Frequently Asked Questions
GW Application Form:
What is the best way to fill out an application for GWU/ACA?
We strongly encourage you to apply online at GWU. For an application, click here.
I am applying for the 2012-2013 academic year, but the application I
received is for the previous year. Do I need to obtain a new application?
Applications for the 2012-2013 academic year will be available in August. However,
you may still submit an old application - just make certain you indicate that
you are applying for the term beginning in the Fall of 2012.
How should I answer the following questions on the application form?
| Question #6: |
Fall 2012 |
| Question #8: |
Full time |
| Question #9: |
On campus: ACA/The Shakespeare Theatre |
| Question #10: |
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences |
| Question #11: |
Intended degree: MFA (Code: 21) |
| Intended field of study: |
Classical Acting (Code: 851) |
| |
There is no "concentration within field"—please leave this space blank. |
| Question #15: |
There are no required tests, except TOEFL (international students only). |
| Question #16: |
Please list all schools attended, even if you did not receive a degree. |
For an application, click here. Then click on the "apply for admission" button
on the left. If you have problems accessing an application or connecting to
the GW website, please call 202.994.2819.
Application Process:
What is the correct deadline for the applications?
The application deadline for the 2012-2013 academic year is January 7, 2012.
What exactly should be included in the Statement of Purpose?
The Statement of Purpose should address your reasons for wanting to study classical
acting. The essay should be typed and contain between 250 and 500 words.
Do I have to use the forms provided in my application packet for recommendations?
No, the forms provided in the application materials serve as a guide but do not have to be used as the method of recommendation. A letter from an individual that can attest to your abilities as an actor is preferred.
I'm in my forties and my academic letters of recommendation are twenty years old. Do you still want them?
If you have them, yes. If you would be requesting a new letter from someone who hasn't worked with you in 20 years, perhaps no. Try to find other professionals that could speak to your readiness to take on graduate study: an employer, a director, etc. You may want to send in the old academic reference and also enclose an extra recent recommendation.
What do you mean by 'professional' and 'academic' letters of recommendation?
An academic letter is from a teacher of theatre from any acting class or program in which you have been enrolled. A professional letter is from a director, Artistic Director, or other professional theatre artist with whom you have worked recently. Although one of each type of letter is preferred, two academic or two professional letters would be acceptable.
You say to send copies of application materials to the ACA. What if I have a transcript or recommendation that cannot be copied because it is officially sealed?
The ACA would like your headshot and resume to be sent electronically, via email
to JStrachan@ShakespeareTheatre.org.
Send original documents (transcripts, application form, headshot and resume,
letters of recommendation, etc.) to: Columbian College of Arts and Sciences,
Office of Graduate Admissions, George Washington University, 801 22nd St. NW,
Washington, DC 20052. The staffs of both GW and the ACA keep in close correspondence
with one another about what documents each office has received. In the end both
offices will have all of your application materials.
Do I need to send duplicate copies of my letters of recommendation, transcripts,
and other materials, and do I send to both the GW Graduate Admissions Office
and the ACA Office?
No. Only one copy of each letter, transcript, form, etc. needs to be sent.
We prefer that you send all materials not submitted online to the Graduate
Admissions Office at this address:
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences – Graduate Admissions Office
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052
Do I need to submit a hard copy of my transcript?
No. An electronic version, including scanned copies, is acceptable when
initially applying. We strongly encourage you to upload an unofficial copy
of your transcript or academic record for each institution you have attended
to the Education section of the online application. Your application can
be reviewed for admission on the basis of the unofficial copies. Official
copies of your transcripts will be required only if you are offered admission. Guidelines
for uploading your transcript can be found online here.
Do I have to have all of my application materials in by the posted deadline?
No. The online application and application fee are due by the listed deadline.
Other materials may be sent as soon as possible thereafter. Naturally, we want
a complete file by the time you audition.
What is the difference between a Certificate student and a Master's student at ACA?
Program-wise, there is no difference between Certificate (non-degree / those
who do not hold an undergraduate degree) and Master's candidates. All students
take the same classes for the same number of credits and the tuition is a fixed-rate
charge. However, if you are planning to apply for loans to help finance your
education, please be aware that Certificate students are not eligible for the
Federal Loan Program (FAFSA). Certificate students must finance their time here
through private loans. More information about these various private loan programs
can be found through www.finaid.org or
through the GWU office of Financial Aid: finaid@gwu.edu,
202.994.6620.
I have applied to the ACA in the past. What do I need to resubmit in terms of application materials?
If you have applied to ACA in past years, transcripts need not be resubmitted.
You are required to submit a new application form, application fee, a revised
statement of purpose (telling us about any growth or changes that have taken
place professionally since we last saw you) and an updated resume and headshot.
You should also submit new letters of recommendation if there are people who
can attest to your most recent work as an actor since the last time you applied.
I'm a Canadian or dual citizen. Do I have to abide by any other procedures?
An international student accepted for graduate study at The George Washington
University is NOT eligible for Federal Loan money unless he or she is also a
U.S. citizen. For more information or questions pertaining to visa/citizenship
issues please visit the GWU International Services Office at: http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso/.
Before I decide to apply, I would like to talk to someone who has graduated that has similar circumstances. Is this possible?
Yes. Please contact the Program Coordinator so can be put in contact
with an alumnus of the program.
Audition Process:
What do you mean by "at least two classical monologues?"
This means your initial audition will consist of two classical/Shakespeare monologues
within a five minute time slot. We recommend that your pieces be in verse.
Will there be any callbacks?
Yes. The callback session will take place later the same day as your audition.
A callback list will be posted during the day. If you are called back, we may
want to work more intensely on one or both of your monologues, and/or see what
other pieces you have prepared. You should therefore have at least 2 additional
classical pieces prepared
as well as a contemporary piece.
When will my audition be scheduled?
Once your application and application fee have been received by The George
Washington University, you will be contacted to schedule your audition.
Obviously, the sooner you submit your application materials, the sooner you
will be contacted about scheduling.
Required Background and Training:
I have a BA degree, but it is not in theatre. Can I still apply?
Yes. The bachelor's degree can be in any field. Your experience and training
in theatre and, of course, your audition will be the primary basis for your selection
as a student. Note: the ACA is an advanced acting program and
is not intended for beginning actors—applicants should already possess
a solid background in theatre.
Tuition and Fees:
How much does the program really cost?
Tuition is $29,000 for the 12-month program. We are estimating that your
cost of living (housing, food, transportation, supplies, etc.) will total around
$17,000, which makes the overall "cost of attendance" approximately $45,000 for
the year. There are also fees paid to the university (application fee, student
health insurance fee, graduation fee, etc.) that probably add up to another $500.
Scholarships:
Are there any scholarships available from the ACA;
if so, how and when will they be awarded?
There are several partial scholarships available through the ACA.
These funds will be awarded based on both need and merit. The development departments
of both institutions raise funds annually. These funds depend on the timing
and generosity of individual donors, so the amount varies from year to year,
and sometimes the amount of the gift is not known until close to the beginning
of the school year.
How do I apply for Federal Aid?
To apply for Federal Financial Aid go to the FAFSA homepage at www.fafsa.ed.gov. There you will be able to apply online, track the status of your application and receive answers to any Federal Aid related questions you may have.
Housing:
Does the ACA provide housing; if not, can the ACA help me find a place
to live?
Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Often, incoming
students can work out arrangements with graduating students of the ACA to take
over their lease in August. The ACA Program Coordinator can provide some help
and advice on housing in the area. On-campus grad housing is not available through
GW. Most students will find apartments for the year in the Capitol Hill area
of Washington, DC (rent will vary depending on location and on whether a student
lives alone or with a roommate; however, monthly rent for an individual averages
between $650 and $1200). Program Information:
What is the difference between the Acting Fellows Program at the Shakespeare Theatre Company and the Academy for Classical Acting?
Acting Fellows are interns with the Shakespeare Theatre Company
for a season whereas actors at the ACA are full-time graduate students of The
George Washington University. Click
here to learn more about the Acting Fellows program. How often do the students work with Michael Kahn?
Michael Kahn works with the students in both the Fall and Spring semesters. In the Fall term, students begin working on Shakespeare scenes with Michael in October and go through early December. In the Spring, students spend about four weeks with him working on scenes from Jacobean plays. Are ACA students cast in shows at the Shakespeare Theatre Company during their training?
No. Actors at the Academy are full-time graduate students and are in classes five days a week from 9am – 6pm. Students are not allowed to perform professionally during their year of training. How about after they graduate?
Approximately 23% of our graduates have been offered employment
or have worked for the Shakespeare Theatre Company since completing their training
at the ACA. This percentage is comparable to other MFA institutions with relationships
to regional theatres.
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