Whether you’re continuing from Acting Intensive I or joining for the first time, this two-week intensive sharpens your acting skills through focused training, exciting master classes, and monologue work, while also exploring the business of acting. You’ll leave with greater confidence, teamwork, and professional awareness.
Grades 9–12
This intensive, conservatory-style program deepens your craft and ignites your passion for performance. Over two weeks, you’ll work closely with industry professionals in a hands-on, technique-driven environment, building skill and confidence through daily practice and guided exploration while refining your understanding of the acting process.
Topics Include
• Styles of acting
• Script analysis
• Monologue performance
• Audition technique
• Theatre history and context
• Master classes which may include dialects and Understanding the business of acting
In addition to core training, students will participate in master classes led by working artists. These sessions cover a range of professional topics, including the business of acting, professional etiquette, agents and headshots, as well as networking strategies and career path exploration. The program is ideal for students with some acting experience who are ready to build upon their skills and grow more confident on stage.
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 - 1:00pm
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.
1:00pm - 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 / Acting Intensive II
Session II: (2weeks) July 13 - 24, 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, and early registrations (paid in full by May 1, 2026) Empire State Arts Scholarship Information
For a well-rounded summer, add Acting Intensive I 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.