PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre in Santa Maria, CA has a few spots available in our two-year Technical Theatre Conservatory. We start in mid-August. If you have any seniors or graduates who you think might be interested in a career in technical theatre or the technical side of the entertainment industry, please encourage them to email u as soon as possible casting@pcpa.org. Information about our two-year Technical Theatre conservatory is below. Here is a link to a video about PCPA's Technical Theatre Conservatory. Technical Theatre Conservatory (overview)
All the best,
Erik
PCPA's 2 YEAR TECHNICAL THEATRE CONSERVATORY
WHO ARE WE?
PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre's two-year Technical Theatre Conservatory is a dynamic technical theatre training program located in Santa Maria on the Central Coast of California. The students train as members of PCPA's year-round professional company mentored by professional artists with a passion to teach.
PCPA is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, antiracist, and equitable space where all students can reach their full artistic potential. We strive to reflect our diverse community as we train the future of the American Theater.
TUITION
Our two-year Conservatory programs are very affordable.
We are very selective during the audition and interview process, and, therefore, very dedicated to students we accept into PCPA's two-year training programs. PCPA has worked with the state of California, Allan Hancock College, and with private donors to make our tuition affordable, so our graduates can immediately go to work as professional actors and technicians without being burdened by student loan debt.
California Residents:
Technical Theatre Conservatory Tuition:
Approximately $750 (seven hundred fifty dollars) a semester for California residents.
Out of state:
Approximately $6000 a semester. Can establish CA residency during the first year and pay CA resident tuition the second year
Financial Aid is available through Allan Hancock College for those that qualify.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR TRAINING
The Conservatory is rigorous. The students are in the shops, labs, and classes mentored by professional technicians, managers, and designers from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and then they often return for main stage production work from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, five and sometimes six days a week. It's all theatre all the time. We offer no general education classes.
The students earn approximately 60 units of theatre credits in their two years with us, and these units are transferable. Many students complete our program and enter colleges and universities as sophomores or juniors. However, our goal is to make sure our students are ready to enter the professional world after two years of training with us.
We accept no more than 12 tech students a year, and they range from serious theatre students who just finished strong high school programs to students with some college and students with a bachelor's degree. The students train with PCPA's resident professional company in:
lights
sound
props
costumes
stage management
set construction
paints
and much more.
PCPA has wonderful relationships with Disney, Cirque du Sole, ZFX, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and more.
Over the last 5 years 100% of our technical theatre graduates have been paid as theatre technicians within a year of graduation.
TO APPLY
Technicians are admitted based on an application and interview.
Please email casting@pcpa.org for application information.
Once we have a complete application file we will contact you to set up an interview. Interviews can be conducted in person, on zoom, or by telephone.
PCPA does not provide housing, however, we do have a housing coordinator who will work to help you find housing in your price range.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To hear more about the Technical Conservatory, below are links to two videos about the program
If you would prefer to avoid clicking on links in an email, you can access these videos by visiting www.pcpa.org and clicking on 'Conservatory'.
Technical Theatre Conservatory (overview)
Technicians behind the scenes
Visit our website for more information about our application process. www.pcpa.org.
If you would like to visit PCPA, tour our facilities, and observe a few classes please contact casting@pcpa.org.
Erik Stein
Casting Director/Associate Artist
805 928-7731 ext. 4119
casting@pcpa.org
Author of No Caution! A step-by-step guide to preparing auditions for Universities, Colleges, Conservatories, and Beyond.
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Erik Stein
Casting Director/Recruitment Coordinator
PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre
Author of No Caution! A step-by-step guide to preparing auditions for Universities, Colleges, Conservatories, and Beyond!
Available on Amazon.com and other online booksellers
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