The Lee Strasberg experience may begin at any time. 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 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.
Covid-19 Update (In-person classes have resumed)
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in Los Angeles is officially reopened for in-person classes. Please see our Reopening Script
Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination including Booster* must be submitted for entry. Masks & Physical distancing will be enforced when applicable. Per the Higher Ed reopening guidelines, all students must have the flu vaccine during flu season. *Medical exemptions only.
We continue to work closely with our local public health agencies to ensure our campus reopening plans are in alignment with the state and county guidelines to welcome students back to campus and will update it accordingly per Reopening_HigherEducation.pdf (lacounty.gov)
We are thrilled to finally be able to safely welcome students back into the building.
OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply Online – Submit application with Requirements for Admission. If you need to submit supplemental materials for any reason, please submit them to [email protected].
Schedule an Interview – Our Admissions Coordinator will contact you via email to schedule an interview via phone, Zoom or in-person. 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.
Admissions Decision – Admissions will make a decision and notify you via email or postal mail, along with important instructions and guidelines for the next steps to take for enrollment and registration. Decisions for the 12-Week, One-Year Conservatory and Two-Year Conservatory are made approximately 2 weeks after the interview. The Associate degree decisions are made approximately every 7 weeks.
If declined admission, the applicant may re-apply for admissions consideration after one year from the date of the initial admissions request or 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 registration and non-refundable deposit to secure your spot for the desired Intensive.
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Applicants still in high school can apply to our Young Actors program. 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.
In lieu of an English Proficiency exam, one of the following may be submitted:
IB Diploma in English
US High School diploma
Transcripts from a US or UK university or college
Kaplan English Language Certificate (Proficient)
OBTAINING VISAS (NON US CITIZENS ONLY)
Once a non-U.S student (non U.S. citizen or green card holder) is accepted, and their tuition is paid in full for at least one 12-Week term, 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 and commit to and pay for a minimum of 12-Weeks Full-Time.
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. F-1 students are only permitted to work on-campus, and 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 paid your tuition and fees? 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 session start International Students: 6 weeks prior to desired session start
Associate of Occupational Studies in Acting Degree: Domestic Students: Fall 2022: August 15, 2022, Fall 2023: August 1, 2023 International Students: Fall 2022: July 15, 2022, Fall 2023: July 15, 2023 *AOS Enrollment is limited. Apply early to avoid being waitlisted.
