NYC Recognizes Lee Strasberg Institute Day

On October 18, 2019, students, staff, faculty, and alumni of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute gathered for a group photo to commemorate the Institute’s 50th Anniversary. The moment marked not the end of an era, but the beginning of another — ushering in the next 50 years of world-class actor training. With 361 faces in the crowd, including one Strasbaby and one canine actor, the reunion was joyous and unforgettable.

The gathering was more than just a photo op. Televised coverage captured the occasion as a commissioner from the Mayor’s Office presented a special Mayoral Proclamation to Artistic Director & Co-Founder Anna Strasberg and President Victoria Krane. By order of Mayor Bill de Blasio, the City of New York officially declared October 18, 2019 as The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute Day, honoring the school’s legacy and Lee’s enduring contributions to the city.

The celebration continued the following day with a reunion for students, faculty, and alumni of the Young Actors at Strasberg program. A second group photo captured the spirit of the occasion — and included a surprise appearance by Young Actors alumna Sophia Lillis.

These anniversary photos were just the start of a year filled with tributes, reunions, and performances, all commemorating 50 years of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and looking forward to the decades to come.