1-Year Conservatory
September 20, 2010 – May 22, 2011
Mondays – Fridays
9:00AM – 1:30PM
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Overview
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. With only 14 students accepted, 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.
Fundamental technique work of the first semester include:
- Acting Technique
- Voice and Speech
- Body Dynamics.
These are continued in the second semester and are complemented by:
- Script Analysis with Terry Schreiber
- Shakespeare Workshop
- Audition Workshop
- On-Camera class
*A final performance series allows the actor to apply their training to the demands of live performance and present their work to industry professionals.
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The T. Schreiber Conservatory is selective in seeking highly motivated passionate actors committed to becoming vital artists.
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. 12 weeks.
Acting I
Concentration is on developing in the actor a free, spontaneous, truthful use of the self. Training is based on the three-step philosophy that relaxation enables concentration that unleashes imagination. Techniques include relaxation and visualization exercises; development and implementation of moment-to-moment , concentrated involvement and working off partners; introduction and application of emotional preparation to scene requirements. 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. Meets three times a week, four and a half hours a day.
Voice and Speech
The Vocal Production Class introduces the actor 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 to release tension and 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. Meets twice a week, two hours a day.
Body Dynamics
The approach focuses on developing full expressive use of the body. The work promotes the flow of energy, allowing more freedom, and strengthens the connection between emotions, thoughts and physical expression. Chronic tensions are released through a combination of Feldenkrais method, Bioenergetics and Soft Tissue Release, freeing the body to become one of your great acting tools. Meets twice a week, two hours a day.
THE SECOND SEMESTER
The Second Semester builds on the foundations established in First Semester to broaden and hone the actor’s technique, and includes additional classes tailored to the demands of the industry. 12 weeks.
Acting II
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. Meets twice a week, four hours a day, 12 weeks.
Voice and Speech II
Building on first semester, fine tuning voice and speech, with attention to accent and dialect reduction where appropriate. Meets once a week for two hours, 12 weeks.
Body Dynamics II
Building on the foundation established in the First Semester. Advancing and expanding the work of freeing the body to be a fully expressive spontaneous acting instrument. Individual focus on each actors physical progress. Meets once a week for two hours, 12 weeks.
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. Meets once a week for four hours, 8 weeks.
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-line, beats, actions/intentions and biography. Meets once a week for four hours, 4 weeks.
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. Meets once a week for four hours, 8 weeks.
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. Meets once a week for four hours, 4 weeks.
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 the audience energy into the work. 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 and rehearsed in scenes that are presented in one evening as an industry showcase to invited members of the agent, casting and producing communities. Rehearsals are interspersed with seminars by visiting agents, casting directors, and professionals.
Following completion of the Conservatory program, graduates are eligible and invited to continue their training in the T. Schreiber Studio on-going classes and workshops. T. Schreiber Studio 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 completed application form
- Two (2) letters of recommendation that 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.
- A $75 non-refundable application fee (payable to T.Schreiber Studio, Inc.)
- A headshot and resume.
Once the above information has been received, an interview and audition will be scheduled.
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. 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 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 1st 2010. A deposit of $1500 is due 30 days after acceptance. $7000 is due by May 1st. The remaining balance is due August 15th.
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. 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.
