The 20 Best Acting Programs in Brooklyn, NY in 2026
Brooklyn has emerged as a hub for the performing arts, home to some of the most prestigious acting programs in New York City. From conservatories and studios to local community theaters, aspiring actors in Brooklyn have access to exceptional training opportunities taught by industry professionals.
This blog post highlights the 20 best acting programs in Brooklyn for 2024, fromFoundations to advanced actor training, musical theater intensives, on-camera acting, and more.
1. Stella Adler Studio of Acting
The Stella Adler Studio of Acting, founded in 1949 by renowned actress and teacher Stella Adler, has an expanding presence in NY with its new Brooklyn location. The studio provides comprehensive training in screen acting and stage acting informed by Adler‘s notable acting technique.
Highlights
- Respected faculty with broad acting experience
- Focus on script analysis and character development
- Scene study, voice, and movement courses
- Industry showcases and seminars
Contact
📍 231 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
☎️ (212) 689-0087
2. Maggie Flanigan Studio
Maggie Flanigan Studio takes an innovative approach to acting education led by renowned teacher Maggie Flanigan. Its Brooklyn location offers Meisner Technique and Fitzmaurice Voicework training tailored for the camera and stage.
Highlights
- Acclaimed faculty focusing on the Meisner Technique
-Dynamic scene study and Fitzmaurice Voicework classes - State-of-the-art space mirroring a working TV/film set
- Ongoing career preparation services
Contact
📍 70 N 4th St 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249
☎️ (917) 789-1599
3. William Esper Studio
William Esper, a master teacher of the Meisner technique of acting, founded this highly respected studio in 1965. Its Brooklyn location delivers the intensive professional training in Meisner technique that the studio is recognized for.
Highlights
- Intensive focus on Meisner technique
- Small class sizes
- Scene study and improvisation courses
- Showcase opportunities in Manhattan
Contact
📍 342 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
☎️ (718) 398-3034
4. NY Conservatory for Dramatic Arts
This acting school expands the opportunities aspiring actors have to train in Brooklyn with a full-time 2-year program. Students gain a strong foundation covering diverse techniques and practical experience through main stage productions.
Highlights
- Comprehensive 2-year acting program
- Extensive performance opportunities
- Training in multiple acting techniques
- Film/TV electives available
Contact
📍 70 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
☎️ (877) 696-1929
5. The Brooklyn Acting Lab
This creative studio in Brooklyn led by working actor John Pallotta focuses on training actors for success on camera and stage. Its hands-on courses help students master audition technique, develop character depth, and more.
Highlights
- Emphasis on strengthening on-camera skills
- Classes match real-world casting experience
- Supportive, collaborative environment
- Ongoing career guidance offered
Contact
📍 92 South 4th Street Brooklyn, NY 11211
☎️ (646) 398-8123
6. Terry Knickerbocker Studio
This reputable acting studio located in Industry City delivers personalized actor training integrating a range of notable techniques. MFA founder Terry Knickerbocker teaches discovery-based classes focused on strengthening performing instincts.
Highlights
- Blend of acting techniques including Meisner and Chekhov
- Terry Knickerbocker’s original approach emphasizing emotional connection
- Close mentorship from experienced faculty
- Ongoing classes and workshops
Contact
📍 68 34th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
☎️ (718) 801-8999
7. Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
Home to the renowned Lee Strasberg Method acting technique, this leading acting school expanded to Brooklyn to give more aspiring actors access to its exceptional programs. Both its Young Actors Program and Conservatory Program are now available at this location.
Highlights
- Respected training in the Lee Strasberg Method technique
- Programs for young actors through adult learners
- Conservatory program and short-term classes/intensives
- Faculty with extensive industry experience
Contact
📍 115 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249
☎️ (212) 533-5500
8. Actors Green Room
This reputable acting studio offers dynamic training for stage and camera combining a range of techniques including Meisner, Chekhov and Stanislavsky. Ongoing classes run year-round and intensive options are also available.
Highlights
- Technique integration including Meisner and Chekhov
- Ongoing weekly classes and intensives
- Beginner through advanced training
- On-set media production opportunities
Contact
📍 244 Duffield St #36J, Brooklyn, NY 11201
☎️ (646) 398-8123
9. NY Lonny Price Acting Studio
Under the guidance ofTony-winning Broadway director Lonny Price, this studio focuses on strengthening the actor’s personal creative instinct. A strong emphasis is placed on learning by performing with careful text analysis.
Highlights
- Developing the actor’s creative instinct and personal technique
- Close mentorship from Tony-winner Lonny Price
- Integrated scene study and performance
- Range of ongoing classes and private coaching
Contact
📍 Practice Space: Linear Labs, 1013 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Classes also available online
☎️ 917-400-5417
10. Brighton Ballet Theater Co
Brighton Ballet exposes students to Russian training methodology in ballet technique with a focus on developing versality as a performer. Intensive pre-professional programs prepare aspiring dancers for a career while adult and youth recreational programs are also available.
