School of Acting MFA
Acting (MFA)
Immerse yourself in a conservatory training program designed to take your film acting skills to the next level. Our program is run by an Oscar-winning producer and 11-time Academy Award nominee and is taught by a combination of professional actors and award-winning directors who focus on developing the strengths and professional horizons of each MFA actor. Graduate acting scholarships are awarded for students recruited through the annual URTA (Unified Resident Theatre Association) auditions.
AA BFA MAMaster of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
This program is only available on campus.
Major Classes
Unit Requirements
| Major Coursework | Units |
|---|---|
| Major Coursework | 51 |
| Directed Studies | 12 |
| Total | 63 |
Degree Requirements
MFA ACTING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units
Additional Information
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Acting
- Demonstrate focus in a scene
- Develop an objective that helps bring the story to life
- Physically communicate subtext and stakes
- Establish an organic and truthful emotional life, as appropriate to the script
- Deliver dynamic performances on camera
Spontaneity
- Demonstrate the ability to bring spontaneity to a scene and utilize improvisation as an integral part of the rehearsal process
Artistic Collaboration
- Demonstrate responsiveness and change by receiving and acting on physical and nonverbal feedback
- Use energy and acting choices to affect others
- Successfully make and maintain specific adjustments based on direction
Physical and Vocal Range
- Create specific and differentiated physicalities for a variety of characters
- Demonstrate necessary vocal range technique and flexibility in film projects
Professional Readiness
- Present one or more demo reels that showcases marketable material
- Demonstrate professionalism and preparedness (scripts analyzed and memorized, punctuality, respect for another actor’s creative process in rehearsal, a strong work ethic, attitude, full commitment)
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
- Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.
*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu
