Acting Conservatory Program
A Rigorous, Two-Year Training Alternative to an Acting MFA in NYC
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
- Located in-person at our studio in Brooklyn, NY
Submit an Inquiry
The Curriculum
Core Components:
- Meisner Technique: Dive deep into the foundational principles of the Meisner Technique, focusing on truthful behavior, spontaneity, and the actor’s instinct. In Year Two, apply your training in real-world scenarios with Scene Study.
- Improvisation: Enhance your ability to respond in-the-moment and build confidence in your auditions through dynamic improvisational exercises.
- Specialty Courses: Tailor your education with specialized courses in Voice, Movement, Clown, Alexander Technique and other facets of the craft to increase your versatility as an actor.
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
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First Year Acting
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Theatre History (Spring)
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Movement I OR Voice I
Essentials
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First Year Acting
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Theatre History (Spring)
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Movement I u0026 II
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Voice I u0026 II
Complete
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First Year Acting
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Theatre History (Spring)
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Movement I u0026 II
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Voice I u0026 II
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Alexander Technique I u0026 II
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Clown I u0026 II
Scenes from a Semester
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Conservatory Program.
What is Terry Knickerbocker Studio?
Terry Knickerbocker Studio is a premier acting school in New York City founded by Terry Knickerbocker.
With 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 Sam Rockwell, Chris Messina, Emmy Rossum, and Natasha Lyonne, among many others.
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:
- Repetition Exercise: Actors dive into a repetitive dialogue exercise that encourages them to really listen and respond honestly to their scene partner, building spontaneity and connection.
- Emotional Truth: This technique helps actors tap into their genuine emotions, allowing them to portray authentic feelings in their performances.
- Being Present: Actors learn to stay in the moment, reacting to what’s happening around them instead of sticking to preconceived notions or lines.
- Improvisation: The technique often includes improvisation, giving actors the freedom to explore their characters and situations in a creative way.
- Focus on Relationships: It emphasizes the importance of relationships between characters, encouraging actors to develop a deep understanding of their roles and interactions.
Who is the Conservatory Program for?
This 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.
It’s ideal for:
- Experienced and aspiring actors aiming to master their craft and build confidence.
- Actors with some training looking to further develop a reliable toolkit for authentic, organic acting.
- Students actively applying to Masters of Fine Arts programs.
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 Fundamentals track and become a commitment of about 25 hours per week for the Complete track. For those with busy daytime schedules, a Part-Time Program is available, accommodating classes on nights and weekends for about 6 hours per week.
We believe in a holistic approach to actor training, which includes core and specialty classes like Voice, Movement, Clown, Alexander Technique, and Emotional Processing for Actors, which will allow you even more opportunities to grow.
This 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?
Scenework is critical to the Conservatory experience, as well as in post-Conservatory Advanced training.
- In Year One, students learn to act from a first-person perspective, using their authentic selves while incorporating fictional characters and interacting with other actors.
- In Year Two, Advanced Character Scenes become a key focus, allowing actors to fully embrace new personas that are outside their own experiences.
- Advanced Scene Study and Masterclasses are offered to students who have completed foundational conservatory training or have equivalent work experience.
