[
] is behind the structure.]]
The
Actors Studio is a membership
organization for
professional actors,
theatre directors and
playwrights at 432 West 44th Street in the
Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of
Manhattan in
New York City. It was founded October 5, 1947 by
Elia Kazan,
Cheryl Crawford,
Robert Lewis and
Anna Sokolow who taught movement for actors
[Anna Sokolow The Rebelious Spirit by Larry Warren page 89 - 94 :The Actors Studio ISBN 90-5702-185-4].
Lee Strasberg joined later and took the helm in 1951 until his death on February 17, 1982. The Studio is best known for its work refining and teaching
method acting. This approach was originally developed by the
Group Theatre in the 1930s based on the innovations of
Constantin Stanislavski. While at the Studio,
actors work together to develop their skills in a private environment, where they can take risks as performers without the pressure of commercial roles.
The group initially met in a rehearsal space in the
Princess Theatre [in Focus by S. Carnicke - Routledge; (November 1, 1998) ISBN 9057550709] In 1955 it moved to its current location in the former Seventh Associate
Presbyterian Church (built in 1859).
[From Abyssinian to Zion: A Guide to Manhattan's Houses of Worship by David W. Dunlap - Columbia University Press (April 21, 2004) ISBN 0231125429]
