Applications for admission are accepted without regard to race, creed, sex, color, national origin or handicap.

Required documents: to bring to your interview. (Interview only, no audition.)
- Application
- Applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Current photo (does not need to be a headshot)
- Copy of high school diploma or its equivalent. (The minimum educational requirement for admissions).
- Interview fee
- 3 References: one Personal, one Professional and one Financial.
1. Personal reference – this letter may be written by a family friend, employer, teacher or anyone who has known the applicant over a period of years.
2. Professional reference – a letter from someone who has had an opportunity to observe the candidate’s dramatic abilities and other theatre related work and will appraise the applicant’s potential.
3. Financial reference – a letter showing verification that the student, parents or sponsor is able to meet the financial responsibilities of tuition and living costs during the school year. (We must have proof of all types of support).

All students, including International students, must supply written proof that they have the financial support required to pay for the program and their living expenses while a student at the Neighborhood Playhouse.

Government loans are available for eligable applicants. Please contact the School and talk to our Financial Aid Advisor.

Payment of the tuition for the Full Time program is divided into two installments. At least half of the tuition must be paid upon starting the program in September and the 2nd half of the tuition must be paid by the beginning of the 2nd session starting in Mid-January.


Foreign Students
Foreign students will require an F-1 student visa in order to enter the United States.

What you need to know to become a fully enrolled F-1 Visa Foreign Student at the Neighborhood Playhouse.

ESTIMATED COSTS of living in New York for 9 months (1st Year) as an International student enrolled in the Full time 2 Year Program,
September 20, 2010 to May 13, 2011.

Tuition (per year)...…………………….. $ 14,000.
Rent–9 months @ 1,500. per month 13,500.
Incidentals(school related).………………….600.
Food and Services …………………………....6,000.
Travel………………………………………………....1,000.
Personal incidentals .…………………………….500.

Total estimated for the First Year
$35,600.00
(The above figures include the actual tuition costs and an average projection of other costs. Living expenses may vary from student to student.)

ESTIMATED COSTS of living in New York for the 6 week Summer Session as an International student.

Tuition…….............……………………... $ 2,550.
Rent (2 months @ 1,500. per month) ……………….. $3,000.
Food, travel & other costs....………………………….. $5,000.

Total estimated for 6 week Summer Session $10,550.00
(The accuracy of these estimates dependent upon personal spending habits)

Only students who have the necessary funds to cover all their expenses are considered for acceptance.

International students are not eligible, in most cases, for United States Financial Aid (loans, grants, and scholarships).

Letters of support and documents of proof from parents, guardians or sponsors are required. (Bank statements, Scholarship award letters, Bursaries, etc)

If the international student has sufficient financial support then here is the list of steps to be taken:

- Read the school’s website thoroughly and assemble all required documents and attach them to the completed application form and send it to the school.
- Make an appointment by phone, letter or email with the school for an interview. At the school in New York no audition is required just the interview.
- If you choose to be interviewed/auditioned by one of the school's Regional Reps, contact them at the numbers listed on this website.
- International students from faraway countries who are unable to come to NY for an interview may send us a DVD recording of yourself or a YouTube video link. This recording should include a short monologue of your choice and a section in which you briefly tell us about yourself and why you want to attend the Neighborhood Playhouse.

The Director of our School will take a look at your recording, along with your application and other documents, and then contact you regarding your acceptance. The filming of the DVD or YouTube video does not have to be high quality.

- We encourage early application/interview for all international Students to allow sufficient time for Visa and Passport processing.
- English language: Good Proficiency in spoken English is a must. All documents should be translated into English in the application.

Required documents for foreign students:

- Application
- Copy of high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Interview fee. (If interviewing at the School)
- 3 References: one Personal, one Professional and one Financial.
1. Personal reference – this letter may be written by a family friend, employer, teacher or anyone who has known the applicant over a period of years.
2. Professional reference – a letter from someone who has had an opportunity to observe the candidate’s dramatic abilities and other theatre related work and will appraise the applicant’s potential.
3. Financial reference – a letter showing verification that the student, parents or sponsor is able to meet the financial responsibilities of tuition and living costs during the school year. (We must have proof of all types of support).

Upon acceptance, the foreign student will be sent two letters of acceptance and two copies of the enrollment agreement.
(If Express mail is used due to time, then the student must reimburse the school for the costs.)

Return one copy of the enrollment agreement with the registration fee. Upon receipt of these, a place will be held for the student.

Next, the student will be sent a form, the SEVIS Information sheet; the student will fill out this form and return it to the School. This form provides the information needed for the school to file online a new student I-20 form which will then be sent to the student.

Upon receipt of this new student I-20 form you must go online and file Form I-901 with an additional Student Processing Fee. A RECEIPT for this payment will be mailed to you.

The foreign student will need this receipt for the I-901 fee, the I-20 form, a Current Passport, Birth certificate and financial proof – to take to the U.S. Consul or U.S. Embassy in the students home country in order to have his Passport validated with the F-1 Visa stamp before entering the USA.

(Canadians usually do not have to go to the Consul or Embassy but they do have to get the I-901 receipt on line.)

It seems complicated but it’s not really! Please call us if you have any questions.
Our office number is 212-688-3770.

We look forward to the possibility of your attending our remarkable school!