Stella Adler Studio Curriculum

The first year of the program focuses on providing students with a foundation from which to grow through a firm acting technique, voice and speech work, movement and physical exploration, as well as contemporary and classical scene work. Students will develop a facile responsive body, a strong and clear voice, and a clear understanding of the technique developed by Stella Adler.

The second year concentrates on applying the tools learned in the first year with a deeper investigation of the craft through intense contemporary and classical scene work, with continued voice and speech work and an exploration of physical acting. The year ends with a rehearsal performance of a play directed by faculty or other industry professionals.

During the third year, students devote most of their time to rehearsal and performance of a play (classical first semester, modern realism second semester) directed by faculty or other industry professionals. Students also create interpretive work through a Language Project and a Movement Project. Students partake in a classical intensive, which includes master classes in voice with Andrew Wade, former head of voice at the Royal Shakespeare Company; stage combat with J. Steven White, one of the most respected fight choreographers in the industry; and Classical Scene Study with head-of-acting James Tripp. Students will also begin exploring audition techniques and on-camera training.

In the fourth year, known as the Company, students devote all of their studio time to rehearsal and performance. They perform two plays each semester directed by industry professionals. Each production is supported by a movement coach, voice coach, and acting panel. At the end of the second semester, students participate in industry meetings and have the opportunity to audition for the showcase. Students also have a class on preparing for the acting profession with director Peter Flynn, as well as former Bernard Telsey + Co. Associate Casting Director Stephanie Yankwitt.