Our Next Act: The Future of the Stella Adler Studio
Your Support Matters More Than Ever
The Stella Adler Studio of Acting stands at a pivotal moment. As we celebrate 75 years of artistic excellence, we look not backward, but forward, to a bold new chapter defined by sustainability, access, and resilience.
Join us in making a bold investment in creative education, to ensure our next 75 years remain accessible, vibrant, and transformative for generations to come.
We aim to raise $500,000 to sustain our education and arts programs through the current seismic shift in the nonprofit landscape.
Our First 75 Years
Founded in 1949 by Stella Adler, the Studio has trained some of America’s most legendary actors. Today, our graduates are regularly seen in Broadway and West End productions, award-winning films, and beloved television series.
In addition to our actor training programs, we offer free programming to over 1,000 New Yorkers each year through our Arts Justice Division, and host free and low-cost cultural events through the Stella Adler Center for the Arts to expand the horizons of our students and the greater community.
The Urgent Need Across Nonprofit Arts and Education
The nonprofit theater industry faces a perfect storm of increasing costs, decreasing donations, and reduced government support, threatening the sustainability of many organizations.
Professional theaters across the country are pausing programming, closing physical spaces, and consolidating limited resources to stay afloat…or closing entirely.
Several MFA programs, acting conservatories, and entire university theater departments have closed in the past few years. At a time where we deeply need artists to remind us of our humanity, how do we move forward?
Operating costs up 60%
Across all industries since 2022, increasing rents, staffing, production costs, materials, and other expenses create financial strain.
Individual giving down 30%
Nonprofits face fewer donations from individual donors since pre-COVID as economic uncertainty lingers.
Challenge America grants cut
Reduced or cancelled government funding from the NEA for smaller arts organizations is destabilizing the industry.
The Studio is Strong, but Not Immune
Against the backdrop of national closures, the Stella Adler Studio is standing strong. Enrollment is high in our programs, proving a sustainable model is possible. But we are not invulnerable to these industry-wide challenges. Unlike larger actor training institutions who have shifted their financial models away from tuition, we lack a substantial endowment that provides financial stability. The high cost of operating in New York City creates additional significant strain.
So what does our next act look like? How do we ensure theater remains a right and not a luxury?
Join Us In Authoring Our Next Act
As we build the next chapter of American theater and arts education, we need your support to navigate this new economic climate. Our ability to serve aspiring actors and the greater community relies on the generosity of individual donors like you. Your gift in celebration of our 75th anniversary is critical in ensuring that we continue to provide accessible, high-quality, world-class arts education to the next generation. Please consider making a contribution today.
Stella By Starlight: A One-Night Only Celebration
75th Anniversary Benefit
for the Stella Adler Studio of Acting
& Center for the Arts
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
The Lighthouse, Pier 61
VIP Cocktails 6:30 PM, Presentation & Awards at 7:30 PM
Sponsored by the Samuel H. Scripps Foundation
Join us for an extraordinary evening in support of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting’s mission to nurture the next generation of artists and change-makers. Proceeds from this celebration through Our Next Act Campaign ensure the Studio can continue to serve diverse communities, expand access to world-class training, and invest in the future of the performing arts. With your support, we will write the next chapter of the Studio’s legacy.
