Terry Knickerbocker Studio Review

I participated in the Summer Intensive & it was one of the best decisions I've ever made! I am more fully self expressed, allowing my inner self to match my outer. Terry, Nate, Matt & Kana are some of the most high integrity teachers I've had the pleasure to learn with. If you are on the fence, just take the leap, you will not regret it!

I had the privilege of studying with Terry over 15 years ago, and was thrilled to hear about the opening of his very own studio. I recently enrolled in his master acting class after many years and was quickly reminded why Terry truly is the More

This studio specifically Terry, makes sure you never forget why you're here. To be the best actor you can be. I will be forever grateful that I found this studio. After taking the two year conservatory and now one of his masterclasses, I just want to keep growing, learning and working. Terry is someone I hope to work with throughout my entire journey as an actor. This is the place.

Zoom. Remote actor training.

I never thought real work could be done over soon until I had the opportunity to audit a scene study masterclass over zoom.

It was phenomenal. The material, the direction, the acting and Terry s insight. It was surreal like watching a movie you re a part of.

This is truly innovative and profound.

On a personal level I m going to sign up to what they ll allow me to join as soon as I m done writing this. :)

Terry s online Master Class was a wonderful workout for me as an actor now spending so much time at home. Terry is insightful, kind, a deep thinker and artist, and has the keen ability to help an actor see what he or she needs not just during scene work, but in their process as a whole. I would recommend Terry s studio to any actor, whether they are looking for a start to their training, or for a deep dive back into their craft and their own heart.

Upon walking in and seeing TK Studio for the first time, I realized how serious Terry Knickerbocker is about building an environment conducive to learning. Every inch of the space leads one closer to the reason we are all there; the work. With his attention to detail moment-to-moment, Terry keeps precise notes on every part of a scene, which equates to an incredibly thorough critique of the work which helped us find more ideas, more understanding, more fun. Having studied Meisner my entire career, I found Terry not only continuing the traditions of Sandy s technique, but also working in a way that still welcomes serious actors with other approaches. Terry s insight, creativity and thoughtful analysis are why I feel Terry is at the top of his game, and will surely be getting even better. In class, Terry is a teacher, coach, director and trusted advisor, helping us find deeper, more specific meaning in our work and in ourselves. I left his class with a broader view of the world, a stronger understanding of our work and better sense of myself as an artist.

Faron Salisbury
Master Class

I recently took Terry s LA Masterclass. What an amazing teacher this guy is!! He is a library of knowledge on all things acting. His approach and feedback are honest but gentle, he doesn t rip actors apart, nor does he pat you on the back just to get your money. Most teachers will tell actors what they want to hear in order to keep them coming back, Terry is not one of those teachers. If you re looking for an awesome class to give you some great tools to add to your repertoire, then I would highly suggest this class!

Terry has been the most important teacher for my acting life. His ability to be exactly what you need, whether it s a drill sergeant, a compassionate guru, a goofy friend or, in my case, all of the above, he has a way of figuring out what speaks to you and adapting himself so he can get through to you. I can safely say that I would not be where I am without Terry. His understanding and passion for the work is infectious and working with him and getting to know him has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Not to sound like a bad infomercial, but I can honestly say that when it comes to acting teachers, Terry really is in a class of his own and I have nothing but gratitude towards him. The man changed my life for the better and I am lucky to have him in my life.

I trained with Terry in his 2 year Meisner Conservatory Program and I continue to return to TK Studio to train with him in his master classes. Terry is a phenomenal teacher! Every time I work with Terry, I am challenged to grow in my artistry. Terry is a gift to actors. He is insightful, deeply passionate, empathetic, and incredibly smart. His knowledge of the craft and his love for the art of acting creates an environment that encourages freedom, curiosity, passion, and specificity in the work. If you want to take your talent to the next level, you want to to study with Terry. He is a MASTER of his craft.

I recently finished an online master class with Terry (due to Covid- all things are online) and I was so inspired by the work that everyone brought to the class. Despite being online, the work was profound and Terry didn't miss a moment. His focus and dedication has only intensified online. I highly recommend TK Studio.

A big fan of Terry here for many reasons..

