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Acting Conservatory Program

A Rigorous, Two-Year Training Alternative to an Acting MFA

Are you a passionate actor committed to excellence?

An Acting Conservatory Where Artists Build Their Toolkits for Success

The 2-Year Conservatory at Terry Knickerbocker Studio is rooted in the Meisner technique, giving you consistent, progressive training that builds your craft step by step. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Instead, a reliable practice that leads to lasting transformation.

When you commit to the work, you won’t just become a better actor—you’ll become the kind of artist who’s ready for anything.

Program Features

  • Starts in Fall (September) or Spring (January)
  • Part-Time track available on evenings and weekends
  • Individual courses offered a la carte to layer onto core acting training

Apply Now

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The Curriculum

u003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003eOver two years, students engage in rigorous training that fosters authentic connection and emotional truth in performance.u003c/divu003ernu003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003ch4u003eCore Components:u003c/h4u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eMeisner Technique:u003c/strongu003e Dive deep into the foundational principles of the u003cstrongu003eMeisner Technique,u003c/strongu003e focusing on truthful behavior, spontaneity, and the actor’s instinct. In Year Two, apply your training in real-world scenarios with Scene Study.u003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eImprovisation:u003c/strongu003e Enhance your ability to respond in-the-moment and build confidence in your auditions through dynamic improvisational exercises.u003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eSpecialty Courses:u003c/strongu003e Tailor your education with specialized courses in u003cstrongu003eVoice, Movement, Clown, Alexander Techniqueu003c/strongu003e and other facets of the craft to increase your versatility as an actor.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003e

Program Tracks

We offer multiple tracks of Conservatory training to customize your journey. You can also add classes a la carte to build the curriculum that aligns with your goals as an actor.

Fundamentals

$11,800 per year
  • First Year Acting First Year Acting
  • Theatre History (Spring) Theatre History (Spring)
  • Movement I OR Voice I Movement I OR Voice I
This track is a commitment of approximately 8.5-11 hours per week in Year One, and 7-17 hours per week in Year Two.

Essentials

$16,675 per year
  • First Year Acting First Year Acting
  • Theatre History (Spring) Theatre History (Spring)
  • Movement I u0026 II Movement I u0026 II
  • Voice I u0026 II Voice I u0026 II
This track is a commitment of approximately 15-16.5 hours per week in Year One, and 15-18 hours per week in Year Two.

Complete

$19,400 per year
  • First Year Acting First Year Acting
  • Theatre History (Spring) Theatre History (Spring)
  • Movement I u0026 II Movement I u0026 II
  • Voice I u0026 II Voice I u0026 II
  • Alexander Technique I u0026 II Alexander Technique I u0026 II
  • Clown I u0026 II Clown I u0026 II
This track is a commitment of approximately 21-24 hours per week in both Years One and Two.
A group of six people gather around a wooden table with a bowl of oranges and plants, laughing and talking like they're in the midst of actor training. Two people on the right are embracing. Large windows in the background reveal a building outside, with "TK" on the glass.

Still unsure of where you fit?

u003cstrongu003eBook a one-on-one chatu003c/strongu003e with our Director of Admissions and Enrollment. We’re here to help you determine if Terry Knickerbocker Studio is the right fit for you.

Chat With Admissions

FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Conservatory Program.

What is Terry Knickerbocker Studio?

u003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernrnTerry Knickerbocker Studio u003cstrongu003eis a premier acting school in New York Cityu003c/strongu003e founded by Terry Knickerbocker.rnrnWith over 30 years of experience in training and teaching, Terry himself has coached actors on more than 300 film, television, and theater projects, and has also consulted with playwrights and screenwriters on their scripts. Notable actors he has worked with include u003cstrongu003eSam Rockwellu003c/strongu003e, u003cstrongu003eChris Messinau003c/strongu003e, u003cstrongu003eEmmy Rossumu003c/strongu003e, and u003cstrongu003eNatasha Lyonneu003c/strongu003e, among many others.rnrnu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003eOur diverse faculty members bring unique perspectives and specialties to their teaching across Acting, Voice, Movement, and Specialty courses that, when combined, creating a holistic performance curriculum when combined.u003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003e

What is the Meisner Technique?

The Meisner Technique is an exciting approach to acting created by Sanford Meisner. It’s all about helping actors respond naturally and instinctively to their surroundings and fellow performers. Here are some key elements that make it special:rnu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eRepetition Exercise:u003c/strongu003e Actors dive into a repetitive dialogue exercise that encourages them to really listen and respond honestly to their scene partner, building spontaneity and connection.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eEmotional Truth:u003c/strongu003e This technique helps actors tap into their genuine emotions, allowing them to portray authentic feelings in their performances.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eBeing Present:u003c/strongu003e Actors learn to stay in the moment, reacting to what’s happening around them instead of sticking to preconceived notions or lines.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eImprovisation:u003c/strongu003e The technique often includes improvisation, giving actors the freedom to explore their characters and situations in a creative way.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eFocus on Relationships:u003c/strongu003e It emphasizes the importance of relationships between characters, encouraging actors to develop a deep understanding of their roles and interactions.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003e

Who is the Conservatory Program for?

u003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernrnThis program is designed for individuals committed to rigorous training and a process-oriented approach to acting. The program values each individual’s uniqueness while envisioning self-motivated, collaborative actors who work purposefully.rnrnIt’s ideal for:rnrnu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eExperienced and aspiring actors aiming to master their craft and build confidence.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eActors with some training looking to further develop a reliable toolkit for authentic, organic acting.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eStudents actively applying to Masters of Fine Arts programs.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003e

What is the weekly time commitment?

Depending on the track you choose, the Conservatory program can start at around 8-10 hours per week with the u003cstrongu003eFundamentalsu003c/strongu003e track and become a commitment of about 25 hours per week for the u003cstrongu003eCompleteu003c/strongu003e track. For those with busy daytime schedules, a u003cstrongu003ePart-Time Programu003c/strongu003e is available, accommodating classes on nights and weekends for about 6 hours per week.rnrnWe believe in a holistic approach to actor training, which includes core and specialty classes like u003cb data-stringify-type=u0022boldu0022u003eVoice,u003c/bu003e u003cb data-stringify-type=u0022boldu0022u003eMovement, Clown, Alexander Technique, u003c/bu003eand u003cb data-stringify-type=u0022boldu0022u003eEmotional Processing for Actors,u003c/bu003e which will allow you even more opportunities to grow.rnrnThis program is designed to help you build the skills necessary for a successful artistic career, and the extra elements you choose to incorporate will only make you a more dynamic performer.

Do you offer Scene Study classes?

u003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernrnScenework is critical to the Conservatory experience, as well as in post-Conservatory Advanced training.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eIn u003cstrongu003eYear One,u003c/strongu003e students learn to act from a first-person perspective, using their authentic selves while incorporating fictional characters and interacting with other actors.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eIn u003cstrongu003eYear Two,u003c/strongu003e Advanced Character Scenes become a key focus, allowing actors to fully embrace new personas that are outside their own experiences.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022overflow-x-auto relativeu0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAdvanced Scene Studyu003c/strongu003e and u003cstrongu003eMasterclasses u003c/strongu003eare offered to students who have completed foundational conservatory training or have equivalent work experience.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003e