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:
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Dates: July 14 – August 1, 2025 (Orientation: July 14, 8:45 AM)
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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.
CURRICULUM
Total Length: 3 Weeks | 34.5 Hours/Week
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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
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Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached. Early application is strongly recommended.
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Materials Required:
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Personal Statement (up to 250 words)
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One Recommendation Letter
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Current photo (headshot not required)
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$50 application fee
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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!