JOIN THE 2027 ENSEMBLE
Accomplish more in 4 months than most actors do in 4 years.

Vagabond School Conservatory is the only Acting for Film Conservatory program in Chicago. The conservatory curriculum was created by former talent agents and casting professionals to accelerate and elevate actors at any point in their on-camera acting journey. Vagabond School also puts the “business of acting” at the core of our conservatory training by integrating professional marketing materials into your tuition package. In addition to the Vagabond Conservatory’s strong focus on performing on camera, students will dive deep into a lineup of classes/workshops led by industry professionals in Acting Technique, On-Camera, Voiceover, and the Business of the Business.

HAVE QUESTIONS? GET ANSWERS FROM OUR STAFF. SCHEDULE A TIME HERE.

Those who graduate from Vagabond School’s Conservatory enter the professional market with our industry leading acting for the camera technique, true on-set experience, and a role in an original SAG-AFTRA Micro-Budget short film (along with IMDB credit). That’s not all! Talent is nothing without professional marketing material: included in tuition are a fresh set of headshots and cinematic reel content, all finely tuned to showcase your skills to potential casting directors, directors and producers.

The program concludes with both an in-person on-camera focused Acting Showcase and a one-of-a-kind Digital Cinematic Showcase distributed to Casting Directors, Talent Agents and other industry professionals across the country.

When is the next Vagabond School Conservatory?

Due to demand, Vagabond School Conservatory will be offered twice in 2027.

  1. WINTER/SPRING: Evening/Weekend Schedule starts Tuesday, February 2nd and ends Saturday, May 22nd.

    Time commitment: Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm-10pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm.

    *Rolling acceptance starts October 1st, 2026. ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY DECEMBER 1st, 2026 with any final decisions by December 10th.

  2. LATE SUMMER/FALL: Daytime Schedule starts Monday, August 16th and ends Friday, December 10th. (Days off due to holidays: Labor Day - 9/6, Thanksgiving - 11/24 & 11/26)

    Time commitment: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-4pm.

    *Rolling acceptance starts April 19th, 2027. ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY June 16th, 2027 with any final decisions by June 25th, 2027.

*There are discounts for students who apply early. Flexible, long term payment plans are available to make the conservatory as accessible as possible - email info@vagabondschool.com for more info.*

Program Highlights

  • Leave the program with new professional marketing material: new headshots, and reel/video content.

  • Create and shoot a SAG-AFTRA Micro-Budget short film with your Vagabond Conservatory Ensemble. Get at an IMDB credit for your resume.

  • Get a chance to be on the “other side of the table” by casting actors in your film. A breakdown of your film will be on Actors Access and sent to all actors in Chicago to submit on.

  • Become a “Chicago Triple Threat” with 4 months of extensive training in Acting Technique, On-Camera Technique, Voice Over.

  • In depth Business of The Business classes. (Business classes include: prepping your casting sites for optimal visibility, resume writing, cover letters for agents, joining the actor’s union and more!)

  • Be seen by industry professionals across the US via our one-of-a-kind Digital On-Camera Cinematic Showcase AND a live audition showcase focused on acting for the camera for Chicago talent agents, casting directors and other industry professionals.

How do I apply?

Please fill out the application form that is linked below. It will ask for the following material:
(Do not let the tech of your tape get in the way of submitting. We are looking for quality of human over quality of tape.)

  • Headshot (or current picture)

  • Resume (or Letter of Intent: tell us briefly about your background and why you want to join the program)

  • Video Submission - 5 minutes max - which includes:

    • REQUIRED: A filmed scene (or monologue)

    • REQUIRED: An “about me” section telling us where you are coming from, and why you want to be a part of the program.

    • OPTIONAL: A contrasting scene (or monologue or stand up or clips from work performed)

Vagabond Conservatory Films on IMDB

What is the financial commitment?

The full cost of the conservatory is $7,750.

Flexible, long term payment plans are available to make the conservatory as accessible as possible - email info@vagabondschool.com for more info.

*Once approved, a downpayment of $750 is required to reserve your spot.*

JOIN THE CONSERVATORY ENSEMBLE OF 2027 - APPLY NOW
Questions about VSC and payment plans

CONSERVATORY FAQs

  • A: No! The VSC is a stand alone program for actors who want to dedicate time to the craft of working in front of a camera. We dive deeper not just in the amount of hours in front of a camera, but focus on the student’s specific needs.

  • A : No! We are looking for the right group of students to challenge each other and grow together, no matter what their experience has been thus far.

  • A: Yes! We have had ensemble members book commercials, tv and film while going through the conservatory. Do the work! Then come back and share your experience with the ensemble so that we can all continue to grow.

  • A: Of course! Plus the short film we make is under the SAG-AFTRA Micro Budget agreement so you will be under a contract for the work you do in the conservatory.

Vagabond Core Teachers

  • Elizabeth Laidlaw - Acting/On-Camera

  • Adam Poss - Acting/On-Camera

  • Ed Kross - On Camera/Improvisation

  • Angela Morris - Voiceover

  • Cheryl Graeff - Acting/On-Camera

  • Michael McCracken - On-Camera/Business

  • Tiffany Bedwell - On-Camera

  • Kevin Theis - Voiceover

  • Caren Blackmore - Voiceover

  • Robyn Coffin - On-Camera

Previous Conservatory Guest Instructors

  • Marlyne Barrett - Actor - Chicago MED

  • Matt Miller - Commercial Director

  • Nicole Arbusto - LA Casting Director

  • Jerod Haynes - Actor

  • Tim Mason - TV Director

  • Rebecca Spence - Actor

  • Becca McCracken - Chicago Casting Director

  • George Zwierzynski - Commercial Director

  • Brian Boland - Actor

  • Sanaa Sayyed - Chicago Casting Director

  • John Hoogenakker - Actor