A Summer Acting Program at Yale Summer Session
Yale Summer Session Conservatory for Actors (DRMA S001)
The Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors offers an immersive, intensive program introducing foundational acting techniques. Rooted in Stanislavski’s principles, this five-week summer conservatory is designed to equip aspiring actors with essential skills that form a solid base for advanced theater training.
[point] To apply for the Summer Conservatory for Actors (DRMA S001) course please select Session B in your application. Course dates are June 30 - August 1, 2025.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis. All materials (including letters of recommendation) must be in your file before the deadline date to be considered.
The 2025 application will open in mid-January 2025.
Conservatory for Actors Overview
We believe that acting happens in the space between people — people who are fully embodied, breathing, and exchanging energy in the same space. We’re confident that you’ll come away from these five weeks with new skills, a deeper understanding of craft, and a more liberated sense of permission and play.
The Specifics
More than just acting or scene study, the Conservatory offers students an entire program comprised of a series of sections, each focused on a fundamental element of acting. Sections concentrate on the following:
- Acting: Exercise and Scene work
- Text Analysis: to comprehend the material being acted
- On-Camera Acting: Taught by acclaimed actors Welker White and Damian Young from The Moving Frame
- Voice: training to help the actor find a released, responsive voice
- Clowning: to encourage risk-taking and a sense of play
- Masterclasses: focusing on rehearsal and technique with Evan Yionoulis, Dean and Director of the Richard Rogers Drama Division at Juilliard
We divide the students into small sections of 10-12 that permit significant focus on individual work. With a faculty to student ratio of 1:4, we make sure that each student gets the personal attention needed for individual artistic growth. We think of the Conservatory as an experimental lab, and because of this, we offer no public performance or production of a play. Removing the pressure of an audience allows our students to focus on honing their skills for use in future performances. The lab structure also allows the faculty to focus equally on all students: because there are no leading performers, every student receives the same amount of attention.
Outside of the classroom, students work, study, and play. Because the majority of class work is project-based and dependent on collaboration with other students, rehearsal time outside of class is valuable. Weekends are spent rehearsing and enjoying personal time.
[point] This is an intense program with a very full schedule designed to maximize the time. Students should expect to spend 30 hours a week in class and an additional 10 hours each week of rehearsal/homework time. The 2024 daily schedule and syllabi below are indicative of what students can expect in 2025
Student Video Testimonials
Our participants range from college-bound high school students (rising seniors and older) to undergraduates (Yale and visiting students) and post-graduates who wish to hone their professional skills. Skill levels vary from motivated beginners to seasoned professionals – the faculty finds that a diversity of experience in the student makeup is of great benefit to everyone.
Want to learn more about the student experience at the Conservatory for Actors? Listen to what these program alumni had to say.
About our Faculty
The faculty consists of seasoned theater professionals actively working in regional and New York theaters, as well as in film and television. Many are alumni or current educators at the Yale School of Drama. These industry experts lead students through the Conservatory's rigorous and dynamic curriculum, offering intensive, personalized, hands-on training in the fundamentals of the craft.
Read about the Summer Drama Faculty.
Blake Hackler, the Conservatory Director, has created a video introduction to the program
How are the Participants Selected?
We consider academic history, personal statements, recommendations, acting experience, and whatever test scores apply. No audition is required. We attract strong students who are committed, rigorous in their dedication to growth, and unafraid of intensive study.
Drama Applicants must submit the following with their applications:
- A resume of relevant experience
- Personal statement (located on the application course selection page)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Minimum of one recommendation from a theater professional or drama teacher
Tuition and Fees
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition - Summer Conservatory for Actors (2 credits) | $10,295 |
| Housing and Meals | $4,400 |
| Application Fee (nonrefundable) | $80 |
All tuition and fees must be paid in full three weeks before the course begins.
Financial Assistance
Yale Summer Session offers financial assistance to Yale College students on financial aid. Yale College students can receive financial assistance for half (50%) tuition on up to two course credits. Students who have attended Summer Session previously will have the application fee waived. We are unable to offer financial assistance to visiting students.
More information about financial assistance may be found on our Financial Assistance page.