Training Overview

At the ACA, our twelve-month graduate program offers both artistic and practical advantages that set it apart from other MFA acting programs. Many actors desire additional classical training but cannot devote three years to a conventional MFA program. Such programs take them out of the field for a very long time and, most significantly, only focus in part on classical acting.

The ACA’s highly physical, rigorous training is part of a true immersion program, with an exceptional number of contact hours between students and a professional faculty. Its curriculum consists of five full days of classes and rehearsals for twelve consecutive months, including performances of fully staged ACA productions. Beginning in mid-late August and finishing in mid-July, the training involves 44 weeks of instruction, with classes beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Actors are in rehearsal on Saturdays as well during the Summer Term. This 59-credit degree is divided into three terms: Fall (17 weeks), Spring (15 weeks) and Summer (12 weeks).

In addition to ongoing feedback in classes, students meet twice during each semester with individual faculty members. These conferences allow for private one-on-one conversations to clarify their progress, define areas for growth, and develop strategies for improvement and change.