FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION
THEATRE ARTS DEPARTMENT
The Foothill Theatre
Conservatory, a vital part of the Foothill College Theatre Arts Department since 1990, offers an intensive theatre
training program for serious theatre students
of college age and older.
This comprehensive, actor-centered theatre training is taught by award-winning faculty and Bay Area professionals
at a highly affordable
cost.
Located on the beautiful Foothill College campus, the Foothill Theatre Conservatory is a two-year intensive program employing faculty instructors renowned for a variety of approaches to theatre training. The serious student is given a broad base of theatrical education and exposure through the diverse curriculum which explores all areas of theatre training:
Along with the written *application, acceptance into the Conservatory is by audition only. Students are asked to prepare two contrasting monologues, one modern and one classical, of no more than two minutes in length each. You will also need to write a short essay telling us why you would like to be a part of the Conservatory, and what you feel you could bring to the program. We ask for two letters of recommendation from persons who have been in positions of some authority in your life, such as teachers, directors, and employers. Please provide your references with the proper *recommendation form.
Each academic quarter's curriculum provides an in-depth exploration of acting, working with theory and practice rooted in Stanislavsky and influenced by modern practitioners such as Uta Hagen, Richard Seyd and others. Acting techniques are rigorously pursued in classes that cover contemporary texts, as well as Shakespeare, High Comedy and a variety of other styles. Classes focused on developing the actor's instrument include movement, masks, improvisation, voice, speech, singing and dialects. Additional coursework in related areas such as directing, stage management, make-up and auditioning for stage and screen is also included. Intermittently, master classes such as advanced combat techniques, etc. are taught by skilled professionals. Conservatory students will have priority to actively participate in the annual student-directed One-Acts production, presented in Foothill's intimate Lohman Theatre. With each production, students team together to act all roles, direct, stage manage and assist in make-up, costuming, sets, lighting and more. Opportunities to work on other Foothill productions, such as the award-winning Foothill Music Theatre's winter and summer musicals, and fall and spring Theatre Arts Department plays are plentiful. Also available each quarter is the Foothill Brown Bag Theatre.
The comprehensive training program extends for a full two-year (six quarter) cycle beginning with the fall quarter every year with a class of newly accepted first-year students and returning second-year students. Students who successfully complete the full requirements of the Conservatory Certificate may become eligible for a number of third-year opportunities, including a variety of leadership-oriented capacities within the Conservatory - assistant teachers, tutors, directors, production managers and stage managers as well as possible internships with renowned local theatre companies.
The Conservatory class time follows the academic calendar of Foothill College. Conservatory students have classes scheduled between the hours of 1 to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, with some enrichment courses scheduled on Fridays. All students are required to reserve this time block exclusively for class needs. This regular time block facilitates a flexible schedule, changing as needed to best serve the students' educational goals.
THTR 2A Introduction to Dramatic Literature (4 Units)
THTR 2B Introduction to Dramatic Literature (4 Units)
THTR 2C Introduction to Dramatic Literature (4 Units)
THTR 31 Fundamentals of Stage Management (2 Units)
THTR 38A, B, C Movement Practicum for the Actor (2 Units) (x3)
THTR 40A Basic Theatrical Make-Up (4 Units)
THTR 43A Foundations in Realistic Acting (4 Units)
THTR 43B Contemporary Methodologies in Acting (4 Units)
THTR 43C Foundations In Classical Acting (4 Units)
THTR 43D Foundations In Comic Styles (4 Units)
THTR 43F Advanced Characterization (4 Units)
THTR 43G Actor Marketing Strategies (2 Units)
THTR 48A,B,D,E Voice Practicum for the Actor (2 Units) (x4)
THTR 63 Film & Television Acting Workshop (4 Units)
THTR 81 Contemporary Issues in Performance Seminar (1 Unit)
TOTAL 59 UNITS
Each quarter, registration is equivalent to approximately 13 units. Tuition and fees equal approximately $400 per quarter, excluding books and materials. Students who successfully fulfill all requirements of the full, two-year, Conservatory program receive a certificate upon completion.
The Conservatory prepares students for a variety of options. Many students have transferred to such prestigious programs as Julliard, UCLA, Cal Arts, and NYU, while others have transitioned directly into professional careers as stage and film actors, directors, stage managers, make-up artists, teachers, and more. Read some testimonials from Conservatory graduates.