Acting
Actor Training
PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre, is unique in that in addition to studio work, classes, and master classes, students receive mentorship from professional artists in the studio, in classes, in one-on-one tutorials, and in the context of producing PCPA's professional Equity productions
PCPA's Resident Company is comprised of highly skilled professional actors, choreographers, designers, technicians, and directors who have a dedication to producing quality professional theatre and a deep seated passion to teach. Click the Faculty heading for a list of instructors and their bios.
1st Year Actor Training Program
At Pacific Conservatory Theatre, the student's professional training begins right away. Acting students are immersed in the life of the conservatory, jumping right into rigorous skills training and studio work. A common working vocabulary is introduced, as well as a repeatable acting process, text analysis, basic music theory, singing techniques, and dance fundamentals. Students explore the concept of self-use in their acting, movement, and voice/speech classes. These foundational concepts will be built upon over the course of their two-year journey. Students progress in the first year by applying these basic concepts to increasingly more sophisticated material.
2nd Year Actor Training Program
The training in the 2nd year directly builds on the foundational acting tools and skills that are learned and acquired in the first year. The 2nd year student is introduced to more sophisticated concepts and methodologies in all disciplines: Acting, Voice and Speech, Movement, Singing, Dance, and more. The second year also focuses on audition techniques and the business side of being a marketable actor. Several casting directors, artistic directors, and agents come to PCPA to audition our students during the second year of training. The year culminates in the presentation of 2 fully staged productions, which are cast solely with the graduating class, and are directed by either resident or guest directors. These showcases provide an opportunity for the professional community, as well as family and friends to see the fruition of two years of rigorous and fulfilling transformation.
All applicants must start the audition process with a video audition.
We will begin accepting video auditions on October 1. We recommend applicants use the Acceptd platform to submit their audition video.
Please follow this link to PCPA's Acceptd landing page to learn more and begin the audition/application process.
https://app.getacceptd.com/pcpatheater
However, if Acceptd does not work for you, please email casting@pcpa.org for other options.
We ask that applicants submit this video audition by December 31; however, we will accept videos after that date.
If an actor is asked to attend our Acting Conservatory Callbacks, they will then be invited to go through a more detailed applications process.
Actors auditioning for the two-year Actor Training Conservatory will first need to submit an audition video.
Audition videos must include:
• 2 monologues (one classical, preferably Shakespeare; one contemporary, i.e. post-1900) totaling together no more than 3 minutes in length (approximately 60-90 seconds each).
• 16 to 32 bars of a song. Please sing with either recorded or live accompaniment.
Dance is optional:
• Dancers should feel free to include a 60 second dance combination; however, dance is not a required part of the video audition.
We ask that you include with your video:
• 8 x 10 photograph (headshot) preferred; smaller is acceptable.
• Resume detailing performance experience, education/training, and special skills.
Callbacks for the Acting Conservatory are in March.
Applicants who are invited to participate in the callback process will be given the option of a virtual online callback or an in person callback in Santa Maria, CA. If you are invited to our Acting Conservatory Callbacks in March, you will need to provide:
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or directors (not family).
• Your most recent school transcripts.
• Mission Statement: a two-page (minimum), typed, double spaced.
You need to have a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age to attend the conservatory. Students who have not graduated from high school may be admitted to the program if they are 18 years of age and demonstrate that they are able to benefit from the PCPA program.
We will begin accepting video auditions on October 1. We recommend applicants use the Acceptd platform to submit their audition video.
Please follow this link to PCPA's Acceptd landing page to learn more and begin the audition/application process.
https://app.getacceptd.com/pcpatheater
However, if Acceptd does not work for you, please email casting@pcpa.org for other options.
We ask that applicants submit this video audition by December 31; however, we will accept videos after that date.
If an actor is asked to attend our Acting Conservatory Callbacks, they will then be invited to go through a more detailed applications process.
Actors auditioning for the two-year Actor Training Conservatory will first need to submit an audition video.
Audition videos must include:
• 2 monologues (one classical, preferably Shakespeare; one contemporary, i.e. post-1900) totaling together no more than 3 minutes in length (approximately 60-90 seconds each).
• 16 to 32 bars of a song. Please sing with either recorded or live accompaniment.
Dance is optional:
• Dancers should feel free to include a 60 second dance combination; however, dance is not a required part of the video audition.
We ask that you include with your video:
• 8 x 10 photograph (headshot) preferred; smaller is acceptable.
• Resume detailing performance experience, education/training, and special skills.
Callbacks for the Acting Conservatory are in March.
Applicants who are invited to participate in the callback process will be given the option of a virtual online callback or an in person callback in Santa Maria, CA. If you are invited to our Acting Conservatory Callbacks in March, you will need to provide:
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or directors (not family).
• Your most recent school transcripts.
• Mission Statement: a two-page (minimum), typed, double spaced.
- "Mission Statement" in which you discuss your educational, professional, and personal goals and why PCPA can benefit you.
You need to have a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age to attend the conservatory. Students who have not graduated from high school may be admitted to the program if they are 18 years of age and demonstrate that they are able to benefit from the PCPA program.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre is a very rigorous program. Actors are in the studio, rehearsal, and performance 5 and sometimes 6 days a week 9:00 am to 10:30 pm. The conservatory requires full time commitment.
