The Actors Studio was founded in New York by Elia Kazan, Cheryl Crawford, Robert Lewis and Anna Sokolow in 1947. The mission is and has always been to develop actors, directors and playwrights. Some theatre professionals earn lifetime membership with no fee or tuition, enabling them to perfect their craft. In 1948 Lee Strasberg was asked by Elia Kazan to join as a teacher. Strasberg had been a student of the Stanislavski method, as had Stella Adler. Many Actors Studio alumni also attended the Stella Adler Conservatory, founded in 1949 and still in existence. Both Adler and Strasberg had been students at The Group Theatre, but their differences over the teaching of the Stanislavski System resulted in her breaking off from the group. Adler continued the "method acting" school, famously used by Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro, among other actors who attended both studios. Brando served as the studio's Honorary Chairman until his death.
Currently, Ellen Burstyn, Harvey Keitel and Al Pacino are co-presidents of the Studio in New York. Martin Landau and Mark Rydell serve as co-Artistic Directors at the Actors Studio West in West Hollywood. In 1994 the Actors Studio Master of Fine Arts program brought the training into a university setting. The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University in downtown New York City is the host of "Inside the Actors Studio," hosted by James Lipton.
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