1. And this is my favorite reason.. his adjustments. The way he communicates his adjustments is fantastic. Anybody can pick them up. He reminds me of Moss. His use of simile is priceless and the amount of love he wraps those adjustments should not be overlooked. Its everything to a vulnerable actor

2. His Love.. Theres no ego with Terry. He's learning just like we are. Its very much a team effort and when things get sticky Terry never loses his cool. So steady

3. His Preparation.. He puts work in no doubt. He knows the material well. Not just the scene but the whole play, the playwright, the scene, the time period, etc.

4. His ability to have the difficult conversation... This is probably the most important. All good actors love this in their teachers. We need the truth always and most teachers don't have the skills to give it to the actor in a way that doesn't crush them. Terry does. If he smells something personal he is not afraid to talk about it, to dig into it and to find a solution moving forward. I find this to be the rarest of qualities in an acting teacher. Not exactly sure why but Terry probably does!

5. My classmates..Because Terry is taking actors to new heights each and every class, I find myself learning more and more than I ever thought I could from my classmates. Watching my mates rise up creates an inspiration. When a scene goes up and they kill it, suddenly everyone is looking around like "DAMN, let''s do this! I want to do that!" It's one of those by-products that can only be created by ensuring the list above. It's why I give Terry 5 stars and why I will now continue to work with him. And if you are worried about doing it on Zoom, don't. It's actually a gift. There are so many aspects to acting and auditioning in 2020 that directly relate to Zoom and the online platforms and this class will help shape and mold those variables for you. Not to mention the rare opportunity to combine theater and film..

Just dive in, head first..Terry will be there for you for sure..

See you in class... DT

Truly, I cannot recommend training at this studio enough. Studying with Terry has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only is Terry filled with knowledge and wisdom about acting and the industry, but he is also incredibly perceptive, kind, and overflowing with truth and empathy. This program has changed my life and has helped prepare me to be the best actor I can be. All of the teachers here are top notch, professional and immensely passionate and caring. The studio itself is beautiful, clean and very welcoming. I am forever grateful that I was able to study here.

If you are a holistically minded actor and committed to being an artist then this studio is the best place to train. The faculty are wise and commit themselves outright to the blossoming of each student and the ensemble as a whole. This is not a studio to simply plow thru the different level courses. Each student is invited to explore the difficult and delightful aspects of their work, and the teachers demonstrate great respect, patience, and joy in the work.

I just finished my first year of the conservatory program and cannot stress enough how this studio has made me a better actor/thinker. The work permeates life, serving both the student and the studio as a whole.

One can only benefit from time spent at Terry Knickerbocker Studio- the faculty s belief in craft, attention to detail, and passion in the pursuit of maximizing their student s potential are on par with any institution I ve ever encountered.

Terry is of a very rare breed, a master in his field, with the singular goal of making you a better actor. I trust him with my life and, actor or not, implore anyone seeking personal betterment to visit the Terry Knickerbocker Studio.

I've trained with Terry for two years. He and the entire staff at the studio are all completely invested in the success of the students. The space is safe and encouraging, making the unavoidable failures of any artistic journey not only manageable, but as a sign of growth and respect amongst classmates and staff alike.
Terry was put on this earth to do what he is doing, and no one is better at it. If you believe you want to spend your life acting, this is the best possible thing you can do for yourself and your craft.

I came to The Terry Knickerbocker studio at the ripe age of 19. I had no idea what I was in for but I am glad I came. I could never find any other words to describe my experience there other than riveting. It was the most alive I d ever felt in my life. I ll use a few words that wont even do it justice but id say satisfying, brilliant, healing, extraordinary and self discovery. Not only did the studio help me TREMENDOUSLY as an actor but helped me be my best self in my daily life. All of the mentors/teachers/staff at the studio go above and beyond to make sure you are safe and doing your best work. I would take the two year program all over again if I could. I really found myself here and my artistic home. Friends that I know will last a life time and training that will better my work as an actor. I could go on and on about the studio but I suggest getting up and going there yourself to see what its really about. Or even picking up the phone. You will not regret it I promise. I am forever grateful for TK studio.

