FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training is a competitive, three-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) graduate program. The Conservatory offers an immersive program led by internationally renowned faculty and experienced industry professionals combining rigorous classroom training, guest artist workshops, and professional productions.
Historic Educational Partnership
Initiated by Florida State University School of Theatre, the Conservatory began in Tallahassee in 1986. Five years later, the program officially moved to Sarasota to establish a permanent relationship with Asolo Repertory Theatre. The program has produced hundreds of talented actors for stage and screen throughout their 50-year partnership.
Exclusive Professional Training
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory combines a classical academic training program with performance opportunities at Asolo Rep. Students learn alongside experienced actors, participating in performances throughout the season. In the summer of their second year, students take part in an intensive training session with master teachers and international artists at the London Study Center in the historic Bloomsbury area.
Recruitment Process
As one of the top theatre schools in Florida, the Conservatory program recruits 12 graduate students each recruitment cycle in the Fall. The next acting recruitment cycle is Spring 2027 for admission in Fall 2027.
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Application
Our application process does not require a formal application prior to the Audition. After receiving and accepting an offer from FSU/Asolo Conservatory, you will receive a Conservatory application and instructions for the FSU admissions process.
To be eligible for admission and an assistantship, a student must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in all upper-division coursework attempted in the last two years of their program.
Auditions
The first official step in the application process is the Audition, offered through U/RTA or a Private Audition.
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Private Audition and Interview
Private auditions are 20 minutes each and guarantee an opportunity to present work (two contrasting monologues: one classical and one contemporary) and interview with our faculty. The fee for a private audition is $50.00.
After paying the $50 audition fee, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to submit your headshot, resume and audition preferences. You will receive a final confirmation email from the Conservatory with your audition date and time.
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The University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) Unified Auditions
U/RTA auditions allow students to audition for more than 40 different universities and resident theatre companies at one time for one fee. To learn more about the auditions, contact the U/RTA office in New York at 212.221.1130 or visit their website at urta.com.
After a candidate receives an offer from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory, they must apply for admission to the FSU Graduate School. Any other questions about the audition/admission process may be answered by emailing info@conservatory.fsu.edu.
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FSU/Asolo Conservatory Curriculum
As a top theatre school in Florida, the Conservatory trains actors in the art of acting and performance through its three-year graduate program. Upon completion of the curriculum, students will obtain a Master of Fine Arts degree through the Florida State University School of Theatre.
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Meet Our Faculty and Students
Each year, we welcome 12 talented actors into the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. Read on to meet our current first-, second- and third-year MFA acting candidates.
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Our 2026/2027 Season
Join us for a season brimming with passion, power, and change. The Conservatory’s 2026/2027 stories shine with humor, edge, and heart. Explore what’s in store.
Our Sarasota Venues
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Cook Theatre
A contemporary 161-seat venue designed to create an intimate relationship between the audience and actors. Cook Theatre is the primary performance space for the FSU/Asolo Conservatory and small-cast Asolo Rep shows.
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Asolo Repertory Theatre
As Florida’s premier professional theatre, Asolo Rep is one of the only remaining theatres in the country performing in true repertory. The theatre produces 8 to 12 productions a year on two stages by a company of professional actors and gifted young actors in their third year of training with the Conservatory.
