Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is it?

A: The Rutgers Summer Acting Conservatory for High School Students gives high school students the opportunity to experience intensive, professional actor training taught by accomplished professionals within the context of a college environment. It is for the serious student who intends to pursue acting as a career.

Q: How long is it?

A: The Rutgers University Summer Acting Conservatory is a four-week program: Sunday June 29th to July 27, Check-in Sunday morning 29 June.

Q: Are any shows included?

A: Students see at least 3 NYC productions. Formal discussion and analysis on all shows are an integral component of the curriculum. Students get choice seats and backstage tours, when applicable.

Q: Is it exclusive?

A: No more than 36 high school students from across the country are accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit early.

Q: Where is it?

A: In New Brunswick, NJ, USA on the scenic campus of Douglass College. The Summer Acting Conservatory is an extension of Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts Professional Actor Training Program, recognized as one of the top ten in the nation.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Program Tuition/Room/Board/Activities: $4,250. Includes tuition, tickets to shows and events, transportation to field trips and shows, copy of Showcase DVD, all meals, workshops with guest artists, and more. Students who commute and do not need room and board should discuss their requirements with the program director.

Q: Is there any financial aid or scholarships available?

A: Yes. All scholarship funds are based on need (family household income).

Q: Does my child have to reside on campus?

A: No. The option is available to commute on a daily basis. A meal plan for lunch and dinner is also available. Contact Director for further details.

Q: What shows will be seen in New York city?

A: That will be determined in the coming weeks. Past shows have included: Disney's THE LION KING (along with cast member workshops), Lincoln Center's THE ELEPHANT VANISHES (directed by Simon McBurney), RENT, as well as several Off Broadway shows and showcases through out NYC. All of the shows vary in style and size, and will of course be age appropriate. Formal discussions that analyze and evaluate such concepts as plot, character, story, and acting will be conducted for all shows.

Q: Does your program provide training for stage managers and production people?

A: No. At this time, the focus of the program is only professional training for actors.

Q: Will the students perform in a formal production?

A: No. The emphasis of the Conservatory is on training and we feel that becomes compromised when other factors are introduced. However, at the culminating ceremony the students perform scenes. Also, during the course of the summer Guest Artists will conduct workshops with the students. Some of these workshop sessions will be videotaped which will then be shown at the final showcase as well.

Q: Why does your program cost so much?

A: Actually, our program is less expensive than similar conservatory programs through out the country. There are obvious costs associated with a program of our nature, such as room, board, etc. However, we have not compromised on the level of teaching talent. Several RSAC teachers are also on faculty at Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts. We're offering a professional quality DVD, several plays in New York, workshops by special guest artists, as well as several cultural trips and events.

Q: Will there be a final performance for parents and relatives?

A: Sort of. As noted, the emphasis of the program is training. This concept gets diluted when performing elements are added. However, the students present a Final Showcase where the students perform scenes. Videotape of the workshop sessions will be shown as well.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Click the....

Application Form