The National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

The National Conservatory of Dramatic ArtsThe National Conservatory of Dramatic ArtsThe National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts
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The National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

The National Conservatory of Dramatic ArtsThe National Conservatory of Dramatic ArtsThe National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts
Home
About
  • NCDA
  • Faculty
  • Testimonials
  • Title IX Policy
  • Conduct & Grievance
Programs
  • Diploma Program
  • Advanced Program
  • Schedule
  • Tuition + Financial Aid
  • For Parents
Admissions
  • How to Apply
  • Pay Application Fee
  • Consumer Info
  • School Catalogue
Visit
  • How to Get Here
  • Open House
  • Make an Appointment
  • Attend a Performance
Donate
Discover More
  • Student & Alumni Films
  • Student & Alumni Theatre
  • Merch
  • Donate
More
  • Home
  • About
    • NCDA
    • Faculty
    • Testimonials
    • Title IX Policy
    • Conduct & Grievance
  • Programs
    • Diploma Program
    • Advanced Program
    • Schedule
    • Tuition + Financial Aid
    • For Parents
  • Admissions
    • How to Apply
    • Pay Application Fee
    • Consumer Info
    • School Catalogue
  • Visit
    • How to Get Here
    • Open House
    • Make an Appointment
    • Attend a Performance
  • Donate
  • Discover More
    • Student & Alumni Films
    • Student & Alumni Theatre
    • Merch
    • Donate
  • Home
  • About
    • NCDA
    • Faculty
    • Testimonials
    • Title IX Policy
    • Conduct & Grievance
  • Programs
    • Diploma Program
    • Advanced Program
    • Schedule
    • Tuition + Financial Aid
    • For Parents
  • Admissions
    • How to Apply
    • Pay Application Fee
    • Consumer Info
    • School Catalogue
  • Visit
    • How to Get Here
    • Open House
    • Make an Appointment
    • Attend a Performance
  • Donate
  • Discover More
    • Student & Alumni Films
    • Student & Alumni Theatre
    • Merch
    • Donate

4 SEMESTERS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.

ACTING DIPLOMA PROGRAM

​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

  • 1,800 hours of instruction over 16 months of study (56 credit hours)
  • Small class sizes for maximum participation and individual instruction 
  • Earn a Diploma in Acting, upon completing


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! 


Ready to Start?

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 May 2025!

Apply Now

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Improv

Script Analysis

Script Analysis

Learn to play instinctively and discover the difference between "performing and being truthful. 

Script Analysis

Script Analysis

Script Analysis

Discover the starting point of the professional process, breaking down text in order to find everything you need to bring a story to life. 

Scene Study

Script Analysis

VOICE & Movement

Master the actor's process using scenes from well known plays and screenplays.

VOICE & Movement

On Camera Technique

VOICE & Movement

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.

On Camera Technique

On Camera Technique

On Camera Technique

Prepare to take on TV, film, commercial, and new media work by getting in front of the camera and receiving immediate feedback.

Auditioning Technique

Auditioning Technique

Auditioning Technique

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. 

5 FULL LENGTH PROJECTS

Auditioning Technique

Auditioning Technique

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.  

Buisness of acting

Auditioning Technique

Buisness of acting

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. 

NCDA is committed to creating a safe, fun, and diverse training program.

NCDA is committed to creating a safe, fun, and diverse training program.

NCDA is committed to creating a safe, fun, and diverse training program.

NCDA is committed to creating a safe, fun, and diverse training program.

NCDA is committed to creating a safe, fun, and diverse training program.

NCDA is committed to creating a safe, fun, and diverse training program.

empathy

encouragment

exploration

exploration

encouragment

exploration

encouragment

encouragment

encouragment

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.

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