Schools for Acting Directing Workshop , New York CIty

Directing I

Cost: $500
Term: 8 weeks

“Mr. Grabowski, instructor, has directed over 35 off-off Broadway productions at the Studio, some named ‘Best of the Season’ by Back Stage critics.”

Limited to 10 students.

Directing I class is intended for new and inexperienced stage and film directors who wish to learn how to develop story structure and communicate effectively with actors. Students work with a seasoned director, Studio Associate Director John Grabowski.
Note: This is not a film production class.

The class introduces students to the detailed work a director undertakes before rehearsals begin and continues with a step-by-step examination of the rehearsal process. Filmmakers are often drawn to this class because it strengthens their ability to analyze dramatic texts and communicate more clearly with actors.

Upon completion of Directing I, students may be invited to enroll in Directing II and direct a one-act play with the Chelsea Repertory Company at the Studio.

In Directing I, directors will:

• Gain experience analyzing plays
• Learn to make spatial and conceptual decisions
• Work with actors from a clear conceptual base
• Observe the actor’s process in Studio acting classes

Text Analysis

Text Analysis concentrates on dramatic form. Plays of varying styles are discussed and analyzed. Directors are encouraged to see each play as a sequence of events that is dynamic and in motion. As the director comes to understand the significance of these events, a conceptual understanding of the play emerges, rooted in the play’s dramatic structure.

Staging and Composition

Staging and Composition focuses on stage configurations and problems of composition. Each director begins work on a scene from a play, translating conceptual ideas into potential stage action. Methods of working with actors during the rehearsal process are explored and discussed.

Directing I is in-person instruction.

Student testimonials...

"I took John Grabowski's Directing Class and it was fantastic! John is very thorough in his approach and the homework is designed to give you a real-world experience of formalized directing technique. This is a great course for the director who wants to understand script analysis and how to approach actors." Kim S, New Rochelle

"John Grabowski is an amazing teacher who ais dedicated, meticulous and provides honest and in-depth critiques of our work." - Carmen Balentine

"John Grabowski is one of the best teachers/coaches in New York and possibly in the business. He is also a phenomenal director who I've been fortunate enough to work with in several plays." - Ravin Patterson working actor, writer, composer

Upon successful completion of this class students may qualify to advance to the Directing 2 level of the program.

Scheduled Sessions for:

Directing I

Session:	Term	Instructor	Day	Hours	Begins	Fee	Status
Spring 2026	8 Wks	Grabowski	Sun	12:00-4:00 PM	Apr 12, 2026	$500	open
Fall 2026	8 Wks	Grabowski	Sun	12:00-4:00 PM	Oct 4, 2026	$500	open
Winter 2027	8 Wks	Grabowski	Sun	12:00-4:00 PM	Jan 24, 2027	$500	open

Testimonials

The amount of value I have received (from day one!!!) will serve me throughout my entire career. It’s really hard for creatives to find a community especially one that makes you better! The Acting Studio is one you can trust.

— Julia Sjakovs
Having trained in New York at both The Acting Studio and The William Esper Studio, it was abundantly clear within a matter of minutes that The Acting Studio delivered above and beyond on every level. James Price who is the Studio Director at The Acting Studio, is every beginners (and indeed accomplished) actors hero. He is without a doubt, the most emotionally intuitive, charged and lively of any Meisner teacher you’ll ever hope to be training under. I left his class hungry for more, stronger than ever and 100% certain that after his training, success can only follow. When that Oscar win comes in, I know exactly whom I’ll be thanking. James Price, you are my hero.

— Loretta Bogard
I have read every book on acting and taken classes at other studios which lead me to think I had a good understanding of the craft. Then I went through the program at The Acting Studio - New York and learned the truer meaning of craft. The intimate classes, the knowledge of the faculty, and professionalism has influenced my life in every way. Thank you for setting the bar and guiding the students to rise to the level. - Peter Evangelista, 2010 Studio graduate - working actor

— Peter Evangelista
The class i would have to say was a life experience. It built a foundation of acting skills that I can use in just about all walks of life. For up incoming actors, I highly recommend this class.

James Price the professor was an amazing instructor. His methods of teaching are like a mad scientist at work. No matter what he pushes you to get the best acting out of who ever he instructs.

I am so glad I took this class.

— David Valencia
Halfway into their 10-week Introduction to Meisner class I was hooked and seriously thinking about acting as a career. I finished their full acting program one year ago and am still involved with The Acting Studio community, still working, learning, and growing. James Price and John Grabowski are the best teachers and mentors a serious actor could get, and the rest of the faculty is excellent as well.

— Rosa Rodriguez-graduate 2010
James Price is without question one of the greatest acting coaches - fostering, nurturing, and challenging each and every student while uniquely ferreting out their strengths and weaknesses, and enhancing them in a way that allowed virtually everyone to come out of the class as better actors, technicians, and people as well.

— Jeff Ashkenes

Directing I

Directing I

Testimonials

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