Build your acting foundation and refine your skills in a two-week acting intensive designed to strengthen your acting skills, boost your confidence, and grow your craft. Perfect for beginners and growing performers alike.
Grades 9–12
Step into the world of professional actor training with our dynamic, conservatory-style Acting Intensive I — a two-week journey designed to strengthen your foundation and awaken your creative instincts.
Led by experienced industry professionals, this intensive program offers focused, hands-on training in core acting techniques. Develop your performance skills and stage presence in a creative, collaborative environment.
Topics Include:
- Physical & Vocal Expression
- Character Creation & Development
- Stage Presence
- Intention & Emotional Truth
- Improvisation
- Stage Combat (master class)
From high-energy acting games to in-depth scene work, you’ll discover how to express yourself honestly, collaborate with others, and truly connect with your audience.
Whether you’re new to the stage or ready to elevate your skills, this intensive offers the perfect opportunity to grow, discover, and perform with confidence.
Typical Day
9:30am - 12:00pm
Morning Sessions
Each day begins with a full-group warm-up led by our instructors. These sessions focus on physical and vocal readiness, theatre games, and improvisational exercises to prepare your body and mind for the day’s work. Students will explore the essential tools of an actor—voice, body, and imagination—while learning to interpret written texts through solo and partner work.
12:00pm - 1pm
Lunch
Weather permitting, students have the opportunity to enjoy lunch outdoors with their Teaching Assistants, soaking in the beauty of the Purchase College campus, connecting with fellow students, and recharging their energy before heading into afternoon classes and activities.
1pm - 3:30pm
Afternoon Sessions
In the afternoons, we dive deeper into technique, drawing from renowned methods such as those of Meisner, Stanislavski, and Hagen. Students will apply morning lessons to rehearsed scenes and monologues selected to suit their individual strengths while providing the right balance of support and challenge to encourage meaningful artistic growth. We’ll conduct in-depth text and character analysis, focusing on the “who, what, when, where, and why” of each performance. Students will keep a journal to reflect on their growth and that of their peers. Weekly studio presentations offer a chance for feedback and continued learning as a community.
Final Showcase
The program culminates in a final performance for an invited audience where students present polished monologues and scenes. Outside preparation is required to memorize material and ensure a confident, fully realized performance.
A visit from the Director, Conservatory of Theatre Arts is a highlight in the program, where the students hear about Conservatory Acting Programs and the audition/admissions process.
Program Details
YTH 9155 / Acting Intensive I
Session I: (2 weeks) June 29 - July 10, 2026
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30 pm (10 sessions)
$1,080 for the first registration
$1,200 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees, and alumni, Broadview families, Pepsi employees and early registrations (paid in full by May 1, 2026) Empire State Arts Scholarship Information
For a well-rounded summer, add Acting Intensive II and Acting on Camera Workshop to maximize your performance experience.
Instructor
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Lead Instructor
Interested in Undergraduate Theatre Programs at Purchase College?
Check out the acting BFA program (recently chosen as a top 25 Acting College by Backstage), the theatre and performance BA program, and the theatre design/technology BFA program in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts.