
Founded by William Esper in 1965, Esper Studio is widely regarded as the foremost authority on the Meisner Technique and a leader in conservatory-style actor training. Bill Esper was trained directly by Sanford Meisner to teach the Meisner Technique, and was widely known as the preeminent teacher to carry this legacy forward. Today, led by Suzanne Esper, the Esper Studio is the only studio where every acting teacher has been teacher-trained by Bill Esper, dedicated to passing on this work with rigor, integrity, and care - training actors not only for professional success, but for a lifelong artistic journey.
At Esper Studio, this unbroken teaching lineage is at the heart of everything we do. In addition to an acting faculty that taught side-by-side with Bill Esper for many years, our conservatory faculty includes current and former instructors from top BFA/MFA programs, such as NYU Tisch, Yale, Juilliard, Carnegie Mellon, and Rutgers. For 60 years, we've been the trusted choice of award-winning actors and casting directors alike, named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the best drama schools in the world. Our graduates include Emmy, Tony, and Oscar winners who often cite their training at the Studio as an essential foundation for their artistic careers and recommend us to the next generation.
Beyond accolades, what sets us apart is our community - a supportive environment where dedicated actors from around the world come to train. We welcome international students and are proud to help facilitate visa approvals so you can pursue your craft here in the heart of New York City. Whether you're new to acting or a professional interested in taking your craft to a deeper level, Esper Studio is your next step to find truth in your art and a foundation for your career.





