Announcements & Upcoming

Remembering Alexander Bernstein

HB Studio mourns the loss of Alexander Bernstein, our beloved Board Member Emeritus, who passed on July 22. Alexander was a gem of a human and a dear friend to Herbert, Uta, HB and the entire artistic community of NYC. His willingness to speak up against the current administration’s relentless assault on civil rights up to the very end marked him as an independent thinker. Alexander’s roots ran deep with HB. An HB student himself, his mother, Felicia Montealegre, also studied with Herbert Berghof, and his father, Leonard Bernstein, was an original board member of the HB Playwrights Foundation. He will be deeply missed.

In keeping with the wishes of his family, contributions in the memory of Alexander Bernstein can be made to Artful Learning, the visionary teaching model he developed to infuse creativity into the entire school curriculum.

There will also be a special event, Leonard Bernstein Remix!, paying tribute to Alexander and benefitting Artful Learning at City Winery on September 21. Hosted by Jamie Bernstein, the evening will feature David Amram, Edmar Castañeda, Darius de Haas, Fred Hersch, Janis Ian, Sharon Isbin, Eric Jacobsen, Pete Malinverni, Queer Urban Orchestra, Janis Siegel, The Ahn Trio with DJ Spooky, and Tony Yazbeck.

Alexander Bernstein was one of the sweetest souls to ever walk the earth. Always good-natured, he was incredibly funny and clever. Alexander was a true godchild of HB, as both his mother and father had close ties to Herbert Berghof and his aunt Ellen Ball was the Executive Director of HB Studio in the 1980s. He was also a fine actor. The best performance I saw Alexander give was as the “gentleman caller” in scenes from The Glass Menagerie. Alexander’s innate kindness and insightfulness allowed me to experience what Williams called just  a “nice, ordinary, young man” as a complex individual who navigates an emotional minefield over the course of just a few minutes. It was a revelatory and unique performance that I remember vividly 40 years later.
Dr. Wallace Johnson, HB Studio Board of Directors

Alex, when we were students a long time ago, would sit in the back row of Herbert Berghof’s class watching basketball on his portable Sony Watchman TV. This didn’t strike me as disrespectful; more that he was keeping an eye on multiple channels that excited or interested him, and, having experienced a thing or two already in the world of art, didn’t feel a need to hang on every word. He didn’t miss much though, and he was an advocate for everything he saw that was beautiful. He knew something about geniuses, he told me once. He drew other young creative persons into the Studio’s orbit and embraced his comrades, giving us the priceless gift of being a friend for life, beneficiaries of his shy sharp wit and contagious laughter. Once Alexander and I played the Dauphin and Joan from St. Joan for Uta Hagen in scene class (hubris!). I still think of him as that reluctant prince who would grow so fully into his own wisdom. Later when he let us talk him into serving on the HB Board, we mulled together over what it would take to wake students up to their unimagined possibilities, to seek the thinner air where art disrupts the status quo. So a series of master classes named for his mother Felicia came about, introducing artists like Mercedes Ruehl and Lonny Price to HB’s roster; and a series of public salons on race and racism led by Russell G. Jones through his Blind Spot project, all of which nudged HB forward on its way. There was much that Alexander saw, much he didn’t say; he was profoundly generous and we loved him dearly. The rest may be better said in music.
Edith Meeks, HB Studio Former Executive & Artistic Director

Alexander was the smartest, funniest, kindest, most talented,  most humble, affable, person in any room.  I met him at HB Studio in Herbert’s class in the 80’s and a friendship and artistic collaboration was born and held up all these years.
Kelly Wolf, HB Studio Faculty

Student Resources

Welcome to HB Studio!

We are excited to welcome new students (and welcome back returning students) to our HB community the fall for the start of a new school year!

First things first: make sure that you join us on social media on Instagram at @hbstudionyc and opt into the HB Studio Mailing List. That’s the best way to find out more about new classes, financial aid, free events, special discounts, ticket offers, and to hear about where your classmates and teachers are currently performing. The HB email list is also where we post the dates for the regularly scheduled free performances, showcases, talks, and workshops taking place at the HB Playwrights Theatre at 124 Bank Street.  These events are a great way to connect and network with fellow artists, alumni, faculty and industry professionals, so we hope you join us by reserving tickets. Someday soon, you may well be on our stage yourself!

