The Home of the Meisner Technique
Live Truthfully
For nearly a century, The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre has prepared serious actors through disciplined, immersive conservatory training in the heart of New York City.
Full-Time Professional Training
Two-Year Conservatory
A cumulative professional actor-training program rooted in the Meisner Technique and integrated study in voice, movement, music, and performance.
Explore the programSummer Training for Adults
Six-Week Intensive
An accelerated, full-time introduction to conservatory training for adult actors seeking focused and immersive summer study.
Explore the intensiveSummer Training Ages 15–18
Pre-College Conservatory
Three weeks of professional-level actor training for dedicated young artists preparing for college, conservatory, or continued study.
Explore pre-college
Born at The Neighborhood Playhouse
The Home Of
The Meisner Technique
In 1935, Sanford Meisner joined the faculty of The Neighborhood Playhouse. By 1940, he had become Head of the Acting Program. It was here that the world-renowned Meisner Technique was developed and refined.
The training teaches actors to place their attention on the other person, respond truthfully under imaginary circumstances, and build a craft grounded in listening, preparation, and authentic behavior.
“Acting is doing.”
Sanford Meisner
Choose Your Path
Professional Training at Every Stage
Across three rigorous programs, students engage in process-driven work that emphasizes truthful acting, technical craft, artistic discipline, and long-term development.
Age 18+ · Two Academic Years
Two-Year Conservatory
Full-time professional actor training centered on the Meisner Technique. Students undertake sustained studio work in acting, voice, movement, music, Shakespeare, film and television, and performance.
View the Two-Year ProgramAge 18+ · Six Weeks
Summer Intensive
A concentrated introduction to Meisner-based conservatory training, with full-time study in acting, voice and speech, movement, stage combat, and on-camera technique.
View the Summer IntensiveAges 15–18 · Three Weeks
Pre-College Conservatory
Professional-level summer training for young actors, combining Meisner Acting, Acting on Pitch, on-camera work, movement, voice and speech, Shakespeare, and career preparation.
View Pre-College
Meet the Graduating Class
Proudly Presenting the Class of 2026
Meet the graduating actors of The Neighborhood Playhouse. Explore individual profiles featuring headshots, résumés, performance reels, and professional contact information.
From Studio Practice to Performance
The Work on Stage
Public performances, demonstrations, filmed scenes, and collaborative production work allow students to bring their training into fully realized theatrical and on-camera experiences.
2026 Production Reel
A glimpse of the theatrical work, ensemble collaboration, and production experiences that form an essential part of training at The Neighborhood Playhouse.
A Legacy Across Stage and Screen
Notable Alumni
For generations, Neighborhood Playhouse graduates have built distinguished careers in theatre, film, television, comedy, directing, writing, and the performing arts. Their work reflects the range, individuality, and enduring value of rigorous actor training.
Begin Your Training
Find the Program That Meets You Where You Are
Whether you are beginning professional training, deepening an established practice, or exploring serious actor training before college, The Neighborhood Playhouse offers a path into disciplined, transformative work.
Meet the Faculty
Learn about the actors, directors, dancers, musicians, writers, and educators who guide students through each area of the curriculum.
Explore the FacultyVisit the Playhouse
Join an Open House or schedule a tour of our historic East 54th Street home in the heart of New York City.
Plan Your VisitSupport the Work
Help sustain professional actor training, scholarships, student productions, and the next generation of Playhouse artists.
Support the PlayhouseWelcome to the Neighborhood
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre is located in Midtown Manhattan, close to the artistic and cultural life of New York City.
340 East 54th Street
New York, NY 10022
Contact
office@neighborhoodplayhouse.org
(212) 688-3770