2025 – 2027
Cobalt Studios provides quality apprentice-style training to people interested in pursuing a career in Scenic Art. Located on a 28 acres of fields and woods, the Cobalt farmhouse can accommodate up to 9 people, with kitchen and laundry facilities available to all. Students and guest artists generally reside on the grounds. The painting studio is located a short walking distance from the house. Studio facilities include a painting deck; paint mixing room, library, and drafting facilities.
The nearest municipalities are Monticello and Liberty, both about 15 minutes away. The surrounding communities in this summer vacationland are pretty quiet during the winter school months. The Catskills region offers various winter sports such as skiing, sledding and skating. Students can anticipate having the opportunity to visit museums and see productions in New York City and nearby communities.
Student Life
Based on a forty-hour week, students participate in both classwork and apprentice work. Outside of this time, students can expect to do homework and their share of chores in the house, on the grounds, and in the studio. These activities, as well as meal hours, are scheduled but flexible. The remaining time is free for the students.
Cobalt Studios expects compliance with State and Federal laws concerning drugs and alcohol.
Admission
Cobalt Studios will accept up to 8 students for the two-year program. Applicants for admission do not need an extensive theatre background, although a basic familiarity with theatre and art is necessary. We do consider a strong foundation in drawing to be essential. All applicants must have received a High School or equivalency diploma . Rather than the customary academic standards, Cobalt Studios admission is based on the applicant’s enthusiasm, ability, references, and potential to succeed in professional theatre. Cobalt Studios maintains a racially and sexually non-discriminating policy and a willingness to accommodate accessibility needs within the realistic physical expectations of our industry.
What You Get
You get the most incredibly detailed training you can imagine!! Classes, information and practice are always oriented towards work in the profession. Contacts you make here become your lifetime support system. Upon completion of the Scenic Artist Training Program the student receives a Graduation Certificate.
Cobalt Studios is a non-accredited institution. Several accredited universities and colleges have given credit to their students for attending our program. Some of these include: University of North Carolina School of the Arts, University of Minnesota, Ohio University, and the Hong Kong School of Performing Arts. The option to do so lies with that institution.
Financial
The non-refundable application fee covers processing your application and the cost of the overnight interview. It does not include the transportation to and from that interview.
Tuition covers a student’s share of instructor fees, class materials, utilities, insurance, and field trips. Room & Board includes a furnished room in the Cobalt House (twin bed, dresser, desk, chair, & lamp), laundry, house utilities, all meals at the house and on the job excluding mutually agreed upon meals eaten out. Personal expenses and equipment such as personal trips, snacks, alcohol, and personal tools are NOT included in the fees. These will be provided by the student. Transportation (and Room & Board) to any offsite educational location or job site will be covered by Cobalt Studios.
Students will be responsible for keeping their own rooms clean. Any excessive wear or damage to the housing will be deducted from the responsible student’s room deposit.
Cost Breakdown
| Cost | First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,525.00 | $7,525.00 |
| Room and board | $4,730.00 | $4,730.00 |
| Room Deposit* | $175.00 | $0.00 |
| Total | $12,430.00 | $12,255.00 |
*Room Deposit refunded after final move-out minus damages
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Non-refundable application fee due with application: $150.00
| When | First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| August 15 | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 |
| First Day of First Semester | $9,755.00 | $9,755.00 |
| First Day of First Semester | $175.00 | $0.00 |
The Cobalt Loan
Because Cobalt Studios is non-accredited institution, loans from the usual sources are scarce. We offer our own in-house loan. Upon acceptance there is a loan limit of $5,000.00 for the first year and $2,000.00 for the second year. Information on how the Cobalt Loan works is available upon request.
Payment schedule if a loan is taken out from Cobalt (based on a loan for $5,000.00).
| When | First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| August 15 | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 |
| First Day of First Semester | $4,755.00 | $6,580.00 |
| First Day of First Semester | $175.00 | $0.00 |
CALENDAR
The 2 Year Training Program runs September to May.
Vacations include: Thanksgiving (3 Days), Christmas (2 Weeks) and Spring Break (1 Week).
We also observe Indigenous People’s Day and President’s Day.
Click Here for Information about the upcoming Academic Calendar
