Are you an international student looking for a rigorous and immersive acting program in New York City?
Terry Knickerbocker Studio’s Two Year Conservatory Program consistently welcomes students from around the world into its diverse cohorts. Students of many nationalities and countries of origin including Canada, Italy, Denmark, Brazil, and Germany, to name a few, have found their artistic home here at TK Studio. TK Studio’s supportive faculty is committed to providing a comprehensive approach to training in a welcoming and caring environment, allowing you to develop your skills, and deepen your craft, all while exploring the vibrant cultural offerings of New York City.
We know that the process of living and studying internationally can be overwhelming. We’re here to help you navigate each step and answer any questions that you have.
Frequently Asked Questions for International Students
Q: Can TK Studio help me become a student in NYC?
A: Terry Knickerbocker Studio is authorized under federal law to welcome nonimmigrant students the opportunity to study here on a M-1 Visa, in the full-time Two Year Conservatory.
TK Studio will consider all applicants with a desire and commitment to becoming the best actors they can be, regardless of whether they have extensive prior acting experience or not. You must complete the application in order to be considered.
Q: Do I need to be a proficient English speaker?
A: It is a requirement that all students be proficient in spoken and written English in order to participate in the program. The Studio reserves the right to request that an applicant take the TOEFL in order to demonstrate proficiency.
Q: How long is the program?
A: The full-time Conservatory Program is two years — there are program start dates in both September and January.
A: Nonimmigrant international students must commit to 18 – 23 hours a week of class time, including outside rehearsals between every class, which is a requirement of this work. TK Studio has a set of required classes that all SEVIS students must take in order to fulfill the hour requirements.
Q: Will I receive a degree?
A: Like most acting studios, Terry Knickerbocker Studio is not an accredited degree-granting However, we do offer graduates a Certificate of Completion upon graduation.
Q: Does TK Studio provide housing for international students?
A: TK Studio does not provide housing for students; however, information on housing resources can be provided to students upon request.
Q: How long is an M-1 visa valid?
A: The M-1 visa is good for the duration of one academic year of study. If you are invited into the second year of training, you must repeat the process and obtain a new M-1 visa in between years 1 and 2.
How to Start the Process of Becoming an International Student
To apply, please visit our application page here.
After you have completed the application, we will contact you to arrange a Zoom interview. Part of the process may include a secondary interview.
We don’t want to see an audition. We just want to speak to you, talk about your goals, and figure out together if TK Studio might fit into your artistic future.
Students can expect a one to two week turnaround time between the final interview and the final notification.
Students MAY NOT start the I-20 process until they’ve fully applied, interviewed, and have been accepted.
After you are accepted to Terry Knickerbocker Studio (via email), you will submit financial documentation—this may be in the form of a bank statement, or some other document that proves that you will be receiving financial support that will cover the cost of school and living in or around New York City. Please consider this before applying.
Then the studio will send you a completed Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status.” The Form I-20 is a paper record of your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It is a very important document and is required for completing subsequent steps in the international student life cycle. You will need to visit your consulate or embassy for a visa appointment to obtain your visa.
How Can We Work Together?
From a beginner to a seasoned professional, we have a place for you.
FAQ
Browse our Frequently Asked Questions.
Give us a Call
Call us during business hours at 718-801-8999.
