Acting
BFA
Acting
Acting Company 48 in Machinal (Written by Sophie Treadwell / Directed by Budi Miller) with Theatre Design/Tech students
There’s no such thing as a typical Purchase actor.
But they’re all daring.
What they have in common is raw talent, creativity, and daring. Your cohort is your “company,” sharing the intensity of the four-year sequential program that will test the depths of your instrument—your body, voice, and personality—to reveal your essence as an artist.
Be ready to work...hard.
The program’s intensity is by design. The physical, mental, and emotional demands have a single purpose—to prepare actors for the unique demands of the profession.
It takes physical strength to perform eight shows a week on Broadway, confidence to believe in your artistic integrity when it seems no one else will, and resiliency to persist in the face of repeated rejection.
We impart a set of skills, and we also train the whole person. It’s preparation for life.
“When someone goes to Purchase, I assume that they’re the kind of actor who won’t sit around and wait for someone to make a choice for them and who will create a roaring fire from very little tinder.”
Purchase Repertory Theatre
Each year, the conservatory presents several seasonal productions—exciting and bold interpretations of classic and contemporary plays that bring to the stage for the first time the next generation of actors, designers, and technicians. All conservatory productions are designed and produced exclusively by students under the mentorship of faculty and staff.
Previous Seasons
Showcase Your Progress
At the end of their final semester, senior acting students perform a showcase of theatrical scenes for industry professionals in New York City. They also collaborate with Film BFA students to capture their scenes in a performance reel. Take a look at last year’s reel.
Recent Performances Gallery
Acting Company 48 in Machinal (Written by Sophie Treadwell / Directed by Budi Miller) with Theatre Design/Tech students
Meet Our Alumni
Proof of Purchase
Nicco Annan ’98 is an actor, dancer, and choreographer.
He’s best known for his portrayal of Uncle Clifford on the Starz drama series P-Valley, an adaptation of the Katori Hall play Pussy Valley, in which Annan originated the role at the Mixed Blood Theatre in 2015.
Latest Stories
Two Alumni Make Broadway Debuts in Romeo + Juliet
Directed by Sam Gold at the Circle in the Square, previews begin September 26.
Andrea Patterson ’05 Stars in Greek Classic
The Classical Theater of Harlem co-produced Memnon at the Getty Villa.
Jennifer Mogbock ’13 on Apple TV+ Series
Lady in the Lake premiered in July, and the full series is available for bingeing.
Lei-Lei Bavoil ’15
“Purchase treats what we do in a very sacred way…you are a storyteller.”
—Lei-Lei Bavoil ’15
