International Students at HB Studio
Artists travel worldwide to train, practice, and study acting at HB Studio. The International Student Program is an essential piece of what HB has to offer, and we are proud to be the working home of so many actors from around the globe. HB Studio is authorized under U.S. federal law to enroll nonimmigrant noncitizen students. HB Studio will consider applications from individuals, generally with substantial theater training, who wish to pursue a full course of study, and who meet both federal and HB Studio requirements.
International Studio Class Program
The Studio offers an International Studio Class Program that can be shaped to achieve the individual’s goals. The full-time program requires students to attend a minimum of seven Studio classes per week, consisting of a mix of required and elective classes.
Mandatory classes include:
Two Acting classes (Acting The Song and Improvisation are not considered acting classes)
One Speech class
One Speaking Voice class
One Movement class
Two electives
Upon assessment, students who are not native English speakers may also be advised to take Acting in English in order to ensure adequate language support. They may also be required to supplement their Studio program with outside English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
Students may begin studying at the Studio in the Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer terms. The International Studio Class Program allows students to study for a maximum of two years and minimum of one term (10 weeks). Please see F-1 Visas & Program Policies for more information and a breakdown of tuition and fees.
After completing two years in the International Studio Class Program, students may choose to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), where students may receive up to 12 months of authorization to pursue employment directly related to their field of study. The International Studio Class Program requires an application and audition for admission.
Hagen Core
The Hagen Institute at HB Studio offers full-time immersion in the practical approach to acting craft that characterized Uta Hagen’s legendary master classes and classic acting texts. Its Hagen Core is an intensive one-year training program taught by world-class faculty/practitioners. This program offers an integrated progressive curriculum of essential classes: Acting Technique, Scene Study, Script Analysis, Movement, Alexander Technique, Voice and Speech.
The Hagen Core Training is a three-term program (Fall, Winter, Spring) that requires an application, audition and interview for admission. For more information, visit Hagen Core Training or contact Uta Hagen Institute Administrator Jim Boerlin at jboerlin@hbstudio.org or 212-675-2370 extension 38.
Hagen Summer Intensive
The Hagen Summer Intensive is a rigorous, six-week workshop with the Hagen Institute that probes the practical applications of Uta Hagen’s technique as discussed in her book A Challenge for the Actor. Through acting technique, scene study, script analysis, and technical exercises, “The Six Steps” will become an integral part of the actor’s craft. When you have strong technique and more confidence in how to find yourself in the role, acting will be joyful. Classes include: Acting Technique, Scene Study, Alexander Technique, Movement and Voice.
The Hagen Summer Intensive program requires an application and online audition for admission. For more information, visit Hagen Summer Intensive or contact Hagen Institute Administrator Jim Boerlin at jboerlin@hbstudio.org or 212-675-2370 extension 38.
Options for Short-Term Students
International students wishing to study at HB Studio for a shorter amount of time under an F-1 visa may apply for a minimum of one term (10 weeks). Students would be required to attend a minimum of seven Studio classes per week, consisting of a mix of required and elective classes. Please see the course breakdown under the International Studio Class Program above.
We also welcome international visitors spending a shorter amount of time in the U.S. to audit classes at HB Studio. Auditing provides a great introduction to the wide variety of classes that the Studio has to offer. It can also help prospective international students to decide if they want to apply for a full-time program in the future. One audit is allowed per class and there is a $25 fee. You must come in person to the Studio office on the day of the class you wish to audit and arrive at least 30 minutes before class begins.
For More Information
Please contact International Student Advisors Snezhana Chernova at international@hbstudio.org or 212-675-2370 extension 28 with any questions you may have about the programs available for international students at HB Studio.
F-1 Visa
HB Studio has welcomed international F-1 visa students since 1967. Applicants must possess verbal and written fluency in English and must commit to a full-time program of study, which the Studio defines as a minimum of seven classes per week or enrollment in the Hagen Core or Hagen Summer Intensive.
For country-by-country updates regarding Covid-19 travel and visa restrictions and US Visa News, please view HB’s info from American Embassies around the world.
