When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center
Why The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center, located in the heart of New York City, stands as a beacon for actors, writers, directors, and performing arts enthusiasts seeking growth and creative expression. Founded in 1986 by a dedicated ensemble committed to naturalistic and intimate performance, this non-profit organization has evolved into a multifaceted arts center that offers more than just productions; it embraces education and community empowerment. At its core, The Barrow Group prioritizes accessibility, diversity, and excellence, which is reflected in its diverse programming featuring Off-Broadway productions, artist development workshops, readings, and comprehensive performing arts training for all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals and youth. The center operates out of a well-equipped facility on 8th Avenue in Manhattan, boasting five studios and a theater space conducive to innovative performances and classes. Its commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive artistic environment has attracted and developed numerous acclaimed talents such as Anne Hathaway and Poorna Jagannathan. This space is more than a performing arts school; it's a vibrant community where creativity thrives, making it an ideal place for friends to meet, share experiences, and immerse themselves in the joy of storytelling and performance.
Here's what people think of The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center
As of recent, The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center holds a 4.8-star rating based on 200 reviews.
User reviews of The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center are overwhelmingly positive, giving it an excellent rating near 4.8 out of 5 from around 200 reviewers. Many reviewers praise the center for its nurturing and supportive environment where actors and artists can express themselves fully and grow both personally and professionally. Positive reviews frequently highlight the transformative impact of the training programs, noting how The Barrow Group's methodology helped them rediscover joy and confidence in their craft. The facility itself receives commendations for its welcoming atmosphere and the professionalism of its staff and instructors. Alumni testimonials underline that the center’s teachings allow them to be authentic and comfortable on stage and screen. Negative critiques are rare but occasionally mention the intensity or challenges of the classes, which some beginners might find demanding. Some visitors have noted logistical issues like scheduling or class availability, though these are limited. Overall, the reviews depict The Barrow Group as a treasured institution in New York City's performing arts scene, known for authentic storytelling, high-quality education, and a communal spirit that supports artists of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lillie Wojcik
I can’t say enough good things about The Barrow Group. I’ve taken multiple classes here over the past couple years, and every experience has been fantastic. The Barrow Group creates such a welcoming, supportive environment. There’s no pretension, just a genuine passion for helping artists grow. Their approach to acting and directing is rooted in honesty and simplicity, which has been so refreshing. Even coming in without a traditional theater background, I always felt encouraged and empowered to dive in. The teachers are insightful and generous, and the hands-on, lab-style classes have given me so much practical experience. I’ve left each class feeling more confident and inspired. Couldn’t recommend TBG more highly to anyone looking to deepen their skills in a truly collaborative, thoughtful space.
Syd Bakal
I’ve absolutely loved taking scene study classes at The Barrow Group! The environment is incredibly friendly and constructive, and the teachers lead with care, creativity, attention, and warmth (HUGE shoutout to Lee and Shannon, whose classes I’ve taken so far!!). It’s been a lovely place to see myself and others grow in class, and I find myself using the techniques regularly in professional settings to be more present and active in my acting. Each studio is also equipped with lots of props and furniture to create realistic set environments, so it’s been a great physical space to rehearse and explore. As someone who works a lot of miscellaneous jobs, I like the flexibility of their morning classes and the ability to miss a class for a project and not forfeit a spot as some other studios enforce, though this can mean that classes have a different makeup of students each week depending on the group. Overall, I’d definitely recommend!!
