The Â鶹ֱ²¥ of the Meisner Technique
In 1935, Sanford Meisner, one of the most influential acting teachers of the 20th century, joined the faculty of the Â鶹ֱ²¥. In 1940, he became Head of the Acting Program. It was here that the world-renowned Meisner Technique was born.
Today, the Â鶹ֱ²¥ offers a full-time, two-year certificate program in professional acting, along with a concentrated six-week Summer Intensive for adults and a three-week Pre-College Conservatory for young actors. Located on East 54th Street in New York City, the Â鶹ֱ²¥ is a place to nurture your talent, deepen your craft, and gain the skills needed to launch a lasting career.
“One can use standard principles and textbooks in educating people for law, medicine, architecture, chemistry or almost any profession – but not for the theatre. For in most professions, every practitioner uses the same tools and facilities, while the actor’s chief instrument is himself.â€
-Sanford Meisner
the training
For nearly a century, The Â鶹ֱ²¥ has championed excellence in professional actor training rooted in the Meisner Technique and disciplined studio practice. Across three rigorous programs, students can engage in sustained, process-driven work that emphasizes truthful acting, technical craft, and long-term artistic development.
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Two years of full-time conservatory training rooted in the Meisner Technique. The work is cumulative and demanding: sustained studio practice, disciplined scene work, and integrated training in voice, movement, and music, leading to public performances and an industry showcase.
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A six-week immersive introduction to the Meisner Technique taught in an accelerated, studio-focused format. Designed for actors seeking concentrated training, the program emphasizes daily scene work, repetition, and foundational technique within a professional conservatory environment.
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A three-week summer conservatory for high school students exploring serious actor training. Participants engage in studio classes modeled on the professional program, gaining exposure to Meisner-based acting, voice, and movement while developing focus, confidence, and craft.