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Academy for Classical Acting

The Shakespeare Theatre in the Nation's Capital, in conjunction with The George Washington University, offers a Master of Fine Arts degree to develop actors for the classical theatre. Under the guidance of Michael Kahn, Artistic Director of The Shakespeare Theatre and one of this country's most respected acting teachers, The Shakespeare Theatre Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University (ACA) trains up to 20 students each year. ACA's one-year intensive graduate program focuses on the specific craft of acting Shakespeare and other classical texts.

Training includes acting, voice and speech—in particular the challenges of speaking verse—movement, mask, the Alexander Technique, text, combat, as well as dramatic literature and theatre history. Students perform in their own ACA productions. By training under the auspices of "the nation's foremost Shakespeare company" ( The Wall Street Journal ) and one of the nation's finest academic institutions, ACA students receive a unique opportunity to learn and interact with members of The Shakespeare Theatre's accomplished classical acting company, as well as nationally and internationally recognized guest instructors and distinguished faculty from The George Washington University. An alternative to traditional MFA acting programs, ACA helps professional actors who want to strengthen their skills in this specific discipline.