Beginning freshman year, students take beginning-level courses in all major subjects. Outside of the classroom, students can expect to be assigned as an assistant stage-manager as early as their first semester, while sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to stage-manage one of the many shows produced during the season by the conservatory's four companies.

While working on these productions, students learn real-world skills and train with professional actors, stage-managers, set designers and technicians who serve as models and mentors.?