The Studio came to worldwide recognition under the leadership of Lee Strasberg, who took over the helm in 1952.
While working at the Studio, actors work together to develop their skills in an experimental environment, where they can take risks as performers without the pressure of commercial roles.
Over its long history, many famous and successful directors, actors and playwrights have come out of the Studio, including
The public television program, Inside the Actors Studio, hosted by James Lipton (who is also Dean of the Studio), provides in-depth interviews with actors, many of whom are students of the school. It is taped in front of students of the school as well.