Search Our Site

Become a Program Member!

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

Conservatory Program (Second-Year Full-time)

• 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 (Second-Year Full-time) Current Courses

• Descriptions and credit recommendations

Acting as a Personal Business (THE266)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - Present.
Objectives:Research work prospects; prepare picture and resume, write a cover letter, utilize the Ross reports, and develop a knowledge of theatre contracts and the roles of industry professionals, such as agents, managers, and casting directors; market oneself as a business for employment within the film and TV industry.
Instruction: This course informs the actor about how to pursue a professional acting career from a business perspective. Topics covered include: developing business tools (pictures, resumes, cover letters, mailings, postcards, etc.); dealing with agents and casting directors; managing one's finances.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 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) (7/07 revalidation) (6/08 revalidation).

Actor's Comedy Workshop (THE253)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - Present.
Objectives: Create comedic personae in sitcoms, and scripted or improvised commercials, for audition and on camera.
Instruction: Students find comedy in a script and learn how to physicalize comedy according to its style. Students write and perform scripted material and present a comedic audition.
Credit recommendation: 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 (7/04) (7/07 revalidation) (6/08 revalidation).

Actor's Lab II (THE244)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2006 - December 2007.
Objectives: Discuss the unique needs of a film script and how to take the script and build a performance.
Instruction: This course continues from the work in Actor's Lab I. Students are assigned scenes from three feature films and deal with the unique acting challenges that the feature genre presents for the actor. Exercise work is used to guide students in meeting the unique needs of acting for the camera.
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).

Audition Technique for Film and TV (THE263)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - Present.
Objectives: Audition successfully using audition skills, such as cold reading, to seek work in all media of film and television, including commercials; apply techniques for creating "place" and "relationship;" behave instead of act; conduct oneself in a live audition and a taped audition; break out of one's comfort zones while making choices; take live interviews with industry professionals. Instruction: The audition experience; working from sides; making the space one’s own; auditioning for a living; the callback; the taped callback; booking the job; performing 30-second commercials and other acting work under simulated professional conditions with feedback from guest directors; professional demeanor; how a casting office functions; role of the manager.
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) (7/07 revalidation) (6/08 revalidation).

Commercials (THE267)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: March 2007 - Present.
Objectives:Apply basic acting skills to needs and requirements of performance in commercials, including MOS, slice-of-life, and spokesperson formats.
Instruction: Working in lecture/demonstration and labs, students learn the MOS, slice-of-life, and spokesperson formats in-depth. The curriculum applies basic acting skills to the needs and requirements of performance for commercials. Students become familiar with the type and style of ads and develop audition security.
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 (7/07) (6/08 revalidation).

Daytime Drama(THE268)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives:Handle the specific technical and performance adjustments required for soap operas, including analyzing text, approaching characterization and blocking for three camera set-ups.
Instruction: Daytime drama scripts are character and relationship driven rather than plot driven. As such, students learn to make subtle, but important, changes when approaching this material. Students work to master the specific technical and performance adjustments required by soap operas.
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 (7/07) (6/08 revalidation).

Monologues(THE269)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 42 hours (14 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Make appropriate monologue choices as a dramatic calling card; confidently present monologues for industry professionals.
Instruction: Monologues are coached, critiqued, and adjusted for auditioning on stage, on-camera, and in an agent's office. Each student leaves the course with a variety of monologues to suit various audition environments. The workshop concludes with a performance before a professional jury who offers constructive criticism on areas where improvement is needed.
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) (6/08 revalidation).

Process for the Camera I (THE255)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - Present.
Objectives:Function effectively and professionally before the camera: hitting marks, making entrances or exits, dealing with props, adjusting between master, midshot, and closeup, and shooting out of sequence with both physical and emotional continuity.
Instruction: On-set behavior; shooting sequence; master, midshot, closeup; working with the neutral mask; character specific behavior choices in midshot.
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) (7/07 revalidation) (6/08 revalidation).

Process for the Camera II (THE265)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates:September 2004 - Present.
Objectives: Integrate physical, vocal, and analytical technique for application to camera work.
Instruction: Exercises and scene work emphasize stereotyping and playing stereotype; breaking a scene down into beats/intentions; dry block, camera block, rehearsal and take; making physical choices for master shot; establishing continuity for master shot and follow through in successive takes/shots; working within the frame for close-up; surviving frustrations and obstacles during a shoot; working with outside professionals in final sessions.
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) (7/07 revalidation) (6/08 revalidation).

