YC Private Coaching & College Audition Prep

Up to 10-session package
1-3 sessions: $120/hr
4-6 session: $115/hr
7-10 sessions: $105/hr

The YC offers “a la carte” private coaching packages that can be tailored towards the specific needs of the student. Students can select up to ten 60-minute sessions. This option is ideal for students who want ongoing one-on-one training, specialized training outside of offered packages, or additional training with their coach.

Students must be committed to working between sessions to maximize the benefit of this package.

If working on songs, a Bluetooth speaker (provided by the YC) + appropriate piano accompaniment track (procured by the student) will be used during the session. If you would like a live accompanist, there will be an additional $50 fee for the session.

3-session package
Tuition: $360 ($120/hr)

Finding material that uniquely suits you is an integral part of an actor’s job. It also makes auditioning much less stressful and even enjoyable. With a private coach knowledgeable in the world of published plays, including classical and new works, students who sign up for this package will not only leave with at least two pieces that show them off, but they will also gain some tools to be their own advocate and detective for future repertoire needs.

This 3-session package includes:

• a consultation/exploration 60-minute session where the coach will get to know the student’s strengths and needs, provide a tour of the A.C.T. library, and review resources/tools for finding monologues/songs
• two working 60-minute sessions of rehearsal to finalize the monologue/song selection(s).

Upon registration for this package, students will receive a form to complete providing context around monologue/song needs. Students will need to actively participate in reading suggested material and responding to suggestions from private coaches between sessions.

If working on songs, a Bluetooth speaker (provided by the YC) + appropriate piano accompaniment track (procured by the student) will be used during the session. If you would like a live accompanist, there will be an additional $50 fee for the session. Preparing more than two audition pieces may require additional sessions. 

3-session package
Tuition: $360 ($120/hr)

You have identified and finalized repertoire/material that you love and that loves you - good job – now what? It’s time to prepare your monologue or song through text analysis, shaping and staging so that you can feel confident when you step into that audition room (or in front of that camera.) This package will help students prepare up to two pieces for performance. 

This 3-session package includes: 

• Three 60-minute working sessions to rehearse material, including:
  • Audition etiquette topics (intros/outros, what to wear, mock audition with your coach)
  • Tools for character creation and point of view, text analysis, staging and more.
  • If needed, cutting monologue/songs to appropriate length while retaining story arc

Students must be committed to working between sessions to maximize the benefit of this package.

If working on songs, a Bluetooth speaker + appropriate piano accompaniment track (procured by the student) will be used during the session. If you would like a live accompanist, there will be an additional $50 fee for the session. For help filming auditions, please see the Self-Tape Prep and Filming package.

5-session package
Tuition: $575 ($115/hr)

The Combo Audition Prep: Finding & Preparing Material is a great way to identify and get at least two pieces audition-ready.

This 5-session package includes:

• Two 60-minute sessions to identify appropriate monologues and/or songs that show your strengths and align with audition requirements
• Three 60-minute sessions to coach the material, including needed cuts, script/lyric/music analysis, clear character and relationship choices/point of view and mock audition with your coach

Upon registration for this package, students will receive a form to complete providing context around monologue/song needs. Students will need to actively participate in reading suggested material and committed to working between sessions to maximize the benefit of this package.

If working on songs, a Bluetooth speaker (provided by the YC) + appropriate piano accompaniment track (procured by the student) will be used during the session. If you would like a live accompanist, there will be an additional $50 fee for the session. Preparing more than two audition pieces may require additional sessions. 

2-session package
Tuition: $360 ($120/hr)

Do you have pre-screen requirements or a video audition you need to send in? With the Self-Tape package, your private coach can help you rehearse and film your selection(s). Students will use their own filming device (phone, tablet, etc.) with our coaches to set up the equipment for best sound/lighting/backdrop in one of our studios at 30 Grant Ave.

This 2-session package includes:

• One 90-minute session to rehearse the material and plan for filming, including on-camera etiquette and wardrobe choices
• One 90-minute filming session to record up to two pieces

Students must be committed to working between sessions to maximize the benefit of this package.

If working on songs, a Bluetooth speaker (provided by the YC) + appropriate piano accompaniment track (procured by the student) will be used during the session. If you would like a live accompanist, there will be an additional $50 fee for the session. Filming more than two audition pieces may require additional sessions. 

We recommend this package in the spring and summer before the student’s senior year.

5-session package
Tuition: $575 ($115/hr)

College Prep, Part One (5 sessions) helps high school juniors and seniors navigate the complicated and often intimidating process of applying to a competitive college theater program. Narrowing down top program choices based on individual needs and passions, understanding the admissions and various audition requirements and mapping out a timeline to stay organized is a helpful first step to combating feelings of overwhelm in the midst of this exciting but daunting process. 

