Part Time Acting Conservatory Program
A Rigorous Training Alternative that Fits Your Schedule
Are you a passionate actor committed to excellence?
A Part Time Acting Program Where Artists Build Their Toolkits for Success
The Part Time Acting Program 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
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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.
- A La Carte 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.
First Year Commitment
| Classes | Part Time Acting | Conservatory – Fundamentals | Conservatory – Essentials | Conservatory – Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 Prices Prices reflect first year and do not include $200 admin fee. | $7,950 | $11,800 | $16,675 | $19,400 |
| Hours Per Week | 6-8 in both Years One and Two | 8.5-11 in Year One; 7-17 in Year Two | 15-16.5 in Year One; 15-18 in Year Two | 21-24 in both Years One and Two |
| First Year Acting |  | | | |
| Theatre History (Year 1 Spring) |  | | | |
| Movement I | | | | |
| Voice I | | | | |
| Movement II (Year 1 Spring) | | | | |
| Voice II (Year 1 Spring) | | | | |
| Alexander Technique I | | | | |
| Alexander Technique II (Year 1 Spring) | | | | |
| Clown I | | | | |
| Clown II (Year 1 Spring) | | | | |
| Emotional Processing | | | | |
Scenes from a Semester
Still unsure of where you fit?
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.
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: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 Part Time Acting Program for?
This program is designed for individuals seeking flexible schedules, offering night and weekend classes with a lower weekly hour commitment compared to the 2-Year Conservatory Program. It focuses on rigorous training and a process-oriented approach to acting, valuing each person’s uniqueness while fostering self-motivated, collaborative actors who work purposefully.
It’s ideal for:
- Experienced and aspiring actors looking to master their craft and build confidence.
- Actors with some training who want to further develop a reliable toolkit for authentic, organic acting.
- Aspiring actors who are also working traditional daytime jobs.
What is the weekly time commitment?
For those with busy daytime schedules, a Part-Time Program is available, accommodating classes on nights and weekends for about 6 hours per week.
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.
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?
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
