ABOUT THE ASSOCIATE OF OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES IN ACTING PROGRAM
The Associate of Occupational Studies Degree delivers intensive training and practical experience in acting for theatre and on-camera mediums. The AOS Degree Program consists of five major areas of focus: Method Acting, Voice & Movement, History, Production, and Professional Development. For degree attainment, this two-year program requires 72 weeks (six 12-Week sessions) of dedicated training and full-time study, plus additional production hours, for a minimum of 100 credit hours. Graduates will emerge having honed their talents and skillset, prepared to express themselves confidently with representatives, casting directors, producers and directors and ready to begin their careers as actors.
This 2-year acting Degree program is only offered through the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in Los Angeles. Contact our LA Campus directly for more information regarding the program. Enrollment is limited and Fall enrollment only.
The Associate of Occupational Studies in Acting commences each Fall. Applications for the Class of 2027, beginning study in Fall 2025 are open.
Application Deadlines for the Class of 2027 (Fall 2025 start date): International Students | August 1, 2025 Domestic Students | August 15, 2025
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis with decision letters issued approximately every 5 weeks. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early as capacity for this program is extremely limited. The waitlist application deadline is September 1st.
Verification of High School graduation (High School Diploma, GED, College/University degree, College/University transcripts, etc.)
Essay (750-1000 words on your goals in acting and why study you want to study at The Lee Strasberg Institute)
Résumé A current résumé detailing prior training and experience. Applicants with no prior training and/or acting experience may include previous employment, volunteer work and/or education regardless of field.
Self Tape Audition: 45-90 seconds, Material of your choice, Unlisted YouTube or Vimeo link Be sure that audio is clear, and you’re well lit. List with your name, character name, and sceneGuide to Perfect Self Tape (from Backstage)
Interview Enrollment is limited for this program. Apply early to avoid being waitlisted.
Following acceptance, a $2500 tuition deposit (inclusive of non-refundable fees) is required to secure enrollment in the program. After the deposit is paid, students will receive a free month of Method 101 before the program begins.
“I’ve learned so much and evolved in my acting… I’ve skyrocketed in my art.”
Vjosa Halili, AOS student Associate Degree Program Finishes First Term Blog
The Associate of Occupational Studies in Acting (Degree Program) in Los Angeles consists of six 12-Week sessions of full-time study (15-18 credit hours/22-28 classroom hours a week) and includes the following course requirements:
Method Acting Technique (Emphasis Area) : 55 Credit Hours Supportive Acting/ Theatre Courses : 13 Credit Hours History & Criticism : 12 Credit Hours Voice and Movement : 10 Credit Hours Required Professional Development : 6 Credit Hours Free Electives : 4 Credit Hours Totals : 100 Credit Hours
Courses vary by session. Please see Classes for a full list of potential class offerings.Year 1 culminates with Theatrical Production and Year 2 culminates with Reel Production.
The AOS program observes a Summer vacation period.
The goal of the AOS Degree is to prepare well-rounded, Method-trained actors who are equipped to thrive in the competitive acting industry. The legacy synonymous with the Lee Strasberg name ensures that industry professionals recognize the quality of training our graduates have received. Lee Strasberg’s Method Acting provides graduates with the tools to live authentically as the character rather than simply “act” the character, setting them apart with truthful, captivating and engaged performances. The Method is applicable across all mediums and our alumni go on to succeed in theatre, film, television, and commercial work.
What is the difference between the Two-Year Conservatory and AOS Degree Program?
The AOS Degree program has several distinguishing factors:
More overall class hours.
Production:
The AOS features Theatre Production in year 1 and Reel/Film Production in year 2. These classes are unique to the Degree program. Each are 2 part classes. Part 1 focuses on the technical aspects of the respective production type and part 2 is mounting the production/short film/reel.
The AOS program is a 2-year professional Degree and the Conservatory is a 2-year Certificate program
AOS classes are cohort based. You stay with the same cohort for the entire program and have a more structured schedule and curriculum.
Yes, the AOS Degree Program has a summer vacation (10 weeks) following their spring Theatre Production. Students are enrolled Fall, Winter, Spring (Year 1) and Fall, Winter, Spring (Year 2).
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Year 1 culminates with a theatrical production and Year 2 culminates with a short-film or reel production. Both feature AOS students as the actors and crew. There are also additional opportunities outside of requirements.
Can I transfer between campuses?
The 2 year Associate Degree program is only offered in Los Angeles. Credits earned in the non-degree (Conservatory) programs do not count toward the AOS Degree requirements. All Degree requirements must be completed in LA within the AOS Degree program.