Student ID Cards: Another benefit of subscribing to our weekly newsletter is that’s where you’ll find updates with all the newest benefits you receive with your student ID card. All HB students receive a Student ID card at the beginning of each term. You can pick up your student ID card at the front door of the building when you check in. Scan the ID’s QR code to find out more about the benefits of being part of the HB community; student offers are also announced on our 2nd-floor bulletin board and through our email Weekly Notice. If you’re returning to HB, you’ll want to get an updated card.

HB Library: While you’re in the admin office, ask to check out our sizable lending library of plays and theater education texts, browsable online.

Guidance and Financial Aid: You can also always stop by the admin office (on the 3rd floor of 120 Bank Street) to speak with our team about the next step on your acting journey.  HB Staff will be happy to work with you to find the right class that fits your schedule and interests and to help you navigate potential financial aid and work study programs.  If you have a question during off hours, drop an email to registration@hbstudio.org and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Audits: If you’d like to bring a friend to come with you to your class, we offer the option to audit a single classroom day for only a $20 fee.  You can also take advantage of our audit program to check out other classes to prepare for next semester.  You can sign up in person in the admin office for audits or sign up online.

Rehearsal Space: If you have a project you’re working on that requires rehearsal space, we have multiple studios as well as the Bank Street theater available for rental for prices as low as $25 an hour with a two hour minimum. To find out more, visit our rental space agreement page online or contact venuestaff@hbstudio.org.

If you have any questions or ideas about HB Studio, drop us a line via our contact form.  And again, welcome to the HB community!

Student Discounts

A 20% discount with the HB Student Identification card is currently available at:

Bus Stop Cafe
597 Hudson Street

A 10% discount with the HB Student Identification card is currently available at:

BookBook
266 Bleecker Street

Capezio Dance Theatre Shop
201 Amsterdam Avenue @69th Street

Integral Yoga Institute NYC
227 West 13th Street

Prosmile Dental Services
53 West 72nd Street @ Columbus Avenue

Students may also use the card for discounted tickets at participating theatres. Contact the venue box office in advance to inquire about any discounts with your student ID card. Check our email Weekly Notice or the 2nd-floor bulletin board for current student discounts and ticket offers.

Uta Hagen’s classic acting texts, A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR and RESPECT FOR ACTING, and DVDs of UTA HAGEN’S MASTER CLASS are available for sale in the 3rd-floor office. We also carry the anthology THE TRAINING OF THE AMERICAN ACTOR, which features an article by Carol Rosenfeld on Uta Hagen’s way of teaching, Carol Rosenfeld’s workbook ACTING AND LIVING IN DISCOVERY, and Jack Garfein’s LIFE AND ACTING.

Housing

Popular resources for apartment and roommate searches include:
Craigslist
Streeteasy For Rent (formerly Naked Apartments)
PadMapper
Roomi
Apartment Guide

Co-ed Residences

92Y RESIDENCE
Private room and shared room options available
1395 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10128
PHONE: 212-415-5660 / TOLL FREE: 800-858-4692

MARKLE EVANGELINE RESIDENCE
Housing for students and professionals working, interning, and studying in New York City
123 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
PHONE: 212-242-2400 / TOLL FREE: 877-317-6911
FAX: 212-229-2801
markle.residence@use.salvationarmy.org

AMERICAN HOMESTAY NETWORK
Homestay style accommodations for international students
Contact via website

EDUCATIONAL HOUSING SERVICES
Single, double and triple occupancy housing options for students and interns
Avenue (Upper East Side), St. George Towers (Brooklyn Heights) and the New Yorker (Midtown West)
PHONE: 1-800-297-4694

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
Residency program for graduate students and young professionals with a competitive application process and extensive alumni network
500 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
PHONE: 212-316-8400

SARA’S HOMESTAY
Homestay, Residence/Dormitory and Private Apartment options available to international students
Contact via website

THE TOWERS AT THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK
Student accommodation with fully furnished rooms
401 West 130th Street
New York, NY 10027
PHONE: 917-507-0070
FAX: 917-507-0019
EMAIL: towers@ccny.cuny.edu

STUDENT HOUSING ASSOCIATES
Furnished efficiency units offered exclusively to students
Chelsea & Times Square
New York, NY
PHONE: 917-397-2273
EMAIL: info@studenthousingassociates.com

FOUND STUDY
Nationwide student/intern housing provider
NYC locations in Turtle Bay, Midtown East, Chelsea, Brooklyn Heights,
Columbia Heights Waterfront, and the Financial district
PHONE: 866-341-2818

WOMEN’S RESIDENCES: CENTRO MARIA
Non-profit providing housing services to female students and interns
539 West 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
PHONE: 212-757-6989
EMAIL: centromaria.ny.residence@gmail.com

SAINT JOSEPH’S IMMIGRANT HOME
Short term residence for woman who are working in New York City and/or attending school or internship programs
25 West 44th St
New York, NY 10036
EMAIL: admin@stnyrentals.com

SAINT AGNES
Women’s temporary home for young professionals and students
237 W 74th St
New York, NY 10023
EMAIL: admin@stnyrentals.com

WEBSTER APARTMENTS
Women’s residence in Brooklyn Heights with single and double rooms
229 Duffield Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact via website

Short-term Housing

AIRBNB
Short-term lodging including apartment rentals and homestays

YMCA
Guest rooms available in Harlem, the West Side, Flushing, Greenpoint
and Vanderbilt for up to 25 days.

HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL
Hostel providing lodging for up to 21 days per calendar year
891 Amsterdam Avenue (at 103rd Street)
New York, NY 10025
PHONE: 212-932-2300 / 212-932-2574
FAX: 212-662.6731
EMAIL: NewYork@hiusa.org

KOLPING HOUSE
Short-term residence for up to 3 months
165 East 88th Street
New York, NY 10128
PHONE: 212-369-6647

SUMMER HOUSING, NYU LAW SCHOOL – SUMMER LIVING PROGRAM
240 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10012-1558
PHONE: 212-998-6510
FAX: 212-995-4033
EMAIL: law.slny@nyu.edu

Transcripts

Students may request an HB Studio Official Transcript from the registration office by purchasing one directly online and then emailing the request to the Registration Office with all of your current contact information, including your date of birth, current and/or previous legal name/s, and the addresses of all transcript recipients. An initial transcript fee of $25 is charged for the printing of two official transcripts to be sent anywhere in the United States. A digital PDF version is also sent to the student. After the two copies, if a student requires another transcript, a $10 fee will apply per transcript within the year of the initial purchase. Students are responsible for any international mailing costs outside of the United States. Transcripts take approximately one month to process.

Register for Fall Term 2025

Registration for HB Studio’s 2025 Fall Term classes and workshops for all ages and levels is now open – enroll now before the new school year begins on September 15!

HB Studio offers both online classes and in-person classes at the Studio. Before your first class, please review the information outlined on the relevant page(s): Online Classes | In-Person Classes. Classes are in NYC’s Eastern Time Zone.

Weekly Classes

HB Studio offers professional classes in the dramatic arts for committed actors, directors, and playwrights—beginning and experienced—to hone their skills in a community of peers and mentors. In the spirit of our founders, Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof, we seek to foster an environment where creative freedom prevails and artists are challenged to take their work to the next level.

Browse classes in the navigation menu to the left (desktop) or above (mobile).

HB offers a progressive sequence of ongoing weekly classes, which meet for 10-week terms four terms a year. Some classes are offered in two 5-week parts (Part A & Part B) which can be taken independently or together.

Offerings include:

Choose one class at a time, or design your own part-time or full-time schedule.

  • ACTING AUDITIONS for advanced classes are held monthly, or submit a reel …learn more
  • AUDITS: Observe any of our Online Weekly Classes one time per instructor for $20.00 per audit. Currently, audits are only available for Online Classes…learn more
  • WEEKLY SCHEDULE: To browse classes by day of week, view the calendar
  • HB FACULTY is comprised of practicing theater artists…browse classes by teacher

Workshops

Special seminars and master classes are offered between terms, and a variety of short-term skill-building and professional development workshops are offered throughout the year.

Full-Time Programs

For those seeking a full-time training program, The Uta Hagen Institute at HB Studio offers The Hagen Core Training (one-year conservatory) and The Hagen Summer Intensive (6 weeks).

Registration

  • Fall Term runs 10 weeks, Sept 15 – Nov 25 (no class 10/13, 11/4)  
    • In-person Classes and Online Classes are available
    • Most classes run for 10 weeks, while some classes are offered in two 5-week parts (Part A & Part B) which can be taken independently or together:
      • Fall Part A: Sept 15 – Oct 21 (no classes Oct 13)
      • Fall Part B: Oct 22 – Nov 25 (no classes Nov 4)
        • A $15 discount will apply when registering for both parts. Sign up for either Part independently (5 weeks each), or join both for the full 10-week term. You may join Part B without taking Part A.
  • Registration for WORKSHOPS is ongoing – check back regularly for new offerings.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:* Get 5% OFF Fall Term Weekly Classes with code FALL25, valid through Aug 31, 2025. You are prohibited from using the Early Bird Discount code when receiving a Union Discount.

UNION DISCOUNT:* AEA, AGVA, AGMA, SAG/AFTRA, WGA, UFT, and Dramatist Guild Union Members or international equivalent receive 15% OFF Fall Term Weekly Classes through Aug 31 and 10% OFF thereafter. Discount will automatically apply for HB-verified Union Members. To become verified, email a copy of your active union membership card to registration@hbstudio.org. You are prohibited from using the Early Bird Discount code when receiving a Union Discount.

*Discounts valid for weekly classes only; not valid for workshops, programs or merchandise. Discounts cannot be combined nor applied retroactively. Union discount applies for classes taken by cardholders only and cannot be used to enroll family or friends. APPLYING MULTIPLE DISCOUNTS IS PROHIBITED.

Descuento de NYC Latin Media: Los miembros de NYC Latin Media pueden auditar* gratuitamente una clase o taller en el estudio y recibir un 20% de descuento** en todas clases del estudio y talleres. El descuento será aplicado automáticamente para miembros verificados por HB. Para convertirse en usuario verificado, debe mandar un correo electrónico a inscripciones@hbstudio.org con detalles de su membresía de NYC Latin Media.

*Incluye una sesión gratuita por instructor. No se permite auditar múltiples veces la misma clase. **Los descuentos son solamente válidos para clases semanales y talleres, no son válidos para programas o mercancías. Los descuentos no pueden ser combinados ni se aplicarán con efecto retroactivo. El descuento para los socios es aplicado para clases tomadas solamente por miembros de NYC Latin Media y no puede ser utilizado para inscribir familiares o amigos.

Term Dates for Weekly Classes: 2025-2026

  • FALL 2025: Sept 15 – Nov 25, 2025 (no class Oct 13 & Nov 4) | Registration opens Aug 1, 2025
  • WINTER 2026: Jan 5 – March 16, 2026 (no class Jan 19) | Registration opens Nov. 1, 2025
  • SPRING 2026: March 23 – June 1, 2026 (no class May 25) | Registration opens Feb 5, 2026
  • SUMMER 2026: June 12 – Aug 22, 2026 (no class June 19 & July 4) | Registration opens May 1, 2026

The Uta Hagen Institute Schedule:

The game of make-believe is a crucial game for the artist.

—Herbert Berghof

Ilse Pfeifer teaching speaking voice class and clowning dramatic arts
Ilse Pfeifer teaching speaking voice and clown

About HB Studio Classes in the Dramatic Arts

For those just starting out or those seeking to reconnect with the basics, Level 1 classes are open to all without audition, placement, or prerequisite. Classes at Levels 2 and 3 build on the foundational skills addressed at Level 1. For those at an advanced level of training and for the professional actor seeking a place to work out, renew, stretch, and explore, we offer ongoing classes at the Studio Practice Level. Level 2, Level 3, and Studio Practice acting classes require audition or placement.

Actors interested in intensive, fast-track, full-time training in the dramatic arts are encouraged to apply for the Uta Hagen Institute’s one-year Core Training or 6-week Summer Intensive program. In these programs, you train as an ensemble in a rigorous, integrated sequence of daily classes.

HB Studio also offers classes in Playwriting, Directing, and acting classes for kids and teens aged 9 and up. The Studio also offers performance opportunities for playwrights, directors, and actors to collaborate on readings and work-in-progress productions.

Before You Register

We strongly encourage all students to acquaint themselves with the policies regarding refunds, credits, and transfers before registering for classes. Students may audit classes prior to enrollment. There are no refunds or credits once you register and the class is under way, except in the case of serious illness or withdrawal for military service. Requests for these exceptions must be made within three weeks of the first day the student is absent from class.

Registration with HB Studio is non-transferable.

Read more about HB Studio’s Policies at Registration & Policies.

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