Terry Knickerbocker Studio is an excellent studio. I have pages of great things to say but most people don't read that long so here are the bullet points. At TK Studio, you work closely and personally with Terry. He takes the time to get to know you and your work. He offers HONEST critiques of your work with advice to improve, and that to me is priceless. Terry invests his time with each of his students. I participated in the Master Class and Terry was very careful and thorough working with everyone each week. TK Studios offers small class sizes which means individual attention. I must say the air of competition and business that comes along with acting studios located in Manhattan is not here at all, and I do believe location does play a role in it. TK Studios is a bit off the grid in Gowanus Brooklyn, which for me allows more focus on the work and the craft than being in a studio in the busy city full of other acting studios that feel like desperation and competition. At TK Studios you can relax. You work with your peers and you're invested in their success because it is made clear everyone's journey is their own. There isn't any competition rather we learn from each other and are inspired by each other. The quality of students at TK Studios is also top notch. You will not run into lazy actors or someone not as enthused about the work as you are. Everyone from staff to students is there for the shared love and passion for acting. I would recommend TK Studios if you are passionate about acting, if you want to build your craft, try something new, or just keep your work fresh and honest.

Terry did a 4 day intensive in Atlanta and it was absolutely incredible. You can tell that acting is embedded in every cell in his body and he truly does care. His patience is unmatched which also created a really safe environment to be free & feel. While those 4 days were hard I felt like I grew so much from the experience. Hoping to join his intensive this summer or maybe even the conservatory program. We'll see! Thank you for coming to Atlanta Terry!

I met Terry at a workshop I audited in Atlanta. I was greeted with the most sincere welcome. Terry is a genuine and caring teacher. His knowledge and the way he communicates is a true gift. I sat in two sessions and watch how he took the actors to another level with their skills. I have studied acting with many teachers and I only wish I were young enough to start all over with Terry. I highly recommend Terry to anyone that wants to improve their craft. Thank you Terry and hurry back to Atlanta!!

I have been working with Terry for over a year now, after taking a break from acting for quite some time to have kids. It was terrifying getting back on the horse - I felt like I wasn't an "artist" anymore, and had no right to think that I could be again. Terry treated me (as he treats all of his students) like a serious person and a serious actor, and has always been thoughtful and generous in his support and feedback. He helps the actor make sense of things that sometimes make no sense, and find meaning in moments that don't always seem to stand out on first read. I look forward to continuing to work with Terry, and continuing to grow in my work as an actor.

I only had a chance to audit one day of the 4 day intensive at Drama Inc. in Atlanta (it sold out quickly), but it was still invaluable. The feedback and coaching he gave during the running of scenes was simple, direct, and actionable, and I saw it change the performances immediately. I am now doing my best to give myself those types of notes during my rehearsals, and am excited for the chance to work with him the next time he's in town. In short, highly recommended!

It s hard to compress all the reasons why I recommend studying with Terry into a quick review but I ll try. I ve had many teachers throughout the years but no one has had the impact that Terry has made on my life as an artist and ultimately as a human being. My only regret is that I didn t find him earlier.

His sharp instincts always elevate your work and your growth, always leading you closer to your authentic self. He s unbiased and patient as humanly possible if you trust and place yourself in his hands you won t regret it.

Terry not only loves and cares about the art of acting, he cares and loves actors and that s something you just feel when you study with him.

PS: I was skeptical with how things were going to temporarily work now because of the necessary use of Zoom but I took one online class and was amazed, so f-ing worth it!

Thank you Terry

Terry is the best teacher I have ever had, in any subject, across all academic and artistic boundaries. What he has taught me about acting may be secondary to what he has taught me about my approach to life. He is responsible for cultivating my sense of communication and interaction with other people, and how to be fully engaged with the world around me. It wasn't until working with Terry that I learned how to listen - really listen to other people - and move beyond any self involvement (I had a lot) in order to be present in the moment I am currently in. Terry models this behavior by being with you in every moment - engaged, active, and alive - while taking as much time as it takes to nurture this process for every student that walks through the door. It is to him, that I owe my maturation as both, a person, and an actor. Over the course of 10 years of studying with him, I continue to gain valuable insight and new perspectives with every class. I admittedly remain a work in progress, but I have complete faith and trust in Terry to continue guiding me for the next 10 years, and beyond. I look forward to the person he will help me to become.

