The San Francisco Semester is a full-time conservatory training program for artists ready to commit deeply to their craft. Bridge your artistic journey with extensive actor training and cultural immersion in the heart of San Francisco. 

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Are you ready?

Embark on a 15-week actor-training program at one of the country’s most acclaimed professional theater companies—located in the heart of one of the world’s most culturally vibrant and diverse cities. Grounded in a rich curriculum, the San Francisco Semester bridges theater artists to the active, ongoing engagement of the Bay Area’s eclectic and energetic arts community.

At our Tony Award–winning nonprofit regional theater and conservatory, you’ll observe some of the best artists in the industry, and invigorate your imagination and creativity. You’ll experience stirring and unforgettable performances, immerse yourself in one of the country’s most thrilling cultural centers, and expand your understanding of what theater can be.

Surrounded by the creative and ambitious theater students of A.C.T.’s Conservatory, you will experience aspects of intensive training as you define yourself as an artist. The length of the program offers an extensive in-depth training, while the weekly schedule offers you time to breathe and to immerse yourself in the city and reflect on your training. 

Why wait? Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to launch your future today. Who are you as an artist—and who do you want to be?

Apply for Fall 2026

Scholarships

Available support for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 cohorts include: 

TRANSFORMATIONAL ACCESS AWARD 

This award supports an exceptional artist with significant financial need for whom the program would otherwise be inaccessible, enabling full participation in this intensive, full-time training experience.  

The award covers 100% of tuition plus a $7,500 stipend for the 15-week program. 

One artist will receive this award during the 2026-27 academic year.

LOCAL ARTIST AWARD 

For Bay Area artists who are current residents or who grew up in the area.

$2,500 in tuition support  

Awarded once in the fall and once in the spring. 

EMERGING ARTIST AWARD 

For early career artists with limited credits who demonstrate strong artistic potential and readiness for conservatory training. 

$2,500 in tuition support  

Awarded once in the fall and once in the spring.

FINANCIAL AID FUND 

Need-based financial support is available to address financial barriers.  

HOW TO APPLY 

Applicants seeking scholarships or financial aid for the San Francisco Semester must complete the following steps: 

Download and complete the Scholarship and Financial Aid Application

Attach the completed form to your San Francisco Semester Application

Scholarship and financial aid requests will be reviewed alongside San Francisco Semester applications.

Early Bird applicants receive priority consideration for scholarships.

Tuition for the San Francisco Semester is $15,000, with an early bird tuition rate of $12,500.