Portland Actors Conservatory, the premiere school for professional actor training in the Pacific Northwest, is now authorized to disburse up to a projected $107,000 in Federal funding for students admitted to its Two Year Conservatory program upon completion of that FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). One year after the Board of Directors voted to begin the application process, the Conservatory has received its first disbursement of Title IV funds from Federal Financial Aid.
"Providing federal financial aid increases the accessibility of our Conservatory program immeasurably," said Nurella Doumitt, executive director. "A fulltime study of acting is now possible for a great number of people for whom it would have been previously unthinkable."
The projected funds allow for a financial aid award of up to $14,850 per student. This sum covers the $8,500 annual tuition, as well as living, travel, books, and other expenses.
The school's ability to disburse Title IV Federal funds was contingent upon the Conservatory's approved accreditation though the National Association of Schools of Theatre, which it obtained in 2008.
This academic year also marked the migration of Portland Actors Conservatory's Two Year Conservatory program from an evening basis to a fulltime day program. The Portland Actors Conservatory celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
ABOUT PORTLAND ACTORS CONSERVATORY
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Portland Actors Conservatory is the premiere school for professional actor training in the Pacific Northwest. Artistic director Beth Harper leads the Conservatory's multiple offerings including its fulltime, Two Year Professional Training Program, ongoing Studio Class offerings, and the Summer on Stage youth theatre program. Portland Actors Conservatory provides the highest standard in actor training with distinguished faculty including Beth Harper, Connor Kerns, Philip Cuomo, and Michael Mendelson among others. The Conservatory is located near Portland, Ore.'s City Center in the historic Firehouse Theatre, housing an upstairs studio space as well an intimate 70-seat theatre. Portland Actors Conservatory annually produces a three show season featuring its second year students working alongside professional guest artists, in addition to two student showcases. Portland Actors Conservatory is Oregon's only independent professional actor training school accredited with the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
