Strasberg acting school turns 40

NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- New York's Lee Strasberg Way is to be closed so the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute can have a class picture taken, organizers said.

The photo is to be snapped Oct. 23. The first of its kind taken in 20 years, the picture will include all current students posing in front of the famous acting school, along with Anna Strasberg, wife of the late teacher Lee Strasberg, the school's co-founder and artistic director.

The taking of the photo is intended to mark the 40th anniversary of the school.

"LSTFI remains as vibrant today as in 1969, when it was established by one of the world's most respected acting teachers and pioneer of the Method approach," said a release announcing the event. "Its classes in New York and Los Angeles continue to attract the best teachers and most dedicated students, serving as a hothouse for fledgling young talent. Some of the most memorable film, television and stage performances of the past 50 years owe their intensity and honesty to the Method approach taught by Lee Strasberg."

Past students include James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier, Jack Nicholson, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Alec Baldwin, Adam Sandler, Uma Thurman, Drew Barrymore, Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller.