SFS FAQ

Q: Do I need to be vaccinated and/or boosted from COVID-19 to attend the program?
A: Yes. As of January 25, 2022 all eligible staff, faculty, and students must be vaccinated and boosted from COVID-19. Upon acceptance, students will receive detailed COVID-19 guidelines and FAQs to review. All COVID-19 vaccination and booster information will be done through A.C.T.'s Human Resources department for confidentiality and confirmation of vaccination.

Q: When will a decision be made to rollback to online training?
A: While we do not anticipate this happening, A.C.T. is prepared to make a decision about the status of online or in-person training in two months before the start of a semester start-date.

Q: What is the Refund Policy?
A: Students who do not rollover or defer, but withdraw or are dismissed from the San Francisco Semester MUST reapply if they wish to attend any subsequent San Francisco Semesters. 

Upon written cancellation received by A.C.T. before the date classes are to begin, the student will be refunded all deposits minus a processing fee of $500. If the student re-applies and is accepted into the program, $225 of that fee will be applied to their future tuition.

Students who withdraw completely from A.C.T.’s San Francisco Semester before completing more than 60% of the semester, are entitled to a refund of tuition. The calculation of the amount of the refund will be based on a daily proration of the unearned tuition through the 60% period of the semester. No refund will be made after the 60% period of the semester. The library fee and the Cultural Landscapes fee are non-refundable.

Q: How do I apply for the San Francisco Semester?
A: Please submit the online application and be prepared to provide the following:

1. One full-face photograph or headshot
2. Current résumé of theatrical experience
3. Contact information for two recommenders (including name, email address, and phone number)
4. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
5. An essay (no longer than one typewritten page) describing why you are pursuing training in theater

Prior to submission you will be required to pay a nonrefundable, non-waivable $50 application fee via credit card or PayPal.

Q: What are the application requirements?
A: Applicants for The San Francisco Semester must:

1. be at least 18 years of age by the chosen class start date.
2. have a secondary (US high school equivalent) education degree.
3. have proof of current health insurance.
    

Q: What is the advantage of early bird admission?
A: You will save $2,500 off the price of tuition!

Q: Should I submit a theatrical résumé? Can I include any non-theater experience?
A: You must include a résumé listing all theater work with your application materials. This can include acting classes, voice lessons, seminars, school productions, community productions, and/or professional productions.

Q: Do I need to request official transcripts from my most recent school or can I send unofficial copies?
A: You may submit an unofficial transcript as part of your online application. If you are accepted into the program you may be required to provide an official transcript.

Q: Can I send recommendations and transcripts separately, or do I need to submit all of my application materials together?
A: You will be required to upload your unofficial transcript(s) and provide contact information for your two recommenders before you are able to submit your online application. Please be prepared to provide the following information for each of your recommenders: name, phone number, email address.

Q: When on the deadline date will the application no longer be available?
A: The application will no longer be available as of 12 a.m. midnight (PST) on the day after the deadline.

Q: May I visit the school for a tour?
A: If you are in the area, the the Conservatory Coordinator will be happy to speak with you about our actor training programs. However, please read about the program and familiarize yourself with the application materials before your visit. You can make an appointment by emailing conservatory@act-sf.org.

Q: I sent in my application but haven't heard anything. Should I call the office?
A: Please wait at least two weeks after your application has been submitted completely. When we process your application, we will send you an email to tell you which documents, if any, we are still missing. We will schedule a Zoom interview after all application materials have been received.

Q: Do you offer academic course credit?
A: As of May 2022, A.C.T. no longer offers academic credit.

Q: Where do classes meet?
A: Classes take place at A.C.T.'s studios in the heart of San Francisco's theater district. Students will attend cultural outings across the city.

Q: What is the curriculum?
A: Please visit our curriculum page for a complete listing and description of courses.

Q: What is the daily class schedule? Are classes held on the weekend or just during the week?
A: Please visit our curriculum page for a sample weekly schedule. Classes typically meet Monday–Friday and vary day-to-day. Some Cultural Landscaping classes occur on evenings and weekends, as well as pre-scheduled A.C.T. performances that SFS students are meant to attend.

You are a full-time student while enrolled in SFS. Please note: Arranging rehearsal time outside of regularly scheduled class hours is essential to successfully completing the SFS.

Q: Who teaches the classes?
A: The faculty is comprised of working theater professionals, from directors and dramaturgs to actors and casting directors. Visiting artists will also teach intensives throughout the semester.

Q: Will we attend plays or other events?
A: Yes—as part of the Cultural Landscapes course, students will attend the plays scheduled as part of A.C.T.'s professional season, selected A.C.T. conservatory performances, as well as outings to other Bay Area theaters, concerts, dance performances, and museums each week.  

Q: Where do students live?
A: A.C.T. does not find housing for students and has no housing available. Apartments, rooms, and residence clubs are located within walking distance of the A.C.T. studios in downtown San Francisco. Other housing is available a short bus ride away, and San Francisco has an excellent public transportation system. We recommend that applicants use various online options to explore these possibilities. Residence clubs within walking distance include the Kenmore Residence Club, the Columbus Residence Club and the Monroe Residence Club.

We encourage you to do research on the various neighborhoods around San Francisco and find a place that will match your financial and personal wants and needs. 

Q: What forms of transportation are available to students?
A: Students may purchase monthly passes for BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains and MUNI trains and buses, which offer access to San Francisco and much of the Bay Area.

If you have any questions about housing, please contact conservatory@act-sf.org.

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: Students are responsible for an application fee of $50; tuition of $15,000; housing and living expenses approximately $8,490 (A.C.T. will recommend housing options in downtown San Francisco); a Cultural Landscapes course fee of $400; and a library fee of $25. Tuition for those applying for early bird admission is $12,500—a savings of $2,500!

Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Yes. A.C.T. offers a limited number of scholarships to students enrolled in the San Francisco Semester. If you have any questions, please contact A.C.T.'s financial aid office at 415.439.2319 or email ktremewan@act-sf.org.

Q: Are fee waivers available to cover my application fee?
A: Unfortunately, we do not offer fee waivers. Each applicant must pay the application fee. There are no exceptions.

Q: Is there a separate application for financial aid?
A: If you are accepted into the program, you will then be considered for financial aid. Please email ktremewan@act-sf.org for the scholarship form.

Q: I'm an international student. What are my financial aid options?
A: We do offer a small number of scholarships each year, but international students should consult their country of citizenship for government-provided financial aid.

Q: What if I have other financial aid questions?
A: Please email Kelsey Tremewan at ktremewan@act-sf.org or call 415.439.2319.

Q: Does A.C.T. provide health insurance?
A: All students entering the program are required to carry their own health insurance or be covered under their parents' plan while in San Francisco. Proof of coverage must be submitted in writing prior to registration.

Q: I was a student while A.C.T. had its WASC accreditation, am I able to receive a transcript?

A: Yes. If you were a student prior to May 2022, we are still able to provide a transcript with course credit during your time in the San Francisco Semester Program. Please go to our transcript page for more information.

Q: Does A.C.T. offer other actor training programs?
Our annual Summer Training Congress offers students an intensive program in acting with a focus on core skills, classical acting, or both.

From acting and improvisation to musical theater and monologues, adult classes are also available throughout the year in Studio A.C.T.