Classical Acting
MASTER OF FINE ARTS
Offered in partnership with the Shakespeare Theatre Company and the George Washington University, this program has been creating a new community of classical actors since 2000.
The Master of Fine Arts in Classical Acting is an immersive, intensive program developing the actor’s instrument to handle the rigors of Shakespeare and other classical texts. The mission of the MFA in Classical Acting program (also known as The Academy at STC at the George Washington University) is to create a body of artists who are able to perform classical texts with skill, clarity and inspiration, for American audiences who deserve better than an imitation of the British tradition.
This unique program runs for 44 consecutive weeks, from late August through the following July. The participants work in the studios on the GW campus, for 40 to 60 hours weekly (including rehearsal time and preparation). Classes include:
- textual analysis
- voice and speech
- movement
- dance, mask, and clown work
- Alexander technique
- character analysis and scene work
- dramaturgical research into the Elizabethan, Jacobean, and Restoration periods
- Certification in stage combat
INFORMATION SESSIONS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
AUDITIONS
- Philadelphia, PA January 10-12th
- Fullerton, CA January 18-19th
- Chicago, IL January 26-29th
- New York, NY February 1st
- Washington, DC February 8th
Prospective students can schedule auditions by emailing [email protected]
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
At the STC, our 12-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 long time and, most significantly, only focus marginally on classical acting.
The STC’s highly physical, rigorous training is part of a true immersion program, with an exceptional number of contact hours between students and our professional faculty. Our curriculum consists of six full days of classes and rehearsals weekly, and a culminating project of two fully-staged STC productions, directed by guest artists and performed in repertory.
In addition to receiving ongoing feedback in classes, students meet twice during each semester with each faculty member, individually. These conferences allow for private one-on-one conversations to clarify their progress, define areas for growth and develop strategies for improvement and change.
WHO YOU'LL STUDY WITH
Our faculty include award-winning artistic directors, founders of theatres, dancers, actors, teachers, writers and experts in movement and stage combat. Many of the faculty members are award-winning actors associated with the STC, and visiting artists like Laura Linney, Maria Aitkin and Fran Dorn are invited to offer Master Classes when in town.
OUR FACULTY
ADMISSIONS
To apply to the program, follow the graduate application process and submit all materials by February 15.
Costs & Financial Aid
The Student Accounts Office provides up to date cost information on our program. We do offer some partial fellowships to MFA students each year. To be considered for a fellowship, you must apply for fall admission. You may also find fellowships through the Office of Fellowships & Assistantships. The Office of Student Financial Assistance also has more information on aid opportunities.
Every year, Corcoran hosts NEXT, a year-end celebration of art and scholarship. In 2021, Classical Acting M.F.A students like Sam Parrot were able to showcase the skills that they’d honed throughout their degree. Sam’s delivery of “Romeo in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet” did just that.
CONTACT
Campus Address
The Academy at STC
at The George Washington University
2129 G Street NW, Building L, Rear
Washington, D.C. 20052
Phone: 202-994-2475
Program Information
Program Director, STC
Alec Wild
[email protected]
(202) 994-2820
Program Administrator
Maddie Caldis
mcaldis@shakespearetheatre.
Program Advisor
Jodi Kanter
[email protected]