Research, Rehearsal, and Performance (THE264)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - Present.
Objectives: Compile a professional quality reel, which includes a scene; cement warm-up techniques: voice, movement, Meisner, etc. as preparation for audition and performance.
Instruction: This course assists students in identifying and exploring their castable qualities and preparing, assembling, and recording a final video culminating the work and objectives of the two-year program.
Credit recommendation: 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 (7/04) (7/07 revalidation) (6/08 revalidation).

Salon (THE257)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: September 2006 - December 2006.
Objectives: Apply and integrate basic acting technique, by researching, analyzing, creating, and performing historic and stylized genre performances.
Instruction: This course explores a specific period through research of modes and manners and vocal and movement work. The class includes instruction on gathering dramaturgical research appropriate to the script and time period, vocal accent work, dance styles, the effect of period clothing, furniture, and props on an actor's physical life, and the effect of period manners and etiquette on the actor's characterization. Each class explores a different rehearsal aspect and stresses the actor's need to externalize a sense of style appropriate to the period and genre. The student is required to integrate vocal, physical, and acting skills through additional rehearsal outside of class time. The class culminates in a performance of portions of a period film and brings together all of the skills learned throughout the course.
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 (7/07).

Scene Study I for Film and TV (THE250)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - December 2006.
Objectives: Apply the foundation and deeper principles of acting technique to accommodate camera shots.
Instruction: Structure of an action; given circumstances; intention; obstacle and strategy; long shot behavior; character mid-shot; activity vs. behavior; acting as a metaphor for life; communication over real space; listening/reacting; reversals/adaptations; bits and pieces work on a role.
Credit recommendation: 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 (7/04) (7/07 revalidation).

Scene Study II for Film and TV (THE251)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - December 2006.
Objectives: Continuation of Scene Study I for Film and TV (THE250); apply the foundation and deeper principles of acting technique to accommodate camera shots from structured scenes to rough score of a scene.
Instruction: Structure of an action; given circumstances; intention; obstacle and strategy; over the shoulder closeup; the shoulder upshot; the closeup and the extreme closeup; behavior before words; action before thought; the actor's continuum; generalized vs. specific behavior; tools and controls; director speak vs. actor speak; MOS-Motion Only Shot. (Prerequisite: Scene Study I for Film and TV (THE250).)
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) (7/07 revalidation).

Scene Study for Film and Television I (THE259)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 96 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Work on acting craft, both artistically and technically in front of the camera; explore master shots, coverage, and continuity, working on scenes from feature films and one hour episodic; perform in different on set work situations. Students are required to come to the set fully prepared without any rehearsal.
Instruction: Given circumstances; intention; obstacles and actions; long-shot behavior; mid-shot and close-ups; activity vs. behavior; listening/reacting.
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 (6/08).

Scene Study for Film and Television II (THE272)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 72 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: January 2008 - Present.
Objectives: Discover and understand the different types of comedy; Experience how to work a comedic moment; Learn to make quick acting adjustments with on set blocking changes; Maintain both physical continuity and emotional integrity; Find and analyze the specifics of the character through script analysis; Integrate artistic and technical skills that are necessary for a professional career.
Instruction: Perform scenes from different types of comedies (physical, romantic and situation), Work on two scenes from the same script, shooting these scenes out of sequence in order to prepare the actor for a professional experience.
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 (6/08).

Scene Study III for Film and TV: Preparation of a Role-Scoring of an Action (THE260)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - December 2006.
Objectives: Score a scene, converting script to vocal and physical action.
Instruction: Full score of action; scoring a scene and beat; subtext as ultimate goal; playing the score; letting the score go; solving bits and pieces; camera ready actor; through line of action; super objective; motivating desire; sequence; spine of the film; spine of the role. (Prerequisite: Scene Study I for Film and TV (THE251).)
Credit recommendation: 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 (7/04) (7/07 revalidation).

Second-Year Internship (THE241)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 25 hours (32 weeks).
Dates: September 2004 - Present.
Objectives: Observe and be part of the business of acting in working situations; interact with and be known by industry leaders to enhance networking.
Instruction: 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: 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) (7/07 revalidation). NOTE: This course may be repeated two times during the second year for a total maximum credit recommendation of 3 semester hours for a 75 hours of internship experience (2 semester hours for a 50 hours of internship). NOTE: An earlier version of this course is located on the Conservatory Second Year Retired Courses page.

Voiceover (THE256)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: September 2006 - July 2007.
Objectives: Act and speak specifically in voice-over microphone work; prepare the moment before; apply subtext to meaning and inflection; identify key words; work with a partner.
Instruction: Students engage in exercises in physical alignment, inner dialogue, breaking down texts, styles, tags, slating, accents and character, focus, breath awareness, and broadcast jargon.
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 (7/07).

Voice-Over (THE258)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 48 hours (16 weeks).
Dates: August 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Gain thorough knowledge of work in radio and television commercials, animation, CD-Roms and video games, industrials, books on tape and narration for film and television. Create the foundation for a professional demo.
Instruction: Develop microphone technique. Analyze copy; record to time. Expand vocal range; develop characters. Apply Meisner technique to voice-over 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).

ELECTIVES


Advanced Voice-Over (THE405)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Deliver copy with ease, believability, conviction, confidence, and with the emotional and narrative qualities required.
Instruction: Analyze scripts, take direction, record various types of voice-overs, acquire terminology and language, and adjust voice-over work on demand.
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 (7/07) (6/08 revalidation).

Combat for the Camera (THE408)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2008 - Present.
Objectives: Use fight/combat techniques for film and television discuss the differences between stage combat and combat in front of the camera; create believability and illusion of a prop weapon in a fight scene; perform multi-fights scenes with awareness of surroundings; implement learned skills in the auditioning environment.
Instruction: Using the basic principles of unarmed combat and hand held pistols; implementing safety principles; applying acting skills to the story and any fight scene the actor is performing in; filming, viewing and critiquing improvisation and scenes with fights.
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 (6/08).

Diction and Articulation (THE404)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Develop Standard American speech by learning the proper pronunciation of American English vowels, consonants and diphthongs.
Instruction: Blending or connecting words and sounds, so that speech is clear, but natural sounding; vowel and consonant placement; diphthongs; neutral dialect; articulation; word emphasis; and word flow; International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
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 (7/07) (6/08 revalidation).

Honors Performance Improv (THE136)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 36 hours (12 weeks).
Dates: January 2005 - Present.
Objectives: Develop skills and technique to perform as an ensemble improvisatory troupe in a live performance, which culminates in a professional venue in New York.
Instruction: Learn ensemble skills: Develop the group mind, Give and Take, Active Listening, Styles and Stories, Scene Work, Status, Improvised Characters and Rehearsal and Performance.
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 (6/08).

Improvisation II (THE401)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Apply enhanced improvisational skills of spontaneity, staying in the moment, and freedom in making choices to actor’s skills.
Instruction: Learn how to make strong commitment emotionally to choice; apply status concepts to scene work; enhance character skills, reinforce give and take and develop stronger ensemble skills; maintain better relationships in scenes; build on narrative skills.
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 (7/07) (6/08 revalidation).

Michael Chekhov Technique for Actors (THE403)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Approach acting through the basic principles and exercises outlined in Chekhov’s book, To the Actor, including psycho/physical exercises, character work and ensemble improvisation.
Instruction: Warm-ups specifically designed to develop the organic connection between the actor's inner life, creative imagination and expressive body; exploring archetypes, imaginary centers, imaginary body, character atmospheres, overall scenic atmospheres, qualities of movement, imaginary place and psychological gesture, along with on camera adjustments, and more.
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 (7/07) (6/08 revalidation).

The Physically Expressive Actor (THE406)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Use movement and awareness to deepen and expand sense of embodiment, presence, physical freedom, and expressiveness.
Instruction: Identify specific problems and habits that interfere with freedom of choice in monologue and scene work. Individual attention given in both solo and partner work.
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 (7/07) (6/08 revalidation).

Salon (THE407)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2008 - Present.
Objectives: Apply and integrate basic acting technique, by researching, analyzing, creating, and performing historic and stylized genre performances.
Instruction: This course explores a specific period through research of modes and manners and vocal and movement work. The class includes instruction on gathering dramaturgical research appropriate to the script and time period, vocal accent work, dance styles, the effect of period clothing, furniture, and props, and how the aforementioned affects an actor's physical life.
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 (6/08).

Sketch Comedy for Performance (THE400)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Build on sketch writing and performing skills (introduced in Actor’s Comedy Workshop) by creating and rehearsing sketch material and performing it for an audience in an outside cabaret.
Instruction: Review principles of sketch comedy; learn new principles to create a comic statement; experience the process of creating a sketch comedy show by brainstorming ideas and drafting scenes, review and critique material, rehearse and perform in an outside venue.
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 (7/07) (6/08 revalidation).

Stand-Up Comedy for Actors (THE402)
Location: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Length: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Dates: January 2007 - Present.
Objectives: Develop a 5-minute stand-up comedy routine for performance in a live nightclub setting.
Instruction: Implement writing techniques that include the basic understanding of joke structure, timing and rhythm, point of view, and character/persona development. Emphasis on differences and similarities between acting and stand-up performance; use of a Writing Circle in which students act as each other’s sound boards for developing material, under the supervision of the instructor.
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 (7/07)(6/08 revalidation) .

Updated 8/13/08

Return to all CCR Online listings