Terry Knickerbocker Studio is an AMAZING acting studio. It is helmed by the brilliant Terry himself who challenges, inspires, collaborates, but more importantly, builds relationships with his students. He always comes ready to teach with consistent, high intensity energy and pushes his students to bring this same readiness to each class (which will then carry over into our professional acting jobs). Terry creates a safe, fun, and experimental environment that allows us students to explore our different temperaments at great length. I am so grateful to be at the studio currently and train under the master teacher that is Terry.

Also, Terry has surrounded himself with an amazing team of other teachers like Kana Sato, Nate Flower, Matthew Dudley, and more! The supplemental voice and movement classes, as well as other electives, are just as challenging and inspiring!!

If you're looking for a place to start, continue, or strengthen your training, GO TO TERRY KNICKERBOCKER STUDIO! If you're not ready for the full commitment of a 2-Year program, try out the 6-Week summer intensive to see if this is the right training for you. I have a feeling it will be :)

Terry Knickerbocker Studio is my artistic home. Terry and his faculty are incredible working with them has changed me as an actor and as a person in all of the best ways. TKS molds individuals, not cookie cutters I trust Terry and his faculty one hundred percent. While the studio itself is a wonderful, open space, the online community that s been cultivated during this difficult time is not to be dismissed. I have made immense progress doing this work online, as I would in the studio. If you re ready to be the best actor you can be, there s no need to wait for the literal doors to open there is work to be done at TKS now on Zoom, and I can t recommend it enough. It s a life changer!

Best decision I've ever made! This studio is a very special place and Terry is the best teacher/coach I've ever been around. I can't recommend working with him enough.

The best acting teacher/studio experience I have ever had.

Terry visited Drama Inc. (what I consider the best acting studio in Atlanta, GA) in February 2020 and I was lucky enough to be one of the INCterns helping with the week of Master Classes.

Terry is simply the best.

He puts the Master in Master Class. He displays talent, attitude, skills, and education of the highest degree. If you want literal top notch professionalism and training, choose the brilliant Terry Knickerbocker.

Participating in Terry s Master Class on Zoom was rewarding, exciting and fundamental in pushing me to take the next steps towards becoming a working actor. Witnessing first hand the expertise with which my fellow classmates worked on their scenes became, in and of itself, a learning experience which inspired me to tackle the material in new and unexpected ways without any fear of falling on my face :) The teacher, with one finger on the industry s pulse and the other on the student s heartbeat, knows exactly how to jump start an actor s creative engine and get him/her back into the fast lane!

Terry Knickerbocker studio has absolutely changed my life as an actor and artist. I feel confident I have honed my craft under his teaching. All of the teachers at the studio as well as Terry are beyond qualified to make sure you are nurtured and excel to the very best of your abilities. The space is thoughtfully designed to help you feel at home every time you walk in. It is some of the hardest and most worthwhile work you will ever do.

In my ten years of studying acting at various schools and programs, honestly I have to say Terry made an impact on my that will stay with me for the rest of my life. He creates such a safe and focused environment that allows you to be open and truly explore what it is you have to offer as an artist. The best way I can explain it is that Terry Knickerbocker feels like a collaboration more than a teacher/student relationship. Not only would I recommend it to everyone but I will most definitely be looking forward to the next time I get to play with Terry.

Thank you not just to Terry but to everyone at the studio for helping to create such a positive and open space. This whole experience starting from the interview with Kristan to the class itself has been nothing but fantastic.

If you're looking to expand and grow as an artist don't think anymore, do it and go.

Working with Terry has always kept me sharp as an actor. He truly strives for excellence in his students, and I'd have it no other way.

Terry Knickerbocker is excellent, and stands for excellence. He is a deeply knowledgable communicator of his own tradition, and has a palpable curiosity of other ways of working, which I have seen and experienced first hand. He is sure-handed and secure enough in his own way to be flexible to the needs of the actor in front of him, while at the same time holding out a high standard for each actor to shoot for. He is dedicated, funny, disciplined, present and serious about the work but not about himself. He was exceedingly kind in answering my many questions, and I'm very glad to have attended his master class. As someone who has trained with many of the finest teachers in the world, I can recommend Terry and his studio without reservation.