Non-immigrant international students studying at HB Studio through an F-1 visa are required to maintain a full course of study. HB Studio defines a “full course of study” as a minimum of seven classes per week in the International Studio Class Program, or participation in the Hagen Core Training or Hagen Summer Intensive. For the International Studio Class Program, mandatory classes include at least two Acting classes (Acting The Song and Improvisation are not considered acting classes), one Speech class, one Speaking Voice class, one Movement class, and two electives. Your studies must be your priority. While attending HB Studio, NO OTHER ACTIVITY CAN TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER CLASSES.
Applicants must possess verbal and written fluency in English. Student Applicants whose first language is not English must submit their TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test scores. Applicants are asked to prepare two contrasting contemporary monologues in English, 3 minutes each, and a brief a cappella song (or portion of a song) for their audition video (video file submission is through our online application or DVD when submitting an application by mail). Depending on your proficiency, our Acting in English class, or an outside ESL class, may be recommended.
Tuition & Fees
While studying as an F-1 visa student, you must be able to financially support yourself without working. As part of your application packet, you must submit proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for the intended period of study.
Application Fee
Prospective International students pay a non-refundable $25 application fee to be considered for enrollment.
Registration Fee
International visa students pay an annual, non-refundable administrative fee of $150, and international visa students on Optional Practical Training pay a non-refundable fee of $100.
Tuition & Expenses – International Studio Class Program:
| Number of Terms | Average Tuition & Fees | Average Living Expenses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two Year (Eight Terms) starting any term | $28,800 | $51,200 | $80,000 |
| One Year (Four Terms) starting any term | $14,400 | $25,600 | $40,000 |
| Three Terms | $10,800 | $19,200 | $30,000 |
| Two Terms | $7,200 | $12,800 | $20,000 |
| One Term | $3,600 | $6,400 | $10,000 |
HB Studio requires payment in full for tuition and all fees upon registration for each term. The Studio accepts credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, and Discover), money orders, traveler’s cheques, cash, wire transfers of U.S. funds, and personal checks drawn on U.S. funds from U.S. banks only. The Studio does not offer refunds to students who are dropped or withdrawn from the program.
Attendance Policy
Federal regulations require HB to monitor student attendance. Please review our attendance policy and all program details before you make your commitment to study at HB Studio. HB Studio adheres strictly to its policy regarding attendance.
Students in the International Studio Class Program are allowed a maximum of six absences during any term. It is your responsibility to keep an accurate account of your absences. When you incur three absences, the International Student Advisor will notify you in writing that you are on academic probation. If you incur more than six absences, the Studio notifies you and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) that you have been dropped from the program.
The International Student Advisor will only notify you about your absences twice: when and if you are placed on academic probation, and when and if you exceed the maximum number of absences and you are being dropped from the program. Please remember that if you exceed the maximum absences for a term and are dropped from the program, HB is required to immediately contact the SEVP about the change in your visa status. This notification is not reversible.
Each missed class counts as one absence. For example, if you are enrolled in three classes on the same day and miss all three classes, you incur a total of three absences for that day. Late arrivals and early departures are not allowed. If you have a special circumstance (I.E. one class ends when your next class begins) speak with an F-1 advisor. Each lateness counts as one absence.
You must contact the Key Student in each of your classes when you are not able to attend class. It is your responsibility to get the Key Student’s telephone number at the first class. Should you have an extraordinary circumstance surrounding an absence, it is your responsibility to contact the International Student Advisor. You should make your request for special consideration in writing as early as possible. Please understand that even in extraordinary circumstances, a doctor’s note does not mean that all absences are excused. HB must always adhere to SEVP regulations, and therefore, cannot guarantee approval.
You may not make up an absence in another class. If a teacher cancels a class, you are not marked absent. If there is a teacher-provided make-up class, you may attend, of course, but not attending will not be counted against you. For students participating in any of the Hagen Institute intensive programs, no unexcused absences are permitted.
How to Apply for F-1 Status
A student applying for the International Studio Class Program must submit a complete application package in order to be considered for approval. An incomplete package will delay the review process, making it unlikely that you will be accepted for the term of your choice. You must complete all sections of the application. An explanation of each section of the Application is listed below.
