MFA in Screen Acting
The MFA in Screen Acting offered by Oklahoma City University in collaboration with Goldsmiths University of London, provides rigorous actor training & on-camera experience; impactful industry insight & mentorship; and original narrative content creation ... in two of the most important hubs of entertainment, art and culture: Los Angeles and London.
This terminal degree is an intensive two-year program, with Year 1 delivered at OCU-LA in Los Angeles and Year 2 in London at Goldsmiths. The MFA in Screen Acting is designed to prepare graduates to work professionally in film, television and related recorded media. Students will gain invaluable experience in both cities working and networking with professionals from across the entertainment industry. Additionally, students who complete the program earn a UK MA in Screen Acting degree from Goldsmiths, creating even more possibilities post-graduation.
The application window for Fall 2024 is now open!
EARLY BIRD PROMO: Complete the admissions process by December 15, 2023 to be eligible! Scroll down to Application & Audition Details for more info about the benefits & eligibility.
Earn a screen acting MFA in two of the world's entertainment capitals
OCU continues to reach for the stars in everything they do, that now includes the MFA in Screen Acting Program. Little did I know half of my career would be spent in front of a camera. Thrilled with this news!
—Kristin Chenoweth,
BM '91, MM '93, OCU
Locations
Los Angeles
Students spend their first year at OCU-Los Angeles, our flexible studio space in Culver City, with courses delivered by LA-based OCU faculty and guest instructors from the entertainment industry. Culver City is centrally located in Los Angeles and an important neighborhood for the industry. Many important studios and production companies call Culver City home, including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Anonymous Content, The Culver Studios, Apple TV+, HBO Studios and Disney Digital Network, to name a few.During their year in LA, students participate in a systematic and holistic approach to preparing roles for the screen. Alongside rigorous actor training and consistent on-camera experience, students will engage in multiple original, scripted projects for the screen, take a deep dive into the business of entertainment, participate in series of workshops, talks and panels through the Industry Guest Lecturer Series and present a research project on an aspect of film/TV history or theory.
London
Students spend their second year at Goldsmiths University of London. At Goldsmiths single-site campus, students experience a dynamic, multicultural part of SE London, with green spaces, art galleries, and live music. Plus, campus is steps away from public transit by train and bus - it's only 10min to London Bridge. Additionally students have access to student accommodations at Goldsmiths as well as the resources of the entire University of London system.
During their year in London, students explore the performance demands, contexts and cultural meanings of screen acting, using a UK tradition of studio-based actor training for global application. Students refine key skills in acting for screen through a diverse range of specialist pedagogies in studio acting, movement, voice and creative production, and are supported to consider themselves in the role of actor-creator. Student benefit from the dynamic environment of Goldsmiths where there is a strong community of theatre, performance, music and film postgraduates, all within reach of the imaginative, theatrical and cinematic stimulus of London’s cultural and creative locations.
Curriculum
Curriculum Sequence
Track A Curriculum Sequence
Semester 1 (Los Angeles)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THRE 5516 | Actor’s Core I (Acting I, Voice & Speech I, Movement I) | 6 |
| THRE 5614 | Independent Projects I | 4 |
| THRE 5712 | Bridges to Industry I | 2 |
| THRE 5752 | Acting for Commercials | 2 |
| THRE 5331 | Critical Approaches to Film & Television | 1 |
Semester 2 (Los Angeles)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THRE 5526 | Actor’s Core II (Acting II, Voice & Speech II, Movement II) | 6 |
| THRE 5624 | Independent Projects II | 5 |
| THRE 5722 | Bridges to Industry II | 2 |
| THRE 5773 | Actor-Industry Lab | 3 |
Total: 30 Credit Hours
Semester 3 (London)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THRE 6512 | Styles and Techniques I | 7 |
| THRE 6613 | Production Project | 6 |
Semester 4 (London)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THRE 6522 | Styles and Techniques II | 7 |
| THRE 6626 | Thesis Project | 9 |
Total: 30 Credit Hours
Application & Audition Details
We are now accepting applications for Fall 2024! Applications and audition submissions will be reviewed as they are received.
Admission to the MFA in Screen Acting program consists of:
- An official application* to Oklahoma City University (see details below)
- A video audition package or participation in an audition event attended by the Program Director (see details & requirements below)
- A callback and interview with the Program Director
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree to be eligible for admission to the MFA in Screen Acting program.
EARLY BIRD PROMO: Complete our admissions process by December 15, 2023 and get...
- 50% off your deposit ($250 instead of $500)!
- A complimentary group self-tape audition masterclass (virtual) with Timothy Davis-Reed, Instructor for Acting I, Acting II, and Actor-Industry Lab, with over 150 film & TV credits (Bio | IMDB)!
- Plus, one ‘24-25 Student Assistantship position will be reserved for an Early Bird Admit!
