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THE NEW YORK CONSERVATORY
FOR DRAMATIC ARTS
(Formerly School for Film and Television)

Conservatory Program First-Year Retired Courses

• Organization description
  (titles of all evaluated learning experiences, organization description, and source of official student records)

• Titles of all evaluated learning experiences in the Conservatory Program First-Year Retired Courses

• Descriptions and credit recommendations

Titles of all evaluated learning experiences in the Conservatory Program First-Year Retired Courses section

Titles and credit recommendations for all learning experiences recommended for college credit within the Conservatory Program First-Year Retired Courses section can be found below. To locate information on additional learning experiences, which have also been recommended for college credit, use the Organization Directory Page link above for a complete list of titles for all learning experiences or use the following links to go directly to other sections: 

The Conservatory Program First-Year (Platform Year Current Courses
The Conservatory Program Second-Year (Film and Television Year) Current Courses
The Conservatory Program Second-Year Retired Courses
The Conservatory Program (Theater-Year) Courses
Part-time Program (Retired Courses) - All courses have been retired.
Summer Program (Level I)
Summer Program (Level II)

THE CONSERVATORY PROGRAM First-Year Retired Courses
Acting History/Film Genres (THE107)
Actor's Lab I (THE140)
Actor's Lab I (THE144)
Actor's Lab II (THE145)
Emotional Preparation Workshop (THE102)
First Year Internship (THE115)
Improvisation (THE103)
Improvisation I (THE103)
Improvisation II (THE109)
Introduction to Acting for the Camera (THE135)
Introduction to Acting for the Camera II (THE138)
Introduction to the Camera (THE114)
Introduction to the Camera for Actors II (THE138)
Meisner Technique I (THE100)
Meisner Technique I (THE120)
Meisner Technique II (THE105)
Meisner Technique II (THE121)
Meisner Technique III (THE110)
Meisner Technique III (THE130)
Meisner Technique IV (THE131)
Movement I (THE104)
Movement II (THE108)
Movement III (THE112)
Sensory Workshop (THE134)
20th Century History of Acting (THE107)
Voice and Speech I (THE101)
Voice and Speech II (THE106)
Voice and Speech III (THE111)

THE CONSERVATORY PROGRAM First Year Retired Courses

Acting History/Film Genres(THE107)
(Formerly 20th Century History of Acting [THE107])
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1: 24 hours (8 weeks). Version 2: 36 hours (12 weeks). Version 3: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: January 1996 - December 1997. Version 2: January 1998 - December 1999. Version 3: January 2000 - August 2004.
Objectives: Version 1: Become conversant with the work of seminal figures of 20th century acting theory and recognize their place in the acting tradition; demonstrate an awareness of the major theorists of 20th century acting techniques through applied exercises. Version 2: Same as Version 1; in addition, emphasis on the work of and influences on seminal figures of 20th century acting theory. Version 3: Become conversant with several acting styles, primarily after the advent of sound, as exemplified and demanded by different genres of film; analyze character qualities and script content leading to choices required to act in those genres.
Instruction: Version 1: After a review of theatre history, each session focuses on different 20th century acting theorists and techniques. Students learn the practical differences in each technique through applied exercises. Students are required to write a paper that focuses on one of the theorists covered in class. Version 2: Same as Version 1; in addition, emphasis on a review of theatre and film history, and the psychological and Eastern religious influences on seminal figures of 20th century acting theory. Version 3: Acting styles; different film genres; and character qualities and script content as they relate to acting in different genres. Students write an annotated research paper and deliver a 15-minute presentation complete with pictorial examples of a specific film genre.
Credit recommendation: Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97). Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (12/02 revalidation).

Actor's Lab I (THE140)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: August 2007 - May 2008.
Objectives: Apply the basics of the actor's craft to a simple scene.
Instruction: Areas explored are environment, objects, relationship, endowment/sense memory, talk/listen, intention/actions, obstacles, preceding circumstances and preceding moment.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (6/08).

