One of the most important drama schools for movie actors since the advent of the "talkies" was the Actors' Studio. Established in 1947 by Elia Kazan, the school became a legend due to the presence of Lee Strasberg, the inventor of 'the Method', who became its Artistic Director in 1948. Many of the most famous American actors passed through the school. Photographers were often sent out on assignments to photograph actors and performers some of whom were still not established. At the time of the taking of this particular photograph, Paul Newman was still unknown.