Eligibility: An applicant must complete the full admissions process, accept an offer for placement, and pay their deposit by December 15, 2023. Our admissions process includes an audition submission, application to the university for graduate admission and a callback/interview with the Program Director.
*All applicants to the MFA in Screen Acting Program are eligible for a full waiver of the $60 application fee! Contact us directly at [email protected] to get a waiver code.
| OCU Application Materials | 1. Application Form 2. 2 Letters of Recommendation - Ideally, your letters should be from someone who can speak to your work as an actor, performer and/or creative. Submission of the reference form alone will not satisfy this requirement. 3. Statement of Motivation/Purpose: This is a one-page or less document that outlines your personal and professional interests and goals and how you hope the MFA in Screen Acting program will serve these. Feel free to include other relevant information. 4. Official Transcript(s): You must include transcripts from all institution(s) from which you earned credit towards your undergraduate degree. Contact us directly at [email protected] to waive the $60 application fee. |
| Audition Details & Requirements* | 1. Video audition submission: applicants should submit 2 contrasting monologues no longer than 60 seconds each. Please include a “slate” with your name and the title and/or writer of each piece. At least one of the pieces should use contemporary text. 2. Performance Resume 3. Recent headshot or photo 4. Actor demo reel (if available) Audition materials MUST be submitted digitally using the online Acceptd portal. For applicants who participate in an outside audition event attended by the Program Director (URTA, SETC LiNK, or SETC Graduate Auditions), your audition at the event will qualify as your audition submission. You do not need to submit a separate video audition via Acceptd. |
| Timeline & Important Dates | Offers for OCU’s MFA in Screen Acting program are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Both your application and audition materials must be completed and received in order to be reviewed. EARLY BIRD PROMO: Applicants must complete the entire admissions process by December 15, 2023 to be eligible. |
Thanks for your interest in our MFA in Screen Acting program. We look forward to receiving your application and audition materials. We hope to see you in Los Angeles and London soon!
Location
Los Angeles
Oklahoma City University - LA Campus
3535 Hayden Ave
Culver City, CA 90232
London
Goldsmiths University of London
New Cross
London SE14 6NW
Course Descriptions
5331 • Critical Approaches to Film and Television
This course introduces current critical theories, debates and discourses surrounding film, television, and digital media production and reception. The course will survey major critical lenses through which to analyze and critique a student’s individual work and seminal screen texts. The course is delivered by lecture/seminar and culminates in a research paper and verbal presentation of a topic of the student’s choosing.
5516 • Actor’s Core I
This course consists of the independent classes Acting I, Voice & Speech I and Movement I. It explores the practical, artistic and interpersonal skills needed to be able to prepare a performance for the camera to a professional standard. Students will be assessed through a working journal, reflective statements, direct observation and small group performances.
5526 • Actor’s Core II
This course builds upon Actor’s Core I and includes the individual classes Acting II, Voice & Speech II and Movement II. This course explores the practical, artistic and interpersonal skills needed to be able to prepare a performance for the camera to a professional standard. Included alongside Voice & Speech II is an intensive Voiceover and Voice Acting module. Movement II is complemented by an intensive Motion Caption module. Students will be assessed through a working journal, reflective statements, direct observation and small group performances.
5614 • Independent Projects I
This course explores the practical, artistic and interpersonal skills students need to be able to concept, develop and produce (pre-production, production and post-production) original content for film, television and digital platforms. Students will complete a series of practical creative projects that will vary in genre, style, and format and length. Students will be assessed through a working journal, direct observation of process and small group practical projects.
5624 • Independent Projects II
This course continues the work of Independent Projects I exploring the practical, artistic and interpersonal skills students need to be able to concept, develop, write and produce original content, with an additional focus on pitching/distributing content. Students will complete a series of practical creative projects that will vary in genre, style, and format and length. Students will be assessed through a working journal, direct observation of process and small group practical projects.
5712 • Bridges to Industry I
This course explores the business aspects of pursuing a career as an on-camera actor and content creator. Multiple Los Angeles based industry professionals will conduct workshops, panels and masterclasses related to theatrical and commercial casting; agents and managers; unions and contracts; script development processes; and other industry processes and protocols. Students will undertake group and individual research projects focused on aspects of recorded media and industry practices.
5722 • Bridges to Industry II
This course builds upon Bridges to Industry I. Students will continue to explore the business aspects of pursuing a career as an on-camera actor and content creator. Multiple Los Angeles based industry professionals will conduct workshops, panels and masterclasses related to theatrical and commercial casting; agents and managers; unions and contracts; script development processes; and other industry processes and protocols. Students will undertake group and individual research projects focused on aspects of recorded media and industry practices.
5752 • Acting for Commercials
This course introduces you to the technique and skills of auditioning for commercials. The course culminates in a series of masterclasses delivered at a major Hollywood commercial casting office. You will be assessed through a working journal and a series of practical projects.
