow of a doubt. All I could think was, these people work. I want to work. I ended up applying for the summer intensive. My idea was to make the big move to NYC, attend the intensive and just begin submitting and workshopping it or getting in some kind of on-camera class. The summer was just that - intense.... so intense, yet so very beautiful. I was so scared the first class. I was in this room with these strangers in this new city repeating. (Screaming and shaking on the inside). It got better though. I took everything....acting, voice and speech, movement, mask, improv, on-camera acting and alexander. I was so infused, so tired and so inspired at the end of the six weeks. I was so inspired that I decided to continue with the two year conservatory experience. It was not a part of the original game plan but I can't tell you how many people were in the same boat as me. We thought we were just doing the summer but it was nearly impossible to stop after that. I couldn't. I knew how much I learned in those 6 weeks so imagining two years was a huge motivating factor to keep going. So, I rested for a few weeks, finally enjoyed the city and came back in about 6 weeks. It really made a difference in the 2 year program. Initially, one might think to wait and do the 2 year program but I could clearly see in myself and the other summer programmers the difference it made. I don'tthink I would've progressed like I did without that "head start." So, I highly recommend going to the summer whether you are solely attending the summer or continuing onward. I ended up doing the Core program in year 1 and continuing with Acting II and Voice & Speech II in year 2 (I only cut movement because I could not financially do them all). Year 1 and year 2 are vastly different and should be. They build and progress in such a clear and specific way. It is technique. It is well thought out. It is purposeful. I really enjoyed both years and really enjoyed the differences, progressions and challenges. It's important to stay committed, do the work, be kind to yourself (a struggle for some including me), and keep listening and learning. Not everyone will finish the program for different reasons. It's tough. But it's worth it. It will get you the training you desire. When I completed it, it was definitely an accomplishment I was proud of. It wasnt6easy and it was emotionally and physically taxing at times but I knew that this what real acting is about - the work. I know that I have something to stand on now and that makes me feel competent and will help grow my confidence. I know as I go forward and apply my training to the opportunities I get, I will be able to pull from that training. I know it will sink deeper and I will learn new things and be able to self correct when I go astray because I have the technique. Instructors: I had Bruce McCarty for acting! Highly recommended! He has very serious about the craft and drops gems on the daily. I had him from summer until completion. He is all I know and likely all I want to know. But I know I am bias. Every one is bias. Everyone loves their acting teachers! Ted Morin for Movement I. I still apply the tools and techniques to warm up, wake up my body and stay entuned with it and know how it works best and what is blocking it. It helps to have this understanding. Your body is your instrument (movement and sound). Pat Fletcher for Voice & Speech I. She was perfect for me because she has a strong focus on sounds which was important for me since I have a clear accent; I had Nancy Mayans for V&S II. Learned a lot! I truly felt trained when I left this class. There are the basics and there are those things that have the ability to separate you from the pack. I could go on and on and I already have but I feel this gives you a pretty good picture of the training. Facilities are nice. They were under construction after I left so it should be even nicer with more space for classes and rehearsals. Highly recommended. read more

I just finished the six week summer intensive and plan to attend the two year (God willing) starting in January. Some thoughts from my brain for prospective students- We probably all know the difference between bad and good acting. You see a super cheesy soap opera and roll your eyes. Then you flip to Daniel Day Lewis or Meryl Streep and 5 minutes later you're in tears asking yourself what it is you've actually DONE with your life. What we don't know (unless you are some kind of natural born prodigy, in which case I probably hate you anyways. Kidding. Pray your mojo rubs off on me?) is how to get from bad acting to good acting. How to actually "live truthfully in imaginary circumstances". Well, a guy named Sandy Meisner figured it out and a bunch of really cool peeps know the method and are down to teach you. It's actually a technique, like learning to play the piano. I love that because when I hit my insanely annoying little creative blocks I tend to freak out thinking: "OMG! What if my creative freedom in acting is locked away somehow by my subconscious fear of cats or something!" ...Or maybe that's just me? The point is, with the repetition, the exercise with text, and repeated (and repeated and repeated and repeated) practice of letting someone (usually your partner) really truly HAPPEN to you, you are building a muscle memory of sorts. Eventually your "instrument" just knows how to release that inner life and "live truthfully in imaginary circumstances". It's cool. Anyways, I hope that makes sense. Also, something I LOVE about these classes is that the teachers, aside from being amazing bad asses in their fields (Shout out to Bruce: "Bad acting makes my ass hurt." and Jules: "Breath!") they really, sincerely fucking care about your journey in this art. If you are being lazy they will tell you. They are incredibly intuitive and perceptive and actually quite amazing with critique, which you get almost every class. These guys aren't going to be with you in auditions or on set, so they want you to be able to handle business, and handle it well, on your own. (Thank you because I also want me to be able to handle business!) Go get yo act on! Seriously though it's a legit school. I have a lot of work to do, and a TON to learn, but it really helps to know you're in good hands. Peace! ::drops mic:: read more

