Please CLICK HERE to read through the Member Guide prior to submitting your application.

Your application for AACE membership requires the following documentation:

1. Write a cover letter which tells the AACE Vetting Committee about your story, your coaching/teaching history, your specializations and why you would like to join AACE.

2. Teaching CV/Resume – Include any studios, schools or in private practice facilities you have taught at.

3. Vulnerable Sector Check/DBS Certificate - If you work with minors and have a current VSC or DBS Cert.

4. One Student Letter or Video testimonial - From a recent student

5. Two Industry Letters or Video testimonials - Examples include; If Employed - Head of Program/Studio/Boss, Line Manager, Teaching Colleague/Peer, etc. If Freelance - Colleague or industry professional: Director, Producer, Talent Agent, Casting Director, etc.

Reduced Application - If you work in a studio, school, college or university with more than 5 teachers your employment status counts as one of your industry letters. You only need 1 other letter from an industry member who is not a student.

Please note – Studio Owners in a position of hiring coaches and educators do not qualify for reduced application themselves as they were not vetted in a hiring process.

The acting training environment is a very specific subsect of teaching because inherent in the craft is the exploration of the self which requires deeply personal connections. Educators and coaches need to hone their teaching craft to encourage actors to be brave and feel safe enough to be vulnerable.

Education is a broad term that includes; workshops, panel presentations, and lectures whether they be in person, pre-recorded or online that have helped you increase your knowledge and awareness about respectfully guiding performers.

Sector- Specific Education includes but are not limited too;

• Anti-Harassment,

• Anti-Bullying,

• Anti-Oppression,

• Anti-Racism,

• Equity, Diversity,

• Inclusion & Belonging,

• Gender Diversity,

• Consent/Respect Training,

• Intimacy Basics for the Educator,

• Mental Health,

• Respect on Set/Rehearsal,

• Room Agreement training,

• Power/Abuse of Power,

• Conflict Resolution.

*Proof of 2 completed sector-specific courses - 1 course must be participatory, either in an online workshop or an in-person course. Education must be completed within the last five years and in a minimum of two different areas.

Only 1 previously recorded or asynchronous course will be accepted as one of the required 2 courses for AACE membership. 

If you watch a webinar, pre-recorded lecture/panel or take an asynchronous course, a short paragraph with some of your take-aways will qualify as proof.

*Your studio, drama school, college or university may offer or require you to take courses that could be applicable for AACE membership. Please let us know which courses you have taken through your institution and we will check if they meet our sector-specific guidelines.

Submitting Proof of Education Participation:

We know that obtaining proof of the sector specific courses can be a challenge.

Proof may include;

• pdf certificate sent by course provider

• email acknowledgment sent by course provider

• you can send a screenshot of your email registration confirmation

• if you watch a webinar or pre-recorded lecture, a paragraph with your take-aways from the course/lecture will qualify for one of the two required courses.

AACE is committed to helping coaches and educators find these educational opportunities through our industry partners. You can also see our current list on our resources page.

As a trusted AACE coach or teacher, we take you at your word when you say you offer scene study, accents, video games, animation, and other areas of professional instruction.

However, acting coaches and educators are not regulated mental health professionals such as registered psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, or psychiatrists.

To be listed as offering Actor Wellbeing, you must follow the legal guidelines of your region and provide proof of your credentials, training, and certification for each practice you intend to include under this category.

If you work in a studio, drama school, college or university with more than 5 teachers your employment status counts as one of your industry letters. 

Please note – Studio Owners in a position of hiring coaches and educators do not qualify for reduced application themselves as they were not vetted in a hiring process.

Once your application is complete it will be sent to the Vetting Committee. This committee is composed of AACE Members and some of our industry partners who sit on the Steering Committee.

The composition of a vetting committee is based on the region and specializations of the individual applicant. The local Branch Admin team will compose the vetting committee through a rotation of local AACE Members and Industry partners who have knowledge of actor educators. 

Once the vetting committee has made a decision the AACE International or AACE Branch administrators will notify the applicant of their acceptance or any further documentation, education or other requirements needed for acceptance. 

If you have any questions about this process, please contact AACE International or your local branch.