This 5-session package includes:

• Identifying suitable “safety” target” and “reach” performing arts degree programs
• Identifying repertoire needs and exploring tools to find suitable monologues/songs
• Creating actionable timelines for pre-screens & admission requirements and deadlines, and other goal-setting with college application components (The Common App, Acceptd, SlideRoom, etc.), headshot and resume advice, and more.

Upon registration for this package, students will receive a form to complete providing context around monologue/song needs and university goals. Students will need to actively participate in reading suggested material and responding to suggestions from private coaches between sessions.

If working on songs, a Bluetooth speaker (provided by the YC) + appropriate piano accompaniment track (procured by the student) will be used during the session. If you would like a live accompanist, there will be an additional $50 fee for the session.

We recommend this package in the summer and fall of the student’s senior year.

5-session package
Tuition: $575 ($115/hr)

College Prep, Part Two (5 sessions) assumes that the student has finalized their list of programs with requirements and deadlines. Additionally, they have identified contrasting monologues and/or songs for audition packages, and are ready to dive into an in-depth coaching and filming process. 

This 5-session package includes:

• Finalizing monologue/song cuts that meet audition or pre-screen time limit requirements, and to show a strong character arc.
• Analyzing, preparing and rehearsing monologue/song selections
• Creating pre-screen shot lists and filming pre-screen videos
• Rehearsing live auditions and BA/BFA program interviews

Students must be committed to working between sessions to maximize the benefit of this package.

If working on songs, a Bluetooth speaker (provided by the YC) + appropriate piano accompaniment track (procured by the student) will be used during the session. If you would like a live accompanist, there will be an additional $50 fee for the session. If you would like to incorporate dance/choreography into your College Prep package, a separate session can be added with a choreographer. Please email us at YoungConservatory@act-sf.org for any special requests.

We recommend starting this package in the spring or summer before the student’s senior year.

10-session package
Tuition: $1,050 ($105/hr)

This package has all the nuts and bolts! Recommended for rising seniors, this two-part combo package will give students a comprehensive “boot camp” on the competitive performing arts program application process, and get them audition-ready with repertoire suited to their strengths.

This 10-session package includes:

• Identifying suitable “safety” target” and “reach” performing arts degree programs
• Identifying repertoire needs and exploring tools to find suitable monologues/songs, along with finalizing cuts that meet audition or pre-screen time limit requirements
• Creating a timeline with deadlines, pre-screens, admissions deadlines, and other goal-setting with college application components (The Common App, Acceptd, SlideRoom, etc.), headshot and resume advice, and more.
• Analyzing, preparing and rehearsing monologue/song selections
• Creating pre-screen shot lists and filming pre-screen videos
• Rehearsing live auditions and BA/BFA program interviews

Upon registration for this package, students will receive a form to complete providing context around monologue/song needs and university goals. Students will need to actively participate in reading suggested material and committed to working between sessions to maximize the benefit of this package.

If working on songs, a Bluetooth speaker (provided by the YC) + appropriate piano accompaniment track (procured by the student) will be used during the session. If you would like a live accompanist, there will be an additional $50 fee for the session. If you would like to incorporate dance/choreography into your College Prep package, a separate session can be added with a choreographer. Please email us at YoungConservatory@act-sf.org for any special requests.

Young Conservatory coaches are drawn from our exceptional faculty roster. They are all industry professionals with distinguished careers as artists and educators. The coach assigned to you will depend on (1) the subject of your coaching session, and (2) faculty availability. You may request a specific coach, but the YC cannot guarantee that the coach you request will be available.

Click the button above to register. First, you will be prompted to answer some questions about your specific coaching needs and goals, along with your availability. Next, you will choose which package(s) you would like to sign up for before being directed to checkout. Please note: Once you have signed up for a private coaching session, it can take up to 5 business days before we are able to match you with an appropriate instructor and contact you with a list of available dates.

The YC team will then connect the student and parent with the coach via email. Once connected, the coach and family will set up a meeting schedule, which will be confirmed by the YC team if space is available at our rehearsal studios. All private coaching sessions must be paid for before they can be scheduled.

For any other questions about our private coaching program, including specialty requests, please email youngconservatory@act-sf.org.

All cancellation, rescheduling, and refund requests must be sent in writing to both your coach and the YC email at youngconservatory@act-sf.org. 

In the event you must cancel a scheduled private coaching session, a full refund can only be given if we receive a written request by email at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled session. Full refunds are also given if either the coach or the Young Conservatory must cancel the session and it is not possible to reschedule.

