PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre
HSITest-FreeLGBTQ+
Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualSelective25-40 StudentsNo University App
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Selective
25-40 Students
No University App
Program Highlights
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Robin Williams — Academy Award winner (Good Will Hunting), Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society
•Kathy Bates — Academy Award winner (Misery), American Horror Story
•Mercedes Ruehl — Academy Award winner (The Fisher King)
•Kelly McGillis — Top Gun, Witness
•Boyd Gaines — four-time Tony Award winner
•Patrick Page — Hadestown (Broadway)
•Zac Efron — Hairspray, The Greatest Showman
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
•Students train as members of a professional Equity company
•Mentored by professional artists — approximately 1 professional mentor per 4 students
•Industry professionals (casting directors, agents, artistic directors) observe student work
CAREER OUTCOMES
•Approximately 87% of actors paid to act within a year of graduation
•Credits transferable — graduates can enter partner colleges as juniors
CURRICULUM
•Immersive two-year training: Acting, Voice and Speech, Movement, Singing, Dance
•Second year focuses on audition techniques and business of acting
•Culminates in two fully staged productions cast solely from graduating class
ACCREDITATION
•Fully accredited career and technical education (CTE) program through Allan Hancock College
Key Info
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
16-32 BARS OF A SONG
•Sing with either recorded or live accompaniment
•No a cappella
Monologues
TWO MONOLOGUES, 3 min total (approx 60-90 sec each)
•ONE CLASSICAL MONOLOGUE — preferably Shakespeare
•ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE — post-1900
Dance
OPTIONAL 60-SECOND DANCE COMBINATION
•Not a required part of the video audition
•Dancers may include a dance piece to supplement their audition
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•PDF format preferred
RESUME (required)
•PDF detailing performance experience, education/training, and special skills
Callback Requirements
Additional Materials
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•Two letters from teachers, employers, or directors
•Not from family members
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS (required)
•Most recent transcripts
•Do not need to be official
MISSION STATEMENT (required)
•Two-page minimum, typed, double-spaced
•Discuss educational, professional, and personal goals
•Explain why PCPA can benefit you
Good to Know
ELIGIBILITY
•Must have high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age
•Fall enrollment only
•Full-time commitment required — 9am to 10:30pm, five to six days per week
•Applications received after March 15 considered for alternate list placement
PROGRAM FORMAT
•Vocational certificate — does not offer associate's or bachelor's degree
•Approximately 60-70 transferable theatre credits earned over two years
•All students registered as full-time Allan Hancock College students
•Access to Allan Hancock College resources (health, IT, food services)
HOUSING
•PCPA does not provide housing
•Housing coordinator available to help locate housing and roommates
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Submit video audition via Acceptd
•Acceptd opens October 4
•Recommended submission by December 31; deadline is February 1
•Videos accepted after February 1
•Total video (monologues + song) must not exceed 4 minutes
CALLBACK
•Callback invitations sent by February 5
•Callbacks held in March
•Option of virtual callback or in-person in Santa Maria, CA
•Must provide letters of recommendation, transcripts, and mission statement
•Offers made in April
CONTACT
•Email: casting@pcpa.org
•Phone: (805) 922-6966 ext. 4119
Program info updated 4h ago
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Robin Williams — Academy Award winner (Good Will Hunting), Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society
•Kathy Bates — Academy Award winner (Misery), American Horror Story
•Mercedes Ruehl — Academy Award winner (The Fisher King)
•Kelly McGillis — Top Gun, Witness
•Boyd Gaines — four-time Tony Award winner
•Patrick Page — Hadestown (Broadway)
•Zac Efron — Hairspray, The Greatest Showman
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
•Students train as members of a professional Equity company
•Mentored by professional artists — approximately 1 professional mentor per 4 students
•Industry professionals (casting directors, agents, artistic directors) observe student work
CAREER OUTCOMES
•Approximately 87% of actors paid to act within a year of graduation
•Credits transferable — graduates can enter partner colleges as juniors
CURRICULUM
•Immersive two-year training: Acting, Voice and Speech, Movement, Singing, Dance
•Second year focuses on audition techniques and business of acting
•Culminates in two fully staged productions cast solely from graduating class
ACCREDITATION
•Fully accredited career and technical education (CTE) program through Allan Hancock College
Updated 4h ago
Academic School Information
27%
Grad Rate
8,052
Enrollment
$42,786
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$1,156
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,892
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$5,383
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$3,970
Family Income $30k - $48k$4,900
Family Income $48k - $75k$6,789
Family Income $75k - $110k$8,461
Family Income $110k+$8,619
