About

HB Studio, in partnership with Greenwich Village’s venerable Lucille Lortel Theatre, presents a public conversation exploring the enduring relevance of Uta Hagen’s legendary Respect for Acting, a book that has influenced and inspired generations of actors. The panel, moderated by HB Board Member and alumni Victor Slezak, is scheduled to include the Tony and Emmy nominee Jessica Hecht (HB teaching artist); Tony-Award nominated Christopher Abbott; Academy Award nominee and 2-time Golden Globe winner Marsha Mason (HB teaching artist); Tony, Golden Globe and Academy Award-winner Mercedes Ruehl (HB teaching artist) and Obie and Lortel Award-winner Peter Francis James (HB teaching artist). This impressive and gifted assembly will examine their craft as a lifelong practice and as a way of life, with particular attention to how Respect for Acting has impacted them personally. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear shared insights from an august collection of performers at the top of their game. Participating panelists are subject to change.

Throughout HB Studio’s 85+ year history, we have strived to be a home for artists to hone their craft, to promote the value of excellence through effort, and to honor the brilliant staff who have made us the longest continually active theater school in New York City. From Saturday, May 30 through Friday, June 5, we honor this legacy with HB Studio’s first annual The Light We Carry Festival, a full week of free and low–cost performances, workshops, masterclasses, screenings, and many other events that invite our community to appreciate and engage with the HB of yesterday, today and tomorrow. After nearly a century, this festival has been a long time in the making! Whether you’re a past student, a current enrollee, curious about joining the HB family, or simply want to know more about the tradition of American theater, we invite you to join us for a week of remembrance and celebration that you’ll never forget.