Program Description

The most complete acting training The NYPAA offers. 12 Saturdays. The deepest scene work. A professional transformation.

The 12-Week Acting for Stage, Film & TV workshop at The New York Performing Arts Academy (The NYPAA) is the deepest, most comprehensive Saturday acting program in New York City — led by working Hollywood actor Karina Arroyave, known for her roles in Crash, 24, Orange Is the New Black, and The Blacklist.

Twelve Saturdays means the full arc: from fundamentals through advanced technique, multiple cycles of scene work and feedback, and a cumulative professional critique from Karina. This is the Saturday format closest to what you’d experience in a full conservatory program — without putting your life on hold.

“The 12-week program changed how I work as an actor completely. By week eight I was doing things I didn’t think I was capable of. The depth of feedback Karina gives over twelve weeks is unlike anything else I’ve experienced.”

— Sofia R., 12-Week · Fall 2025

“I’ve trained at other studios in the city. Nothing I’ve done compares to 12 weeks with Karina for the depth of feedback and the quality of instruction.”

— James R., 12-Week · Spring 2025

“I came in with 5 years of experience and still learned more in 12 Saturdays than I had in years of occasional classes. Karina is relentless in the best way — she doesn’t let you settle.”

— Marcus T., 12-Week · Winter 2024

Contents

1 CLASS INFO

How Does the 12-Week Compare?

Three program lengths. One clear progression. Here’s exactly what each level delivers:

4-Week · $225

The introduction

Acting fundamentals
Stage, film & TV overview
Scene work with a partner
Audition basics
Immediate tools to use now

8-Week · $425

The deeper training

Everything in 4-week, plus:
Extended scene study
Multiple feedback cycles
Camera vs. stage technique
Advanced audition strategy
Final scene performance

12-Week · $695 ✦ Most Complete

The full transformation

Everything in 8-week, plus:
Full character arc development
Self-tape & industry prep
Advanced scene direction cycles
Professional rehearsal process
Deep cumulative critique
Alumni path to the Foundation Program

The Best Value in NYC Acting Training

12 Saturdays of professional acting training in Midtown Manhattan with a working Hollywood actor. Compared to weekend intensives at other major NYC studios, the 12-week program delivers significantly more instruction time per dollar — without the weekday commitment.

What You’ll Walk Away With

A complete acting toolkit: Versatile technique across stage, film, and TV — developed and refined over three months of direct instruction from Karina.
Deep character work: Twelve weeks means returning to your scenes, your characters, and your choices multiple times — building the kind of layered, authentic performance that casting directors notice.
Professional audition readiness: Monologue prep, cold reading, self-tape technique, and an insider’s understanding of what NYC casting directors are actually looking for in the room.
An alumni community and a path forward: Graduates receive alumni pricing on all NYPAA programs and priority consideration for the Foundation Program.

Who This Program Is For

Actors who are serious about their craft: You want real depth, real feedback, and a genuine arc of growth — not just a taste.
Working actors leveling up: Industry professionals who want focused, rigorous coaching to break through a plateau.
Career changers making a commitment: If you’ve decided acting is what you want to pursue, this is the right place to start that journey properly. No audition required.
NYC schedules: Twelve Saturdays only — 4:00–5:30pm. Professional training that fits your life in New York City.

INSTRUCTOR

Notable Credits

Crash — Oscar Winner
24
Orange Is the New Black
The Blacklist
Law & Order: SVU
Lean on Me

View full IMDB profile →

Karina Arroyave
Film, TV & Stage Actor · Acting Instructor

Karina Arroyave is a working professional actor whose career spans critically acclaimed films, major television series, and live stage. Her roles in Crash (Best Picture, Academy Awards), 24, Orange Is the New Black, The Blacklist, and Law & Order: SVU reflect a performer who has mastered acting across every major medium — and who brings that working knowledge directly into the classroom.

