The centerpiece of the Arts Justice Division (formerly the Outreach Division), this program currently interviews close to 100 high school students annually and selects 18 to train in a free year-long program, with a possible second year by invitation. Students train in voice, movement, improv, acting, and technique in a conservatory environment. Led by the Studio’s world-class faculty, students also engage with students in the full-time conservatory programs as well as alumni and international guest artists. While Adler Youth students are trained with the same intensity and integrity as conservatory students, this program is not concerned with creating professional actors, but rather empowering strong, confident, thoughtful, and empathetic human beings.
Classes meet after school from 4:00–6:30 PM and on Saturdays. This is a rigorous training program which means that students are expected to attend all classes, be on time and ready to work before the class start time.
To be considered or for more information, please email Program Director Yeauxlanda Kay at yolanda@stellaadler.com, with the subject line “Interested in Adler Youth.”
Note: Our full scholarships cover all tuition costs for our students. They do not cover travel expenses.
Criteria
How are students selected for this program?
- Applicants must be enrolled in a New York City high school
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need (priority consideration for students who receive free lunch or reduced lunch)
- Applicants must demonstrate a need for arts exposure (priority consideration for students who do not have access to arts programming)
- Applicants must follow application instructions (in particular, bringing a monologue from a published play keeps a student qualified; bringing a monologue from the internet or YouTube disqualifies students)
Application tips
There are three steps to applying 1) fill out the application, 2) speak with program director Yeauxlanda Kay in a short interview, 3) some students will be invited to share a memorized monologue. Here are some tips to help you know what to expect:
- This is a friendly process. Everyone at the studio is rooting for you to succeed!
- We want to get to know you better (what interests you about the theater and this program) and we want you to know us and the vibe of the studio.
- Try to relax and be yourself. Your innate dignity will be honored.
- We strive to make expectations clear so that you can succeed. To that end, please be on time for appointments, interviews and class. When choosing a monologue, find something that speaks to you and do it your own way (try not to watch or imitate other actors). The best way to get memorized and be off book is to practice every day.
- Your questions about the program are welcomed!