Sean Patrick Folster
Actor/Teacher, The Folster Studio

I had the opportunity to take the first Atlanta 4 day Terry Knickerbocker Intensive and it was the absolute best experience. It was challenging and so very rewarding. We always strive for precision and clarity in our work and Terry did an incredible job leading us there. The notes were direct and supportive of each artist exactly where they were in the journey. Terry has a true gift to meet an actor where they are and to give guidance with out any judgement. He is so obviously passionate about his work and if you have the opportunity to study with Terry in any capacity- dive in!!! I do hope to continue my journey with Terry at some point in the future. This experience was unforgettable in the best way.

I haven t felt this inspired, up for any challenge, ready to take the best care of my instrument as a whole, ready to dive in deeper than ever, in a long time. I forgot so many wonderful parts of actor training, voice, movement...details and basics that I needed to get back to. This class challenged me, made me feel encouraged, inspired, and like I had found someone so special to work with. Terry has a flare and style that is all his own, I love his humor and candor. I wish I could work with him every week, I KNOW that he will make me a better actor. Until next time. Run, don t walk!

One of the most amazing experiences I ve had as a human and an actor. Terry creates an environment that made me feel comfortable to explore and discover aspects of myself that I was afraid of and didn t even know existed. Gentle & insanely honest. I continue to learn from Terry and look forward to doing so for a long time. Inspiring!

Working with Terry has been invaluable to me as an artist. His special gift for seeing actors true selves, often before they do, alongside his standard of excellence, precision, compassion and patience has all helped me become the artist I am today. My time with Terry in the studio never leaves me when I am working in the real world, and he has given me an artistic vocabulary from which to craft wherever I go. I could not be more filled with joy to see the artistic home Terry has created for his students. The studio is a reflection of the space that he creates in all the lives he touches: a safe, joyous place in which each student can take the exhilarating risk to emancipate their imagination while staying connected.

If you're interested in not only being a better actor, but an actor that also strives for the highest of quality of work, this is the place to sharpen your blade. The standards are high, the work is demanding, and if you can find an opportunity to study with Terry or any of the faculty here, you will leave satisfied and itching for more.

This past summer I had the privilege of participating in TK's Summer Intensive. I have trained at other schools and studios in New York and I can confidently say that the Terry Knickerbocker Studio is something special. Their mission statement "training the passionate actor committed to excellence" couldn't be more apt. All summer I found myself surrounded by students and staff that were universally invested in my growth and success. I was challenged, pushed, supported and encouraged to explore my body, mind, wants and needs - both as an actor, and as a person.

I could not recommend this program, or this studio more highly. I will be returning in the fall for their two year intensive and feel incredibly lucky for the opportunity to continue my training at this studio.

In January, I started training as an actor at Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn. I took a leap of faith, moved to New York, and enrolled in this full-time program. My teacher Terry Knickerbocker asked me if I wanted to come do this work with him, to learn about myself, and to transform. With COVID-19, the experience has been different than I expected, we transitioned the learning onto Zoom, but the work and my excitement for it are as alive as ever.

I'm learning a technique called the Meisner Technique, which is defined as "behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances." This work it teaching me what it means to "behave truthfully", which is hard in a world that thrusts so many social norms and conditioning upon you. It becomes harder in a time like this when many of us disconnect from how we feel because feeling would be too painful. I came to this work because I wanted to explore what it meant to be more available to myself and to unpeel more layers of the onion that is me.

I'm also becoming a child again in rekindling my imagination, something that I wish I could have played with more as a child. The imaginary world is alive. It keeps me fresh, adaptable, and curious about this crazy thing called life.

The friends that I've caught up with during COVID have asked me how things are with classes online and how my transition has been. My answer is that this work is both the most difficult thing that I've ever done and also the most fun. It's the most fun that I've ever had, and it's really rich and deep. My teacher Terry has been teaching this work for 35 years. He's committed, all-in, and he loves teaching Meisner. It's his purpose.

The Terry Knickerbocker Studio has a 6-week summer intensive that they are offering online (with the hopes that people will be able to meet in person by the end of it). It's from 7/15-8/31. If there's any part of you that is interested and wants to know more, this is a great opportunity to dive in and learn more. It's life-changing work (even if you don't want to be a working actor) that you'll never forget. It's showing me how to be truthful and, most importantly of all, free.