In the event you must reschedule, as opposed to cancelling a private coaching session, your written request must be received at least 24 hours in advance of the originally scheduled session. Requests to reschedule received less than 24 hours in advance will be considered a cancellation per above.

Refunds will not be issued in the event of a “no-show” - where a student does not attend a scheduled private coaching session without advanced written notice as outlined above.

Please allow 7-10 business days for refunds to be processed.

Yes. A limited number of scholarships are available each session for students who may need financial assistance to attend the Young Conservatory.

Scholarships are awarded on a need-basis and are subject to class availability.

To apply for a Studio A.C.T. scholarship, first read the Conservatory Scholarship Statement of Purpose & Understanding. If after reading the Scholarship Statement you believe you qualify, consult the current list of classes to select the specific class(es) for which you would like to apply, then email us at youngconservatory@act-sf.org to request a link to the online Scholarship Application form.

We are currently offering both online and in-person private coaching options.

• All online private coaching lessons will take place over Zoom.
• All in-person private coaching lessons will take place in our studio spaces at 30 Grant Ave in San Francisco.

We are not able to accommodate in-person meetings outside of A.C.T. facilities.

A hybrid approach can be very beneficial depending on your specific coaching needs. For active monologue or song coaching, in-person coaching at some stage is ideal. But for initial read-throughs, and conversations around resume, college application, audition attire, repertoire brainstorming and other topics, you might be surprised at the efficiency of a zoom session. If you're preparing for an audition that will be held over Zoom, a Zoom 'practice run' with a coach can be really beneficial! Considering online sessions for part of your package may also increase the roster of coaches available and allow for more flexibility.

A.C.T. does not issue letters of recommendations as part of any paid private coaching sessions. Requests from students should go directly to individual faculty or staff, who may choose to accept or decline. Any private coach who chooses to write a letter of recommendation does so voluntarily. 

By completing the online enrollment process, students and families agree to the following Young Conservatory Policies:

• Student Behavior: The Young Conservatory is for students grades 3-12. Private coaching students are expected to be able to function well in an one-on-one educational environment. If we find that a student is not able to follow directions or interact positively with faculty, we will always first refer to the YC’s established community agreements and provide a student the opportunity to regroup and refocus. If the efforts are still unsuccessful, we reserve the right to withdraw the student from private coaching. Refunds will be handled on a case by case basis. If you have any questions about whether YC private coaching is a good option/fit for your child, please contact us before enrolling.
• Communication Expectations: We will communicate via the email and/or phone number provided on the information form that is filled out when registering. Please make sure that we have an email on file that is checked regularly. In order for us to provide the best experience, parents and/or students are expected to respond in a timely manner (within 1-2 days) to all correspondence with their coach and the YC team. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at youngconservatory@act-sf.org.
• Attendance Expectations: Students are expected to arrive on time to all sessions. Families must alert both the coach and YC team at youngconservatory@act-sf.org if they are running late or need to reschedule/cancel a session. If students arrive late, sessions will still end at the agreed-upon time. If the coach is late, the YC will either extend the session or add the missed time to a future meeting. If a student is frequently late, misses sessions, or cancels at the last minute, the YC team will step in to brainstorm solutions. If the efforts are still unsuccessful, we reserve the right to withdraw the student from private coaching. Refunds will be handled on a case by case basis. 
• Contacting Private Coaches Outside of Sessions: we value our private coaches as working artists, and as such each private coach is paid for any time spent working or advising a student. Beyond administrative/scheduling emails to finalize session dates, if students and/or parents email private coaches outside of scheduled sessions for advice and other questions, the coaches will respond during the next coaching session. If outside communications are resulting in excessive amounts of time, then we may need to request an additional session to honor the coach’s time.
• Scheduling Sessions: The student and family will work with the coach and YC team to confirm their private coaching schedule. Once a schedule has been established, any subsequent requests for changes must be made in writing to both the coach and YC inbox. See the cancellation, rescheduling, and refund policy for more information.
• Payment: Full payment must be made at the time of registration. Should the student subsequently wish to add additional private coaching sessions to their original order, they must register online with full payment before any additional sessions can be scheduled, and alert both the coach and the YC team in writing that they have done so.
• Accessibility: The A.C.T. Young Conservatory makes every effort to make courses accessible to all students who are interested and passionate about theater. Please make sure to add this information in the student questionnaire when registering. For example, three of our studios are accessible only by stairs. This information helps us plan accordingly and provide the best experience for your child. You can always email us to expand on any information at youngconservatory@act-sf.org with any accessibility needs.

Thank you for joining us and we look forward to working with you!