Actor's Lab I (THE144)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - July 2007.
Objectives: Apply principles of the Stanislavski system, including application of given circumstances, the moment before, intentions, relationships, obstacles, actions, and object work.
Instruction: This experience gives students the opportunity to explore and learn how to apply the actor's craft to text. Scenes are assigned from plays. The teacher creates exercises to explore the circumstances of the scene, language, and physicality. The following elements of the craft are applied: moment to moment work, preceding circumstances and the preceding moment, relationship, environment, sensory work, obstacles, intentions, and actions.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/07).

Actor's Lab II (THE145)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: January 2008 - August 2008.
Objectives: Take one’s learned acting craft based on the work of Stanislavski, and apply it to a complex piece of theatrical text; gain an increased awareness of physical, vocal and emotional strengths and weaknesses.
Instruction: Explore scenes using the works of Williams, Albee, Lanford Wilson, Odets, Inge, and August Wilson. Discover, define and put into action the following elements: preceding circumstances and the preceding moment, building and owning environment (both physically and emotionally), relationships, obstacles, intentions, actions, object and sensory work.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (6/08).

Emotional Preparation Workshop (THE102)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1: 24 hours (8 weeks). Version 2: 36 hours (12 weeks).
Dates:Version 1: April 1997 - December 1997. Version 2: January 1998 - June 2000.
Objectives: Version 1: Free the emotional life and achieve an integrated instrument through sound and movement exercises as applied to monologue work; develop his/her use of the concept of the integrated instrument; incorporate emotional impulses into character work. Version 2: Same as Version 1; in addition to monologue work, emphasis is also on script analysis and scene study.
Instruction: Version 1: The student is introduced to the use of breathing techniques, sound and movement to access his never ceasing emotional life. Applied to monologues, the emotional discoveries begin to suggest new, right brain approaches to the actor's craft. Version 2: Same as Version 1; in addition to monologue work, emphasis is also on one-page scenes.
Credit recommendation: Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre or Drama (11/97).

First Year Internship (THE115)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1 or 2: 25 hours (30 weeks).
Dates: Version 1:April 2001 - August 2004. Version 2: September 2004 - August 2006.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Observe and be part of the business of acting in working situations; interact with and be known by industry leaders to enhance networking.
Instruction:  Literal placement in the offices of casting directors, agents, producers, advertising agencies, etc. Students prepare three reports on three internships during the first year. Version 2: Actual placement in the offices of casting directors, agents, producers, advertising agencies, etc. Students prepare a report reflecting on how their coursework relates with their internship experience.
Credit recommendation: Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (12/02). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/04 revalidation). Note: This course may be repeated two times during the first year for a total maximum credit recommendation of 3 semester hours for 75 hours of internship experience (2 semester hours for 50 hours of internship).

Improvisation I (THE103)
(Formerly Improvisation [THE103])
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 36 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: September 1992 - August 2004.
Objectives: Achieve spontaneity and freedom through improvisational techniques, using body, gestures, and emotion, for use in aspects of on-camera performance.
Instruction: Listening; being in the moment; committing to
choices in working with fellow actors; application to commercial text, including spokesperson, slice of life, and without sound (MOS) formats.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97) (12/02 revalidation).

Improvisation II (THE109)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 36 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: January 1999 - August 2004.
Objectives: Discover the benefits of making strong emotional commitment choices in improvisation; develop ensemble skills.
Instruction:  Identify an objective as it exists in improvisation and create character history.  (Prerequisite: Improvisation I (THE103).)
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (12/02).

Introduction to Acting for the Camera (THE135)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 27 hours (9 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - August 2006.
Objectives: Integrate acting skills to the demands of the camera; maintain a sense of truth while dealing with the technical aspects of lighting, blocking, and camera positions;
Instruction: Exercises and scene work to apply vocal methods for the microphone; exploring endowment of place and relationships within the eye of the lens; continued work in acting technique.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/04).

