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How to Apply

Applying to the full time conservatory program and the Six Week summer intensive 

The application process involves submitting the materials listed below as well as an Artistic Review (Interview/Audition) with the Executive Director, Ms. Pamela Moller Kareman. Should you be selected for an Artistic Review, you will be expected to come prepared with a one to two minute contemporary monologue. Interviews are conducted via Zoom. See below under 'ARTISTIC REVIEW: Interview/Audition' for more details. 

Please contact Admissions at admissions@neighborhoodplayhouse.org with any questions.

  • The application period for our 2025-2026 Full Time Conservatory Program is ongoing and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • The application period for our 2025 Six Week Summer Intensive Program is ongoing and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW ONLINE


Application Materials:

  • Application Form - Click Here to Download PDF Application.
  • Personal Statement - up to 250 words detailing why you wish to study at The Neighborhood Playhouse.
  • Personal Letter of Recommendation - The personal recommendation should be written by someone who has known you for a number of years. It should be written by someone who can attest to your character such as a friend, neighbor, coworker, etc. The letter should speak to your character and preparedness for a serious, full-time program.
  • Professional Letter of Recommendation
 - The professional recommendation should be written by someone who can speak to your work ethic. They might discuss who you are in the theatre atmosphere or as an employee, and what qualities make you a good candidate for a full time professional acting conservatory. This letter could be from a director, boss, creative colleague, or professional collaborator.
  • Current photo (headshot not required)
  • Copy of High School Diploma/Transcript and College Diploma/Transcript (if applicable) - If you are a High School Senior, this may be submitted upon graduation. Please provide full contact information for your high school along with anticipated date of graduation.
  • $75 Application Fee - Payable by cash, US bank check or money order, or by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, & Discover only. We do not accept American Express). Please make check/money order payable to “The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.” To pay by credit card via PayPal please click the PAY NOW button below. Should you wish to pay via credit card and would like to avoid using PayPal, please contact our office and we will email you an invoice. | Note: Our Admissions Team meets Fridays at 12pm ET for The Lunch Hour on Zoom, a chance to talk with recent graduates about life at The Playhouse. Attendees are elligible to have their $75 Application Fee waived! Email Admissions for more information about attending The Lunch Hour.
             
  • Resume (optional)
  • International Applicants ONLY - Please see additional ‘Proof of Finances’ and ‘Evaluation of International Credentials’ information detailed below under “International Applicants”.

SUBMITTING your Application:

All application materials can be sent by postal mail or email to The Neighborhood Playhouse. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their Application Form and photo arrive prior to supporting documents (letters of reference, resume, transcripts, etc.) to expedite the application process. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis based on class capacity. Space is limited, so we suggest that you apply early.

Deadlines for the Full Time Conservatory and six week summer intensive:

2025 - 2026 Two Year Full-Time Conservatory Regular Deadline - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis based on class capacity.

(Please note, the deadline to apply for the Joanne Woodward First Year Scholarship for the 2025-26 Academic Year is March 3rd, 2025. An application must be complete in order to be considered.)

2025 Six Week Summer Intensive Regular Deadline - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis based on class capacity.

*We encourage applicants to send materials digitally*

For postal mail: please send materials to: 

The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre

Attn: Admissions
340 East 54th Street

New York, NY 10022

To send by email: please address to admissions@neighborhoodplayhouse.org including your full name in the subject line.

ARTISTIC REVIEW: Interview/Audition

After your completed application materials are processed and reviewed, you will be contacted by The Neighborhood Playhouse as to whether an Artistic Review (Interview/Audition) has been granted. All applicants are expected to be prepared with a 1-2 minute contemporary monologue at the time of their appointment.  During the Interview/Audition applicants will speak with Executive Director Ms. Pamela Moller Kareman and present their prepared monologue. 

Artistic Reviews (Interviews/Auditions) are conducted via Zoom.

IMPORTANT: If you are not a US Citizen or Green Card holder, please review the International Applicants page for more information. Be aware that the F-1 Student Visa process takes an estimated 30-90 days. Please contact Anthony Reimer at areimer@neighborhoodplayhouse.org and Paula Gregorio at pgregorio@neighborhoodplayhouse.org with questions/concerns.

Non-Discrimination Policy: The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, admissions and employment. It is the policy of the school to provide equal opportunity for all qualified applicants, students and employees and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion national origin, age, sexual preference, disability, or marital status.

*International Students (non US Citizens or Green Card Holders) the F-1 Student Visa application process takes an estimated 30-90 days. EXCEPTION: for CITIZENS OF CANADA it is possible to be completed in 15 to 30 days. If you are an international student and wish to apply to attend the Two Year Conservatory 2023-2024 programs, then we strongly recommend you contact Anthony Reimer (areimer@neighborhoodplayhouse.org) and Paula Gregorio (pgregorio@neighborhoodplayhouse.org) to better understand the steps necessary to complete the F-1 Student Visa application process at the nearest US Embassy.