The Acting Company is a theatre company associated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1972 by John Houseman, then a professor of acting at the Juilliard School. Loath to see his first class of actors disbanded, he founded the Group 1 Acting Company at the City Center of Music and Drama in New York City to make use of their talents. The group severed its connection with City Center in 1975 and became a part of the Kennedy Center. The Acting Company has performed over 100 plays for over 3 million people in 48 states and nine foreign countries. The company also operates education programs for disadvantaged students and promotes theater via a touring company that showcases classical productions and new talent.[1]
The Acting Company has been honored with the Obie Award, the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, Citibank's Excellence in Education Award, two AUDELCO Awards, and Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 2003.
Notable alumni include Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, Frances Conroy, Harriet Harris, Jesse L. Martin, Keith David, Dennis Boutsikaris, David Ogden Stiers, Jeffrey Wright, Rainn Wilson, Megan Gallagher, Jack Kenny, Mary Lou Rosato, J. T. Walsh, Dakin Matthews, Margaret Reed and Jack Stehlin.