Admissions and Student Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about conservatory training, student life, housing, employment, performances, transcripts, and applying to The ߲ݴý.
Preparing for the Playhouse
Your Questions, Answered
Conservatory training is a significant commitment. These frequently asked questions can help you understand what to expect and plan for your time at The ߲ݴý.
Explore the FAQs
Select a question below to expand the answer.
What is a conservatory?
A conservatory is an intensive, immersive environment dedicated to artistic training and exploration. It gives you the rare chance to devote a focused period of your life entirely to your craft. Even working professional actors rarely have that level of consistency, concentration, and freedom.
Conservatory training deepens your technique, widens your awareness, and introduces you to forms of expression you may not have explored before: movement, voice, theatre history, dramatic literature, and collaborative creation. It also helps you develop your own taste and creative voice, and teaches you how to make meaningful work with people whose backgrounds and perspectives differ from your own.
We believe that any meaningful period spent living and training this way benefits a creative person. Whether a student completes two years, one year, six weeks, or three weeks, each has had the chance to open the part of the mind, imagination, and spirit that makes them an artist, and to train at a professional level for that time. Every length of study offers its own path to growth, discipline, and artistic transformation.
Living and training in New York City makes the experience especially distinct. As a global center of theatre, film, television, music, art, and culture, the city becomes an extension of the classroom. You're not only learning your craft, but sharing in the creative life of one of the world's great artistic capitals.
What do I do to arrange for housing during my studies?
Students are responsible for securing their own housing in New York City. The ߲ݴý office can provide some assistance on where and how to look for housing, along with other helpful tips for your apartment search and living in New York City. Incoming students may contact the office as needed for up-to-date information.
Additional resources are available on our Housing Information page .
Can I have a part-time job?
Although we understand that you may need part-time employment to assist in covering expenses, the school schedule is very demanding. Students are not allowed to perform in outside productions during the school year while attending The ߲ݴý.
If you pursue a part-time job, you are responsible for ensuring that it does not interfere with attendance. Students must be available for classes Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Some students have obtained evening or weekend part-time jobs after becoming comfortable with their school schedules.
How do I arrange for medical insurance during my studies?
The school does not provide a student health insurance plan. Students are responsible for making their own arrangements for medical coverage.
Are students given opportunities to attend cultural and performance events in New York City?
The school occasionally receives discounted and complimentary tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway performances, concerts, and other events in New York City, which we circulate to the student body.
In an effort to enhance your training as an artist and actor, we organize group tickets to professional productions whenever possible. Students seeking discounted tickets independently may also explore the following resources:
Can I audit a class?
Unfortunately, no. The reason is best explained by Goethe: “The actor's career develops in public, but his art develops in private.” The ߲ݴý is devoted to maintaining that privacy.
However, we welcome prospective students to attend an Open House. Open Houses offer participants a firsthand experience of a Meisner acting technique class, along with other sample classes.
Visit our Open Houses and Tours page for current opportunities.
Can I still audition for work while I am enrolled in school?
No. Students may not work in the profession during the school year. They may work during the summer between the first and second years, provided that the work does not conflict with school responsibilities.
The full-time program is very demanding, and attendance is extremely important.
How do you determine who is invited back for the second year?
The faculty and Executive Director evaluate each student according to several criteria, including attendance, motivation, participation, preparedness, and overall growth and development throughout the first year.
I’m an alum. How do I request a transcript or proof of attendance?
All transcript requests should be sent to office@neighborhoodplayhouse.org . Please use “Transcript Request: Your Name” as the subject line.
Please clearly include the following information in your request:
- First name
- Last name
- Name at the time of attendance, if different
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- A copy or photo of your ID
- Years attended and program
- The document or verification you require
May I apply to multiple programs, like the 6WK and the 2YC, at the same time?
No. Applicants may apply to only one program at a time. However, students enrolled in either the Six-Week Summer Intensive or the Pre-College Conservatory often speak with the Admissions team if they become interested in continuing their training in the full-time Two-Year Conservatory.
We are always happy to work with students who discover during one of our shorter programs that they would like to continue their training at The ߲ݴý.
I wasn’t accepted this time. When may I apply again?
You must wait one calendar year before reapplying to The ߲ݴý.
Do you have merchandise?
Yes! Visit our official Bonfire store for ߲ݴý apparel, accessories, and other merchandise.
.
Still Have Questions?
Please contact The ߲ݴý office for assistance. We will be glad to help direct your question to the appropriate person.