Emily CJ Wilson
Honest Review of The Barrow Group Acting Classes I’ve taken two classes at The Barrow Group. While my first had a small, connected group that made the experience feel supportive, the overall instruction and organization left a lot to be desired. The first class started strong. But our instructor stopped showing up midway through. We were shuffled between 4–5 different teachers over the course. No one got to know us, and feedback was shallow as a result. Still, the classmates made it worthwhile, so I gave it another try. The second class was overcrowded (18 students) and cliquey. I was made to feel unwelcome during warmups so I voiced my discomfort—only an hour into the first day—I was told no refunds, no transfers, no exceptions. After pushing, I got a “one-time” refund and signed up for a different class on my own. I was told “wish you the best” by Mike and then no response to my follow up email. That final class with Kate was the most disappointing. It was called Scene Study, but after the first day’s lecture on scene structure, we never applied any of it to our work. There was no discussion about build, climax, or intention. Everyone picked their own scenes and partners, usually pairing with friends instead of being cast for contrast or challenge. Many of us had only 1–2 days to prepare, so people just read from scripts. It became obvious that class time wasn’t being managed well. Some students got to perform 5 scenes, while I was rushed through 3. One week I performed nothing despite being prepared. When I finally did my monologue, I got the same weak direction twice in a row, and when I said it didn’t work for me, the teacher responded with discomfort. She even forgot she’d already seen the piece. It was a waste of my time to show up. Bottom line: The school may have a solid reputation, but my experience was disorganized, unstructured, and alienating. If you’re serious about growing as an actor, especially through actual scene study, this likely isn’t the place.
Robyn Shapiro
Quinn was my instructor for Beginner Acting Class I and she was AMAZING!! I felt like I learned something new every class and got so much out of the experience. I will definitely continue to take classes with the Barrow Group and will audition as well!
Ramela Aruti
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!
How to reach The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center
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Why The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center with your friends? Because it offers an immersive cultural experience unlike any other place in New York City. With a 4.8-star rating from 200 reviews, this award-winning arts center combines the magic of live theater with opportunities for creative learning and social connection. Gathering at The Barrow Group is about more than just watching a show; it’s about sharing moments that inspire, provoke thought, and build lasting memories together. Located in Midtown Manhattan, it’s easily accessible and welcomes everyone with fully wheelchair-accessible facilities. Whether your group consists of theater aficionados, aspiring actors, or simply friends seeking a vibrant outing, this venue provides a perfect blend of entertainment and engagement. The intimate setting fosters closeness, allowing you and your friends to connect over compelling stories and performances that explore social, spiritual, and political themes relevant to today’s world. It’s a place designed for connection, creativity, and celebration—a perfect rallying point to experience the arts and each other’s company in a dynamic urban environment.
What activities does The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center offer that make it ideal for a group meetup? The center is a lively hub for various artistic experiences that cater to diverse interests. Foremost, it hosts Off-Broadway theatrical productions known for their high quality and meaningful storytelling, offering nightly shows that invite you and your friends to enjoy the buzz of New York's theater scene. Beyond performances, The Barrow Group hosts a series of acting, directing, writing, and film classes tailored for youth and adults alike, making it an exceptional venue for groups eager to engage with the performing arts interactively. This means your group can choose to sit back and watch a professional production or step into the spotlight themselves by signing up for a workshop together. Furthermore, developmental readings and staged readings of original works provide attendees with a unique peek behind the creative curtain. The center also rents studio and theater spaces for private events, which means your meetup can be customized with exclusive access to creative spaces, ideal for celebrations or collaborative projects. All these options mean the venue isn’t just a place to watch performances—it’s a place to participate, learn, and create, perfect for groups seeking a memorable and enriching experience.
Why is the location of The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center advantageous for hosting a meetup with friends? Situated at 520 8th Avenue in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this performing arts center benefits from excellent access to public transportation, including multiple subway lines such as the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, and more, stopping nearby at Penn Station and Times Square. This central location makes it extremely convenient for groups coming from various parts of the city or even out of town to gather without hassle. The entrance is street level, and the facility is fully wheelchair accessible with six elevators in the building, ensuring all friends can attend comfortably regardless of mobility needs. Given its prime position, the venue is surrounded by a wide variety of dining and entertainment options to extend your meetup before or after the event, making it easy to turn an evening at The Barrow Group into a full night out. From casual dinners to upscale restaurants, your group can choose what suits your mood, cementing the arts center’s role as a gateway to an exciting cultural experience combined with the best New York hospitality.
What makes the theatrical productions at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center special for a group outing? The center’s mainstage productions feature award-winning and critically acclaimed shows that tackle meaningful themes with a fresh and intimate approach. Known for producing original, socially conscious content, the performances are not just entertainment but also conversation starters, offering your group a chance to explore contemporary issues together in a thoughtful setting. The theaters themselves are designed to create an intimate atmosphere, allowing every audience member to feel close to the action on stage. Sharing the live theater experience enhances connection within your group, as emotions and reactions flow naturally in this setting. Furthermore, consistently high production values in terms of acting, directing, and stagecraft ensure a quality experience that will delight seasoned theater lovers and novices alike. Attending a show here is a chance for your group to enjoy professional theater in a more personal, engaging space than typical large venues, making each outing special and memorable.
