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 and are given context for their practical work by studying Theatre History. 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.