The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center - New York, New York

Ramela A.

I recently completed The Beginner Acting Class I at The Barrow Group, and I’m thrilled! I really enjoyed it. I learned so much and found the experience very comfortable, with a great atmosphere and environment. Our teacher was extremely professional and attentive to every student. I gained a lot of valuable experience and can’t wait to return there again. ❣️🙏 thanks!

A B.

I enrolled for The Barrow Group’s Beginner Level I class, paying $545 , expecting a high-quality experience. The class was okay. Despite this, I enrolled in Beginner Level II given the reviews in Google hoping for a better experience, but now realize it has some foundational systemic issues.

Many non-profits offer options like transfers, credits, or refunds in cases of genuine challenges, but The Barrow Group flatly refused to accommodate my situation. This rigidity is surprising and disappointing for an organization that claims non-profit status, typically associated with community support and goodwill.
More importantly, someone I came across from an other class obtained a class credit which seems counter to what they stated to me. Not sure how policies change by people..

Additionally, I received no communication from the instructor since the beginning of my class, raising questions about the level of service provided. If basic engagement and communication are lacking, it’s hard to understand what “costs” are associated.

Such inconsistencies further weaken the justification for retaining the full total fee, as they do not reflect a reliable or client-focused service approach.

In contrast, organizations like the Magnet Theater charge significantly less (around $299) while providing a far superior experience, with better communication, flexibility, and customer service. I regret choosing The Barrow Group and would recommend exploring other options for acting classes that prioritize quality and student support.

In terms of value for money and customer service, I wouldn’t recommend The Barrow Group, especially given their high costs and inflexibility. However, if you’re seeking specific training modules in acting and the cost is not at all a concern, it might be suitable for you. Keep in mind, not everyone may appreciate their approach, particularly considering the high cost.

Elizabeth S.

I recently took TBG's two-week intensive Beginner Acting I class with Quinn and it was really great! Quinn is a great instructor, and the community at The Barrow Group is super kind and supportive. My class was a nice size and everyone showed up ready to engage.

Highly recommend this class or one of their others if you're interested in exploring acting. I've signed up for another class already 🙂

Sergei S.

Great school for acting! I learned a lot in just a short time. Andres is an amazing instructor—he gives clear directions and always knows how to motivate you. The classes helped me grow not only as an actor but also as a person. Highly recommend!

kya A.

I’m currently enrolled in Professional Scene Study ll and have had the pleasure to be taught by Chris. Beyond grateful to have Chris as a teacher! My experience with the Barrow group has been great thus far.

One thing I love about the Barrow Group is the environment they create for the actors/ students. The instructors provide a safe space for you to really feel you can come to play and truly have fun with learning your craft.

Dolorean D.

I can't recommend this place enough! I was looking for a beginner acting class to start off with into acting, but I was nervous about what option to choose due to time and money investment. But I'm so happy I chose Barrow Group; I felt completely comfortable and supported there. The atmosphere is accepting and everyone there is there to help and assist you, judgement free, which was exactly what I was looking for going into this all doughy-eyed. Had such an amazing experience with my teacher (Ed Stanley!) and my peers. Couldn't recommend enough, and I'm about to book another class.

Sara R.

After a not-so-great experience with one acting studio, I am grateful to have found The Barrow Group, where I have had a slew of positive experiences. I've bee coming to TBG for 2 years now, starting with Beginner level classes and now in Intermediate, it has been a wonderful learning experience. Each teacher presents tools, techniques, and adjustments in a constructive manner and the classes themselves encourage positive reinforcement for the students to actually learn and better their craft. I highly recommend TBG to anyone interesting in acting - they also offer other industry related classes, as well!

Alice M.

I took the 2-week beginner intensive course (3 hrs, M-F), and I absolutely loved it! As someone who's not at all a natural "on stage" person, I was incredibly nervous to take this class (my hands were shaking during my first scene!), but I wanted to lean in and conquer this fear. It's a vulnerable thing to not only learn a new skill but also do it in front of an audience. But my instructor (Arielle) was incredibly supportive and built a kind and encouraging environment that helped me feel at ease. The Barrow Group's approach is less about judging and more about observing and noticing. Rather than thinking about whether something is "good," we were pushed to notice what was different when Arielle tweaked each scene. And her insights were spot-on; Arielle had a keen eye for identifying what each scene needed and which tools could bring out a totally different take. I also loved learning through my classmates! Arielle fostered such a positive atmosphere that everyone gave it their all, making it a joy to watch and learn from their performances and observations. We explored how script analysis, set design, and subtle changes could completely transform a scene. Thanks to this class, I feel inspired to pursue more creative endeavors, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone in a safe, supportive, and fun space.