One Year Conservatory for Theatre & Film

Upcoming Dates

The curriculum is divided into two twelve-week semesters, followed by a six-week performance series. Classes meet from 9:30 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/Reel Semester

A six week cycle to include a performance workshop and development of a reel to prepare students for casting opportunities.  In the performance workshop students are cast in a full length play, follow a rehearsal process, and present the work for an invited audience. 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. During this time students will also work with TS faculty and one of the industry’s leading demo reel production companies to create, develop, and shoot original material specifically for each actor.  Graduates will have fully edited professional footage for their casting reel.

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 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. They can provide actors with first-class professional exposure and an entrée into the vibrant exciting New York theatre world.

Admission is by interview and audition. Applicants must be 18 years old or older. (Some exceptions may apply.) 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)
• 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:  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.

T. Schreiber offers a very limited number of partial scholarships for select incoming students for the One Year Conservatory. After being accepted, students can request to be considered for a partial scholarship, which will be awarded based upon financial need, merit, and talent.

The awards currently available are:

Roxi Sorina Scholarship Fund: $200-$500
T. Schreiber Scholarship Fund: $1000-$4000

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 newyork.craigslist.org, 92nd Street Y or 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.

This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

TSS Studio has met the requirements and is SEVP certified for foreign students to attend the One Year Conservatory under an M-1 Visa. Upon acceptance and approval, the student can apply for a visa with the appropriate documentation provided by the school along with documentation from the accepted student.

Feel free to contact us for details: (212) 741-0209, info@tschreiber.org.

Learn More About M-1 Visa

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.