Program in Acting

The goal of the program is to graduate actors who are equipped for the rigorous demands of the contemporary stage, as well as television and film. To that end, the final semester is focused on an effective transition into the professional world, with classes and workshops in on-camera technique, auditioning, and introduction to the life of a working actor.

Year 1 - The first year is spent exploring and mastering the fundamental concepts of developing or further developing a background in theater, and establishing the work ethic of the profession. Students begin intensive training in the Meisner technique and develop a truthful and spontaneous instrument. Beginning voice, speech, movement, Performance Ensemble, theater history, and special topic workshops, round out the program. As is consistent in most conservatory training, students will not perform in the first year.

Year 2 - The second year is spent immersed in the advanced Meisner training, focusing on textual analysis, objectives, actions, and beginning character work. The guided practice of speech and movement continues and is integrated into the acting work. Other classes include scene study, global theater, and script analysis for the actor, as well as special topic workshops in areas such as the Chekhov Techniques, masks, Viewpoints, etc. Students are granted multiple performance opportunities, including the Performance Ensemble production, in the second year.

Year 3 - The entire junior year is spent studying abroad at Rutgers Conservatory at Shakespeare's Globe in London. Students undertake a rigorous conservatory training program consisting of acting, voice, and movement (based on the Alexander Technique), speech, and period dance. There is a continuation of textual analysis, objective, actions, and character work with particular attention given to the classical texts and traditions. This training allows students to capably handle a wide variety of texts with confidence. Courses in British art and culture and Shakespeare's plays round out the program.

Year 3.5 - During the final semester, class time is spent in the refinement of the actor's craft, integrating all aspects of the training program. Particular emphasis is placed upon the "business of the business." Classes include professional development seminars, audition techniques, acting for the camera, and meeting with agents and casting directors. Performance opportunities include eligibility for all departmental productions. Students are expected to balance class work and performance demands equally. The year culminates in the Rutgers Actor's Presentation in New York City for invited members of the profession.

The professional transition - Immediately following the 3.5 semester, all acting students can participate in Rutgers' Actor Presentation, a showcase in New York presented to industry professionals. Free of all class obligations, graduates can take immediate advantage of career opportunities.