Why should groups consider taking classes or workshops at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center? The center offers an array of classes in acting, directing, writing, and filmmaking, making it a rare destination where groups can deepen their artistic skills together. Participating in a workshop is a fantastic bonding activity, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and mutual support among friends or family. The classes cater to all skill levels and backgrounds, welcoming both beginners and experienced artists in a supportive, inclusive environment. Moreover, engaging in hands-on artistry challenges your group to communicate differently and build new skills, strengthening relationships through shared learning experiences. The Barrow Group is renowned for maintaining affordable prices and providing scholarships to underserved artists, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity. Therefore, groups with diverse interests and abilities will find a welcoming space to experiment with their creative expressions while enjoying the camaraderie that comes from collective artistic discovery.
How can renting space at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center enhance your group Meetup? The center offers affordable studio and theater rentals, allowing your group exclusive use of a professional performing arts venue. Whether you want to host a private event, rehearsal, celebration, or collaborative workshop, the facility provides versatile spaces that can be tailored to your needs. Renting here means access to top-notch lighting, sound, and staging equipment that makes any event feel special and high-quality. The venue’s central location and excellent accessibility add logistical convenience, ensuring your guests can arrive easily and comfortably. Having your own dedicated space in such a creative environment fosters an inspiring atmosphere, perfect for forging meaningful connections and sparking imagination among your friends or family. Extended or early rental hours offer additional flexibility, ideal for accommodation of varied schedules or special plans. This personalized experience at an esteemed arts center elevates any gathering from ordinary to extraordinary.
What atmosphere and community experience does The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center provide for groups? Besides the performances and facilities, the sense of community at The Barrow Group sets it apart as a wonderful place to rally with loved ones. The center’s mission focuses on combining spontaneous acting with well-crafted, socially relevant storytelling, cultivating a space of open dialogue and empathy. Visitors often mention feeling safe to express themselves and embrace spontaneity, creating an atmosphere of warmth and inclusiveness. The mix of people from diverse backgrounds, including artists, audiences, and students, enriches the communal vibe, making each visit feel like a special shared event. This supportive environment encourages groups to explore new perspectives together, strengthening their bonds through collective engagement with powerful art. Overall, rallying here means not just attending a venue but entering a welcoming artistic family that values connection in every dimension—making your meetup enriching beyond the expected.
Why is The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center highly rated and trusted by visitors? The impressive 4.8 rating accumulated from over 200 reviews reflects consistent visitor satisfaction rooted in quality performances, top-tier educational programs, and excellent customer service. Patrons commend the center for its professional staff, accessible location, and commitment to inclusive programming that welcomes artists and audiences from all walks of life. Reviews highlight the intimate theater experience and the meaningful content of productions that often leave audiences inspired and reflective. The focus on affordability and scholarships broadens participation, contributing to its reputation as a welcoming and socially conscious institution. Additionally, the center’s longevity and multiple industry awards underline its stature in New York City’s performing arts community. All these factors combine to build strong trust and enthusiasm, making it an excellent choice for a rewarding and dependable group gathering spot.
How can you make the most of a visit to The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center with your friends or family? Planning ahead can greatly enhance your group's experience. Booking tickets in advance for popular shows ensures you get good seats together. Consider pairing your visit with a pre-show dinner or post-performance drinks at one of the neighborhood’s many nearby eateries to extend the social experience. If your group is interested in active participation, signing up together for a class or workshop creates memories beyond passive attendance. For celebrations or special occasions, inquire about renting performance or studio space to customize your private event. Finally, staying open to the vibrant energy and diverse stories told here will enrich your time, making it a meaningful cultural outing that everyone will talk about long after it ends. By taking advantage of the many options at The Barrow Group, your meetup becomes a multifaceted adventure blending entertainment, education, and connection.