The Actors Center Appoints New Executive and Artistic Director

For more than 20 years, The Actors Center has provided opportunities for NYC's professional stage, film, and television artists to deepen and develop their craft alongside likeminded peers.

The once small company was founded by J. Michael Miller as an alternative to the commercial theater model, with a goal of restoring the artist and the human element to the center of the theatrical experience.

Now under the direction of longtime Center associate Charles Tuthill, the Center now boasts more than 200 peer-nominated members and is positioned to continue to impact the profession for generations to come.

Among certain circles, The Actors Center stands out for its remarkable and tangible impact in the lives of professional actors through a process-oriented practice led by a group of Master Teachers such as Lloyd Richards, Earle Gister, Ron Van Lieu, Olympia Dukakis, Bill Esper, Richard Feldman, Joanna Merlin and Michael Kahn.

Current members include Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black), Stephen Mckinley Henderson (Fences), Andre Holland (American Horror Story:Roanoke, The Knick), Cotter Smith ( Mindhunter), Judy Kuhn (Tony Nominee, Fun Home), Griffin Dunne and Stephen Spinella.

In addition to renowned artists, this year's Master Teachers includes directors and educators. Richard Jenkins, Alvin Epstein, Dana Ivey, Ron Van Lieu, Jonathan Lynn, distinguished Russian director Slava Dolgachev, renowned vocal coach ElizaBeth Smith, Marica DeBonis, Richard Feldman, Stephen Mckinley Henderson and Michele Shay are among the lineup.

"After a relatively successful acting career and teaching that has produced some award-winning talent, I never thought I would find my life's work at the age of 54," said Tuthill. "I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of The Actors Center as it enters its 21 year."

The Actors Center is a collective of diverse professional actors committed to deepening their craft and challenging themselves in collaboration with likeminded peers. Through a process-oriented practice led by a group of Master Teachers, The Actors Center elevates and enhances a vibrant and vital artistic community. For more information, visit www.theactorscenter.org which includes a full list of members.