Acting

The professional actor training program is a four-year sequential course of study in acting—voice, speech, movement for actors, dramatic structure, and history of the theatre, supplemented by offerings in stage combat, performance improvisation, mask work, acting for camera, makeup, and audition technique.

The schedule is rigorous; in a typical week, a student works directly with faculty members for 27 to 40 hours and spends a comparable amount of time in preparation.

• The first two years of training focus on the development of the actor’s imagination and an exploration of his or her inner resources as they relate to the external demands and skills of the craft.
• During the third and fourth years, classroom work continues, and the principles learned in the first two years are applied rigorously in rehearsal and performance. Purchase Repertory Theatre productions provide a wide range of experience, from the contemporary to the classic, and are directed by visiting professionals as well as experienced resident faculty.

The acting BFA program is one of five in the nation that meets the standards of the Consortium of Conservatory Theatre Training Programs. In the fourth year, graduating seniors are presented to an invited audience of agents, producers, and casting directors in New York City and Los Angeles.

Please note: The acting BFA program does not offer training in musical theatre.

Our Alumni

A very high percentage of alumni continue to find employment in the acting profession. They appear constantly on Broadway and Off Broadway, in films, on television, and in related media. Our alumni include:

• Kirk Acevedo
• Robert Burke
• Orlagh Cassidy
• Ron Eldard
• Dwight Ewell
• Edie Falco
• Melissa Leo
• Adina Porter

• Parker Posey
• Jay O. Sanders
• Karen Sillas
• Micah Stock
• Sherry Stringfield
• Stanley Tucci
• Lance Coadie Williams