Acting classes can offer much more than performance training. At their best, they help people become more present, responsive, imaginative, collaborative, and connected — both onstage and in everyday life.
At The Barrow Group, our acting classes in NYC are rooted in:
- spontaneity
- truthful storytelling
- imagination
- collaboration
- relaxation
- human connection
We believe actors do their strongest work when they feel grounded, responsive, emotionally available, and free from unnecessary self-consciousness.
Whether you are exploring acting for the first time or continuing professional training, our classes are designed to support long-term artistic growth in a supportive ensemble environment.
A Different Approach to Acting Training
Many acting classes focus primarily on performance results or mastering a single technique.
At The Barrow Group, we approach acting training as an ongoing creative practice.
Our work is designed to:
- encourage spontaneity
- foster truthful and compelling human behavior
- strengthen imagination and responsiveness
- support effortless and invisible adjustment
- help actors become more relaxed and present in their work.
Rather than encouraging actors to force emotion or imitate performances, we help artists become more connected, flexible, and alive moment to moment.
As we often say:
the best technique is invisible.
Acting Classes for Beginners & Professionals
Some students arrive with years of professional experience. Others are stepping into an acting class for the first time.
Our acting classes in NYC support artists at every stage of development.
Beginning actors often focus on:
- relaxation
- imagination
- script analysis
- monologues
- scene study
- ensemble exercises
- overcoming self-consciousness
Professional actors continue refining:
- spontaneity
- audition technique
- rehearsal process
- emotional flexibility
- truthful moment-to-moment behavior
- on-camera performance
At The Barrow Group, acting training is viewed as an ongoing process of exploration and creative growth rather than a fixed destination.
Scene Study, On-Camera & Specialty Classes
The Barrow Group offers a wide range of acting classes and workshops in New York City, including:
- scene study
- on-camera acting
- voice and speech
- improvisation
- monologue preparation
- audition technique
- movement and physical awareness
- directing
- writing
- filmmaking and content creation
Students can train through:
- weekly classes
- weekend workshops
- intensives
- summer programs
- professional actor training programs
Our programs are designed to support both stage and on-camera storytelling.
Training Rooted in Collaboration & Ensemble
Acting is collaborative by nature.
At The Barrow Group, we strive to create a training environment that feels:
- welcoming
- rigorous
- accessible
- supportive
- creatively energizing
- ensemble-driven
Students are encouraged to:
- experiment
- make mistakes
- trust their imagination
- respond authentically
- explore freely without fear of judgment
We believe meaningful artistic growth happens when actors feel supported enough to take creative risks.
Confidence Through Presence & Connection
Many students discover that acting classes support growth beyond performance.
Actors often become:
- more comfortable speaking in groups
- more adaptable
- stronger listeners
- more creatively flexible
- more emotionally aware
- more confident communicating with others
At The Barrow Group, confidence is not treated as performance or self-presentation. It grows naturally as actors become more relaxed, responsive, and connected in their work.
More Than an Acting School
The Barrow Group began as an Off-Broadway theater company, and our training remains deeply connected to storytelling, artistic process, and ensemble collaboration.
Our philosophy emphasizes:
- humanity
- spontaneity
- collaboration
- accessibility
- truthful storytelling
- creative freedom
We believe actors become more compelling when they stop trying to “perform” and instead become fully engaged in truthful human behavior under imaginary circumstances.
Study Acting in NYC at The Barrow Group
The Barrow Group is an award-winning NYC theater company and acting school offering acting classes, workshops, scene study, on-camera acting, improvisation, voice and speech, directing, writing, and professional actor training in New York City.
Our acting classes are designed to help artists develop greater spontaneity, authenticity, collaboration, and freedom in performance.
Explore acting classes, workshops, intensives, and professional training programs at The Barrow Group.