Professional Conservatory

Still from “Indecent” By Paula Vogel – Class of 2022 Contemporary Shows

LA Professional Conservatory:

Fall 2024 Entry Applications and Auditions:
Limited Availability, Apply Today!

Fall 2024 Conservatory begins on Monday, September 9th, 2024

*If a candidate cannot audition in-person, the studio may arrange a Zoom video audition and interview.

HOW TO APPLY

Tuition: $7,995 Per Semester ($40,575 Total, including STRF and Classroom Supplies fee)
More Admissions Dates & Deadlines
Scholarships Information

Our flagship Professional Conservatory (Two and a Half Year Conservatory) is the apex of all training programs at the Art of Acting Studio. Since 1949, the Professional Conservatory has trained some of America’s most important actors and is considered one of the best in the nation. In these programs modeled after MFA graduate-level training, students gain tools and techniques to better engage their imagination, to analyze text deeply and accurately, and to create rich, specific characters; while also preparing for the creative challenges of the New York and Hollywood industries in Film, Television, and Theater.  The goal of this program is to fully prepare students for both the craft and business of acting.

Our next Professional Conservatory Start Date is September 9th, 2024.

For September Start students in 2024, Classes will be four days a week, 26 Hours per week, Monday-Thursday, between 11:00AM and 6:30PM.

Class size is limited to 14 students. Admission by audition only. For information about the current curriculum, please download the school catalog here.

Our January Start (Spring Entry), is considered our “Fast Track” option where students complete the 2.5 year program in two years (five consecutive semesters).

The Professional Conservatory (Two and a Half Year Conservatory) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST) and licensed to operate by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education of California (BPPE).

For more information on NAST, Click here.

For more information on the BPPE, Click here.

The First Year (1st and 2nd Semester)
The first year of the program focuses on providing students with a strong foundation from which to grow through a firm acting technique, voice and speech work, movement and physical exploration, as well as contemporary and classical (Shakespeare) scene work and an introduction to technique for film. Students will develop a facile and responsive body, a strong and clear voice, and a clear understanding of the Studio’s acting technique. Students will also gain stagecraft experience by assisting as crew on the second year student productions. The First Year concludes with a Rehearsal Project.

Still from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare – Class of 2022 Shakespeare Shows

The Second Year (3rd and 4th Semester) *
The second year concentrates on applying the tools learned in the first year through intense contemporary and classical scene work, with continued voice and speech work and an exploration of physical acting. Students begin performance through their Poetry Project, followed by a short film endeavor called the Genesis Project. Students will develop and create self-generated works, including a Solo Show performance of an original piece, and will explore more in-depth On-Camera scene work. The Second Year concludes with a performance of a classical play.

Still from “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare – Class of 2022 Shakespeare Shows

The Final Semester *
The Final semester is devoted to preparing for further performance and the professional world. Students will have classes regarding the business of acting, auditioning, and master classes with industry professionals. They will continue advanced contemporary and classical scene work as well as further On-Camera technique, and will culminate their learning with a performance of a contemporary play. Finally, students will develop a self-written Reel scene which will be screened for invited industry guests at a professional showcase.

* Invitation to continue studies in the Second Year and Final Semester is conditional on student growth, work ethic and overall engagement with the program, as reviewed by all faculty.

Still from “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams – Class of 2021 Contemporary Shows


Admission Information

Admission to the conservatory program is by interview and audition. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and must submit the following:

  1. A Completed Application Form.
  2. Headshot and Resume
  3. Two letters of recommendation in pdf format, must be dated and signed. Including referee’s address and telephone number. The letters should be from teacher or persons who can supply a recommendation pertaining to the applicant’s character and potential. Referees must send their letters to nick@stellaadler.com They may also mail their letters if they wish, to the Art of Acting Studio, 1017 N Orange Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90038
  4. A $70 non-refundable application fee (payable to the Art of Acting Studio).

APPLY ONLINE!

Admissions Dates

Spring 2024 Entry Applications and Auditions:
Application Deadline Extended! Apply Now!

Fall 2024 Entry Applications and Auditions:

First Round Acceptances
Application Deadline Extended: January 15th, 2024
NYC & LA In-Person Audition Days: January 16th-17th, 2024
LA Callback Day (or callback video submissions due date): Saturday, February 24th, 2024

Second Round Acceptances
Application Deadline: March 5th, 2024
NYC & LA In-Person Audition Day: Thursday, March 7th, 2024
Callback Submissions Due: Friday, March 31th, 2024

The Audition

The audition should consist of a performance of two contrasting monologues of your choice.

One classical (Shakespeare) and one contemporary/realism (from a published play), no longer than 90 seconds each. Monologues must be memorised. Screenplays/Teleplays will NOT be accepted.

If you wish to schedule your audition in person, kindly contact nick@stellaadler.com after submitting your full application.

If you are unable to attend an audition in person, you may submit a video audition via self-tape.

Self-Tape Instructions

For the  video audition, please record your self-tape, then upload it to YouTube (unlisted) or Vimeo (password protected) and submit the link to view through our Online Video Audition Form .

  • Monologues must be one contemporary (from a play, not film/tv) and a classical piece (Shakespeare). Each must be no longer than 90 seconds long.
  • Please note that both of your audition monologues must be memorized and no reading will be allowed.
  • Make your focal point just off the camera lens as if the person you are talking to in your audition piece is directly behind it. Do not set your focus off to the side. We also ask that you allow enough space between you and the camera (at least a mid-shot) so that we can take in your physical presence and actions.
  • Your location must be free of visible distractions or ambient sounds, to the best of your ability. Ideally, you are striving for the most neutral background as possible.
  • Review your work before submitting, to be sure there are no technical issues with your video.

 

After the interview and audition have taken place, applicants will be notified if they are invited to a final callback audition.

COVID-19 Policy: Please visit the studio’s Health & Safety page for the latest updates, policies and list of measures the studio has taken to protect the community against COVID-19.


*prices, curriculum, and faculty subject to change

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