Muhlenberg Theatre Study Away Semester at TK Studio
Live as an NYC artist while receiving conservatory training at one of the world’s leading acting studios. Available exclusively to Muhlenberg Theatre students.
Why TKS x Muhlenberg
This program was created specifically for Muhlenberg Theatre students. With Theatre Professor Jim VanValen serving as faculty of record, all courses count fully toward your Muhlenberg degree.
Unlike traditional study abroad, this program offers the chance to live and train in New York City—whether or not you plan to make the city your home after graduation. You’ll be immersed in Brooklyn’s vibrant arts community, surrounded by the rhythm of the city and the energy of working artists. At the same time, you’ll experience a full semester of conservatory-style training in acting, voice, movement, and more at Terry Knickerbocker Studio, one of the country’s leading studios for actor training. It’s a unique opportunity to step into the life of an NYC artist while continuing to advance your Muhlenberg education.
Program Overview
Spend a full fall semester training at Terry Knickerbocker Studio, located in Industry City, Brooklyn — just two subway stops away from Manhattan.
- Coursework is equivalent to a full-time semester of Muhlenberg study.
- Courses integrate seamlessly into your Muhlenberg transcript.
- Students earn 5 credits.
- Work with world-class faculty
- Train with TKS conservatory students
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: December 1 (year prior)
- Program Runs: Early September through mid-December
Courses & Training
Your semester includes a conservatory-style training track:
- Acting (Meisner Technique)
- Voice (Linklater Technique)
- Movement (Williamson Technique)
- Theatre in New York: Experiences & Applications
- Emotional Processing for Actors
- 1 Specialty Class*, selected from:
- Alexander Technique
- Clown
- Chekhov Technique
- Neutral Mask
- Improv
- Chekhov Technique
- Shakespeare
- *offerings may vary; at least three will be available each term
Classes are immersive, collaborative, and taught by world-class faculty who also teach at institutions like NYU, Pace, and Juilliard. Each instructor has been hand-selected by renowned acting coach and Meisner teacher Terry Knickerbocker.
Life in NYC
- Housing: NYC housing through Educational Housing Services (EHS with 24/7 security and an easy commute to TKS.
- Student Life: Attend Broadway and Off-Broadway productions as part of your training experience, explore the vibrant Industry City arts community, and immerse yourself in the culture of New York as a New York artist.
- Orientation: Begin the semester with a comprehensive orientation where you can explore the different classes you will be taking.
- Space: Enjoy 7-day-a-week access to our beautiful studio, equipped with 2 acting studios, a large movement studio, a rehearsal studio, a lounge space with couches, and a co-working work area.
Eligibility & Application
- Open to Muhlenberg juniors and seniors in Theatre (with departmental approval).
- This program is designed for passionate actors ready to rise to the challenge of conservatory training. We look for maturity, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Next Steps
- Have questions or want to learn more? Connect with Jim VanValen (Faculty of Record) or Marena Dunnington (TKS).
- Interested? Fill out an interest form on the TKS website. Applications are due for the Office of Global Education by December 1st. Please apply through the Horizons portal linked below.
- Jim VanValen, Faculty of Record
- Marena Dunnington, Terry Knickerbocker Studio
- Marcia Morgan, Muhlenberg Office of Global Education
Contact:
Still have questions?
Contact us for more information.