Skip to main content

Pre-College Conservatory

PRE-COLLEGE CONSERVATORY

"Your acting will not be good until it is only yours." – Sanford Meisner

The Pre-College Conservatory offers rigorous Meisner training, grounding students in the same disciplined techniques taught at the Neighborhood Playhouse for nearly 100 years. This three-week summer program is designed for dedicated actors aged 15–18 (rising sophomores to graduated seniors) seeking professional-level performance training. The curriculum evolves each year, allowing returning students to build on their progress.

Program Details:

  • Dates: July 14 – August 1, 2025 (Orientation: July 14, 8:45 AM)

  • Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Tuition: $3,400 (includes $400 enrollment deposit)
    • Domestic Deadline: July 8, 2025
    • International Deadline: May 1, 2025
  • Location: The Neighborhood Playhouse, 340 East 54th Street, New York NY 10022

Whether preparing for college, conservatory, or an acting career, this intensive program equips students with industry-ready skills taught by faculty who have trained award-winning actors across TV, film, and stage.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!


CURRICULUM

Total Length: 3 Weeks | 34.5 Hours/Week

  • Meisner Acting (10 Hrs/Week): Led by Gary Kingston, explore Meisner’s techniques—including improvisation, repetition, and scene work—to develop authentic, responsive performances.

  • Acting on Pitch (8 Hrs/Week): Taught by Sandy Faison, this class focuses on acting through singing. No prior vocal training required.
  • Dance for the Actor (4.5 Hrs/Week): Ben Hartley teaches emotionally driven choreography for storytelling in contemporary musical theatre.
  • Acting on Camera (6 Hrs/Week): Todd Susman prepares students for on-camera work, including self-tapes, monologues, and audition techniques. Students leave with a professionally taped monologue.
  • Voice & Speech (3 Hrs/Week): Lori Triolo helps students build a flexible, resonant voice for stage and screen.
  • Singing Technique (1.5 Hrs/Week): Kate Chaston teaches vocal techniques tailored to actors, focusing on relaxation and preparation.
  • Career Development (1.5 Hrs/Week): Learn industry essentials, including résumés, headshots, and navigating casting, agents, and auditions.

Prices, curriculum, and faculty subject to change.


APPLICATION INFORMATION

  • Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached. Early application is strongly recommended.

  • Materials Required:

    • Online application form

    • Personal Statement (up to 250 words)

    • One Recommendation Letter

    • Current photo (headshot not required)

    • $50 application fee

    • Résumé (optional)

International students, please email precollege@neighborhoodplayhouse.org for additional guidance.


ARTISTIC REVIEW
After your application is reviewed, you’ll be contacted to schedule a Zoom interview and audition with Program Directors Carmen Lamar Gonzalez and Sandy Faison. Prepare:

  • A one-minute contemporary monologue
  • A brief song

For questions, contact precollege@neighborhoodplayhouse.org. Don’t wait—apply now and take the first step toward your acting career!