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George Washington University

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

MFA Classical Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program Recognition

Only MFA program in the United States dedicated solely to classical acting

Partnership between Shakespeare Theatre Company and George Washington University

Located in Washington, DC, the second most important theater center after New York

Training

Training includes textual analysis, voice and speech, movement, dance, mask and clown work, Alexander technique, character analysis, dramaturgical research, and stage combat certification

Students meet twice per semester with each faculty member individually

Faculty include award-winning artistic directors, founders of theatres, actors, and experts in movement and stage combat

Visiting artists like Laura Linney, Maria Aitken, and Fran Dorn offer Master Classes

Degree Flexibility

12-month intensive program (44 consecutive weeks from late August through following July)

40-60 hours weekly of classes, rehearsals, and preparation

Culminating project of two fully-staged STC productions performed in repertory

Since 2000, has graduated 12-18 students annually

School Info

Snapshot

3.96

Avg GPA (W)

47%

Admit Rate

school-wide

84%

Grad Rate

11.2K

Enrollment

$91K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$72,420

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$95,155

Before aid

Average Net Price

$36,586

After aid

Cost Gw Education · gwu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 1, 11:51 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Only MFA program in the United States dedicated solely to classical acting

Partnership between Shakespeare Theatre Company and George Washington University

Located in Washington, DC, the second most important theater center after New York

Training

Training includes textual analysis, voice and speech, movement, dance, mask and clown work, Alexander technique, character analysis, dramaturgical research, and stage combat certification

Students meet twice per semester with each faculty member individually

Faculty include award-winning artistic directors, founders of theatres, actors, and experts in movement and stage combat

Visiting artists like Laura Linney, Maria Aitken, and Fran Dorn offer Master Classes

Degree Flexibility

12-month intensive program (44 consecutive weeks from late August through following July)

40-60 hours weekly of classes, rehearsals, and preparation

Culminating project of two fully-staged STC productions performed in repertory

Since 2000, has graduated 12-18 students annually

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Only MFA program in the United States dedicated solely to classical acting

Partnership between Shakespeare Theatre Company and George Washington University

Located in Washington, DC, the second most important theater center after New York

Training

Training includes textual analysis, voice and speech, movement, dance, mask and clown work, Alexander technique, character analysis, dramaturgical research, and stage combat certification

Students meet twice per semester with each faculty member individually

Faculty include award-winning artistic directors, founders of theatres, actors, and experts in movement and stage combat

Visiting artists like Laura Linney, Maria Aitken, and Fran Dorn offer Master Classes

Degree Flexibility

12-month intensive program (44 consecutive weeks from late August through following July)

40-60 hours weekly of classes, rehearsals, and preparation

Culminating project of two fully-staged STC productions performed in repertory

Since 2000, has graduated 12-18 students annually

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App Coalition App

Fee

$80

Deadline

Early DecisionNov 1, 2026

Early Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 5, 2027

First Year Applicants · undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Official page · academy.shakespearetheatre.org

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Monologues

Monologue Requirements

Prepare two contrasting classical monologues, about two minutes each

Shakespeare is a strong choice; other verse, heightened, or poetic texts are also acceptable

Most candidates audition with two contrasting classical or verse pieces

If your classical pieces do not represent you confidently, bring the two pieces that best represent your work

Additional Materials

Resume

Professional resume including roles played, theatres worked at, training, and special skills

Essay

Submit a personal essay about your personality, individuality, and goals

Discuss why the program is a good fit and what you will bring to it

Letters of Recommendation

Submit two letters of recommendation from people who know your work deeply (directors, mentors, professors, or other colleagues)

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Official page · academy.shakespearetheatre.org

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Create a GWU online application account and submit graduate materials by February 15, 2026

If transcripts or recommendations are pending from outside sources, contact the Academy so the application can remain open

Important Notes

Attend an Academy information session to receive an $80 GWU application fee waiver

What's The Process

Audition Process

Philadelphia, PA (January 9-11, 2026)

Washington, DC (January 17, 2026)

Chicago, IL (January 25-28, 2026)

New York, NY (January 31, 2026)

URTA virtual auditions in Atlanta, GA (January 18, 2026)

Audition Expectations

Email academy@shakespearetheatre.org to secure an audition

Video auditions accepted if unable to travel to audition cities

Interview component included in audition process

Auditions seen by Director of STC Academy and STC's Head of Voice and Text

Scholarship Info

Automatic Tuition Reduction

Every Academy student receives a 42% tuition reduction scholarship

Full program tuition approximately $49,000 (after automatic scholarship)

Additional Aid

Significant tuition-reduction awards available for students most in need

Students eligible for federal assistance through Federal Student Aid program

Attend an information session to receive an $80 application fee waiver

School Info

Snapshot

3.96

Avg GPA (W)

47%

Admit Rate

school-wide

84%

Grad Rate

11.2K

Enrollment

$91K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$72,420

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$95,155

Before aid

Average Net Price

$36,586

After aid

Cost Gw Education · gwu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Only MFA program in the United States dedicated solely to classical acting

Partnership between Shakespeare Theatre Company and George Washington University

Located in Washington, DC, the second most important theater center after New York

Training

Training includes textual analysis, voice and speech, movement, dance, mask and clown work, Alexander technique, character analysis, dramaturgical research, and stage combat certification

Students meet twice per semester with each faculty member individually

Faculty include award-winning artistic directors, founders of theatres, actors, and experts in movement and stage combat

Visiting artists like Laura Linney, Maria Aitken, and Fran Dorn offer Master Classes

Degree Flexibility

12-month intensive program (44 consecutive weeks from late August through following July)

40-60 hours weekly of classes, rehearsals, and preparation

Culminating project of two fully-staged STC productions performed in repertory

Since 2000, has graduated 12-18 students annually

Updated Aug 1, 11:51 PM