One Year Conservatory

{Congrats to our recent Graduates on their Final Presentation and wonderful reviews from Industry Attendees.}

One Year Conservatory

Currently Enrolling

September 16, 2013- May 18, 2014
Mondays – Fridays
9:00AM – 1:30PM

“The One Year Conservatory has changed my life professionally and personally. After studying at previous acting programs in the city I know and feel that there is no program quite like it.  I have never worked with such incredibly passionate, challenging and encouraging teachers in a supportive and safe environment. The changes and progress that have happened collectively and individually since beginning the program are just extraordinary”

- Stephanie I. 2010-11, One-Year Conservatory Actor

T. Schreiber’s One-Year Conservatory offers comprehensive professional training designed to prepare dedicated actors for thriving careers in theatre, film and television. This full-time, demanding program is tailored to serve the actor’s individuality and talent and to develop fully rounded actors in whom body, voice, and instinct are integrated. Actors benefit from individual, hands-on attention and sustained guidance from master instructors active in the industry. Performance opportunities in one of New York’s most popular celebrated Off-Off Broadway theatres enable the actors to apply the lessons they have learned.

The T. Schreiber Conservatory is selective in seeking highly motivated passionate actors committed to becoming vital artists. Actors will be chosen based on their previous training, talent, potential and our belief that at the end of the training process, they will be ready to be showcased to industry professionals.

*A Link for International Students

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CURRICULUM

The curriculum is divided into two twelve-week semesters, followed by a six-week performance series. Classes meet from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. five days a week. Outside rehearsal is required to supplement class work.

The First Semester

The First Semester is comprised of fundamental technique courses tailored to the individual and designed to build a solid acting foundation. Various techniques are explored as a means of developing the actor as a fully expressive instrument.

Acting I & II

Concentration is on developing the actor’s free, spontaneous, truthful use of the self. Training is based on the three-step philosophy that relaxation enables concentration and thereby unleashes imagination. Techniques include relaxation and visualization exercises; development and implementation of moment-to-moment, concentrated involvement and working off partners; as well as introduction to and application of emotional preparation for scenes. Two sets of dramatic scenes are assigned as vehicles to apply the technique work and rehearsal process. Overall focus of the semester is to teach the actor how to access their unique talent through technique.

Voice and Speech

The Vocal Production Class introduces actors to a range of physical exercises to discover their true voice and develop a fully expressive instrument. These exercises strengthen breath control and develop articulation, vocal tone and resonance. The work shows actors how to stay on the breath, how to release tension, and how to connect to themselves and to the emotions and language of any character. Actors learn the proper use of warm-ups and how to structure them to fit rehearsals, performances and auditions.

Body Dynamics

Body Dynamics focuses on developing full expressive use of the body. Chronic tensions are released through a combination of the Feldenkrais method, Bioenergetics and Soft Tissue Release. By promoting the flow of energy throughout the body and strengthening the connection between emotions, thoughts, and physical expression, the actor’s greatest instrument is trained to achieve its fullest potential.

The Second Semester

The Second Semester builds on the foundations established in the First Semester to broaden and hone the actor’s technique, and includes additional classes tailored to the demands of the industry.

Acting III & IV

In concert with Terry Schreiber’s Script Analysis Class, the semester focuses on fulfilling the demands of the playwright. Scenes are rehearsed with emphasis on physical and psychological elements of characterization, deepened emotional involvement, and pursuit of objectives through concrete actions.

On-Camera

The workshop integrates the vital acting tools of truthful talking and listening, character creation, and moment-to-moment involvement with the technical demands of the camera. The course explores how to adapt acting technique to on-camera work and introduces the use of stillness, shooting out of sequence, resisting the temptation to do too much, and maintaining spontaneity while matching action. Exercises, improvisation, and scene work are used to help actors grow in confidence and skill.

Script Analysis with Terry Schreiber

In conjunction with Acting II, the class offers rigorous, insightful study of the text, designed to break down vital structural elements and components of the script that help the actor to explore the use of given circumstances, character through-lines, beats, actions/intentions and biography.

Shakespeare Workshop

The class breaks down walls of self-consciousness in the handling of Shakespeare’s language. The heightened demands of executing Shakespeare’s text will lead the actor to the full use of language in all writing styles. Tools are used to to research Shakespeare’s plays, scan iambic pentameter, find emotional clues, unlock the text, and guide the voice, body and emotional life to its full potential. Group physical and vocal exercises are followed by individual work in either monologues, sonnets, or scenes.

Business Workshop

The Business Workshop provides each actor with the nuts and bolts of working professionally.  Headshots and resumes, business strategies, and representation options are thoroughly explored. The goal is to help each actor identify and market his/her talent.

Audition Workshop

Introduction to audition process for stage and film. Includes study of the text; making clear, informed, specific choices; working with the reader; taking adjustments; focusing and relaxing before the audition. Designed to give the actor practical tools to confidently give a solid and clear audition that will book the job.

The Art & Science of Commercial Acting

This class provides each actor with a set of skills that takes the guesswork out of the commercial audition process by turning the audition into a series of simple acting exercises. Actors learn how to initiate a truthful relationship with the camera, to analyze copy, to create a ‘moment before,’ to establish an environment, to handle the ‘dreaded interview,’ and to tag the spot.

