The Acting Conservatory Program offers the full MEISNER TECHNIQUE TRAINING in a conservatory setting on a part-time basis for those working in the real world. Most students who have to work for their living choose this program in which to study over a longer period of time. The program is a prescribed, 3-phase, part-time, conservatory course of study for instrument development, beginning with the study of basic Meisner techniques, then applying them to the creative rehearsal process and finally presenting them in performance in conjunction with Chelsea Repertory Company. Most acting classes meet twice a week at each of these levels and outside rehearsal time is required. PROFESSIONALISM IS REQUIRED and CLASS ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.  Voice/Speech, Stage Combat, Technique 2 and Shakespeare classes are prescribed at various points in the program.  Student participation in and attendance of all Chelsea Repertory Company & LAB projects is encouraged and required respectively.

Students interested in a shorter term, more rigorous, full-time day program should look at the 6-Week Acting Conservatory.

LEVEL 1

Focuses on the completion of the Meisner technical foundation of acting principles and instrument conditioning exercises for developing the organic and creative processes of the actor. Beginning voice and speech class provide the actor with a working knowledge of the IPA and standard American speech along with the fundamentals of relaxation and breath support for vocal development. Stage combat complements the actor's craft by focusing on physical techniques and logistical sequencing in coordinating sound and movement to create illusion.

Technique 1* - 9 months
The following classes are considered to be prerequiste but may be taken similtaneous with Technique 1 under certain circumstances.

• Singing For Actors* - 6 weeks
• Voice & Speech I - 8 weeks
• Stage Violence-Movement - 8 weeks

*Prerequisite Studio classes:  Principles of Acting - Introduction To Meisner **/ (Acting For Beginners - Meisner Technique ); Singing For Actors*  
**Applicants with legitimate Meisner training from outside may be considered qualified pending interview with the director.
Note: The Studio's Intro to Meisner (Acting For Beginners) class is considered an audition for admission to Technique 1 and The Acting Conservatory Program

LEVEL 2

Focuses on the application of these techniques to the rehearsal process in regard to building a scene and creating a character, and on expanding the actor's sensibility to include language, style, and the play as a whole. Inclusive in the two-fold Technique 2 class is portion devoted to advanced voice/speech training and a portion devoted to acting. Conducted by two instructors.

Technique 2* - 4.5 months (includes Level 2 Voice and Speech work)
Monologue Audition - 8 weeks

*Prerequisite Studio classes: Technique 1 (or legitimate equivalent 2-year Meisner program); Voice/Speech, and Stage Violence.

LEVEL 3

Focuses on developing ensemble and performance skills by working on fully-staged and directed graduation project; the Industry Showcase acting presentation in conjunction with Chelsea Repertory Company LAB Festival.

Performance Workshop* - 5 months

*By invitation only. Qualified actors are selected only from those students who have participated in LEVELS 1 & 2 of the acting program without interruption.

Admission to each level of the Acting Conservatory Program is determined by a mutual consensus between the director, faculty, and office administration. Mid-program placement may be possible for people trained outside the studio, pending approval by the studio director.

A Certificate of Completion is awarded to students who have successfully completed all levels of the program. The Acting Conservatory Program participants also have a variety of opportunities outside the classroom for growth including laboratory projects and performance practice through Chelsea Repertory Company and Chelsea Rep LAB.