Acting for Film Conservatory

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 VSC is specifically tailored to accelerate 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. Although The Vagabond Conservatory has a 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. 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.

Join the Fall 2024 Conservatory Class

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

Flexibility is at your fingertips. Select between our adaptable daytime or evening/weekend program options. Can’t make all classes in person? Join online via our industry leading HYBRID Classroom.*

*Our hybrid classroom is to help with life flexibility, but this conservatory is intended to be fully in-person.

When is the next Vagabond School Conservatory?

The next Conservatory starts the week of August 26th, 2024 and ends the week of December 9th. Applications welcome starting April 22nd, 2024.

What is the time commitment?

The VSC is 4 months long (16 hours a week). You can choose between two schedules that fit your lifestyle:

DAYTIME: Monday-Thursday from 10am-2:00pm
NIGHT/WEEKEND: Tuesday/Thursday Evenings from 6-10pm AND Saturdays from 9am-5pm

Program Highlights

Leave the program with new professional marketing material: new headshots, and reel/video content. Estimated value of marketing material alone is $1,750
Create and shoot a short film with your Vagabond Conservatory Ensemble. Get at an IMDB credit for your resume.
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 make local connections with an in-person showcase focused on acting for the camera for Chicago talent agents, casting directors and other industry professionals.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to see the Vagabond Digital Showcase, a list of our current Vagabond Core Teachers, and a list of our previous Guest Instructors for the Vagabond School Conservatory.

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)

When do I need to apply by?

Rolling acceptance starting on April 22nd. Any final decisions will be made by July 19th. There are discounts for students who apply early.

What is the financial commitment?

The full cost of the conservatory is $7,500.
*Flexible 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.

Tuition includes 4 months (16 hours a week) of professional training in acting, on-camera, improv, voice over, business/marketing classes, AND a role in a short film that will be created by the ensemble. Plus, at no extra cost your Business Prep Package of: new headshots (value - $750), reel video content for TV and commercials (value - $1,000) and an ensemble created short film with an IMDb credit (priceless). All of this plus you get an in person and online showcase for industry professionals like talent agents and casting directors.

Discounts for early applicants: