This upcoming Old Globe MFA grad has an inspiring story! 

Luana Fontes completed the SFS program in the Fall of 2021. She was born and raised in Brazil and always had a creative nature. When it was time for her to go to college, her father said that she had to go to school to be a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer. Being an actor professionally was not something that Luana thought would be possible for her, so she opted to study law. One day, she decided to enroll in a theater course, and it changed her life. Luana wanted to get an MFA in Acting, but she did not know how to bridge the gap between her law degree and an artistic MFA. Thankfully for us, she found A.C.T. and the SFS program and we couldn't have been more happy to have had her as a student. 

Luana felt that SFS had prepared her for grad school. Her teachers at A.C.T. wrote her letters of recommendation and gave her guidance on how to pursue her dreams. As of today, Luana is set to graduate with an MFA from The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Theater Program. 

"With the help of the Conservatory and Patrick's [SFS Faculty] letter of recommendation, I managed to get accepted into The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Theater program. I'm in the graduating class of 2024. I could not have done this without A.C.T. Thank you once more for helping me achieve my dreams!"

Check out Ramon's incredible story!

Ramon Villa completed the STC program in 2022. He was born and raised in San Diego, California, and he knew from a very young age that he was destined for the stage. He credits his mother as the one who initially pushed him outside of his comfort zone and encouraged his pursuit of an arts education. As a child, he was inspired by John Leguizamo as Tybalt in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet. Leguizamo's performance inspired Ramon as he had not seen many BIPOC actors in mainstream films and television. After seeing Leguizamo's performance, Ramon decided that his dream role would be Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet.

"At A.C.T., they really care about their students and they really care about what you bring to the table. Patrick Russell [A.C.T. faculty] made me look at Shakespeare and scoring monologues differently than I had before. He taught the Laban technique and listening to Shakespeare as a music piece, and now I score differently whenever I'm like looking for a monologue. Mark Jackson [A.C.T. faculty] made me feel very comfortable with what I'm doing externally and being aware of what I'm doing whenever I'm expressing myself. They all really care about you and about the fact that you go into this space as an actor safely. I'm very grateful for what A.C.T. has done done for me and I still carry all their lessons with me to this day."

Soon after completing the STC program, Ramon was cast in his dream role as Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet. Ramon posted about his performance on Instagram, and his childhood role model John Leguizamo commented on his post. Ramon was absolutely delighted by this full circle moment, and hopes to be a role model to young BIPOC just as Leguizamo was to him. Ramon is now a professional AEA working actor, and he has many more artistic adventures ahead of him.

FREE Zoom Event: Artistic Admission Essay Workshop

Dear A.C.T. Alumni, do you know anyone who has been wanting help with applying to academic training and/or artistic programs? A.C.T. would love to be a resource to them and assist them in their admission applications! All are welcome and invited to attend our virtual workshop with the Director of the Conservatory, Peter J. Kuo.

Event description and details:

Peter offers unique insight on the admissions process as he himself assesses many applications for A.C.T.'s San Francisco Semester program. If you or someone you know is looking for a "how to" on applying for A.C.T.'s programs, or if you or someone you know would like some tips on what program directors may be looking for in essays, then this workshop is for you!

When: November 3, 2024 at 5:30pm (PT)

Where: Fully online via Zoom

What discussions will be covered: How to approach essays and better represent yourself when applying for academic training and/or artistic programs.

How to sign up: Fill out our RSVP form linked HERE. Once you RSVP, our team will send you the Zoom link and details.

Cost: FREE

Evangeline Edwards (A.C.T. MFA '22)

A.C.T. MFA Alum Evangeline Edwards has been cast as Anna Pope in Rogue Machine Theatre's production of A Good Guy. Evangeline graduated from A.C.T.'s MFA program in 2022. We were lucky enough to not only have her as a student, but as an actress in our mainstage production of A Christmas Carol. Evangeline has graced our stage and many others, and we look forward to supporting her in her upcoming performance with Rogue Machine Theatre! Check out her website here.

Get tickets here!

About the show

Ever since she can remember, Anna Pope has always wanted to be a teacher. When a series of events leads to a tragic outcome, she becomes an unexpected hero in her own classroom: a good guy with a gun.

Morgan Gunter (A.C.T. MFA '22)

MFA 2022 Morgan Gunter is directing The Woman in Black at Brinton Black Box Theater! Morgan graduated with an MFA from A.C.T. in 2022. Morgan made a lasting positive impact on A.C.T. faculty and students and he is fondly remembered and considered a part of the A.C.T. family. Since graduating, he has gone on to act in many film projects and he is now using his artistic strengths as a director. Check out his IMBD credits here!

Get tickets here!

About the show

Arthur Kipps hires the services of a professional acting company to help him re-enact a horrifying and tragic experience from his youth that featured a mysterious woman. But there are secrets that Arthur must face before this chilling tale can be finally laid to rest, and the final moments include a shocking twist that will change his life forever. 

Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill and made famous by the 2012 film of the same name starring Daniel Radcliffe.