Acting classes can offer much more than performance training. At their best, they help artists become more present, responsive, imaginative, collaborative, and connected — both onstage and off.
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, emotionally available, responsive, 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 meaningful artistic growth in a supportive ensemble environment.
A Different Approach to Acting Training
Many acting classes focus on performance results, competition, or trying to master a single technique.
At The Barrow Group, we approach acting training as an ongoing creative practice rooted in truthful human behavior and storytelling.
Our work is designed to:
- encourage spontaneity
- strengthen imagination
- support effortless and invisible adjustment
- help actors become more relaxed and responsive
- foster truthful and compelling human behavior
As we often say: the best technique is invisible.
Rather than encouraging actors to force emotion or imitate performances, we help artists become more connected, flexible, and alive moment to moment.
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 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 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 participate through:
- weekly classes
- workshops
- intensives
- summer programs
- professional actor training programs
Our classes 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
- ensemble-driven
- creatively energizing
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.
“Less Is More”
The Barrow Group’s work is often associated with a “less is more” philosophy — one rooted in simplicity, responsiveness, and truthful behavior rather than theatrical excess.
Strong acting does not require forcing emotion or performing at maximum intensity. Often, the smallest truthful behavior can communicate more powerfully than exaggerated performance.
Our approach encourages actors to trust:
- simplicity
- specificity
- listening
- connection
- imagination
- and truthful moment-to-moment behavior.
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.