this is probably the finest acting studio in new york city. "The William Esper Studio is dedicated to the work of Sanford Meisner and William Esper and the proposition that acting is a creative art and true excellence in its practice may only be achieved through total mastery of technical craft." the studio boasts such alumni as Sam Rockwell, David Morse, Jeff Goldblum, Larry David, Aaron Eckhart just to name a few. all of the instructors here are incredibly brilliant and fully dedicated to their students' growth and understanding of the craft. the studio begins to feel like a second home of sorts. highly recommended. read more

William Esper Studio - Bill Esper - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I truly believe that the William Esper Studio is one of the better acting schools in New York City. It is smaller, so personalized attention can be given to each student that needs it. They hardly ever turn people away and always strive for people to be the best they can possibly be. The Meisner Technique isn't right for everyone, but if you like Meisner at all, this is the best place to study it. Per John A's review- I am not a paid spokesperson for Esper. I went to the studio last summer for the intensive and am beginning my 2-year program in a few weeks. The studio does have pretty strict rules about not letting shows or auditions conflict with classes but that is simply because ALL of the work in class is with a partner. You lose your partner, you lose weeks of training. And lastly, the past students that have graduated and gone on to be pretty big celebrities, are very proud of their training. Sure some of them took a class or two but Sam Rockwell actually came back to speak at the studio a few years ago. Jeff Goldblum mentioned him in an interview recently. I personally had David and he pushed me very hard. He wasn't mean at all but definitely pushed me when I needed to be pushed. The entire studio is filled with people who truly want to see every student do the absolute best they can. read more

I feel strongly about posting this for a second time. Actors have few resources and are very subject to manipulation. I fell for the crap about being "chosen" for last summer's intensive. BS. I filled the roster and had the money to pay at the time. It was 24 students rushing through a bit of work during each class with no real teaching. I've been cast in lots of things despite learning nothing for a lot of money. I cannot speak for the two year program, but I can tell you the summer intensive, which I am sure will be back in 2021, is the way they fill their bank account. read more

I absolutely love The William Esper Studio. I received the most rigorous and best acting training from this studio and I will never forget my time studying there. I still return to refresh my training or take additional classes. In my opinion, this studio has everything an actor needs. I'm absolutely grateful to the staff and instructors who are eternally passionate for the craft and absolutely giving. The staff and teachers are some of the nicest people I've ever met in the acting world. They truly know how to take their time with the training and at the same time creating an effective hard working environment. The tough training was upheld by professionalism, passion, delicacy, detail, and love for actors/people. I highly recommend studying here or trying out the summer session for a taste! read more

They LOVE to take your money..this school made me want to stop acting..my partner refused to meet me for rehearsal..but then it was my fault? Esper a good teacher probably yes..but MEISNERS method is not all that difficult to learn and there are far BETTER and cheaper instructors out there then this place.. Its suppose to be about the art huh? then why charge twice as much then everyone else actors struggle enough financially.. Very clique place overrun with Europeans on a visa that they are making serious money off of since they have to do the FULL time program.. My advice shop around for a better price..look into a a BA program as well. read more

Perhaps the smartest move I've made in both my career and my life was deciding to study at Esper. I highly recommend it to any searching not only to hone their craft, but to begin to truly know themselves. Thank you, Suzanne! read more

I was thrilled when I started the classes here at William Esper several years ago. I took classes with Barbara Marchant here for a few years. And I honestly regret it. I did learn some things, but I found it to an abusive atmosphere where she played favorites. And I very clearly was not a favorite. The method was unclear to many of the students,including me, and if I revealed any past personal trauma I was called unemotional, cold, and in need of therapy (and who doesn't need therapy in this modern world?). There was a certain level of disgust and very little compassion that I felt from her when I revealed some childhood trauma in my past while working through a scene. It was a very emotionally unsafe arena to explore and work through new techniques. The constant mocking was difficult and made me shut down. While I'm grateful for the few things I learned, overall I felt I spent money to be abused and ridiculed. I wish I had gotten a different teacher. If I had to do over again, I would not and would have tried another teacher to help me navigate this technique. read more

Suzanne Esper is amazing. She is a stellar teacher that doesn't miss a beat...a perfect blend of den mother and tigress. I took the summer intensive with her and was thrilled to spend the next two years with her. read more

