Technical Theatre Training

Advancement in the Conservatory is based on merit – maintenance of acceptable grade standards, demonstrated professionalism, and continued growth. Students are expected to adhere to the standards and best practices of the profession.

Students applying for our two year Technical Theatre Conservatory need to provide:

• An application.
• Resume detailing education/training, theatre experience and/or special skills.
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or directors. (not family)
• Your most recent school transcripts.
• Mission Statement: a two-page (minimum), typed; “Mission Statement” in which you discuss your educational, professional, and personal goals and why PCPA can benefit you.
• Portfolio material is not required; however, during the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to upload any material they would like to share with us. Applicants can also share material during the interview process.
• Once you submit your application, you will be contacted to set up an interview. You may interview in person or via telephone or video call.

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 in the interview that they are able to benefit from the PCPA program.

• Pacific Conservatory Theatre is a very concentrated and dynamic program.  Technicians are in the shops, labs, classes, and performance five days a week 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The conservatory requires full time commitment.
• It is challenging to maintain 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.
• All PCPA students are registered full-time students of Allan Hancock College.  This means that PCPA students have access to all the resources available at the college.  This includes mental and physical health services, IT services, and food resources.
• All students will need to cover their living expenses. PCPA can help students locate housing and roommates and Allan Hancock College has resources to help students financially.  It is ultimately the responsibility of the student to secure and pay for housing and other living expenses.

For more information please email tech@pcpa.org

California Residents:

Actor Training tuition is approximately $1,700 per year for California residents.  Acting students are enrolled in 18 units a semester. For more information about tuition and fees, please visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/fees/index.php.

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.  PCPA has worked with Allan Hancock College to make our tuition very affordable, so our graduates can immediately go to work as professional actors and technicians without being burdened by student loan debt.

For information about how to qualify as a California resident, please visit https://catalog.hancockcollege.edu/current/admission/resident-requirements.php

Out-of-State Residents:

Tech Training tuition is approximately $14,000 per year for out-of-state students.

Acting students are enrolled in 18 units a semester. For more information about tuition and fees, please visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/fees/index.php.

Out-of-state students can establish California residency during their first year of training.

For information about how to qualify as a California resident, please visit https://catalog.hancockcollege.edu/current/admission/resident-requirements.php

Additional Fees:

There are additional fees and expenses for parking permits, books and class supplies.

For more information on cost of attendance and any available tuition fee waivers please see https://www.hancockcollege.edu/fees/index.php

Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s Professional Acting and Technical Theatre programs are fully accredited career and technical education (CTE) programs of Allan Hancock College.

For more detailed information regarding the cost to attend, the refund policy, and possible exceptions, please visit Allan Hancock College.

For more information about financial aid please see https://www.hancockcollege.edu/finaid/index.php

Financial aid is available through Allan Hancock College To apply contact:

  805-922-6966 x3200

  finaid@hancockcollege.edu

Anne McMeeking – Conservatory Director – Technical Theatre
anne.mcmceeking@hancockcollege.edu
(805)922-6966 x3153