The buzz in the air was palpable this past Saturday, August 10th, as The Knockturnal had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Louis Stancil Acting Studios in the heart of Times Square.
Nestled in the iconic Actors Equity Building at 165 W 46th St, the studio’s ribbon-cutting ceremony felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air for New York’s creative community. The anticipation and enthusiasm from the attendees spoke volumes about what this new space means for artists in the city.
Louis Stancil, the visionary 34-year-old founder behind the studio, was joined by actor Justin Hurtt-Dunkley—known for his roles in Mare of Easttown and the upcoming Lawmen: Bass Reeves —as they officially opened the doors to what is already being hailed as a new hub for emerging talent. Louis also made history as the first Black owner of a business within the Actors Equity Building in the last 100 years, marking a significant milestone in the industry.
For those unfamiliar with Louis Stancil’s journey, his story is as inspiring as it is unique. Growing up in Baltimore, Louis’s passion for acting was sparked while spending time on the set of The Wire. His experience goes deeper than the average acting coach; as the child of two deaf parents, Louis is fluent in sign language and tactile signing—a skillset that has given him a profound understanding of human behavior. These early life experiences fueled his determination to create spaces where aspiring actors could flourish.
Louis started LS Acting Studios in Atlanta in 2020, followed by a second location in Los Angeles. Now, with the opening of the New York studio, Louis is bringing his vision to one of the most iconic artistic cities in the world. His studios have quickly become safe havens for those pursuing their acting dreams, providing a supportive environment that nurtures raw talent.
His client list reads like a who’s who of the entertainment world, with Louis having trained the likes of Meek Mill, the cast of the Will Smith-produced Charm City Kings, and even Kandi Burruss. Currently, Louis is working with Pretty Vee and rising star Akai Coleman, who is set to appear in Netflix’s SUPACELL. This latest venture in New York is only further cementing Louis’s role as a key player in the acting community.
I feel very strongly that Louis’s presence here in New York will not only bring his expertise to our city, but it will also attract new talent eager to make their mark. This is a great entry welcome to NYC for everyone involved—say hello, get familiar with the brand, and look forward to the incredible projects that will undoubtedly come out of Louis Stancil Acting Studios.
As Louis Stancil Acting Studios continues to grow, it stands as a beacon of hope for creatives looking for a place to hone their craft. In a city where the arts are the lifeblood of its culture, Louis’s studio is set to become a cornerstone for actors at all stages of their careers. Follow LS Acting Studios on social media @lsactingstudios to stay updated on the incredible work coming out of this dynamic new space.
