The Conservatory extends beyond instruction in the Todoroff Acting Technique exclusively, to include comprehensive training in a curriculum of foundational disciplines for the actor. We call this Todoroff Conservatory Training - "The Training". The Training exists to support and further the organizing principle of the Tom Todoroff Studio : "To be an actor, is to be a professional human being."
By this, we mean an actor is a student of humanity. An actor is a psychologist, sociologist, anthropologist, archeologist. An actor's focus must be off themselves and on the world around them. Actors must develop a keen awareness and appreciation of their place in the history of this craft in order to then experiment with the integration of pedagogy and discovery of new forms.
To this end, Todoroff Conservatory Training aims to:
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Develop a capacity for collaboration through ensemble-based work.
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Raise one's consciousness by placing a strong emphasis on the actor as observer - as well as performer.
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Provide a strong foundation in the history of this craft and its pedagogical roots, giving actors an informed perspective on their place in that continuum.
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Integrate theory and practical application in the profession.
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Convey the central importance of the writer and the script and develop an understanding and reverence for strong writing as an essential starting point for strong acting.
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Nurture the whole instrument - head, heart and hips. This includes the development of vocal clarity, muscularity of speech and physical presence, precision and grace.
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Create artists who are storytellers. Whose work reflects a personal, passionate, precise, political, provocative and purposeful point of view.
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Prepare actors to work in all mediums: theater, television and film.
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Empower actors to enter the profession as practitioners with the confidence and knowledge to create their own work.
Conservatory members study four days per week over the course of two academic years (September through May).
Classes meet Monday through Thursday, from 11:00am until between 3:00pm and 4:00pm daily (Eastern Standard Time). Outside rehearsal and preparation are required to supplement class work.
The First Year of training 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 semester one. Instruction is geared toward preparing actors for the transition from student to working professional. Students study the business of acting, commercial acting and creating a production pitch. They have an intensive course on Shakespeare in performance. Students also write, direct, produce, edit and act in their own short films. Master Classes with highly accomplished Industry professionals allow for specialized study.
Upon full completion of the program and adherence to the Conservatory’s rules and policies, graduates shall receive a Diploma in Acting.
- Acting I & II
- Voice & Speech I & II
- On-Camera Audition Technique
- Movement for Actors
- Alexander Technique
- Shakespeare in Performance
- Theater History & Dramaturgy
- Film History & Filmmaking
- Improvisation & Creators Lab
- Subversive Clown
- Combat for Stage & Screen
- Voice-Over Acting
- Commercial Acting
- Pitch to Production
- Business of Acting
*Curriculum is subject to change
2022-2023 Academic Calendar:
Sunday September 4, 2022: Orientation
Tuesday September 6, 2022: Conservatory training commences
Thursday November 17, 2022: Last day of training before THANKSGIVING BREAK
Friday November 18 - Sunday November 27, 2022: BREAK - Thanksgiving Holiday
Monday November 28, 2022: Training resumes
Thursday December 15, 2022: Last day of training before WINTER BREAK
Friday December 16, 2022 - Sunday January 1, 2023: BREAK - Winter Holiday
Monday January 2, 2023: Training resumes
Thursday January 12, 2023: Last day of First Semester
Monday January 16, 2023: First day of Second Semester
Thursday March 9, 2023: Last day of training before SPRING BREAK
Friday March 10 - Sunday March 19, 2023: BREAK - Spring Holiday
Monday March 20, 2023: Training resumes
Thursday May 11, 2023: Final day of training
Sunday May 14 - Tuesday May 16: End of Year Events Week - leave open