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Now Accepting Applications for 2 Year Conservatory – Learn more

Spring Intensive is Now Accepting Applications – Learn More

2 Year Conservatory

A transformative actor’s education with world class faculty and a rigorous focus on the craft.

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Conservatory Overview

There’s a reason why the conservatory approach is the gold standard at top studios, colleges and universities. Time and again it has proven to be the clearest path to equip actors with the foundation they need to do their best work and to successfully launch their careers.

At TK Studio, Our conservatory students graduate with deep experience in Meisner technique, Linklater voice training, and both Williamson and Laban movement techniques. As a student, you’ll embark on a rich journey of craft, self-discovery, and connection—both with your peers, your instructors, the material, and most importantly, yourself.

All classes take place in our modern studio spaces at Industry City, a dynamic creative campus in Brooklyn. Here, you’ll find a perfect environment for focus and growth, away from the rush of Manhattan but still within reach of everything the city has to offer.

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Conservatory Program Tracks

At TK Studio, we offer multiple tracks of Conservatory training to customize your journey. You can also add classes a la carte to enhance your experience!

Fundamentals

Conservatory Fundamentals consists of the Meisner curriculum plus Script Analysis, Theatre History, and one Movement and one Voice class (one each year). The Fundamentals program provides the groundwork of the Meisner Training which is at the heart of TK Studio’s approach to acting training, while also inviting the actor to experience how Theatre History, Script Analysis, and Core Movement and Voice training expand the actor’s toolkit in order to meet the demands of the industry.

Essentials

Conservatory Essentials consists of the Meisner Curriculum, Script Analysis, Theatre History and four Core Movement and four Core Voice classes – one every semester. Conservatory Essentials offers Core Voice and Movement training that enhances each actor’s talent and expression.The movement, voice, and acting classes work synergistically, allowing you to master your instrument and fully embody imaginary circumstances. The final semester culminates in a Capstone Project, where you develop and share your work with an invited audience.

Complete

Conservatory Complete consists of everything in the Essentials program, plus classes in Clown, Alexander Technique, and additional selections from our array of Special Topic classes. Conservatory Complete is a full-time program for students committed to holistic training of their instrument, resembling top university conservatories. Clown work fosters creativity and play in a judgment-free space, while the Alexander Technique deepens understanding of the body for creating embodied characters. Together, these classes elevate each actor, equipping them with tools for sustained career success.

Who is this Program for?

In short, we seek students who enrich the diversity of the Studio and who are generous, curious, collaborative, passionate and committed to excellence.

Excellence and quality matter to you.

We hope your North Star is that you aspire to being the very best actor you can be, and you are unapologetically committed to achieving that excellence. In short: you’re all in.

You understand that anything worth doing doesn’t come easy.

This program is not designed to be a quick and dirty get-successful-quick program, but rather a comprehensive journey to mastering a craft. There are no shortcuts. We seek artists who are aspirational high-achievers, who come to their practice with grit, determination, a love of learning, and a hunger for growth, and who are ready to commit to themselves and to their careers.

You are passionate about storytelling.

You share our passionate love for storytelling and art-making, and the belief that art and stories are important.

You’ve developed an interest in the Meisner technique specifically.

This may not mean that you’ve taken a Meisner class, but rather that you’ve done some research and see the value and benefit that training in Meisner can do for your development as an actor of impeccable craft and skill.

You are here to learn, not to get it right.

Perfectionism is not going to help you. You enjoy being a part of a community and are looking to join a brave and diverse group of people.

A gray-haired man in a white shirt sits on a table, gesturing animatedly like William Esper, as he talks to an engaged group of people around him. The group, consisting of both men and women, takes notes in the brightly lit room.

Schedule a Discovery Call

Have questions? Book a one-on-one chat with our Director of Admissions and Enrollment. We’re here to help you determine if Terry Knickerbocker Studio is the right fit for you.

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FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our Studio.

What is the Meisner Technique?

The Meisner Technique is a highly regarded acting method developed by Sanford Meisner. It focuses on truthful and spontaneous acting, emphasizing the actor’s connection with their scene partner.

Do you offer acting classes for beginners?

We do—in fact, most of our classes can be taken without any prior experience. Our Conservatory and Intensive programs each offer foundational training which can be equally suitable for someone just starting out and for the seasoned actor, as can most of our Special Topicsclasses (unless prerequisites are otherwise noted). At our studio, how much or how little experience a student has is much less important than the student’s sincere desire for and commitment to becoming the best actor they can be.

Do you offer virtual classes?

Most of our offerings are in-person, because we believe that face-to-face instruction allows us to develop a more nuanced understanding of our student’s strengths, current challenges, and progress. It also allows both teacher and student to be fully present, and for students to connect with their peers. That said, we occasionally offer virtual Special Topics classes. Please refer to the Programs and Classes page for more information.

Do you offer Scene Study classes?

TK Studio offers an Advanced Scene Study class taught by Nathan Flower for students who have already completed foundational training. On occasion, Terry teaches a Scene Study Master Class at the Studio, online, and outside of New York City. He has taught at studios in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Berlin. Please contact Christopher Booth to inquire further.

How do I apply to TK Studio?

To be considered for admission to any courses or workshops at Terry Knickerbocker Studio, you must submit an official application through the website. There is no application fee to apply to TKS, only the following elements:

  • Your contact information
  • A forward-facing photo (don’t worry if you don’t have a headshot, we’re happy to accept other kinds of photos)
  • Your resume
  • Your answers to a few questions that tell us who you are (including your relationship to values around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), what you’re looking for, and how you think our classes might help