Admissions/FAQs

General Information

The Stella Adler Studio is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, handicap, color, ethnic origin, or national origin (as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) in selecting qualified matriculates, administering its educational and admissions policies, its scholarship and loan programs, or any other school-administered programs.

Tuition

All fees are payable by specified dates before the beginning of each academic year. Tuition is payable by credit/debit card, check, wire transfer, money order and cash. We accept American Express, Visa and Mastercard.

Tuition payment plans are available on a case by case basis and set by our Director of Admissions.

Semesters

Each school year is composed of two semesters. The 3-Year Conservatory has a total of six semesters over three years. The Evening Conservatory has a total of four semesters over two years.

Federal Financial Aid

At this time the Stella Adler Studio does not participate in any student financial aid program through the Department of Education. Therefore, students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid through FAFSA for any Stella Adler Studio program. The Stella Adler Studio also is not a participating organization in the Plan 529 College Savings plan through the IRS. As of January 2023, the studio is no longer eligible for the GI Bill.

**The information on this website is based on the most recent data as of January 2023; every effort is made to assure the accuracy of the information provided on this website. Because of the complexities associated with administering multiple financial aid programs and regulatory changes that may occur, all information contained herein – especially figures on tuitions and expenses – are subject to change; and nothing in this edition will be binding upon the Stella Adler Studio if such changes are mandated by Federal regulations or institutional policy.**

Work Study and Scholarships

Work Study Opportunity (Assistantships)
Upon entering the second year of the 3-year or Evening Conservatory programs, students have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of work study positions (called Assistantships) with the studio for either reduced or complimentary tuition. Students are chosen based upon work and performance in the previous year, good standing at the studio as well as financial need and qualification.

Scholarships
Stella Adler Studio offers a very limited number of partial scholarships for select incoming Fall 2024 students for the 3-Year and Evening Conservatories. After being accepted into the Conservatory, students may apply through an essay based application for a partial scholarship and some will be awarded based upon financial need, merit and talent. The available awards are:
1. Stella Adler Scholarship Fund: Amount varies up to full-tuition coverage.
2. Sonia Sanchez Scholarship Fund: Up to full-tuition coverage for BIPOC actors.
3. Elaine Stritch Scholarship Fund: $2000
4. Harold Clurman Scholarship Fund: $1000
For best consideration, students should apply to the Conservatory by the First Round Decisions Application Deadline of January 5, 2024.

Early Bird Discount for Summer Intensives

Prospective students to the Summer Intensives that submit their application by February 15th and register for the course by March 15th are eligible for a 10% discount off the tuition for the year they apply for. The discount must be mentioned or requested at the time of deposit. Discounts will not be given retroactively.

Studio Tours

Informal studio tours are given weekly, typically each Tuesday at 4:00pm. To make a reservation for a place on the tour, please call the front desk at 212-689-0087 or email classes@stellaadler.com at least 24 hours in advance. There is limited availability each week. And alternative option is to attend one of the studio’s Virtual Open Houses: https://stellaadler.com/classes/open-house/

International Students

This school is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. International students must meet the following requirements:

  1. A high level of fluency in English.
  2. A completed application submitted with all appropriate supplemental materials.
  3. Zoom interviews can arranged and a video audition can be submitted.
  4. Applicant must submit proof of anticipated source of income (a bank statement or letter from a parent, guardian, or sponsor confirming financial support sufficient to enable the applicant to remain in the United States during the term of study). Please note that International students may not work while living in the United States.

Click here for more information on F-1 Student Visas.

Video Auditions

Zoom Interviews and Video Auditions are acceptable. An application must have applied before submitting the video audition. Audition videos can be uploaded to a streaming service such as Youtube (Privacy Setting: Unlisted) or Vimeo (Privacy Setting: Private/password protected) and then the link can be submitted through the Video Auditions Form (https://goo.gl/forms/dw8cJgt7czNTc2kI2)

Withdrawal/Deferrals

Students who wish to withdraw from the Studio for any reason must submit a written notice to the Artistic Director. The official date of withdrawal will be the date the Director receives the notice. Full refunds (less the deposit) are available only before classes commence. After classes commence, students will be refunded according to the refund policy indicated on the application of admission. See http://www.stellaadler.com/refund-policy/

Students wishing to defer the program with which they are enrolled to the following term or year, may do so pending approval of the Director of Admissions. Deferrals will only be valid for one year.

Grounds for Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from any program of the Stella Adler Studio due to inappropriate behavior, absences, repeated tardiness, or, in the opinion of the faculty, non-participation. There are no tuition refunds under these circumstances.

Certification

Upon satisfactory completion of the 3-Year Conservatory, the Evening Conservatory, or a Summer Program (including all required hours, courses, and projects), graduating students will receive a Certificate of Completion as accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Certificates are not awarded for the part-time workshops.

Evaluations

Every student enrolled in the 3-Year Conservatory or the Evening Conservatory is continuously evaluated by the faculty and given guidance regarding the student’s progress and growth. Formal evaluations, in the form of faculty interviews, are given each semester.

Military Veteran and First Response Discount

The Stella Adler Studio of Acting is proud to honor our country’s heroes. American military, law enforcement officers as well as fire and rescue personnel both active and retired may receive a 10% Discount on part-time workshops and summer intensives. Proper government issued identification is required to receive the discount.

GI Bill®/VA

As of January 2023, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting/ Art of Acting Studio is no longer eligible for the GI Bill.

Actors’ Equity and SAG/AFTRA Discount

Active members of the Actors’ Equity Association or SAG/AFTRA unions may receive a 10% Discount on part-time workshops and summer intensives. A current membership card is required to receive the discount. EMC is not eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be applied in addition to any other discount offers.

Auditing

Due to the strict student privacy policy, auditing is not permitted in any class at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. It is recommended to participate in a Tuesday Studio Tour (4pm ET) or a Virtual Open House to get a sense of the community and class programming. To RSVP to a Tuesday In-Person Studio Tour, please email classes@stellaadler.com.

COVID-19 Policy

Please visit the studio’s Health & Safety page for the latest updates, policies and list of measures the studio has taken to protect the community against COVID-19.