Signature Conservatory

Available to students aged 14–18 in the DC area

Now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 School Year

"Signature Conservatory is unlike any acting training I've ever received. Their adaptive and flexible curriculum allows for customized, one-of-a-kind training that is both extremely insightful, and fun to participate in.“ – John (2024-2025)

“Signature Conservatory connected me with a network of local actors my age in the area that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. We still let each other know about auditions, ask for advice, or just hang out with each other to this day!“ – Marissa (2018-2021)

The Signature Conservatory is a weekly session for the region’s strongest teenage actors to make the move from good actors to great actors. Hone your skills outside of the pressures of the rehearsal room, work with Signature’s acclaimed staff and award-winning affiliated theater artists, prepare for your college audition, and find connections with other young actors.

The Signature Conservatory is only for the serious acting student.

The Signature Conservatory’s curriculum is tailored toward the needs of the students participating in the program. Students can expect a healthy and challenging mix of exercises introducing them to a wide variety of acting techniques. Students can anticipate advanced and customized group and individual work, utilizing a unique blend of improvised and scripted work that will prepare them for college and professional theatre experiences. As each semester progresses, the collective group will grow together in all aspects of acting, becoming a true ensemble in the process. Participation also includes access to all of Signature Theatre’s professional productions, and students are expected to see all productions during their semester.

Each semester’s course work is custom made to meet the needs of the students enrolled. Lessons are primarily inspired by requests from students and from observations from the instructors. No two semesters are the same!

All classes begin at 7PM at the Signature Theatre Education Center at 2784 S. Arlington Mill Dr, Arlington, VA 22206

Fall 2025 Semester
September 10, 7PM-8:30PM
September 17, 7PM-8:30PM
September 24, 7PM-8:30PM
October 8, 7PM-8:30PM
October 15, 7PM-8:30PM
October 22, 7PM-8:30PM
October 29, 7PM-8PM
November 5, 7PM-8PM
November 12, 7PM-8PM
November 19, 7PM-8:30PM

Spring 2026 Semester
February 4, 7PM-8:30PM
February 11, 7PM-8:30PM
February 18, 7PM-8:30PM
February 25, 7PM-8:30PM
March 11, 7PM-8PM
March 18, 7PM-8PM
March 25, 7PM-8PM
April 8, 7PM-8:30PM
April 15, 7PM-8:30PM
April 22, 7PM-8:30PM

Members of the Signature Conservatory are allowed two absences per semester. All absences must be requested in advance through Signature’s Education team. Students who miss more than two sessions in a given semester will be required to reapply for the next semester. An excess of absences may result in dismissal from the program. Students who do not exceed the allotted number of absences and have no behavioral issues will be invited to participate in the program the following year without having to apply again.

Tuition is $333 per semester. Scholarships for discounted or free tuition are available each semester to highly committed and qualified students for whom paying for the full cost of the program is not an option. Tuition is non-refundable.

Applicants are required to submit both an essay and a video audition for enrollment in the Conservatory.

1. Essay Requirements

Write and submit a 2-3 page essay answering the following questions:

Tell us about your acting experience – training, productions, etc.
What, in your opinion, is good acting?
What do you hope to gain from participating in this program?
For those interested in scholarships: What specific special circumstances/financial challenges merit your consideration for scholarship support?

2. Video Audition

Students must submit a video of a one-minute monologue. Please submit videos by uploading them on YouTube. Be sure to upload them as “Unlisted” rather than “Private” as video submissions may be viewed by several Signature staff members.

Send materials to education@sigtheatre.org. Applications must include both the essay and video audition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Due Date

For participation in Fall Semester only or for the full 25-26 school year, submissions are due by September 2, 2025.

For participation in the Spring Semester only, submissions are due by January 27, 2025.

A maximum number of 20 participants will be accepted in the program per semester. Enrollment is now open for Fall Semester and the full 25-26 school year.