Highlights
- Respected Russian ballet training methodology
- Pre-professional and recreational program offerings
- Focus on versatility and holistic skills
- Opportunities for community performances
Contact
📍 Kingsborough Community College
2001 Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 112235
☎️ (718) 769 9161
11. BAM Professional Development Program
This highly respected program gives emerging Brooklyn-based artists an invaluable opportunity to develop their talents with guidance from industry experts at the iconic BAM cultural institution. 15-20 artists are selected annually for a year of creative development, networking and more.
Highlights
- Mentorship from BAM executive leadership
- Support for artistic development projects
- Resources and networks to elevate careers
- Presenting opportunity at BAM’s Next Wave Festival
Contact
📍BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
12. Brooklyn College Feit Interdisciplinary Humanities Seminar
This selective program from the Feit Interdisciplinary Humanities Seminar immerses undergraduate theatre students in the creation of an original piece of theatre. The focus lies on interdisciplinary, collaborative work that experiments with the theatrical form under the guidance of a Brooklyn College Theatre faculty member.
Highlights
- Collaborative theatre creation
- Mentorship from Brooklyn College faculty
- Blending of various humanities disciplines
- Presenting work on-campus and in NYC
Contact
📍 Brooklyn College Campus
2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
13. TADA! Youth Theater
This respected community theater arts program has delivered musical theatre training to young people since 1984. Students can join classes year-round or summer camps to gain stage skills and life lessons.
Highlights
- Respected, long-running youth musical theater program
- Training from professional NYC artists and educators
- Creative confidence-building in youth
- Performance opportunities in an original musical
Contact
📍 15 West 28th St, New York, NY 10001
(Classes also available at Brooklyn location by arrangement)
☎️ (212) 252-1619
14. Dancewave
This local nonprofit provides accessible dance education focusing on nurturing creative expression in Brooklyn youth. With programs spanning various genres from ballet and tap to hip hop and African dance, their offerings develop dance skills while also cultivating respect, leadership and perseverance.
Highlights
- Respected Brooklyn dance education organization
- Wide range of dance genre training
- Focus on creativity, confidence-building and leadership skills development
- Inclusive, positive environment welcoming students of all backgrounds
Contact
📍 182 Fourth Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
☎️ (718) 522-4696
15. Braata Productions Rising Stars
The Rising Stars program from Braata Productions gives youth the chance to gain skills for musical theatre success on and off-stage. Expert classes develop singing, dancing, and acting skills while behind-the-scenes mentors share their industry knowledge to equip students for careers in performing arts.
Highlights
- Musical theatre skills development from industry pros
- Insider career mentorship provided
- Fostering of leadership and confidence in youth
- Annual live musical production
Contact
📍 Practice Space: Kingsborough Community College
2001 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn
16. Brick Theater Teen Company
Brooklyn’s Brick Theater fosters the creativity of teenage performers through its Teen Company program. Participants gain experience in devising, producing and performing original theatrical works, guided by the Brick’s Ensemble leadership.
Highlights
- Devised, original theatrical productions
- Ensemble-based creative development process
- Performance and production skills gained
- Supportive atmosphere focused on collaboration
Contact
📍 79 Ontario St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
17. BAX | Brooklyn Arts Exchange Youth Education
This local multi-arts center provides one-of-a-kind performance training programs aimed to support the overall growth of Brooklyn youth. With a welcoming, inclusive environment, students explore interests from dance and theatre to video production and stage combat.
Highlights
- Wide range of performing arts training
- Focus on fostering creativity and self-confidence
- Inclusion of underserved Brooklyn youth populations
- Teaching artists engage students’ interests
Contact
📍 421 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
☎️ (718) 832-0018
18. Brooklyn Music School Ensembles Program
The Ensembles Program from this reputable Brooklyn music school allows kids and teens to experience performing with others in musical styles spanning classical, jazz, pop, and world music. Weekly coaching and rehearsal prepares them for studio recordings and performances.
Highlights
- Group musical performance skills building
- Genre-diverse ensemble offerings
- Developing collaboration, practice skills
- Studio recording and performance opportunities
Contact
📍 126 St Felix St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
☎️ (718) 638-5660
19. Stages On The Sound Youth Theater
This reputable North Brooklyn theater company offers award-winning theater training for kids focused on community, creativity and collaboration. Programming aims to reflect the diversity of NYC theater and provides for special needs.
Highlights
- High caliber youth theater instruction
- Inclusive, empowering environment
- Focus on creativity and collaboration
- Community performances and NYC festivals
Contact
📍 St. Francis Xavier School, 763 President St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
20. Black Nexxus
Led by Dynamic Stage and Screen Teacher Richard Wesley, Black Nexxus develops raw talent into professional artists with a focus on truthful emotional connection and opening untapped creative spaces. Ongoing mixed level adult classes, coaching and workshops incorporate Meisner, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, and Strasberg methods.
Highlights
📍 684 Hart St, Brooklyn, NY 11221
☎️ (718) 573-3932