
Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
No University App
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•Training equivalent to top MFA programs in the nation
•Founded by Stella Adler in 1949 — one of America's most storied acting conservatories
•Notable alumni include Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Elaine Stritch, and Warren Beatty
TRAINING APPROACH
•Comprehensive Stella Adler technique emphasizing imagination, text analysis, and character creation
•Curriculum includes Acting Technique, Scene Study, Shakespeare, Voice & Speech, Movement, Improvisation, On-Camera, and Stage Combat
•Final year includes three full productions plus a classical play touring NYC schools
•Showcase opportunity for graduating students
INDUSTRY PREPARATION
•Master classes with industry professionals including Emmy-nominated casting directors
•Audition preparation, website and reel assistance, and industry meetings
•Located in the heart of New York City — direct access to Broadway and Off-Broadway
Key Info
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 90 sec each max
•ONE CLASSICAL MONOLOGUE from a play written before 1800
•ONE CONTEMPORARY/REALISM MONOLOGUE from a published play
-No screenplays or teleplays
•Both monologues must be memorized
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Current headshot
RESUME (required)
•Acting resume or CV
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•Two letters from teachers or persons who can speak to the applicant's character and potential
-Must include referee's address and telephone number
-Referees may be contacted directly
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Submit online application via Acceptd or school website
•Rolling admissions — early application strongly recommended
•Limited class spots; once filled, applicants join the wait-list
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
•30 hours per week, September through May
•3-year program (6 semesters)
ELIGIBILITY
•Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
•International students accepted (F-1 visa eligible)
AUDITION TOUR
•In-person auditions available at regional and international locations
•Participates in URTA and SETC auditions
•Application fee waived for audition tour locations
STUDIO TOURS
•Informal tours given weekly, typically Tuesdays at 4:00pm
•Contact front desk at 212-689-0087 or classes@stellaadler.com to reserve
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Admission is by interview and audition
•In-person auditions held on scheduled audition days
•Zoom video auditions also available
•Recorded video auditions accepted if live audition is not feasible — live auditions strongly encouraged
CALLBACK
•After the interview and audition, applicants will be notified if they are invited to the final callback auditions
DECISIONS
•Applicants notified of outcome within two weeks of submission
CONTACT
•Ryan Chittaphong: ryan@stellaadler.com or 212-689-0087 x116
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIPS
•Stella Adler Scholarship Fund — amount varies
•Sonia Sanchez Scholarship Fund — up to full tuition for BIPOC actors
•Elaine Stritch Scholarship Fund — $2,000
•Harold Clurman Scholarship Fund — $1,000
•Apply by January 10 priority deadline for best scholarship consideration
•Scholarships awarded based on financial need, merit, and talent via essay application after acceptance
WORK STUDY
•Assistantship positions available starting in year two
•Students chosen based on performance, good standing, and financial need
•Reduced tuition for selected students
VETERANS
•10% tuition discount available for all veterans
Program info updated 6h ago
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•Training equivalent to top MFA programs in the nation
•Founded by Stella Adler in 1949 — one of America's most storied acting conservatories
•Notable alumni include Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Elaine Stritch, and Warren Beatty
TRAINING APPROACH
•Comprehensive Stella Adler technique emphasizing imagination, text analysis, and character creation
•Curriculum includes Acting Technique, Scene Study, Shakespeare, Voice & Speech, Movement, Improvisation, On-Camera, and Stage Combat
•Final year includes three full productions plus a classical play touring NYC schools
•Showcase opportunity for graduating students
INDUSTRY PREPARATION
•Master classes with industry professionals including Emmy-nominated casting directors
•Audition preparation, website and reel assistance, and industry meetings
•Located in the heart of New York City — direct access to Broadway and Off-Broadway
Updated 6h ago

