New York is the Mecca for dance and theater, which is why Dance New Amsterdam (DNA) and Tom Todoroff Studio and Conservatory are partnering to offer both disciplines under one roof. DNA is excited to welcome the Tom Todoroff Studio and Conservatory to its 280 Broadway home. Within this partnership, Tom Todoroff Studio and Conservatory will offer its classes not only to actors, but also to DNA’s dancers. In addition, DNA faculty and teaching artists will be working with the acting students to offer them movement classes.

DNA is one of the city’s major arts hubs, providing the professional and pre-professional dancer with the widest spectrum of education and performance programs to support the dancer’s career. DNA’s environment fosters growth and develops those interested in artistic exploration. Its dance training and performance programs, augmented by programs that broaden skills sets, make its artists increasingly versatile and valuable.

Like the DNA, Tom Todoroff Studio and Conservatory empowers the artist. This partnership offers both the professional and the pre-professional, from all corners of the U.S. and the world, an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the performing arts. In today’s arts world, high demand is placed on performing artists. This program will offer students the chance to work with choreographers and actors we are committed to ensuring they are trained, not only to have a well honed creative vision but also the technical skills to match.

Tom Todoroff Two-Year Conservatory in New York City

Mission
The Tom Todoroff Studio & Conservatory is an in-depth professional training program for empowering actors. We are deeply committed to your growth as a person and as an actor in a uniquely supportive and demystifying environment. We are dedicated to raising your level of consciousness; to increasing the vitality and aliveness in your work and in your life. We believe in nurturing the whole instrument - head, heart, and hips.

About the Program
You’ll learn to speak with muscularity and clarity.
You’ll learn to move gracefully and powerfully.
You’ll learn to communicate and to compete.
You’ll develop your craft and your humanity.
You’ll be well prepared for our profession and ready for a life of continual learning as an open, generous, passionate and deeply committed artist.

Tuition
-Tuition for Two-Year Conservatory actors is $14,150 per year
-$3,000 due upon acceptance
-$5,000 due on August 1 (classes start September 17)
-Remaining balance due on December 1
-Initial $3,000 deposit for second year due by July 1, 2013

*Payment schedule after initial deposit follows same timeline as first year

Curriculum
Actors study for thirty two weeks per year over the course of two years. Classes meet during the day, Monday through Friday, between 10:00am and 2:00pm for an average of four hours per day. Actors train for a minimum of 18 hours per week. Outside rehearsal is required to supplement class work. The first year provides actors with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of acting, voice, speech, and movement. The training is diagnostic, prescriptive and all-encompassing. Actors develop an unshakable skill set based on each individual’s needs.

The first year ensemble focuses on the understanding and application of Guideposts in conjunction with Viewpoints work and The Four Agreements, among other practical and philosophical methods. This balanced and inter- disciplinary approach develops an understanding of the Art, the Business, and the Spirituality of Acting. By exposing first year students to a wide array of techniques, they are equipped to function effectively in any situation from classical to contemporary texts, from theater to television and film.

The second year focuses on the application of the skills developed in year one. Instruction is geared toward preparing actors for the transition from student to working professional. Master Classes with highly accomplished Industry professionals allow for specialized study. The Two-Year Conservatory culminates in an industry showcase for agents, managers, and casting directors in New York City.

Application Requirements
-Application form
-Statement of Purpose: Write personally about yourself and your acting in 500 words, double-spaced. Tell us about your life, your passions, how you get along with people, and what you would like to accomplish.
-Current Photo & Resume
-Two Letters of Recommendation. At least one of the professional letters of recommendation should be from a director with whom the candidate has worked. The other letter may come from a current or former teacher or professional who is familiar with the applicant’s history and achievements
-Application Fee of $40.00 USD
-TOEFL (iBT). If first language is not English or if applicant has graduated from a non-English speaking Institution
*TOEFL means Test of English as a Foreign Language. The TOEFL (iBT) should be taken by March 2012. Website: toefl.org
-Optional for Non-Native English Speakers: Pre-screen for English Speaking Proficiency.
*ODE by Arthur O’Shaughnessy 1874
-In-Person Audition. Your online application will prompt you to choose your audition city. A Studio representative will contact you to confirm the date and arrange a specific time frame. If the Audition Tour Schedule lists only one date in your city, this is the date you will audition.

Audition Requirements
-After you’ve submitted your application online all applicants must audition in person, unless they are living abroad.
-Students living outside the U.S. may submit their audition by uploading it to YouTube or by scheduling a remote audition via Skype in lieu of auditioning in person. These applicants may need to travel to New York City for an in person callback as necessary.
-Please bring the same photo and resume you submitted with your online application to the in-person audition.
-For the audition, you will need to prepare three monologues of no more than two minutes each: two classical (at least one by Shakespeare - not a sonnet) and one contemporary, comedic and dramatic material.
-We will ask you to present two monologues, the other will serve as back up in the event we need to see additional material.
-Your choice of material speaks before you do. With this in mind, please avoid material that is overdone. Love takes and makes time. Take the time to find material that you love and that reveals your true self.

Audition & Callback Process
-Initial Audition: Applicants will audition alone before a faculty panel comprised of Conservatory instructors. Actors are asked to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. In the initial audition, we will ask all applicants to present two monologues - one classical, one contemporary - of contrasting nature.
-Callbacks: All callbacks take place on the same day as the scheduled audition. As such, applicants must plan on being available for the remainder of the day and evening. If an applicant does not receive a callback, he/she is not being considered for admission. Applicants selected for a callback may be asked to do any or all of the following:
**Repeat their audition monologues, present an additional monologue, do improvisations, cold-reading, or sing a cappella.
**Some individuals will be asked to stay after the callback for an interview with faculty.
**Callback lists are posted at the conclusion of each audition hour, both in the morning and in the afternoon sessions.
**Callbacks for applicants outside the U.S. will occur in New York City. A Studio representative will contact you with available dates and times for your callback.

photo by Jackson Beales