William Alderson's journey as an actor and teacher began under the guidance of renowned Sanford Meisner, where he honed his craft and went on to work as Mr. Meisner's principal assistant and Associate Director at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City for over two decades.
With a directorial debut in 1975, Alderson brought William Inge's "The Disposal" to life on stage at the Jan Hus Theatre in New York City, marking the start of a long and illustrious career in the world of theatre.
Throughout his more than 30-year tenure as a teacher, Alderson has been driven by a singular goal: to help actors reconnect with their authentic selves. This philosophy is at the very heart of the Meisner Technique, which emphasizes the importance of "the reality of doing".
Beyond his work as a teacher, Alderson has also made a name for himself as a director, helming a diverse range of productions in New York City. He has had the privilege of collaborating closely with the esteemed playwright Horton Foote, directing Foote's "The Traveling Lady" and "Lily Dale" at the Samuel Beckett Theatre, and appearing alongside the talented Jean Stapleton in Foote's well-received "The Roads to Home".
Alderson is a proud member of the Director's Unit of the Actor's Studio, and has also appeared on and off-broadway, as well as in film and television.
In 1993, Alderson took the leap and opened the William Alderson Acting Studio in Los Angeles, followed by the founding of the River Street Theatre.
