Washington, DC isn’t just America’s political hub—it’s also home to a thriving theatre and film community. The region’s combination of cultural diversity, active performance spaces, and accessible training programs makes it a prime location for aspiring actors.
Whether you’re seeking a full-time conservatory or part-time acting workshops, Washington, DC offers plenty of professional opportunities. In this post, we explore the Top 20 Acting Schools in Washington DC and their Fees, highlighting what makes each one special.
Top 20 Acting Schools In Washington DC And Fees
1. National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts (NCDA)
Location: 1556 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Tuition: Around $12,000 per year
The National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts is one of the most reputable acting conservatories in Washington, DC. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), NCDA offers a professional two-year intensive program focusing on acting for stage and camera.
Students undergo rigorous training in movement, voice, character development, and on-camera techniques. With small class sizes and personalized mentorship, NCDA ensures every student receives direct feedback.
The program costs approximately $6,000 per semester, and graduates are well-prepared for professional theatre, film, and television work.
2. The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts
Location: 733 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Tuition: $8,300 – $9,180 for the Honors Acting Conservatory
The Theatre Lab is a beloved institution for actors of all levels, from beginners to working professionals. Its Honors Acting Conservatory is a one-year, part-time program designed for adults who wish to gain professional-level acting skills without giving up their day jobs.
The curriculum includes scene study, voice, movement, and audition technique. Students also get to participate in live showcases before local casting directors.
With a tuition fee of around $8,300 if paid upfront or $9,180 with monthly installments, the Theatre Lab is a flexible and affordable option for dedicated actors.
3. Studio Acting Conservatory
Location: 3423 Holmead Place NW, Washington, DC 20010
Tuition: $440 – $530 per 15-session course
Studio Acting Conservatory, located in the vibrant Columbia Heights neighborhood, has been shaping actors for over five decades. The school offers a structured three-year curriculum covering acting technique, voice, movement, and performance.
Each semester lasts around 15 weeks, with classes meeting in the evenings or weekends, making it ideal for part-time learners. Individual courses are priced between $440 and $530, depending on level and instructor.
Its flexible structure allows students to progress at their own pace while still receiving high-quality professional training.
4. Terry Knickerbocker Studio (Online DC Program)
Location: Online/Hybrid options for DC students
Tuition: $8,150 – $19,400 depending on program tier
Though based in New York, Terry Knickerbocker Studio now offers online and hybrid options accessible to students in Washington, DC.
Their programs are rooted in the Meisner Technique, focusing on truthful behavior under imaginary circumstances. Students can choose between the Fundamentals, Essentials, or Complete Conservatory programs.
Tuition ranges from $8,150 for part-time study to $19,400 for the full conservatory. With a stellar reputation and personalized mentorship, it’s an excellent choice for students seeking flexible, top-tier training.
5. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting (ACA)
Location: 516 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Tuition: Around $32,000 per year (graduate-level)
In partnership with George Washington University, the ACA offers an MFA in Classical Acting. The one-year graduate conservatory immerses students in Shakespearean and classical performance, voice, and verse speaking.
The program is highly selective, accepting only a handful of students each year. It’s perfect for those pursuing serious careers in stage and classical theatre.
While tuition sits around $32,000 per year, graduates benefit from strong industry connections and professional showcase opportunities.
6. Howard University – Department of Theatre Arts
Location: 2455 Sixth Street NW, Washington, DC 20059
Tuition: About $28,000 per year (undergraduate)
Howard University’s Theatre Arts Department is one of the most respected historically Black theatre programs in the U.S.
Students can pursue a BFA in Acting, Musical Theatre, or Theatre Production, with an emphasis on performance, storytelling, and cultural representation.
Tuition costs around $28,000 annually, but the university offers financial aid and scholarships. Graduates have gone on to successful careers on Broadway and television.
7. George Washington University – Theatre & Dance Program
Location: 800 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052
Tuition: Approx. $62,000 per year (undergraduate)
GWU’s program combines academic study with hands-on performance experience. Students gain exposure to directing, design, and stagecraft, while also acting in campus productions.
Though tuition is high—around $62,000 per year—students benefit from access to the Shakespeare Theatre Company partnership and rich performance opportunities in the capital.
8. Catholic University of America – Department of Drama
Location: 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064
Tuition: About $53,000 per year
As one of the oldest theatre programs in the country, Catholic University provides a strong liberal-arts foundation alongside performance training.
Students can major in acting, musical theatre, or theatre education. With access to professional-quality facilities and experienced faculty, it’s ideal for students aiming for a balance of academics and performance.
9. Georgetown University – Performing Arts Program
Location: 37th and O St NW, Washington, DC 20057
Tuition: Around $65,000 per year
Georgetown’s Department of Performing Arts integrates theatre, performance studies, and cultural expression. Students participate in stage and screen projects throughout the year.
Though tuition is on the higher end, the program’s emphasis on creativity and research appeals to those seeking a comprehensive academic and artistic education.
10. American University – Theatre and Musical Theatre Program
Location: 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Tuition: Approx. $57,000 per year
American University’s theatre program blends performance, directing, and theatre history. Students can specialize in acting or musical theatre and gain practical experience through campus productions.
The program emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and artistic exploration, preparing graduates for both performance and behind-the-scenes roles.
11. Montgomery College – Performing Arts Program
Location: Rockville, MD (near DC)
Tuition: $10,000 – $15,000 per year (non-residents)
Montgomery College offers an affordable, high-quality associate degree in theatre arts. Students gain foundational training before transferring to four-year universities or entering the professional field.
It’s a great choice for budget-conscious learners who still want strong performance experience.
12. Bowie State University – Theatre Arts Program
Location: Bowie, MD (30 min from DC)
Tuition: Around $19,000 per year (out-of-state)
Bowie State provides a creative environment focused on African American theatre, performance, and storytelling. Students develop stage presence, voice, and dramatic technique under experienced faculty.
13. George Mason University – School of Theatre
Location: Fairfax, VA (near DC)
Tuition: $39,000 per year (out-of-state)
GMU offers an innovative theatre program with multiple acting and performance tracks. Students benefit from proximity to Washington’s theatre community and internships with professional companies.
14. Imagination Stage
Location: 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Tuition: Varies ($200 – $700 per course)
Imagination Stage specializes in youth and teen acting programs, offering classes in performance, improvisation, and musical theatre. It’s a perfect entry point for young aspiring actors in the DC metro area.
15. The Actors’ Center of Washington DC
Location: 1810 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Membership Fee: Around $100 per year; workshops $50 – $200
The Actors’ Center provides affordable ongoing training, networking, and audition opportunities. With masterclasses and scene-study sessions led by working professionals, it’s ideal for actors already in the industry.
16. The Keegan Theatre – Acting Classes
Location: 1742 Church St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Tuition: Around $300 – $500 per course
Keegan Theatre offers classes for both adults and teens, focusing on acting fundamentals and performance preparation. Students gain practical stage experience with opportunities to audition for Keegan productions.
17. Round House Theatre Education Center
Location: Bethesda, MD (near DC)
Tuition: $300 – $800 per course
Round House provides acting classes and summer intensives for youth and adults. The program focuses on building confidence, character work, and ensemble skills in a professional theatre setting.
18. Synetic Theater – Physical Theatre Training
Location: Arlington, VA (near DC)
Tuition: $250 – $700 per workshop
Synetic Theater is known for its unique blend of movement, dance, and drama. Acting students here learn to use the body as an expressive instrument—perfect for physical theatre enthusiasts.
19. Washington Improv Theater (WIT)
Location: 1835 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Tuition: $300 – $450 per class session
If comedy and spontaneity are your strengths, WIT offers improv classes that help performers think on their feet and develop quick creative responses. It’s also an excellent confidence-builder for all actors.
20. Acting For Young People – George Mason University Program
Location: Fairfax, VA
Tuition: $400 – $900 per session
A respected youth program run by GMU, Acting For Young People introduces students to acting, storytelling, and performance arts through hands-on workshops and stage productions.
Average Fees for Acting Schools in Washington DC
| Type of Program | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Conservatory | $10,000 – $32,000 per year |
| University Acting Program | $28,000 – $65,000 per year |
| Part-Time Adult Classes | $300 – $800 per course |
| Youth/Teen Programs | $200 – $900 per session |
How to Choose the Right Acting School in Washington DC
- Define your goals. Are you aiming for a professional career or just exploring your creative side?
- Compare time commitments. Full-time conservatories are intensive; part-time programs allow flexibility.
- Assess faculty and alumni success. Research instructors’ industry experience and graduate outcomes.
- Understand total costs. Factor in tuition, books, showcase fees, and headshots.
- Visit or audit a class. This helps you gauge teaching style and environment.
Why Study Acting in Washington DC?
Washington’s theatre scene is among the strongest outside New York and Chicago. With over 80 professional theatre companies and regular film/TV productions in the region, DC provides both training and work opportunities.
The city’s inclusive, diverse arts community allows emerging performers to explore new forms of storytelling—from Shakespeare to experimental theatre. Plus, living costs and tuition fees are generally lower than in other major U.S. acting hubs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right acting school is an investment in your creative future. Whether you’re drawn to the structured conservatory approach at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, the flexibility of Theatre Lab’s Honors Conservatory, or the artistic experimentation of Synetic Theater, Washington DC offers something for every type of actor.
Use this list of Top 20 Acting Schools in Washington DC and their Fees to guide your search—and take that next bold step toward the spotlight.