Precollege Programs: Performing Arts Institute

Grades 9–12

Join us for a dynamic, conservatory-style intensive designed to deepen your craft and ignite your passion for performance. Taught by experienced industry professionals, this hands-on program immerses students in the world of theatre through scene study, character development, ensemble work, and a range of powerful acting techniques.

You’ll gain the tools to express yourself authentically while also learning to collaborate effectively within an ensemble. Through movement, voice and speech training, text analysis, and improvisation, you’ll build confidence, flexibility, and a strong technical foundation.

In addition, you’ll have the chance to take master classes from working professionals in specialized disciplines such as stage combat and audition technique.

Typical Day

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.

Lunch
Students enjoy lunch outdoors (weather permitting) with their Teaching Assistants, taking in the beautiful Purchase College campus and recharging for the afternoon.

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 / Performing Arts Institute
Session I and II:  (4 weeks) June 30 - July 25, 2025*   
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30 pm (19 sessions, *no classes Friday, July 4)

$2,200 for the first registration
$1,980 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees, and alumni, Broadview families, Pepsi employees and early registrations (paid in full by May 2, 2025)

Register Now
Empire State Arts Scholarship Information

Instructor

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Institute Certificate

Students enrolled in the  Performing Arts Institute who have attended at least 80% of the classes, are eligible for a certificate of completion which acknowledges the successful completion of 60 hours of prescribed coursework.

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.