To be successful in the increasingly competitive profession of acting, making a commitment to an intensive and focused period of training is key. At NCDA we don't just train actors, we train working actors!
OVERVIEW
REQUIRMENTS
We are radically redefining actor training by cultivating authenticity, agency, empathy, and diversity in all forms. We are interested in originality and individuality, not types. We welcome applications from students with at least a high school diploma or GED. If you feel you’re prepared for the diploma program, we’d love to see what you’ve got!
With supportive faculty, a community of like-minded classmates, and a robust training program rooted in empathy, exploration, and encouragement, there's never been a better time to start!
Classes start January 2025!
Learn to play instinctively and discover the difference between "performing and being truthful.
Discover the starting point of the professional process, breaking down text in order to find everything you need to bring a story to life.
Master the actor's process using scenes from well known plays and screenplays.
Explore vocal exercises and techniques intended to develop clear, dynamic speech, and make bold vocal choices. Practice using the body as a means of expression and find physical freedom in your acting.
Prepare to take on TV, film, commercial, and new media work by getting in front of the camera and receiving immediate feedback.
Learn to find type-appropriate auditions and materials, and how to excel at a variety of audition situations, including in person and virtual auditions, cold-reads, self-tapes, etc.
Participate in 5 full length projects as you would in the professional setting. Greek, Commedia dell'arte, Shakespeare, Realism, and Contemporary work is all explored.
Gain valuable insights into the industry, including audition standards, unions, agents, contracts, time management, budgeting, casting platforms, and much more. You'll create a plan to succeed when you leave NCDA.
Funded, in part, by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported, in part, by the National Endowment for the Arts.
The National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts is not affiliated with the Federal Government, the District of Columbia Government, or any other state or local government. The "National" in the name of the institution refers only to our location.
© National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts 2019