• You may not have time for an outside job
• We are all theatre all the time. We do not offer general education classes.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre is a vocational program. We do not offer an associates or a bachelor’s degree.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre's goal is to make sure you are ready to enter the professional world after graduation.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre can be part of a four year path to a Bachelor’s degree. We have relationships with some Colleges and Universities that allow our graduates to start as Juniors if accepted into their program.
• You will need to cover all of your living expenses. PCPA can help you find housing and roommates, however, it is your responsibility to secure and pay for housing.
For more information please email casting@pcpa.org
PCPA values excellence and professionalism in all aspects of its company and public life. Successful PCPA students derive deep personal fulfillment from the exemplary completion of their work, and in the flexibility required to respond to challenges and opportunities. PCPA expects a strong commitment to the mission of the theatre in service to task, colleague, company, and community.
• You may not have time for an outside job
• We are all theatre all the time. We do not offer general education classes.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre is a vocational program. We do not offer an associates or a bachelor’s degree.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre's goal is to make sure you are ready to enter the professional world after graduation.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre can be part of a four year path to a Bachelor’s degree. We have relationships with some Colleges and Universities that allow our graduates to start as Juniors if accepted into their program.
• You will need to cover all of your living expenses. PCPA can help you find housing and roommates, however, it is your responsibility to secure and pay for housing.
For more information please email casting@pcpa.org
PCPA values excellence and professionalism in all aspects of its company and public life. Successful PCPA students derive deep personal fulfillment from the exemplary completion of their work, and in the flexibility required to respond to challenges and opportunities. PCPA expects a strong commitment to the mission of the theatre in service to task, colleague, company, and community.
Pacific Conservatory Theatre's Professional Acting and Technical Theatre programs are fully accredited career and technical education (CTE) programs of Allan Hancock College.
This two-year, state-supported Conservatory is part of the California Community College system.
All first year students will pay no tuition for their first year of training.
We are very selective during the audition and interview process, and, therefore, very dedicated to the students we accept into PCPA's two year training programs. All first year students will receive full tuition scholarships for their first year of training. this will allow out of state students time to establish California residency for their second year of training.
PCPA has worked with the state of California, Allan Hancock College, and with private donors to make the first year tuition free and the second year tuition very affordable, so our graduates can immediately go to work as professional actors and technicians without being burdened by student loan debt.
During the second year of training, California state residents pay a $46.00 per unit registration fee each semester.
PCPA Acting students typically register for 18 units per semester.
PCPA Technical Theatre students typically register for 16 units per semester.
To qualify as a California State resident, students must have physically resided in the state of California for one year prior to the first day of classes and must be able to demonstrate the intent to make California their home.
Enrollment fees for out-of-state residents are significantly higher (see below).
There are additional fees and expenses for parking permits, books, and class supplies.
Enrollment Fees:
California Resident Tuition - $46.00 per unit
Non-Resident Tuition for international students and out of state students - $279.00 per unit tuition fee - plus $46.00 per unit enrollment fee. (total $325 per unit).
Health Fees
$21.00 Fall & Spring Semesters
Student Center Fee
$10.00 per academic year
For more detailed information regarding the cost to attend, the refund policy, and possible exceptions, please see the Allan Hancock College webpage.
This two-year, state-supported Conservatory is part of the California Community College system.
All first year students will pay no tuition for their first year of training.
We are very selective during the audition and interview process, and, therefore, very dedicated to the students we accept into PCPA's two year training programs. All first year students will receive full tuition scholarships for their first year of training. this will allow out of state students time to establish California residency for their second year of training.
PCPA has worked with the state of California, Allan Hancock College, and with private donors to make the first year tuition free and the second year tuition very affordable, so our graduates can immediately go to work as professional actors and technicians without being burdened by student loan debt.
During the second year of training, California state residents pay a $46.00 per unit registration fee each semester.
PCPA Acting students typically register for 18 units per semester.
PCPA Technical Theatre students typically register for 16 units per semester.
To qualify as a California State resident, students must have physically resided in the state of California for one year prior to the first day of classes and must be able to demonstrate the intent to make California their home.
Enrollment fees for out-of-state residents are significantly higher (see below).
There are additional fees and expenses for parking permits, books, and class supplies.
Enrollment Fees:
California Resident Tuition - $46.00 per unit
Non-Resident Tuition for international students and out of state students - $279.00 per unit tuition fee - plus $46.00 per unit enrollment fee. (total $325 per unit).
Health Fees
$21.00 Fall & Spring Semesters
Student Center Fee
$10.00 per academic year
For more detailed information regarding the cost to attend, the refund policy, and possible exceptions, please see the Allan Hancock College webpage.
Financial aid is available for those that qualify through Allan Hancock College.
If you would like to apply please contact (805) 922-6966 x3200
or email finaid@hancockcollege.edu
If you would like to apply please contact (805) 922-6966 x3200
or email finaid@hancockcollege.edu
Business Office
805 928-7731
pcpa@pcpa.org
805 928-7731
pcpa@pcpa.org
Box Office
805 922-8313
boxoffice@pcpa.org
805 922-8313
boxoffice@pcpa.org
