Professional Classes in the
Dramatic Arts

HB Studio offers both online classes and in-person classes at the Studio. Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination with Booster is required for in-person classes. 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. All online classes (except writing 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

  • Spring Term runs 10 weeks, Mar 25–June 3 (no classes May 27)
    • In-person Classes meet 1 session per week for 10 weeks (except select classes)
    • Online Classes meet 1 session per week for 5-weeks (except writing courses). Two 5-week Parts are available each termPart A & Part B:
      • Spring Part A: Mar 25–Apr 28
      • Spring Part B: Apr 29–June 3 (no classes May 27)
        • 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*: Receive 10% OFF Spring Term Weekly Classes with code SPRING24W at checkout, valid through March 5.

UNION DISCOUNT*: AEA, AGVA, AGMA, SAG/AFTRA, WGA, UFT, and Dramatist Guild Union Members or international equivalent receive 20% OFF Spring Term Weekly Classes through March 5, 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. NOTEYou 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: 2023-2024

  • FALL 2023: Sept 11 – Nov 21, 2023 (no class Oct 9 & Nov 7) | Registration opens Aug 1, 2023
  • WINTER 2024: Jan 8 – March 18, 2024 (no class Jan 15) | Registration opens Nov. 1, 2023
  • SPRING 2024: March 25 – June 3, 2024 (no class May 27) | Registration opens Feb 5, 2024
  • SUMMER 2024: June 12 – Aug 22, 2024 (no class June 19 & July 4) | Registration opens May 1, 2024

The Uta Hagen Institute Schedule: 2023-2024

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.