Where can I begin about this incredible experience? Terry is easy to know, direct, supportive, and brings to his class knowledge that cannot be compared to any class I have taken! His wonderful direction changed my scene from a disaster to, on the last day, something he seemed quite pleased with! I took this class with 3 of my teachers at Drama, Inc. so that's the level of most of the participants.....but I never felt I should not be there because of Terry....he made me feel it was OK that I was part of this advanced, intensive class. I know I grew tremendously in this journey and will remember all his notes! Also, his extremely kind voice.

Terry taught a 4 day intensive in Atlanta I was lucky enough to be a part of! I absolutely loved the importance he puts on the writing and the words of the playwrights. This is something that s rarely taught in Atlanta. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to better their craft!

Terry is truly one of a kind teachers that will push you to be the best that you can be. He s authentic, invested in each and every student and so inspiring. After studying with him for the 2yr program few years ago I came back for the summer masterclass and felt alive again. He s a master at his craft and anyone who gets to work with him is truly lucky. I would highly recommend him to anyone who s passionate and committed to do the work.
https://terryknickerbockerstudio.com/

I have studied with many different acting coaches in both LA & NYC but after just a short time spent with Terry, I can honestly say he is the best I ve ever worked with. His teachings are invaluable. Terry has a true gift for this. I cannot wait to return for more of his incredible insight, heart & humor.

Years later there s still not a day that goes by where I don t think about this studio. Absolutely life changing. I not only became a better actor but I became a better person.

When you study at Terry Knickerbocker studio - growth is inevitable.


I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to study at Terry Knickerbocker Studio and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be the best actor they can be. Do not miss out on an opportunity to study here. It will change your life.

If only it was easy to articulate why this studio deserves 5 stars!! My experience here was life changing to say the least. If you are serious about acting then this studio is number one. Terry, the staff and the students thrive here, exemplifying excellence at its best. It can be in intimidating choosing to train professionally as an actor, especially with many studio options in NYC but Terry s studio is like no other, helping each individual reach their full potential by creating a safe space to do so. Terry s attention to detail, his undivided attention and love for his work is what sets this studio apart from the others. There is so much passion in not only Terry s teaching but in all the staff there. Because of this passion I was influenced immensely to be the best actor I can be. I was influenced to love, work hard and enjoy the process. The teachers, the staff, and the students care about you and your potential. I was pushed, and pushed to take risks and to let go just like everyone else here. I am a better actor because of this training here, and an even better empathetic human. I am eternally grateful for this beautiful experience.

The growth and profound self exploration experienced through taking this journey with Terry is unparalleled; I've never felt so connected to who I am, and who I am becoming. It has opened my eyes, mind and heart to the deepest aspects of my persona, and I couldn't be more grateful to have found TKS. Not only is the work challenging and highly rewarding, the space created is a safe haven, which allows an openness to experiences that are free of judgement. The keen awareness that Terry and faculty have into each student's essence allows you to flourish both as an artist and human. If you're looking for a comprehensive training that explores all facets of who you are mentally, emotionally, physically and even spiritually, you've come to the right place.

Awesome training. Terry and his select staff of awesome teachers are committed to excellence of themselves and each student. They will teach you techniques to access and construct performances that are the best version of yourself for each and every role.
Do it. Just do it.

The last two years of my life spent with Terry I have seen tremendous growth in my work as an actor and in my life as a human being. He is compassionate, caring and gentle while simultaneously demanding the absolute best from each and every actor day in and day out. Terry's laser focus and intuitive ability to find the truth in everyone's work is incredibly rare. He extends his commitment to excellence to every corner of the studio from the design of the studio itself to the incredible faculty he surrounds himself with. My work in movement and voice as well are still so important to me and stretched me in ways I could never have imagined doing myself.

Terry is a phenomenal teacher, coach, and mentor. He constantly pushed me to find deeper and clearer meaning in the work, myself, and the character. Everyday I learned something new from him that I found to be extremely valuable in my process as an actor and around the work. He is completely dedicated and committed to helping you grow into the best version of the actor you want to be and he expects 110% from you.

TK Studio is an extraordinary place to train and grow as an actor. Terry s personal and thorough approach to acting (based in Meisner) and the conservatory process is - in my opinion - the best you will find anywhere. And the Studio staff are wonderful as well - TK Studio is a truly special artistic home.