Summer Training Congress

Dear prospective Summer Training Congress students,

After much discussion and consideration with several members of the conservatory staff and other stakeholders, I’ve decided to pause the Summer Training Congress for 2023. This is due to multiple factors, including juggling facility space, as well as several recent and upcoming changes and departures to the conservatory staff, including Chris Herold, who taught in the STC for 28 years and led the program as Director for 15 years, including its return from a 2-year hiatus. We greatly appreciate the time and service he gave to A.C.T. and this program and wish him well on his next endeavors.

I want to assure everyone that the conservatory department continues to run strongly with its other intensive training program and theater classes, including the Young Conservatory, Studio A.C.T., and San Francisco Semester. And, we continue to keep the Melissa Yandell Smith Library operating for the A.C.T. community.

The hope is that this summer will be a strong opportunity to revisit the structure of our department and our programs, reestablish a strong foundation for the conservatory to flourish, relaunch the STC with new leadership in Summer 2024, as well as look at opportunities to expand the library’s access, and increase our professional development program’s outreach.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Kuo

Director of the Conservatory

A.C.T.'s Summer Training Congress

Intensive, Comprehensive Actor Training

World-Class Training

This summer, join an extraordinary community of students as you train at our world-renowned, Tony Award–winning theater company and conservatory. Ideal for anyone serious about acting, the Summer Training Congress (STC) offers intensive, comprehensive training in classes taught by a distinguished faculty of teaching artists.

The A.C.T. Experience

A.C.T. was the first theater to win a Tony Award for the quality of its training programs as well as its performances. 

Located in the heart of the one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful cities, our light-filled studios provide the perfect training space for actors. A few blocks away are our magnificent Beaux Arts–style theater and the modern Strand Theater, two of San Francisco's most popular cultural destinations. Students attend A.C.T. productions, as well as Conservatory Hours—exclusive Q&A sessions with prominent actors, directors, producers, writers, and alumni. After intense hours in the studio, STC students can enjoy San Francisco's colorful neighborhoods, theaters, parks, museums, cafes, and restaurants.

STC Students

The STC attracts an exciting and diverse group of students, many of whom appear in films and on stages across the world, and also hold places in prestigious MFA programs. The program is ideal for students considering a graduate degree in theater or a performance career, and for professional actors who want exposure to new methods or to brush up on skills. STC participants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The Training Program

6-week Intensive 

Students develop a broad range of acting skills in classes taught by A.C.T.'s distinguished faculty. Training is centered around core skills including acting, movement, voice, speech, text, improvisation, clowning, and audition technique. The 6-week session culminates in a showcase attended by A.C.T. faculty and staff.

A COVID-19 Update from A.C.T.

A.C.T. is a nonprofit theater that relies heavily on the support of our patrons. A.C.T. and other arts organizations are realizing significant losses due to the impact of COVID-19. Consider making a tax-deductible gift today. 

Questions?

Visit our STC FAQ page. Still have more questions? Call 415.439.2426 or email conservatory@act-sf.org