The Actor's Studio is a theatrical school and workshop located in the Old Labor Stage on 44th Street in New York City.

Founded in 1947 by Elia Kazan, Cheryl Crawford and Robert Lewis, the Studio is known for its work refining and teaching "Method acting," an approach originally developed by the Group Theatre in the 1930s based on the innovations of Konstantin Stanislavski.

The Studio came to worldwide recognition under the leadership of Lee Strasberg, who took over the helm in 1952.

While at the Studio, actors work together to develop their skills in an experimental environment, where they can take risks as performers without the pressure of commercial roles.

Over its long history, many famous and successful actors, directors and playwrights have come out of the Studio, including:

Edward Albee

James Baldwin

Ann Bancroft

Marlon Brando

James Dean

Jane Fonda

Norman Mailer

Steve McQueen

Marilyn Monroe

Paul Newman

Robert Ginty

Robert de Niro

Al Pacino

Geraldine Paige

Sidney Poitier

Kim Stanley

Eli Wallach

Tennessee Williams

Shelley Winters

Joanne Woodward

The television program Inside the Actors Studio, hosted by James Lipton (who is also Dean of the Studio) and airing on the cable network Bravo, provides in-depth interviews with actors, many of whom are students of the school. It is taped in front of students of the school as well.

External links

• PBS American Masters Series profile (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/actors_studio.html)
• Inside the Actor's Studio (http://www.bravotv.com/Inside_the_Actors_Studio/)