The training begins with a two to three month period of extensive improvisational exercises, including the "Repetition Exercise", in which the actor's attention is focused upon his or her partner's simple, real behavior as opposed to detailed character interpretation, script analysis or theatrical manipulation. After this strong improvisational beginning, the students apply what they have learned to a playwright's text.

The rest of the first year is devoted to this kind of basic discovery of one's own instrument in a series of scenes and more advanced improvisation. No character work or complicated interpretive work is undertaken in the first year. The student's focus is kept on what he himself or herself can do truthfully in an imaginary circumstance. Thus, over the year, misconceptions are shed, new techniques are gained and the young actor emerges after eight months a more honest human being with an instrument that is now ready to "act" truthfully in the traditional theatrical sense.

Acting Techniques I
(400 hours)
Fundamental training of the actor as a theatrical instrument through extensive exercises in basic activity, concentration and imagination applied individually and in groups, and in basic scene work.

Acting Techniques I Practice Lab
(96 hours)
Practical experience and practice in areas covered in the Acting Techniques class.

Voice and Speech I
(176 hours)
Training for the effective use of the speaking voice for the stage, including study of the voice production, diction, phonetics and introduction to interpretation.

Singing Technique I
(96 hours)
Group study of singing technique with specific concern for the special requirements of the actor, including relaxation, preparation, musical voice production and introduction to interpretation of songs.

Stage Combat
(48 hours)
Techniques for unarmed combat in physical acting class.

Mime and Physical Theatre
(48 hours)
Investigation of the actor's body in space through mime and other physical theatre techniques.

Modern Dance
(96 hours)
Training in contemporary movement to prepare the body as a dramatic instrument, with emphasis on focus and the awareness of the body's center.

20th Century Theatre History
(15 hours)
A survey of the important theatre developments from 1900 through 2006 with an emphasis on the American Theatre. Library research for actors.

Stage Tecniques
(35 hours)
Production work includes building of sets, painting, lighting and stage management for student performances. (Elective)

Curriculum -- Certificate Program
First Year
Acting Techniques: 400 hours
Acting Techniques (Practice Lab): 96 hours
Voice and Speech: 176 hours
Singing Technique: 96 hours
Stage combat: 48 hours
Mime & Physical Theatre: 48 hours
Modern Dance: 96 hours
20th Century Theatre History: 15 hours
Stage Techniques (Elective): 35 hours
First Year Total: (32 Weeks) 1,010 hours