In 1935, Sanford Meisner, one of the greatest acting teachers of the 20th Century andone of the founding members of The Group Theatre, joined the acting faculty of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in 1935 and in 1940, he became head of the acting program. It was at The Neighborhood Playhouse where he developed and refined what is now known as the Meisner Technique, a step-by-step procedure of self-investigation for the actor now globally recognized and among the foremost of modern acting techniques.

"All of us at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre wish to warmly thank New York City Council Member Ben Kallos, along with the rest of the New York City Council, in recognizing the rich history of this dynamic school and its historic place in the cultural life of New York City theater. We are eternally grateful to the paramount contribution that Sanford Meisner made not only to The Neighborhood Playhouse, but to the entire professional acting world." Executive Director of The Neighborhood Playhouse, Pamela Moller Kareman

"Theater is a beautiful art form that has helped New York City become known for its culture. Organizations like the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and individuals like legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner have a lot to do with that," said Council Member Ben Kallos. "It is a true honor and distinct pleasure to be able to officially recognize the many contributions of this organization and Mr. Meisner with a Proclamation from the City of New York"