The Summer Conservatory for 2009 is now accepting applications. Please visit the contact us page to fill out an application, and someone will reply within several weeks. There have been many changes to the format of our Summer Conservatory this year, please check it out.
We are proud to offer a unique, four week New York summer acting conservatory, beginning the last week of July. Our New York summer acting conservatory offers comprehensive, intense immersion in all aspects of acting and performance. You will learn tools from many of the great acting methods. Two weeks of the Summer Conservatory include food and lodging at our retreat house in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania. Performers describe the New York summer acting conservatory as a life-changing experience.
A small group of highly committed actors will be selected to take part in this amazing experience.
At the New York Summer Acting Conservatory, you will:
• Experience instrumental work that will free you from the emotional, physical and vocal blocks, fears and inhibitions that so often block the full expression of an actor's talent.
• Experience ensemble improvisation and imagination games and exercises that will dramatically expand your imagination for use in all your work.
• Learn how to handle all kinds of auditions: for theater, film and TV.
• Experience an Archetype Workshop with internationally respected teachers Dr. Martha-Lou Cohen and Catherine Keir and Alice Simmonds.
• Experience a wide range of Archetypes through movement and vocal improvisation.
• Have two hours of private acting coaching with Jason Bennett if you have not previously studied with him, in addition to the group classes.
• Learn and use the Sensory Process and Imaging.
• Learn how to use your dreams to solve your acting problems and create amazing characterizations.
• Be able to work on camera at any time during the workshop.
• Have the option of scheduling private voice lessons with Master Voice Teacher Barbara Feller, in addition to group voice and movement work.
• Be introduced to Externals, a giant category of acting tools. Externals forms the basis of many Master actors' approach.
• Learn modern script analysis, rehearsal techniques and character work, synthesized from all the great acting methods.
• Work on scenes and monologues, using all the acting tools you are discovering.
• Learn physical, vocal and emotional warm-ups from all the great voice and movement teachers, integrating relaxation techniques, meditation and yoga practices with special guest teacher Kate Udall.
• Be invited to participate in a performance that will be given in late August, at the end of the Conservatory, for invited guests.
The first week of the New York summer acting conservatory will be at the Gene Frankel Theater in NOHO, NYC. The neighborhood is home to many amazing restaurants and wonderful gyms to use during breaks and after hours. The second two weeks of the conservatory will be held at our beautiful retreat house in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania -- with lake swimming, beaches, beautiful state parks and restaurants.
For students who currently study with Jason Bennett and faculty, the tuition for this conservatory is $1,950. The tuition is $2,245 if you have not previously worked with Jason Bennett. It is an additional $395 for to cover the cost of most meals and the lodging at the retreat house. *At other schools, you may pay less, but be in class with twice as many students or more. These fees are current estimates.*
Dates: July 27 - August 20th, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (sometimes 7:00 p.m.), each week.
The New York summer acting conservatory will be limited to approximately 12 highly committed, talented performers. An extensive interview and/or audition is required. Please call us now to discuss your needs, 212-777-7603.
As always, you are invited to schedule a discounted private coaching or attend a group trial class, to experience our work for the first time.