One of the Hollywood Reporter's 'Top 25' acting schools on the planet (#24), Bill is truly the reigning 'Master' of teaching the art & craft of Sanford Meisner! As far as the 'Meisner Method' is concerned, it has never failed me in the four plus decades of my very healthy and successful career. I know that both he and Suzanne have made it their life's work. A strictly private institution, the results that they have produced together at the Studio are truly extraordinary. Bravo! €8-.D read more

William Esper Studio - David Patrick Wilson, Neighborhood Playhouse, Class of 1971. - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I started studying with John Frey this summer during the six week intensive. I chose to continue into the fall program and asked for John to be my teacher. I have taken other classes at the studio and really feel supported at William Esper. However, John is my acting teacher and has really invested in me growing over the past 10 months. He is the kindest, most knowledgeable acting teacher I have ever had in my 10 years studying acting. He has helped me grow so much and I have seen many of my friends in my class grow tremendously on our journey together. As well, I see all the teachers investing and active in the students lives and work. It is a beautiful family. You will always see people hanging around after classes and bonding. It is a very special place. You will be pushed to discover pieces of yourself you didn't know existed. But really truly thank you to John Frey for being such a huge part of my William Esper experience. read more

before i moved to los angeles i studied here for 2 years and the school is great it offers two-year full-time programs. you will be as well rounded as you can get as an actor. and if you haven;t read william Esper's book "The Actor's Art and Craft" you should, its a staple especially if you are going to attend that school. Now that i am in los angeles i will be checking out all the Santa Monica acting schools that aren't as Meisner based as william esper since his school is really focused on Meisner. read more

CURRENT STUDENT! John A.'s negative review has me absolutely perplexed and compelled me to counter his post. William Esper Studio offers on e of the best actor's training to be a GREAT actor as opposed to a mediocre one. I am a current student finishing up my first year. For someone to review this training as anything other than remarkable is extremely off-base. My phone is malfunctioning so I used Yelp to find the last four digits to call the office; hence I saw the review. Esper instructors are top tier; read their bios on site. The program teaches you how to craft, react truthfully and teaches you how to strip yourself of the masks that hold you back from being better than the immense amount of mediocre competition out there. Many of the alumni John A. speaks of return to speak to the students about how the program made them better actors. Each instructor is extremely adept in their teaching skills and they take each individual's training extremely seriously, providing thorough guidance to improve your skills. This is for serious students willing to put the effort in that they need to progress and surpass their own abilities. I can't disagree enough with this reviewer. There is a promotional piece on youtube to watch from Esper. I watched it at their request for students to give feedback on the video. It takes an almost indescribable experience and puts it into terms a prospective student would understand. I have not been asked to review; I am simply an aghast student who wouldn't be able to live with myself having trained with them by not opening your eyes to the amazing merits of this program and the instructors. Their only goal is to see you succeed and they tailor your feedback to achieve that goal. Any limits you encounter are within yourself, and even then they guide you on how to break through those. I have no idea why John said they dismiss you; all teachers are willing to meet with you one on one. read more

I did the Summer intensive here and it was a complete and utter sham. I do NOT recommend this studio at all. They packed 20 novice students into the class during the course of the 6 weeks. Most studios have 10 -12 students maximum but these guys just couldn't get enough money. We were also required to buy William Espers book as required class reading. Yet more money. In 'the interview' prior to signing up I was assured that all aspects of the Meisner Technique would be covered over the course. I liked this as I had covered most aspects of the Meisner technique previously and wanted to touch on the latter steps of the technique. Despite being told by the office that all the steps would be covered they were not. Not even close. All the teacher did was repetitions and activities. As there were so many in class each student got only about 10 minutes to work each class. The teacher constantly talked about how she had being teaching acting for 36 years and also taught an MFA somewhere. It was clear that the teacher had been either teaching far too long or just came to teach for a pay check as many of the students in class made fundamental errors in their approach in their preparation. Many students used real circumstances from their own lives in their work which is exactly what the Meisner technique is not about and the students were never corrected on this. It was totally opposed to what Meisner talked about in his book or even William Esper himself in his own book. Many of the students would comment on this confusion after class. The teacher lacked clarity and consistency which are among the basic elements of good teaching and of course the very large class did not help at all. Having come across many classes this was by far the worst. It is clear that many of the positive reviews here are not authentic. Do yourself a favor and do not give your money to this school. There are many other excellent Meisner classes in the city like the Playhouse or Maggie Flannagan so be very careful when choosing a class. read more