The Barrow Group

The Barrow Group is a New York City-based acting school and theatre company founded by Seth Barrish and Lee Brock, creating a distinctive institution that combines professional actor training with an active producing theatre. The school has built a strong reputation over many years for offering a welcoming yet rigorous training environment that emphasizes truthful acting, ensemble collaboration, and practical skills applicable across all performance mediums. Seth Barrish, who authored the well-regarded book 'An Actor's Companion,' has shaped the school's pedagogy around accessible, actionable principles that empower actors to do their best work in any setting. The Barrow Group's dual identity as both a school and a theatre company sets it apart from purely academic training programs, providing students with a tangible connection to professional production and the practical realities of making theatre. Located in New York City, the school benefits from its proximity to the heart of American theatre and the city's vibrant casting community.

Today The Barrow Group offers a comprehensive range of programs including scene study classes at multiple levels, on-camera workshops, audition technique courses, cold reading intensives, and conservatory-style training tracks for actors seeking a more structured progression. The school's approach is grounded in practical, applicable skills that prepare actors for the realities of professional work — not just the art of acting but the business of getting hired and delivering consistently on set or stage. The Barrow Group's theatre company produces a regular season of plays, giving advanced students and graduates opportunities to perform in fully produced professional or semi-professional productions. This school-to-stage pipeline is a significant advantage that few NYC acting studios can offer, providing both performance experience and the opportunity to be seen by industry professionals. The curriculum reflects a balanced philosophy that values emotional truth without being tied to any single technique, drawing on elements of Meisner, Stanislavski, and practical on-camera methodology.

Enrollment at The Barrow Group is accessible and straightforward, with most classes accepting students through a simple registration process without formal audition requirements for introductory levels. The school offers multiple class formats — from single workshops and short-term intensives to ongoing weekly classes and multi-term progressions — allowing actors to choose the intensity and time commitment that fits their schedule and financial situation. Advanced-level scene study and conservatory tracks may require an interview or placement assessment to ensure students are appropriately leveled. The school welcomes actors at all experience levels, from absolute beginners taking their first acting class to seasoned professionals looking to sharpen specific skills or explore new approaches. Class sizes are kept manageable to ensure each student receives meaningful attention and feedback from instructors.

The daily experience at The Barrow Group is defined by the balance between rigorous instruction and a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere that encourages creative risk-taking. Students consistently describe the environment as one where they feel safe to fail, experiment, and push beyond their comfort zone — qualities that are essential for genuine artistic growth but not always present in the competitive NYC training landscape. Classes typically involve warm-up exercises, scene or monologue work, detailed instructor feedback, and group discussion that helps students learn from each other's work. The school's community is one of its strongest assets, with students forming lasting creative partnerships that extend well beyond the classroom. The Barrow Group regularly hosts industry events, guest speakers, and networking opportunities that connect students with the broader NYC theatre and film community.

The Barrow Group attracts a genuinely diverse range of actors — in terms of age, experience level, ethnic background, and career stage — who are united by a desire for solid, practical training in a supportive environment. The student body includes aspiring actors just beginning their training, working professionals between bookings who want to keep their skills sharp, career changers exploring acting as a second profession, and experienced performers seeking to address specific weaknesses or explore new techniques. The school is particularly popular among actors who find the intensity of purely technique-driven conservatories intimidating or who prefer a more holistic, human-centered learning environment. Casting directors familiar with The Barrow Group recognize their students for strong preparation and genuine ensemble skills. The school's accessibility and welcoming atmosphere make it an excellent entry point for actors who are new to professional training.

Class fees at The Barrow Group are competitive compared to other NYC studios, with individual class series typically ranging from approximately $300 to $1,500 depending on duration, level, and format. This pricing makes the school one of the more accessible high-quality training options in New York City, where many studios charge significantly more for comparable instruction. Multi-class packages and ongoing enrollment options often provide additional savings for students who want to train consistently over time. The school does not charge registration fees or require expensive audition processes that add hidden costs to training. Compared to full conservatory programs that can cost $20,000 to $50,000 or more, The Barrow Group's a la carte and short-term options allow actors to invest in training incrementally as their budget allows.

The Barrow Group is a strong choice for NYC actors who want solid, practical training in a supportive community setting, particularly those who value accessibility, affordability, and a balanced approach over intense technique-specific immersion. The school is especially well-suited for actors who are new to professional training and want a welcoming entry point, working professionals who need flexible scheduling, and performers who have found other training environments too competitive or intimidating. If you are seeking deep immersion in a specific technique like Meisner, Method, or Practical Aesthetics, a specialized studio like the William Esper Studio, Strasberg Institute, or Atlantic Theater Company will provide more focused training. The Barrow Group works best for actors who want to develop practical, applicable skills in an environment that supports exploration and risk-taking.

Take advantage of The Barrow Group's flexible class structure by building a custom training program that addresses your specific needs — if you struggle with on-camera work, take their camera classes; if you need to develop your audition skills, focus there first. Attend Barrow Group theatre productions to connect with the community and see the school's artistic values in action. If you are new to acting, start with an introductory class to build confidence before progressing to more advanced scene study, as the school's leveled curriculum is designed to develop skills progressively. Build relationships with your classmates and instructors, as the collaborative community is one of the school's most valuable assets and these connections often lead to creative projects and professional referrals. Consider the school's training as a complement to your broader career development, combining classes with active auditioning and self-production to build a well-rounded professional profile.