Over 12 weeks, Karina works with each student through multiple cycles of feedback, refinement, and discovery. Her teaching philosophy centers on emotional authenticity — training actors to connect genuinely with their characters’ inner lives in the way that actually moves audiences and books roles.

Students in the 12-week program don’t just learn technique — they develop a professional approach to the craft: how to break down a script, how to make bold choices under direction, how to sustain character across a long shooting schedule, and how to walk into any audition room with real confidence.

“Every actor has a unique story to tell. My job is to give you the tools to tell it fully and fearlessly.”
— Karina Arroyave

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The 12-week program covers the full scope of professional acting technique — from first principles through advanced performance and cumulative critique from Karina. Here is the complete curriculum for this NYC acting class:

Acting Fundamentals

Basic Acting Techniques
- Core acting principles: character analysis, motivation, objective, and action
- The essential differences between acting for stage, film, and TV
Character Development
- Building three-dimensional, believable characters — developed and deepened across multiple sessions
- Physicality, voice, and the full emotional life of a character
Scene Study
- Partner work on scripted scenes, revisited and refined over weeks
- Objectives, obstacles, tactics, and the mechanics of genuine conflict
Text Analysis
- Breaking down a script: character motivation, given circumstances, and arc
- Subtext, relationships, and thematic depth

Medium-Specific Technique

Stage Acting: Projection, movement, blocking, stage directions, and commanding a live audience
Film Acting: Camera presence, facial subtlety, continuity, and understanding how technical film production shapes performance
TV Acting: Script pacing, episodic structure, and maintaining character consistency across multiple episodes
Transitioning Between Mediums: Adapting your instrument for each format — and building a career strategy across all three

Advanced Technique & Professional Preparation

Audition Techniques: Monologue prep, cold reading, self-tape technique, and understanding exactly what NYC casting directors look for
The Rehearsal Process: Deepening character work through multiple rounds of feedback, direction, and revision
Performance Stamina: Building consistency, energy, and concentration across long shooting schedules and performance runs
Final Session Critique: In-depth feedback from Karina on your scene work and overall progress — a professional assessment you can carry into your next audition or role

Completing the 12-week program makes you an ideal candidate for The NYPAA Foundation Program — the year-long conservatory-style experience covering acting, musical performance, voice, and dance. Alumni pricing applies.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes the 12-week different from the 8-week? +

The extra four weeks unlock the full arc. You get more scene cycles — returning to your characters multiple times for deeper refinement — advanced self-tape and audition technique, and a complete professional rehearsal process across all twelve sessions with cumulative in-depth feedback from Karina. It’s the difference between solid training and a genuine professional transformation.

Do I need experience to enroll? +

No audition or prior training is required. Karina works with students at every level. That said, the 12-week program is a serious commitment and rewards students who are ready to invest fully in their craft — whether that means a seasoned professional refreshing their skills or a committed beginner starting properly.

Are payment plans or financing available? +

Yes — financing options are available for NYPAA programs. Visit our Financing Options page for details, or contact us directly and we’ll find the right plan for you.

What is the alumni discount? +

Returning NYPAA students save $69.50 on this program (from $695 to $625.50). Select “The NYPAA Alum” in the Registration dropdown at checkout. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact us.

What happens after I complete the 12-week program? +

Graduates receive alumni pricing on all NYPAA programs and are strongly encouraged to consider The NYPAA Foundation Program — our year-long conservatory-style experience in acting, musical performance, voice, and dance. The 12-week program is designed as the ideal preparation for that journey. The Acting Conservatory at The NYPAA is also a natural next step for students ready to train at the highest level.

What is your refund or cancellation policy? +

All enrollments are non-refundable. However, if your plans change, your tuition converts to a full program credit with no expiration — apply it toward any future NYPAA class, workshop, or program. We’re committed to making sure your investment in your training continues to work for you.

Where is the acting class held in NYC? +

Classes are held at The NYPAA, 244 West 54th Street, 11th Floor, Room 1102, New York, NY 10019 — in Midtown Manhattan, easily accessible from Penn Station, Grand Central, Times Square, Port Authority, and Columbus Circle. Get directions on Google Maps →

WHAT'S NEXT AFTER 12 WEEKS?