Introduction to the Camera (THE114)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: April 2001 - August 2004.
Objectives: Integrate acting skills to the demands of the camera; maintain a sense of truth while dealing with the technical aspects of lighting, blocking, and camera positions;
Instruction:  Exercises and scene work to apply vocal methods for the microphone; exploring endowment of place and relationships within the eye of the lens; continued work in acting technique.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (12/02).

Introduction to the Camera for Actors II (THE138)
[Formerly Introduction to Acting for the Camera II (THE138)]
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2006 - July 2007.
Objectives: Interpret a role with acquired skills; bring that work to a set and integrate it with the technical demands of film and television acting.
Instruction: The purpose of this course is to ensure students understand and develop the skills needed to be able to approach a role, and to understand the given circumstances of a scene and translate them into a truthful human and emotional experience. The class works toward an actor's ownership of the character and being able to sustain the work while meeting the specific needs of a performance.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/07).

Meisner Technique I (THE100)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 72 hours  (12  weeks).
Dates: September 1994 - August 2004.
Objectives:  Absorb the Meisner technique of repetition exercises in order to achieve spontaneous behavior.
Instruction: Repetition exercises; knocking exercise; independent activity; imaginary circumstances.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97) (12/02 revalidation).

Meisner Technique I (THE120)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - March 2007.
Objectives: Apply the principles of the work of Sanford Meisner to act with spontaneous behavior.
Instruction: Repetition exercises; living truthfully under imaginary circumstances; independent activity; knocking exercise.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/04).

Meisner Technique II (THE105)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 72 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: September 1994 - August 2004.
Objectives: Apply the principles of repetition to imaginary circumstances and use this technique for exploring text.
Instruction: Emotional preparation; application to text; parallel improvisation; beginning scene work with specific emphasis on relationships, activity, and preparation. (Prerequisite: Meisner Technique I (THE100).)
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97) (12/02 revalidation).

Meisner Technique II (THE121)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - May 2007.
Objectives: Apply the principles of repetition to imaginary circumstances and use this technique for exploring text.
Instruction: Emotional preparation; application to text; pre-circumstances; cold reading; beginning scene work with specific emphasis on relationships, activity, and preparation. (Prerequisite: Meisner Technique I (THE120).)
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/04).

Meisner Technique III (THE110)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length:  Version 1:  72 hours (12 weeks). Version 2:  54 hours (9 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1994 - March 1998. Version 2: April 1998 - August 2004.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Apply, through heightened awareness, the principles of emotional preparation to specific text work.
Instruction: Version 1 or 2: Exploring text; preparation techniques; focus on believable behavior in order to achieve spontaneity and honesty in sharing. (Prerequisite: Meisner Technique II (THE105).)
Credit recommendation: Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (12/02 revalidation).

Meisner Technique III (THE130)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - June 2007.
Objectives: Apply, through heightened awareness, the principles of emotional preparation to specific text work.
Instruction: Exploring text of monologues and scenes; preparation techniques; personal invention; focus on believable behavior in order to achieve spontaneity and honesty in sharing. (Prerequisite: Meisner Technique II (THE121).)
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/04).

Meisner Technique IV (THE131)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - July 2007.
Objectives: Interpret material and act the moments as they are written, maintaining the integrity of the text; memorize and interpret speeches as well as perform a fully interpreted score.
Instruction: Interpreting material; acting in the moment; interpreting speeches; performing a fully interpreted score. (Prerequisite: Meisner Technique III (THE130).)
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/04).

Movement I (THE104)
(Formerly Movement Level I [THE104])
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1: 56 hours (14 weeks). Version 2: 48 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: Version 1:  September 1992 - March 2001. Version 2:  April 2001 - August 2004.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Free the body and voice of inhibition, with special emphasis on the total torso; channel the body to process experience into behavior.
Instruction: Version 1 or 2: Processing fantasy into motion and sound; diaphragm and spontaneous breathing exercises; exploring tension; intimate contact exercises; circles of energy.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, or Dance (11/97) (12/02 revalidation).

Movement II (THE108)
(Formerly Movement Level II [THE108])
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1: 56 hours (14 weeks). Version 2: 48 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: Version 1:  September 1992 - March 2001. Version 2:  April 2001 - August 2004.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Stimulate a sensually alive body; define alignment, strength, flexibility, and sensitivity to musical phrasing; open blocked and tense areas of the body; integrate voice and body.
Instruction: Version 1 or 2: Continuation of the study of the body as a physical language covered in Movement I with projects that introduce physical impediments to character and style while acting. This course also increases the use of voice work into each student's physical warm up and the control of breath and sound. (Prerequisite: Movement I (THE104).)
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, or Dance (11/97) (12/02 revalidation).

Movement III (THE112)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 36 hours (18 weeks).
Dates: April 1999 - August 2004.
Objectives: Stimulate a sensually alive body; define alignment, strength, flexibility, and sensitivity to musical phrasing; open blocked and tense areas of the body; integrate voice and body.
Instruction: Continuation of the study of the body as a physical language covered in Movement I and II including the inculcation of the human being as a constant integrated whole of mind and body.  (Prerequisite: Movement I (THE104) and Movement II (THE108).)
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, or Dance (12/02).

Sensory Workshop (THE134)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - August 2006.
Objectives: Function imaginatively on a film set; call on techniques in object, endowment, place, temperature, and action exercises in order to perform under pressure; live in the role realistically under imaginary circumstances.
Instruction: Two minutes of real behavior; self observation; anticipation; the fourth wall; the guarantee of privacy; endowment of object and place; conditioning forces.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (7/04).

Voice and Speech I (THE101)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1 or 2: 36 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1997 - August 2001. Version 2: September 2001 - August 2004.
Objectives: Version 1: Strengthen voice release, breath support and control, resonance, and physical alignment; improve vowel and consonant action; use the International Phonetic Alphabet for phonetic scoring and neutralizing regional speech patterns. Version 2: Produce a fully supported forward placed speaking voice that is responsive to the demands of the text; speak with clarity of speech and articulation; recognize one’s true sound.
Instruction: Version 1: Voice release exercises; abdominal breathing; Alexander alignment work; bringing the voice to life; consonant and vowel work; phonetic scoring. Version 2: Work on mastering techniques of voice and speech through drill and exercises. Audio and video tapes are used as training and teaching tools.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama or Speech (11/97) (12/02 revalidation).

Voice and Speech II (THE106)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1 or 2: 36 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1997 - August 2001. Version 2: September 2001 - August 2004.
Objectives: Version 1: Continuation of the objectives in Voice and Speech I; in addition, apply phonetic scoring to text. Version 2: Continuation of the objectives in Voice and Speech I; in addition, form a new relationship with language.
Instruction: Version 1: Continuation of basic vocal and speech exercises introduced in Voice and Speech I; in addition, beginning work on text and musicality and introduction to diphthongs. (Prerequisite: Voice and Speech I (THE101). Version 2: Continuation of basic vocal and speech exercises introduced in Voice and Speech I; in addition, applying principles of voice and articulation to the text with work on verse and Shakespeare‘s language; exercises in visualizing and physicalizing the text. (Prerequisite: Voice and Speech I (THE101).)
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama or Speech (11/97) (12/02 revalidation).

Voice and Speech III (THE111)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1 or 2: 36 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1997 - August 2001. Version 2: September 2001 -  August 2004.
Objectives: Version 1: Continuation of the objectives in Voice and Speech I and II; in addition, apply phonetic scoring to scene work. Version 2: Continuation of the objectives in Voice and Speech I and II; in addition, develop breath control and physicalization with Shakespearean texts; use voice and articulation skills for the demands of the microphone.
Instruction: Version 1: Review of all topics introduced in Voice and Speech I and II with more application to text and scene work. (Prerequisite: Voice and Speech II (THE106).) Version 2: Exercises in microphone technique by using monologues and radio drama scripts. (Prerequisite: Voice and Speech II (THE106).)
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama or Speech (11/97) (12/02 revalidation).

Updated 12/22/09

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