Online Application Form
Application Deadlines:
FEBRUARY 15 for study beginning with the Summer Term (JUNE 12 – AUGUST 22, 2025)
MAY 15 for study beginning with the Fall Term (SEPTEMBER 15 – NOVEMBER 25, 2025)
AUGUST 15 for study beginning with the Winter Term (JANUARY 5 – MARCH 16, 2026)
NOVEMBER 15 for study beginning with the Spring Term (MARCH 23 – June 1, 2026)
FEBRUARY 15 for study beginning with the Summer Term (JUNE 12 – AUGUST 22, 2026)
Study Acting at HB Studios NYC
Application Form:
Our online application form will allow you to upload all of the required documentation and a video file for your audition. Otherwise, you may download our Application Form and mail all of the materials to our studio in New York.
Statement of Purpose:
In this statement, you should explain your goals for training and why you chose to apply to HB Studio (not to exceed one page).
Theatrical Resume:
Sample Resume Template. Or you may use your own format.
Headshot:
Please upload a current headshot. Acceptable file types are JPG and PNG.
Audition Link/DVD:
A video audition should contain two contrasting contemporary monologues performed in English, 3 minutes each, and a brief a cappella song (or a portion of a song). The application will allow you to list links for your online audition (ex: Vimeo, YouTube, website). If submitting more than one website link, please separate by commas. If you are mailing materials, you may send a DVD.
Two Letters of Recommendation:
Current or previous teachers, directors, or others who can professionally evaluate your theatrical training and experience should write a letter of reference. Letters must be signed, dated, on letterhead, and submitted in English, or with a full English translation.
A Financial Statement:
A bank or other financial institution must furnish a letter stating that you have at least enough money to cover tuition and living expenses for your specified period of study. The bank statement must contain the letterhead of the bank, the full name of the account holder and not be more than six months old. All documents must be in English or with English translation.
Tuition & Expenses
| Number of Terms | Average Tuition & Fees | Average Living Expenses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two Year (Eight Terms) starting any term | $28,800 | $51,200 | $80,000 |
| One Year (Four Terms) starting any term | $14,400 | $25,600 | $40,000 |
| Three Terms | $10,800 | $19,200 | $30,000 |
| Two Terms | $7,200 | $12,800 | $20,000 |
| One Term | $3,600 | $6,400 | $10,000 |
These figures represent a minimal estimate of actual costs.
F-1 Students are eligible to take an annual vacation (one term) after completing their academic year requirement (3 consecutive terms) at HB Studio and once every year after that.
Letter of Support or Affidavit of Support:
You must submit a Letter of Support if the Financial Statement is in the name of a close relative or friend. Supporters must state that they are responsible for your financial obligations while you are in the U.S. If the account holder is a U.S. citizen, you must submit an Affidavit of Support that is notarized. All documents must be in English or with English translation.
Biographical Data Page of Passport (with Photograph):
A full-color copy of the biographical data page of your passport (with photograph) must be included. The application will allow you to upload an image file (formatted in JPG, PNG or PDF).
A Copy of Your TOEFL, IELTS or Equivalent Test:
A copy of a current TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent test will need to be submitted for applicants whose native language is not English.
For Transfer Students:
If transferring from another U.S. institution, please submit copies of your current visa, I-20 Form, I-94 Form and EAD card if you are currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Application Fee Payment:
Our application process requires a $25 USD non-refundable fee. The application form will allow you to pay by credit card upon completion. We also accept international money orders for those downloading the form and applying by mail. Before you submit your application package, make a copy for your own records. HB Studio will not return submissions, and does not keep applications for those who were not accepted.
Notification:
The Studio will notify all applicants of the results of their applications. If you are accepted, HB will mail to you an acceptance letter and a completed I-20 form. HB does not cover expedited shipping of International Student documents. Students are liable for additional shipping costs outside of standard USPS ground shipping.
Carefully read and follow all instructions on the I-20 Form. You must pay a $350 SEVIS fee I-901 (as of June 24, 2019) before you will be given an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The SEVIS fee I-901 can be paid online by credit or debit card at https://fmjfee.com. Take the completed I-20 Form, SEVIS fee I-901 payment receipt, your passport, your current financial statement(s) with enough funds to cover your tuition, fees and living expenses while studying at HB Studio and evidence of ties to your home country to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to have your F-1 student visa issued. Contact your U.S. Embassy or Consulate — requirements may vary.
Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa to study at HB Studio but will need to provide their documents at the Canada-U.S. border. Please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the most current information.