Completing the 12-week program puts you exactly where you need to be to take the next serious step in your training. Two paths forward:

Foundation Program

The NYPAA Foundation

A year-long conservatory-style program covering acting, musical performance, voice & diction, and dance. Led by Karina Arroyave and a faculty of working industry professionals. The natural full immersion after the 12-week track.

Explore the Foundation Program →

The Conservatory

Acting Conservatory (1-Year)

The most rigorous acting training at The NYPAA — a full-year conservatory program in Acting for Stage & Screen. For students who are ready to train at the highest level and commit fully to the craft.

Explore the Acting Conservatory →

Alumni of the 12-week program receive priority consideration and alumni pricing on both programs. Contact us to discuss the right next step for your goals.

CLASS INFO

⏰ Next session starts May 16 — limited spots available. Register now.

✓ AUDITION NOT REQUIRED

✓ AGES 17+

✓ 12 SATURDAYS ONLY

✓ ADVANCED CRITIQUE INCLUDED

🎓 Returning NYPAA student?
Select “The NYPAA Alum” at checkout to save $69.50 automatically.

💳 Payment plans available.
Don’t let the full price be a barrier to serious training.
See financing options →

Ready to go further?
The 12-week is the ideal foundation for
The NYPAA Foundation Program →
The Acting Conservatory (1-Year) →

Enrollment & Credit Policy

We want your investment in your training to keep working for you. While all enrollments are non-refundable, if your plans change we’ll convert your tuition to a full program credit — good toward any NYPAA class or workshop, with no expiration. Your commitment to your craft is never lost.

Additional Costs

Program fees cover instruction only. Travel, transportation, and any visa-related costs are the student’s responsibility.

Questions before you register?
📞 212-457-4060
✉️ service@thenypaa.org
Or request information online →

Event Details

Class Details:

Start time: 04:00 p.m. EDT

End time: 05:30 p.m. EDT

Venue: The NYPAA @ 244 W54th St., 11th Fl., Room 1102

Coordinates: 40.7642738,-73.9832921

Directions: From Penn Station Walking (approx. 15 minutes): Exit Penn Station onto 8th Avenue. Walk north on 8th Avenue for about 10 blocks. Turn right onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. From Penn Station Subway (approx. 8 minutes): Take the C or E train from 34th Street-Penn Station (Downtown & Brooklyn). Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on 8th Avenue for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Grand Central Terminal Subway (approx. 10 minutes): Take the S Shuttle or 7 train from Grand Central to Times Square-42nd Street. Transfer to the C or E train (Uptown & Queens) at Times Square-42nd Street. Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on 8th Avenue for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Grand Central Terminal Walking (approx. 20 minutes): Exit Grand Central onto 42nd Street. Walk west on 42nd Street to 8th Avenue. Walk north on 8th Avenue to West 54th Street. Turn right onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Port Authority Bus Terminal Walking (approx. 12 minutes): Exit Port Authority onto 8th Avenue. Walk north on 8th Avenue for about 8 blocks. Turn right onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. From Port Authority Bus Terminal Subway (approx. 5 minutes): Take the C or E train from 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal (Uptown & Queens). Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on 8th Avenue for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Times Square Walking (approx. 10 minutes): Exit Times Square onto 7th Avenue. Walk north on 7th Avenue to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your left, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. From Times Square Subway (approx. 5 minutes): Take the C or E train from Times Square-42nd Street Station (Uptown & Queens). Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on 8th Avenue for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Columbus Circle Walking (approx. 5 minutes): Exit Columbus Circle onto Broadway. Walk south on Broadway for 5 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your left, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. From Columbus Circle Subway (approx. 3 minutes): Take the 1 train from 59th Street-Columbus Circle Station (Downtown & Brooklyn). Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on Broadway for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your left.

Phone: 212-457-4060

Email: service@thenypaa.org