Performance Workshop Semester

Two three-week cycles where students are cast, follow a rehearsal process, and present the work in the theatre for an invited audience. Basic rehearsal furniture and props are used, with simple lighting and music added to the performances. The focus is to apply the training of the two prior semesters to the demands of bringing the work to performance, and incorporating audience energy. In the first cycle, actors are cast in two one act plays that are rehearsed for approximately three weeks, including technical and dress rehearsals, and a single live performance with an invited audience. In the second cycle, actors are cast in and rehearse scenes that are presented in one evening as an industry showcase to invited members of the agent, casting and producing communities.

Following completion of the Conservatory program, graduates are eligible and invited to continue their training in T. Schreiber on-going classes and workshops. T. Schreiber enjoys a full complement of advanced master classes, as well as industry and business workshops and seminars that are available to the Conservatory graduates. Graduates are also eligible to audition for the award-winning and celebrated mainstage productions presented throughout the year. These professionally designed, directed, and fully staged productions are industry showcases that attract attendance from the highest levels of the professional theatre, film and television industries. The award-winning productions provide the actors with first-class professional exposure and an entrée into the vibrant exciting New York theatre world.

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ADMISSIONS

Admission is by interview and audition. Applicants must be 18 years old or older. Applicants must submit the following:

• A one (1) page essay explaining why you want to study acting.  (Essay should be typed in 12-point font and double spaced.)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation- must be sent separately. (Must include addresses and telephone numbers of the referring party. The letters should be from instructors, industry professionals, or persons who can recommend the applicant’s character, potential and commitment.)
• One (1) picture and resume (description of applicant’s acting experience)
• A $75 non-refundable application fee (payable to T. Schreiber Studio, Inc.)
• Interview/Audition consisting of 2 contrasting contemporary monologues (totaling no more than 5 minutes). Call the studio for an appointment.
• Out-of-town applicants only: may mail a DVD or email a weblink with the applicant performing two contrasting monologues.
• International students whose native language is other than English must demonstrate sufficient competence with spoken and written English. This is a necessary step to prevent problems with faculty and student verbal communications from impeding a student’s learning and development. Proficiency is determined through the application and audition process.

Audition Requirements

Applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues, totaling no more than five minutes in length. The monologues can be from drama and/or comedy, and ideally would show different sides of the applicant. One or both of the monologues must be a theatre monologue. The monologues should be memorized and rehearsed for presentation in the audition.

In the event the applicant is not able to audition in person, a DVD audition or weblink will be acceptable, and a phone interview will be scheduled. If the applicant is accepted, they may be asked to have a brief interview when they arrive at the Studio.

After the interview and audition has taken place, applicants will be notified as soon as possible of the decision.

Tuition

Tuition for the One Year Conservatory is $13,500.00.

Tuition for Early Decision is $12,500.00.

Early Decision

For Early Decision, the application deadline is March 15th. A deposit of $2500 will secure your space in the Conservatory. $6000 is due by June 28th. The remaining balance is due August 9th.

Students not accepted for Early Decision will be considered again through Rolling Admission.

Rolling Admission

Upon acceptance, students must submit a deposit of $2500.00.

Payment Plan

For those students able to establish need and financial responsibility a payment schedule may be arranged.

EVALUATIONS

Each student enrolled in the Conservatory is continuously evaluated by the faculty and given guidance regarding their progress and growth. Following completion of the program, students will individually meet with Peter Jensen, the Director of the Conservatory, and Terry Schreiber to review their work and progress with guidance and suggestions for further growth.

The Conservatory is a professional training program and professional commitment and behavior are expected of all Conservatory members. Students may be dismissed due to inappropriate behavior, absences, repeated tardiness, or, in the opinion of the faculty, non-participation. There are no tuition refunds under these circumstances.

HOUSING

Housing costs are not included in the tuition price. T. Schreiber Studio can suggest independent housing providers throughout the New York City area. Websites such as http://newyork.craigslist.org or www.studenthousing.org can be explored. Although every effort has been made to ensure the quality and safety of these providers, T. Schreiber Studio does not endorse or support these providers, and all housing arrangements and financial responsibilities are the sole responsibility of the student.

The T. Schreiber Studio is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, handicap, color, ethnic origin, or national origin (as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) in selecting qualified matriculates, administering its educational and admissions policies, its scholarship and financial programs, or any other school-administered programs.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Fundamental technique work of the first semester includes:

• Acting I & II
• Voice and Speech
• Body Dynamics

Acting Technique is continued in the second semester and is complemented by:

• Acting III & IV
• Script Analysis with Terry Schreiber
• Shakespeare Workshop
• Business Workshop
• Audition Workshop
• On-Camera Class
• The Art & Science of Commercial Acting 

*A final performance series (Performance Workshop Semester) allows actors to apply their training to the demands of live performance and the Industry Showcase gives actors the opportunity to present their work to industry professionals. 142 hours.

• Hours per week of instruction: 22.5 hours
• Hours per week of lab/rehearsal: 4 hours
• Total hours to complete the program: 630 instructional/75 rehearsal
• Number of weeks to complete program: 30 weeks

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