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Pre-College Conservatory

PRE-COLLEGE CONSERVATORY

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

The Pre-College Conservatory is a three-week summer program offering rigorous Meisner training—grounding students in the same disciplined techniques taught at The Neighborhood Playhouse for nearly 100 years. Designed for dedicated young actors ages 15–18 (rising sophomores through graduating seniors), the program provides professional-level instruction in acting, movement, voice, and performance preparation.

Program Details

  • Dates: July 20 – August 7, 2026 (Orientation: July 20, 9:00 AM)
  • Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuition: $3,400 (includes $400 enrollment deposit)
    • Domestic Deadline: July 6, 2026
    • International Deadline: May 1, 2026
  • Location: The Neighborhood Playhouse , 340 East 54th Street, New York, NY 10022

Whether preparing for college, conservatory, or an acting career, this immersive summer program equips students with the essential skills, discipline, and creative confidence needed to thrive as performing artists.

CURRICULUM

Total Length: 3 Weeks | ~34.5 Hours/Week

  • Meisner Acting (10 hrs/week): Led by Gary Kingston — explore improvisation, repetition, and scene work to develop truthful, responsive performances.
  • Acting on Pitch (8 hrs/week): With Sandy Faison — acting through song, no prior vocal training required.
  • Dance for the Actor (4.5 hrs/week): Ben Hartley teaches emotionally driven choreography for contemporary musical storytelling.
  • Acting on Camera (6 hrs/week): Todd Susman — techniques for self-tapes, monologues, and on-camera auditions. Students leave with a professionally taped monologue.
  • Voice & Speech (3 hrs/week): Colleen Smith Wallnau — develop a flexible, expressive, and resilient voice.
  • Singing Technique (1.5 hrs/week): Kate Chaston — vocal techniques tailored for actors, emphasizing relaxation and preparation.
  • Career Development (1.5 hrs/week): Industry essentials — résumés, headshots, and navigating auditions, agents, and casting.

Prices, curriculum, and faculty subject to change.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

  • Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached. Early application is strongly encouraged.
  • Materials Required:

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.

  • One-minute contemporary monologue
  • A brief song

APPLY NOW PAY $50 APPLICATION FEE

For questions, contact precollege@neighborhoodplayhouse.org.