The Art of Acting Studio’s flagship Professional Conservatory (Two and a Half Year Conservatory) is the apex of the Studio’s Los Angeles training programs.
In this exclusive program students learn tools and techniques to better engage their imagination, to analyze text deeply and accurately, to create rich, specific characters, to engage the body and voice fully and to work professionally and creatively on both stage and screen. The goal of this program is to fully prepare students for both the craft and business of acting.
For September Start students in 2025, Classes will be four days a week, 26 Hours per week, Monday-Thursday, between 11:00AM and 6:30PM.
Class size is limited to 14 students. Admission by audition only. For information about the current curriculum, please download the school catalog here.
Our January Start (Spring Entry), is considered our “Fast Track” option where students complete the 2.5 year program in two years (five consecutive semesters).
The Professional Conservatory (Two and a Half Year Conservatory) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST) and licensed to operate by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education of California (BPPE).
For more information on NAST, Click here.
For more information on the BPPE, Click here.
The First Year (1st and 2nd Semester)
The first year of the program focuses on providing students with a strong foundation from which to grow through a firm acting technique, voice and speech work, movement and physical exploration, as well as contemporary and classical (Shakespeare) scene work and an introduction to technique for film. Students will develop a facile and responsive body, a strong and clear voice, and a clear understanding of the Studio’s acting technique. Students will also gain stagecraft experience by assisting as crew on the second year student productions. The First Year concludes with a Rehearsal Project.
The Second Year (3rd and 4th Semester) *
The second year concentrates on applying the tools learned in the first year through intense contemporary and classical scene work, with continued voice and speech work and an exploration of physical acting. Students begin performance through their Poetry Project, followed by a short film endeavor called the Genesis Project. Students will develop and create self-generated works, including a Solo Show performance of an original piece, and will explore more in-depth On-Camera scene work. The Second Year concludes with a performance of a classical play.
The Final Semester *
The Final semester is devoted to preparing for further performance and the professional world. Students will have classes regarding the business of acting, auditioning, and master classes with industry professionals. They will continue advanced contemporary and classical scene work as well as further On-Camera technique, and will culminate their learning with a performance of a contemporary play. Finally, students will develop a self-written Reel scene which will be screened for invited industry guests at a professional showcase.
* Invitation to continue studies in the Second Year and Final Semester is conditional on student growth, work ethic and overall engagement with the program, as reviewed by all faculty.
Admission to the conservatory program is by interview and audition. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and must submit the following:
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
Classes Begin: January 17, 2025
First Round Application Deadline:
January 10, 2025
NYC & LA In-Person Audition Days: January 15-16, 2025
Video Callbacks & Scholarship Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
NYC & LA In-Person Callbacks Day: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Second Round Application Deadline:
March 5, 2025
NYC & LA In-Person Audition Days: March 10, 2025
Video Callbacks & Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
*If a candidate cannot audition in-person, the studio is happy to arrange a zoom video audition and interview appointment.
The audition should consist of a performance of two contrasting monologues of your choice.
One classical (Shakespeare) and one contemporary/realism (from a published play), no longer than 90 seconds each. Monologues must be memorised. Screenplays/Teleplays will NOT be accepted.
If you wish to schedule your audition in person, kindly contact nick@stellaadler.com after submitting your full application.
If you are unable to attend an audition in person, you may submit a video audition via self-tape.
For the video audition, please record your self-tape, then upload it to YouTube (unlisted) or Vimeo (password protected) and submit the link to view through our Online Video Audition Form.
After the interview and audition have taken place, applicants will be notified if they are invited to a final callback audition.
COVID-19 Policy: Please visit the studio’s Health & Safety Policy on the Policies page for the latest updates, policies and list of measures the studio has taken to protect the community against COVID-19.
*prices, curriculum, and faculty subject to change
