Students will learn how to select and prepare appropriate audition material for conservatory/college auditions, graduate school (MFA/MA programs) and professional auditions.

Students will learn and develop necessary skills for auditioning for film and television, including how to analyze sides, adapt to direction and feedback, and what to expect in the audition room when working with casting professionals.

Students will be introduced to the business skills required for working in the profession, including résumés, headshots, auditions, agents, casting directors, unions and other aspects related to the development of a professional actor’s career in film, television and theatre. 

In this course, students will gain an experiential understanding of improvisational acting and develop strong moment-to-moment skills that are essential to spontaneity and creativity in scripted work. Through theatre games and exercise-work, students will develop tools to increase their listening/responding skills and to become more trusting of their own impulses.

Today’s working actor often knows how to create and produce their own work. This course will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of how to get your own unique project off the ground, including the business skills necessary for navigating issues regarding copyright, budgeting, producing and managing a collaborative production.

Students will learn how to approach and analyze Shakespeare’s heightened text, with a primary focus on connection and bringing this language to life truthfully and spontaneously. Students will also gain a better understanding of how to select the most appropriate monologue material for auditions.

Expanding upon techniques learned in Voice for the Actor, this elective provides an opportunity to explore how to approach and work with texts in the major dialects of English.

Designed for beginning to intermediate actors who want a deeper understanding of working in film and television, including the “business of the business,” this Intensive provides a professional and thorough understanding of the on-camera process and how to alleviate the anxiety of working on camera. Courses explore the various genres within film and television, including the TV sitcom, commercial acting, film and live television.

Course of study:
Acting Technique - 8 hours per week
Audition Technique for Film & Television - 6 hours per week
Working in Film - 4 hours per week
Sitcom Acting - 4 hours per week
Commercial Technique - 2 hours per week

Designed for students who have already completed Camera I or the First Year of The Academy’s Full-Time Conservatory Program, this Intensive provides a deeper understanding of the on-camera process. Courses explore the various genres within film and television and are designed to enhance the actors’ comfort levels with working on camera.

Course of study:
Acting Technique II - 8 hours per week
Audition Technique II - 6 hours per week
Working in Film II - 4 hours per week
Sitcom Acting II - 4 hours per week
Commercial Technique II - 2 hours per week

Auditions, whether for schools or roles in plays, film or television, are a fact of life for all actors. This two-week Intensive is designed to prepare individuals who have an understanding of acting and singing basics for a successful audition. Topics include finding your type, picking strong material, preparing for and performing your audition, improvisation in an audition setting and cold readings. This Intensive is designed for both actors auditioning for schools/festivals and working actors who want to improve their skills. Students should come prepared with at least two monologues of contrasting values that can be presented in class.

Course of study:
Your Type & Material - 4 hours per week
Preparing & Performing - 6 hours per week
Cold Readings - 2 hours per week
Song Interpretation - 6 hours per week
Improvise & Create - 4 hours per week
Your Best Audition - 2 hours per week
Casting Director Master Class - 2 hours on the final day

This Intensive is designed for actors seeking to broaden their understanding of the particular skill-set required for working in musical theatre. It is comprised of coursework in acting, dance, song interpretation, vocal technique and individual coaching. Led by faculty currently working with the Broadway community and with a breadth of knowledge across numerous musical styles, students will learn how to select appropriate repertoire and prepare audition material.

Course of study:
Acting - 6 hours per week
Dance & Dance History - 6 hours per week
Vocal Technique - 4 hours per week
Song Interpretation - 4 hours per week
Performance Class - 2 hours (week 1)
Business Class - 2 hours (week 2)
Casting Director Master Class - 2 hours on the final day

Training: Excite and release the storyteller inside of you! Discover and expand the relaxed, free and truthful use of self in imaginary circumstances; develop trust in spontaneous, moment-to-moment reactions and learn how to apply these techniques to dramatic texts.

Coursework: Exercises for relaxation, concentration and sensitivity to fellow actors, as well as internal and external stimuli to achieve focus and involvement, leading to dramatic analysis, improvisation and scene study.

Training: Add strength and emotional range to the natural voice; develop the voice as an instrument of communication on and off stage.

Coursework: Principles of voice production are applied through structured exercises for optimal vocal health, audibility, breath efficiency, articulation, intonation, resonance and phrasing.

In this course, students will receive a foundation in the Alexander Technique, a sophisticated physical discipline that is both restorative and transformative. Through individual and group activities, students will learn how to reduce habitual tensions, refine body awareness, and enhance their presence and freedom as performers.