The Institute provides the freedom and flexibility for students to enroll in the 2-Week Intensive, 12-Week Program, One-Year Conservatory and Two-Year Conservatory at the start of any session (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall) year round. The AOS degree program only offers enrollment in Los Angeles starting in the Fall each year. View our Institute Catalog for full details. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, but no later than 2 weeks before the program start for Domestic applicants and no later than 6 weeks before the program start for International applicants. (AOS Degree and 2-Week Intensive have separate application deadlines.)
Effective November 1, 2023, LSTFI will not require students and employees to submit proof of vaccination status to gain access to campus facilities and activities. However, a COVID-19 vaccination requirement may be instituted in the future, should immunization against COVID-19 be required by state or local public health departments, and/or vaccination becomes necessary to prevent transmission within the LSTFI community. Please see our Reopening Script for full details and protocols.
Schedule an Interview^ – Our Admissions Coordinator will contact you via email to schedule an interview via Zoom. The interview is not an audition, but an opportunity for the Admissions staff to speak directly with the applicant and assess if the student has the aptitude and readiness to be a successful student of Method Acting. Admission is selective. All applicants regardless of experience will be considered; however there is no guarantee of admission. Admission interviews are only scheduled after the application, fee and required documents have been submitted.
Admissions Decision – Admissions will make a decision and notify you via email with important instructions and guidelines for the next steps for enrollment and registration. Decisions for the 12-Week, One-Year Conservatory and Two-Year Conservatory are made on Fridays approximately 2 weeks after the interview. The Associate degree decisions are made approximately every 5-6 weeks.
If declined admission, the applicant may re-apply for admissions consideration based on stipulations addressed in the rejection letter.
^2-Week Intensive programs are offered approximately every 6 weeks and do not require an interview. Simply submit your application and required documents. You will be accepted within 2 business days of your completed application if there are still spaces available. A tuition deposit is required to secure your enrollment spot for the desired Intensive.
Note: All foreign language documents must have an official English translation. It does not need to be notarized but must certify that the translator is fluent in both languages and it is a true and official translation.
Applicants for all programs must be 18 years of age or older (or have parental consent) and have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Students who have not received their high school diploma or equivalent may still be accepted into the Institute, but will be considered special students and are not candidates for a certificate. Special students who subsequently complete high school or pass the G.E.D. or nationally recognized equivalent, may move into a certificate program. (Note: No credit obtained as a special student will count toward certificate completion.)
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.
Once a non-U.S student (non U.S. citizen or green card holder) is accepted, and their tuition deposit paid, they must obtain a SEVIS form I-20 issued by the Strasberg Institute to obtain the appropriate student visa. Certain other non-immigrant visas also permit study (Example: O-1, H-1, E-1). If you are unsure whether or not you must obtain a student visa for enrollment, contact the International Student Advisor at [email protected].
In order to be issued the the SEVIS Form I-20 by The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, you must have been accepted into the Institute, pay the program’s tuition deposit, and submit required documents outlined on the Accepted Student page.
The staff will provide admitted students the steps needed to apply for either the M-1 Vocational student visa (12-Week Full-Time, One-Year Conservatory or Two-Year Conservatory) or F-1 Academic student visa (AOS degree program).
Note: M-1 Visa students are not work permitted to work while studying in the United States (on or off campus). F-1 students are only permitted to work on-campus, but the Institute does not have any on-campus jobs available. Any violation of this regulation will result in automatic dismissal from the Institute and termination of your student immigration status. Have you already been accepted? Learn how to receive your Form I-20 HERE.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
12-Week, One-Year Conservatory & Two-Year Conservatory: Domestic Students: 2 weeks prior to desired term start International Students: 6 weeks prior to desired term start (8 weeks suggested)
Associate of Occupational Studies in Acting Degree: Domestic Students: August 1, Extended August 15 International Students: July 15, Extended August 1 *AOS Enrollment is limited. Apply early to avoid being waitlisted.