5773 • Actor-Industry Lab
In this course, small pods of 2-4 industry guests work with students on a biweekly basis. The topic of each industry week varies, including auditions, professional actor materials, scene work and creative projects. Each pod is unique, with guests hailing from different areas of the industry. Students will be assessed through a working journal, reflective statements and direct observation.
6512 • Style and Techniques I
This course explores the practical acting, voice, movement and special skills required to create and sustain a performance of historically-distanced or heavily stylized (non-contemporary) characterizations. Building on the historic strength of British actor training practice, students will learn discrete skills and techniques that will enable them to develop characters and behaviors consistent with stories from the past or outside their own personal cultural milieu. Students will be assessed through direct observation of their progress and achievement, and a working journal.
6522 • Style and Techniques II
This course continues the work of Style and Technique I. Students will explore the practical acting, voice, movement and special skills required to create and sustain a performance of historically-distanced or heavily stylized (non-contemporary) characterizations. Building on the historic strength of British actor training practice, students will learn discrete skills and techniques that will enable them to develop characters and behaviors consistent with stories from the past or outside their own personal cultural milieu. Students will be assessed through direct observation of their progress and achievement, and a working journal.
6613 • Production Project
Through active participation students will prepare, produce and record a number of short- and longer-form dramas for the camera. The projects will afford the student an opportunity to apply the skills and techniques acquired in London in a practical, sustained way.
6626 • Thesis Project
Through active participation the student will write/devise, act in and direct a short film. The film will be showcased in a London screen venue and they will have the opportunity to pitch the film as a pilot for an extended series or longer form film project to London industry professionals.
Tuition, Fees & Financial Assistance
Tuition (2023-2024): $1011 per credit hour
Fees (2023-2024): $225 per credit hour
60-Credit Hour MFA Total (tuition & fees for class of 2025): $74,160
Financial Assistance:
- Student Assistantships: The MFA in Screen Acting program offers 2-4 of these paid positions per year. Incoming students may apply for one of the positions after they have been admitted and enrolled. Positions are selected based on merit and demonstrated financial need.
- Direct Scholarships: The School of Theatre and MFA in Screen Acting program may offer limited, direct scholarships on a case-by-case basis, based on merit and demonstrated financial need.
- FAFSA: US students enrolled in the MFA in Screen Acting program are eligible to apply for FAFSA for both years of the program.
EARLY BIRD PROMO: Applicants who complete the entire admissions process by December 15, 2023 get...
- Get 50% off their deposit.
- A complimentary group self-tape audition masterclass (virtual) with Timothy Davis-Reed, Instructor for Acting I, Acting II, and Actor-Industry Lab, with over 150 film & TV credits (Bio | IMDB)!
- Plus, one ‘24-25 Student Assistantship position will be reserved for an Early Bird Admit!
See Application & Audition Details for more information about the Early Bird Promo.
Academic Calendar
California BPPE Compliance
Oklahoma City University is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards contained in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.
BPPE oversees California’s private postsecondary educational institutions by conducting reviews of educational programs and operating standards, impartially resolving student and consumer complaints, and conducting outreach. The BPPE can be contact at:
Mailing Address:
Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95834
Physical Address
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
1747 North Market Blvd, Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 574-8900
Toll Free: (888) 370-7589
Main Fax: (916) 263-1897
Website: https://www.bppe.ca.gov/
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The state of California requires institutions to provide specific completion and placement rate information regarding graduates and their employment. Below are fact sheets containing graduation and employment information for each program as calculated based on California requirements. Further graduation and employment information may be available at the school.
Annual Reports
OCU BPPE Annual Report 2021-22 (available in December)
School Performance Sheets
MFA Screen Acting Performance Sheet 2019 20
MFA Screen Acting Performance Sheet 2020 21
MFA Screen Acting Performance Sheet 2021-22
SELF-MONITORING POLICY
Oklahoma City University annually reviews our MFA in Screen Acting program to ensure compliance with the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) regulations. The Program Director who is housed in California works closely with the Dean of the School of Theatre, academic affairs personnel, and business office personnel to make any necessary
changes to the program. Items reviewed are referenced directly from the California Code of Regulations Division 7.5 Private Postsecondary Education document, which pertains to the application for approval to operate, institutional operating standards, student tuition recovery fund, enforcement and discipline regulations, etc. During the annual catalog review, any updates to BPPE policies and procedures that have a direct impact on OCU are addressed appropriately in the University’s graduate catalog and on the University website.
Oklahoma City University posts School performance Fact Sheets and an annual report as required by the BPPE as they become available annually. They can be found on the MFA in Screen Acting website at https://www.okcu.edu/theatre/mfa-screen-acting
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the program or the audition process, please email us at [email protected].
For more information on the admission process or to apply, please visit Graduate Admissions.